English Textbook for Class XII - PDF

Higher Secondary Course ENGLISH XII Government of Kerala Department of Education State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), Kerala 2015 The National...

Higher Secondary Course ENGLISH XII Government of Kerala Department of Education State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), Kerala 2015 The National Anthem Jana-gana-mana adhinayaka jaya he Bharatha-bhagya-vidhata, Punjab-Sindh-Gujarat-Maratha Dravida-Utkala-Banga Vindhya-Himachala-Yamuna-Ganga Uchchala-Jaladhi-taranga Tava subha name jage, Tava subha asisa mage, Gahe tava jaya gatha. Jana-gana-mangala-dayaka jaya he Bharatha-bhagya-vidhata, Jaya he, jaya he, jaya he, Jaya jaya jaya jaya he! Pledge India is my country. All Indians are my brothers and sisters. I love my country, and I am proud of its rich and varied heritage. I shall always strive to be worthy of it. I shall give my parents, teachers and all elders respect, and treat everyone with courtesy. To my country and my people, I pledge my devotion. In their well-being and prosperity alone lies my happiness. Prepared by : State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) Poojappura, Thiruvananthapuram 695012, Kerala Website : www.scertkerala.gov.in e-mail : [email protected] Phone : 0471 - 2341883, Fax : 0471 - 2341869 Typesetting and Layout : SCERT © Department of Education, Government of Kerala To be printed on quality paper - 80gsm map litho (snow-white)  FOREWORD The English Reader for Class XII has been developed on the basis of the revised Curriculum for Higher Secondary Education introduced in the State of Kerala. This Textbook, prepared as a continuation of the class XI English Reader, aims at realizing and refining the language competence developed by the learners in the lower classes. A course in English at the Higher Secondary level is aimed at helping the learner become an efficient user of English. It is a fact that language learning becomes more effective when it takes place through meaningful, interesting, interactive, and purposeful activities deliberately developed and implemented in the classroom. Hence, the approach to curriculum in English is activity-based, process-oriented and learner-centred, rooted in constructivism focusing on the desired learning outcomes. Accordingly, this textbook has been developed giving the learners ample opportunity to use the language for varying purposes in real-life situations. Equal emphasis is given to the development of literary and communicative competence. The learners are also given opportunities for the construction of various language discourses and further enrichment of linguistic and literary skills. This textbook has been developed in a series of workshops organized by the SCERT in which a team of teachers from various Higher Secondary Schools, Colleges and Universities was involved. We extend our gratitude to them for their creative contribution and whole-hearted support. Constructive criticism and creative suggestions regarding this book are most welcome. Dr S. Raveendran Nair Director SCERT, Kerala  Textbook Development Team Members Dr Bindu S. V. HSST (English), JPHSS, Ottasekharamangalam, Thiruvananthapuram. Sri. Vasanthakumaran Nair K. Principal, Govt. HSS, Karakunnu, Malappuram. Smt. Beena Sebastian K. HSST (English), St. Joseph’s Girls' HSS, Changanasserry, Kottayam. Sri. Mohammed Shiyas M. V. HSST (English) Govt. HSS Beypore, Kozhikode. Smt. Jyolsna P. K. HSST (English), Sree Ramakrishna Mission HSS, Kozhikode. Smt. Sunitha Nair HSST (English), SRKGVM HSS, Puranattukara, Thrissur. Sri. Suresh Kumar D. K. HSST (English), Nirmala HSS, Erumamunda, Malappuram. Sri. Asharafsha C. M. HSST (English), Govt. HSS, Perinad, Kollam. Sri. Haridasan N. K. Art Teacher, Govt. HSS Azhiyoor, Kozhikode. Sri. Ramesan Art Teacher, Iringannur HSS, Kozhikode. Experts Dr K. Reghunadhan Pillai Professor of English (Rtd.), University College, Thiruvananthapuram. Dr Thomas Kuruvilla Dy Director of Collegiate Education, Thiruvananthapuram. Dr Beena Gopinath Principal (Rtd.), Govt. College, Attingal. Prof. S. Bindu Sasibhooshan Professor of English (Rtd.), University College, Thiruvananthapuram. Sri. Jose K. Philip Asst. Professor, Govt. Polytechnic College, Vechoochira, Pathanamthitta. Academic Co-ordinator Dr S. Raveendran Nair Head, Department of Curriculum, SCERT, Kerala CONTENTS Unit 1 FLIGHTS OF FREEDOM 07 THE 3LS OF EMPOWERMENT (Speech) ANY WOMAN (Poem) MATCHBOX (Story) HOREGALLU (Anecdote) Unit 2 HEIGHTS OF HARMONY 35 MENDING WALL (Poem) AMIGO BROTHERS (Story) THE HOUR OF TRUTH (One-act play) Unit 3 CHALLENGES OF LIFE 75 A THREE WHEELED REVOLUTION (Interview) DIDI (Life writing) STAMMER (Poem) Unit 4 LIVE AND LET LIVE 105 WHEN A SAPLING IS PLANTED (Speech) RICE (Poem) DANGERS OF DRUG ABUSE (Essay) Unit 5 THE LIGHTER SIDE 132 POST EARLY FOR CHRISTMAS (One-act play) THIS IS GOING TO HURT JUST A LITTLE BIT (Poem) CRIME AND PUNISHMENT (Story)  Unit 1 Flights of Freedom "I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will." - Charlotte Brontë About the Unit There is an increasing realization and recognition that empowering women is an urgent need of the hour. In most countries, including India, social reformers and leaders have been doing a lot towards empowering women. Still, we have miles to go. This unit tells us how education, determination and courage help women break the shackles of socio- cultural taboos. The unit comprises a speech “The 3Ls of Empowerment” by Christine Lagarde, the first woman Finance Minister of France, a poem “Any Woman” by Katharine Tynan, a story “Matchbox” by Ashapurna Debi, and an anecdote “Horegallu” by Sudha Murty. Textbook for Class XII - ENGLISH Let’s begin: ² Look at the collage given below. ² Identify the personalities and the fields they are related to. ² What are they famous for? ² ² Think and discuss: ² Have you ever thought about the various roles taken by women in their homes and outside? ² What are the challenges faced by women today? ² Are women equipped to meet those challenges? 8  Unit I - Flights of Freedom I. Read and reflect: Emancipation and empowerment of women is of prime importance in every society. In our country, we have achieved partial success, but we still have a long way to go. What should we do to achieve this goal? Here is a speech on the requisites of women empowerment. Read on: THE 3LS OF EMPOWERMENT Christine Lagarde Good afternoon. than in the developing world. There It is great to be among friends and is an African adage that goes: "If kindred spirits. you educate a boy, you train a man. If you educate a girl, you train a The 21 st century poses many village." challenges that require new ways of thinking, none more important If learning is just the first step, than the economic role of women labour is the second. Labour in a rapidly changing world. But facilitates women to flourish and women today remain blocked from achieve their true potential. But contributing their true potential. at present, when women This has a huge cost. In some participate in the workforce, they countries, per capita income lag too often tend to get stuck in low- significantly because women are paying, low-status and low-security denied equal opportunity. They jobs. Globally, women earn only represent half the world's three-quarters as much as men -- population, but contribute far less even with the same level of than 50 per cent of economic education and in the same activity. What is needed to change occupation. Surely, one of our most this picture is a concerted effort basic norms should be “equal pay to open the door to opportunity with for equal work!” Recent researches what I call the "3 Ls" of women's show that eliminating gender gaps empowerment: learning, labour in economic participation can bring and leadership. an increase in per capita income. First about learning: Education is We can undoubtedly promote more the foundation upon which any opportunity for women in the change is built. Learning helps workplace. It is all about changing women to help themselves and laws; for example, by ensuring that break the shackles of exclusion. property and inheritance laws do Nowhere is this more essential not discriminate against women. Read and respond 1. What are the three essential factors for 2. What is the role of learning in empowering empowerment? women? 9  Textbook for Class XII - ENGLISH It also means policies that competence. But they need to encourage education and health change that mindset and reset the care. Moreover, we need to provide narrative in their favour. So it is greater access to credit so that essential that women be ready to women can achieve greater "dare the difference" -- to take economic independence. So, risks and step outside their learning and labour are key comfort zones. Nonetheless, even factors. those with the drive to succeed continue to face barriers: whether The third "L" is leadership that we are talking about providing enables women to rise and fulfil primary education for girls in a their innate abilities and talents. village, or executive positions for Here, there is plenty of room for women in business. improvement. The irony is that when women lead they tend to do It is time to create a world where as good a job as others, if not a all women can meet their potential better job. They are more likely to without impediment or prejudice make decisions based on and the world will reap the consensus-building, inclusion, benefits. The three Ls will help us compassion and with a focus on get there. long-term sustainability. It is true If we dare the difference, the that women sometimes lack the difference will deliver. confidence to match their Thank you very much. 3. How can we promote more opportunities for women in the workplace? About the Author Christine Lagarde, born in Paris, on 1 January 1956, is the first woman to become the Finance Minister of a G8 economy and to head the International Monetary Fund (IMF). She calls for opening the doors to women's learning, labour and leadership in the economic field. This speech was delivered at the National Democratic Institute, Washington DC, on 19 May 2014. Glossary: kindred spirits (n) : people who think alike concerted (adj) : done in combination shackle (n) : bondage exclusion (n) : not allowing someone to take part in an activity adage (n) : a wise saying facilitate (v) : to enable credit (n) : loan, funds innate (adj) : inborn consensus (n) : agreement inclusion (n) : act of making a person part of a group sustainability (n) : ability to continue over a period of time comfort zone (n) : a situation or place where one feels safe or comfortable impediment (n) : barrier 10  Unit I - Flights of Freedom Think and write m The role of educated empowered women in building a strong nation m The role of learning, labour and leadership skills in making a woman liberated m “Women should step outside their comfort zones.” Discuss. m “Women sometimes lack confidence to match their competence.” Comment on the statement. m How can we build self-confidence in women? Activity I (Speech) Can speeches make an impact on the human mind? Why do we make speeches? Here are the excerpts from two very well known persuasive speeches. I. I have a Dream Martin Luther King Jr., who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, had the ability to tailor his speaking style to suit the audience. 'I have a Dream' is a speech delivered by Martin Luther King Jr. on 28 August 1963, to tens of thousands of black Americans and others who assembled at Washington. Five score years ago, a great American in whose symbolic shadow we stand, signed the Emancipation Proclamation… One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of the vast ocean of material prosperity.… We have come here today to dramatize an appalling condition…. We have come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now…. Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. I have a dream today! I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight; "and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together." This is our hope, and this is the faith that I go back to the South with. 11  Textbook for Class XII - ENGLISH II. Friends, Romans... The oration of Mark Antony in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar is an oft- quoted declamation. It is a typical example of a persuasive speech that sparked a conflagration for change in the minds of the audience. I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him. The evil that men do lives after them... He was my friend, faithful and just to me: But, Brutus says he was ambitious; And Brutus is an honourable man... When that the poor have cried, Caesar hath wept: Ambition should be made of sterner stuff:................................................ You all did see that on the Lupercal I thrice presented him a kingly crown, Which he did thrice refuse: was this ambition? Yet, Brutus says he was ambitious; And, sure, he is an honourable man. Your teacher will help you listen to the audio version of these speeches. You may also watch the video version of these speeches. r Do you remember any such famous speech? If so, provide the following details. Who delivered it? What was the occasion? When was it delivered? What was the purpose of this speech? Who were the audience? How was it presented? r Christine Lagarde suggests various means of empowering women. She persuasively insists on the idea that women should think and act independently. Keeping this in mind, prepare the script of a persuasive speech on the topic 'Education is the Key to Women Empowerment' to be delivered at the school assembly on International Women's Day (March 8). Tips Purpose of the speech Type of audience addressed Structure : logical, clear, sequencing of ideas Contents/messages/facts/statistics Persuasive techniques: repetition, satire Appropriate use of language: rhetorical devices Use of stress, rhythm and intonation Tone: formal/informal 12  Unit I - Flights of Freedom II. Read and enjoy: What is your concept of freedom? When does a person enjoy real freedom? Do women enjoy real freedom? Women support a family, but are they really supported by the family? Do women share equal status with men? ANY WOMAN Katharine Tynan I am the pillars of the house; The keystone of the arch am I. Take me away, and roof and wall Would fall to ruin me utterly. I am the fire upon the hearth, I am the light of the good sun, I am the heat that warms the earth, Which else were colder than a stone. At me the children warm their hands; I am their light of love alive. Without me cold the hearthstone stands, Nor could the precious children thrive. I am the twist that holds together The children in its sacred ring, Their knot of love, from whose close tether No lost child goes a-wandering. 13  Textbook for Class XII - ENGLISH I am the house from floor to roof, I deck the walls, the board I spread; I spin the curtains, warp and woof, And shake the down to be their bed. I am their wall against all danger, Their door against the wind and snow, Thou whom a woman laid in a manger, Take me not till the children grow! About the Author Katharine Tynan (1859-1931) is an Irish-born writer known mainly for her novels and poetry. She has to her credit more than a score of novels and seven books of verse. She usually wrote under the name Katharine Tynan Hinkson. Her human sympathy is keen, tender, warm, and constant. The poem "Any Woman" presents the all - embracing power of a woman to hold a family together. Glossary: tether (n) : rope warp and woof (idiom) : the underlying structure or foundation of something; here used figuratively. The expression alludes to the threads that run lengthwise ( warp) and crosswise ( woof) in a woven fabric. down (n) : a covering of soft feathers manger (n) : a trough, used to hold food for animals. Jesus Christ was born in a manger. Read and respond 3. Comment on the expression ‘from floor to 1. Mention the underlying ideas in the roof’. Attempt to coin another expression expression 'pillars of the house'. without changing the meaning. 2. How does the poet portray the bond 4. What is the symbolic significance of ‘wind between a mother and her children? and snow’. 5. Explain, in your own words, the concluding line of the poem. Let’s discuss Woman: the focal point of the family The qualities a woman needs to face the challenges of life Think and write m Analyse the theme of the poem keeping in view the plight of women in the Indian social scenario. m Identify the major figure of speech used in the poem and describe its significance. m What is the quantum of work done by a woman in a household? Can it be reduced? How? 14  Unit I - Flights of Freedom Activity I (Composing lines) r Try writing a few lines on any one of the following topics/themes. Mother’s love.................................. Sweet home.................................. Activity II (Appreciation) r Keeping in view the ideas discussed above, prepare an appreciation of the poem “Any Woman”. Activity III (Comparison) r You are aware of the pivotal role of a woman, especially the mother at home. There are occasions when her self-effacing love is painfully missing, when the prayer ‘Take me not till the children grow!' has not been realised. Now, read the poem "The Toys" by Coventry Patmore My little Son, who look'd from thoughtful eyes And moved and spoke in quiet grown-up wise, Having my law the seventh time disobey'd, I struck him, and dismiss'd With hard words and unkiss'd, His Mother, who was patient, being dead. Then, fearing lest his grief should hinder sleep, I visited his bed, But found him slumbering deep, With darken'd eyelids, and their lashes yet From his late sobbing wet. And I, with moan, Kissing away his tears, left others of my own; For, on a table drawn beside his head, He had put, within his reach, A box of counters and a red-vein'd stone, A piece of glass abraded by the beach And six or seven shells, A bottle with bluebells And two French copper coins, ranged there with careful art, 15 Textbook for Class XII - ENGLISH To comfort his sad heart. So when that night I pray'd To God, I wept, and said: Ah, when at last we lie with tranced breath, Not vexing Thee in death, And Thou rememberest of what toys We made our joys, How weakly understood Thy great commanded good, Then, fatherly not less Than I whom Thou hast moulded from the clay, Thou'lt leave Thy wrath, and say, "I will be sorry for their childishness." Glossary: slumber (v) : to sleep abrade(v) : to scrape or wear away by friction or erosion trance (n) : a semiconscious state, as between sleeping and waking vex (v) : to make (someone) feel annoyed, frustrated, or worried rememberest (archaic) (v) : to remember wrath (n) : extreme anger r Answer the following questions. They will add to your comprehension of the poem. 1. What is the theme of the poem? 2. Do you justify the father's action? Why? 3. What is the symbolic significance of the toys? 4. Comment on these lines citing the importance of the mother in a family: 'Take me not till the children grow!' {“Any woman”} 'His Mother, who was patient, being dead.' {“The Toys”} r Now, compare the poem with "Any Woman" and prepare a review focusing on the themes and their significance. 16  Unit I - Flights of Freedom III. Read and reflect: “There are two ways of spreading light… To be the candle, or the mirror that reflects it.” Women should choose between being a candle or a mirror, and work for their own emancipation as well as for the generations to come. MATCHBOX Ashapurna Debi I always compare women to A flame goes up dop in all Nomita's matchboxes. Why? Because of the nerves and veins. She drops the way matchboxes are - even though clothes in her hand and sits on the they have enough gunpowder to set bed to open the letter; the first a hundred Lankas1 aflame, they thing she looks at is the date. sit around meek and innocent, in Going by the date, the letter must the kitchen, in the pantry, in the have come about three days bedroom, here, there, anywhere - earlier. women, too, are exactly the same! She turns over the envelope and You want an example? matches the postmark to the date; Then, look carefully at that that too bears the same witness. enormous three-storey house in Yes, the letter came three days front of us — ago. Sunday morning. Ajit has opened it and read it, then The washerman has come and is crumpled it and twisted it and waiting. dropped it into his pocket and left it there. Hasn't felt the need to Moments before handing over a mention it even once to Nomita. heap of Ajit's dirty clothes to the washerman, Nomita goes through The flame that had gone up dop now the pockets one last time and burns steadily, hissing, sounding discovers the letter. its note on each of her mind's strings. A twisted, crumpled envelope with its mouth torn, and on the Because this incident is not a envelope, Nomita's name. casual oversight; it's deliberate. Read and respond 1. Why are women compared to 2. What makes Nomita furious? matchboxes? 17  Textbook for Class XII - ENGLISH Ajit's nature is exactly like that. the record the news of her various Somehow, he's gained possession hardships and complaints getting of the key to the letter-box, fishing worse, misfortune upon it through the gaps among the fifty- misfortune, the ceiling of her room two hands of this joint family. And is cracked and the rain water falls whenever there's a letter with through in ceaseless streams; if Nomita's name on the envelope, he this is not immediately remedied, opens and reads it first, and only she will have to die crushed under then does he give it to her. It's the weight of a collapsed roof. Of possible that oftentimes he doesn't course, she does not dread that give it to her at all. At least, that's eventuality. Her daughter is a the suspicion that has taken root, queen, her son-in-law high- taken deep root, in Nomita's mind. minded, large-hearted. Therefore, —etc. etc. Even though, to this day, Ajit cannot truthfully make the claim An indigent widow, without that he's been able to discover any husband or son, she was successful letter in the slightest degree in consigning her daughter to a suspicious. wealthy family's house on the strength of looks alone. But the Still - still - this ugly habit of his good lady has never stopped taking won't go. credit, at the slightest opportunity, - Not with Nomita's anger, not with for her skill in the matter. And her taking offence, not with bitter she's been finding such reproaches, her trying to shame opportunities all along. him, sarcasm - not with anything. Whenever Ajit sees a new letter If she mentions it, first he tries to from Nomita's mother, he smiles laugh it away, and if laughter derisively and says, "Why bother doesn't get him out of deep water, to read that? I'll go and fill out a he scolds her. money-order form." She sits perfectly still for a minute Nomita's head hangs low with the and reads the letter through. shame and the insult of it. So, It's nothing much, a letter from some time ago, out of anger and Nomita's mother. grief, Nomita forbade her mother from writing to her on postcards. It's her standard speech—the good She thought that from then on she'd woman has once again placed on 3. What is the suspicion in Nomita’s mind? 6. What are the expectations of Nomita's 4. What is called an “ugly habit”? Why? mother? 5. How does Ajit react when Nomita 7. Comment on Ajit's attitude towards his mentions about his “ugly habit”? mother-in -law. 18  Unit I - Flights of Freedom try to send her a little money, letter? Oho, yes yes! Indeed, there whatever she could pull together, was a letter from your mother. I in secret. So—this was what came just hadn't got around to giving it of letters in envelopes too. to you." Suddenly, Nomita flames into "Why hadn't you got around to it? anger at her mother. Why? Why? Answer me, why hadn't Why, why, does she keep on begging you got around to it?" like this? "What a nuisance!" Ajit says. "I'd Why won't she let Nomita keep her forgotten—why else?" self-respect, her dignity. No, this "Liar!" Nomita hisses like a snake. time she will write and tell her "Why are you saying whatever mother clearly: "I can't do any comes to your mouth? Don't people more, don't hope for anything from forget?" me." "No they don't! Why did you open Right then, Ajit steps into the room my letter?" after finishing his leisurely Sunday bath. Nomita's sharp This charge Ajit tries to scatter to indignation at the insult, the winds. "What if I opened it? My simmering all this while, seems to own wife's letter—" want to dash itself violently against "Be quiet, be quiet, I tell you. For him. Nomita roars out, "When did what reason should you open my this letter arrive?" letters? Haven't I told you a Ajit glances at her obliquely, thousand times not to?" estimating the magnitude of his Ajit doesn't fear Nomita's anger, he error. fears a row. So he smiles an "Another handful of cash for this," affected smile and says, "If you're he had thought, and decided not forbidding it, then it's a definite to give the letter to Nomita; he was something. Shouldn't I make sure going to tear it up and throw it that no one's passing you love away. He's made a big mistake. letters in secret?" Not that Ajit is going to feel "Stop it! What a common, vulgar abashed about that. man you are!" As though trying hard to After this, it's not possible for Ajit remember, he says, "Letter? What to smile his fake smile any longer. 8. What makes Nomita call Ajit a ‘liar’? Is 9. Comment on the simile in her action justifiable? Why? “Nomita hisses like a snake.” 10. How do you think Ajit would react if Nomita reads the letters addressed to him? 19  Textbook for Class XII - ENGLISH Now, he too picks up the poisoned there, bright, blazing red. knife. He says, "Is that so! Those He doesn't have the courage to put who whine day and night and hold out that fire by slapping it between out their palms to their son-in-law, his hands, so he tries to pour water they're the high-class people! A on it. With great difficulty, he dung-picker's daughter becomes a attempts to speak normally. "You queen, and so—" lose all common sense when you "Shut up!" Nomita yells. get angry, don't you? A woman, and Their room's on the third floor, such anger! Oof!" that's a blessing. Otherwise, with Who knows what Nomita would that scream, everyone would have have said next, but right then, her come to look! niece Rini steps into the room. "Shut up?" Ajit roars out. "What Immediately, she says, piercingly, shut up? I'll do what I want, what I"So, Khuri-ma,2 how much longer please. What will you do? Can you does the washerman have to wait? do anything?" If you don't want to give him any of "I can't? I can't do anything?" your clothes, at least tell him that!" Almost panting, Nomita pronounces For a second or two, Nomita is still, each word clearly: "You want to see perhaps recalling the washerman's if I can do anything?" face, waiting for her downstairs, And immediately, she does then she picks up the dirty clothes something that is astonishing. She and starts sorting them. She says grabs Ajit's matchbox that's lying in a calm tone, "Go tell him I'm near his cigarettes on the table, coming. I'm bringing the clothes." and fssh! She lights a matchstick Nomita speaks her mind, so no one and touches it to her sari. attacks her outright, to her face, Instantly it flares up, the very fine they only pinch her with sharp anchol of a wealthy wife's sari. words. Her second sister-in-law is almost exhausted with work this The very next instant, Ajit, "Have morning, and, seeing her, she puts you gone mad?" he says, and jumps a twisted smile on her sweat- to her side and grabs the burning streaked face and says, "Well, patch and slaps it between his that's something, at least, you hands and puts out the fire. finally decided to come down from And—to tell the truth, now he's a upstairs! Baba! There's no good or little afraid. He looks fearfully at bad time for you, you find the Nomita's face. Sees a fire burning smallest excuse to go into your 11. What is the “poisoned knife”? 13. What is the plight of Nomita in the family? 12. How does Nomita frighten Ajit? 20  Unit I - Flights of Freedom room and get cozy with your warning me about. I didn't listen, husband. Does the love-talk never and see what happened! I used my get old?" anchol to lift a hot pot of water off Nomita looks around once, to get a the stove—and that did it." sense of the atmosphere. Sees the Nomita pulls the basket of potatoes hurly-burly of the morning, sees towards herself and sits down to the forest of people on either side. peel potatoes, and in her mind she Her voice must not tremble. So she keeps thinking about how she too smiles a small smile and says might be able, secretly, to send her in an extremely soft voice, "Oh, it's mother a few rupees. She can't nothing like that! You should come really write to her: "I can't do any and peek in sometime. Our talk is more, don't hope for anything from all angry talk, do you know?" me." Mejo-wife 3 laughs Hoo-hoo and Over there, the entire village says, "Stop it, Naw-wife 4, don't knows Nomita is a queen— cover up the forbidden fish with Nomita's husband is high-minded, your pious spinach. We haven't large-hearted. been raised on donkey grass. Why This—this is precisely why I do we need to peek in? What you're compare women to matchboxes. showing us right in front of our Even when they have the materials eyes, twenty-four hours a day—" within themselves to set off many Nomita laughs a laugh that can raging fires, they never flare up bring an attractive flush to a white and burn away the mask of men's face. After laughing that laugh, high-mindedness, their large- she says, "Go on. You say the heartedness. They don't burn away naughtiest things!" their own colourful shells. The busy Boro-wife5 runs up. "Have They won't burn them—the men you chopped the vegetables yet? Or know this too. are you just telling stories?" And That's why they leave them suddenly she stops and starts, scattered so carelessly in the "What's that? What's this unlucky kitchen, in the pantry, in the thing, Naw-wife? How did you burn bedroom, here, there, anywhere. your anchol that way?" Quite without fear, they put them Nomita too starts, but only for a in their pockets. moment. The next instant, she (Translated from Bengali by folds the anchol back quickly and Prasenjit Gupta) says, laughing, "Oh, don't remind me! It's exactly what you keep 14. Comment on the expression 'forest of people'. What does it tell us about the structure of Indian joint families? 21  Textbook for Class XII - ENGLISH Notes:- 2. Khuri-ma: father's younger brother's wife 1. A reference to the Ramayana and the 3. Mejo-wife: second-oldest brother's story of Rama's army of monkeys wife who set fire to Ravana's Lanka. 4. Naw-wife: fourth-oldest brother's The following are kinship terms in wife a Bengali joint family. 5. Boro-wife: eldest brother's wife. About the Author Ashapurna Debi (1909-1995) is a prominent Bengali novelist and poet, widely honoured with a number of prizes and awards. She was awarded the Jnanpith Award and the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 1976, and the degree of D. Litt by the Universities of Jabalpur, Rabindra Bharati, Burdwan and Jadavpur. For her contribution as a novelist and short story writer, the Sahitya Akademi conferred its highest honour, the Fellowship in 1994. This short story is translated from Bengali by Prasenjit Gupta, a translator and writer. Glossary: meek (adj) : humble derisively (adv) : contemptuously sarcasm (n) : irony indignation (n) : resentment eventuality (n) : possibility row (n) : quarrel indigent (adj) : extremely poor Think and write m Sketch the character of Nomita. (You may analyse the sentences given below.) Why, why, does she keep on begging like this? "Stop it! What a common, vulgar man you are!" Nomita laughs a laugh that can bring an attractive flush to a white face. m Do you think there is a set pattern for exhibiting a woman's emotions? Is she always emotionally under stress? Justify your answer. m Prepare a write-up discussing the space of women in a family. m How does the author substantiate the comparison between a woman and a matchbox? Activity I (Review) r It is often said that an empowered woman is the one who can ‘find her own voice’, ‘speak up’, and ‘be seen and heard’. In the present world, what we need is to foster a man-woman relationship which contributes to healthy, mutual development. Man and woman should move forward together, supporting and respecting each other, and being open to different opinions and situations. 22  Unit I - Flights of Freedom How far is the above statement relevant to Nomita in Ashapurna Debi’s “Matchbox”? Prepare a review of the story, emphasizing the role of its women characters. Activity II (Panel Discussion) r The word ‘panel’ means a group of experts. The discussion held among these expert members in front of an audience could be called a panel discussion. It helps to clarify the difficult aspects of a topic in a systematic and objective manner. There are three sets of participants in a panel discussion. They are : Panellist, Moderator, Audience. Now, conduct a panel discussion on the topic “Indian women— finding a space in the socio-cultural milieu”. Points to be considered: Ø The effect of the media on a woman’s self-image Ø Healthy women, healthy nation Ø The need for cultivating mental strength and mental toughness Ø The need for a productive and harmonious work environment Ø Acting as a mentor and guide to other women and girls Ø Other marginalised sections of society Ø The pivotal role of women from the past to the present r Panellists are experts in the field concerned. Decide upon the panellists (panel members) and list them. Panellist Designation Select the moderator who facilitates the panel discussion. He/she initially welcomes the panellists and introduces them to the audience. r Prepare the script of a speech welcoming the panellists and introducing them to the audience. Good morning. I am extremely happy/It gives me immense pleasure/ Today we are going to have.............................................................................................................................................................................. 23  Textbook for Class XII - ENGLISH r After the panel presentation and discussion, the moderator synthesizes and summarizes the key points. Prepare the script of a speech summarizing the panel discussion. Let's review what we have discussed today/It's been great discussing/On the whole, it has turned out to be a fruitful venture ……………………………………………………..............................……………………………………………………........................ (Hints : points raised by the panellists and their relevance, vote of thanks to the panellists, etc.) Activity III (Blurb writing) r Blurb is the description of a book on its back cover. It's a brief summary of the book designed for marketing. It has no uniform pattern. Given below is a sample of a book blurb. The Temple Tiger And More Man-Eaters of Kumaon Jim Corbett This is the last of Jim Corbett's books on his unique and thrilling hunting experiences in the Indian Himalayas. Corbett writes with an acute awareness of all jungle sights and sounds, his words charged with a great love of the human beings that lay within his hunting terrain. Together with the modesty, calm and precision of this prose, these qualities make these stories very much a part of the classic Corbett corpus. 'Jungle love is not a science that can be learnt from textbooks; it can, however, be absorbed, a little at a time, and the absorption process can go on indefinitely, for the book of nature has no beginning as it has no end…' - Jim Corbett OTHER BOOKS BY JIM CORBETT Man-Eaters of Kumaon The Man-Eating Leopard of Rudraprayag My India Jungle Lore 24  Unit I - Flights of Freedom r Now prepare a blurb of Pratham Pratishruti making use of the hints given below. Ashapurna Debi created a space of her own in the world of creative literature, and Gender Studies. She once said, “Slowly and steadily a completely new world was getting created within my mind. It was a world of comprehension, of feeling. It was a world with a never-ending flow of feelings.” Most of her writings marked a firm protest against the inequality and injustice rooted in gender discrimination. Her magnum opus Pratham Pratishruti won for her the Jnanpith Award. The novel is about an uncommon woman, Satyavatie who dared to break the so-called rules made to control the lives of the Bengali women in those days. The novel that depicts the endless suffering and the liberation of women in Bengal is the true story of women everywhere in India. The novel inspires young minds to create an enlightened world free of segregation. The novel was published by Ananda Publishers (first published in 1964) Notable works by Ashapurna Debi - Subarnolata, Bakul Katha A good book blurb q opens with a catchy statement q appeals to the reader’s interest q urges the reader to buy / read the book q gives necessary information about the author, publisher, year of publication, etc. q appears short and dramatic q describes in simple direct language where the story begins, what the circumstances are, its socio-cultural relevance, etc. 25  Textbook for Class XII - ENGLISH IV. Read and reflect: “Backward, turn backward, O Time, in your flight, Make me a child again just for tonight!” Remembering the good old childhood days often fills our mind with freshness and vigour and revitalizes us enough to go forward with confidence. HOREGALLU Sudha Murty Hot summer days remind me of my similar simple arrangements can childhood in a little village. There be found in villages all over the was a large banyan tree right in country. the middle of the village, and I would spend many hours playing under it during my holidays. The tree was like a massive umbrella with its branches providing much needed shade and succour. Travellers spent some time sitting under it and catching their breath before going on their way. To make them comfortable, there was a 'horegallu' under the tree. Horegallu literally means ‘a stone that can bear weight.’ It was a The horegallu in our village holds large flat stone placed horizontally special memories for me as it is over two vertical ones, thus making inextricably linked with my a stone bench on which anyone grandfather. He was a retired could sit and rest a while, chat schoolteacher and would spend with a fellow traveller and hours every day, sitting under the exchange news of the road. Cool banyan tree and talking to those water would be kept in earthen pots resting there. When I would get near the bench and people could tired of playing, I would sit next to quench their thirst before starting him and observe the people he was their journeys again. I am sure speaking to and listen to their Read and respond 1. What is a “horegallu”? What is its 2. What are the special memories the author purpose? associates with “horegallu”? 26  Unit I - Flights of Freedom conversations. Most of them were carry our burdens according to our villagers taking a break from their situations and capacities. But every work in the fields nearby. They had once in a while, we need to stop, to walk long distances each day, put down that burden and rest. carrying heavy burdens on their Only then can we be refreshed heads. Tired out by the heat, they enough to pick up the load once would drink the cool water, wash more. The horegallu gives their faces with it and chat with everyone that opportunity to do so. grandfather. Their conversation It helps people regain their would be about their daily lives and strength.' worries. Later on in life, I got to see 'Masterji, this summer has been something that reminded me of so hot. I have never seen such dry that stone bench once again. I was weather'. Or, 'Masterji, it is getting working in Bombay (now Mumbai). difficult for me to carry these large One of my colleagues, Ratna, was loads on my head. Thank God for a senior clerk, middle-aged and this horegallu. I wish my son would always smiling. She had done her help, but he only wants to go to graduation and been working in the the city….' They spoke about the company for nearly twenty-five difficulties they lived with. My years. She went about her grandfather could only listen to repetitive, mundane work with an them but just talking to him infectious cheerfulness. seemed to refresh them for the Every day, during the lunch hour, journey. After some time, they she would sit with some person in would pick up their burdens with one of the rooms, and they would some ease and go on their way. have long chats. I would often The horegallu was an important wonder what they talked about. feature in their lives and as a child One day, I finally asked her, I would often not understand why 'Ratna, what do you talk with each they blessed it so often for being person for the whole lunch hour?' there. After all, it was only a stone bench. It was my grandfather, who Ratna smiled and said simply, told me, ‘Child, a horegallu is 'They share their troubles with essential in any journey. We all me'. 3. How does the grandfather refresh the 6. Bring out the symbolic significance of the travellers? word “burden”. 4. Is “horegallu” essential in a journey? 7. Comment on the expression “infectious Why? cheerfulness.” 5. “Horegallu” gives everyone the 8. What does Ratna do during lunch hours? opportunity to regain their strength. What does the author try to indicate here? 27  Textbook for Class XII - ENGLISH 'But how can you solve the troubles 'Not even in my dreams. I consider of so many people? Do you always that to be the worst kind of have an answer for them?' betrayal. I don't think there is a 'No, I only listen'. greater sin than betraying someone's confidence. They tell me 'And that is enough? That solves their worries because they know I the problem?' I was young and will never talk about it or gossip incredulous at such a simplistic about it to another person. Only outlook. But Ratna answered with when they know their words are the same patience and affection secure with me, can they talk to that she must have used with all me freely. This way I relieve their my colleagues, ‘I am not a trained burden for a short while till they counsellor or an intellectual. No are ready to pick themselves up one can solve your problem. You and carry on with their journey.' have to do it yourself.’ Her words uncannily echoed my 'Then how do you help them by grandfather's, sitting on the stone listening to them?' bench under the banyan tree. 'God has given me two ears to Perhaps, in their own small ways, listen to others. I hear them out without access to great wealth, with sympathy and without any both these people were doing judgement. When a person in tremendous social service. No one trouble or under a lot of strain finds thought of acknowledging their an outlet for his worries, it relieves work or rewarding them for it, but half his burden.' they continued to do so, as these I thought for sometime and said, acts of kindness gave them joy. If 'But don't you ever break the ever now I happen to pass a confidence and tell others the horegallu in a village, I remember secrets you hear, even by mistake?' them and wish there were many more of them in this world. 9. What is Ratna’s simplistic outlook? 10. The author wishes there were many more of “horegallus” in the world. Comment. About the Author Sudha Murty was born in 1950 at Shiggaon in North Karnataka. An M.Tech in Computer Science, she teaches Computer Science to postgraduate students. A prolific writer in English and Kannada, she has written novels, technical books, travelogues, collections of short stories and non-fiction pieces. ‘Horegallu’ is taken from The Old Man and His God: Discovering the Spirit of India, 2006, Penguin Books, New Delhi. Glossary: succour (n) : support incredulous (adj) : doubtful mundane (adj) : dull, ordinary uncannily (adv) : strangely, mysteriously 28  Unit I - Flights of Freedom Think and write m Do you think that the grandfather and Ratna were doing some tremendous social service? Explain. m Can we relate grandfather and Ratna to a horegallu? Why? Activity I (Narration) r Ratna in “Horegallu” says, “God has given me two ears to listen to others. I hear them out with sympathy and without any judgement. When a person in trouble or under a lot of strain finds an outlet for his worries, it relieves half his burden.” a) Do you think mere listening can solve a problem? Identify the qualities of a good listener. b) Imagine that Nomita gets a chance to talk to Ratna. How would she present her worries? Begin as follows: I am Nomita. Yesterday I had a quarrel with my husband... Activity II (Language practice) It was a large flat stone placed horizontally over two vertical ones, thus making a stone bench on which anyone could sit and rest a while, chat with a fellow traveller and exchange news of the road. Cool water would be kept in earthen pots near the bench and people could quench their thirst before starting their journeys again. I am sure similar simple arrangements can be found in the villages all over the country. r Read and pick out the adjectives and categorize them based on the nature of their description. Now, rewrite the passage substituting the adjectives without any change of meaning. Activity III (Comparison) r In this unit, you have got acquainted with several women characters, both real and fictitious. The following excerpts present their ideas on empowerment. ‘I always compare women to match boxes’. —Ashapurna Debi ‘I am the heat that warms the earth, Which else were colder than a stone.’ — Katharine Tynan ‘I don’t think there is a greater sin than betraying someone’s confidence.’ — Ratna 29  Textbook for Class XII - ENGLISH ‘For what reason should you open my letters? Haven’t I told you a thousand times not to.’ — Nomita to Ajit ‘I wish there were more horegallus in the world.’ — Sudha Murty ‘It is time to create a world where all women can meet their potential... and the world will reap the benefits.’ —Christine Lagrade r Now, attempt a comparison of these women with regard to their ideas on being empowered. You may use the adjectives provided. kind dominating severe sympathetic …………………………………………… …………………………………………… Activity IV (Comprehension) r Read the following advertisement. Reading shapes you. Kind attention passionate book nerds… Books which take you to another world help you escape daily problems. Books are beyond imagination. A good book is always a reliable companion. Children in their care are always happy. But today we are getting distracted by the digital world. The best way to get focused again is to disconnect and read an excellent book. Here, you have the wonderland of sparkling letters. A bookstore that has a spacious and air-conditioned reading hall is at your service. Our new bookstore PEACOCK PLUMES Come, drink to the lees… 1. What is the theme of this advertisement? 2. According to the advertisement, what is the threat faced by readers today? 3. What are the advantages of reading? ……………………………………………………................................ ……………………………………………………................................ 30  Unit I - Flights of Freedom 4. With books, you………………… than with a computer. (Complete the sentence using a comparative) 5. Pick out from the advertisement the words, phrases and clauses used for the purpose of description. Tips Clause A clause is a group of related words containing a subject and a predicate. Adjective clauses are groups of words containing a subject and a verb that functions as adjectives. Adjective clauses are dependent and are introduced by dependent signals which are relative pronouns or relative adverbs. The relative pronouns are “who, whom, whose, which” or “that”. The relative adverbs are “when, where” or “why”. The dog, which is very frisky, ran around the house. Phrase A phrase is a group of related words that does not contain a subject-verb relationship ie, it does not contain a subject and a predicate. An adjective phrase (or adjectival phrase) is a phrase that tells us something about the noun it is modifying. The head (principal) word in an adjective phrase will be an adjective. The nearby motel offers cheap but comfortable rooms. Activity V (Language practice) What makes our speech ornamental, vivid and picturesque? Have a look at the conventional similes given below. As black as coal As good as gold As loud as thunder As slow as a snail Are these similes attractive? Why? Can you coin similar similes using appropriate adjectives? ……………………………………………………...........................………… ……………………………………………………...........................………… ……………………………………………………...........................………… 31 Textbook for Class XII - ENGLISH r Given below is the brochure of a female film festival. Go through it and fill in the blank spaces appropriately. HELLO AND WELCOME FEMALE FILM FESTIVAL 2015 IS HERE, THE BEST TIME OF THE YEAR FOR FILM. The line-up is fantastic; as …………… as daisies. We have 15 previews, 10 special guests, special events, and ‘Meet the Director’: a platform dedicated to the brain behind the films. Fine days to gorge yourself on the best films on offer. Enjoy! Be as gay as a …………………….. Sd/- FILMS AT A GLANCE MANJADIKKURU Anjali Menon's "Manjadikkuru" is an ode to the innocence that once existed in us. Appealing equally to viewers of all ages , the movie portrays the life of a young maid who is as pure as a …………….. Anjali Menon in this movie proves that she is as …………….. as a sculptor. MITR, MY FRIEND "Mitr, my friend" is Revathi's debut directorial venture. The movie which is as ……………………. as an arrow is noted for having an all-women crew. It is about the plight of women who sacrifice their life for the betterment of the family. Lakshmi the protagonist feels as --------------- as a drum on being transported to city life. English Vinglish The movie "English Vinglish" portrays the simple life of a quiet, sweet - tempered housewife, who is as sweet as a----------------------------. It calmly reveals how she endures negative comments from her well educated husband and daughter because of her inability to speak and understand English. Gauri Shinde proves herself to be as --------------------- as a judge in her judgement of life. Makalkku Jayaraj's "Makalkku" is an offbeat movie in which Shobana plays the role of Killeri, a mad woman. Her character makes one feel as -----------as lead. The music by Ramesh Narayan is as soothing as a--------------. 32  Unit I - Flights of Freedom Activity VI (Review) r Prepare a review of the film which influenced you the most. {Hints : theme, screenplay, cast and credit, music, cinematography, etc.} Activity VII (Let's edit) r Given below is the opening paragraph of a review prepared by a student of class XII. There are a few errors in it. Identify them and refine the paragraph. (Hint- The errors are in the following areas : Spelling, Tenses, Punctuation, Word order, Article, Concord, Preposition) Gone with the wind One of the classic film that define american cinema, Gone With the Wind is the rare example of a collaboration involving hundred of talents that turned out great. For millions of people, Gone With the Wind have helped to define the myth and reality of the country's most tragic period of history - the civil war and reconstruction. The popularity about Margaret Mitchell's bestselling novel allowed the filmmaker to be confident of its sucess. Of course, requisite attention to costumes and sets was paid. The film's visual effects - especially the burning of Atlanta- are in deed effective and memorable. Gone With the Wind deserves the label epic it present enough detail to be a facsimile on reality. Activity VIII (Project) r Prepare a class magazine including stories, poems, anecdotes, reviews of prose and poems, etc. OR Organise a Film Festival on women. Include films with strong women characters and films by women film makers. Prepare a report of the Film Festival for your school magazine. 33 Textbook for Class XII - ENGLISH Significant Learning Outcomes The learners will be able to: analyse the concept of women’s empowerment and understand the power of education as a tool for their liberation. uphold the importance of freedom. recognize the rights and privileges of women and fight for their equality in status with men. appreciate literature. identify the space of women in the Indian socio--cultural scenario. realize the role of an ideal listener and develop an empathetic attitude towards women’s issues. prepare and deliver persuasive speeches. participate actively in panel discussions. present ideas systematically in panel discussions. discuss the pros and cons of an issue. become conversant with blurbs and attempt writing blurbs. compare poems and review pieces of prose. identify adjectives and substitute them effectively. familiarize themselves with various degrees of comparison and use them appropriately. browse the Internet for additional information. organize exhibitions/film festivals and present reports on them. edit the errors in a given passage. 34  Unit 2 Heights of Harmony Little deeds of kindness, little words of love, Make our earth an Eden, like the heaven above. - Julia F. Carney About the Unit There are certain qualities and principles that are essential to maintain the social fabric of human relations. Like the grains of sand on the seashore, each individual must learn to co-exist with others. Thereby we reach the heights of harmony. The unit comprises a poem “Mending Wall” by Robert Frost, a story “Amigo Brothers” by Piri Thomas, and a one-act play “The Hour of Truth” by Percival Wilde. These texts have been linked thematically and the activities presented are to ensure smooth reading and to help the learners improve their language proficiency. They will also enable the learners to enhance their skills in literary appreciation. The play helps the learners to get acquainted with plot construction, characterization, along with dramatics like acting, stage setting, stage management, etc.  Textbook for Class XII - ENGLISH Let’s begin: ² Read the words of Albert Einstein. “Compassionate people are genius in the art of living, more necessary to the dignity, security, and joy of humanity than the discoverers of knowledge. Large parts of the world are faced with starvation, while others are living in abundance. A human being is a part of the whole called by us universe, a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as something separated from the rest, a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.” Albert Einstein ² What are the roles of the following in protecting and ensuring the rights of people? a) Individuals b) Political parties c) Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) d) Governments ² Imagine that your school has decided to form an organization to extend assistance to the society. In its first meeting you present your opinions about the functioning of the organisation. Suggest a few dos and don’ts for the benefit of the organization, and for the betterment of society. 36  Unit II - Heights of Harmony I. Read and enjoy: Fraternity and tolerance are the twin virtues of harmonious living. But, do we cherish these qualities in our daily life? What should be our attitude to our neighbours? Need we accept their ideas as well in order to maintain good relationship with them? Read the poem given below and find out how Robert Frost provides food for thought. MENDING WALL Robert Frost Something there is that doesn't love a wall, That sends a frozen-ground-swell under it And spills the upper boulders in the sun, And makes gaps even two can pass abreast. The work of hunters is another thing: I have come after them and made repair Where they would have left not one stone on a stone, But they would have the rabbit out of hiding, To please the yelping dogs. The gaps I mean, No one has seen them made or heard them made, But at spring mending-time we find them there. I let my neighbour know beyond the hill; And on a day we meet to walk the line And set the wall between us once again. We keep the wall between us as we go. To each the boulders that have fallen to each. And some are loaves and some so nearly balls We have to use a spell to make them balance: "Stay where you are until our backs are turned!" We wear our fingers rough with handling them. 37  Textbook for Class XII - ENGLISH Oh, just another kind of outdoor game, One on a side. It comes to little more: There where it is we do not need the wall: He is all pine and I am apple orchard. My apple trees will never get across And eat the cones under his pines, I tell him. He only says, "Good fences make good neighbours." Spring is the mischief in me, and I wonder If I could put a notion in his head: "Why do they make good neighbours? Isn't it Where there are cows? But here there are no cows. Before I built a wall I'd ask to know What I was walling in or walling out, And to whom I was like to give offence. Something there is that doesn't love a wall, That wants it down." I could say "Elves" to him, But it's not elves exactly, and I'd rather He said it for himself. I see him there, Bringing a stone grasped firmly by the top In each hand, like an old-stone savage armed. He moves in darkness as it seems to me, Not of woods only and the shade of trees. He will not go behind his father's saying, And he likes having thought of it so well He says again, 'Good fences make good neighbours.' About the Author Robert Frost (1874 -1963), is an American poet well-known for his poems that are colloquial in style. His poems begin in delight and end in wisdom. In 1924, he received his first of four Pulitzer Prizes for his book New Hampshire. He won his other Pulitzers for Collected Poems (1931), Further Range (1937) and A Witness Tree (1943). ‘Stopping by the woods on a snowy evening’ and ‘Road not Taken’ are two among his famous poems. Glossary: something there is that doesn’t love a wall : there is something in nature that seems to dislike walls frozen-ground-swell : tremor that shakes the wall spill : let fall yelping : barking boulder : massive rocks spell : a magic influence loaves : (here) stones that look like loaves of bread 'elves' : spirits 38  Unit II - Heights of Harmony Think and write m Why does the poet say that there is something that doesn’t love a wall? m Why does the poet meet his neighbour beyond the hill at spring? m How do the poet and his neighbour mend the gaps in the wall? m Why does the poet argue that there is no need of a wall in between his estate and that of his neighbour? m How does the neighbour justify the need for walls or fences? m Why does the poet consider the spring season mischievous? m What are the contrasting views presented in the poem? Activity I (Paragraph writing) r Elaborate the idea in the following line in a paragraph. “Good fences make good neighbours.” Activity II (Appreciation) r Discuss the following: The central idea of the poem Symbolic significance of 'wall' in the poem Poetic devices employed by the poet Language Structure Now, prepare a note of appreciation of the poem 'Mending wall'. Activity III (Comparison) r Read the following lines from Tagore's Gitanjali. He whom I enclose with my name is weeping in this dungeon. I am ever busy building this wall all around; And as this wall goes up into the sky day by day I lose sight of my true being in its dark shadow. I take pride in this great wall, And I plaster it with dust and sand Lest a least hole should be left in this name; And for all the care I take I lose sight of my true being. (dungeon : underground prison) r Now, compare the above lines with the poem ‘Mending Wall’. Themes Relevance of themes Compare Language Style What the author wants to tell us 39  Textbook for Class XII - ENGLISH II. Read and reflect: The presence of a wall between orchards does ensure good relationship between neighbours. Is it the act of building the wall or acknowledging the neighbour’s request that really establishes the relationship? Do we really need walls? Shouldn’t we dare to go beyond the boundaries? Now, read on: AMIGO BROTHERS Piri Thomas Antonio Cruz and Felix Vargas their necks. While some were both seventeen years old. youngsters were into street, They were so together in negatives, Antonio and Felix slept, friendship that they felt ate, rapped, and dreamt positive. themselves to be brothers. They Between them, they had a had known each other since collection of Fight magazines, plus childhood, growing up on the Lower a scrapbook filled with torn tickets East Side of Manhattan in the to every boxing match they had ever same building. attended, and some clippings of Antonio was fair, lean, and lanky, their own. while Felix was dark, short, and Now, after a series of elimination husky. Antonio's hair was always bouts, they had been informed that falling over his eyes, while Felix they were to meet each other in wore his black hair in a natural the division finals that were Afro style. scheduled for the seventh of Each youngster had a dream--of August, two weeks away--the someday becoming a light-weight winner to represent the Boys' Club champion of the world. in the Golden Gloves Championship Tournament. Every chance they had, the boys worked out; sometimes, at the The two boys continued to run Boys' Club and sometimes, at the together along the East River Drive. gym. Early morning sunrises would But even when joking with each find them running along the East other, they both sensed a wall River Drive, wrapped in sweat rising between them. shirts and short towels around Read and respond 1. What is special about the friendship 3. What was the wall rising between them? between Antonio and Felix? 2. How did they work to achieve their dream? 40  Unit II - Heights of Harmony One morning, less than a week want the same thing and only one before their bout, they met as usual can have it. You understand?" for their daily workout. Antonio "I know. " Tony smiled. "No pulling glanced at Felix who kept his eyes punches. We go all the way." purposely straight ahead, pausing from time to time to do some fancy "Yeah, that's right. Listen, Tony. leg work while throwing one-twos Don't you think it's a good idea if followed by uppercuts to an we don't see each other until the imaginary jaw. After a mile or so, day of the fight? I'm going to stay Felix puffed and said, "Let's stop a with my Aunt Lucy in the Bronx." while, bro. I think we both got Tony scratched his nose pensively. something to say to each other." "Yeah, it would be better for our "Man. I don't know how to come out heads." He held out his hand, palm with it." Antonio helped. "It's about upward. "Deal?" our fight, right?" "Deal." Felix lightly slapped open "Yeah, right." Felix's eyes squinted skin. at the rising orange sun. "I've been "Ready for some more running?" thinking about it too. In fact, since Tony asked lamely. we found out it was going to be me "No, bro. Let's cut it here. You go and you, I've been awake at night, on. I like to get things together in pulling punches on you, trying not my head." to hurt you." "You aren't worried, are you?" Tony "Same here. It isn't natural not to asked. think about the fight. I mean, we "No way, man," Felix laughed out both are fighters and we both want loud. "I just think it's cooler if we to win. But only one of us can win. split right here. After the fight, we There are no draws in the can get it together again like eliminations." nothing ever happened." Felix tapped Antonio gently on the The amigo brothers were not shoulder. "I don't mean to sound ashamed to hug each other tightly. like I'm bragging, bro. But I want to win, fair and square." The evening before the big fight, Tony made his way to the roof of Antonio nodded quietly. "Yeah. We his building. In the quiet early both know that in the ring the dark, he peered over the ledge. He better man wins. It's fair, Tony. tried not to think of Felix, feeling When we get into the ring, it's got he had succeeded in psyching his to be like we never met. We got to mind. But only in the ring would be like two heavy strangers that 4. Felix decides to go to Aunt Lucy. Why? 5. Compare the thoughts and feelings of amigo brothers on the eve of their fight? 41  Textbook for Class XII - ENGLISH he really know. To spare Felix hurt, Large posters plastered all over the he would have to knock him out, walls of local shops announced the early and quick. fight between Antonio Cruz and Up in the South Bronx, Felix Felix Vargas as the main bout. The decided to take in a movie in an fight had created great interest in effort to keep Antonio's face away the neighbourhood. Antonio and from his fists. The flick was The Felix were well liked and Champion with Kirk Douglas. The respected. Each had his own loyal champion was getting beaten. Felix following. felt a shock. He saw himself in the The fight was scheduled to take ring, blasting Antonio against the place in Tompkins Square Park. ropes. The morning of the fight Tompkins He walked up some dark streets, Square was a beehive of activity deserted except for small pockets with numerous workers setting up of wary-looking kids wearing gang the ring, the seats, and the guest colors. Walking the streets had not speakers' stand. The scheduled relaxed him; neither had the fight bouts began shortly after noon and flick. All it had done was to stir the park had begun filling up even him up. He let himself quietly into earlier. his Aunt Lucy's apartment and The waiting time was over. Felix went straight to bed. was escorted from the classroom Antonio was passing some heavy by a dozen fans in white T-shirts. time on his rooftop. How would the Antonio was escorted down a fight tomorrow affect his different stairwell and guided relationship with Felix? After all, through a roped-off path. fighting was like any other As the two climbed into the ring, profession. Friendship had nothing the crowd exploded with a roar. to do with it. But a gnawing doubt Antonio and Felix both bowed crept in. He cut negative thinking gracefully and then raised their really quick by doing some speedy arms in acknowledgment. fancy dance steps. Felix, his amigo Antonio tried to be cool. He turned brother, was not going to be Felix slowly to meet Felix's eyes looking at all in the ring--just an opponent directly into his. Felix nodded his with another face. Antonio went to head and Antonio responded. sleep. Like his friend, he prayed for victory via a quick clean Bong-bong-bong. The roar turned knockout in the first round. to stillness. "Ladies and Gentlemen," the announcer spoke 6. Both Antonio and Felix wanted to win in 7. The amigo brothers were popular as the first round. What might be the reason? boxers. How do you know? 42  Unit II - Heights of Harmony slowly. "Now is the moment we shock coursing through him. If have all been waiting for--the main Felix had any small doubt about event between two fine young their friendship affecting their Puerto Rican fighters, …. In this fight, it was being neatly dispelled. corner, weighing 134 pounds, FelixAntonio's left hand was like a Vargas. And in this corner, piston pumping jabs one right after weighing 133 pounds, Antonio another with seeming ease. Felix Cruz. The winner will represent bobbed and weaved and never the Boys' Club in the tournament stopped boring in. He knew that at of champions, the Golden Gloves. long range he was at a There will be no draw. May the best disadvantage. Antonio had too man win". much reach on him. Only by coming The cheering of the crowd shook in close could Felix hope to achieve the window panes of the old the dreamed-of knockout. buildings surrounding Tompkins Antonio knew the dynamite that Square Park. At the centre of the was stored in his amigo brother's ring, the referee was giving fist. He ducked a short right and instructions to the youngsters. missed a left hook. Felix trapped "Keep your punches up. No low him against the ropes just long blows. No punching on the back of enough to pour some punishing the head. Keep your heads up. rights and lefts to Antonio's hard Understand? Let's have a clean midsection. Antonio slipped away fight. Now shake hands and come from Felix, crashing two lefts to his out fighting." head, which set Felix's right ear Both youngsters touched gloves ringing. and nodded. They turned and Felix walked briskly back to his danced quickly to their corners. corner. Antonio gracefully danced BONG! BONG! ROUND ONE. Felix his way toward his stool. and Antonio turned and faced each Bong! Bong! Round two. Felix was other squarely in a fighting pose. off his stool and rushed to Antonio Felix wasted no time. He came in like a bull, sending a hard right to fast, head low, half-hunched his head. Antonio, hurt, sent back toward his right shoulder, and a blurring barrage of lefts and lashed out with a straight left. He rights that only meant pain to Felix. missed a right cross as Antonio Felix bobbed and weaved, bobbed slipped the punch and countered and weaved, occasionally punching with three lefts that snapped his two gloves together. Antonio Felix's head back, sending a mild 8. Do you think that the amigo brothers 9. Who, do you think, will win in the fought fiercely in the first and second end? rounds? What makes you think so? 43  Textbook for Class XII - ENGLISH waited for the rush that was sure to come. Felix closed in and feinted with his left shoulder and threw a right instead. Rights to the body. Lefts to the head. Neither fighter was giving an inch. Suddenly, a short right caught Antonio squarely on the chin. His long legs turned to jelly and his arms flailed out desperately. Felix, grunting like a bull, threw wild punches from every direction. Antonio, groggy, This time, to Felix's surprise, it was bobbed and weaved, evading most Antonio who came out fast, of the blows. Suddenly his head charging across the ring. Felix cleared. His left flashed out hard braced himself but couldn't ward and straight, catching Felix on the off the barrage of punches. Felix bridge of his nose. tapped his gloves and commenced In a fog, Felix heard the roaring of his attack anew. Antonio, throwing the crowd, who seemed to have boxer's caution to the winds, gone insane. His head cleared to jumped in to meet him. Both hear the bell sound at the end of pounded away. the round. His trainer sat him down Neither gave an inch and neither on the stool. In his corner, Antonio fell to the canvas. They fought toe- was doing what all fighters do when to-toe. The sounds of their blows they are hurt. They sit and smile were loud in contrast to the at everyone. silence of a crowd gone completely The referee signalled the ring mute. The referee was stunned by doctor to check the fighters out. their savagery. He did so and then gave his OK. Bong! Bong! Bong! The bell The cold-water sponges brought sounded over and over again. Felix clarity to both amigo brothers. They and Antonio were past hearing. were rubbed until their circulation Their blows continued to pound on ran free. each other like hailstones. Finally, Bong! Round three-the final round. the referee and the two trainers Up to now it had been tic-tac-toe, pried Felix and Antonio apart. Cold pretty much even. But everyone water was poured over them to knew there could be no draw and bring them back to their senses. that this round would decide the They looked around and then winner. rushed toward each other. 44  Unit II - Heights of Harmony A cry of alarm surged through BONG! BONG! BONG! "Ladies and Tompkins Square Park. Was this a Gentlemen. The winner and fight to the death instead of a representative to the Golden boxing match? Gloves Tournament of Champions The fear soon gave way to wave is … " upon wave of cheering as the two The announcer turned to point to amigos embraced. the winner and found himself No matter what the decision, they alone. Arm in arm, the champions knew they would always be had already left the ring. champions to each other. r 10. The amigo brothers rushed at each other after the final bout. Why? What does this tell us about their relationship? About the Author Piri Thomas (1928 - 2011) was a writer and poet whose memoir Down These Mean Streets became a best-seller. While spending seven years in prison, Thomas reflected on the teachings of his mother and father, and realized that a person is not born a criminal. Consequently, he decided to use his street and prison know-how to reach at-risk youth, and to help them avoid a life of crime. Thomas travelled around the U.S., Central America and Europe, giving lectures and conducting workshops in colleges and universities. Glossary: amigo (Spanish) : friend wrap (v) : to cover rap (v) : to perform rap music flick (n) : movie barrage (n) : an overwhelming quantity of blows bout (n) : a boxing contest commence (v) : to start dispel (v) : to cause to vanish duck (v) : to bend suddenly husky (adj) : big and strong lanky (adj) : thin and bony pensively (adv) : thoughtfully pound (v) : to strike repeatedly with force surge (v) : to rise and fall (toss as in waves) 45  Textbook for Class XII - ENGLISH Think and write m There are lots of similarities and differences between Antonio and Felix. List them. m Antonio and Felix are intimate friends. Do you keep such intimacy with your friends? Describe your best friend. m What is the main conflict in the story? m The crowd was enthusiastic in the beginning. Why did people get worried in the end? m No dreams can be realised without effort. How far is this true in the case of Antonio and Felix? Activity I (Write-up) r The box given below contains information about Antonio and Felix. Add more points to it. Felt themselves to be brothers Slept, ate, rapped and dreamt positive Now, prepare a write-up on the friendship portrayed in the story. Activity II (Making announcements) r The following announcement was made by the announcer before the competition began. "Ladies and Gentlemen, now is the moment we have all been waiting for--the main event between two fine young Puerto Rican fighters, …" Imagine yourself to be the announcer of the sports day in your school. Write the script of the announcement that you would make for any one event. Activity III (Newspaper report) r Imagine that you are a newspaper reporter and you witness the contest between the amigo brothers and note down the points which you would like to include in your report. Venue - Tompkins Square Park Time - Afternoon Contestants - Antonio Cruz and Felix Vargas park begins to fill up even earlier 46  Unit II - Heights of Harmony fighters enter crowd explodes with a roar Now, prepare a newspaper report to be mailed to your editor. Activity IV (Debate) r “The announcer turned to point to the winner and found himself alone. Arm in arm, the champions had already left the ring.” The winner in the boxing competition left without receiving the prize. This is against the rules and regulations of a game. Do you agree to this opinion? If you agree, why? Write down your points below. If you disagree, write down the reasons. Now, divide those who agree and those who disagree into two groups and conduct a debate on the topic ‘ The real spirit of a competition.’ After the debate, assess your performance. The following criteria will help you. My performance : My fluency : Relevance of points presented : Could I establish my points? : My body language : The best performer (in my opinion) : His/her merits : 47  Textbook for Class XII - ENGLISH Activity V (Book review) r Read the book review given below and identify its major features. ‘The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes’ is a book with 12 investigations. Dr Watson, the trusted companion of Holmes, is the narrator of each of these stories. He documents each one through his eyes and his experience. When Holmes exits the picture, or when certain characters involved in the case leave his field of vision, we jump forward to when he witnesses some more. This allows us a lot of mystery as we read. We know that it is the most accurate version from Watson`s mouth and this is also what pulls us in. He puts in his initial assessment and then his discussion with Holmes, who clarifies his route of action most of the time, after the fact. The image of Sherlock Holmes created by Arthur Conan Doyle is compelling because of this missing detail and because it is the opinion formed by Watson himself. The missing parts of where Holmes investigates on his own is where we wonder when he comes back, what crazy approach he is going to use next to track down or capture the unknown culprit red handed. It leaves the readers wondering what the next move was or who the next culprit was. This is also what makes Sherlock Holmes a very attractive character. He inspects and sees the little details that we normally would not associate with how he gathers his information. It takes a lot of general knowledge to be able to pull those links together from the people he observes or the evidence that he finds and inspects. Overall, the readers really do find this a very fun novel to read. It allows the readers to be involved throughout the story and that makes it very recommendable. Now, list the features of the review. Author Impression about the book r Read the memoir ‘My Greatest Olympic Prize’ by Jesse Owens and prepare a review of it. 48  Unit II - Heights of Harmony Activity VI (Homonyms) r Observe how the word "trunks" is used in the story. Antonio wore white trunks. Felix wore sky-blue trunks. They had dressing gowns to match their fighting trunks with their names neatly stitched on the back. What does the word 'trunks' mean here? It means 'shorts worn for sports'. Now, look at the following sentences and figure out what "trunk" means in these sentences. An African baobab tree stores up to 136,000 litres of water in its trunk to cope with times of drought. The car has a really large trunk. We put three boys' hockey gear in it. Adult elephants commonly punish younger elephants with a slap from their trunk. The magician climbed into a trunk, but when it was opened a moment later, he had disappeared. Here, the word 'trunk' is a homonym. Homonyms, or multiple meaning words, are words that share the same spelling and the same pronunciation but have different meanings. r Look at the following words. Find out at least two different m