Holidav English

HOMEWORK

Research the following concepts used in the

lessons and poems and write a brief note in not
more than 80 words in your own words.

SOCIALISM

ROANIICISM

FEMINISM

CASTEISM

SATIRE

PATRIARCHY

DRAMATIC IRONY
in the chapter "Memories of Childhood," Zitkala-Sa and
Bamashare their experiences of caste discrimination.
Zitkala-Sa, a Native American woman, recounts the
humiliation of having her hair forcibly cut off in school.
Bama, a low-caste girl, witnesses untouchability and
injustice. Both stories highlight the impact of
discrimination on young lives and the seeds of
rebellion sown early in childhood. These narratives
emphasize resilience andthe fight against oppression.

In the poem "Aunt Jennifer's Tigers" by Adrienne Rich,

Aunt Jennifer is portrayed as a woman trapped in an
unhappy marriage. Through her vibrant tapestry
panels depicting tigers, she seeks mental escape from
societal expectations. The tigers symbolize power and
independence, contrasting with Aunt Jennifer's
passive existence. Written during a time when divorce
was unacceptable, the poem critiques traditional
marriage as oppressive to women. It subtly conveys
feminist themes,emphasizing the struggle against male
dominance and the desire for liberation.
 In the chapter "The Tiger King",the author employs
satire to highlight the conceit of those in power.The
story revolves around the Maharaja of
Pratibandapuram, who is called the "Tiger King." At his
birth,astrologers predicted that he would die from a
tiger attack. Determined to defy fate, he embarks on a
tiger-killing spree. However, this obsession becomes
absurd, and the Maharaja's self-admiration blinds him
to reason.The story satirizes the abuse of power by
those in influential positions,emphasizing how their
pride and ego can lead to irrational decisions. Through
dramatic irony and humor, the author exposes the
faults and weaknesses of both the Tiger King and a
British officer in the narrative12. The Maharaja's
relentless pursuit of tigers for self-defense becomes a
farcical commentary on the absurdity of unchecked
authority

Inthe poem "Father to Son" by Elizabeth Jennings, the

speaker reflects on the complexities of fatherhood and
the emotional distance between generations. The
father acknowledges that he cannot fully understand
or share his son's passions and desires. He wishes for
his son to return home, seeking forgiveness anda fresh
start. Despite their differences, they both inhabit the
same world, bound by their shared existence12. The
poem subtly explores the impact of patriarchy on
family dynamics and the struggle for connection
across generations.
 In the chapter "Poets and Pancakes," Asokamitran
provides a glimpse into the film industry at Gemini
Studios in India during the twentieth century. Amidst
discussions about characters and human behavior, he
touches upon socialism. At that time, educated
individuals proudly supported communism, and
Gemini Studios was no exception. Asokamitran also
mentions the anti-communism movement led by the
West. The studio hosts a play troupe, including a
poet/editor who visits. Interestingly, this poet turns
out to be the editor of the renowned magazine "The
Encounter." The chapter subtly explores the
ideological currents of the era,reflecting the socio
political context

The story "The Tiger King" by Kalki Krishnamurthy is an

ironical take on pride and power. the story is Set in
pre-independence India, revolves around a king who
grows up in opulence but fears the astrologers'
prediction that he will die from a tiger attack. The
humor lies in the absurdity of his actions: killing tigers
to avoid his predicted fate, sending diamond rings to
anEnglishman's wife, and marrying a royal daughter
with tiger-infested forests. The ultimate irony occurs
when a wooden tiger gifted to his son becomes the
cause of his downfall. The story masterfully blends
irony with drama, highlighting the eccentricities of
autocratic rulers and their futile attempts to defy
destiny.
 Holiday Eng lish
HOEWORK
The following are the themes of a few lessons
from the texts. Explore and write a 100 word
paragraph oneach of them.

(a) Linguistic Chauvinism-The Last Lesson by Alphonse Daudet

(b) Child Labour- Lost Spring by Anees Jung

(c) Childhood Phobia-Deep Water by William Douglas

(d) Adolescent Fantasizing-Going Places by A.R. Barton

(e) Silence and Introspection- Keeping Quiet by Pablo Neruda

() Economic Disparity-A Roadside Stand by Robert Frost

(g) Escapism-Lesson-The Third Level by Jack Finney

(h)Climate Change- Journey to the End of the Earth

(i) Appearances are Deceptive-On the Face of It by Susan Hill

() Racial Discrimination-Memories of Childhood by Zitkala-Sa

and Bama
 (a) Linguistic Chauvinism-The Last
Lesson by Alphonse Daudet
"LinguisticChauvinism" is a big theme in "The Last Lesson"
by Alphonse Daudet. The story highlights the consequences
of languagedominance, Mr. Hamet is upset because German
willbe taught instead of French in Alsace. It shows how
important language and culture are. The story warns against
forcing one language on everyone. It's a thought-provoking
tale that makes youthink about diversity.

(b) Child Labour- Lost Spring by Anees

Jung
Child Labor is aprevalent theme in "Lost Spring" by Anees
Jung. The story portrays the harsh reality of children being
deprived of their childhood and forced into labor to support
their families. Through the characters of Saheb and Mukesh,
Jung sheds light on the socio-economic conditions that
perpetuate this cycle of exploitation. These children are
denied education and opportunities for a better future,
trapped in alife of poverty arnd servitude. Jung's narrative
compels readers to confront the injustice of child laborand
the urgent need for societal change to protect the rights and
well-being of vulnerable children.
 Childhood Phobia-Deep Water by
William Douglas
ChildhoodPhobia is a central theme in "Deep Water" by William
Douglas. The story delves into the psyche of the author as he
grapples with his fear of water. Douglas recounts his childhood
experiences of nearly drowning, which instilled in him a deep
seated phobia that persisted into adulthood. Through vivid
descriptionsand introspective narration, Douglas portrays the
debilitating effects of this fear on his life, from avoiding swimming
pools to feeling anxious even near bodies of water. "Deep Water
explores the lasting impact of childhood traumas and the struggle
toovercome irrational fears, offering insights into the complexities
of the human psyche.

(d) Adolescent Fantasizing-Going Places

byA.R. Barton
Adolescent Fantasizing is a prominent theme in "Going Places"
by A.R. Barton.The story revolves around the dreams and
aspirations of two teenagers, Sophie and Jansie, who long for
excitement and adventure beyond their mundane lives. Through
their vivid imaginations and fantastical plans to escape their
small town, Barton captures the essence of adolescent yearning
for something more. As they wander through the streets,
envisioning grand adventures, the story explores the contrast
between their fantasies and the reality of their constrained
circumstances. "Going Places" vividly portrays the universal
desire for adventure and the escapism inherent in adolescent
fantasies, highlighting the bittersweet transition from childhood
toadulthood.
 Silence and Introspection- Keeping Quiet
by Pablo Neruda
Silence and Introspection are profound themes in "Keeping Quiet" by
Pablo Neruda. The poem urges readers to pause, reflect, and
embrace moments of stillness amidst the chaos of the world.
Neruda's evocative imagery invites contemplation on the power of
silence to foster connection and understanding among humanity.
Through lines like "Let's take a break, stop, and remain silent,"
Neruda advocates for introspection as a means to cultivate empathy
and peace. The poem prompts readers to consider the impact of
their actions and the importance of collective reflection in fostering
harmony and solidarity. "Keeping Quiet" serves as a poignant
reminder of the transformative potential found in moments of
silence and self-reflection.

() EconomicDisparity-A Roadside Stand

by Robert Frost
Economic Disparity is a poignant theme in "A Roadside Stand" by
Robert Frost. The poem vividly portrays the stark contrast
between the affluence of passing motorists and the poverty of
the roadside stand owners. Frost juxtaposes the abundance of
the passing cars with the meager offerings of the stand,
emphasizing the economic divide between those who have plenty
and those struggling to make ends meet. Through the imagery of
the hollow" and"empty' stand, Frost highlights the harsh
realities Faced by those on the margins of society. The poem
serves as a starkcommentary on economic inequality, prompting
readers to confront the disparities that exist within their
communities and the inherent injustice of such divídes.
 (g) Escapism-Lesson-The Third Level by Jack
Finney
Escapism is a centraltheme in "The Third Level" by Jack Finney. The story
explores thedesire to escape from the pressures and anxieties of modern
ife through the discovery ofa hidden world. Charley,the protagonist,
stumbles upon a mysterious third level of the Grand Central Station, a
portalto the past where he can escape from the complexities of the
present. Through Charley's journey, Finney delves into the allure of
escapism and the longing for a simpler, more idyllic existence. The third
level becomes a metaphor for thè human desire to retreat from reality and
seek solace in nostalgia or alternate realities. "The Third Level" prompts
readers to ponder the consequences of escapism and the importance of
confronting and engaging with the challenges of the present rather than
seeking refuge in the past.

(h) Climate Change- Journey tothe End of the

Earth by Tishani Doshi
Climate Change is a pervasive theme in "Journey to the End of the Earth"
byTishani Doshi. The poem serves as a poignant reflection on the
devastating impact of climate change onour planet. Throughvivid
imagery and evocative language, Doshidepicts the melting ice caps, rising
sea levels, and vanishing landscapes, illustrating the urgency of
addressing this global crisis. The poem compels readers to confront the
consequences of human actions on the environment and the imperative
of taking collective responsibility to mitigate climate change. "Journey to
the End of the Earth" serves as a powerful call to action, urging individuals
and societies to prioritize environmental conservation and adopt
sustainable practices to safeguard the future of our planet.
Appearances are Deceptive-Onthe Face
ofIt bySusan Hill
in Susan Hill's "On the Face of It," the theme of "Appearances are
Deceptive" is intricately woven into the narrative. The story
revolves around Mr. Lamb, adisfigured man who lives alone and
is viewed with pity by society. However, as the plot unfolds, it
becomes evident that appearances can be misleading. Despite
his physical scars, Mr. Lamb possesses a rich inner life and
wisdom that challenges the preconceived notions of those
around him. Through his interactions with a curious young boy
named Derry, the story underscores the importance of looking
beyond external appearances to discover the true essence of a
person.

(i)Racial Discrimination-Memories of
Childhood by Zitkala-Sa and Bama
In "Memories of Childhood" by Zitkala-Sa and Bama, the theme of
racial discrimination is powerfully depicted through the lens of
personal experiences. Both authors recount instances from their
childhood where they faced discrimination and prejudice due to
their race. Zitkala-Sa, a Native American writer, vividly portrays
the cultural clashes and injustices she endured as a Native
American girl attending a white missionary school. Similarly, Bama,
an Indian Dalit writer, reflects on the systemic oppression and
caste-based discriminationshe encountered growing up in a
society plagued by deep-rooted prejudices. Through their
poignant narratives, both authors shed light on the pervasive
nature of racial discrimination and its profound impact on
individuals and communities.