A TRYST WITH ENGLISH

Robert Frost’s poem “A Roadside Stand” presents a moving picture of the contrast between the rural poor and the urban rich, highlighting the deep social and economic divide in modern life. 1. Setting and Introduction The poem begins with a simple, vivid description of a small roadside stand put up by poor villagers along a highway. They have arranged a few things for sale — wild berries, golden squash, and other small produce — hoping that the passing city traffic will stop and buy something. However, the “polished traffic” — a reference to rich urban people driving by in their luxurious cars — pays no attention. The poet observes how these poor villagers wait with hope and disappointment as one car after another passes without stopping. 2. The Villagers’ Hopes and Dreams The villagers have simple dreams. They long to earn some money, improve their living conditions, and enjoy a life with comfort, dignity, and respect. They look at the city people with admiration and envy, thinkin...

Summary Louis Fischer begins the chapter by recalling his meeting with Mahatma Gandhi at Sevagram Ashram in 1942. Gandhi shared his desire to start the process of British withdrawal from India, which began in 1917. At the Congress session in Lucknow in December 1916, Gandhi met a farmer named Rajkumar Shukla, who sought his help in addressing the unfair treatment faced by farmers under the landlord system in Bihar. Shukla persistently followed Gandhi until he agreed to visit Champaran. Later, from Calcutta, Shukla took Gandhi to lawyer Rajendra Prasad’s house in Patna, but Prasad was away, so Gandhi proceeded to Muzaffarpur. He was welcomed at the station by Professor J.B. Kripalani and several students. Despite fear among locals of supporting Gandhi, Professor Malkani— a government school teacher— hosted him for two days. Gandhi learned that the farmers, who were sharecroppers, were forced to grow indigo on fifteen percent of their land and give the entire harvest to British landlords...

 *Mother's Day* Summary  "Mother's Day" by J.B. Priestley is a one-act comedy that satirizes the dynamics within a typical family and explores the theme of unappreciated domestic work. The play centers around Mrs. Annie Pearson, a gentle and devoted housewife whose family members—her husband George, daughter Doris, and son Cyril—take her efforts for granted. They expect her to cook, clean, and take care of them without recognizing her hard work or showing appreciation. The story begins with Mrs. Pearson confiding in her neighbor, Mrs. Fitzgerald, about her family’s lack of respect. Mrs. Fitzgerald, a strong-willed and assertive woman with experience in handling people, suggests a bold solution: they should exchange personalities temporarily to teach Mrs. Pearson's family a lesson. Although Mrs. Pearson is initially hesitant, she agrees to the swap after some persuasion. Through a magical spell, Mrs. Fitzgerald and Mrs. Pearson exchange personalities. The transform...

Q1. What is the ‘Students on Ice’ programme? Why is it significant? ‘Students on Ice’ is an international programme that takes students to Antarctica, giving them firsthand experience of its pristine environment. It sensitizes them to climate change and teaches them the importance of preserving Earth’s delicate ecological balance, inspiring them to become responsible environmental citizens. --- Q2. Why is Antarctica considered the perfect place to understand Earth’s past, present, and future? Antarctica is untouched by human interference, holds 90% of Earth’s ice, and its ice cores reveal 500,000 years of climate history. It helps scientists understand Earth’s geological past, study present global warming, and predict future climate changes, making it the perfect natural laboratory for research. --- Q3. Explain the significance of Gondwana Land in the context of this chapter. Gondwana was a supercontinent that existed 650 million years ago, comprising India, Africa, South America, Aust...

John Keats begins the poem with one of the most memorable lines in English poetry: “A thing of beauty is a joy for ever.” With this declaration, he establishes the central idea that beauty is permanent and eternal. He compares beauty to an eternal source of joy. Unlike worldly pleasures that fade with time, beauty never loses its charm; rather, its impact deepens as time passes. It offers a “bower quiet” — a peaceful, shady shelter from the chaos of life — and brings “a sleep full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.” In other words, beauty nourishes both body and soul, restoring calm and well-being. The poet then acknowledges the harsh realities of human life. The world, he admits, is full of pain and suffering. People experience “despondence,” meaning hopelessness, and there is an “inhuman dearth of noble natures,” suggesting a lack of kindness and generosity among men. Days often seem “gloomy,” and human beings tend to follow “unhealthy and o’er-darkened ways” that lea...

We're Not Afraid to Die… If We Can All Be Together Author: Gordon Cook & Alan East 1. Introduction A personal account of survival at sea during a round-the-world voyage. Captures the struggles of an ordinary family against the fury of nature. Central theme: courage, determination, hope, and family unity . The story is inspirational, reminding us that human spirit can triumph over disasters . 2. Characters Gordon Cook (Narrator) Father, leader of the expedition. Skilled sailor, devoted to family’s safety. Shows remarkable endurance despite injuries. Mary (Wife) Calm and courageous. Provides emotional strength and supports in steering the boat . Embodies patience and devotion. Jonathan (Son, 6 years) Surprisingly mature and brave for his age. Uttered the unforgettable line: “We’re not afraid to die if we can all be together.” Boosted morale of parents during crisis. Suzanne (Daughter, 7 years) Sensitive, caring, and enduring. Seriously ...