Compulsary English latest

Shep’s Hobby

Literal Comprehension:

The narrator in the story used to visit Mr. Baile’s house as a veterinary doctor for the treatment of Mr. Baile’s cow.Mr. Bailes had a large dog ‘Shep’. It was always kept by the gate of his house. Shep had a strange habit of frightening the people whoever came to his house. He suddenly used to bark in a frightening tone whenever they would be close to him. The narrator in the story too had been terrified by the dog for so many times. Once the narrator enraged with the dog pulled it by its chain and threatened it. Since then, the dog never barked at the narrator. The narrator seeing the changed habit of the dog was pleased with the thought that the dog might have changed his habit out of his threat. Later, once the narrator was passing by the house of Mr. Bailes, a tinker was before him by the wall behind which Shep had hidden himself. All of a sudden, the dog barked terribly at the tinker and so he ran away throwing his pans and pots. The narrator seeing the dog frightening the tinker was quite happy. He was confirmed that the dog had not lost its natural habit.

Interpretation:

The story teaches some important facts about the behavior of animals. It presents the certain moral aspects as we find in other stories. It is impressive so far it talks about the natural quality and the character of the animals. It strongly speaks on the continuation of natural character of the animals and states that they should be allowed to enjoy it, lest their life and existence won’t be happy. It supports the right of animals and advocates that people be sympathetic and kind to them.

Critical Thinking:

As we go through the story, we find it quite impressive and appreciative so far it imparts the facts about animals. But still the story seems to be misleading and unconvincing in some points. The first is : Baile’s belief that his cow was cured by a postman is unbelievable since postman can’t cure the ill cow. Similarly, the narrator threatened the dog which prevented the dog from attacking him from the next time but the question arises as to whether a dog remains silent out of one’s threat.

Assimilation:

As we went through the story, it completely changed my attitude and behavior upon animals. Before I used to think that the animals are animals and should be treated accordingly. Now I came to know they have also their natural habit that is to be accepted and we should let them act according their habit. It has instigated me to take some steps to help the animals in zoo and artificial habitant to attain freedom.

The Wretched Stone

Literal Comprehension:

The story ‘The Wretched Stone’ is in a diary form. It is a travelogue recorded by the Captain of ‘Rita Anne’ Randall Ethan Hope. Once he set out on his voyage with his sailors. He managed everything needed for the journey to help his sailors spend their leisure time. He kept some books of stories, musical instruments and so on. With all preparations, the journey started. After a week, they came to a very strange Island where the environment was strange. They found a glowing stone on the island. They were quite startled when they saw it, since from its surface was coming magical glowing light which was beautiful and pleasing to look at. They brought and placed it in the ship. Since then, the sailors gathered in front of it and went on watching it. They forgot their daily activities. The ship was in the course of journey. The huge storm pushed the ship into stake. But the captain somehow managed to save the ship. When the captain came to the sailors’ room, he found that the sailors had turned into hairy apes. He knew that it was because of the same stone. Then the captain got them to throw the stone in the sea. Similarly, he was able to bring them back in the normal position by playing the violin or reading to them. Ultimately, they were saved by the rescuers from the next ship.

Interpretation:

The story presenting the journey of captain teaches us some disadvantages of TV. Though TV is regarded as one of all modern means of communication and entertainment, it has many harmful aspects too. On the one hand, it makes people quite passive and helps them to spend their time unproductively. They lose their creativity and remain irresponsible to their daily activities as the crew of the ship did.

Critical Thinking:

So far as the story presents the disadvantages of TV, it seems quite impressive. The story at the same time proves to be too much beneficial. But, at some points, the story fails to be convincing and believable since it has given very misleading ideas about TV. It may create many critical questions in the readers’ mind. In fact, TV is regarded as one of the most revolutionary modern means and scientific discoveries. It has made the people advanced and progressive.It is an artificial product. So, it is humorous to believe that it was found on the unidentified island. Similarly, TV has been the part and parcel of modern life. How can one ignore the presence of TV? It would be very unjust to call it a major means to destroy human creativity because even watching TV can help perform various creative activities and enjoy the time.

Assimilation:

The reading of this story has greatly influenced me. In fact, before reading it, I was too much addicted to TV. I used to spend all my leisure time by watching it. I never thought of study and other activities as worthy to practice. But, the story has opened my eyes now. Instead of devoting the time on it, I have started spending my time reading books and engaging myself in other various creative activities. I am also encouraging others to avoid the habit of watching TV.

Marriage is a Private Affair

- Chinua Achebe

Literal Comprehension:

Nnameka was a boy from village. He belonged to Ibo tribe. But he was in love with a girl from the different tribe who was the resident of Lagos. Though, they had decided to marry , Nnameka at first couldn’t accumulate his courage to convey this information to his father who was stuck to traditional culture and beliefs. But as he got the message from his father that he was going to get engaged with a country girl, he went to his house and gave his decision that he wouldn’t marry her. His father got extremely enraged with this and responded him that he wouldn’t accept Nene , Naemeka’s beloved, as his daughter-in-law because that would be against Ibo culture. And so he tried to persuade Nnameka not to marry Nene. But Nnameka as already determined didn’t follow his father and got back to city and married Nene.His father heard this and was highly shocked from this news. From that day, his conflicts with his father began. His father had to be humiliated from the villagers. They advised Okeke to consult the herbalist since he was said to have problems in his mind.Okeke getting angry with his son didn’t let him come home for eight years. He had almost forgotten his son and daughter in law. Once, afterwards, Nene sent a letter to her father-in-law requesting him to let his grandsons come to see him as they had extremely desired to do so. Ultimately, he felt regret for what he had done and was supposed to make resolution to allow them to visit him.

Interpretation:

The story basically presents the burning social problems found in the rural areas where the majority of the people are superstitious and uneducated. Okeke living in a village doesn’t like his son marrying with a city girl of different tribe. It presents thus the conflict between father and son, one representing the traditional values and the next modern and changing values. The next important point in the story is that it has shown the fact that marriage must be a private affair in everyone’s life. One must be free to choose his/her life partner according to his/her wish. It helps them to lead a very happy life and also it helps to avoid the social discrimination to a great extent.

Critical Thinking:

Though the story presenting a burning social problem deserves good response and appreciation from the reader’s side, yet, in deeper level, there are many points in which they may not be satisfied. Now people aren’t as they were in the past because of changing social values and education. People aren’t stuck to the old values, tradition and system. So far marriage is concerned, people are enjoying it as a private affair rather than the means to protect the culture. Inter-cast marriage has become the fashion among the youngsters of the time. So, the present story fails to capture the interest of the people.

Assimilation:

As I read this story, it reminded me of one of my brothers. As Nnaemeka, he got married with a girl of his choice from the city. She was from very well-to-do family, educated and civilized. Since she was from the different caste, the family didn’t accept their marriage. So, for almost ten years, they were socially boycotted and stayed in city. But now they are living with their family happily in village.

A 1996 Commencement Speech

Salman Rushdie

Literal Comprehension:

• Commencement Address at Bard College, May 25th, 1996 by Salman Rushdie
• Rushdie’s Research into Commencement and its traditions
• His graduation from Cambridge 1978-the great year of student protest
• Few nights before his graduation day- his room redecorated/made dirty with thick gravy and onion sauce
• Rushdie charged for this and announced his deprivation from joining graduation ceremony.
• Paid for the damage and got eligible to receive the degree but plucked out for his wearing brown shoes in place of black ones.
• He had to stay in the parade ,hold uneetiversity officer by his hand,kneel at Vicee-Chancellor’s feet,hold up his hands and beg for degree in Latin( dead language acc. To him)./Got the degree.
• He was not satisfied with his act : since he surrendered to get the degree/Ultimately he admits that he was wrong to compromise.
• So he inspires the students of Bard college not to make an accommodation with injustice as he did.
• He encouraged the students to stand up for their rights/kneel before no man , to gain much being happy
• He was offered honorary degree from Bard college giving place to intellectual solidarity and human concern./so got exceptional privilege of addressing the students of Bard College.
• He believes defiance an inevitable and essential aspect of freedom./Advises to defy any kind of gods.
• Focus on self rule-the rule of men and women by men and women.
• His advices: we must be guided by our natures; we shouldn’t bow our heads; we shouldn’t bow our heads.

Interpretation:

• The writer has stated the conflict between young Rushdie and old Rushdie.
• Young Rushdie: submissive, surrendering , compromising to receive the degree

Old Rushdie: aggressive, attacking, admitting that he did mistake by receiving the degree by bowing his head.

· Focus on defying/Defiance is an inevitable and essential aspect of freedom.

· Has severely criticized the system of organizing traditional graduation ceremony where recipients have to bow their head/feel humiliated to receive the degree.

· The writer has come heavily upon the common truth that Cambridge University had the tradition of fairness and justice which was proved wrong from his own experience.

Critical Thinking:

The writer’s argument seems to be convincing but at times some questions come into our mind:

• Simply for the reason of ‘gravy and onion’ isuue ,how can one university deprive a student of getting a degree?
• Bowing to receive a degree has become an old fashion now.
• If the writer was so much conscious about his freedom, why did he tolerate the injustice done to him?
• He instigates us to defy gods which is almost against our right/freedom.
• How can defiance be essential aspect of freedom? Doesn’t it give rise to violence?
• The writer on his part surrenders/Then why does he give lessons to others?

Assimilation: From this text, I have come to understand that we should not surrender ourselves to injustice. We should fight for freedom where our progress is. All the old traditions and trends should be replaced by new and progressive ones.