Notes of Compulsary English

Yudhisthira's Wisdom

Source: The Mahabharata

Literal Comprehension:

Once Pandava brothers were wandering in a forest to hunt a deer, but the deer in their sight disappeared abruptly. In the meantime, they grew thirsty and couldn't move ahead. Yudhisthira, the eldest brother, sent one of his brothers Nakula in search of water. But he didn't come back for a long time. So, he sent all his brothers one after the other gradually but none of them returned with any information of source of water nearby. Therefore, ultimately, Yudhisthira himself set out to fetch water and his brothers. After a short walk, he noticed a beautiful pool on the bank of which were lying all his brothers either unconscious or dead. Though he was in extreme distress and sorrow due to this event, he bent to drink water from the pool since his thirst overpowered his grief. But an unknown voice warned him not to drink water before answering his questions. So, Yudhisthira tactfully answered all the questions asked by the voice i.e. Yama, the God of Justice and Death, whereas his brother had disobeyed him and as such were prostrate on the ground. His philosophical answers pleased the God and he became ready to revive one of his brothers. Yudhisthira utilizing his wisdom abandoned his selfishness and selected, on moral grounds, his step-brother for revival. As a result, the god appeared in front Yudhisthira, highly appreciated him for his patience, righteousness and wisdom and restored all his brothers to life.

Interpretation:

From the moral and religious point of view, th^ story holds tremendous significance. It has conveyed a message that a morally upright person if acts as per the religious and moral principles, can ultimately outstrip all the hurdles and difficulties that arise in his life and lives the life of a respected personality. This story has presented Yudhisthira in

this position. Basically, this story intends to teach the readers that hLMiar. beings should have the power uf p:it:_;~~, endurance, wisdom and righteousness to achieve success in every walk of life. These characteristics, in fact, help them to solve any kind of problems in hardships and difficulties. The person who doesn't possess these qualities suffers in life. In this story, Yudhisthira with these qualities became able to save all his four brothers. The philosophical queries of Yama and tactful answers of Yudhisthira also interest the reader’s much. Ydhisthira's answers like mother, giving up pride, anger and desire are all wisdom-based and philosophically correct. Critical Thinking:

As we read the story thoroughly with concentration, we find that from the moral and religious point of view the story is appreciable. It sounds a charming tale. But when, we as a critical thinker, make attempts to separate wheat from the chaff, it undergoes several drawbacks and shortcomings. If we try to relate this story to the one in (he present context, we come to notice that people don't have much respect on or regard for morality and religion. Modern people are chiefly concerned with material happiness. Similarly, on the other hand, we can raise doubts over the existence of god in this world. Patience, right conduct, wisdom, as well as endurance are not rewarded on this earth. We have a great concern over the answers given by Yudhisthira, which sound quite simple but such philosophical answers are not expected from the direct questions of Yama. From our perspectives, man without desires can never be rich, nor we can lose our anger. Similarly, a man can't abandon pride and ambitio;i, for ,on their absence, success will be a mere a dream. As such in all these aspects, we disagree with the writer along with one event in which all the Pandava brothers are restored to life even after the death -,','liich is absolutely impossible in reality.

Assimilation:

As I went through the story carefully, I came to realize the reality of life. The concept that real happiness of life stands on the platform of right conduct ,wisdom, patience and endurance has now changed my mode of thinking about several aspects of life. 1 was never convinced earlier that all these qualities would one day be rewarded. But now Yudhisthira's brothers' restoration of life has wiped out all my illusions and on my part, reverence to god has increased a lot. Even I was able to grab some philosophical concepts which have always appeared as my subject of interest. In totality, the secrecy of being a great person in life on moral and religious grounds is vivid to me so far.

The Brave Little Parrot

Literal Comprehension:

Once upon a time, Lord Buddha was born as a parrot in the forest. Abruptly, the forest caught fire. All the animals started running away to save their life. The parrot also flew towards the safe place but as he was flying over the forest, he saw his fellow animals (rapped in the fiery forest. So, he decided to do something to save them. As such, he flew to the river, dipped into it, flew back over the forest and sprinkled the drops of water over the forest from its body and feathers. He repeated this activity time and again. In the meantime, the gods above were watching the foolish act of the parrot and laughed at him. One of the gods felt pity on him and disguised himself in to a golden eagle, came to the parrot and told him to stop this activity and save his life. But, the parrot didn't take heed of his absurd advice and rather expected his help in his mission. Being impressed by the parrot, he shed the flow of tears over the forest which could extinguish the fire and thus he gave new life- to the parrot and all other animals of the forest.

Interpretation;

The story is quite impressive in terms of giving moral lesson to the readers. Its main gist is: 'Courage and patience are the best means to solve any kind of problem'. If the parrot hadn't been so courageous, if he hadn't been so determined and dedicated lo his moral duly, he wouldn't have been able to put out the fire. Similarly, the story teaches us that service lo the fellow in need is the actual service to the God.' If the parrot hadn't helped his friends, all of them would have died. Later, god was quite happy and gave him the new and brighter life.

Critical Thinking:

The story from the religious point of view is well appreciating. It gives a moral lesson which is globally acceptable. But, in the modern world the people have been so busy and selfish that it is almost impossible to get a man like the parrot helping to others selflessly. Courage and patience are not always rewarded and valued on this earth. God's influence is beautifully slated in the story but we have utmost doubt over the god's existence in this modern world. Some evenly are somewhat incredible because extinguishing the fire by means of the eagle's tears is almost unbelievable. The presentation of god as the spectator to its creature's agony is exactly paradox to the meaning of god's existence. In fact, gods are saviors; they are not supposed to be indifferent to human suffering.

Assimilation:

As I read this story, it reminded me of one incident that had once taken place in my village. When I was in my village, a hut caught fire. Many people gathered there and they heard a small baby crying inside the burning hut. But nobody was ready to help him. Ultimately, I ventured lo gel in lo the hut and saved the fife of the baby. This story has encouraged and inspired me to get involved in selfless service.

Ahab and Naboth Source: The Holy Bible

Literal Comprehension:

Once Ahab, the king of Israel, desired to own the vineyard of Naboth, a resident of Jezreel, for the king wanted to have it for a garden of herbs and it was also nearby his palace. He became ready to give either a better vineyard or the cost of it depending upon the wish of Naboth. But, contrary to the king's will, Naboth refused to sell or exchange the vineyard extending the reason that the Lord had forbidden him to give the inheritance of his father to others. Being displeased, he, going to his house, lay on his bed and didn't have his meal. His wife, coming to know about the event that took place with the king, consoled him and reminded him of his power as a king.

As such, the queen herself using the power and authority of the king .treacherously conspired and plotted against the innocent Naboth. He was charged of blaspheming the god and the king and was stoned to death. Soon after this event, the king went down to the vineyard lo posses it as he was inspired by his wife to do so. But in the meantime, one angel of the Lord ‘Elijah’ appeared before the king with the warning from the Lord that the dogs might lick his blood where they licked the blood of Naboth. He was also warned that his evil work was evidenced by the Lord and so evil might befall him on his position and life.

Interpretation:

'Ahab and Naboth' sketches a vivid picture of kingship with a king entertaining near- absolute power. An absolute monarch, by using any means, has his desires fulfilled. Wishes and necessities of the people don't value much for him before his luxury and comfort. He always thinks about the well-being of himself, not of the welfare of the people. And, similarly conspiracies and treacherous plans are almost common in an absolute rule. All these characteristics of an authoritarian rule and its ruler are clearly visualized in (lie story. Dictatorship always gives rise to misuse of power. And in this concern, people become the victim of it and they happen to lose their life which is exemplified by the murder of Naboth in the story. This story has presented us the fact undeclared regents of an absolute ruler are found to be ahead in misusing the power bringing the ruler's life in risk and danger. King Ahab's wife has played a vital role in this connection. Exposition of one important fact 'Truth can never be hidden, it is disclosed ultimately 'is another appreciable aspect of this story. Though the king and his wife were fully assured and confident about their secrecy, but the god's all-pervasive existence shattered all their dreams into pieces. It helped to increase the value of truth. The story conveys the message that 'immoral and evil minded persons ultimately have lo bow themselves down before truth, since truth is extremely powerful and can't be hidden.

Critical Thinking:

The strong aspect of this story is that realistic events have been presented here coherently and in an interesting manner. The message about the victory of truth over falsity is worth-appreciating. But, plenty of loopholes have somehow weakened the strength of the story so far. Some doubts prevalent in our mind about the credulity of some events displayed have overpowered its powerful aspects.

As such, some questions arise in our mind as lo how the king' wile could get the authority to use the king's power which led lo Naboth's death. Why did an absolute ruler become so upset on Naboth's ignoring his request that he lay down on his bed and didn't have his meal? Why didn't he use his power to encroach Naboth's vineyard forcefully? Similarly, people in absolute rule follow the order of the king without any question. But how Naboth dared to defy the request of the king being aware about the outcome of his refusal? People can't give blind support to falsity. In this democratic world, they even raise voice against the king or other authority for their mistreatment to the people. The King like Ahab and his mischievous wife's autocratic ruling is not possible in this democratic world,. Similarly existence of god and god's protection of truth are fully unbelievable aspects of the story. The story has focused on the assumption that fact can never be hidden but if that is so, then immoral people as well as evil-doers could be easily detected and they wouldn't get chance to roam committing treacheries .People would fear god and wouldn't dare to think about these plots.

Assimilation:

As I read the story, I came to understand that in absolute rule immoral plots and conspiracies are common. Person holding supreme power uses his power for his benefit only. He /she never think about the welfare of the people. He/she doesn't have any fear from any power. This understanding sometimes reminds me the time in Nepal when Rana ruled over the country. During that time, conspiracies, immoral plots, killings, murders were frequent to grab the power and fulfill their desires and wishes. In Nepal's history, Junga Bahdur Rana also came to power by using the same means. Another significant aspect that was imprinted in me is the message that we should always adhere to truth since it can't be hidden from anybody because god always appears as the witness to it. So evil deeds and illicit acts of ours are always liable to penalty ultimately which are always in the sight of the god. I also came to understand that god always makes his presence to show the path of truth lo human beings.

If Not Higher

Literal Comprehension:

Rabbi of Nemirov used to disappear from every penitential prayer. People used to think that he had ascended the heaven. He was supposed to save them from Satan. But Litvak, one of the Jews, didn't believe this remark of the people and laughed at it. Once, he decided to find the fact about him. So entered the Rabbi's house secretly, watched him throughout the night .When it was nearly the morning, Rabbi changed his dress as a farmer and set out to the forest with an axe and a rope. In the forest, lie collected the firewood and returned back. On his way to his house, he stopped at an old woman's hut. He lent the wood and helped her to kindle the fire. In the meantime, he recited all three portions of penitential prayers. Litvak followed him all the way and was so impressed by him that he became Rabbi's disciple at the end.

Interpretation:

'If Not Higher' teaches us that true worship of god is the true service to the mankind. It strongly rejects the way of praying to the god by reciting the words of prayers but it advises us to help the poor and the needy people instead. The story proves the fact the god and its blessings are received not by means llu: words of the prayers but by means of extending the hands of service.

Critical Thinking:

Though, the story from moral and religious point of view seems quite impressive and memorable but if it is looked in the present context, it seems unbelievable, since in this modern lime, people have become too much selfish and mean. As a result, it is too difficult to impart its moral lesson to them. It doesn’t mean anything to them. Rabbi's ascending to heaven alive can't be accepted in this modern world. Existence of God and heaven is in fact out of question. People like Rabbi who have lived the life for the sake of others can't be found in the world.

Assimilation:

As I go through the story, it reminds me of a man who is respectable in my society. He is fifty years old. He never goes to the church and temple and prays to god. But, in the village, he is well known for his kind and selfless help to the people. He donates his properly every year little by little for the homeless children and people,

Phaedo

Literal Comprehension:

Phaedo is a story written by Plato in dialogue form. Phaedo and Echecrates are talking to each other. Echecrates is asking about last moments of Socrates with Phaedo. Phaedo is talking to him about his feeling he had when Socrates was given death penalty.

According to Phaedo, when Socrates was given death penalty, almost all his followers went sad with this event. They cried with extreme sorrow sitting around Socrates. But he looked so happy that he didn't show any sign of unhappiness in his journey to the next world. Rather he advised all his followers not to be sad and not to weep for his death. He told his followers that everyone has to face the death fearlessly. Ultimately, he came to bid good bye to his people. Though his children and wife wept bitterly, it didn't have any effect on him. He convinced others about his pleasant life in the next world. Phaedo was impressed so much that he felt quite pleased to tell about it to others.

Interpretation:

The story 'Phaedo' by Plato presents us the fact that death is unavoidable and it is to be faced fearlessly. In other words, the man who is afraid of death dies many times but he who doesn't die once. By presenting the story of Socrates' life story, it inspires the people to die for the sake of truth. Truth is so powerful that we are to be ready to sacrifice everything for its sake. That's why, the story is successful enough to teach the people that death for the noble purpose is better than the life of cowardice.

Critical Thinking:

This story seems to be impressive in terms of encouraging the people to follow the path of truth and having its moral theme. But in many respects, the story doesn't seem to be believable, since now day’s people are living in the world of falsity. They are enjoying their time in it. So this kind of truth as stated in the story is not very pleasant to them. In such situation, it is too difficult to find the people who are ready to die for the sake of truth. In other words, life is so much valuable to them that they can't accept anything at the cost of their life. We may find some people only like Socrates and Gandhi.

Assimilation:

As I went through the story, it reminded me of an old man of my village. He used to live with his two sons. Because of his faith on truth and his power to judge the things, he had made an image throughout the village that everyone used to respect him a lot. But finally he ended his life due to the family quarrel. But still people remember him for his conviction to truth and justice as Socrates had.

The Cricket

Literal Comprehension:

During the Ming Reign in China cricket fighting was a popular pastime for the noblemen at court. Their wishes were fulfilled by the common men who used to supply cricket for them. Though, in the writer's county, floral shade, the cricket was not common, yet the magistrate's submission of a mighty warrior cricket to get favour from the superiors ultimately brought the responsibility of supplying the crickets as a royal supplier regularly to the court. Make good one of the residents of Floral Shade got the post of Neighborhood Head to accomplish the task in this concern too. But he was nearly bankrupt, since he couldn’t collect the enough taxes from the people and had to make up money from his pocket. Same thing happened in collecting the cricket too. He couldn't fill the quota set by the higher ups and as a result was severely punished. So he desired to die rather than to live such dominated life.

Then his wife consulted a fortuneteller who had recently come to the village to know about their fortune. She was provided with one slip of paper where their fortune was mentioned. In fact there was a picture on the piece of paper which showed where the crickets he was searching were found. As per the hint , he was able to cage a cricket of the required standard. But as that was brought to his house it was killed by his son. His son to escape from the action resulting from the father's fury fell into the well .He was found in the position as he was dead. During this moment of grief he managed to get one cricket but which was feeble. Yet he tested it with other crickets in the battle but appeared to be the mightiest one since it defeated all other crickets so far. In this way it was supplied to the court .The noblemen were extremely pleased,. As a result he was given an educational degree as an honor. Similarly he acquired one hundred hectares of land, a two story building thousands of sheep and oxen. Even his son regained consciousness.

Interpretation:

The story The Cricket conveys a message that patience, endurance and optimism ultimately carry good luck resulting in to success in a man's life. Make Good though fell in difficulties, endured all these and remained patient and didn't forget his duty which gave him unexpected position and wealth. The story has sketched a clear picture of the then China when it was ruled by an authoritarian ruler. Make good without his fault gets penalty which is in fact one of the specialties of an authoritarian rule. All the state affairs are constrained by nobles, governors and magistrates who flatter higher authorities and secure the position. The Magistrate to ensure continuous favor punished the Make good an innocent one. At some places Make good has been presented as a person who was supposed to be born to face the evil days only, On the other hand the story also shows that sometimes human beings ensure their good fortune by learning the fortune from the fortune teller. In the story Make Good has also given a place to the supernatural elements and their effective practice and positive result out of them. Make good could make his life bright due to the presence of his son's spirit on the soul of the cricket. Cricket's befooling the rooster is also due to the same reason. This has also given a glimpse of the scenario of the court under an absolute rule in which nobles and other courtiers spend their time in trifles specifically in watching the games like cricket fighting and so on since they o have luxurious and comfortable life. They don't make concern over the hardships of the people since nobody could dare to raise voice for their wellbeing.

Critical Thinking:

The story has several shortcomings that we find as we go through the story thoroughly. The authoritarian rule as shown in the story doesn't have any possible existence in the world as the world has almost been ruled through the democratic system regardless of some countries. Magistrate is presented as an innocent citizen facing the inhuman treatment in terms of punishment without any protest. But people of this era as governed by democratic principles if face this situation would react bitterly and compels the authorities to guarantee their rights to prevent the mistreatment to the innocent ones. Similarly we can put o question mark over the fortune telling as to whether their prediction would be translated into reality. If so that no people would face hardships sufferings and troubles in their life. They would ensure their brighter life L-v visiting the fortune teller in the beginning of the life. Presence of Make-good's son's spirit on the cricket is the matter of illusion for us. One question arises as to how Make-good’s son could regain consciousness after a year.

Assimilation:

As I went through the story, I came to understand that in absolute rule, people experience injustice, inhuman and evil treatment from the superiors. And they always become the victims of mistreatmet.1 also realized that patience and .endurance are rewarded on this earth as Make good was rewarded. Sometimes fortune tellers are also found to be strongest elements to bring success in our life. The story has made me realize the fact that our life might undergo plenty of obstacles and disturbances, sorrows and hardships but we shouldn't lose our hope, one day we will achieve what we have expected so far.

The Library Card

-Richard Wright

Literal Comprehension:

The narrator in the story once happened to read in the newspaper 'Commercial .Appeal' a bitter criticism on H.L. Mencken, a White man who was also an editor of an American Newspaper. From this, he developed his keen interest of knowing he reason on why he was severely attacked, though he was white, since during that time only the blacks were the victims of hate and exploitation: As such, he wanted to real something about him. But, being Black, he didn't have any access to the library. Yet he somehow managed to get the books from the library by using the library can: of his boss. He, by reading the books of Mencken, came to understand the reality of his life as well as the life of the blacks. He realized that Mencken was criticized because of his hardest words over everything American and appreciation of everything European .Even he discovered that words could be used as weapons. His knowledge about the unjust treatment and exploitation of blacks from the Whites made him feel that he was gradually being distant from the Whites. He managed to study several other books also. His study of one novel helped him to understand his boss whereas the next one made him realize his mother's suffering. At the end of the story he is found to be in dilemma since neither he along with other blacks could not revolt against the whites nor could stay adjusting himself among them. So he simply wondered how long he could .endure this situation, though he seemed to be committed and determined to free the blacks from the clutch of the whites i.e. such unjust society.

Interpretation

The story basically deals with color and social discrimination between the Blacks and the whites prevalent during the time after the civil war in USA.lt presents the miserable and penurious condition of the blacks who were extremely conditioned and exploited by the Whites. Similarly, they were deprived of using public places like public library, Playgrounds and public parks. This story also delineates the importance of education in human life. The fact that educated people can only understand their life la the full is proved here. It is also vivid that uneducated and ignorant people arc m fact at the position of animals conditioned by human beings. They don't understand (ho injustice done to then from others. Same thing happened to the black people in southern part of USA. The narrator, only after reading the books, realized that the blacks were treated inhumanly and discriminated on the basis of color of the skin. Though, he formed extreme dislike for the Whites, yet hi; was in confusion on what steps to be taken free themselves from the Whites. So he didn't find any options ultimately and wondered how long he could endure it. This shows how pitiable the blacks were that they even couldn't think of fighting for their rights and freedom.

Critical Thinking:

The exposure of the miserable condition of the blacks is in fact heart-touching whereat; focus made on the importance of education in human life is worth-appreciating. But, as we try to find its meaning at deeper level, we might get disappointed since we find plenty of drawbacks and shortcomings here. As such, several questions arise in our mind .If Blacks were not given even basic education, how could Wright read about Mencken? How it possible was that forged note couldn't be recognized by the librarian? How didn't the librarian suspect him since he went to the library frequently afterwards? How can we believe that blacks were not given education in the country where higher secondary education was compulsory for all? Being the greatest democratic country, it is incredible that injustice and discrimination had existed there. If blacks were not allowed to enter the library, how Wright got entry even for taking the books for others?

Assimilation:

As I read the story, it reminded me of the Nepalese society under Rana rule. During that time, the common people were deprived of getting education freely. Only education had been managed for the children of Rana family. The courtiers and supporters were given the best opportunity and honor. Rest of the others wren compelled to bear exploitation and injustice. Even like-the blacks, they didn't have any options to living suppressed and dominated. Any voiceof protest could take them to their death. Due to the people's ignorance, they could rule over the country for 104 years, same to the Blacks who were conditioned by the Whites for several years.