Class 11 English Snapshot Chapter 5 – The Tale of Melon City (Vikram Seth) Summary

 

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Snapshot

Chapter 5 – The Tale of Melon City (Vikram Seth)

Summary

The poem commences by portraying the King's directive to construct an arch. When the King rode under the arch, it struck his head, causing his crown to fall due to its low construction. Deeming it dishonorable, the King orders the chief of builders to be executed. The chief shifts the blame to the workmen, who, in turn, attribute the issue to the bricks. The mason, facing execution, accuses the architect. The architect, brought to the Royal Court, indirectly implicates the King in the arch's faulty construction. The initially placid King becomes angry and summons the wisest man in the country, an elderly individual unable to see or walk. According to him, the arch must be hanged. However, a minister protests, arguing that punishing something that touched the King's head would be shameful. The crowd, along with the King, concurs. To appease the restless crowd, the King promises an execution, and a noose is set up. During the measurements, only the King fits the noose, providing relief to the ministers who needed someone to execute. Consequently, following the customary choice, an idiot passing through the City gate suggests a melon as the new King. The melon ascends the throne through a ceremonial process, bringing uninterrupted happiness to the town.

Class 11 English Snapshot Chapter 4 – Birth (A. J. Cronin) Summary

 

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Snapshot

Chapter 4 – Birth (A. J. Cronin)

Summary

The lesson commences with Andrew heading home after an unpleasant encounter with his girlfriend, Christine. Upon reaching home around midnight, he encounters Joe Morgan waiting outside. Joe and Susan are anticipating the birth of their child. Joe, too anxious to go inside, briefs Andrew on the situation. Andrew enters alone, realizing there is some time before the delivery. Susan's wise but tense mother offers him tea. During this moment, Andrew contemplates his relationship with Christine, reflecting on the challenges faced by his friends in their own relationships. Despite these challenges, he envisions marriage as a peaceful and joyful union, creating an internal conflict.

 

Susan's mother shares Susan's concern due to the complexity of the situation. After the delivery, the child is born lifeless. Faced with the dilemma of attending to the child or the unconscious mother, Andrew prioritizes Susan. He administers medication, strengthens her weakening heart, and then turns his attention to the lifeless child. Realizing it's a case of restricted oxygen supply, he instructs the nurse to bring hot and cold water.

 

Though initially reluctant, the nurse complies, and Andrew proceeds to immerse the child alternately in hot and cold water. Despite everyone losing hope, Andrew persists in his efforts. Finally, the child heaves and takes a breath. The once lifeless body now shows signs of vitality, surprising everyone. The nurse utters prayers while cradling the child, and the grandmother also prays, while Susan remains unconscious. Exhausted but fulfilled, Andrew departs, assuring Joe that all is well. Walking home around five in the morning, Andrew's heart is filled with a sense of accomplishment, having realized something substantial in his life.

Class 11 English Snapshot Chapter 3 – Mother’s Day (J. B. Priestley) Summary

 

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Snapshot

Chapter 3 – Mother’s Day (J. B. Priestley)

Summary

The play commences with two friends engaged in a candid conversation at Mrs. Pearson's residence. Mrs. Fitzgerald, while telling Mrs. Pearson's fortune, offers advice on how to handle her situation. Mrs. Pearson expresses her frustration with her family, highlighting how they fail to value or appreciate her constant efforts for them. Despite being available around the clock, her family members issue orders without expressing gratitude. Mrs. Fitzgerald encourages her to assert herself as the woman of the house, but Mrs. Pearson, maintaining her sweet and innocent demeanor, hesitates to bring discomfort to her family. She continues to tolerate their behavior, unsure of where to begin disciplining them.

 

Mrs. Fitzgerald proposes a plan to switch their bodies secretly, allowing Mrs. Fitzgerald to assume Mrs. Pearson's role without the family's knowledge. Initially hesitant, Mrs. Pearson eventually agrees after Mrs. Fitzgerald convinces her. Utilizing magical skills learned from the East, Mrs. Fitzgerald performs the switch, exchanging their personalities. With Mrs. Fitzgerald now in Mrs. Pearson's body and vice versa, the new Mrs. Pearson instructs Mrs. Fitzgerald to temporarily reside in her own house.

 

In the ensuing scenes, Doris Pearson, Mrs. Pearson's daughter, enters, demanding tea and instructing Mrs. Pearson to iron her yellow silk. Shocked to find her mother smoking, an argument ensues where Mrs. Pearson insults Charlie Spence, Doris's prospective date. Doris leaves in tears, and Cyril, Mrs. Pearson's son, enters, also requesting tea and food. He expresses amazement at finding nothing to eat or drink, and upon inquiring, Mrs. Pearson claims to have never felt better. Annoyed, Cyril and Doris learn that Mrs. Pearson might take the weekend off.

 

George Pearson, Mrs. Pearson's husband, enters, surprised to find his wife day-drinking. He announces a special match at the club, stating he won't need tea that afternoon. Annoyed by the absence of tea, Mrs. Pearson mocks George, revealing the names he's called at the club. She taunts him about the situation, implying it wouldn't have occurred had he stayed home more often. Mrs. Fitzgerald then enters, meddling in family matters. George is irritated when Mrs. Fitzgerald addresses him by his name, and Mrs. Pearson intervenes to bring him back on track. Doris, too, is unpleasant towards Mrs. Fitzgerald, but Mrs. Pearson manages to restore order.

 

In a critical moment, Mrs. Fitzgerald (in Mrs. Pearson's body) loses her composure and asks the family members to excuse the two friends briefly. She assures them that she knows how to improve the situation. Mrs. Fitzgerald proposes switching their bodies again, and though Mrs. Pearson resists initially, she eventually agrees. They repeat the process, and the real Mrs. Fitzgerald explains to Mrs. Pearson the importance of asserting herself occasionally to establish control and respect.

 

The family reenters, and Mrs. Pearson suggests playing rummy while the kids prepare supper. The family readily agrees, feeling a sense of relief. Mrs. Fitzgerald exits, bringing the play to a conclusion.

 

Class 11 English Snapshot Chapter 2 – The Address (Margo Minco) Summary

 

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Snapshot

Chapter 2 – The Address (Margo Minco)

Summary

Upon ringing the doorbell at Number 46, Marconi Street, where Mrs. Dorling resided, the main character received a chilly reception, and it took Mrs. Dorling a considerable amount of time to recognize her. Mrs. Dorling, under the impression that everyone in the protagonist's family had perished, inquired if there were others accompanying her. Despite the protagonist's request to enter, Mrs. Dorling adamantly refused and suggested a return visit at a later time. Notably, the protagonist identified her mother's green cardigan, worn by Mrs. Dorling.

 

Contemplating her journey back to the train station, the protagonist reflected on her mother's previous discussions about Mrs. Dorling, an acquaintance who, during the war, would visit their home and safeguard their belongings in case they had to abandon the place. Describing Mrs. Dorling's physical features, the protagonist noted her broad back.

 

Subsequently, the protagonist decided to reclaim their possessions from Mrs. Dorling's residence. Upon ringing the bell again, she was met by Mrs. Dorling's daughter, who ushered her in and requested her presence in the living room. While traversing the corridor, the protagonist observed their unused Hanukkah candle stand. However, upon entering the living room, the sight of her mother's belongings arranged haphazardly, coupled with unattractive furniture and a musty odor, disheartened her, instilling a desire to depart. Mrs. Dorling's daughter offered tea, and during this interaction, the protagonist noticed the familiar tablecloth with a burn mark.

 

As Mrs. Dorling's daughter showcased the silverware, which rightfully belonged to the protagonist, she abruptly left the premises. The experience stirred memories of the past, leading her to decide against revisiting the location and ultimately resolving to erase the address from her recollections.

Class 11 English Snapshot Chapter 1 – The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse (William Saroyan) Summary

 

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Snapshot

Chapter 1 – The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse (William Saroyan)

Summary

Aram and Mourad, two economically disadvantaged boys belonging to the Armenian Garoghlanian family, renowned for their honesty since the eleventh century, found themselves in an extraordinary situation. One early morning, as Aram blissfully dreamed, his cousin Mourad appeared at his window accompanied by a stunning white horse. Aram, initially skeptical, couldn't believe the reality of the horse in the faint light outside. Due to their poverty, he doubted the horse could be theirs and speculated whether Mourad had stolen it.

 

Mourad invited Aram for a ride, urging haste before the world awoke. Aram, quickly dressing, jumped out of the window to join Mourad on the horse. They traversed the familiar landscapes of Walnut Avenue, a region marked by its aged countryside.

 

After some time, Mourad requested Aram to dismount, expressing a desire to ride alone. Aram, aspiring to solo riding, learned that Mourad had pilfered the horse a month earlier, making it a daily ritual. When Aram eventually got his turn to ride, the horse unexpectedly took him to a vineyard, threw him off, and fled. After an extensive search, Mourad located the horse and concealed it in an abandoned vineyard, stocked with oats and alfalfa. Mourad displayed remarkable adeptness in handling both animals and humans.

 

One day, John Byro visited Aram's house to speak with his irritable and loud uncle, Khosrove. Byro reported his missing horse, purchased for sixty dollars. Despite Khosrove's dismissive response, advising him to pay no attention to it, Byro left, perturbed by the encounter.

 

Aram, concerned about Byro's missing horse, implored Mourad not to return it until he learned to ride. Mourad, angered and asserting their tribe's reputation for honesty, declared they were not thieves and vowed to return the horse after six months.

 

During one of their trips to hide the horse, they encountered John Byro returning to town. Byro conversed with them, inspecting the horse closely. Acknowledging its resemblance to his missing horse, he chose to trust the honesty of Aram's family, assuming it was a twin. Mourad skillfully allowed Byro to maintain this assumption, and they departed. The next morning, they returned the horse to Byro's vineyard, placing it in the barn, accompanied by the silent presence of the dogs.

 

Later that afternoon, a delighted and astonished John Byro returned home, informing his mother about the unexpected return of his horse. Despite the improved temper and strength of the horse, Uncle Khosrove, true to his character, roared, "Quiet, man, quiet. Your horse has been returned. Pay no attention to it."

Class 11 English Hornbill Chapter 5 – Silk Road (Nick Middleton) Summary

 

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Hornbill

Chapter 5 – Silk Road (Nick Middleton)

Summary

The main character desired to undertake the kora at Mount Kailash and enlisted Tsetan as the driver for the journey. As a parting gesture, Lhamo presented him with a long-sleeved sheepskin coat. Daniel accompanied him until Darchen.

 

Commencing the journey, Tsetan opted for a southwest shortcut, a direct path to Mount Kailash involving the crossing of high mountain passes. Tsetan assured that the absence of snow wouldn't pose any issues. Along the way, they encountered gazelles, a herd of wild asses, and shepherds tending their flocks.

 

Upon reaching a hill, they passed dark tents serving as homes for nomads, guarded by Tibetan mastiffs with imposing jaws. These dogs chased their car as they neared the tents. Upon entering the valley, they were greeted by snow-capped mountains, icy rivers, and roads with sharper turns and bumps. Tsetan, navigating in third gear, maneuvered through the challenging terrain. The protagonist, feeling ear pressure, cleared congestion by holding his nose and snorting. At 5210 meters above sea level, he checked his watch.

 

Encountering a snow-filled road, Tsetan carefully drove by throwing dirt on the snow. The journey continued, with the protagonist experiencing a headache, alleviated by sips of water. As they ascended to 5515 meters above sea level, they encountered a hurdle — a snow-covered road. Tsetan warned against smoking due to petrol expansion from low atmospheric pressure.

 

Around 2 o'clock in the afternoon, they halted for lunch, and the protagonist's headache had subsided. By late afternoon, they reached the town of 'Hor' and rejoined the east-west highway, an old route from Lhasa to Kashmir. Daniel left for Lhasa, while Tsetan fixed car punctures. The protagonist waited at a local café, finding Hor to be a dismal place. Later, Tsetan rejoined, and they resumed their journey.

 

At 10:30 pm, they lodged at a guest house in Darchen. The protagonist fell ill due to altitude change and cold weather, staying awake all night. The next morning, Tsetan took him to a Tibetan medical college, where he received a five-day course of medicines from a Tibetan doctor in a brown envelope. After a day of medication, he felt better. Tsetan left, ensuring his health, while the protagonist remained in Darchen.

 

Darchen, lacking pilgrims, had a general store and a solitary café. Men gathered to play pool daily, and women washed their hair in a narrow stream. In the absence of pilgrims, the protagonist met Norbu in the café. Norbu, a Tibetan working in Beijing, had come to complete the kora. Despite his difficulty walking due to his size, the protagonist decided to embark on the pilgrimage with him. They hired yaks to carry their luggage. However, Norbu jokingly declared his incapacity by collapsing across the table, emphasizing his large tummy.

Class 11 English Hornbill Chapter 4 – The Adventure (Jayant Narlikar) Summary

 

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Hornbill

Chapter 4 – The Adventure (Jayant Narlikar)

Summary

Jayant Narlikar skillfully crafted "The Adventure" in a captivating and enlightening manner, offering students a seamless blend of history and science. The narrative unfolds as Professor Gaitonde, a historian, inexplicably embarks on a journey through time, thrust into a past Mumbai that defies all familiarity.

 

The contemporary Mumbai he encounters starkly contrasts with its actual state. Disembarking at the Victoria Terminus Station, he is surprised by its pristine condition. The train coaches bear the inscription 'Greater Bombay Metropolitan Railway,' manned by Anglo-Indians and a handful of British officers.

 

Venturing beyond the station, Gaitonde is confronted by the East India Company Headquarters and structures dominated by British brands and banks, notably absenting his son's workplace at Forbes. Determined to unravel the mystery, he seeks answers at the library, where he discovers discrepancies in the details of the Battle of Panipat. Astonishingly, the British rule never reached India, a revelation that leaves him perplexed.

 

Further exploration leads him to Azad Maidan, where a confrontation with the audience results in his expulsion from the stage. Subsequently, Gaitonde emerges from his temporal odyssey, lying unconscious in Azad Maidan. Seeking clarification, he consults Professor Deshpande and learns about the subjective nature of reality, suggesting the existence of multiple manifestations or dimensions beyond our sensory perceptions.

 

Physicists postulate the presence of unseen worlds, and Professor Deshpande explains Gaitonde's transition to another dimension during his coma induced by an accident. As Gaitonde's last thoughts revolved around the Battle of Panipat, he inadvertently projected himself into that era, experiencing a vivid yet subjective interpretation of the past within the confines of his own mind.

Class 11 English Hornbill Chapter 3 – Discovering Tut: The Saga Continues (A.R. Williams) Summary

 

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Chapter 3 – Discovering Tut: The Saga Continues (A.R. Williams)

Summary

 

"Continuing the Tutankhamun Saga" is a chapter that delves deep into the life of Tutankhamun, the final ruler of the formidable Pharaoh Dynasty in Egypt, offering profound insights. Tutankhamun, a teenager at the time of his mysterious death, ruled Egypt and its empire for centuries, with some speculating that he might have been murdered.

 

In 1922, British archaeologist Howard Carter discovered Tutankhamun's tomb after years of searching. Eighty years later, Tutankhamun's mummified remains were subjected to a CT scan, aiming to unravel the mysteries of his life and death through forensic reconstruction.

 

Amenhotep III, Tutankhamun's father or grandfather, wielded immense power as a Pharaoh, reigning for four decades. His successor, Amenhotep IV, later known as Akhenaten, initiated a peculiar period in Egypt's history. Akhenaten promoted the worship of Aten, changed his name to Akhenaten, and relocated the religious capital to the newly established city of Amarna.

 

Akhenaten's unconventional actions included attacking the god Amun, destroying images, and closing temples. After Akhenaten, a mysterious ruler briefly succeeded him, paving the way for Tutankhamun to ascend the throne. Tutankhamun, also called Tut, ruled for nine years, adhering to the traditional worship of god Amun. However, his death remained shrouded in mystery.

 

Tutankhamun's mummified body, discovered by Carter, was surrounded by gold, wealth, and everyday items. Carter faced challenges while investigating Tutankhamun's three nested coffins, discovering that parts of the tomb had already been looted.

 

The rock-cut tomb, 26 feet underground, featured wall paintings. Tutankhamun's outer coffin displayed a gilded face, while the first coffin contained garlands suggesting a March or April burial. The third coffin posed challenges as hardened resins adhered Tutankhamun to the solid gold coffin. Carter had to chisel and hammer the resins to prevent gold looting.

 

In 1968, an anatomy professor's X-ray examination revealed missing breastbone and front ribs on Tutankhamun's mummy. On January 5, 2009, Tutankhamun underwent a CT scan for a three-dimensional image, overcoming technical glitches during the process. His body was then returned to his tomb, where it continues to rest in peace.

Class 11 English Hornbill Chapter 2 – We’re Not Afraid to Die… If We Can All Be Together (Gorden Cook and Alan East) Summary

 

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Chapter 2 – We’re Not Afraid to Die… If We Can All Be Together (Gorden Cook and Alan East)

Summary

The narrator and his wife decide to embark on a global journey reminiscent of the renowned Captain James Cook. Over the past 16 years, they have dedicated themselves to preparing and honing their seafaring skills. Acquiring a 23-meter, 30-ton wooden-hulled ship named Wave Walker, they subject it to testing in challenging weather conditions for several months.

In July 1976, their voyage commences from Plymouth, England. The initial leg, sailing from Africa to Cape Town, proves to be a pleasant journey. Before heading east, the narrator enlists the assistance of two crewmen, Larry Vigil and Herb Seigler, to navigate the treacherous Southern Indian Ocean.

Encountering formidable and alarming waves on the second day, they manage to cover 35,000 kilometers east of Cape Town by December 25. Despite facing adverse weather conditions, the family comes together to celebrate Christmas. However, the weather takes a turn for the worse, and on January 2, they are hit by massive waves.

Attempting to mitigate the impact, they drop the storm jib and use a heavy mooring rope, but their efforts prove insufficient. Undertaking life-saving measures, they conduct a life-raft drill, don life jackets, and oilskins. Later in the evening, a towering wave strikes, hurling the narrator off the ship. He contemplates his imminent death, losing consciousness.

As the ship teeters on the brink of capsizing, another colossal wave rights it. The narrator sustains injuries to his ribs and mouth but manages to cling to the guard rail and return to the ship's main boom. Taking charge, he instructs his wife to guard the wheel and realizes that the ship is taking on water. The crewmen start pumping out the water, and the narrator checks on his children, prioritizing the ship's salvation over his daughter Sue's injury.

Addressing the leaks, the narrator waterproofs the breaches, diverting water to the right side. Dealing with challenges such as a blocked hand pump and a short-circuited electric pump, they persist. Despite sending Mayday calls that go unanswered due to their remote location, they continue pumping water throughout the night.

Sue reveals her injuries, a swollen black eye and a deep cut in her arm, explaining that she didn't want her father to worry. After 15 hours, they gain control, but leaks persist below the waterline. Recognizing the ship's deteriorating condition, they abandon the plan to reach Australia and opt for the nearest island, lle Amsterdam.

Despite damaged supporting engines, they pump water continuously for 36 hours, leaving only a few centimeters. They hoist the storm jib, consume their first meal in two days, and face changing weather. The narrator's son Jonathan expresses fearlessness in the face of death as long as they are together, fueling the determination to fight.

Struggling to protect the weakened starboard side, the narrator and his wife contemplate their end. Supported by their children, they persevere through the storm. Despite setbacks, including a destroyed mainmast, they sail through the storm, calculating their position and receiving a heartfelt card from Sue.

Instructing Larry to steer to 185 degrees, the narrator dozes off but wakes up disappointed, thinking they hadn't made it. His son informs him they reached lle Amsterdam Island, praising him as the 'best daddy' and 'best captain.' With some struggle and the help of the island's inhabitants, the family and crew members never cease their efforts, ultimately overcoming the challenges that threatened their lives.

Class 12 English Vistas Chapter 6 – Memories of childhood Summary

 

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Vistas

Chapter 6 – Memories of childhood

Summary

Part 1 The Cutting of My Long Hair

The narrative commences with Zitkala's initial experience at the Carlisle Indian School, an institution designed for Native Americans to assimilate into mainstream American culture by relinquishing their own heritage. Zitkala expresses her discomfort when the school authorities confiscate her shawl before entering the dining hall. She questions the conformity of other Indian girls, who, in her opinion, compromise their modesty by wearing tight clothes that reveal their entire body shape, along with having their hair cut short, a practice she deems undesirable. According to Zitkala, her mother had told her that only cowards or mourners should have their hair shaved off.

As the story unfolds, Zitkala and her peers are escorted to the dining hall, where she attracts the attention of a fair-skinned woman due to her failure to adhere to table manners. Judewin, another Indian girl, informs Zitkala that the woman intends to cut her hair. Resisting vehemently, Zitkala refuses to resemble a coward or mourner, seeking refuge under a bed in an upstairs room. Her disappearance prompts a search, and she is eventually apprehended, restrained, and subjected to the humiliating experience of having her hair forcibly cut.

Feeling deeply depressed and humiliated, Zitkala reflects on how her mother would have provided comfort during such a challenging time. Ultimately, she submits to her captors, likening herself to a tamed animal.

 

Part 2 We too are human beings

The tale unfolds through the eyes of Bama, a vivacious young girl who takes delight in observing the events unfolding on her street. Despite the mere ten-minute distance from her school to home, she deliberately extends her journey to thirty minutes. Bama attributes this prolonged commute to the captivating sights she encounters along the way.

During her walk home, she witnesses a monkey's performance, a snake charmer captivating his audience, and a persistent cyclist. Noteworthy landmarks include a renowned temple with a large bell and a tribal vendor selling clay beads and needles. The street also boasts various snack stalls and intriguing street performances. Bama shares the occurrence of political parties delivering lectures on her street.

As she progresses, Bama observes a landlord overseeing his workers in the fields. A humorous incident involving an elderly member of her community handing a snack pack to the landlord elicits laughter from Bama. Upon recounting this incident at home, her elder brother imparts a harsh truth about their low caste status, revealing the disdain upper-caste individuals hold for the touch or presence of those from lower castes. This revelation sparks anger in Bama towards the upper-caste community.

In the days that follow, Bama's brother faces inquiries about his caste. In response, he encourages Bama to focus on her education, emphasizing that academic success is the key to earning respect. Following his advice, Bama becomes the top student in her class, not only gaining respect but also forming meaningful friendships along the way.

Class 12 English Vistas Chapter 5 – On the Face of It. (Susan Hill) Summary

 

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Vistas

Chapter 5 – On the Face of It. (Susan Hill)

Summary

The narrative commences with a teenage boy entering a garden, his face bearing the scars of an accident involving acid, leaving one side disfigured. Seeking refuge due to the fear of societal ridicule, he stumbles upon the presence of an elderly man, Mr. Lamb, the garden's owner. Despite contemplating departure, Derry is urged to stay by Mr. Lamb, who graciously welcomes him and dismisses any guilt for the unauthorized entry.

Derry, burdened by the belief that people despise his appearance and fear him, engages in a conversation with Mr. Lamb. The exchange reveals Derry's fears, depression, and resentment towards his condition. In contrast, Mr. Lamb, sharing his own challenge of a tin leg, emphasizes a positive outlook on life. The two gradually form a friendship, and Mr. Lamb invites Derry to assist in harvesting crab apples.

As their rapport deepens, a conflict arises when Derry is encouraged to seek permission from his mother before aiding Mr. Lamb. Reluctantly, Derry agrees to return after obtaining approval. In Mr. Lamb's absence, assuming Derry won't return, he attempts to climb the ladder himself, leading to a fatal fall.

Upon his return, Derry discovers Mr. Lamb lying lifeless on the ground. In a futile attempt to revive him, Derry realizes the old man's demise and is overcome with grief, shedding tears for his newfound friend.

Class 12 English Vistas Chapter 4 – The Enemy (Pearl S Buck) Summary

 

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Vistas

Chapter 4 – The Enemy

(Pearl S Buck)

Summary

The Enemy unfolds in Japan during World War II, where an injured American soldier washes ashore near the residence of Dr. Sadao Hoki, a Japanese surgeon. Despite Dr. Sadao's experience living in America and practicing a modern profession, his family adheres to traditional Japanese customs.

Faced with a moral quandary, Dr. Sadao deliberates whether to leave the American soldier to perish, return him to the sea, hand him over to the military, or save his life. Despite reservations, he brings the soldier home and resolves to save him. However, the presence of an enemy disrupts the tranquility of his family life, with his wife opposing the idea of treating the soldier. The household servants also voice dissent and depart, yet Dr. Sadao shelters, operates on, and rescues the soldier.

To evade accusations of harboring an enemy, Dr. Sadao confides in a general within the Japanese military. The general offers to eliminate the man using hired killers, but the plan fails. After three nights of waiting, Dr. Sadao contemplates disposing of the American himself. He arranges a boat to transport the man to a nearby island, furnishing him with provisions and clothing to survive until he encounters a Korean fishing boat that could offer assistance. Pondering his actions, Dr. Sadao questions why he saved the life of an enemy.

Class 12 English Vistas Chapter 3 – Journey to the end of Earth (Tishani Doshi) Summary

 

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Vistas

Chapter 3 – Journey to the end of Earth

(Tishani Doshi)

Summary

The comprehensive summary of "Journey to the End of the Earth" offers an insightful exploration of Tishani Joshi's travelogue recounting her expedition to Antarctica. Guided by Geoff Green, known for leading educational trips, the author embarks on a voyage aboard a Russian vehicle, delving into the educational depths of the Earth's end. This journey becomes a platform for educational purposes and personal discovery.

Traversing about 100 hours via car, plane, and ship, the author's primary goal is an in-depth comprehension of Antarctica's intricacies. During her two-week stay, she observes the desolate landscape, where 90% of Earth's ice resides, devoid of trees or structures, embraced by constant austral summer light and profound silence.

The narrative delves into historical revelations, exploring the distant past of a unified landmass, Gondwana, existing 650 million years ago, nurturing abundant flora and fauna in a much warmer climate. With Gondwana flourishing for 500 million years before the emergence of human beings, the land eventually fragmented into the countries seen today after the dinosaurs' extinction.

The narrative also delves into the stark reality of climate change, urging a direct visit to Antarctica for a closer examination of its impact. Highlighting Antarctica's ecosystem's low biodiversity, it emphasizes the profound consequences of minimal actions on the environment. The depleting ozone layer's potential impact on sea creatures, birds, and the global carbon cycle is underscored, attributed to contributors like fossil fuel burning.

The author reflects on the fragile balance, exemplified by phytoplankton, warning of the imminent danger posed to human life by the deteriorating quality of Antarctica. The story concludes with the author's contemplation while observing seals basking on ice, pondering whether this beauty will endure or succumb to a catastrophic future.

Class 12 English Vistas Chapter 2 – The Tiger King (Kalki) Summary

 

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Vistas

Chapter 2 – The Tiger King

(Kalki)

 

Summary

The narrative revolves around Maharaja Sir Jilani Hung Bahadur of Pratibandapuram. Astrologers, when he was merely ten days old, foretold his future demise at the jaws of a tiger. Astonishingly, the infant prince quipped, "Let tigers beware!" His upbringing mirrored that of a typical royal child, nurtured on white cow’s milk, cared for by an English nanny, and exposed to English films.

Upon ascending the throne at twenty, the Maharaja learned of this ominous prophecy. Determined to avert fate, he embarked on a tiger-hunting spree and outlawed tiger hunts in his realm. Astrologers warned of the 100th tiger, cautioning even after slaying 99, he should remain vigilant.

During a visit by a senior British officer who sought a tiger hunt, the Maharaja refused, instead gifting the officer's wife fifty diamond rings worth three lakh rupees to pacify him. Over a decade, he successfully dispatched 70 tigers, depleting Pratibandapuram's tiger population. To fulfill his goal, he wed a girl from a kingdom teeming with tigers, ensuring he hunted 5-6 tigers on every visit. Despite these efforts, the elusive 100th tiger remained elusive.

In desperation, the Maharaja's rage fell upon the Dewan. To save himself, the Dewan arranged for an aged circus tiger to be placed in the forest. The Maharaja, upon hunting this tiger, believed he had succeeded, unaware his shot missed, causing the tiger to collapse in fright. Afraid to disclose the truth, they slew the tiger and paraded it triumphantly.

 

Celebrating joyously, the Maharaja gifted a wooden tiger to his son, unwittingly causing a woodcut on his hand that led to a fatal infection. In a twist of fate, the wooden 100th tiger avenged itself, ultimately causing the demise of the king.

Class 12 English Vistas Chapter 1 – The Third Level Summary

 

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Vistas

Chapter 1 – The Third Level

Summary

In New York, the Grand Central Station has two levels. Nonetheless, Charley a 31-year-old city resident talks that there exists a third level. Also, he claims that he has been there. To talk about this problem he visits a psychiatrist friend. He calls it a “walking-dream wish fulfilment” and explains Charley’s psychology by saying that “the modern world is full of fear, insecurity, war, and worry…..” and everybody wants to escape to some “temporary refuge from reality.” As for him, hobbies like stamp collection is an indicator of this escape.At times the Grand Central Station seems like a maze to Charley. While taking the subway earlier he had lost his way a couple of times. One time he entered the lobby of the Roosevelt Hotel. While the other time he appeared at an office building that was three blocks away. However, this time he loses his way and something unique occurs. Charley visits the third level!

In the silent hallway, Charley keeps walking, turning left, and sloping downward, until he touches an architecturally old station, which is totally different from the two familiar levels. Moreover, this old small room with fewer ticket counters and train gates, a wooden information booth, wavering open flame gas lights and brass spittoons. All this remind him of the architecture of the 1800s. Further, he sees people in outdated outfits. When he noticed the date in the newspaper ‘The World’ he sees 11 June 1894. When he tries to buy two tickets, he realizes that he needs old currency.

He always wanted to travel to Galesburg with his wife, Louisa. Back in his head, it is “a wonderful town still, with big old frame houses, huge lawns, and tremendous trees….” The place has pleasant and long summer dusks and where people have ample of time. Hence, the next day during lunch, he exchanges three hundred dollars for old currency amounting to some two hundred only. In addition, the amount doesn’t bother him as he believes that everything there will be cheaper. However, he could never again find the corridor that leads him to the third level.

When her wife came to know about this she asks him to stop looking. Unexpectedly, his friend Sam Weiner also disappear and his wife keeps on looking for him for in the weekends. Moreover, Sam was the one whom Charley shares his idea about Galesburg.

Charley inherited the hobby of stamp collection from his grandfather. And someday while looking at the stamp collection, Charley finds a letter that was earlier not there. Also, it has the postmark on a faded six-cent stamp with a picture of President Garfield. Further, the envelop read as 18 July 1894 to Charley’s grandfather in Galesburg and it addresses Charley.

In the letter, Sam tells Charley that he has reached Galesburg and he invites Charley and Louisa there. After going to stamp and coin shop he gets to know that Sam exchange eight hundred dollars for old currency bills to establish his business in Galesburg. Besides, Sam was none other than Charley’s psychiatrist!

Through the third level, the writer wants to escape from the modern world to peaceful and quite old times.