Class 12 English Flamingo Going Places (A.R. Barton) Summary

 

NCERT Solutions For Class 12 English

Flamingo

Going Places  

(A.R. Barton)

Summary

Sophie and Jansie, a pair of adolescents, head home from school, both employed at a biscuit factory. Sophie, lost in her daydreams, envisions herself as the owner of a prestigious boutique, aspiring to emulate the success of Mary Quaint, a renowned fashion designer. Jansie, pragmatic, advises against lofty dreams due to financial constraints, prompting Sophie to entertain the idea of becoming an actress to accumulate wealth for her boutique. Jansie, grounded in reality, doesn't endorse Sophie's aspirations.

Upon arriving home, Sophie feels suffocated in their cramped, steam-filled house cluttered with unwashed dishes. Her father eats while her mother toils away in the kitchen. Seeking solace, Sophie seeks out her older brother Geoff, a trainee mechanic engrossed in fixing a motorcycle part. Geoff, reticent about his personal life, piques Sophie's curiosity, making her yearn to be part of his seemingly intriguing world. Sharing a secret, Sophie claims to have encountered Danny Casey, a famed footballer, at a boutique. Despite her attempts, both her father and brother doubt her tale, although Geoff offers her a chance to believe in her story.On a Saturday outing, the family, avid football enthusiasts, revel in watching a match where their favorite team secures victory with a goal scored by Casey. Their elation knows no bounds. However, when questioned by Jansie about her alleged meeting with Danny Casey, Sophie, initially angered by her brother's disclosure, manages to defuse the situation.Later, Sophie visits a secluded spot near a canal, hopeful of meeting her idol, Danny Casey, who fails to appear. Recognizing it as a product of her imagination, she finds herself deeply entrenched in a fantasy of affection for him, reluctant to let go. Ultimately, returning home with a heavy heart, she chances upon Royce's boutique, once more ensnared in the dream of her hero.

Class 12 English Flamingo The Interview (Summary)

 

NCERT Solutions For Class 12 English

Flamingo

The Interview  

(Christopher Silvester)

Summary

 

The lesson commences by discussing the historical origins of interviews in journalism, dating back over 130 years. The author notes the wide spectrum of opinions on interviews—some view it as the pinnacle of communication, while others despise being subjected to them. Interviews hold significant impact, often altering perceptions to the extent that the essence of one's true self seems to be stolen, as per an old adage. Notably, renowned figures such as celebrities, writers, and artists have openly criticized the interview process. For instance, Rudyard Kipling expressed his disdain, considering interviews an assault and a transgression deserving of punishment. He firmly believed that a person of dignity would never engage in or grant an interview.

An excerpt from an interview between Mukund of The Hindu newspaper and Umberto Eco, a distinguished professor at the University of Bologna, focuses on his acclaimed novel, "The Name of the Rose," which sold over ten million copies. Eco, renowned for his contributions to semiotics, literary interpretation, and medieval aesthetics, elaborates on his diverse pursuits. When asked about managing multiple endeavors, Eco suggests that he's essentially engaged in the same pursuit, illustrating how his works about children inherently advocate peace and non-violence, reflecting his philosophical interests. Identifying himself primarily as an academic scholar participating in conferences during the week and indulging in novel writing on Sundays, Eco remains unperturbed by being primarily recognized as a novelist instead of a scholar. He acknowledges the challenge in reaching a vast audience with scholarly work, likening life's gaps to the interstices found in atoms and the cosmos—spaces where he accomplishes much of his productive work.

Regarding his novel, Eco notes its complexity, combining detective elements with metaphysics, theology, and medieval history. Additionally, he suggests that the novel's timing played a pivotal role in its massive success, positing that had it been published a decade earlier or later, its acclaim might not have been as significant. Hence, the enigma behind its success persists.

Class 12 English Flamingo Poets and Pancakes ( Summary)

 

NCERT Solutions For Class 12 English

Flamingo

Poets and Pancakes 

(Asokamitran)

Summary

In this narrative, Asokamitran delves into the world of Gemini Studios, shedding light on what keeps it in the public eye. He commences by referencing 'Pancakes,' the renowned makeup brand ordered in abundance by Gemini Studios. He proceeds to highlight the challenges faced by actors and actresses, enduring the glare of numerous lights while preparing in the makeup room. According to him, the makeup department applied copious amounts of makeup to transform them into unrecognizable figures. Surprisingly, he mentions the office boy of the makeup department, whose duty involved hurriedly applying paint to actors' faces during crowd-shooting. This young man, a poet by nature, harbored aspirations of becoming an actor, screenwriter, director, or lyricist, joining the studio with high hopes.

During those days, the author worked within a cubicle, responsible for gathering seemingly inconsequential newspaper clippings—a task often dismissed by others. Consequently, the office boy persistently bothered him with his grievances, attributing his misery to a figure named Subbu, whom he believed had an advantage due to being born a Brahmin. Subbu, a resourceful and loyal individual, was integral to the studio, seemingly tailor-made for the film industry. Despite this, he exhibited a warm hospitality like many others at Gemini Studios, engaging in poetry alongside his work in the story department, which also included a lawyer known for his pragmatic and unbiased nature in a room brimming with dreamers.

Asokamitran then recounts Gemini Studios hosting the Moral Rearmament Army, a group of international performers. Though their narratives lacked complexity, their sets and costumes were impeccably executed. Their influence extended to Tamil plays, shaping the depiction of sunsets and sunrises reminiscent of the 'Jotham Valley' for several years. Subsequently, another visitor, Stephen Spender, graced Gemini Studios. Initially unfamiliar to most due to linguistic barriers, it wasn't until years later that Asokamitran encountered Spender's name in a book, finally recognizing the significance of the visitor.

Class 12 English Flamingo Indigo (summary)

 

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Flamingo

Indigo

(Louis Fischer)

Summary

Gandhi and Louis Fischer first met in 1942 at his Sevagram ashram. Gandhi explained to him how he started the British exodus from India. He remembers visiting the location in 1917 at the request of Champaran sharecropper Rajkumar Shukla. In 1916, Gandhi traveled to Lucknow to attend the Indian National Congress's annual convention. Shukla said to him that he had traveled from Champaran to ask for his assistance in defending the rights of sharecroppers. Gandhi excused himself by saying he was busy, but Shukla went with him to a number of locations till he agreed to go to Champaran.

Gandhiji was delighted by his resolute decision and assured him that he would visit Calcutta on a specific day, after which Shukla may come and accompany him to Champaran. Shukla escorted him to Patna by train after they met in Calcutta. They waited for Gandhi when he went to the home of attorney Rajendra Prasad. To obtain a comprehensive understanding of the circumstances, he arrived in Muzzafarpur on April 15, 1917. Professor J.B. Kriplani and his students gave him a warm welcome. Gandhi was taken aback by the overwhelming support shown for a home rule supporter such as himself. He also got to know a few attorneys who were already working on sharecropper issues. According to the agreement, the peasant was to set aside 15% of their land for the production of indigo, with the landlord receiving the crop as rent. This was an extremely repressive system. Gandhi was an advocate for sharecroppers. He went to the British Land Association, but as an alien, he was not provided any information. He then went to the Tirhut Division Commissioner, who had threatened Gandhi, and asked that he leave Tirhut. Rather than heading back, he traveled to Motihari. At this point, he began compiling all of the facts pertaining to the indigo deal. He was escorted by numerous attorneys.

One day, the police superintendent's courier stopped him on his way to see a peasant who was being mistreated by the indigo growers and gave him a notice telling him to leave. Gandhi ignored the directive despite receiving the notice. He was the target of a lawsuit. Numerous attorneys arrived to counsel him, but when he became anxious, they all joined him in his fight and even agreed to go to jail in order to aid the underprivileged peasants. A sizable throng gathered outside the court on the day of the trial. It was no longer possible to deal with them. Gandhi assisted the police in managing the throng. Gandhi clarified that he was not breaking the law when he defied in order to assist the peasants.

After being given bail, the prosecution against him was eventually withdrawn. Gandhi and his allies began compiling a wide range of data regarding the indigo contract and its abuse. A panel was later formed to investigate the situation. Following the investigation, the planters were found guilty and ordered to reimburse the peasants. They only offered to pay 25% of the total amount since they expected to be rejected. Gandhi agreed to this as well because he intended to release the sharecroppers from the indigo contract's restrictions. In the Champaran villages, he established six schools, where students were taught by volunteers including Mahadev Desai, Narhari Parikh, and his son, Devdas. Gandhi's wife Kasturbai once instructed people on personal cleanliness.Subsequently, he improved the quality of life for the Champaran inhabitants by providing medical facilities with the aid of a volunteer doctor. Andrews was a mediator who wished to work as a volunteer at Champaran Ashram. Gandhi, however, declined because he believed that Indians should learn how to be independent so they would not need outside help. Gandhi informed the author that Champaran's experience had led him to conclude that, in his own nation, he did not require the Britisher's guidance.

Class 12 English Flamingo The Rattrap (Summary)

 

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Flamingo

The Rattrap

(Selma Lagerlof)

Summary

"The Rattrap" by Selma Lagerlöf narrates the life of a destitute man who makes a living selling rattraps. The story is inspired by a real-life rattrap seller who crafted his wares from materials acquired through begging and minor thefts.

The protagonist, a poor vagabond, sustains himself by selling rattraps and resorting to petty thefts, including pilfering thirty kronor from someone. Faced with unfortunate circumstances, he adopts various means such as rattrap sales, begging, and theft to survive, mirroring his cynical and bleak perspective on life, viewing the world as a vast rattrap.

The overarching theme of the narrative delves into the notion that many individuals succumb to the lure of material gains. Nevertheless, the story suggests that inherent goodness can be rekindled through understanding and love, showcasing the human capacity for redemption from dishonest paths.

In summary, "The Rattrap" is a poignant narrative that explores the challenges of a man existing on society's periphery, shedding light on his struggles and worldview. It serves as a poignant reminder of the innate goodness within people and the potential for redemption.

Class 12 English Flamingo Deep Water (Summary)

 

NCERT Solutions For Class 12 English

Flamingo

Deep Water

(William Douglas)

Summary

The summary of "Deep Water" offers insight into the chapter's essence, an excerpt from William Douglas's book 'Men and Mountains.' In this narrative, the author shares his journey of conquering a profound fear of water deeply embedded within him. This fear originates from two harrowing incidents. The first occurs when he is merely four years old, knocked down by a wave. Similarly, the second incident transpires at the age of 11 when a bully throws him into the deep end of a pool, nearly drowning him. These frightening experiences instill a deep-seated fear of water in the author.

Despite the daunting challenges, the author diligently works to overcome this fear. The summary delves into the measures he takes to conquer his fear, highlighting the relentless effort he invests in the process. Ultimately, he triumphs over this fear, imparting a valuable lesson in determination and willpower to readers.

Flamingo(Lost Spring)(Summary)

 

NCERT Solutions For Class 12 English

Flamingo

Lost Spring– Stories of Stolen Childhood (Anees Jung)

Summary

This story has two parts.

The first part describes the life of ragpickers of the Seemapuri.The garbage collectors come from Dhaka. The storms have caused damage to their homes and farmland. Now they settled in Seemapuri, Delhi. They had to face a lot of difficulties and the truth was painful for them. They lack the basic resources. Every morning, the author observes Saheb searching the area for "gold." These rag pickers depend on garbage to survive.  For the children it is a wonderful thing. A few coins can be found from it. But for elders it is a means of survival. There are a lot of things that they can't access. Later, Saheb enters a tea shop where he has the opportunity to make 800 Rupees and receive all meals. But he has lost his freedom, because of this work. so, he is not happy.

The second part explains the life and aspirations of Mukesh, a boy from a family of bangle makers of Firozabad. This place is famous for its outstanding glass-blowing industry. Nearly 20,000 children are employed in this specific industry. They work in small dark room in front of hot furnaces.  Most of them lost their eyes before reaching adulthood. Additionally, nobody over there is aware of the laws that prohibit child labour.  Furthermore, both the working and housing conditions are terrible. Politicians, middlemen, bureaucrats, and police officers have a nexus that block their progress. The women in the home saw it as their fate. Such reasoning leads them to just accept their condition. Mukesh is distinct in some way. He thinking is different from the others.  In the future, he hopes to work as a mechanic. He lives a long way from the garage, but he is determined to walk there.

Flamingo(The last lesson) Summary

 

NCERT Solutions For Class 12 English

Flamingo

The Last Lesson(Alphonse Daudet)

Summary

Franz, a French boy, tells the story. He is slow but sensitive, and he enjoys playing. He despises French and despises his teacher, M. Hamel.

 After conquering their French districts of Alsace and Lorraine, Berlin has ordered that German be taught in schools instead of French.

It is the last day of M. Hamel's forty-year tenure as their French teacher. He is overcome with grief, nostalgia, and patriotism. The village men also attend his 'last lesson' to show their appreciation for his hard work. They are disappointed because they did not learn their mother tongue, French, as children.

Franz is surprised to learn that this is his final lesson because he does not speak French. Suddenly, he becomes interested in learning it and comprehends everything taught that day!

He instantly likes and respects his teacher, M. Hamel, for his sincerity and hard work.

He is saddened by his departure from him and embarrassed by his inability to recite the participles lesson.

M. Hamel tells them that they are all to blame for not being eager to learn and putting it off until the next day. He blames himself for failing to teach them sincerely.

His patriotism is reflected in his praise for the French language as the world's most beautiful and logical language. He warns the students to guard their language because knowing one's language is the key to escaping the prison of slavery. It will aid them in their escape from the Germans.

They recognize the significance of learning their mother tongue and the fact that they were defeated by the Germans due to their illiteracy.

Franz believes that it is impossible to take away a person's language because it is natural to each being, whether it is "coo" to pigeons or "French" to Frenchmen.