This document has all course content topics been written in a simplest and understanding way. It is useful for the students of BBS.

1. How Your Birth Order Influences Your Life Adjustment?
-Lucille K. Forer
In her writing, Forer gives her explanation regarding how birth order plays a vital role in our life. She has
clearly mentioned that the parents have greater sense of excitement when they have first child than having
another ones. The parents also expect much from their older child than younger ones. The oldest child
maintains intense relationship with parents; often imitates their language and mannerisms. Slowly and
gradually, the oldest child begins to be parental for other children. She is expected to be more capable
and responsible on the part of the parents. She expects others to be less capable. Later children are not
closely identified with their parents like their older siblings. They learn things gradually from their
childhood to adulthood.
In her article, Forer also explains that the birth order of the child also determines his/ her place in the
family. The oldest child is expected to be responsible to take care of the younger children. The parents
and the child himself take the role for granted. Older children believe that they are more adequate than
their younger siblings. As far as middle child is concerned, sometimes s/he helps the younger ones and
sometimes parents are there to help him or her.
In case of younger child, hshe is not able to do many things like others ash/she is helped by others
especially by parents. Hshe does not need to worry about anything as such. The youngest tend to think
that other people are more capable.
Similarly, the only child sees others as more adequate but learns to be independent realizing that parents
won’t always be there to help him or her.
Born for Each Other?
-Pamela Wither
Q. Give a summary of the article “Born for Each other”?
Ans: In this article, Wither simply expresses and exposes the idea that marital match and marital discord
can be possible due to the birth order. As in the case of the article, Ronald and Lois are happy couple now
but in the earlier days of their marriage, they used to have sense of misunderstanding without getting any
solution.
The Oldest Child
As the oldest child will be confident, responsible, serious and parental, he likes perfection in life. The
oldest child with the same sex siblings is more authoritative and independent; the best match for him can
be the youngest child with many opposite sex siblings. The worst match for the oldest child is the oldest
child (of opposite sex) with many siblings.
The Youngest Child

2. The youngest enjoys the attention of other family members. He is playful and friendly in nature, he may
be less disciplined and he may lack decision –making power. He simply takes unfair benefit by being
angry and attractive. The younger sister of sisters can be the best match for the youngest brother as he
likes her controlling and caring attitude. Similarly, the youngest sister of brothers will match with the
oldest brother of sisters as she may like his controlling and caring attitude. But marital match between the
oldest boy and the oldest girl cannot be so long lasting.
Middle Child
The middle child is reserved in nature. He lacks seriousness. He may be self-critical. However, the middle
child always tries to learn things from the seniors and acts accordingly. Hence, the middle child’s best
marital match can be other middle child (opposite sex) as both are aspiring to love and care to each other.
The Only Child
The only child is a well-adjusted individual and she will learn to settle down with anyone. Her best
marital match is a brother of sisters. The worst match of the only child is another only child. The only
child expects his wife to make life easy going. His best match will be a sister of brothers.
Chapter: 2 Matters of Heart
As It was in the Beginning
-E. Pauline Johnson
Q. Summarize the story “As It was in the Beginning.”
This story is written by E. Pauline Johnson at the end of the 19th
century. This story is about a young
aboriginal American woman, Eisther, who leaves her family and village to become an educated and later
she is converted into Christianity. She comes to learn white’s mannerism but suffers from homesickness.
While staying with Father Paul and other white people, she keeps missing her family, society and culture.
She wants to go to her own society and people. Her homesickness becomes so strong that she begs to go
to home but Father Paul denies that. To kill her homesickness, she spends the evening nearby the village
border wishing for her father’s home. Laurence, a nephew to Father Paul somehow supports her to avoid
the sense of loneliness. One day, Laurence happens to embrace her and asks her not to go to her
hometown leaving him behind. She then realizes that she has also soft corner for him. Due to the
influence of love, she begins to forget her hometown, family members and even language. She begins to
want Laurence. Both of them are very happy.
However, on knowing Laurence’s desire to marry Eisther, Father Paul persuades him not to marry Eisther
but to marry Ida McIntosh, a girl from well-to-do family. Father Paul further says that Eisther is from
uncertain blood and is half-blood and unreliable. Once, Eisther happens to overhear everything negative
about her from Father Paul and Laurence and becomes so sad. Her love and respect for Father Paul and

3. Laurence turns into hatred. At last, she kills Laurence with poisoned-arrow and goes to her own home
town. Eisther kills Laurence with poisoned-arrow due to her intense hatred for him as a betrayer in love.
The Lion’s Hair
Q. Give a summary of the folktale “The Lion’s Hair”
This folktale is based on the theme of love and determination. This is associated with Ethiopian folktale.
In an Ethiopian village, a young man and a woman got married as they used to love each other with
devotion and dedication. After marriage, they were leading happy life for sometimes. But soon, they
began to blame each other even in trivial matter. They kept on quarrelling in small matters. Later on, their
quarrel became so intense that the wife went to the extent of divorce with the help of a wise, old judge.
The judge then told her whether she loved her husband or not. She replied that she loved him very much.
The judge told her to bring a single hair from the tail of the deadly lion so that he could make a special
kind of medicine to avoid her thoughts of divorce. At first, she was quite afraid as the job was very risky,
but she had to do it to live her entire life with her husband.
The woman went down to the river and hid behind a huge rock. The lion came to drink water and she
tried to take a single hair but could not. Next day, she took a sack of fresh meat and put it on the ground
and maintained certain distance with the lion. She then brought to a single hair from the tail of the lion.
She then went to the judge and asked him to make a magical medicine. The judge simply told her that
there was no any magical medicine as such. Her courage, determination and devotion were the true
medicines. The woman then went to home with new love, devotion and resolution to make her life happy
and wonderful.
Chapter: Three
Friendship
Explain the following quotations related to friendship. Which ones make the most sense to you
Q 1.“A false friend is more dangerous than an open enemy.”(Francis Bacon)
Bacon’s quotation is very striking and touchy. This statement makes me sense. Normally, we express and
expose everything to our friends but not to our enemies. Our enemies hardly get chance to play with our
sentiment. Under the guise of friendship, if some misuses the secret thing of friends that will bring
negative results in the circle of friends. False friend is just like a slow poison; therefore, one should be
very much conscious about him her. Open enemy, however, is not that much dangerous as heshe has less
concern about our everyday.
Q2.“Friendship always benefits; love sometimes injures.” (Seneca, a Roman Thinker)
This quotation about friendship also makes me sense. Friendship is a delightful relation. When we are sad
or suffering from the sense of pessimism, our friends can be the way out. Sometimes, friendship can be

4. beneficial than that of any other relationship as friends are always ready with helping hands. Ad friend is
always ready helpful in the time crisis.
Similarly, love is also a delightful relationship. However, it may not be as open and frank as that of
friendship. As love emanates from the heart, it does not bother about good and bad attitude of either of the
partner. When something bad about either of the partner is revealed, it begins to injure the heart or
sentiment.
Q 3.“My best friend is the man who in wishing me well wishes it for my sake.” (Aristotle)
The best friend is the one who always expresses the best wishes for his best friend. To put it simply, the
best friend always expects good things for the friends. Best friends are not selfish and individualistic.
They think good, do better and expect the best about the friends. If someone does not wish me good he
she cannot be my best friend. This quotation of Aristotle is very meaningful.
Q 4. “Your friend is the man who knows all about you, and still likes you.”(Elbert Hubbard,
American author)
This quotation about friendship does not make any sense to me. It is because if someone knows my dark
sides, how come heshe makes friendship with me? It is not possible in this era. The kind of friend
mentioned here can be possible only on highly ideal society but not in the selfish society of today.

5. The Friendship Bond
-Marry Brown Parlee
Q 1. Give a summary of the text, “The Friendship Bond.”
This is a research-based essay in which Parleehas mentioned the answer of the question asked by the
American magazine, Psychology Today regarding friendship. This report basically focuses on the answer
given by 40,000 Americans about the friendship. This shows that how they are in favor of close
friendship. Besides, what people expect from their close friend and what they can do for their friends
havebeen projected in the given text.
The result of the research has also shown that trust and betrayal are very important factors in terms of
friendship. American people want to make friendship not only with persons from similar backgrounds
but also from different familial and cultural backgrounds. Social critics have shown that American people
are heartless and selfish. They do not have any concern with the society. They are being highly
individualistic. This has contributed for higher rate of divorce in America.According to this research,
things are not exactly as said by social critics.
In the research, people wanted to know whether American people were dissatisfied with their friendship.
The result; however, was that only few people were dissatisfied. The report also found that American
people were in support of true friendship and they did not find weakness in their friendship. Despite not
having both-sided relationship, friendship is pretty good in America.
Major findings regarding friendship in America are:
1. American people believe in five important qualities in a friend. They are :
a. Loyalty
b. The ability to keep something confidential.
c. Warmth
d. Affection
e. Supportiveness
2. Two reasons for the ending of friendship:
a. Feeling betrayed
b. Discovering that a friend had very different views on important matters.
3. The most important characteristics among friends:
a. Having intimate talks
b. Helping out a friend
c. Turning to a friend for help.
4. Most American (90 percent) think a person should not help a friend commit suicide.

6. Heart Speaks to Heart
Across a Cultural Divide
-Gail Saunders
Q 1. Give a summary of the text.
This is a part of newspaper selection in which the writer has mentioned two women from different socio-
cultural backgrounds. The writer and another woman taught in a same school. Despite this fact, their
relationship was within the limitation of formality. In the beginning, they had friendly relationship but the
so-called political and ideological difference separated them forever. The writer would behave politely
and would like to work together with another woman in the school being social. One day, they had a
small argument. The school administration, however, told her in a meeting that she had to leave the
school. Another woman was not leaving the school. After that event, the writer stopped smiling and
socializing. One day, her neighbor, another woman noticed her being very sad in the cafeteria. She said
the writer that her heart was hurt due to her condition. They then began to have a long walk together. Her
neighbor made her aware not to be very sad. The writer then replied that it would have happened to
anyone in life, even in the life of her neighbor herself. She agreed on the statement of the writer. From
that time onwards, they exchanged their feelings and sentiments, shared eating items and became true
friends to each other despite their cultural differences. Later on, they exchanged their phone numbers. On
the caption of the goodbye card, her neighbor wrote that she was really her best friend and she wished her
all the best.

7. Chapter 4
Live to Work or Work to Live
The Ant and the Grasshopper
-W. Somerset Maugham
Q. Give a summary of the text.
The text “The Ant and the Grasshopper” is a humorous twist on the fable of Aesop and is also based on a
version of the fable by Jean La Fontaine. In the story, there are mainly two characters—George and Tom.
On reading the fable, we come to know that George is very concerned and careful; he is laborious and
loves his family members. But his younger brother, Tom has always remained as a black sheep in the
family. He is always indifferent to family affairs, less respectable and is a source of tension and trouble
for George. Tom is not laborious but has the ability to please and fascinate the people. He is a lazy fellow
and alsodoes not care about his family. In this regard, George is equal to ant, always laboriousand
responsible whereas Tom is equal to grasshopper in the fable.
We know that ant isvery conscious and collects food for the winter season but the grasshopper kills his
time doing nothing but singing and merry –making. When the winter comes, the ant becomes very happy
but the grasshopper simply suffers due to the lack o food. The moral lesson of the fable is that hard-
working and industrious people are always happy and rewarded whereas the lazy ones always suffer.
The writer of this text, however, gives different picture. He clearly makes his point through the characters
George and Tom. George is always thoughtful and responsible. He takes care of his family members. But
Tom is very careless. He lives his wifeand children and starts eating, drinking and merry-making. He
even involves in gambling and is in debt. George pays his debt to maintain the family reputation in the
society.
Just opposite to George, Tom lives his life in a luxurious manner. He just enjoys his life. George, on the
other hand, works eight hours a day. Because of his hard work, he begins to look older but Tom is still
young and energetic. Tom is so clever that he marries an old but rich woman, who lives money and
property after death. George is not happy by not seeing the natural justice. Normally, hardworking and
industrious people are rewarded and lazy ones are punished. Just opposite to this natural law, Tom enjoys
his life but George suffers in his old age despite being so much hardworking fellow.

8. Mommy Wars, Part III
Q. Give a summary of the text “Mommy Wars, Part III.”
This text is based on the different opinions of women regarding stay-at-home and working outside. It is
also based on the opinions, experiences, and logics of different women. Some women think that it is good
to stay at home, bear children and look after them along with doing household activities. Some women on
the other hand, give their opinions by saying that it is very challenging to make a balance between office
work and household activities. Similarly, some women argue that domestic life simply makes women
lagging behind in terms of personal and professional life. From these opinions, it becomes quite clear that
some women work out of compulsion, some work out of interest while some women stay athome with
children and regard themselves lucky.According to this text, it becomes clear that it is very tough to
maintain a perfect balance between working outside and leading a family life.
Q. Why does society give more responsibility for raising children to mothers than fathers?
Many societies tend to give more responsibility for raising children to mothers than fathers as they feed,
nurture and care their children whole-heartedly. It does not mean that fathers do not care and love their
children. Bynature, women express and expose their love, affection and emotion whereas men tend to be
reserved in these matters. There is a passionate attachment between mothers and children. It may be due
to the fact that it is mothers who keep their babiesinside their wombs for nine months.
Most of the societies regard mothers as home makers whereas fathers are bread winners to run the family.
In this sense, as far as child-rearing activities are concerned, mothers are better than fathers. Hence, most
human societies have been internalizing this fact.

9. Chapter 5
Out of Courtesy
Courtesy, Key to a Happier World
-Dr. Norman Vincent Peale
Q. Give a summary of the article “Courtesy; Key to a Happier World.”
In this article, Dr. Peale has discussed about the value of courtesy, which can make this world better place
to stay. He says that if people were courteous, this world would be a beautiful place. There are two parts
in this article. In the first part, he has mentioned the components of courtesy. In the same way, in the
second part, he has given the pieces of advice regarding how to improve one’s manners. He has also told
that courtesy simply means to behave or treat others the way one wants to be behaved or treated.
In this modern age, sense of courtesy, politeness and good manners are extremely lacking. So, people are
aspiring for such things. It is because bad manners always bring social unrest and it is very destructive.
There are three parts of god manners. A sense of justice is one of them. In other words, a highly
developed sense of fair play is one of them. For instance, if a driver, who is driving through a dusty road
lets another driver go ahead to tolerate the dust equally, that is not other than a sense of fair play or
justice.
Similarly, another part of good manner is empathy. Empathy is to identify another person’s pain as
hisher own and try to overcome it. For example, when a disabled customer can’t open the cap of the
bottle and asks the restaurant boy to help him and the boy helps the customer out showing that he opened
it with great difficulty. The restaurant boy, in fact, empathized with the customer showing that it was
difficult to open not only for the customer but also for him. By the same token, another part of courtesy is
to treat others without considering their rank or importance.
In this article, Dr. Peale has listed three components of courtesy and also given three pieces of advice
regarding how to improve one’s manner. They are:
a. bypracticing good manners, a person can make politeness as his her habit.
b. by thinking politely disregarding the sense of selfishness.
c. By being able to accept good manners without any doubt.
There are so many good and valuable things in the world, which we can get easily. Courtesy is a matter of
how we look at or regard others. If we cultivate good manners and courtesy while behaving with others,
we can be happy and satisfied. The problems of life can easily be solved by good manners and courtesy.
In fact, courtesy is a road to a happy life.

10. Tell White Lies (occasionally)
Protecting from Unnecessary Hurt
-Donald W. McCullough
Q. Give a summary of this article.
In this article, the writer surprises the readers by saying that it is sometimes good manners to tell lies. The
writer starts his article with a personal anecdote. Once, Verna asked the writer how her baby was. The
writer passed his judgment saying that her newly born baby was ugly. After thirty years, whenever the
writer visits Verna, she reminds him that he had called her baby ugly. Now, the writer realizes that he
would have told a lie to save them from a lot of troubles. He also feels that sometimes, it is good to tell a
white lie not to hurt the sentiment of others.
Greek philosopher, Aristotlehas said somewhere that honesty doesn’t mean telling everything to
everyone. It is rather speaking the right truth to the right person at the right time in a right way for the
right reason.
In this regard, we should not disclose every truth. We should not go to truth if it hurts others. As per the
demand of the situation, for the betterment of others we can tell white lies. If our lie gives advantages to
us, it will not be white lie. White lie should always benefit others. In other words, if our lie protects
others, it will be white lie. But if our lie protects us, it will simply be a dishonest lie.
To conclude, what we can say is that sometimes, we should tell white lie for politeness as a part of
courtesy to save others or potential risks.

11. Chapter 6
Questions of Right and Wrong
A Gas Station Burns in the Forest: Illuminating Our Moral Legacy
-David A. Shapiro
Q. Give a summary of the text in your own words.
In the given text, David A. Shapiro has observed the moral lesson that we will be impressed by.
Here, he mentions a trip in which he, his father and his friend were going somewhere for
campsite. During their journey, a tragedy at a national park makes the writer ponder uponhis
culture and about people’s failure to take action during the time of crisis. Healsobegins to
thinkabout the indifferent attitude of people in the time of emergency.
Remembering the incident after a long time, he brings in the reference of two gas stations at the
entrance of the national park. There were two gas stations on both sides of the road outside the
Glacier national Park in Montana.
One was of national brand and the other was of local brand. The writer’s father went towards the
national brand and made his tank full. It was already dusk, they were hurriedly moved towards
their destination. On the process of their trip, they came to hear a terrible explosion had shaken
the gas station across the road. A man was trapped inside the burning house and a woman was
asking for help for her baby who was on the fire. In such a situation, the writer asked his father if
they could stop and help them out.However, his father did not pay attention, rather wanted to go
as soon as possible from the incident. He simply said that he saw nobody on the fire. He wanted
to inform the ranger regarding the tragedy. Other people were watching the smoky cloud without
knowing the reality as such. When the writer’s father informed the ranger about the tragedy, he
thanked him. Again the writer asked his father if they should go and help them. He replied by
saying that they had done the best thing by informing about the matter to the concerned
authorities.
After considering this incident, the writer came up with different moral questions. He begins to
think about the moral legacy of our time. The million dollar question is that why didn’t they
help? First reason could be that they were afraid, they had to save themselves. Maybe the
writer’s father was very much concerned with his son and his son’s friend. Second reason could
be that people don’t tend to help others thinking that they do not have any skill and unskilled
attempts do not bring any good output. Without proper knowledge, people can do nothing.
In fact, people do whatever they can do. Anyway, they had reported the tragedy to the concerned
agency. We tend to think that it is the experts who can do things. Our job is simply to inform
them. We have survival-first instinct.

12. Finally, the writer wonders what our world would be like if this survival-first message was moral
legacy of Socrates, Martin Luther King Jr. or of M.K. Gandhi.
The Trumpet of Conscience
- Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Q. Give a summary of the speech “The Trumpet of Conscience” in your own words.
“The Trumpet of Conscience” is a thought-provoking speech by martin Luther King Jr. on the
background of Vietnam War. King was a civil rights leader, humanist and Christian preacher.
When Martin Luther King was fighting with poverty and color discrimination, America was
waging war against North Vietnam. The American government had invested all its efforts against
the communist of North Vietnam. It was in support of the National Liberation Front of South
Vietnam.
In fact, King’s idea of non-violence was in sharp contrast to the violence caused by the war in
Vietnam. In his speech, Martin Luther King was wholeheartedly against the Vietnam War. He
was really confused and puzzled by the complexities and ambiguities of war. He was sure that
neither North Vietnam nor National Liberation Front was going to get anything good from the
destructive and devastative war.
As a preacher, he was of the opinion that conflicts can be resolved by maintaining give-and –take
relationship. The essence of his speech can be discussed as below:
a. America was sending innocent young people far away to die in the war.
b. Those people were sent to the war to guarantee the rights for others who had not got at
home.
c. Besides devastating the hopes of Americans at home, the country sent them to fight and
die in higher proportions than other Americans.
d. Bombs and rifles can never solve the problems; problems can only be solved through
non-violence.
e. One cannot speak out against violence in a small place but should speak out against the
big supplier of violence—the state.
f. Justice is indivisible.
g. It will be meaningless to work passionately for integratedschools and not be concerned
with the survival of the world in which to be integrated.
h. King cannot segregate his moral concern by not showing concern for Vietnamese people.

13. Chapter 7
Progress and Tradition
Modern Society and the Quest for Human Happiness
-The Dalai Lama
Q. Give a summary of the speech “Modern Society and the Quest for Human Happiness”
in your own words.
According to the article “Modern Society and the Quest for Human Happiness” by Dalai Lama,
people in undeveloped countries are more happy than people in developed countries. In fact, rich
people tend to fail to understand the fundamental essence of life, as oppose to people who are not
rich. A little help can make someone happy as well for themselves. Because the rich have set
their mind on living a luxurious and materialistic life, they lose the initial excitement and
happiness when they acquire something like a new car or a house that they can afford with no
hesitation. In contrast, people who are poor are less concerned about obtaining materialistic
wealth. Rich people are too used to their lifestyle and will eventually lose awareness of what
excitement and happiness actually means. In addition, rich people may start to think that they
won’t be able to feel that way ever again, so they start to break down mentally and emotionally.
Rich people tend to suffer a lot because they become too attached to their wealth. As the Dalai
Lama points out in the article, rich people “are so caught up with the idea of acquiring still more
that they make no room for anything else in their lives.” Rich people have the anticipation of
obtaining more since they do not know what possibly will transpire if they were to lose their
wealth. A consequence of that is rich people undergo emotional suffering, which can perhaps
make them lose their happiness.
Poor people learn to be happy because they appreciate the little things that they have. Poor
people suffer a great deal as rich people do. Although poor people struggle to acquire some type
of wealth, when they acquire it they are more content and grateful. It makes them happy knowing
they work hard to attain what they have and it gives them the determination to acquire more.
Most of the westerners are rich but not happy. This seems quite paradoxical. Due to the
advancement in science and technology they do not have to depend on others. Due to the citified
life, they lack communitarian life. They do not depend on neighbors but on their employers as a
result, the bond of relations collapses there. In the development countries, most of the people
enjoy he communitarian life maintain give-and-take relationship but people in city do not have
personal and social attachment. They hardly get chance to share their feelings and emotions as
they are always in a rush.

14. Development, Democracy and the Village Telephone
-Sam (Satyan) Pitroda
Q. Give a summary of the article “Development, Democracy and the Village Telephone” in
your own words.
Sam ( Satyan) Pitrodawas born in 1942 and raised in a poor village in one of the poorest areas of
rural India, a place with kerosene lamps and no running water. In 1980, at 38, he was a U.S.
citizen and a self-made telecommunications millionaire. In 1990, he came back to India and
started the controversial task of extending digital telecommunications to every corner of his
native country.
In this article, Pitroda basically focuses on the role of technology in third world countries which
are on the process of development.Introducing the latesttechnology in the third world countries
had been a matter of controversy. People argue that in the poor countries people do not need
information technology what they needed are food, shelter, seeds, water pipes, fertilizers, clothes
and the likes. It is absolutely right butinformation technology is also necesry for the people to
bring about change and development. The writer has mentioned three noticeable facts so as to
develop the third world countries or poorer countries. They are:
a. Information technology is absolutely necessary to carry out the developmental works
suchas irrigation, sanitation, agriculture and construction effectively.
b. Telecommunications are also necessary even if there may not be sufficient food, water
and power. During the time of crisis like flooding and famine telephone is equally
important even in the USA.
c. Information technology plays a key role as a social leveler, which destroys all inequalities
and discriminations of various sorts and places everyone into same level.
The writer crated C-DOT, installed digital phone equipment, new telephones lines and improved
the telephone system in Indian villages. With the introduction of telecommunication system,
local farmers could call nearby cities and get real prices of their products; businessmen could
speak to their customers, machine operators could arrangefor service and repair, shopkeepers
could order goods all by phone and in real time. After six month of the service, total bank deposit
in the bank increased by 80 percent. It helped the villagers to contact doctors, ambulance and
other available service agencies. During the feast and festival also people used the service and
benefited. Hence, the societies began to be dynamic and distinct.
In the beginning of 21st century, almost all of India’s 600, 000 villages will have telephone
service. The community phones became an instrument of social change, which is necessary for
the propagation of democracy. Due to the spreading if telecommunication networks across the
second and third worlds, no information can be controlled by handful of rich people.

15. Why Go To University?
+-MotiNissani
Q. What points are mentioned by MotiNissani regarding the advantages of University
Education? Itemize them.
1. University education opens the door to opportunities. The more people are
educated the higher their income tends to be. The level of education
determines whether the particular country is developed or not.
2. Education has practical applications. Educated people tend to solve the
problems more rationally than the uneducated ones.
3. Education helps for: physical well-being, mental well-being and emotional
well-being.
4. Educated people are more conscious about their health and life style.
5. Educated people are highly respected in each and every society.
6. Education makes people consciously curious and curiously conscious.
They are guided by sense of creativity which
7. Education helps expand our social horizon. In other words, education
makes the society progressive enough.
8. Education helps increase our personal freedom. Educated people cannot
tolerate any domination and restriction.
9. Education tells us about our existence in the universe. In other words,
education helps us understand life and existence better.
10. Education and democracy are interrelated. The relationship between
education and democracy is just like the relationship between nail and
flesh.

16. Mr. Know All
-S. Somerset Maugham
Literal Comprehension:
A rich British merchant called Max Kelada is going to Japan for business purpose. He meets a
group of Westerners on a shipsailing across the Pacific Ocean. His cabin-mate, a British citizen
who is thenamelessnarratorof the story dislikes Mr. Kelada even before he sees him. However, at
theend of the story Mr. Kelada, the Levantine jeweler, proves to be a real gentlemanwhen he
sacrifices his own pride and reputation to save an American lady’s marriage.As a result, he earns
the respect of the narrator.
Interpretation:
This is a story about culture, manners, first impressions, values and – most importantly of all –
prejudice. Prejudice arises because it is human nature to cast new people we meet based on race
or how they look before getting to know them. The messageof the story can perhaps best be
summed up in the English proverb: You should not judge a book by its cover. As in the case of
this story the narrator and Mr. Ramsey seems to be quite biased and prejudiced against his origin,
name and smartness. However, when the narrator sees the true character of Mr. Kelada, he
realizes that prejudice is not the right way to judge people. Mrs. Ramsay’scharacter is also
revealed as being insincere in her relationship withher husband, whom she had been deceiving.
When she was alone in New York for ayear, she probably had a lover who gave her the
expensive pearls. Nevertheless, shehas the decency to secretly return to Mr. Kelada his “lost”
money.
Critical Thinking: Generally, people have the tendency to judge others without understanding
them which is not good at all. On the basis of half knowledge, it is absolutely wrong to pass our
judgment. In the story, both the narrator and Mr. Ramsey have shown their biased attitude
towards Max Kelada (Mr. Know All) However; the narrator has changed his attitude towards
Max Kelada at the end of the story.
Assimilation:
After reading this story, I came to know thatone should not judge other being biased and
prejudiced. Racial prejudice is very bad notion that always bring conflict among people. By
reading this story, I also came to know that it is not good leave young, beautiful and innocent
wife alone for a long time as in the case of Mr. Ramey and Mrs. Ramsey.

17. Q. How does “The Telegram on the Table” reflect the sentiment of Nepali youths at present time?
In fact, this story reflects the true sentiment of Nepali youths whotend to forget their village, dear ones
and near ones when they come to Kathmandu city. They are fascinated by the so-called modern citified
life and begin to weave different dreams like Krishna in the story. This story captures thetrue sentimentof
Nepali youths who are beingattracted by foreign countries, more particularly by America. They are ready
to leave everything for America. They are being made by the deceptive modernized life. They simply
want to forget their village and home in the name of going to foreign countries. They are also being so
cruel that even they become ready to forget their wives and children. Once they go to foreign countries
they hardly return to their country. In the story Krishna represents Nepali youths who are fascinated by
modernized life and foreign countries without understanding the reality as such.

18. Don’t Cut Down the Trees, Brother Woodcutter
-BalkrishnaSama
Q. Apply the four levels of reading a text to the poem “Don’t Cut down the Trees, Brother
Woodcutter”
Literal Comprehension:
The poet is addressing the woodcutter by saying not to cut down the trees. The trees are our dead
mothers. They cannot speak but nurture us like our mothers. Our mothers feed us and upbring us
suffering a lot. In the same way, trees also protect us from white frost. They provide us shelter
and warm moments during the winter season. They bless our laughter and always bless us. They
also express their love by calling us when the spring season begins.
Interpretation:
Through this poem the poet is trying to tell us about the value of trees that symbolize the whole
nature. Cutting down the trees simply means to destroy the nature. To destroy the nature simply
means to destroy the existence in this planet. In this sense, we should not cut down the trees
rather [reserve them for the betterment of human beings and other creatures in this world.
Critical Thinking:
Although this poem has clearly expressed the idea of preserving and conserving trees, it does
not focus on the other aspects of the destruction of nature. Anyway, this poem is good enough to
bring about ecological awareness.
Assimilation:
After reading this poem, I came to know the value of nature. In fact, we cannot imagine our
existence without nature. So, we should protect the nature to protect our existence and the
existence of other species in this planet.

20. The Parrot in the Cage
-LekhanathPaudyal
Q. Interpret the poem from political point of view. (Probable Question for 2071)
This poem can be discussed from political point of view. Here, the “parrot” inside the cage may
symbolize Nepali citizens during the time of Rana Regime. The “cage” itself is Rana Regime.
During the Rana period, Nepali people were under the domination and exploitation of Ranas.
There was no political freedom. There were no fundamental rights for Nepali people. Nepali
people were suffering from injustice, inequality and tyranny of so-called Ranas. In this sense,
this poem shows the plight of Nepali people under the rule of Ranas.
Q. Interpret the poem as Hindu-Buddhist Perspective on life.
Hindus and Buddhists strongly believe on the power of spiritualism. They do not give room for
materialism. They believe that by discovering spiritual knowledge, a human soul gets rid of
ignorance, becomes famous and renowned as a wise person. In the poem, we can take “parrot”
as a human soul inside the material cage. In modern times, human beings are trapped inside the
cage of materialism in such a way that they have forgotten human values and norms. They are
spiritually degenerated. If they are spiritually aware, they will be on the road to wisdom.
Q. Interpret the poem as human animal relationship,
In a simple way, this poem can be interpreted as human animal relationship. Through this poem
the poet may be trying to tell us that human beings are showing their cruelty and injustice
towards the dumb and innocent animals. Human beings have been exploiting animals in different
forms just for fun. Keeping animals inside the cage (zoo) is one of the forms of exploitation
which does not suit for the rationality of human beings. Hence, the poet wants to appeal human
beings to maintain good relationship with other animals by not exploiting them in any form.

21. The Lunatic
-Laxmi Pd. Devkota
Q. Discuss “The Lunatic” as a political protest poem. (Probable Question for 2071)
This poem strongly opposes the political evils prevalent during the time of Panchayet System in
Nepal. In deep level, it also opposes the political evils of any time. As a true democrat, Devkota
advocates for equality, justice and freedom. He also criticizes the corrupted leaders who do
nothing in favor of Nepali people. They simply use people to fulfill their selfish interest. This
poem was written in the context of Nepali politics which was against the sentiment of people. At
that time people’s voices were suppressed. No one could criticize the government. So, to criticize
the political evils of his time, Devkota wears the mask of lunatic. By wearing the mask of
lunatic, he freely and frankly raises his voice against the existing political system of his time.
The poet becomes aggressive by seeing suppression and exploitation over poor Nepali people.
He has criticized Alexander the Great, who reminds us of utter dictatorship in the history of
mankind. His criticism over dictatorship shows that he is in favor of democracy, freedom and
justice for all. He compares the rulers with tiger and innocent people with deers. As tigers
pounce upon the deers, so do the rulers over innocent poor people.
Devkota, thus protests against the dictatorship and favors democracy and freedom. It is only in
democracy where people can progress and enjoy freedom. So, we can say that it is a political
protest poem.

22. No Smoke from the Chimneys
-SiddhicharanShrestha
Q. Apply the four levels of reading a text to the poem “No Smoke from the Chimneys.”
Literal Comprehension:
The speaker of the poem has expressed his devotion and dedication for the struggle against the
Rana rule. He says that he does not have time for luxury and love. He has a great mission to
fulfill. He even addresses to death by saying not to call him, he also addresses to the lady by
saying that he does not have time to love. He is moving ahead in anti-Rana movements. As
Nepali people are struggling against the Rana rule by canceling their meal, he cannot remain far
from that mission.
Interpretation:
This is a political poem that describes a time when Nepali people were struggling against the
Rana rule. Through this poem the poet is appealing each and every Nepali people to join the
movements leaving everything behind. The movements are for noble causes: for equality, justice
freedom, and democracy.
Critical Thinking:
Though this poem reflects the mood of revolution, it does not present it so forcefully. Is it
possible for people to join the movement without having meal? Why are people canceling their
mean? These questions seem to be quite relevant here in the poem. Anyway, this is a wonderful
poem to focus on the value f democracy, freedom and equality.
Assimilation:
After reading this poem, I came to know about the time of anti-Rana movements in Nepal. This
poem has also impressed me a lot as it has given value to democracy, freedom and justice. In
fact, democracy is the best form of the government which makes it possible for all-round
development.
Q. What is the mood of this poem?

23. The mood of the poem is revolutionary. It reflects the revolutionary spirit of Nepali people
against the autocratic rule of Ranas. This poem also captures the devotion, dedication and
determination of Nepali people to root out the Rana Regime from the soil of Nepal.
Q. Sketch the character of the speaker.
Ans: The speaker of the poem is a true representative of Nepali people. He is a freedom fighter
who expects democracy in Nepal. He is not interested to involve in trivial matters but wants to
do something for the sake of freedom and democracy in Nepal. He is revolutionary and true
freedom fighter who hates autocratic rule of Ranas and loves democracy and freedom.
King John and the Abbot of Canterbury
-Anonymous
Q. Apply the four levels of reading a text to the poem “King John and the Abbot of Canterbury”
Literal Comprehension:
This poem by anonymous is a humorous piece of literature in which an unjust and jealous ruler
has misused his power. He accuses the Abbot of Canterbury of treason without any evidence. He
asks him three nonsense questions regarding the time to round the world, his worth and his
thinking. He also declares that unless he gives the answer, he will cut his head off. After being
unable to answer the questions, The Abbot asks the king for15 days to find the answer. The king
grants his request. The Abbot then goes to intellectuals but cannot get the answer. However, the
shepherd of the abbot helps him out by giving humorous answer to the king in disguised form of
the Abbot. Being impressed by the answers, the king forgives the Abbot and rewards the
shepherd.
Interpretation:
This poem is a humorous piece of literature. Here, the poet is trying to satirize the cruel and
jealous rulers like the king john. This poem is also trying to make a point that sometimes even
the uneducated ones can teach the educated ones a great lesson as in the case of the Abbot and
his shepherd. There are certain riddles of life which may not be answered by intellectuals but can
be solved by simple and uneducated people. Humour and satire can be the useful weapons to
control the cruel heart of the people like the king John.
Critical Thinking:

24. No doubt the poem is very humorous and interesting. However, we can ask a couple of
questions against this poem. Does the king really fail to recognize the Abbot? Instead of using
power, why does the king ask such silly questions? Anyway, this poem is humorous one to tell
us something about the attitude of unjust rulers.
Assimilation:
After reading this poem, I came to know that there are certain riddles of life that cannot be
answered by educated people but can easily be answered by uneducated ones. In fact, humour
and satire add spice to life and make it wonderful and beautiful.

25. Q. “King John” recounts a conflict between the king and the abbot:
a. Describe the conflict
b. Explain the reasons for conflict
c. How is it resolved?
d. Describe a similar conflict you may have had with a friend, stranger, and a child or parent.
a. King John accuses the abbot of treason and asks three nonsense questions. He also puts condition
that unless he gives the answer, his head will be cut off. But the abbot cannot give the answer
and demands 15 days time to answer the questions and the kings grants him the time. Hence, the
conflict begins.
b. King John is jealous of the name and fame of the abbot, which the king thinks is a great insult for
him. To entrap him, the king asks him three nonsense questions which the abbot finds it very
difficult.
c. Even after consulting the intellectuals from Oxenford and Cambridge universities, the abbot
cannot get the answer of those questions. He then becomes sad. He tells the root cause of his
sadness to his shepherd. The shepherd goes to the palace in a disguised form of the abbot and
answers the questions. He gives the answers in a witty and humorous manner. The king is
impressed by his humorous answer. He then forgives the abbot and rewards the shepherd.
d. A couple of years ago, my father asked me a confusing question— what is that which overflows
with words and its cap goes to its bottom? He also declared to give me 500 rupees for the right
answer. I tried my best to find the answer but finally my servant gave the answer. In fact, my
education did not help me out.

26. Stooping by Woods on a Snowy Evening
-Robert Frost (USA)
Q. Apply the four levels of reading a text to the poem “Stooping by Woods on a Snowy
Evening.”
Literal Comprehension:
A traveler is in the journey riding on his horse. In the course of his journey, he happens to stop
by the woods on a snowy evening. The scene is very beautiful; therefore, the traveler becomes so
impressed that he forgets the duty and distance. He is totally absorbed by the scene. The horse
thinks that his master is forgetting the things. So, he shakes his harness bell and reminds his
master of the duty and distance. The traveler then starts his journey.
Interpretation:
Through this poem, the poet is trying to tell us that duty is more important than beauty. In the
journey of life there may appear various obstacles but we should never be discouraged by those
obstacles. As a human being one should move to complete the mission making great contribution
to the family, society and the sate before one dies. Human beings should do good deeds before
they die so that they will be immortal even after death.
Critical Thinking:
This is very wonderful poem with great lesson. However, the poet seems to be giving value only
to duty and responsibility. I think life is not only duty and responsibility but it also means to
enjoy the beauty and happy moments. Anyway, I am impressed by this poem.
Assimilation:
After reading this poem I came to realize that as a human being one should really make
contribution for the society before one dies. Life becomes meaningful only when one becomes
immortal even after death.
Where the Mind is without Fear
-Rabindranath Tagore (India)
Q. What is the theme of this poem?

27. This poem brings the idea of humanism and love. The poet seems to be praying to god for the
sake of his country and the whole world. Human beings are quarrelling in the name of caste,
creed and custom as a result; people are suffering from sense of fear from other human beings.
There is no peace and harmony in the world. If human beings realize the value of humanism and
love, the world will be a perfect paradise.

28. Gaia
-ShreedharLohani (Nepal)
Q. Apply the four levels of reading a text to the poem “Gaia.”
Literal Comprehension:
The palm trees are withered. There is no green vegetation. The rain is devouring so it has
ravaged the things in the world. The mountain looks as if there is only stone nothing more than
that. The planet is under the shadow of shroud. Everywhere there is turbulence and hunger yet
the nature is enduring the crisis.
Interpretation:
Through this poem the poet is making a point that nature is living organism. It has immense
potentiality to endure the crisis. If we obey the nature, it nurtures us like our mother do us but if
we disobey it, it takes revenge in the forms of natural calamities like food, landslide, global
warming and so many others. Hence, we should conserve the nature to maintain our existence in
this planet.
Critical Thinking:
Many people may find it very difficult to internalize that nature is a living organism. But the
point is that nature is a living organism which reacts as per the attitude of human beings towards.
If we respect nature, it supports us but if we not respect it simply destroys us in the form of
natural disaster.
Assimilation:
This poem really impressed me with the idea that nature can also take revenge with us in the
form of natural disaster. These days, many people are dying due to the natural calamities simply
because we have destroyed the nature. If we conserve the nature, it will simply protect us.
Therefore, nature must be conserved and preserved for the betterment human civilization.

29. To His Coy Mistress
-Andrew Marvel (England)
Q. Render the key argument of this poem into simple prose.
The poem gives the idea of hedonistic philosophy. According to hedonism, the principle of
life is “eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow you must die.”
In the poem, the speaker is wooing his beloved to make love. But she is showing her coyness. He
is arguing that if there had been enough time and space, he would have praised each and every
part of her beautiful body but the time is so powerful that it does not allow him to wait anymore.
He further says that as the time passes there will be no energy in his body to love his
beloved neither will there be any beauty and charm in her body; her so-called long preserved
virginity will be decayed therefore, now is the right time to enjoy the love as there is still time
and space; moreover, there is youthful hue and energy in them. In such a favorable situation his
beloved’s shyness is merely a crime that hampers them to enjoy life at its fullest. In this way, by
showing the power of time and shortness of human life, the speaker offers a chance to enjoy love
in the right time without any delay.
Q. Do you think the poet has given his balance view in the poem?
No, he has not given a balance view. The poet has given his one-sided view towards the physical
love. He only focuses on sexual relationship in love. He does not talk about the spiritual love in
the poem. His main point revolves around the sexual love or love in young age. The fact is that,
there is love among people even in the old age but the this fact is not discussed here by the
poet . Love, in fact, is more than the fulfillment of sexual desire but the poet has neglected this
fact. Hence, we can say that the poet seems very partial in discussing his subject matters here.

30. Ethics
-Linda Paston
Q. Explain the central dilemma of the poem.
In the poem the speaker deals with a moral dilemma that her ethics teacher would ask every
fall regarding whether to save a Rembrandt painting or an old woman who had not many years
left anyhow if the museum was caught fire . The question was put up when the speaker was too
young to understand the ethical issues. The speaker and the other students at that time could not
give the answer simply because they were not mature enough to understand the ethics and moral
values. Ethics and moral values can only be learned from the reflection which comes through
experience and maturity. Due to the lack of experience and maturity the speaker was on
dilemma.
2. What is the central idea of the poem?
The poem is about moral dilemma that had arisen when the ethics teacher asked the speaker
regarding what would she save whether to Rembrandt painting or an old woman who had
not many years left if the museum was caught with fire . Being too young, the speaker could not
give the answer. After many years, she knew the fact that the woman ( life), painting ( art) and
season ( nature) all have their own value. As she says:
I now know that woman
And painting and season are almost one
And all beyond saving by children.
Here, the implicit meaning is that painting and woman represent something old, wise and
decadent and are something that ethics say we cannot and should not easily neglect and give up
but children are not able to understand that , therefore, they cannot save them. The ethical
values and issues are better understood being matured and getting experiences.
Q. The poem seems to imply that it is not possible for children to understand questions of
ethics or moral values? Why?
By nature children are innocent and they cannot distinguish between what is good and what
is bad. They take anything as its face value. They cannot understand the underlying reality of
the particular things. Under ethical and moral values, there comes the question of good and bad
but the children do not have any critical mind to identify good or bad. As in the case of the poem,
the speaker herself could not give the answer of the question put up by her ethics teacher when
she was quite young but now, she knew the fact, as she became mature and got plenty of
experiences in her life. Hence, ethics and moral values are understood by reflection, maturity and
experience. Children lack such things; therefore, they cannot understand such things and ideas.

31. What is Intelligence in Anyway?
-Issac Asimov (USA)
Q. Summarize the essay, 'What is Intelligent Anyway?" in a single paragraph.
Generally, people think that getting high score in intelligent test is the sign of intelligent. The
writer himself would get highest score in the tests and satisfied thinking that he is intelligent
enough. However, his so–called intelligent didn't help him in the kitchen and mechanic's. In the
kitchen he had to be the assistant of the cook not knowing so much. Similarly, he had to go to
mechanics to repair his car. Though the mechanic could score low in intelligent test but he could
get the highest score in the matters of machines. The questions for intelligent test are selected by
some academicians and that some academic people can get high score that is not a matter of
surprise. If the questions were selected by non–academicians the writer would get very low
score. As the writer himself could not give the answer of the mechanic's questions: as to how a
blind man asked for a pair of scissors? The writer simply raised his two fingers of his right hand
and made scissoring motions. Actually, blind man could speak and ask properly. Since the writer
could not give the answer, the mechanic laughed on the writer's stupidity.
Q. Do you agree with Asimov that human beings cannot be placed on a one–dimensional
intelligence scale that they are made up of a unique mixture of intelligence and stupidity?
(Probable Question for 2071)
I agree with the writer that human beings cannot be placed on a one–dimensional intelligence
scale that they are made up of a unique mixture of intelligence and stupidity. A person can't be
judged on the basis of his/her particular field of knowledge. A person can be intelligent on his /
her own field but may not be intelligent in other fields. As in the essay, even if the writer got the
highest score in an ability test but when his car became functionless he had to take the help of a
mechanic for he did not have knowledge about the machinery things.
A mechanic, on the other hand, can have great capacity to handle and fix the machinery
things or equipments but in the intelligence test, his knowledge does not work. Similarly, if a
mechanic sets questions for the intelligence test, academicians may not get good score. Hence,
the degree of intelligence does not lie on special knowledge of particular field. Intelligence is not
a narrow term; it is something very broad term. Intelligence also refers to the practical
knowledge. Academicians may think that a mechanic is a fool as having no idea at all but a
mechanic may also think that academicians know nothing related to machine. In this way, human
beings cannot be placed on a one–dimensional intelligence they have both intelligence and
stupidity.

32. Keeping Errors at Bay
Bertrand Russell
Q. what are the simple rules that Russell talks about to avoid the silly errors that
human beings are prone to make? Or
What is the central idea of the essay? Or
How can human beings avoid the silly errors?
To avoid various silly errors, no superhuman genius is required. A few simple rules will
keep us, not from all errors, but from some silly errors.
If the matter is one that can be settled by observation, we have to make the observation
ourselves. He gives the classical example as Aristotle could have avoided the mistake of
thinking that women have fewer teeth than men, by the simple device of asking Mrs.
Aristotle to keep her mouth open while he counted.
Many matters are not settled by observation for example the convictions=If an opinion
opposite to our own makes us angry, that is a sign of silly error. So, whenever we find
ourselves getting angry with opposite opinions to our own, we have to think that we are
making great mistake. Getting angry with the opposite opinions means we are the sure
about our own.
The sense of dogmatism is another fatal mistake that human beings tend to make. A good
way of removing ourselves of certain kinds of dogmatism is to become aware of opinions
held in social circles different from our own.
We have to be very careful with our sense of superiority. Men think that they are
superior, women think that they are superior and mankind on the whole think that they
are superior. For that we should try to know that the man is a brief episode in the life
of a small planet in a little corner of the universe, other parts of cosmos may contain
beings as superior to ourselves .

33. Another silly error is made by the fear. In fact, fear is the main sources of superstition,
and one of the main sources of cruelty. If we can do away with fear we are on the road to
wisdom. If we can avoid the above –mentioned some silly errors we can lead a wonderful
life.
Why Go to University?
- MotiNissani (USA)
Q. Summarize “Why Go to University?" in a single paragraph.
People tend to go to university to get Higher Education. The most obvious advantage of
Higher Education is concerned with income and job opportunities. The better educated you are,
the higher your incomes tends to be. University Education has many social values. It provides
greater social mobility and freedom. The society as having educated people can develop itself in
a significant manner Education expends your social horizons. You meet new people, make new
friends, and share new experiences. Besides, education makes people less dogmatic about their
own beliefs, and more tolerant about the beliefs of others. It saves people from indoctrination -
hj/h:tL l;4fgt nfbg]_ and false certitude. Education and democracy are closely connected.
Democracy gets flourished where the education level is high. Lastly, education is an essential
ornament that helps bring power and prosperity in each and every society. In fact, education is a
storehouse of progression, and the future of humanity depends on the level of education.
Q. write the main point of 'Why go to University' into a single sentence.
One Should go to University not only for getting certificate and bookish knowledge but
for many social, economical, political and practical reason.

34. Surely You’re Joking Mr. Feynman
-Richard D. Feynman
Q. Would you call Richard D. Feynman, an Interdisciplinary? Why or why not? Do you believe
conversation with philosophers and biological research distracted from Dr. Feynman's
work as a physicist, or actually enriched it?
Before he met Professor Slater he was not interdisciplinary but when he got advice from
Professor Slater to visit other universities his being an interdisciplinary began. Earlier as a
student, Feynman wanted to get his graduation degree from MIT (Massachusetts Institute of
Technology), however, as per the advice of Slater he went to Princeton University and began to
pursue his study. Later on, he became teacher and as a teacher he would encourage his students
to learn about different disciplines: He was also told by his professor to learn many things from
diverse fields.
In the college also, Feynman used to talk with people from different disciplines. He would
take interest in philosophy and psychology. As he was a physicist, he would equally take interest
in biology. In doing so, he would not distract from his field of study i.e. physics rather his
attempts to know about other fields would enrich his field. He would not devote himself in other
subjects he would do so only in leisure time. Actually, he is an interdisciplinary as having
knowledge of diverse fields.
Q. How would you feel about the strange title of Feynman's essay? Do you think it captures
the point Feynman is trying to make about life and education?
At first glance, I felt that the title is very strange and he may be making a point of some
funny things. But after reading the essay I came to know that through the title the writer has a
point to make for the readers. When the writer went to Princeton University as per the advice of
his professor, he got chance to attend a tea party in the very first day. In the party, Mrs.
Eisenhart, the Dean's wife asked, "Would you like cream or lemon in your tea, Mr., Feynman?"
He replied he would have both. In the mean time, Mrs. Eisenart laughed and said, "surely you’re
joking, Mr. Feynman." Although such reply of the writer sounds humorous, there lies his
attitude–the attitude of being interdisciplinary, as having the taste of different varieties. It is also
related to education. Being educated does not mean that one should attach to single field; it also
means to enjoy the varieties. An interdisciplinary cannot remain far from different subject
matters. Here, lemon and cream may be the symbols of diverse subject matters, which Mr.
Feynman likes to enjoy in life. Actually, varieties add spice to human life and make it something
precious.

35. Mr. Know All
-S. Somerset Maugham
Literal Comprehension:
A rich British merchant called Max Kelada is going to Japan for business purpose. He meets a
group of Westerners on a ship sailing across the Pacific Ocean. His cabin-mate, a British citizen
who is the nameless narrator of the story dislikes Mr. Kelada even before he sees him. However,
at the end of the story Mr. Kelada, the Levantine jeweler, proves to be a real gentleman when he
sacrifices his own pride and reputation to save an American lady’s marriage. As a result, he earns
the respect of the narrator.
Interpretation:
This is a story about culture, manners, first impressions, values and prejudice. The message of
the story can perhaps best be summed up in the English proverb: You should not judge a book by
its cover. As in the case of this story, the narrator and Mr. Ramsey seems to be quite biased and
prejudiced against Max Kelada’s origin, name and smartness. This story also tell us that
sometimes, one should tell white lies to protect others from the risk as Max Kalada has done in
the story by saying that the pearl necklace is imitation whereas it is genuine. This story also
indirectly says that husband and wife should always live together.
Critical Thinking:
Generally, people have the tendency to judge others without understanding them which is not
good at all. On the basis of half knowledge, it is absolutely wrong to pass our judgment. In the
story, both the narrator and Mr. Ramsey have shown their biased attitude towards Max Kelada
(Mr. Know All) However; the narrator has changed his attitude towards Max Kelada at the end
of the story.
Assimilation:
After reading this story, I came to know thatone should not judge other being biased and
prejudiced. Racial prejudice is very bad notion that always bring conflict among people. By
reading this story, I also came to know that it is not good leave young, beautiful and innocent
wife alone for a long time as in the case of Mr. Ramey and Mrs. Ramsey.

36. Arranging a marriage in India
- Serena Nanda
Q. Apply the four levels of reading a text to "Arranging a marriage in India".
Literal Comprehension
Marriage in India is a lengthy process. Here, Serena Nanda happens to find out very
strange custom of arrange marriage. In America, arrange marriage is overlooked and is simply
taken as ideal whereas it has great value in India. Through her friend, Sita, Serena comes to
know about the arrange married. Initially, the writer hardly believes on the fact that a person
lives his / her life with a single partner but later on, she gets fascinated by the arrange marriage.
The writer's friend comments on Americans by saying that they want everything done so quickly.
They get married quickly and quickly they get divorced. But Indian takes marriage as an
important event of life and hence, in marriage many things are taken into consideration.
Especially, parents and the elders of the society play vital role in selecting the potential candidate
in marriage. Everything is managed by parents and the relatives but sometimes candidates are
given time for brief introduction and talks. The match–making process is very lengthy as it is
bind by the culture and tradition. The writer has given some examples regarding the dismissal of
marriage partner for her friend's son. In the first case, they come to know that the family has
many daughters and in such a situation the bride may not be able to adjust herself in a small
family. In the second case the potential pride is found to very smart and forward, quite
incompatible with the nature of the groom. Similarly, in another case, the bride is cancelled due
to her physical structure. In this way, marriage is something serious event in India unlike in
America. Here, everything counts very important. The writer also shares her experience as a
successful matchmaker in India.
Interpretation
This essay may be trying to tell us about the deeply– rooted concept of arrange marriage
in India, which is not there in America. The striking differences on the concept of marriage in
western society from that of India are primary concerns of this essay. Besides, to highlight the
secret charm of arrange marriage is another part of this essay. In America, boys and girls know
everything about each other before marriage, therefore, there is nothing left to know after
marriage but in India boys and girls, in most of the case, do not know each other before
marriage, therefore, after marriage mystery and romance add spice in their life. On the whole, the
essay is about the arrange marriage of India and its cultural and traditional value which is not
taken seriously in America.
Critical Thinking

37. This essay brilliantly expresses the value of arrange marriage in India, however, in the
beginning of the essay, the writer seems to be critical to the concept of arrange marriage but
later, she accepts many things about the arrange marriage. Another thing, that is not convincing
for me is that how could the writer successfully play the role of matchmaking. This essay also
seems to be talking everything from the perspective of groom's side while arranging the process
of marriage that does not sound quite fair.
Assimilation
After reading this research–oriented essay I came to know many things about the arrange
marriage and its advantages. Before reading this essay I strongly believed on love marriage, and
I used to laugh at arrange marriage but after reading this essay, I liked the arrange marriage. In
fact, arrange marriage facilitates to make the marriage romantic and successful

38. Marriage is a Private Affair
Q. Apply the four levels of reading a text to “Marriage is a Private Affair”
Literal Comprehension
Nnaemeka, a young man now living in Nigeria's capital Lagos but who is originally from a
remote Ibo village, is engaged to marry a non-Ibo teacher, Nene. In Nnaemak's Ibo culture,
marriages are usually arranged within the tribal group by a family elder. The concept of marrying
an outsider you fell in love with is unheard of, shocking, and distressing to Nnaemeka's father,
Okeke. Okeke forbids a love marriage to an outsider, and proposes a local girl instead. When
Nnaemeka and Nene get married anyway, Okeke disowns his son and, in ensuing years, refuses
to see him and his growing family, despite reports that his son is happily married. Many years
later, Nene writes to Okeke, telling him that his two grandsons wish to see him. Alone during a
stormy night, Okeke regrets having shut his grandchildren out of life and determines to see them
as soon as he can.
Interpretation
The story "Marriage is a Private Affair" depicts the tension that frequently occurs between
children and parents generally because of a difference in points of view. In this story, a son must
choose between his father and the woman he loves since his parent does not accept his son's
marriage out of love. Cultural factors are crucial in this case in the sense that tension within the
family arises as a result of the opposition between the modern perception of marriage, love and
family as expressed by the son, and the old patriarchal order that the father upholds. In fact, the
determination with which the father wants to preserve tradition eventually causes a break
between him and his only son.
Critical thinking:
The story shows the conflict between old generation and new generation. And the main cause of
the conflict is inter-caste marriage. In the story, the father of Nnaemeka ,Okeke has stood as a
barrier in the love marriage of Nnaemeka. This sort of strong position of father towards the
inter-caste marriage of the son seems quite funny in this modern society. Modern readers,
especially, young generation may not find this s story very interesting as it delivers no such
interesting theme.
Assimilation: This story reminds me the case of my intimate friend, Madan, who too has
married a girl from different caste. A man of broad outlook married a girl who studied in the
same class but his parents flatly opposed that and after marriage they have not welcomed
his son, rather, a kind of misunderstanding is still there between the parents and the son.