The last lesson by Alphonse Daudetthe prose 'The last lesson',written by Alphonse Daudet narrates about the year 1870 when the prussian forces under Bismark attacked and captured France.The french districts of Alsace and Lorraine went into Prussian hands.The new Prussian rulers discontinued the teaching of French in the schools of these two districts.The French teachers were asked to leave.The story describes the last day of one such French,M.Hamel.Mr. M.Hamel had been transfered and could no longer remain in his old school.Still he gave last lesson to his students with utmost devotion and sincerity as ever.The story depicts the pathos of the whole situation about how people feel when they dont learn their own language and then losing an asset in M.Hamel. One of his student Franz who dreaded french class and M.Hamel's iron rod, came to the school that day thinking he would be punished as he had not learnt his lesson.But on reaching school he found Hamel dressed in sunday clothes and all the old people of the village sitting there.It was due to an order on the bulletin board. That was the first day when he realised for the first time that how important french was for him, but it was his LAST LESSON in French. Lost spring by Anees Jung Raju works at a roadside dhaba for sixteen hours a day. Idrees has lost his memory and bears on his body the scars of being tortured at the carpet-manufacturing unit where he worked. Saheb scrounges the garbage dumps on the streets of Delhi for his daily wages. Munni has travelled long distances from her village home, looking for work as a domestic help in the city. Like Raju and Idrees, Saheb and Munni, millions of children all over the country are doomed to a life of backbreaking toil. Half adult, half children, victims of physical and mental abuse, they represent the dark underbelly of India’s economic growth. In Lost Spring: Stories of Stolen Childhood, best-selling author Anees Jung exposes a national shame: children cleaning floors and tables in shanty restaurants; making locks, slates and fireworks; rolling bidis; weaving saris and carpets; packing and hauling loads in factories and stone quarries. With her trademark sensitivity and insight, she analyses the grinding poverty and traditions sanctified by caste and religion which condemn these children to a life of exploitation. In this bleak world, the author also finds stories of resilience and fortitude—children who have refused to accept their condition, thus opening new vistas for themselves and others like them. She also documents incredible profiles in courage—individuals and institutions who battle not only governmental and bureaucratic apathy but also social values and cultural norms that support and accept the concept of child labour. Deep water by William Douglas Deep water shows how scared of water Douglas had been as a boy. His very first experience was when he first went to the sea beach with his father and a powerful wave swept over him. Although the wave had receded still it left him terrified .But then to overcome his fear he made up his mind to learn swimming. He went to the Y.M.C.A. pool which was two feet at the shallow end and nine feet at the deep end. One day a strong big boy picked him up and threw him into the deepest part of the pool. He sank to the bottom but he tried to jump and come up gradually. As fear had gripped him all his efforts went in vain. He was nearly drowned .He tried to breathe but swallowed water. He lay there in complete peace without sensation or fear of death. But someone A full twenty years after he ‘renounced’ films. poets and pancakes (my years with boss) by Asokamitran for nearly thirty years from 1940. ‘when the bugles blow. Sahitya Akademi award-winning Tamil writer Ashokamitran worked for the Gemini Studios from 1952 to 1966.’ Gemini films entertained millions all over India and abroad. the Gemini Studios of Madras (Chennai) was the most influential film-producing organisation of India and its founder. clothing etc. Those who touch them are trapped Indigo by Louis Fischer this story portraits Gandhiji’s struggle for the poor peasants of Champaran. He also returned the money that he had stolen from the crofter and asked her to return it. Later lawyers were appointed .S. food. the brilliant multi-faceted entrepreneur S. The rattrap by Selma Lagerlof the rattrap seller is a homeless fellow who stays in the crofter’s cottage for a night. He also made arrangements for the education. The British didn’t need the indigo crop any more when Germany had developed synthetic indigo. But he sends a letter to the iron masters daughter telling her that she was a wonderful hostess and he cannot lie to her. He could not go fishing or canoeing. . the peasants had to cultivate indigo on fifteen percent of the land and give as rent. He lets her know that this whole world is like a rat trap. The fortune however turns later when the iron master mistaking him to be an old comrade takes him home. But the rattrap seller returns later the next day. smashes the window pane and steals the money of the crofter. Some illiterate peasants agreed but others refused. The book covers only five of his fourteen years with the Studios but captures that phase of Indian movie business when the key factors of the box office were imperceptibly shifting from the studios to the stars. According to one old agreement. The crofter entertains him as a guest and friend. Vasan lent substance and quality to the rather fragile and unpredictable movie business. So to over come his fear he found an instructor who trained him as a swimmer bit by bit. and hygiene for the families of the poor peasants. poet-editor Pritish Nandy persuaded Ashokamitran to record his reminiscences and the result was a series of articles making up My Years with Boss.saved him. Once again he is on his way to continue his usual profession of selling rattraps. there is a great show. He was so terrified that the sight of water made him sick. these are baits. health. He gave them the lesson of self reliance. The Gemini emblem of two small boys with bugles was true to Vasan’s slogan for the Studios. Just like the rats are trapped by cheese and food similarly men are lured by land. This experience of fear at first and then conquering it made his life worth living. He was able to overcome his fear completely. thievery and begging. He managed to get justice after a year long battle for the peasants. shelter. The peasants were share croppers with the British planters. There he stays for two days as his guest.At that time Gandhiji went to Champaran. Just to release the peasants from the fifteen percent agreement they demanded compensation. who is more realistic.S. Part II is an extract from an interview of Umberto Eco.R. is filled with fantasies and desires. Barton the theme of this story is adolescent fantasising and hero-worship. whereas. Interview that was invented over 130 years have become a commonplace journalism. author of the popular novel. tries to pull Sophie to reality. each one is comfortable." THE INTERVIEW SUMMARY: ‘The Interview’ written by Christopher Sylvester briefs the new invention – interview in the field of journalism. Through his modest answers. As we go through this extract.G. Wells though he had interviewed many personalities. He has written 40 philosophical writings and just 5 novels. Naipaul. She comes from a poor financial background. Jansie. The author’s ability to capture the life and breath of people and events. he says he is doing the same thing. He himself admits had the novel come 10 years later or earlier. he tells the secret of his success . . a teenager.’ Name of the Rose’ by Mukund Padmanaban from ‘The Hindu’ This interview helps us know many aspects of his writing style and ideas. Perhaps the appropriateness of the time it was written could be the reason. methods and merits vary considerably. like others of her age. H. he honestly replies that it is a mystery even to him. but her friend Jansie believes that both of them are earmarked for the biscuit factory. They feel it diminishes them. Rudyard Kipling. but hopes to be sophisticated in the future. He interacts properly and modestly. Sophie dreams of owning a boutique one day ot being an actress or fashion designer. Though he gives the impression of doing many things at a time. they feel it much disturbing and diminishing.My Years with Boss is one of the most unusual books to be written about the entertainment world and clearly indicates the enormous impact of the movies on virtually every aspect of life in India. we can easily note that Umberto Eco does not think. Umberto eco pan academician refers himself to be called an academician.empty spaces to his advantage. who. Yet in the words of the writer. pursuing his philosophical interests through his writings and his novels. It is surprising to notice that as interviewer.He utilises the interstices .The story revolves around the life of Sophie. every literate or illiterate will have to experience interview at some point of the daily life. and his puckish narrative make this a brief but special book of film history. Sylvester lists out well – known writers who are against interview – V. as an interviewee. but in vain. However. Lewis Carrol. Some claim it as a source of truth and in its practice. an art. Others despise the interview as an ‘unwarranted intrusion into their lives’. Going Places by A. When Mukund Padmanaban asks the reason behind the huge success of ’The Name of the Rose’. the novel would not have got such success. Today. interview is a crime or an offence. ‘it is a serviceable medium communication’.of its functions. opinions of interview. Sophie gets so pulled into the story she made that she herself begins to believe that its true. Though she voices her feelings and desires.The tiger population had become extinct at Pratibandhpuram . When he told the chief astrologer about that. Thus thereby he killed 99 tigers but one was still . he asked them to tell the manner of his death. It seems an unlikely incident for Sophie to meet the prodigy in their street. The centre of this story is that Sophie fantasises about Danny Casey. her parents pooh-pooh her.He banned the killing of tigers in Pratibandhpuram . the chief astrologer told him that he may kill 99 tigers but he must be careful with the hundredth one. even if she wants to. because they. who is tall. The Maharaja grew stronger and took to tiger hunting. But he can never again find the entrance to the third level at Grand Central Station. whom she had seen playing in innumerable matches. An infant born just ten days ago was talking in such a manner . strong and handsome and reserved. oddly dressed people. The Tiger king by Kalki When Maharaja Jilani Jung Jung Bahadur was born. Sophie still fantasises about her hero. does not really believe her. are more mature and know the truths of life. unlike her. dated July 18. he begins to hope that it could be true. However. So the maharaja married to a royal family in a state where tiger population was rich . who is more sensible than Sophie. wondering how her brother would be disappointed on knowing that Danny Casey never showed up. She envies his silence and often wonders about his thoughts and areas of his life that she doesn’t know about. he decided to take the subway from Grand Central Station. Geoff and little Derek. As bull and tiger were enemies therefore his death would come from tiger. She waits for the Irish player. He eventually found himself on a strange third level with spittoons on the floor. Charley tries to buy tickets to Galesburg. She makes up a story about how she met him in the streets and tells this to Geoff. he never arrives. but whe Sophie describes the meeting in all her details. Understanding he'd somehow gone back in time. The ten day old Jilani Jung Jung Bahadur started speaking. During his lunch break the next day. Then. an Irish football player. Everyone stood stunned.Sophie lives in a small house with her parents and brothers. but obviously. Charley finds evidence the third level actually exists when he discovers a letter to him. Charley withdraws nearly all their savings and buys old-style currency. 1894. he told them that all those who were born would have to die one day. It seems Charley's psychiatrist was not as incredulous of the third level as he appeared. In ten years he killed 70 tigers . Sophie finds a sort of fascination for her elder brotherGeoff. She tells him that Danny has promised to meet her somewhere again. from Galesburg. and a locomotive from 1894. Geoff. IL. and became lost. unperturbed The third level by Jack Finney Charley explains that one evening while hurrying home. she makes her way home.The chief astrologer told the Prince that he was born in hour of the bull. IL. He was overjoyed when he killed the first tiger. the astrologers had foretold that one day the king would actually have to die. There was no sign of tigers anywhere . Maharaja had to attend his 3 year old son’s birthday .Maharaja did not notice that . He gifted him a wooden tiger . What amazed her was its immensity. as a result its sharp edge pierced into Maharaja’s hand . Next day the infection spread into his whole hand and Maharaja at last died . driest and windiest continent: Antartica by a ________________________________________. six checkpoints. It’s to understand the significance of Cordilleran folds and precambrian granite shields (geological and geographical terms). Journey to the end of the Earth by Tishani Doshi The chapter is an account of the author’s unique experience on an expedition to Antarctica in 2006: The Lesson At A Glance Given below is the summary of the lesson. Thus the fateful hundredth tiger though a wooden one was the cause of the Maharaja’s death and proved the predictionof the astrologer correct. It took them ___________________________________________. It was and overwhelming experience filled with wonder on seeing Antarctica’s _______________________________________ and uninterrupted blue horizon but the first emotion _________________ after the long journey. The journey began 13:09 degrees north of Equator in Madras. But maharaja did not know that he still has one tiger left to be killed . Maharaja could not bear any more . Maharaja’s men knew it but they feared that if they tell it to Maharaja . attempt first to fill in the blanks independently. There was a tiger brought later for Maharaja . The tiger was made by an unskilled man . Maharaja took his men for hunt . three bodies of water. the landmass was separated into countries giving the globe its present shape. Akademik Shokalsky. Before directly picking up the hints.Its surface was rough .left . South America drifting . He raised the land tax and also dismissed some of his men . travelling by car. ________________________ is to get an idea where we’ve come from and where we are heading to. then they may lose their job . its isolation and that there was a time when India and Antarctica were ___________________. in order to test your understanding. It was a time when the humans hadn’t arrived on the global scene and the climate _____________________________ with an immense variety of flora and fauna. so they killed the tiger . aeroplane and ship. and ecospheres (regions fit for living). It is unbelievable to imagine: India pushing northwards jamming against Asia to buckle its crust and form the Himalayas. • expansive white landscape • 100 hrs to reach Antarctica • Russian research vessel • was of relief • part of the same landmass Part of history The Gondwana super continent that existed ______centred around present day Antarctica. The writer started her journey to the coldest. Some words and phrases have been left out and have been placed below the paragraphs as hints in bullet form. and involved crossing nine time zones. He shooted the tiger but it missed the tiger . _____________________________. ozone and carbon. Gondwana thrived for 500 million years but when the ___________________________ out and the age of mammals evolved. The simple ecosystem and the lack of diversity of plant and animal life makes Antarctica the perfect place to bring forth the idea that little changes in the environment can have big repercussions. The all pervading silence is broken either by an _______________ or the breaking of an ice sheet. • global warming • have depleted natural resources • recorded iceberg • loses an earthly sense of time • avalanche • past. Being there is like walking into a ping pong ball devoid of humanity. Human civilizations have been around only for 12000 years. learn. which has led to an increase in _____________Climate change has led to the receding of glaciers and melting of ice shelves. For example the Phytoplankton. Geoff Green. Being a part of the expedition and actually seeing glaciers retreating and ____________melting makes one realize the reality of global warming.Uncontrolled burning of fossil fuels has created a blanket of carbondioxide. Rapid increase in population __________________________ . The future generation thus had a life changing experience at the appropriate age when they were ready to absorb. Scientists warn that ____________________________________ will affect the activities of the phytoplankton which will further affect the marine life of the region. the microscopicgrasses form the food chain of the entire Southern ocean’s __________________. trees. • a further depletion in the ozone layer.the largest _______________________________ so far was of the size of Belgium. keeping Antarctica cold desolate and _____________________________ · evolution and extinction · at the bottom of the world . • Ice shelves • marine life . · six hundred and fifty million years ago · was much warmer · dinosaurs were wiped · To visit Antarctica 90 percent of the Earth’s total ice volumes are stored in Antarctica. Antarctica is a place for the study of the ___________________________. The group of 52 students went aboard the Russian vessel _______________________________ and was headed by a Canadian. opening up the Drake passage to create a cold circumpolar current. One _________________ and days go on for 24 hours. Hence the lesson learnt is that if small things are taken care of then ___________________________________ • big things will take care of themselves. billboards or buildings. mighty whales and ice bergs .off to join North America. There are midges and mites. and act.as half a million old carbon records are trapped in the icy layers. present and future The writer says that the ‘Students on Ice’ programme focuses on taking high school students to the ends of the world and providing them with inspiring educational opportunities which will help them foster a new understanding and respect for our planet. She makes up a story about how she met him in the streets and tells this to Geoff. Geoff. but her friend Jansie believes that both of them are earmarked for the biscuit factory. Jansie.55 degrees south. The writer wonders how the world would be if Antarctica were to become a warm planet once again and would we be there to see it? He ends the chapter on a positive note saying that the younger generation alive with the idealism to save the world can make a lot of difference. wondering how her brother would be disappointed on knowing that Danny Casey never showed up. Sophie finds a sort of fascination for her elder brotherGeoff. She envies his silence and often wonders about his thoughts and areas of his life that she doesn’t know about. unperturbed The enemy by Pearl S. It brought the revelation that everything has a connection. Sophie lives in a small house with her parents and brothers. who is more realistic. a teenager. Then. After covering nine time zones. who is more sensible than Sophie. Sophie still fantasises about her hero. like others of her age. is filled with fantasies and desires. strong and handsome and reserved. he never arrives. and below that 180 metres of living. salt water. She tells him that Danny has promised to meet her somewhere again. who is tall. It seems an unlikely incident for Sophie to meet the prodigy in their street. he begins to hope that it could be true. three bodies of water and many ecospheres the writer marvelled at the ________________________ working on our planet. Underneath their feet was a metre thick ice pack. Sophie gets so pulled into the story she made that she herself begins to believe that its true. unlike her. At the outside edge they saw ______________________ sunning themselves on ice floes which reminded them of _________________________ under the banyan tree. She waits for the Irish player. an Irish football player. does not really believe her. tries to pull Sophie to reality. However. because they. whom she had seen playing in innumerable matches. The centre of this story is that Sophie fantasises about Danny Casey. breathing. but in vain. Geoff and little Derek. even if she wants to. who. Buck . but whe Sophie describes the meeting in all her details. but obviously. her parents pooh-pooh her. she makes her way home. Though she voices her feelings and desires. but hopes to be sophisticated in the future. The story revolves around the life of Sophie.• Akademik Shokalskiy. • climb down and walk • Crabeater seals • beauty of balance • thick white stretch of ice • 52 travellers • stray dogs sunning Evans tries an o level by Colin Dexter the theme of this story is adolescent fantasising and hero-worship. She comes from a poor financial background. Sophie dreams of owning a boutique one day ot being an actress or fashion designer. The Shokalskiy got stuck into a _________________________ between the peninsula and Tadpole Island. The writer had an exciting experience just short of the Antarctic circle at 65. So all the _____________________ wore their waterproof garments and started walking on the ice. six checkpoints. are more mature and know the truths of life. They were all then instructed by the Captain to ____________________________ on the ocean. the magician then performed his magic and roger no longer melled of roses. Sadao and Hana stood outside their house.....She said real friends are the ones who accept you for who you are and not for who you want to become.Jack was now ready to start the story and was filled with creative enthusiasm. Throught this story jakc wanted to teach his daughter joanne about moral values....this was a childs perspectivbe of things. Though for such a deed they could have been arrested but Dr.Roger skunk found his way to the magicians house and seeked his help. They were shocked to see that he was an enemy soldier and badly in need of medical aid..the story started with the creature being unable to play and make friends with other creatures. On this particular day a saturday and it was time for joannes nap.the magician with his magic wand turned the awful smell that roger had into a smell that was of roses.The creature having no other option went to seek the advice of the wise old owl who directed him to go the magician.but his daughter joanne who was just a child reacted differently with th stories ending..these stories were almost the same except for some slight variations ..rogersquirrel.It seemed they had studied about a new aniaml at school today for she enthusiastically said skunk. As loyal citizens it was their duty to hand over the soldier to the officials but they took him inside into their house.. A man was suddenly seen in the ocean.The character was set and so began the story. .. He was unconscious.who had some problem and went with it to the wise owl..the reason was he smelled awfull..the the roger creature would be so happy and would return home just in time to hear the train whistle that brought his daddy home from boston....who would solve his problem in exchange for a few pennies more than the creature had and in the same breath would direct the creature to go to a place where he could find it. For this they saw rebel from their domestic helps.Dr.she want the wizard to hit rogers mommy back and let roger smell of roses and not change him..She then took roger back to the magician and hit the magician with the umbrella she had been carrying.for a child their friends mean everything and they are not much of moral values and the importance of parents. Sadao knew that he would not be arrested by the general as he himself might need his services any time for an operation.After that they returned home just in time to hear the whistle of the train blow that brought roger skunks father home.... The man recovered.So he began his story and asked joanne what should the creature be named ... Dr..and the difficult moral questions she raises during the story session with her father.it started with a creature usually named roger(roger fish.this tradition itself was now two years old and joanne had been two when it started. Then roger skunk went back home.roger skunk.and henceforth roger skunk was content in being himself.so jack had to tell her a story. Jack(joannes father) had become accustomed to or putting it more precisely obligated to telling stories out of his head to his daughter joanne during the evenings and saturday afternoons..As he reached home his mother was disappointed with roger skunk as she thought that it was not right to change one's identity to please their friends.roger chipmunk).The roger creature then as directed gave the magician the pennies he had and as per the instruction of the magician went to the well to get the extra pennies... They ran towards him. he told him to escape from the house Should wizard hit mommy by John Updike This story deals with the worldview of a little child.... Sadao desired to get rid of him now. So as soon as he was out of danger.The owl directed him to go the the magician .. But jo was adamant and wanted another ending for the story.and though he as well felt his wife's presence in the cage with him.touch her.Clare was three months pregnant. After the story ended jack went down to help his wife clare paint the furniture .he did not want to speak with her. .a cage of moldings and rails and baseboards all around them .anything NOTE:jack had a son named bobby two years old.was half old tan and half new ivory and he felt caught in an ugly middle position.work with her.When he reached downstairs he sawt that the woodwork.Jack had faced similar problems like roger had faced so he was trying to jo that whatever parents say or do for them are in their best interest.