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Class 12 Engish HHW

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22 views5 pages

Class 12 Engish HHW

Uploaded by

velukarthick3010
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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**My Mother at Sixty-six**

**Creative Thinking:**

**1. Letter from Kamala Das to her Mother:**

Dear Mother,
As I sit here at the airport, watching the planes take off into the vastness
of the sky, I cannot shake off the overwhelming emotions stirring within
me. Seeing you, my pillar of strength, standing there, your face adorned
with the passage of time, filled me with a sense of melancholy I cannot
quite articulate.
The sight of your grey hairs, once dark and lustrous like the nights of our
childhood tales, now tinged with the hues of wisdom and age, pierced my
heart with a bittersweet ache. It was as if time itself stood still in that
moment, reminding me of the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of
change.
Yet amidst the crowd and chaos of the airport, your presence was like a
beacon of familiarity, grounding me in the reality of our bond that
transcends the passage of years. Your smile, though weary, held the
warmth of a thousand suns, enveloping me in a sense of home even in the
midst of this transient space.
As I boarded the plane, leaving behind the familiarity of our shared
memories, I carried with me the weight of your love, a love that has
weathered the storms of life and emerged stronger with each passing day.
Know that no distance can ever diminish the depth of my love for you, for
you will forever remain the guiding light of my journey, illuminating the
path with your unwavering grace and resilience.
With all my love,
Kamala

**2. Sequel to the Poem:**

In the sequel, perhaps Kamala returns home after her journey, rekindling
her bond with her mother in the twilight of her years. Through moments of
shared laughter and tears, they navigate the complexities of life, finding
solace in each other's embrace. As they confront the inevitable passage of
time, their relationship deepens, transcending the boundaries of age and
distance. In the end, they find peace in the enduring power of love,
knowing that their bond will withstand the test of time.
**Critical Thinking:**

1. Symbolism of "grey hairs" and "familiar ache":


The "grey hairs" symbolize the passage of time and the inevitability of
aging, while the "familiar ache" represents the bittersweet nostalgia
evoked by the sight of the mother's aging. These symbols contribute to
the overall theme of the transient nature of life and the enduring bond
between mother and daughter.

2. Contrast between old age and youth:


The contrast between the mother's old age and the speaker's youth
serves to accentuate the speaker's emotions of nostalgia and melancholy.
It highlights the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of change, as
the speaker grapples with the realization of her mother's mortality.

3. Nature of life and inevitability of death:


The poem reflects on the transient nature of life and the inevitability of
death, as symbolized by the mother's aging. The speaker copes with this
realization by cherishing the moments they share together and finding
solace in the enduring bond between them.

4. Usage of similes and imagery:


The similes, such as "like that of a late winter's moon," and imagery, such
as the airport scene, enhance the poem's emotional impact by painting a
vivid picture of the speaker's emotions and surroundings. They evoke a
sense of nostalgia and longing, immersing the reader in the speaker's
journey of introspection and self-discovery.

**The Last Lesson**


**Creative Thinking:**

1. Diary Entry from Franz:


Dear Diary,
Today marked the end of an era, as I attended what would be my last
lesson with M. Hamel. The weight of the moment hung heavy in the air, as
I sat in the classroom, surrounded by the echoes of countless lessons
gone by.
As M. Hamel spoke with a fervor I had never seen before, imparting his
wisdom with an urgency that mirrored the gravity of the situation, I
couldn't help but feel a pang of regret for all the lessons I had taken for
granted. It was as if time itself had slowed down, allowing me to truly
appreciate the significance of what was about to be lost.
In that fleeting moment, I realized the true value of education and the role
it plays in shaping our identity and preserving our culture. As M. Hamel
bid farewell to his beloved language, I made a solemn vow to honor his
legacy by embracing my linguistic heritage with pride and dedication.
Though the chapter may have come to a close, the lessons I have learned
from M. Hamel will forever remain etched in my heart, guiding me on the
path towards a future filled with knowledge and understanding.
Yours sincerely,
Franz

2. Letter from Franz to M. Hamel:


Dear M. Hamel,
As I sit down to pen these words, I find myself overwhelmed with a sense
of gratitude for the impact you have had on my life. Your dedication to
teaching and your unwavering passion for language have ignited a flame
within me that will continue to burn bright for years to come.
With each lesson, you imparted not only knowledge but also wisdom,
instilling in me a deep appreciation for the power of language to shape
our identity and preserve our cultural heritage. As I bid farewell to the
classroom where I spent countless hours under your tutelage, I am filled
with a profound sense of loss, knowing that I may never again have the
privilege of learning from a master such as yourself.
Yet amidst the sadness, there is also a glimmer of hope, as I carry with me
the invaluable lessons you have taught me. Your dedication to your craft
and your unwavering commitment to your students serve as a beacon of
inspiration, guiding me on the path towards a future filled with promise
and possibility.
From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for everything you have done
for me and for the countless lives you have touched with your wisdom and
kindness. Though our paths may diverge, know that your legacy will live
on in the hearts and minds of all those who had the privilege of learning
from you.
With deepest gratitude,
Franz

**Critical Thinking:**

1. Significance of the title "The Last Lesson":


The title encapsulates the central theme and conflict of the story by
highlighting the poignant moment when Franz realizes the importance of
his lessons just as they are about to end. It serves as a metaphor for the
fleeting nature of time and the missed opportunities that often come with
it.

2. Theme of linguistic identity:


The story explores the theme of linguistic identity through the imposition
of a foreign language on the characters, threatening their sense of self
and cultural heritage. This conflict serves as a catalyst for Franz's
transformation, as he comes to realize the value of his native language
and the importance of preserving it in the face of adversity.

3. Role of M. Hamel:
M. Hamel's character contributes to Franz's transformation by serving as a
mentor and guiding him towards a deeper understanding of the
importance of language and identity. His dedication to teaching and his
unwavering passion for his native language inspire Franz to embrace his
linguistic heritage with pride and determination.

4. Impact of war on the community:


The story portrays the effects of war on everyday life and personal
relationships, as the impending annexation of Alsace-Lorraine by Germany
threatens to upend the
lives of the characters. This backdrop of political turmoil serves to
underscore the urgency of M. Hamel's final lesson and the need to
preserve cultural heritage in the face of adversity.
5. Symbolism of the school and classroom:
The school and classroom serve as symbols of tradition and continuity,
representing the cultural heritage that is at risk of being lost in the face of
political upheaval. The setting contributes to the overall themes of identity
and resistance, as the characters grapple with the looming threat of
assimilation and the erosion of their linguistic heritage.
6. Role of irony:
The irony of Franz only realizing the importance of his lessons when they
are about to end contributes to the overall message of the story by
highlighting the fleeting nature of time and the missed opportunities that
often come with it. It serves as a reminder to cherish the moments we
have and to appreciate the wisdom that can be found in even the most
mundane of experiences.

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