A Quick Recapitulation (Last Minute Revision)

Analytical Analysis & Literary Devices of the Chapters

Class xii
ENGLISH CORE (301)
 • The Last Lesson

• Lost Spring

• Deep Water

Prose • The Rattrap

(FLAMINGO) • Indigo

• Poets and Pancakes

• The Interview

• Going Places
 The Last lesson
- A l p h o n s e Dau d e t
Setting: Franco –Prussian War Era, Alsace Region.

Characters: M. Hamel: Strict yet caring French Teacher.

Franz: Young, distracted student.

Old Hauser: Elderly Villager.

Plot: The Story unfolds on the day M. Hamel is forced to give his last French lesson due to a Prussian order. Franz, a student who
usually neglects his studies, finally understands the value of his language and his teacher’s dedication.

Themes: Loss and Regret: Franz regrets not learning French, the villagers regret neglecting their culture.
Patriotism: M. Hamel’s love for France and his language is evident.

Importance of Education: The story highlights the power of knowledge and its connection to identity.

Linguistic Chauvinism: The Prussian’s attempt to impose German symbolizes dominance.

Literary Devices: Symbolism: The blackboard, the Prussian Soldiers, the bulletin board.
Contrast: M. Hamel’s strictness vs. his kindness, Franz’s initial carelessness vs. his sudden understanding.

Irony: The last lesson becomes the most important one.

Significance: “The Last Lesson” is a powerful reminder of the importance of cherishing our culture and language, and the
consequences of taking them for granted.
 Lost spring
-
Setting: Seemapuri (Delhi) and Firozabad, India
anees jung

Characters: Saheb: A ragpicker, later a tea stall worker.

Mukesh: A bangle maker with dreams of being a motor mechanic.

Anees Jung: The author, an observer and narrator

Plot: The Story explores the lives of two boys trapped in poverty and child labour. Saheb loses his freedom working at a tea stall,
while Mukesh dreams of escaping his family’s bangle-making tradition.

Themes: Lost Childhood: The harsh reality of child labour robbing children of their innocence.
Poverty and Exploitation: The systematic issues that perpetuate poverty and exploitation.

Dreams vs. Reality: The contrast between the children’s aspirations and their limited opportunities.

Resilience and Hope: The ability to dream and strive for a better life despite adversity.

Literary Devices: Symbolism: The blackboard, the Prussian Soldiers, the bulletin board.
Contrast: M. Hamel’s strictness vs. his kindness, Franz’s initial carelessness vs. his sudden understanding.

Irony: The last lesson becomes the most important one.

Anecdotal Style: The author uses real encounters to make her points.

Significance: “Lost Spring” is a social commentary that highlights the plight of child labourers in India, emphasizing the
importance of breaking the cycle of poverty and providing opportunities for children.
 Deep water
- W i l l i am D o u g l a s
Setting: Yakima River and YMCA pool, Washington state, USA

Characters: William O. Douglas: The narrator, a young boy with a fear of water.
The Bully: An older boy who throws Douglas into the deep end.

The Instructor: Helps Douglas overcome his fear.

Plot: The Story recounts Douglas’s childhood terror of water stemming from two traumatic experiences. He details his struggle
to conquer this fear through persistent effort and the help of an instructor.

Themes: Overcoming Fear: The central theme, showcasing the power of determination.
Psychological Trauma: The lasting impact of fear and how it can paralyze.

Persistence and Resilience: Douglas’s unwavering effort to conquer his phobia.

The Importance of Facing Challenges: Confronting fear is essential for personal growth.

Literary Devices: First Person Narrative: Provides a personal and emotional account.
Vivid imagery: Creates a strong sense of Douglas’s terror and struggle.

Sensory Details: Emphasizes the physical and emotional experience of drowning.

Symbolism: Water represents fear and the unknown.

Significance: “Deep Water” is a powerful story about the human capacity to overcome even the most deeply rooted fears. It
emphasizes that with persistence and determination, on can conquer seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
 The rattrap
- S e l m a L ag e r lof
Setting: Swedish iron miles and surrounding countryside.

Characters: Peddler/ Rattrap Seller: A lonely, impoverished man.

Edla Willmansson: A kind and compassionate young woman.
The Instructor: A lonely, generous old man.
The Ironmaster: A wealthy, somewhat impulsive man.
Plot: The Story follows a peddler who sells rattraps and resorts to petty thievery to survive. He’s given shelter by an old crofter,
whom he later robs. He then finds himself mistaken for an old army captain by an ironmaster. Edla’s kindness ultimately
transforms the peddler, leading him to return the stolen money.

Themes: Human kindness and Compassion: Edla’s empathy and generosity are transformative.
Redemption and Transformation: The peddler’s change of heart highlights the possibility of redemption.

Loneliness and Isolation: The characters’ experiences reveal the impact of social isolation.

The Metaphor of the Rattrap: The world as a rattrap, with temptations as bait.

The Essential Goodness of Humanity: Even a seemingly hardened person can be touched by kindness.

Literary Devices: Irony: The peddler, a thief, is mistaken for a captain.

Foreshadowing: The Peddler’s thoughts about the world as a rattrap hint at his own entrapment.

Contrast: The stark contrast between the peddler’s life and the ironmaster’s wealth.
Third Person Narration: Provides an outside view of the characters and events.

Significance: “The Rattrap” is a story that emphasizes the power of human kindness and the possibility of redemption. It
suggests that everyone has the potential for goodness, and that compassion can lead to transformation.
 indigo
- lo u i s F i s c h e r
Setting: Champaran District, Bihar, India, during the British Rule.

Characters: Mahatma Gandhi: The central figure, leading the movement.

Raj Kumar Shukla: A poor peasant who persuades Gandhi to visit Champaran.
British Landlords: The oppressive plantation owners.
Lawyers: Initially hesitant, later supportive of Gandhi.
Peasant Farmers: The exploited indigo cultivators.

Plot: The Story recounts Gandhi’s involvement in the Champaran movement, where he fought for the rights of oppressed
peasant farmers forced to grow indigo under an exploitive agreement. Through nonviolent civil disobedience, Gandhi successfully
pressured the British landlords to relinquish their control and compensate the farmers.

Themes: Nonviolent Civil Disobedience: Gandhi’s method of resistance and its effectiveness.
Social Justice and Equality: The fight against oppression and exploitation.
Courage and Determination: Gandhi’s unwavering commitment to the cause.
Empowerment of the Oppressed: The peasants’ newfound awareness of their rights.
Leadership and Advocacy: Gandhi’s role in mobilizing and guiding the movement.

Literary Devices: Narrative Account: Fischer presents a factual, historical narrative.

Characterization: Gandhi’s personality and leadership are vividly portrayed.
Dialogue: Used to illustrate the interactions and negotiations.
Contrast: The stark contrast between the British landlord’s power and the peasant’s plight.
Historical Context: The story is set against the backdrop of British colonial rule.

Significance: “Indigo” highlights the power of nonviolent resistance and Gandhi transformative leadership. It showcases
how a single individual can bring about significant social change and empower marginalized communities. It also clearly shows the
terrible injustices that were carried out during the British Rule.
 Poets and pancakes
- Asokamitran
Setting: Gemini Studios, Madras (now Chennai), India, during the early years of Indian cinema.
Characters: Asokamitran (The Narrator): A low-ranking officer at Gemini Studios, an observer of the studio’s happenings.
S. S. Vasan (The Boss): The powerful owner of the Gemini Studios.
The Office Boy: Despite his titles, he is a grown-up man, frustrated due to lack of opportunities.
The Legal Advisor: Ironically, he becomes responsible for the end of an actress’s career.
The “Poets”: Writers and Intellectuals associated with the studios, notably the Subbu.
Subbu: A multi-talented individual who’s essential for the studio’s success.
Stephen Spender: An English poet who makes a brief, bewildering visit to the studio.

Plot: The Story provides a humorous and insightful look into the workings of Gemini Studios during its golden age. It describes
the various departments, the people who worked there, and the cultural atmosphere of the time. The narrator recounts anecdotes
about the studio’s activities, including the use of pancake make up, the presence of poets and writers, and the visit of Stephen
Spender in the studios.
Themes: The World of Cinema: A behind-the-scenes glimpse into the Indian Film Industry.
Hierarchy and Bureaucracy: The rigid structure and power dynamics within the Studios.
Idleness and Frustration: The narrator and other employees experience periods of inactivity and dissatisfaction.
The Power of Talent and Versatility: Subbu’s contributions highlight the importance of diverse skills.
The Nature of Fame and Recognition: The fleeting nature of success in the film industry.
Literary Devices: Humour and Irony: The Story is filled with witty observations and ironic situations.
Anecdotal Style: The narrative is structured around a series of amusing incidents.
Character Sketches: The narrator provides vivid descriptions of the studio’s colourful personalities.
Satire: The author gently mocks the absurdities of the film industry.
Cultural Commentary: The story reflects the social and political climate of the time.
Significance: “Poets and Pancakes” offers a fascinating and entertaining portrait of a bygone era in Indian Cinema. It
provides valuable insights into the cultural landscape of the time and the human dynamics within a creative environment. It also is
a commentary on how out of touch with the common man, the so called intellectual can be.
 The interview
- C h r i s top h e r S i lv e s t e r
Setting: Primarily focused on the concept and practice of interviews, with examples from various contexts.

Characters: Christopher Silvester: The author, presenting an analysis of interviews.

Interviews and Interviewees: Including prominent figures like Umberto Eco.

Plot: The text is not a traditional narrative but an exploration of the interview as a communication form. Silvester examines its
history, its various styles, and its impact on individuals and society. He includes an excerpt of an interview with Umberto Eco,
showcasing a thoughtful and intellectual exchange.

Themes: The Nature of Interviews: Exploring the purpose, methods, and ethics of interviewing.
Power Dynamics: The inherent imbalance between interviewer and interviewee.
Celebrity and Media: The role of interviews in shaping public perception.
The Art of Conversation: How interviews can be a form of intellectual exchange.
The Validity of the interviews: If interviews can truly give a realistic view of the person being interviewed?

Literary Devices: Expository Writing: The text primarily explains and analyzes.
Historical Context: Providing a background on the development of interviews.
Analysis and Critique: Examining the strengths and weaknesses of different interview styles.
Examples and Anecdotes: Illustrating points with real-world examples.
Interview Excerpt: Providing a practical demonstration of an interview in action.

Significance: “The Interview” offers a critical examination of a ubiquitous communication form. It encourages readers to
think about the interview’s role in shaping our understanding of individuals and events. It also questions the true value of the
interview, and if it is a true representation of the person being interviewed.
 Going places
- a . r . ba rton

Setting: A working-class neighbourhood in England, likely in the mid-20th century.

Characters: Sophie: A daydreaming, imaginative teenage girl.

Jansie: Sophie’s more practical and realistic friend.
Geoff: Sophie’s older brother, quiet and mysterious.
Danny Casey: A famous Irish footballer.

Plot: The story centers on Sophie’s vivid fantasies and her yearning for a more glamorous life. She creates elaborate daydreams,
including a fictional encounter with her idol, Danny Casey. Her tendency to “go places’ in her mind clashes with the reality of her
working-class background and the practical perspectives of Jansie and Geoff.

Themes: Daydreaming and Fantasy: The power of imagination as an escape from reality.
Adolescent Yearning: The desire for a more exciting and fulfilling life.
Social Class and Aspirations: The conflict between dreams and limited opportunities.
Reality vs. Illusion: The difficulty of distinguishing between fantasy and reality.
Family Dynamics: The contrasting personalities and perspectives within Sophie’s family.

Literary Devices: Third-Person Limited Narration: The story is told from Sophie’s perspective.
Interior Monologue: We gain insight into Sophie’s thoughts and fantasies.
Symbolism: Danny Casey represents Sophie’s idealized version of success and glamour.
Contrast: The stark contrast between Sophie’s Day Dreams and her everyday life.
Irony: The gap between Sophie’s perception of herself and reality.

Significance: “Going Places” explores the universal experience of adolescent daydreaming and the struggle to reconcile
dreams with reality. It highlights the importance of distinguishing between fantasy and reality, and the impact of social class on
individual aspirations. It also shows how easy it is to become lost in your own world.
 • My Mother at Sixty-Six

• Keeping Quiet
poetry • A Thing of Beauty
(FLAMINGO) • A Roadside Stand

• Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers

 • Setting: A car journey from the poet’s parents’ home to the Cochin Airport.

• Characters: The Poet (Kamala Das): A daughter observing her ageing mother.
The Mother: Sixty-Six years old, showing signs of aging.

• Plot: The poem captures the speaker’s emotional turmoil as she observes her aging mother during a car ride. The
mother’s pale and withered appearance triggers the speaker’s fear of losing her. To distract himself, the speaker looks out at
the youthful imagery of trees and children. However, the fear returns, and she bids her mother farewell with a forced smile,
concealing her anxiety.

• Tone: The poem is intimate and reflective, conveying the speaker’s emotional state.
• Themes: Aging and Mortality: The inevitable process of aging and the fear of death.
My mother at Filial Love and Fear of Separation: The speaker’s deep love for her mother and the anxiety of losing her.
sixty-six Time and Transience: The story highlights the power of knowledge and its connection to identity.
The Pain of Separation: The Prussian’s attempt to impose German symbolizes dominance.
- k a m a l a da s Inner Conflict: The speaker’s attempt to reconcile her love with the fear of loss.

• Poetic Devices: Imagery: Vivid descriptions of the mother’s appearance and the surrounding nature.
Simile The mother’s face is compared to a “corpse” and “late winter’s moon”.
Metaphor: The “young trees” and “merry children spilling” symbolize youth and vitality.
Repetition: The word “smile” is repeated, emphasizing the speaker’s emotional state.
Personification: Young Trees Sprinting
Enjambment: The poem is written in a single sentence, which helps to convey the continuous flow of thought.

• Significance: “My Mother at Sixty-Six” is a poignant exploration of the universal themes of aging, mortality, and the
complex emotions associated with familial love. It captures the fleeting nature of time and the inevitable pain of separation.
It also demonstrate how hard it can be for a person to come to terms with the aging of their parents.
 • Setting: A global, universal setting, emphasizing the shared experience of humanity.

• Characters: The Poet (Pablo Neruda): A voice calling for peace and introspection.
• We: Representing the entire humanity.

• Plot: The poem urges humanity to pause all activity and engage in a moment of collective silence. This silence is not
about inactivity or death, but about introspection and understanding. The speaker believes that this moment of quiet will
lead to a deeper connection with ourselves and the world, ultimately fostering peace and preventing further harm.

• Tone: Universal language – The poem transcends cultural and linguistic barriers.
• Themes: Peace and Harmony: The desire for a world free from conflict and violence.
Introspection and Self-Awareness: The importance of looking inward for understanding.
Unity and Brotherhood: The recognition of our shared humanity.

Keeping quiet• The Dangers of unchecked Activity: How constant motion can lead to harm and destruction.
The Power of Silence: The potential for quiet reflection to bring about positive change.
- Pa b lo N e ru da • Poetic Devices: Personification: face of the Earth; Earth can teach us
• Irony/Hyperbole: Victory with no survivors
• Metaphor: clean clothes
• Repetition: wars with gas; wars with fire, without rush without engines,
Alliteration: sudden strangeness, his hurt hands, clean clothes, etc.
• Symbolism: man gathering salt, green wars, brothers, count to twelve, would not harm whales, etc.
• Synecdoche: not move our arms so much
• Anaphora: let’s not speak in any language, let’s stop for one second
• Transferred Epithet: cold sea

• Significance: “Keeping Quiet” is a powerful call for peace and self-reflection in a world often consumed by chaos and
conflict. It encourages us to slow down, look inward, and recognize our shared humanity. It suggests that true change begins
with individual transformation and a collective commitment to peace.
 • Setting: A general, idyllic natural setting, evoking a sense of timeless beauty.

• Characters: The Poet (John Keats): A voice celebrating the enduring power of beauty.
• Plot: The poem opens by declaring that “a thing of beauty is a joy forever.” It then proceeds to list various sources of beauty,
both natural and imaginative, highlighting their ability to provide solace and joy amidst life’s sorrows. The poem emphasizes
the lasting and restorative power of beauty, which transcends time and circumstance.

• Themes: The Enduring Power of Beauty: Beauty’s ability to provide lasting joy and solace.
• The Healing Power of Nature: Nature as a source of comfort and renewal.
• The Transcendence of Art and Imagination: Art’s capacity to create enduring beauty.
• The Escape from Sorrow: Beauty as a refuge from life’s hardships
• The Joy of Simple Pleasures: Finding beauty in everyday experiences.

A thing of• Poetic Devices: Hyperbole/Metaphor: An endless fountain of Immortal Drink.

beauty • Metaphor: Bower quiet, sweet dreams, wreathing a flowery band, pall from our dark spirits
• Oxymoron: Mighty dead
- j o h n K e at s • Alliteration Cooling covert, noble natures, band to bind, some shape, simple sheep, etc.
• Imagery: Flowery bands, shady boons, clear rills, cooling covert, trees old and young
Personification: some shape of beauty
Transferred Epithet: gloomy days, unhealthy and o’erdarkened ways
• Symbol: simple sheep, quiet bower, flowery band, green world, the sun, the moon, the quiet bower
• Antithesis: old and young
• Anaphora: Of noble natures – of all the unhealthy
• Inversion: Are we wreathing a flowery band

• Significance: “A Thing of Beauty” is a celebration of the enduring power of beauty to uplift and inspire. It reminds us
to appreciate the simple pleasures and find solace in nature and art. The Poem’s message is timeless, emphasizing the
importance of beauty as a source of joy and comfort in a world often filled with sorrow. It also shows that beauty can be
found in even the most mundane of places.
 • Setting: A rural Roadside in a presumably American countryside.
• Characters: The Rural People: The owners of the roadside stand, representing the impoverished countryside.
• The City Dwellers (implied): The passing motorists, representing the affluent and indifferent urban population.
• The poet (Robert Frost): The observer and commentator.
• Plot: The poem describes a roadside stand built by rural people hoping to attract passing city dwellers and earn some
extra money. The stand offers simple goods but is largely ignored or treated with disdain by the motorists. The speaker
expresses sympathy for the rural people’s plight and criticizes the city dwellers’ indifference. He also touches upon the
broken promises of progress and the disparity between rural and urban life.
• Tone: The tone shifts from sympathetic to critical and then to a sense of frustrated yearning.
• Themes: Rural Poverty and Hardship: The struggles of rural communities in a changing economy.
• Urban Indifference and Exploitation: The city dwellers’ lack of empathy and their view of the countryside as a
A roadside mere spectacle.
stand • Broken Promises of Progress: The failure of modernization to benefit rural areas.
• Social Inequality: The stark contrast between the lives of the rich and the poor.
- Ro b e rt f ro s t • Yearning for Connection: The rural people’s desire for genuine interaction and understanding.
• Poetic Devices: Personification: A Roadside Stand that too pathetically pled; The sadness that lurks
• Transferred Epithet: Polished traffic, Selfish Cars
• Metaphor: Trusting Sorrow
• Oxymoron: Greedy good-doers; Beneficent beasts of prey
• Alliteration: Pathetically pled, Beneficent beasts, etc.
• Imagery: Squeal of brakes, Sound of stopping cars
• Irony: A car stops not to purchase good but to turn around or ask for directions.
• Symbolism: The Roadside Stand symbolizes rural poverty and marginalization
• Significance: “A Roadside Stand” is a poignant commentary on the social and economic disparities between rural and
urban life. It highlights the plight of rural communities struggling to survive in a rapidly changing world. It also criticizes the
indifference and lack of empathy often shown by those in positions of privilege. The poem serve ax a call greater
understanding and compassion towards those less fortunate.
 • Setting: Primarily within the tapestry Aunt Jennifer is creating, and implicitly within the domestic sphere of her
oppressive marriage.

• Characters: Aunt Jennifer: A ragpicker, later a tea stall worker.

• The Tigers: A bangle maker with dreams of being a motor mechanic.
• The Husband: The author, an observer and narrator

• Plot: The poem contrasts the vibrant, powerful tigers that Aunt Jennifer creates with her own timid and oppressed
existence. The tigers, prancing freely across the tapestry, symbolize the freedom she lacks. The “Weight” of her wedding
band represents the burden of her marriage. The poem suggests that even in death, the “ordeals” of her life will continue to
weigh her down, while the tigers will forever embody her yearning for liberation.

• Themes: Oppression of Women: The constraints placed on women within patriarchal structures.
Aunt • Art as Escape and Resistance: The creative art as a means of finding freedom and expressing suppressed desires.
• Power and Freedom: The contrast between the tigers’ untamed spirit and Aunt Jennifer’s subdues existence.
Jennifer’s • Endurance of oppression: The lasting impact of patriarchal control, even beyond death.
tigers • Symbolism of Art: The tapestry as a representation of Aunt Jennifer’s inner world.

- A d r i en ne r i c h
•
•
Poetic Devices: Alliteration: Fingers fluttering, prancing proud, her terrified hands, weight of wedding band
Imagery: Bright topaz denizens, world of green
• Irony: Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers will continue to pace and prance freely, while she herself will remain terrified even
after her death.
• Hyperbole: The massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band.
• Metaphor: Ringed with ordeals, ivory needle
• Transferred Epithet: Terrified hands
• Symbolism: Wedding band, Aunt Jennifer, Tigers
• Contrast: contrast between Aunt Jennifer and her tigers. She is fearful while her tigers are fearless & proud.

• Significance: “Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers” is a powerful feminist poem that explores the theme of female oppression and
the desire for liberation. It highlights the power of art as a means of escape and self-expression. It also serves as a poignant
commentary on the enduring impact of patriarchal control and the yearning for freedom that transcends even death.
 • The Third Level

• The Tiger King

Supplementary • Journey to the End of the Earth
(vistas) • The Enemy

• On the Face of It

• Memories of Childhood
 • Setting: Primarily Grand Central Station, New York City, and the imagined 1894 setting of Galesburg, Illinois.

• Characters: Charley: The narrator, a 31-year-old man who discovers the Third Level.
• Louisa: Charley’s wife.
• Sam Weiner: Charley’s psychiatrist friend.

• Plot: Charley, while taking the subway home, finds himself on a third level of Grand Central Terminal, a level that shouldn’t
exist. He discovers it’s a gateway to 1894, a simpler time he yearns for. He becomes obsessed with returning, even buying old
currency. His psychiatrist attributes it to stress and escapism. Charley’s friend Sam also disappears, later confirming he found
the third level and is enjoying life in Galesburg.

• Themes: Escapism: The desire to escape the pressures of modern life.

• Time Travel and Nostalgia: The longing for a simpler, idealized past.
• Reality vs. Illusion: The blurring of lines between what’s real and what’s imagined.
The third • Mental Health: The story explores how stress and anxiety can affect perception.
The Power of Imagination: The ability of the mind to create its own reality.
level •

• Some of the Narrative Techniques or Literary Devices are as follow:

- jac k F i n n ey • Narrative Techniques: First-Person Narrative: Charley’s perspective creates a sense of immediacy & personal
experience.
• Science Fiction Elements: The concept of time travel and alternate realities.
• Psychological Realism: The story delves into Charley’s mental state and motivations.
• Symbolism: The Third Level represents escape and a yearning for the past.
• Foreshadowing: Hints throughout the story suggest the possibility of the Third Level’s existence.
• Intersection of Time and Space
• Escapism

• Significance: “The Third Level” explores the human desire to escape from the anxieties of modern life. It raises questions
about the nature of reality and the power of the imagination. It also touches on the psychological impact of stress and the allure
of nostalgia.
 • Setting: The fictional kingdom of Pratibandapuram, India, during the British Rule era.

• Characters: The Tiger King: The eccentric and ultimately doomed ruler.
• The Dewan: The king’s chief administrator, often manipulated.

• The High-Ranking British Officer: Whose desire for a tiger hunt sets the story in motion.

The Astrologers: Who make the initial prophecy.

• Plot: The story satirizes the arrogance and vanity of power. A royal astrologer prophecies that a newborn prince will be killed
by a tiger. To defy fate, the king embarks on a tiger-hunting spree, killing 99 tigers. He couldn’t kill the 100th though he thought
that he had killed it. Later he is tricked into buying a wooden tiger as a gift for his son. Ironically, a sliver from the wooden toy
tiger causes his death, fulfilling the prophecy.

• Themes: Satire of Power and Arrogance: The king’s actions are exaggerated to highlight the absurdity of absolute power.
The tiger • Fate vs. Free Will: The story explores the tension between destiny and the ability to control one’s own life.
king • Environmental Destruction: The king’s obsessive tiger hunting leads to ecological imbalance.

- Kalki
•
•

•
Irony and Paradox: The king’s efforts to avoid his fate lead directly to it.
The Absurdity of Vanity: The king’s obsession with proving the astrologers wrong consumes his life.
Some of the Narrative Techniques or Literary Devices are as follow:
• Narrative Techniques: Satire and Humour : The story uses exaggeration and irony to mock the ling’s behaviour.
• Irony (Dramatic and Situational): The king’s actions have the opposite of their intended effect.
• Exaggeration and Hyperbole: Used to create a comical and satirical tone.
• Third Person Omniscient Narration: Provides insight into the characters’ thoughts and actions.
• Foreshadowing: The initial prophecy sets the stage for the king’s eventual demise.

• Significance: “The Tiger King” is a satirical commentary on the dangers of unchecked power and the futility of trying to
defy fate. It highlights the importance of humility and the consequences of arrogance. It also serves as a warning about the
ecological damage that can be caused by selfish actions.
 • Setting: Antarctica, a remote and pristine continent.

• Characters: Tishani Doshi: The narrator, a writer and poet.

• Geoff Green: The organizer of the “Students on Ice” program.

• Students: Young people from around the world participating in the expedition.

Scientists and Experts: Guiding the students and providing insights.

• Plot: The narrative recounts the author’s experience travelling to Antarctica with a group of students. The Journey
emphasizes the importance of understanding Earth’s geological history and the impact of human activity on the environment.
The author reflects on the fragility of the planet and the need for collective action to protect it.
Journey to • Themes: Environmental Awareness: The urgency of addressing climate change and ecological issues.
the end of • Geological History: Understanding the Earth’s past to comprehend its present and future.

the earth • Youth as Agents of Change: Empowering young people to become responsible stewards of the planet.
• The Interconnectedness of Life: Recognizing the delicate balance of ecosystems.

- T i s h a ni D o s h i
•

•
The Power of Experience: The transformative impact of firsthand encounters with nature.
Some of the Narrative Techniques or Literary Devices are as follow:
• Narrative Techniques: First-Person Narrative: The author’s personal experiences and reflections are central.
• Descriptive Language: Vivid imagery conveys the beauty and vastness of Antarctica.
• Scientific Information: The narrative incorporates factual details about geology and ecology.
• Metaphor and Symbolism: Antarctica represents the Earth’s fragility and the need for preservation.
• Reflective Tone: The author’s contemplation on the planet’s future.

• Significance: “Journey to the End of the Earth” serves as a powerful call to action for environmental conservation. It
highlights the importance of experiential learning and the role of young people in shaping a sustainable future. It also provides
a unique perspective on the Earth’s history and the urgent need to protect its delicate ecosystems.
 • Setting: The Japanese Coast during World War II.

• Characters: Dr. Sadao Hoki: A skilled Japanese Surgeon.

• Hana: Sadao’s Wife.

• Tom: An injured American Prisoner of war.

The Old Gardener: A loyal Servant.

The General: Sadao’s ailing patient.

• Plot: The story explores the moral dilemma faced by Dr. Sadao and his wife, Hana, when they find an injured American
prisoner of war on the Japanese Coast. Despite the risks to themselves and their family, they choose to save his life. Sadao’s
medical ethics clash with his patriotic duty. Ultimately, Sadao helps the American escape, and the General, who could have had
Sadao killed, does nothing.

• Themes: Humanity vs. Patriotism: The conflict between universal compassion ad national loyalty.
The enemy • Moral Responsibility: The weight of ethical decisions in times of war.
• Compassion and Empathy: The ability to see beyond national and racial boundaries.

- p e a r l s . bu c k
•
•
The Ethics of Medicine: The doctor’s duty to save lives, regardless of who they are.
The Absurdity of War: Highlighting how war can force people into very difficult situations.
• Some of the Narrative Techniques or Literary Devices are as follow:
• Narrative Techniques: Third-Person Narrative: Provides an objective view of the character’s actions and thoughts.
• Internal Conflict: Sadao’s struggle with his conscience.
• Irony: Sadao, a Japanese doctor, saves the life of an American Soldier.
• Symbolism: The American Soldier represents the “enemy”, and a fellow human being.
• Foreshadowing: The General’s illness and his promise to send assassins create suspense.

• Significance: “The Enemy” is a powerful story about the triumph of human compassion over prejudice and nationalistic
fervor. It shows that even in the midst of war, the bonds of humanity can prevail. It also raises important questions about the
 • Setting: A garden and house, likely in a rural English setting.
• Characters: Mr. Lamb: An elderly man with a tin leg, living a solitary life.
• Derry: A withdrawn and defensive teenage boy with a scarred face.
• Plot: The story explores the unexpected friendship between Mr. Lamb and Derry. Derry, feeling alienated due to his scarred
face, encounters Mr. Lamb in his garden. Mr. Lamb’s optimistic and accepting nature challenges Derry’s negative self-
perception. Through their conversation, Derry begins to see the world and himself in a new light. However, Derry’s ingrained
insecurities and his protectiveness threaten to pull him back into isolation.

• Themes: Isolation and Loneliness: The impact of physical and emotional scars.
• Prejudice and Discrimination: How appearances can lead to unfair judgements.
• Self-Acceptance and Empathy: The importance of seeing beyond surface appearances.
• The Power of Positive Thinking: Mr. Lamb’s optimistic outlook on life.
• Overcoming Fear and Security: Derry’s struggle to break free from his self-imposed isolation.
On the face Some of the Narrative Techniques or Literary Devices are as follow:
of it • Narrative Techniques: Dialogue-Driven Narrative: The story unfolds primarily through the characters’
conversations.

- Susan hill •
•
Character Contrast: Mr. Lamb and Derry represent contrasting perspectives on life.
Interior Monologue: We gain insight into Derry’s thoughts and feelings.
• Symbolism: The Garden: The Third Level represents escape and a yearning for the past.
• Derry’s Face: Represents his internal scars.
• Foreshadowing: Mr. Lamb’s repeated mentions of falling if isolated, ultimately proves to be true and fatal towards the end.
• Open-Ended Conclusion: The Open-Ended Conclusion encourages the reader to reflect on the themes of the play and
consider the possibilities for Derry’s future. It also make the readers think about how brief and important human connections
can be.

• Significance: “On the Face of It” is a poignant story about the transformative power of human connection. It highlights
the importance of empathy and acceptance in overcoming prejudice and self-doubt. It also shows how a positive outlook on life
can help a person to deal with very difficult situations.
 • Setting: A late 19th century American Indian Boarding School.

• Characters: Zitkala Sa: A young Native American Girl.

• Missionary Teachers: Representing the oppressive assimilation policies.

• Plot: Zitkala Sa recounts the traumatic experience of having her long hair forcibly cut, a symbol of cultural erasure and the
Memories of loss of her identity. She details the fear, humiliation, and resistance she felt during this process.

childhood • Themes: Cultural Oppression: The forced assimilation of American Indian children.
• Loss of Identity: The destruction of cultural symbols and traditions.

- zitkala sa &
Ba m a
•
•
Resistance and Resilience: The struggle to maintain one’s heritage.
Trauma of Boarding Schools: The emotional and psychological impact of these institutions.
• Some of the Narrative Techniques or Literary Devices are as follow:
Pa rt I – T h e
c u t t i n g o f m y lo n g
• Narrative Techniques: First-Person Narrative: Provides a personal and emotional account.
hair- zitkala sa • Imagery: Vivid descriptions of the oppressive environment.
• Emotional Appeal: The narrative evokes empathy for Zitkala-Sa’s experience.
• Symbolism: Long hair represents cultural identity and freedom.
• Autobiographical Sketch: Detailed from the life of the author herself.

• Significance: “Memories of Childhood” highlights the universal experience of Childhood Trauma and the struggle for
identity in the face of Oppression. Both narratives showcase the resilience of children and their ability to confront and
challenge injustice. They also highlight the terrible injustices that have been, and in some cases, still are, carried out against
marginalized groups.
 • Setting: A rural village in Tamil Nadu, India.

• Characters: Bama: A young Dalit Girl.

Elder Brother: Provides insights into the caste system.

• Landlord: Represents the oppressive upper caste.

• Plot: Bama recounts her childhood experiences with the harsh realities of the caste system. She describes incidents of
discrimination and the gradual realization of her own marginalized status. Her elder brother’s explanation of the social
Memories of hierarchy helps her understand the injustice.

childhood • Themes: Caste Discrimination: The desire to escape the pressures of modern life.

- zitkala sa &
Ba m a
•
•
•
Social Injustice: The longing for a simpler, idealized past.
Awareness and Awakening: The blurring of lines between what’s real and what’s imagined.
Resilience and Resistance: The story explores how stress and anxiety can affect perception.
• Some of the Narrative Techniques or Literary Devices are as follow:
Pa rt I I – W e to o a r e
human beings - • Narrative Techniques: First-Person Narrative: Charley’s perspective creates a sense of immediacy & personal
Ba m a experience.
• Anecdotal Style: The concept of time travel and alternate realities.
• Social Commentary: The story delves into Charley’s mental state and motivations.
• Irony: The Third Level represents escape and a yearning for the past.
• Humour: Hints throughout the story suggest the possibility of the Third Level’s existence.
• Autobiographical Sketch: Detailed from the life of the author herself.

• Significance: “Memories of Childhood” highlights the universal experience of Childhood Trauma and the struggle for
identity in the face of Oppression. Both narratives showcase the resilience of children and their ability to confront and
challenge injustice. They also highlight the terrible injustices that have been, and in some cases, still are, carried out against
marginalized groups.
 Thank you

ALL the best

from – the entire English
department, l.p.s.