Araby by James Joyce

7- Araby by James Joyce 1. THEME OR MESSAGE OF THE STORY OR CRITICISM ON MODERN CIVILIZATION OR LOVE AFFAIR BETWEEN THE SCHOOL BOY AND THE GIRL / CHARACTER SKETCH OF BOY Q. No. 1: The story is of conflict between the subjective feelings of a boy and the objective reality of life. OR The story is a criticism on the dark aspects of modern civilization. Discuss. OR The theme of the story is the disillusionment of modern man. Discuss. OR The story is a psychological study of a disappointed…

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The Happy Prince by Oscar Wilde

6- The Happy Prince by Oscar Wilde 1. AS A FAIRY TALE Q. No. 1: What is fairy tale? Is this story a fairy tale? If your answer is “yes” give reasons? OR What type of story is “THE HAPPY PRINCE”? Answer: “The Happy Prince” is a fairy-tale as well as a fantasy. It’s a fairy tale because of its supernatural atmosphere. As a fantasy, it has a deep moral lesson in it. Let’s discuss the story as a fantasy and fairy-tale. First, the language of a fantasy is simple…

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Take Pity by Bernard Malamud

5- Take Pity by Bernard Malamud 1. CHARACTER SKETCH OF EVA OR THE THEME OF THE STORY  (V.IMP) Q. No. 1: Draw the character sketch of Eva? OR The theme of the story is undaunted struggle of a woman against the exploitation of a man. Discuss. OR What problems had Eva to face after the death of her husband? Discuss. Answer: In this story, Bernard Malamud deals with Polish family that did not want to become a burden on anyone. The theme of the story is undaunted struggle of Eva…

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Take Pity by Bernard Malamud

5. Take Pity by Bernard Malamud 1. CHARACTER SKETCH OF EVA OR THE THEME OF THE STORY  (V.IMP) Q. No. 1: Draw the character sketch of Eva? OR The theme of the story is undaunted struggle of a woman against the exploitation of a man. Discuss. OR What problems had Eva to face after the death of her husband? Discuss. Answer: In this story, Bernard Malamud deals with Polish family that did not want to become a burden on anyone. The theme of the story is undaunted struggle of Eva…

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Breakfast by John Steinbeck

4-Breakfast by John Steinbeck THEME OF THE STORY OR A STORY OF SIMPLE PEOPLE    (V.IMP) Q: What is the theme or central idea of the story? OR What type of people has been presented in the story? OR Why can the writer not forget his meeting with the simple villagers? Discuss. OR “That’s all”, says the narrator almost at the end of story, “I know, of course, some of the reasons why it was pleasant.” Discuss. Answer: “Breakfast” is a story of common people. It is a critique of modern…

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The New Constitution by Manto

3. The New Constitution by Manto 1. EXPECTATIONS AND DISILLUSIONMENT OF USTAD MANGU (V.IMP) Q. No. 1: What kind of change was Ustad Mangu expecting from the new Act 1935? Explain. OR What was new constitution? OR How was Mangu disillusioned on 1st April? OR How did Ustad Mangu feel when his hopes and expectations were not fulfilled? Answer:  “The New Constitution” refers to 1st April when India Act 1935 was to come into effect. The Indians thought that after the enforcement of this act, they would witness a new…

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RAPPACCINI’S DAUGHTER BY HAWTHORNE

2-RAPPACCINI’S DAUGHTER BY HAWTHORNE 1. A FANTASY OR A SCIENCE FICTION Q. No.1: How far is Rappaccini’s Daughter a science fiction? Discuss. OR Narrate the incidents of horror that take place in the story. OR Discuss Rappaccini’s Daughter as an imaginary story. Answer: “Rappaccini’s Daughter” is a fantasy. A fantasy is an imaginary story with some moral lesson. The story is also a science fiction because it is based on actual science facts. Main events of the story are based on some scientific facts.                    The very first thing that…

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The Killers by Hemingway

1- THE KILLERS BY HEMINGWAY) 1. SCENE OF HENRY’S LUNCH ROOM Q. No. 1: Reproduce the scene of Henry’s lunch room in your own words. OR Why do Al and Max visit Henry’s lunch room? How do they treat the servants of Henry’s lunch room? Answer: “THE KILLERS” is a story about the expected murder of a person, Ole Anderson. Two hirelings, Al and Max are following him. They have never seen Ole Anderson. They have come to know that Ole Anderson visits Henry’s Lunch Room daily. They enter the…

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Those Winter Sundays by Robert Hayden

Unit # 11: Those Winter Sundays (Robert Hayden) For All Students in General Questions and Answers Reading and Critical Thinking 1. What do you think is Robert Hayden’s attitude towards the father’s sacrifices in the poem? Answer: Hayden shows deep respect towards his father. He admires his father’s sacrifices for him. The tone is full of regret. He now understands that his father’s tireless efforts and sacrifices were a thankless task at that time. His love was shown through actions. Hayden appreciates it but too late. His attitude is sorrowful…

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The Punishment of Shahpesh by George Meredith

Unit # 10: The Punishment of Shahpesh, the Persian, on Khipil, the Builder by George Meredith Questions and Their Answers For All Students in General Reading and Critical Thinking 1. What is the central message conveyed through the fate of Khipil and how is it relevant to people who rely more on words than actions? Answer: The central message is that empty boasting leads to downfall. Khipil talks more than he builds. His words outshine his results. Eventually, his pride causes humiliation. True worth lies in deeds, not declarations. The…

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