SEM II - UNIT- III Short Stories

SEMESTER - II

UNIT - III - SHORT STORIES

1.  The Fortune Teller – Karpel Capek

Introduction:

Karpel Capek was a famous Czech novelist. He was also a playwright and a short story writer. “The Fortune Teller” is one of his famous stories. This story is about how a fraudulent fortune-teller is punished. A detective Inspector finds out the fact that the fortune-teller is a fraud. The irony of the story is that the prediction of the fortune-teller becomes true.

MacLeary’s Suspicion:

The Detective Inspector MacLeary suspected that Mrs. Myers was a fraud. Mrs. Myers earned good money as a professional fortune-teller. She did not have the legal citizen identity also. She was a German by birth. She led a rich and happy life. Mr. MacLeary wanted to find out the truth of this lady. He took the help of his wife. Mrs. MacLeary went to meet Mrs. Myers. She removed her wedding ring. She also dressed herself very girlishly. She called herself Miss. Jones.

Mrs. Myers’ prediction about Mrs. MacLeary‘s future:

Mrs.Myers used cards to predict the future of Mrs. MacLeary who introduced herself as Miss. Jones. Mrs. Myers said that Miss Jones must be twenty years old. She would marry a very rich man. She would cross the ocean. But before her wedding she would have to overcome great obstacles. The obstacle may be due to an old man. Miss. Jones said it could be her uncle. But Mrs. Myers was not able to find out that what Mrs. MacLeary said were all lies.

Legal Action Against Mrs. Myers

Mr. MacLeary came to know about Mrs. Myers. Mrs. MacLeary told him that she was not able to predict things correctly. Mrs. Myers was summoned to appear before Mr. Kelly, a magistrate. He told her that Mrs. MacLeary has been married for the last three years to Detective Inspector Mac Leary. Mrs. Mac Leary is 24 years old and not 20. Mrs. Myers was not able to give any satisfactory answers. Mr. Kelly asked her to stop telling the fortunes. She must also leave the country.

The Irony of the Story

About a year later Mr. Kelly met Detective Inspector MacLeary. During their conversation Mr. Kelly learnt the sad incident that took place in Mr. MacLeary’s life. Mrs. MacLeary married a millionaire and left for Australia although her husband tried to frustrate her plans.

Conclusion

The writer has given a very good twist in the climax. The climax makes the readers think. We all like to know our future. Fortune-teller make use of this earn good money. When something good happens we fall a prey to them. We only pity Mr.MacLeary who has been punished not by law by fate.

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2. The Postmaster – Rabindranath Tagore

Introduction

Rabindranath Tagore is a well known freedom fighter, writer and social reformer. He is the author of our National Anthem. He was awarded the Noble Prize for Literature in 1913 for his work, “Gitanjali”. The short story ‘The Post master’  centers on a young Postmaster who is longing for human companionship in a remote village.

The Postmaster

The Postmaster has been given appoinment from Calcutta to a small Indian village named Ulapur. From the noise of the city life, he comes to a deserted village. He finds himself very lonely. So he started writing poetry. Then he got the companionship of a young servant girl named Ratan. He narrates to the girl stories about his family. Later the girl is quickly attached to the postmaster.

Ratan: The Orphan Girl

Rattan is an orphan girl of the village. She does all the household works for the Postmaster. She would sit outside the postmaster’s office, being only a call away from him and doing all the small works. She did not have many memories of her family to be recalled. She affectionately calls him as “Dada”- brother.

Unreciprocated affection of Ratan

The Postmaster falls sick in his solitude. Rattan takes care of him. Now she has developed strong, seemingly romantic feelings for him. However, he does not view Ratan in the same way. As soon as he recovers from his sickness, he decides to leave the village. He writes an application of transfer based on the poor conditions. His transfer requests remain unanswered. So he resigns his job. Ratan is extremely upset and asks him to take her with him. He finds her request absurd and denies it. Rattan is depressed and starts grieving over it.

Postmaster’s Departure

The postmaster consoles Ratan saying that he would inform the new postmaster about her and offers her some money. But she refuses both and said she does not want to say there anymore. She led a life of loneliness. Dada was her only companion who understood her very well. Now she feels broken as he leaves without her, when the new postmaster arrives to the village. He hesitates for a moment as the boat leaves, but it is too late for him to take her with him.

Conclusion

Tagore ends the story by saying that meeting, attachment and departing are all part of life. Everything settles with the passages of time.

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                                            3. The Model Millionaire by Oscar Wilde

Introduction

Oscar Wilde is a famous British essayist, short story writer, novelist, and playwright. His writings are both humorous and serious. His stories like “The Selfish Giant”, “The Happy Prince” and The Model Millionaire” are very popular. “The Model Millionaire” conveys the message that being and doing good has its own reward.

Hughie Erskine

Hughie Erskine was a husband but jobless young man. He lived on an allowance of 200 pounds per year from his aunt. His father had given him a sword and a history book in 15 volumes. He did not have any use for them. He tried different kinds of business. Unfortunately, he was always unlucky. Though he had no money, he was popular with men and women. He fell in love with Laura Merton, the daughter of a tried army officer.

Colonel Merton’s condition

Colonel Merton liked Hughie. But he was very strict in the matter of marriage. He told Hughie that he could marry Laura after he had earned ten thousand pounds of his own. Naturally, Hughie was upset because he had no money.

Hughie gives money to a beggar

Hughie had a close friend called Alan Trevor. Trevor was a painter and had his own studio. He also liked Hughie very much. So, he permitted him to visit his studio any time. One day, Hughie visited his friend on his way to Laura’s house. Then Trevor was painting an old beggar the model was an old man is torn clothes. He leaned on a stick and used his hat as a begging bowel. Trevor went out on some work. Hughie saw the old man and his heart melted. He wanted to help the poor fellow. He had a pound and a few shillings only. Even then, he gave the beggar a pound and left the studio.

Hughie’s embarrassment

That night, Hughie met Trevor in a club. He asked Trevor whether he had completed his painting. Trevor replied that he had finished the painting and framed it. He also added that the old had wanted to know more details about Hughie. Hughie became angry with Trevor for telling the old man about his personal life. Surprisingly, Trevor laughed and said that the old man was one of the richest men in Europe. Hughie was shocked to hear about the status of the old man. He felt unhappy for insulting the old man by giving him a pound.

Baron’s kindness:

The next day, a messenger came to see Hughie. The messenger had come with an envelope and gave it to Hughie. The envelope had a cheque for ten thousand pounds as wedding gift for Hughie and Laura. It was a present from an old beggar, that is, Baron Hausberg. Hughie and Laura finally married. Trevor said millionaires who posed as models were rare. He also said that millionaires who were role models were even rarer.

Conclusion:

 “The Model Millionaire” reads a fairy tale. It shows that being and doing well had its reward. It also proves that appearances are deceptive.

     4. THE ADVENTURES OF THE DYING DETECTIVE  by  Arthur Canon Doyle

Introduction

Sherlock Holmes was a very famous detective and he a friend called Mr. Watson. Holmes lived in a rented house at Baker Street. One day the landlady sensed that there was some strange things happening to Holmes. She called in his friend Dr. Watson. Watson rushed to the place and found that Holmes was in his death bed. Moreover Holmes was neither eaten nor drunk anything for the past three days.

The Plan to Bring Culverton Smith

In order to find out a murderer, Holmes invited Watson to his place but Holmes ordered Watson not to come near him because the disease was so contagious. Holmes made Watson to wait outside his room till 6'oclock in the evening. After that Holmes instructed Watson to turn the gaslight on. Then he asked him to call Mr. Calverton smith of 13 lower Burke Street.On the other hand, Mr. Culverton had a bad opinion about Holmes because, Holmes had an investigation with Culverton regarding his nephew's murder case. So, when Watson called Culverton, he refused to come. But after hearing about the disease of Holmes he accepted to visit him as a visitor.

Conversation Between Holmes & Culverton Smith

Culverton met Holmes with sympathy and started his conversation. He was not awarethat Mr.Watson was standing behind the screen and overhearing their talk. As the room was half dark, smart Holmes started the topic about Culverton's murder and enquired about the sequence. The innocent Culverton came out with the truth that he himself murdered hisnephew. He explained that he used highly infectious disease as his tool to kill his nephew just the same, he sent a small ivory box contained a sharp spring infected with contagious germs of the same disease to kill Holmes also and he was very happy that both was successful.

Arrest of the Murderer

Holmes asked Culverton to turn up the gas light full, then immediately the inspector Merton and Dr Watson rushed in. It was shocking for Culverton. The Gas light was the signal. The police to Step in and Holmes ordered the police to arrest Culverton for his nephew’s murder. Watson was the witness who overheard all the conversation.

Conclusion

Holmes was not actually dying. He acted like an infected person just to bring the truth behind the murder. Holmes was not infected by the little box because he had examined all his parcels before its open, as he has enough enemies. Thus Holmes successfully overcome the plan of Culverton too. Holmes and Watson proved themselves as intelligent detectives.

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SEM II- UNIT- II Poetry

SEMESTER II

UNIT – II (POETRY)

1. THE SOLITARY REAPER – William Wordsworth

Introduction

            William Wordsworth is one of the most important English poets and a founder of the Romantic Movement of English literature. He was often called a nature poet because of his emphasis on the connection between humans and the natural world. He became widely successful and was named Poet Laureate of England in 1843. The poem 'The Solitary Reaper' was written on November 5, 1805. It is based on the real experience of the author.

The Song of the Highland Girl

The poet, while travelling in the Highland valleys, comes across a lonely Highlander reaper girl. She is harvesting the crops and singing by herself. He tries to draw the attention of the passers-by to the girl by calling them to ‘behold her’. The poet urges them to stop there and listen to her song, or to pass by gently without disturbing her in her singing. The poet again urges the other travellers to listen to her music, as it is overflowing the deep valley.

Comparisons of the Song

Now the poet compares the reaper girl’s song with that of the sweet singing nightingale bird. The melodious song of the nightingale welcomes a tired group of travellers in some shady shelter in the Arabian desert. Now the comparison shifts to the cuckoo, another well-known singing bird. It too breaks the silence of the seas in the far islands. But, according to the poet, the song of the solitary reaper is more thrilling than that of the nightingale and cuckoo.

The Theme of the Song

The poet doesn’t understand the meaning of the song or its subject matter, as the girl is probably singing in her native language From its tone, he guesses it to be a sad song about some old unhappy things and past battles. He also guesses that the song might be about some more usual happenings like some natural sorrow, loss or pain, a death or a domestic day-to-day incident which has occurred or may happen again.

Conclusion

The poet listened to the girl’s song, stopped on his way and stood still, very much charmed by the girl’s beautiful song. When the poet was climbing up the hill, the song could no longer be heard from there, but he bore the music, the melody of the solitary reaper’s song in his heart. Such was the impression of the song upon his mind.

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2. THE GIFT - Alice Walker

Introduction

Alice Walker is an Afro - American novelist, short story writer, poet, and social activist. She is known for her novel The Color Purple, which won many awards. The poem ‘Gift’ is written by Alice Walker.The poem is personal and conversational in tone. This poem talks about a racially discriminated Afro-American woman. The lover, being a white American proposed his love to a black woman but he calls her greedy.

The Soul as a Gift

The poem starts with a lover giving away his heart/soul to his lady love. Though the lady was not interested in him she takes his soul lightly and keeps it aside as she belongs to the South side of the country. She keeps his heart as a mandate and thinks to give it back as it was given. When that lady completely falls in love with him, he returns to her and with an outrage voice asks her to give back his heart/soul.

The Possessiveness of the White Lover

Now, out of some misunderstanding, the white lover gets angry with the lady and wants his soul back. It is actually he who proposed her first. But now he says that she is so greedy enough to love such a high class American. He calls her possessive. The ladylove replies quietly that he has always kept his soul with him. It is heavy with the racial memory from past generations. The girl says him, that he never gave his heart/soul but, just kept it with her so as to safeguard it. He never believed her and loved her and was very possessive about his heart and held it so tightly that it shrinked to the size of his hand.

Conclusion

This poem starts with love shown by a man towards his lover whom he considered as his life and Soul. Later, the poem ends with the possessive nature of a man with his heart and also portraits merciless and mean nature of the man towards his beloved.

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3. O WHAT IS THAT SOUND? – W. H. Auden

Introduction

W. H. Auden was an English poet of 20^th century. His poetry was noted for the engagement with politics, morals, love, and religion.  ‘O what is That Sound’ is a ballad. A ballad is a song with a story. The poem tells the events of an unspecified war and its effects on a couple and betrayal. It also exposes a deeper message, of the weak nature of humankind. It is told through the two voices - the lady and his lover.

The Arrival of the Soldiers

The speaker of the poem, a lady, hears a sound down in the valley from her home in the morning. She asks his spouse what that sound was. The spouse replies that it was the marching of soldiers. The speaker next asks what the light that keeps flashing was. It is the glint of their weapons dear, says the spouse. Similarly the lady continues to question the actions of the soldiers and the lover gives appropriate answers. The soldiers all the while keep marching towards the lady’s house. The lady thinks that they would stop somewhere before, - the doctor’s house, the parson’s church and the cunning farmer’s land. But they run straight towards his house.

The Betrayal of the Lover

Seeing the arrival of the soldiers, the man stands up to leave. The lady questions about the vows that lover had made to love her forever. She is left with a tragic and sarcastic note: “ No, I promised to love you dear,/ But I must be leaving.” These vows are most likely referring to the vows made during wedding ceremonies. And then the soldiers break the door, and come into the house with burning eyes.

Conclusion

W.H. Auden doesn’t say what happens to the lady after the arrival of the soldiers. We may assume that the lady might be attacked violently or brutally raped by them. Hence Auden gives a picture of the brutality of war and how the individuals are affected by it.

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4. ODE TO THE WEST WIND – P. B. Shelley

Introduction

P. B Shelley was one of the major English Romantic poets.  He was a radical in his poetry as well as in his political and social views. Shelley did not see fame during his lifetime, but recognition of his achievements in poetry grew steadily following his death.  His “Ode to the West Wind” is a poem that addresses the west wind as a powerful force and asks it to scatter the poet's words throughout the world. 

The West Wind’s Effect on Land

Addressing the west wind as a human, Shelley describes its activities: It drives dead leaves away as if they were ghosts. The leaves are yellow and black, pale and red. The west wind carries seeds in its chariot and deposits them in the earth. In a paradox, the poet calls the west wind as a destroyer and a preserver.

The West Wind’s Effect on Sky

The poet says the west wind drives clouds along after it shakes the clouds free of the sky and the oceans. These clouds erupt with rain and lightning. Against the sky, the lightning appears as a bright shaft of hair from the head of a Mænad. From that dome will come black rain, fire, and hail.

The West Wind’s Effect on Sea

While sleeping at the Mediterranean Sea, the west win saw old palaces and towers that had collapsed into the sea during an earthquake and became overgrown with moss and flowers. To create a path for the west wind, the powers of the mighty Atlantic Ocean divide themselves and flow through chasms. Deep beneath the ocean surface, flowers and foliage, upon hearing the west wind, quake in fear and despoil themselves.

The Poet’s Cry

The poet wants to become a dead leaf  or a cloud  or an ocean wave taken by the  uncontrollable west wind. His thoughts would spread all over the world. But as a human he has certain limitations. He cries that he has fallen on the thorns of life and he is bleeding with heavy hours of time.

Conclusion

At last Shelley asks the wind to scatter his words around the world, as if they were ashes from a burning fire. The poet wants the wind to help him spread his views on politics, philosophy, literature, and so on. He says that “ If winter comes can spring be far behind?”

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SEM II - UNIT IV - One Act Plays

SEMESTER II

Unit IV  (ONE- ACT PLAYS)

1. THE DEATH TRAP - Saki

Introduction

Saki is the pen name of H.H.Munro. He was born in Burma and began his career as a journalist. He is considered to be the master of short stories. The Death Trap is a one act play. The twists and turns make the play thrilling and the suspense is maintained till the end.

Prince Dimitri

Prince Dimitri is crowned king at a very young age of fourteen. He is the last member of his dynasty. He is a very brave boy. When some of his generals plot to murder him he faces death courageously. When his doctor suggests that he can drink poison and die instead of being murdered Prince Dimitri dismisses it as a cowardly act. He is very fond of nature and sports and regrets that he has to die young without enjoying both. Yet he accepts death calmly. Dimitri is also very clever. At the end of the play he fools his enemies and kills them by poisoning the wine.

The Plot to Murder the Prince

The Generals belonging to the Kranitzki Regiment plot to kill Prince Dimitri and crown Prince Karl as the king. They take away all his weapons on some excuse so that he cannot defend himself. They wait for his other two regiments which are very loyal to leave. When Prince Dimitri is left unguarded they plan to murder him. They wait outside his room.

The Role of the Doctor

At that moment the Prince’s faithful friend Dr. Stronetz arrives. The enemies take away his revolver before allowing him to meet the Prince. The doctor is worried that the Prince has to face cruel death at such a young age. He suggests that the Prince could die peacefully by consuming poison. The Prince refuses. As they are discussing the enemies rush in. immediately the doctor begins to examine the Prince’s chest and body. He tells the conspirators that the Prince is suffering from a serious disease and will live for only six more days. So they leave without murdering him.

The Prince’s Disappointment

The Prince feels very happy that he has been saved. He praises the doctor for saving him. But his happiness is short lived. The doctor confesses that he spoke the truth and that he is really suffering from a fatal disease and will not live for more than six days. The Prince is very disappointed. He asks the doctor for the poison.

The Prince Takes Revenge

Prince Dimitri has a plan. He invites the generals to celebrate the success of the future king, Prince Karl. He offers them wine mixed with poison. He too drinks the poisoned wine. The conspirators pretend to be loyal and say they cannot serve another king. Dimitri tells them that they will never serve anybody else because they have been poisoned. Shortly they all fall down. Dimitri is amused that they will keep him company in the other world.

Conclusion

Though the play is a tragedy it has been made interesting and enjoyable by the talented playwright.

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2. THE DEAR DEPARTED - Stanley Houghton

Introduction

Stanley Houghton was a famous English playwright. The central theme of his play The Dear Departed is the problems faced by old people. They are neglected by their children, who are more interested in their property than in their well being.

Abel Merryweather

Abel Merryweather is an old widower. He has two married daughters, Elizabeth and Amelia. They consider it a burden to take care of their aged father. He stays with them in turns. When the play opens he is with his younger daughter, Amelia. Through a strange incident he comes to know the ungrateful nature of his daughter. One morning he goes out to pay his insurance premium. After returning home he goes to upstairs to sleep unconsciously in a drunken state. When Amelia wakes him to have his dinner he does not get up. She thinks he is dead. She informs her sister Elizabeth. Amelia does not bother to send for a doctor. Instead she and her family start mourning and wear back clothes.

Abel Merryweather’s two daughters

Amelia is a greedy woman. She does not wish to share her father’s belongings with her sister. With the help of her husband she brings the old man’s new cabinet down. She also brings down his clock. She even asks her husband to wear her father’s new slippers. Elizabeth is in no way different from Amelia. As soon as she arrives she wants to know if her father had paid Insurance Premium. Otherwise they would not be able claim the money.

Abel Merryweather Comes Alive

As the papers are in the cabinet, Amelia’s little girl Victoria is sent upstairs to bring the keys. Victoria returns with the shocking news that the grandfather is getting up from his deep sleep. Shortly the old man comes down. He is surprised to see Elizabeth and her husband. He wants to know why they are mourning. They try to give some explanation. He is shocked to see his cabinet and clock. He is even more shocked to see Amelia’s husband wearing his slippers. From their conversation he realizes that he was mistaken to be dead and that his ungrateful daughters are fighting for his belongs instead of mourning his death.

Merryweather’s Marriage with an old widow

The old man is pained at the behavior of his daughters. He wishes to teach them a lesson. He tells them that he is marrying Mrs. Shorrocks who owns Ring O’Bells and that all his property would be willed to her.

Conclusion

The theme is serious one. It is about how parents are treated by their children in their old age. Ungrateful children are more interested in their parents’ property than in their well being. The author conveys this serious message through a light hearted comedy.

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3. THE SHERIFF'S KITCHEN -  Ronald Gow

Introduction

Ronald Gow was an English dramatist, chemist and a school teacher. He produced several  educational silent films. He also wrote plays for the BBC. This play deals with an interesting event when Robin Hood escapes from the prison, putting the Sheriff himself into the cell.

The Cook's Argument with the Steward

The play opens with a conversation between the cook and the steward of the Sheriff’s house.  The cook complains that the Sheriff doesn’t come to dinner at proper time. So he often fights with the steward. The steward convinced the cook that he had the key for ale cellar. There might be some good ale. His words changed the mind of the cook. Then they planned to have ale. And they became friends. A messenger comes and gives the message that Robin Hood is caught.

Robinhood as an Outlaw

Robin Hood was a benevolent outlaw, robbed the rich and gave liberally to the poor. The sheriff of Nottingham tried many time to capture Robin Hood and his band of devoted followers, by means of cleverly laid traps, but on every occasion, the outlaw was cleverer than the sheriff. This time they captured the Robin Hood and the sheriff made severe arrangements, double guards to the prison.

Little John and Friar Tuck

Little John and Friar Tuck secretly entered into the castle of the Sheriff. When they entered the sheriff's kitchen, Friar Tuck was unable to control himself. He wanted to eat a lot. Little John convinced him that they have come to save the Robin Hood.

Little John Became the Sentry

When the sentry passed, Little John stole sentry's steel cap, leather coat and halberd. He appeared as a sentry. Then the steward entered and mumbled with his mouth full. John asked the steward to have his dinner. Little John convinced him tactfully and he gave delicious food items. He helped the steward to unfasten his belt. During that time John removed the bunch of keys from the belt, went back to his place.

Conclusion

When the steward went to sleep, John went to the prison and opened it. Then the sheriff came there and they put sheriff into the prison. Thus Robin Hood had escaped from the prison.

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4. THE ANNIVERSARY - Anton Chekhov

Introduction

Anton Chekhov, a doctor by profession, was a Russian short story writer and playwright. The Anniversary by Anton Chekov   is a hilarious play about a banker who is preparing to meet some respected shareholders for the bank’s 15^th anniversary celebrations. The play revolves around four important characters - Mr Andrei Shipuchin, Mr.Kirin, Mrs Tatiana and Mrs Merchutkina.

Relationship Between Kirin and Shipuchin

Shipuchin was a chairman of a cooperative bank and also he was a sentimental admirer of women. Kirin was the bank's book-keeper. He was completely opposite to Shipuchin. He was preparing the report for the fifteenth anniversary of the bank. He worked day and night for the report. And he told the bank employees that the chairman was going to reward for his pains. Shipuchin entered and thanked him. There was a friendly relationship between them. Then he was getting ready to read the report. But he talked about Kirin's wife and their family life. It irritated Kirin.

Tatiana's Trouble

Tatiana was a Shipuchin's wife and she was a stupid chatterbox .When he started to read the report. his wife entered and she talked only useless matter. She told about her mother, sister and her journey. Shipuchin observed her words and he enjoyed. But it was an irritation to Kirin. He lost his patience and he told that he wanted to leave.

Mrs. Merchutkina

            In the midst of all this, suddenly an old woman came inside the bank. She seemed highly agitated and rushed to Mr. Shipuchin’s seat. Merchutkina wanted the bank to pay her husband’s complete wage of twenty four roubles and thirty six kopecks which she claimed had been wrongly deducted. However Mrs Merchutkina husband never worked with the bank and the bank never had anything to do with the payment of his wages. 

Conclusion

            Mr. Shipuchin gets angry and demands Mrs.Merchutkina to leave the bank immediately. But the woman refuses and is persistent on her demands. Finally at the end of his wits the accountant who has been silent victim all this while threatens to get her thrown out of the bank if she did not leave by herself. Even this threat did not deter her from demanding her husband’s rightful share of wages.

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