Money – Ranganayakamma

Money – Ranganayakamma

Answer the following questions in about 100 words each.

1. What did the prospective son-in-law in the story desire?

Muppala Ranganayakamma wrote a story on the social evil of dowry in Telugu. It is called ‘Dabbu’. It was translated as ‘Money’ in English. In this story, the prospective son-in-law desires an amount of one crore rupees as dowry from the bride’s father. He thinks that though taking a share in property fetches him 10 rupees more value, he should opt for taking money as his wife would inherit the property. He reasons that the dowry as money would belong to him. Finally he settles for the value of the property, rupees one crore and ten rupees. (97 words)

2. How did he go about discussing this desire with the elders whom he consulted?

In ‘Money’, a story on dowry, the prospective son-in-law desires an amount of one crore rupees as dowry from the bride’s father. He seeks the opinion of his elders on which option would be better for him – taking one crore rupees cash or taking a share in the property. He asks his would be father-in-law which one would be of more value. Knowing that taking property would be of ten rupees more value, he decides to take the value of the property in cash. He reasons that his wife would inherit the property. He reasons that the dowry as money would belong to him. (104 words)

3. What was the final deal with the father-in-law?

In ‘Money’, a story on dowry, the prospective son-in-law desires an amount of one crore rupees as dowry from the bride’s father. He has to choose between taking cash and taking a share in the property. Knowing that taking property would be of ten rupees more value, he decides to take the value of the property in cash. He reasons that his wife would inherit the property. His wife may not be under his control. He reasons that the dowry as money would belong to him. Finally he settles for the value of the property, rupees one crore and ten rupees. (101 words)

4. What did he do after the wedding and what did he miss of the world outside?

In ‘Money’, a story on dowry, the prospective son-in-law finally settles for the value of the property, rupees one crore and ten rupees, as dowry. His father-in-law wants the satisfaction of giving money. Bride’s father pays him the amount in ten paisa coins. Coins worth one crore and ten rupees are stored in bags in s shed. Soon after the wedding, the son-in-law begins counting the coins. His counting goes on for twenty four years. Meanwhile, his father-in-law passes away, his wife marries another person, and his wife’s daughter grows to be a young woman. He misses all this of the outside world. (104 words)

5. Describe briefly his meeting with his wife and his wife’s daughter?

The son-in-law receives a shed full of bagged coins. To make sure that he gets his demand fulfilled, he begins counting the coins. After counting for twenty four years, he finds that the amount is less by forty paisa. He finds two women in front of him. He realizes that the elder woman is his wife and the younger one is her daughter. He refuses to live with her. Then she tells him that while he is engaged in counting the money, much has happened in the outside world.  Meanwhile, his father-in-law passes away, his wife marries another person, and his wife’s daughter grows to be a young woman. (109 words)

2. Answer the following questions in about 200 words each.

1. Explain the theme of money versus relationship as evident in the story.

Muppala Ranganayakamma wrote a story on the social evil of dowry in Telugu. It is called ‘Dabbu’. It was translated as ‘Money’ in English. The writer deals with the theme of money versus relationship in this story. She proves that money is more important than relationship. The son-in-law in the story insists on an amount of one crore rupees as dowry from the bride’s father. He thinks that though taking a share in property fetches him 10 rupees more value, he should opt for taking money as his wife would inherit the property. He reasons that the dowry as money would belong to him. Finally he settles for the value of the property, rupees one crore and ten rupees.

Bride’s father pays him the amount in ten paisa coins. Coins worth one crore and ten rupees are stored in bags in s shed. Soon after the wedding, the son-in-law begins counting the coins. His counting goes on for twenty four years. Meanwhile, his father-in-law passes away, his wife marries another person, and his wife’s daughter grows to be a young woman. He misses all this of the outside world. Thus the writes says that money is more important than any relationship. (202 words)

2. Discus the story as an example of the evil of social customs and how these customs can destroy moral values.

Muppala Ranganayakamma wrote a story on the social evil of dowry in Telugu. It is called ‘Dabbu’. It was translated as ‘Money’ in English. This story is a good example of the evil of social customs. The writer proves that dowry system is the reason for falling moral values as the system gives more importance to money than relationship.

The son-in-law in the story insists on an amount of one crore rupees as dowry from the bride’s father. He thinks that though taking a share in property fetches him 10 rupees more value, he should opt for taking money as his wife would inherit the property. He reasons that the dowry as money would belong to him. Finally he settles for the value of the property, rupees one crore and ten rupees.

Bride’s father pays him the amount in ten paisa coins. Coins worth one crore and ten rupees are stored in bags in s shed. Soon after the wedding, the son-in-law begins counting the coins. His counting goes on for twenty four years. Meanwhile, his father-in-law passes away, his wife marries another person, and his wife’s daughter grows to be a young woman. He misses all this of the outside world. (202 words)

The Thakur’s Well - Premchand

Answer the following questions in about 100 words each.

1. Why was Gangi unable to get water from anywhere when the story opens?

Premechand’s story “The Thakur’s Well’ tells us about those days when feudal customs of caste hierarchies are observed in our villages. He writes about inhuman landlords and heartless money lenders. Gangi and Jokhu live a village. The couple belongs to an untouchable caste. The village has only three wells. The water of the well from which they usually draw water is contaminated. The well is far away. They are not allowed to draw water from the other two wells, Thakur’s well and the Sahuji’s well because of their caste. That is why Gangi was unable to get water from anywhere when the story opens. (104 words)

2. What did she plan to do, in order to assuage Jokhu’s thirst?

Premechand’s story “The Thakur’s Well’ tells us about those days when feudal customs of caste hierarchies are observed in our villages. Gangi and Jokhu live a village. The couple belongs to an untouchable caste. Jokhu is ill. He is thirsty and the water is contaminated. So, he could not drink the water. She plans to bring water from the Thakur’ well at night. She knows that it is risky as they are not allowed to draw water from the well because of their caste. Jokhu warns her that the villagers would punish her if they find that she is drawing water from their wells. (104 words)

3. What were some of Gangi’s thoughts, as she waited near the Thakur’s well in order to get some water?

Gangi plans to bring water from the Thakur’ well at night. She knows that it is risky as they are not allowed to draw water from the well because of their caste. She reaches the well at about 9 o’ clock in the night. While waiting for an opportunity to draw water, she thinks that the untouchable are not allowed to drink water from the well even though everybody drinks from it. She is against traditional society’s restrictions.  She thinks that the high caste people cheat, steal, gamble and adulterate. She wonders how such people can be called as high. (100 words)

4. What were the two women who came to the well taking about? What does this show?

Gangi plans to bring water from the Thakur’s well at night. While waiting for an opportunity to draw water at the well, she listens to a conversation between two women. The women talk about the men. The men have come in to eat and they order the women to bring water. They would not like the women to rest even for awhile. They do not have the decency to draw water themselves. They give orders as if the women are slaves. The conversation reflects the society of those days. Women are treated like slaves and men exploited the women.  Women have no rights then. (104 words)

5. What happened when the Thakur’s door opened suddenly?

Gangi plans to bring water from the Thakur’ well at night. She knows that it is risky as they are not allowed to draw water from the well because of their caste. In the darkness, she prays God and lowers her pitcher into the well. She pulls up the pitcher very quickly. But before she could catch the pitcher, the Thakur’s door opened suddenly. Gangi is terrified and the rope slips from her hands. The pitcher goes down into the well making a big noise. Thakur comes near the well shouting to catch the intruder. Gangi runs away from the well. (101 words)

Answer the following questions in about 200 words each.

1. Show how this is a tale of social injustice and cruelty. Use examples from the story to elaborate your points?

Premechand’s story “The Thakur’s Well’ tells us about those days when feudal customs of caste hierarchies are observed in our villages. He writes about inhuman landlords and heartless money lenders.  This is a tale of social injustice and cruelty.

Gangi and Jokhu live a village. The couple belongs to an untouchable caste. The village has only three wells. The water of the well from which they usually draw water is contaminated. The well is far away. They are not allowed to draw water from the other two wells, Thakur’s well and the Sahuji’s well because of their caste. Gangi, like other lower caste people is a victim of social injustice and cruelty.

While waiting for an opportunity to draw water at the well, she listens to a conversation between two women. The women talk about the men. The men have come in to eat and they order the women to bring water. They would not like the women to rest even for awhile. They do not have the decency to draw water themselves. They give orders as if the women are slaves. The conversation reflects the society of those days. Women are treated like slaves and men exploited the women.  Women have no rights then. (205)

2. Why does Premchand use the title, ‘The Thakur’s Well’ for his story, and how is this the best title he could have employed?

Premchand is the pen-name of Dhanpat Rai Srivastav. Premechand’s story “The Thakur’s Well’ tells us about those days when feudal customs of caste hierarchies are observed in our villages. He writes about inhuman landlords and heartless money lenders.  

The story revolves around a well belonging to Thakur. Thakur represents the higher castes and Gangi represents the lower castes of the society in those days. The well is a symbol of natural resources and communal wealth. The water of the well represents the necessities and aspirations of oppressed classes.

Gangi and Jokhu live a village. The couple belongs to an untouchable caste. The village has only three wells. They are not allowed to draw water from the other two wells, Thakur’s well and the Sahuji’s well because of their caste. Gangi, like other lower caste people is a victim of social injustice and cruelty.

Lower caste people are not allowed to use necessary facilities of the village because of their caste. Upper caste people enjoy all these facilities even though they cheat, steal, gamble and adulterate. The story is about the prevailing social conditions of those days. Thus the title is very appropriate and Premchand could not have employed a better title to the story. (204 words)

The Sea – Robert Lynd

The Sea – Robert Lynd

Answer the following questions in about 100 words each.

1. Mention some of the evidence that goes to show that humankind has become quite comfortable with the sea.

Robert Lynd in his essay, ‘The Sea’ says that we have grown comfortably intimate with the sea. He says that we use it as a highway of business and pleasure. According to him, for most of us, the sea is a domesticated wonder. We walk on its shores without any nervousness; we take pleasure trips on sea and swim in its waters as a luxury. We travel on the Pacific to visit remote and exquisite locations. We sit happily in lounge chairs of a cruise reading news papers with little worry about our safety. He says that we have lost both our fears and wonders of the sea. (108 words)

2. How was the sea perceived in the ancient history of humankind? Why?

According to Robert Lynd, originally man seems to have dreaded all water including the sea as a dragon’s pasture. There are several myths of beasts of sea which demand one or the other kind of sacrifice. Lynd tells us about Perseus saving Andromeda from a water beast and about St. George as a slayer of such a beast. Ancient people regard sea as half-divine and half-monster. The sea blesses men once its passion for sacrifice is satisfied.  Lynd mentions of a magical marriage in Matthew Arnold’s ‘Forsaken Merman’. There are several superstitions related to sea in olden days. These myths originated from the sea’s sense of insecurity. (107 words)

3. Why should every voyage be literally a ‘voyage into the unknown?  What do poets such as Shakespeare and Kipling say about the sea?

As per Robert Lynd, every imaginative man should treat every voyage into the unknown ‘where tall ships founder and deep death waits. He says that there are several risks and treacheries lurk under the sea. It is evident that we have not yet mastered the sea as our great ships like Titanic and Empress of Ireland sunk killing hundreds of people. Mentioning the perils of sea, Shakespeare says, ‘Full fathom five thy father lies’ in one of his poems about the sea. Kipling writes of the sea as a strange world of fearful things. Kipling writes of ‘blind white sea-snakes’ and level plains of ooze’. (105 words)

4. How does the human being view the encounter with the sea? Why is every encounter an attempt to master the sea?

Robert Lynd says that man recovers his ancient dread of the sea and has grown comfortably intimate with it. We walk on its shores without any nervousness; we take pleasure trips on sea and swim in its waters as a luxury. There are several myths of beasts of sea which demand one or the other kind of sacrifice. Ancient people regard sea as half-divine and half-monster. He says that there are several risks and treacheries lurk under the sea. We need to treat every encounter as an attempt to master the sea as our great ships like Titanic and Empress of Ireland sunk killing hundreds of people. (107 words)

5. What is Lynd’s final note on the human attempt to master the elements of nature?

According to Lynd, we must go on dreaming to master elements of nature such as the water, the air and the fire. We have to master nature by machines which are in our control. We must not feel satisfied with our attempts. We should not be boastful of our achievements. He says that, ‘we use them, but it is at our peril’. We need to be careful or else our ships would sink, we would be flooded by waters, fire would destroy us and lightening would kill us. He says that there is no victory that man has yet been able to achieve over matter. (106 words)

Answer the following questions in about 200 words each.

1. How does this essay bring out certain observations about the sea which had been taken granted until this essay was written?

Robert Lynd in his essay, ‘The Sea’ says that we have grown comfortably intimate with the sea. He says that we use it as a highway of business and pleasure. According to him, for most of us, the sea is a domesticated wonder. We walk on its shores without any nervousness; we take pleasure trips on sea and swim in its waters as a luxury. We travel on the Pacific to visit remote and exquisite locations. We sit happily in lounge chairs of a cruise reading news papers with little worry about our safety. He says that we have lost both our fears and wonders of the sea.

He further says that great disasters like the sinking or Empress Ireland jolts us into reality of our false sense of security. Originally man seems to have dreaded all water including the sea as a dragon’s pasture. There are several myths of beasts of sea which demand one or the other kind of sacrifice. We should treat every voyage into the unknown ‘where tall ships founder and deep death waits’. There are several risks and treacheries lurk under the sea. It is evident that we have not yet mastered the sea as our great ships like Titanic and Empress of Ireland sunk killing hundreds of people. (214 words)

2. The sea is both a monster and a comforter. How does this sentence hold good in the light of this essay?

Robert Lynd concludes that the sea is both a monster and a comforter in his essay, ‘The Sea’. Robert Lynd in his essay, ‘The Sea’ says that we have grown comfortably intimate with the sea. He says that we use it as a highway of business and pleasure. The sea is a domesticated wonder. We walk on its shores without any nervousness; we take pleasure trips on sea and swim in its waters as a luxury. We travel on the Pacific to visit remote and exquisite locations.

There are several myths of beasts of sea which demand one or the other kind of sacrifice. Ancient people regard sea as half-divine and half-monster. He says that there are several risks and treacheries lurk under the sea. We need to treat every encounter as an attempt to master the sea. It is evident that we have not yet mastered the sea as our great ships like Titanic and Empress of Ireland sunk killing hundreds of people. He says that we have to use sea being aware of the risks. Thus, the sea is both a monster and a comforter. He says that we have lost both our fears and wonders of the sea.  (201 words)

The Death Trap

The Death Trap

Q. Describe how Prince Dimitri turned the tables on his disloyal guards.

Q. How do you justify the title of the play?

Q. Do feel the title of the play, The Death Trap, appropriate? If so, why?

Q. Discuss the significance of the title ‘The Death Trap’?

Prince Dimitri, the young ruler of Kedaria, has rivalry with Karl dynasty. Dimitri’s enemies hatch a plan to assassinate him. They are ready for the right moment. Of his three regiments of guards, the Kranitzki regiment is loyal to the enemy. Three officers of the regiment, Colonel Girnitza, Major Vontieff and Captain Shultz are all set to murder Prince Dimitri as soon as his loyal Andrieff regiment leaves the guard.

Dr Stronetz, a dear friend and personal physician of Prince offers him a drug so that he can die. The prince refuses and says that he would meet death on his own terms. The doctor tries to save him by telling the conspirators that the prince would die of a heart disease within six days. The murderers, fooled by the doctor’s words decide to wait.

The doctor reveals the prince that he really has a terminal heart condition, Dimitri decides to use the drug. At the last moment, he turns the tables on his would be killers by offering them drugged wine. All of them die in a tragic climax. Prince Dimitri could never escape the death-trap, but he successful lays a death-trap for his would be assassins. Thus the title of is play is very opt/ appropriate/ justified. Hence, the title is very significant.

What kind of a person is Prince Dimitri? Analyze and comment on his character.

Prince Dimitri is the protagonist in the one act play, ‘The Death Trap’, written by Saki, H.H. Munro. He is the ruler of Kedaria. His dynasty has a long standing rivalry with Karl dynasty. Dimitri is the last surviving member ruling the kingdom. His enemies conspire to kill him. He bravely faces the situation and utilizes the circumstances to eliminate his would be assassins.

He knows that he is helpless as his loyal regimental guards would be away. He has no weapons to defend himself. No one is allowed to see him except his friend and physician Dr Stronetz. The prince is a practical man. Though he is quite young, he is mature and accepts the fate. He tells his position to the doctor. He denies the drug offered by the doctor saying that he would meet death on his own terms. This shows the courage of Dimitri. 

When the doctor reveals that he has a terminal heart disease, he decides to end his life with the drug. He tells the doctor that he is a monarch and he doesn’t like to be kept waiting by death. This shows that he is imperious and proud. He is quick witted. He offers his disloyal officers drugged wine and kills them.

Q. Analyze the character of Dr Stronetz.

Ans: Dr Stronetz is a close friend and personal physician of Prince Dimitri. Dimitri’s enemies hatch a plan to assassinate him and they are ready for the right moment. When Dr Stronetz knows of the conspiracy, he offers a drug to Dimitri as he could do nothing. He reasons that the prince should not be allowed to be butchered in cold blood. He takes pity on the prince. He is quick witted. When the assassins arrive to murder Dimitri, he saves him by telling them that the prince would not live more than six days because of a heart problem. The murderers are fooled by the doctor’s words decide to wait.

As a doctor, he is quite efficient. He is sure of Dimitri’s heart problem as soon as he examines him. He is instrumental in making the prince kill his would-be killers. Though the prince dies as he drinks the drugged wine, his wish is fulfilled as he could kill the conspirators. After all, the drug given by him saved the prince as it killed his enemies. It also saved the prince from dying a miserable death by a weak heart. Thus, Dr Stronetz is compassionate, loyal and friendly to Dimitri. He is a quick witted, efficient physician.