Why People Really Love Technology: An Interview with Genevieve Bell

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Why People Really Love Technology: An Interview with Genevieve Bell

Mrs. Genevieve Bell is an Australian anthropologist and social scientist. She talks in an interview about how people understand upcoming technologies and how they use gadgets. People of all age groups adapt to technology quickly. Some countries are fearful of technology driven machines like robots whereas some countries welcome them. 

Though the internet is everywhere, it is not seamless because different places in the world have different regulations. Physical objects will come back with the development of 3-D printing. World Wide Web has paved way to free flow of information, transparency, and global access. Social networking, matrimony cum dating services, banking and e-commerce are few of the fruits of computing. People use technology and gadgets as per their requirements and fancies.

The Beloved Charioteer – Shashi Deshpande

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The Beloved Charioteer – Shashi Deshpande

Shashi Deshpande’s short story, ‘The Beloved Charioteer’ describes the sad existence of two widowed women. They are mother and daughter. The story is told in the first person by the mother. She gives birth to two sons and one daughter, Arati. The two sons do not survive and the daughter loves her father very much. Arati is married and her husband dies even before the birth of their daughter, Priti. Arati becomes a recluse and hates the world. The grandmother adores Priti. She remembers the bitter memories of her suppressed life as a housewife. She has to bear the burden of her daughter’s aloofness. She lives for her granddaughter, Priti.

The Power of Prayer - APJ Abdul Kalam

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The Power of Prayer - APJ Abdul Kalam

The Power of Prayer is taken from Wings of Fire written by APJ Abdul Kalam. Kalam belongs to a middle-class Tamil Muslim family of Rameswaram. The family lived in their ancestral house.  After evening prayers, his father would dip his fingers in the water and pray. The water would be used to cure suffering people.

His father told Kalam that prayer makes our body a part of the cosmos. Prayer makes communion of spirit between man and God possible. He further told him that every human being is a part of a divine Being.

Kalam says that whatever he achieved in his life is through the help of God. He says that God has graced him with outstanding teachers and colleagues. There is a divine fire in every one of us, we should give wings to the fire and glow.

The Merchant of Venice Act 4 Scene I - Summary

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The Merchant of Venice Act 4 Scene I

Shylock brings Antonio to the Duke’s court and demands justice. He says that he will not accept repayment but wants Antonio's flesh. The Duke’s suggestion, Bassanio’s request and offer of six thousand ducats do not change Shylock’s mind. The Duke allows Doctor Bellario to solve the case. Antonio is ready to give flesh to Shylock.

Portia enters dressed as a Doctor of law, Bellario. She tells Shylock that mercy is a quality of a king and God.  Shylock still refuses to accept money. Shylock refuses to allow a surgeon to stop bleeding. At the last minute, Portia tells Shylock that he may have the flesh, but he cannot draw even a drop of blood as it is not written into the bond.

Shylock realizes that he cannot take flesh and accepts money.But Portia tells him that he is liable to be punished. As he conspired to kill a Venitian citizen, he faces the death penalty and confiscation of his properties.Half of his wealth goes to the Duke and the other half to the victim. Duke spares Shylock's life and Antonio suggests that his half should be given to Shylock's daughter.

Portia doesn't accept Duke's invitation for dinner and Bessanio's offer of three thousand ducats.She takes Antonio's gloves and Bessanio's ring.

The Interpreter of Maladies - Jhumpa Lahiri

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The Interpreter of Maladies - Jhumpa Lahiri

The Interpreter of Maladies is written by Jhumpa Lahiri. The story tells us about a guided tour of Mr. Kapasi. He is a driver cum guide. He can speak several languages. One day he takes an Indian-American family who is on a vacation for a tour of Konark temple. The family consists of Mr. and Mrs. Das and their three children, Ronny, Bobby, and Tina. Mr. Kapasi also works as an interpreter of maladies for a physician.

Mr. Kapasi observes that the family is typically American. Mrs. Das knows about Mr. Kapasi’s work as an interpreter with a doctor and takes an interest in him. Captivated by her interest, he begins to visualize a relationship with her. The story describes his fantasies at length. In order to spend more time with her, he takes the family to an ancient monastery. Mr. Das and the children leave the car to take some photos. Mrs. Das chooses to stay with Mr. Kapasi.

Mrs. Das reveals that their middle child is not her husband, Mr. Das’ son. She tells him how he is conceived with one of her husband’s friends. After disclosing the secret, she seeks his opinion and suggestion as he is an "Interpreter of Maladies." Initially, he evades giving an answer. Finally, he suggests that she should admit the fact to Mr. Das. She doesn't like his advice and gets angry. She gets down the car and joins her family.

Mr. Kapasi is suddenly shaken to reality. He saves Bobby from some aggressive monkeys. His daydreams involving Mrs. Das melt away.

The Open Window - Saki

Saki (Image: Wikipedia)

The Open Window

The Open Window is written by Saki (Hector Huge Munro). A young woman, Vera lives with her uncle Mr. Sappleton and his wife. Mr. Sappleton's two brothers-in-law and a pet dog are also in the country house. Mr. Nuttel arrives at the country house on the suggestion of his doctor.

Vera entertains the house-guest as the men are away and her aunt is in the kitchen. Mr. Nuttel knows nothing about the family. Mischievously, Vera characterizes her aunt as a mentally disturbed person. She tells Mr. Nuttel that her aunt keeps the French window open. Her aunt believes that the men and dog would come through the window. Vera weaves a story and tells Mr. Nuttel that the men are drowned in  a bog along with the dog three years ago.

To his horror, Mr. Nuttel finds three men and a dog coming towards the house. He is terrified. He thinks ghosts are coming. He runs away. Vera tells family members that Mr. Nuttel is afraid of dogs. He is attacked by stray dogs once and so he ran away fearing the family's pet dog.