Glimpses of India - Tea from Assam

Glimpses of India - Tea from Assam

About the Author: Arup Kumar Dutta

Arup Kumar Dutta (born 1946) is an Indian writer and journalist based out of Guwahati in Assam. He has written 16 books for adults and 17 adventure novels for young people. He is a “Padma Shri” awardee.

About the Lesson

The lesson tells us about two friends- Pranjol and Rajvir. Pranjol is from Assam and Rajvir is from Delhi. They are going to Pranjol’s hometown in Assam for their summer vacation. Assam is known as the ‘tea country’. It has the largest concentration of tea plantations in the world. During their journey they discuss about the various ‘legends’ that are known to have discovered tea.  The story is about the worldwide popularity of tea as a beverage.

 Summary

The story tells us about the popular beverage ‘tea’. It informs us about the history and discovery of tea. It begins as two friends Pranjol and Rajvir begin their train journey set to go to Assam, to Pranjol’s home to spend their summer vacation. They find that several passengers are enjoying freshly made tea sold by a vendor. Pranjol reads a detective book and Rajvir enjoys the scenic beauty. Soft green paddy fields and tea bushes cover the ground. Rajvir is very excited on seeing such large plantations of tea. Pranjol is not so excited because he was born and brought up in Assam.

Assam is famously known as the ‘Tea country’. Before going there, Rajvir read about how tea was discovered and that it dates back to 2700 B.C. Tea was first consumed in China and reached Europe in the 16th century. Tea was drunk as medicine there. 

There are numerous stories as to how it was discovered. As per one legend, a Chinese Emperor discovered tea when some leaves had fallen in his boiling water. Another legend says that Bodhidharma, a Buddhist monk, threw his eyelids to avoid sleep while meditating. Tea plant sprouted out of the eyelids. 

Pranjol’s parents come to receive them and take them to their tea garden. On their way, they pass a cattle bridge and give way to a tractor filled with tea leaves.  It was the second sprouting season that yields the best tea. Rajvir does a lot of study before coming which impressed Pranjol’s father and he intends to learn a lot more.

Theme

“Tea from Assam” is written by Arup Kumar Dutta. It is an informative story about tea from the gardens of Assam.

Pranjol and Rajvir are classmates in Delhi. Pranjol is from Assam and his father is the manager of a tea garden there. Pranjol has invited Rajvir to visit his home during the summer vacation. Rajvir visits Assam in a train with Pranjol. Rajvir enjoys the journey as it is his first visit. They reach Mariani junction and then at the tea garden of Pranjol’s father. Around 8 crore cups of tea are drunk every day in the whole world.

There are some interesting legends about the origin of tea. One says that a king in China was in habit of drinking water after boiling it. Few twigs fell into his boiling water. The boiled water got a unique flavor. They called it tea. Tea was first drunk in China as far back as 2700 BC. Chai & chini words have their origin in China.

Another story says that a Buddhist monk, Bodhidharma felt sleepy while meditating. To avoid sleeping he cut his eyelids and threw them. Few saplings sprouted out of them. The leaves banished sleep after boiling them in water and drinking the boiled water.

Tea from Assam is regarded as the best kind of tea in the whole world. The best yield comes from the second sprouting season, May to July every year.

Questions & Answers

Q1. Describe the scenery outside the train. Where were Pranjol and Rajvir going by train?

A: There was green scenery everywhere. Rajvir had never seen such greenery before. He was going to Assam with his friend, Pranjol. Pranjol’s father was working as a manager in a Tea garden. The soft green paddy fields gave way to tea bushes as they went on.

Q2. What did they see on both sides of the gravel road?

A: They travelled on a gravel-road from the railway station to the tea garden. On both sides of the road, they saw acres after acre of tea bushes. They were all neatly pruned to the same height. Groups of tea-pluckers had bamboo-baskets on their back.

Q3. Why was Pranjol’s father surprised?

A: Pranjol’s father was surprised at the knowledge Rajvir had about tea. Rajvir impressed him as he said that it was the second flush or sprouting period from May to July and yielded the best tea. 

Q4.  At which station did the boys stop and who received them?

A: The boys got down at Mariani junction and Pranjol’s parents received them.

Q5. What are the two Legends about Tea?

A:   Chinese legend:

A Chinese emperor always boiled water before drinking it. One day a few leaves of branches burning under the pot fell into the water. It gave the water a delicious flavor. These were tea leaves.

Indian legend:

Bodhidharma, a Buddhist monk cut off his eyelids because he felt sleepy during meditations. Ten tea plants grew out of his eyelids. These leaves when put in hot water and drunk, banished sleep.

Grammar Exercises

1. Look at these words: upkeep, downpour, undergo, dropout, walk-in. They are built up from a verb (keep, pour, go, drop, walk) and an adverb or a particle (up, down, under, out, in). Use these words appropriately in the sentences below. You may consult a dictionary.

1. A heavy __________ has been forecast due to low pressure in the Bay of Bengal.
2. Rakesh will __________ major surgery tomorrow morning.
3. My brother is responsible for the __________ of our family property.
4. The __________ rate for this accountancy course is very high.
5. She went to the Enterprise Company to attend a __________ interview.

Answers

1. A heavy downpour has been forecast due to low pressure in the Bay of Bengal.
2. Rakesh will undergo major surgery tomorrow morning.
3. My brother is responsible for the upkeep of our family property.
4. The dropout rate for this accountancy course is very high.
5. She went to the Enterprise Company to attend a walk-in interview.

2. Now fill in the blanks in the sentences given below by combining the verb given in brackets with one of the words from the box as appropriate.

Over, by, through, out, up, down

1. The Army attempted unsuccessfully to __________ the Government. (throw)
2. Scientists are on the brink of a major __________ in cancer research. (break)
3. The State Government plans to build a __________ for Bhubaneswar to speed up traffic on the main highway. (pass)
4. Gautama’s__________ on life changed when he realized that the world is full of sorrow. (look)
5. Rakesh seemed unusually__________ after the game. (cast)

Answers

1. The Army attempted unsuccessfully to overthrow the Government. (throw)
2. Scientists are on the brink of a major breakthrough in cancer research. (break)
3. The State Government plans to build a by-pass for Bhubaneswar to speed up traffic on the main highway. (pass)
4. Gautama’s outlook on life changed when he realized that the world is full of sorrow. (look)
5. Rakesh seemed unusually downcast after the game. (cast)

3. Think of suitable -ing or -ed adjectives to answer the following questions. You may also use words from those given above. How would you describe

1. a good detective serial on television?
2. a debate on your favourite topic ‘Homework Should Be Banned’?
3. how you feel when you stay indoors due to incessant rain?
4. how you feel when you open a present?
5. how you feel when you watch your favourite programme on television?
6. the look on your mother’s face as you waited in a queue?
7. how you feel when tracking a tiger in a tiger reserve forest?
8.  the story you have recently read, or a film you have seen?

Answers

1. a good detective serial on television? Interesting
2. a debate on your favourite topic ‘Homework Should Be Banned’? Exciting
3. how you feel when you stay indoors due to incessant rain? Bored
4. how you feel when you open a present? Excited
5. how you feel when you watch your favourite programme on television? Interested
6. the look on your mother’s face as you waited in a queue? Tired
7. how you feel when tracking a tiger in a tiger reserve forest? Thrilled
8.  the story you have recently read, or a film you have seen? Boring

Glimpses of India - Coorg

Coorg in monsoons

Introduction

The lesson is a pleasant description of Coorg, the smallest district in Karnataka and its people. It is like a piece of heaven on earth. It has wonderful weather throughout the year. Evergreen rainforests and rolling mountains fill the landscape. The people of Coorg are the bravest. Coffee is the main crop of this region. Spices are also grown. The Kaveri River gets water from the hills and forests of this region. A variety of animals can be found here. Beautiful Brahmagiri hills, islands and Tibetan settlements add to the attractions of Coorg apart from several adventurous sports.

Summary

The writer gives a vivid description of Coorg. It is in the Western Ghats in Karnataka. It is located somewhere between Mysore and Mangalore. The best time to visit Coorg is from September to March. Coorg is famous for coffee plantations and spices. Abundant rainforests cover 30 percent of the area. The Coorgi men are brave warriors. The women of Coorg are pretty.

Coorg is known as Kodavu and its people as the Kodavus. Though they are Hindus by religion, their customs differ from those of mainstream Hindus. Kodavus are said to be of Greek or Arabic descent. Some say that Kodavus are the descendants of Alexander’s soldiers. Some others say that since the ethnic dress of the Kodavus, Kuppia is similar to the Arab garment Kuffia, their ancestors are Arabs or Kurds.

The river Kaveri originates from Coorg. Mahaseer is a big fish found in the river. Many animals and birds such as kingfisher, langur, squirrels, and elephants can be spotted along the river. Tourists relax in the serene atmosphere. They enjoy adventure sports like river rafting, canoeing, rappelling, mountain biking, rock climbing, and trekking. While trekking on the nature trails, animals like Macaques, Malabar squirrels, langurs, and slender loris can be spotted on the trees. The major tourist attractions in Coorg are Brahmagiri hills, Nisargadhama island, and Bylakuppe Tibetan settlements. Coorg is a symbol of India’s diverse cultures.

Question and Answers

Q1. Where is Coorg?

A. Coorg is located somewhere between Mysore and the coastal city of Mangalore. It is the smallest district of Karnataka.  

Q2. What is the story about the Kodavu people’s descent?

A. It is said that the Kodavus are of either Greek or Arabic descent. According to one story, a part of Alexander’s army could not return to its homeland and so, settled in Coorg. Another story says that the traditional dress of the Kodavus, Kuppia is similar to the dress of the Arabs and Kurds, the Kuffia, so the Kodavus are descendants of the Arabs.

Q3. What are some of the things you now know about:

i. The people of Coorg?

A. People of Coorg are known to be descendants of the Greeks or the Arabs. They are independent and ferocious. They are among the bravest soldiers of the Indian Army. They are friendly and are known for their hospitality. Their culture is different from that of the culture mainstream Hindus.

ii. The main crop of Coorg?

A. Coffee is the main crop of Coorg. Coffee estates with colonial bungalows are abundant and even provide homestays for visitors to experience the Coorgi way of life.

iii. The sports it offers to tourists?

A. A variety of high-energy adventure activities like river rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing, and mountain biking are offered to tourists. Trekking is also one of the popular activities.

iv. The animals you are likely to see in Coorg?

A. Fishes like Mahaseer are found in the waters of the river Kaveri. Birds like Kingfisher and other animals like squirrels, langurs, butterflies, and bees give you company when you are in this area. Wild elephants can be seen enjoying bathing in the rivers. If you are on a trek, Macaques, Malabar squirrels, langurs, and slender loris can be spotted on the trees.

v. Its distance from Bangalore, and how to get there?

A. Coorg is at a distance of 260 km from Bangalore. The nearest airports are Mangalore (135 km) and Bangalore (260 km). There are flights to Mangalore from Mumbai and to Bangalore from Ahmedabad, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Pune. The nearest railheads are at Mysore, Mangalore, and Hassan. There are two routes to Coorg from Bangalore. Both are almost the same distance (around 250-260 km). The route via Mysore is used by most of the tourists. The other route is via Neelamangal, Kunigal, Chanrayanapatna.

Q4. Here are six sentences with some words in italics. Find phrases from the text that have the same meaning. (Look in the paragraphs indicated)

i. During monsoons, it rains so heavily that tourists do not visit Coorg. (Para 2)

ii. Some people say that Alexander’s army moved south along the coast and settled there. (Para 3)

iii. The Coorg people are always ready to tell stories of their sons’ and fathers’ valour. (Para 4)

iv. Even people who normally lead an easy and slow life get smitten by the high-energy adventure sports of Coorg. (Para 6)

v. The theory of the Arab origin is supported by the long coat with embroidered waist-belt they wear. (Para 3)

vi. Macaques, Malabar squirrels observe you carefully from the tree canopy. (Para 7)

A. (i) Keep many visitors away   (ii)As one story goes       (iii) Are more than willing to recount

(iv) The most laidback individuals become converts to    (v) Draws support from              (vi) keep a watchful eye.

Grammar Exercises

1. Here are some nouns from the text.

Culture, monks, surprise, experience, weather, tradition

Work with a partner and discuss which of the nouns can collocate with which of the adjectives given below. The first one has been done for you.

Unique, terrible, unforgettable, serious, ancient, wide, sudden

culture: unique culture, ancient culture

monks:

surprise:

experience:

weather:

tradition:

Answers

culture: unique culture, ancient culture

monks:  ancient monks

surprise: Unique surprise, terrible surprise, unforgettable surprise

experience: Unique experience, terrible experience, unforgettable experience, sudden experience

weather: terrible weather, sudden weather

tradition: unique tradition, ancient tradition

2. Complete the following phrases from the text. For each phrase, can you find at least one other word that would fit into the blank?

tales of ________

coastal ________

a piece of ________

evergreen ________

________ plantations

________ bridge

wild ________

You may add your own examples to this list.

Answers

tales of valour

coastal town

a piece of heaven

evergreen rainforests

Coffee plantations

Rope bridge

wild animals

Glimpses of India - A Baker from Goa

Glimpses of India - A Baker from Goa

About the Author

Prof. Lucio Rodrigues was the Professor at Dempe College heading the English department. He is an authority on Goan folklore. He was a visiting professor of folklore at the Indiana University, USA in 1969. His essays in English, as well as those translated from Konkani, were published as Of Soil and Soul and Konkani Folktales after his death in 1973. [Source and for further reading about the author: https://www.pruthagoa.com/lucio-rodrigues-lover-of]

Summary

At the beginning of the lesson, the narrator tells the readers how his elders often remember the time when Goa was under Portuguese rule. The elders talk about how the importance of bakers is still maintained in the Goan villages even after the Portuguese are gone. The bakers are known as ‘Paders’.  The mixers, moulders, and furnaces involved in baking continue to serve the people with their famous bread loaves. The original bakers may not be living now, but the profession continued by their sons.

The thud of the baker’s bamboo stick can still be heard in the village. The same jingling thud would wake the narrator and other children during their childhood days. The children would go running to without even brushing or washing their mouths.  The maid-servant of the house collected the loaves while the children preferred the bread bangles.

Bakery products have much importance in Goan culture and traditions. Bol or sweet bread is a part of marriage gifts, cakes and Bolinhas or coconut cookies are eaten at every festival and the lady of the house prepares sandwiches at her daughter’s engagement. Previously bakers used to wear a unique knee-length frock known as ‘kabai’, but they wore a shirt and trousers slightly shorter than the usual trousers during the narrator’s childhood days. The bakers generally collected their bills at the end of every month. Bakery continued to be a profitable profession, keeping baker’s families happy and prosperous.

Question and Answers

Q1. What are the elders in Goa nostalgic about?

A. The narrator‘s elders often think of ‘those good old days’ and speak of the famous loaves of bread that date back to the time of Portuguese rule over Goa. They are nostalgic about the past and the famous bakers of the olden days. Though the Portuguese have left Goa the bakers still exist, the legacy is continued by their sons.

 Q2. Is bread-making still popular in Goa? How do you know?

A. Yes, bread-making is still popular in of Goa. The time-tested furnaces, the mixers, and moulders are still in Goa. The legacy of bakers is continued. We can find a bakery in every Goan village as bread is an important part of the Goan culture and traditions.

 Q3. What is the baker called?

A. The baker is called as ‘Pader’ in Goa.

 Q4. When would the baker come every day? Why did the children run to meet him?

A. The baker would come twice every day during the narrator’s childhood days. He would come in the morning to deliver the bread for the first time and once again while he was returning after selling his stock. The children would go running to him to take the bread bangles specially made for them.

Q5. Match the following.

What is a must?

i.              as marriage gifts?                    – cakes and bolinhas

ii.             for a party or a feast?                 – sweet bread called bol

iii.            for a daughter’s engagement?       – bread

iv.           for Christmas?                                   – sandwiches

Answers:

i.              As marriage gifts,                           Sweetbread called bol

ii.             For a party or a feast                      Bread

iii.            For daughter’s engagement           Sandwiches

iv.           For Christmas                                 Cakes and bolinhas

Q6. What did the bakers wear?

i. In the Portuguese days?

ii. When the author was young?

A. i. In the Portuguese days, the bakers wore a unique knee-length frock dress typically known as ‘kabai’.

ii. In the narrator’s childhood days, he had seen them wearing shirts and pants that are shorter than usual pants.

Q7. Who invites the comment - “he is dressed like a pader”? Why?

A. During the narrator’s childhood days, the bakers used to wear a peculiar dress. They wore shirts and pants that were shorter than usual. If a person is seen wearing pants of as of a baker’s, he invites the comment - “he is dressed like a pader”.

Q8. Where were the monthly accounts of the baker recorded?

A. The monthly accounts of the baker were recorded on some wall with a pencil.

Q9. What does a ‘jackfruit-like appearance’ mean?

A. ‘Jackfruit-like appearance’ means a well-built or plump physique, similar to jackfruit. In those days, bakers had plump physique because baking was a profitable profession. The bakers’ family and servants never starved and they were prosperous.

Q10. Which of these statements are correct?

i. The pader was an important person in the village in old times. True

ii. Paders still exist in Goan villages. True

iii. The paders went away with the Portuguese. False, they still exist in Goan villages.

iv. The paders continue to wear a single-piece long frock. False, they wear shirts and trousers that are shorter than the usual ones and longer than the half-pants.

v. Bread and cakes were an integral part of Goan life in the old days. False, they are still an integral part of Goan culture.

vi. Traditional bread-baking is still a very profitable business. True

vii. Paders and their families starve in the present times. False, it is still a very profitable business and their families are happy and prosperous.

 Q11. Is bread an important part of Goan life? How do you know this?

A. Bread is an important part of Goan culture and traditions. Breads are integral parts every occasion such as - sweetbreads at marriages, sandwiches at engagement parties, and cakes and Bolinhas at Christmas and other occasions. It makes the presence of a baker in every village very essential.

Q12. Tick the right answer. What is the tone of the author when he says the following?

i. The thud and the jingle of the traditional baker’s bamboo can still be heard in some places. (nostalgic, hopeful, sad)

ii. Maybe the father is not alive but the son still carries on the family profession. (nostalgic, hopeful, sad)

iii. I still recall the typical fragrance of those loaves. (nostalgic, hopeful, naughty)

iv. The tiger never brushed his teeth. Hot tea could wash and clean up everything so nicely, after all. (naughty, angry, funny)

v. Cakes and bolinhas are a must for Christmas as well as other festivals.                                               (sad, hopeful, matter-of-fact)

vi. The baker and his family never starved. They always looked happy and prosperous.                  (matter-of-fact, hopeful, sad)

Answers:

i. Nostalgic

ii. Nostalgic

iii. Nostalgic

iv. Funny

v. Matter-of-fact

vi. Matter-of-fact

The Hundred Dresses II

El Bsor Ester (1906-1988)

The Hundred Dresses II

‘The Hundred Dresses-II’ is a sensitive account of how a poor, immigrant young girl is judged by her classmates. Wanda Petronski is a young Polish girl who goes to school with other American children in an American town. Other children of her school see Wanda as ‘different’ in several ways.  

About the author:

El Bsor Ester (1906-1988) was an American author and librarian famous for children's books. She also created illustrations for this book. Her books, ‘The Middle Moffat’, ‘Rufus M.’, and ‘The Hundred Dresses’ were Newbery Honor Winners. She was awarded the Certificate of Award for Outstanding Contribution to Children’s Literature from the New York Association for Supervision of Curriculum Development in 1968.

Summary

All the students of Room no. 13 are looking at the wonderful drawings done by Wanda Petronski. Miss Mason receives a note from Wanda’s father. He informs that his two children, Wanda and Jake will not attend the school.  They are moving to a big city. No one would judge them for their names there. Miss Mason is shocked and expressed her sadness to the class. Maddie is disturbed by the letter. She wants to say sorry to Wanda. Both the best friends, Peggy and Maddie hope to meet Wanda at her Boggins Heights home before she leaves. But sadly, there is no one in the house.  Maddie thinks herself to be a coward as she couldn’t stand against the wrong. That day she thinks seriously and decides not to let anyone tease someone again. Peggy and Maddie decide to write a letter to Wanda. At first they want to write an apology letter. Finally, they write a friendly letter. They ask her how she likes the new place. They do not get any reply for weeks. One day near Christmas, Miss Mason gets a letter from Wanda. Wanda writes that she misses everyone in room no 13. She gifts one dress each to Maddie and Peggy. Wanda tells them that she has a new lot of hundred dresses lined up in her new house. Maddie and Peggy are happy to receive the gifts. They realize that Wanda has drawn their faces along the dresses. Thus, they both conclude that Wanda likes them.

Questions and Answers

Q1. What did Mr Petronski’s letter say?

A. Mr Petronski’s letter informs Miss Mason that his daughter Wanda and son Jake are not going to attend the school anymore. He says in the letter that they are moving to a big city, where no one will make fun of their strange name, no one will address them as “Pollack”. There will be many people with weird names there and no one will ask them why they have a funny name.

Q2. Is Miss Mason angry with the class, or is she unhappy and upset?

A. No. Miss Mason is not angry with the class. She is upset and unhappy after reading Mr Petronski’s letter. Her students have treated someone badly because they come from a different place and they have an unusual name. Even though she is unhappy and sad, she gives the children of room no.13 the benefit of doubt saying, ‘whatever happened must have happened in thoughtlessness’.

Q3. How does Maddie feel after listening to the note from Wanda’s father?

A. Maddie id sad and feels very bad after listening to the note from Wanda’s father. She feels like a coward for not standing up against other girls who are teasing Wanda. She thinks about how they made Wanda feel and hopes for a chance to make amends.

Q4. What does Maddie want to do?

A. Maddie is sad. She wants to make everything right with Wanda. She hopes for one last chance to make amends and say sorry to her.

Q5. What excuses does Peggy think up for her behaviour? Why?

A. Peggy knows that her behaviour with Wanda is bad. She is unable to make amends as Wanda has moved to another city. She is troubled by guilt. She says that she never called Wanda a foreigner and made fun of Wanda’s name. She is convinced that Wanda is too dumb to understand that they are making fun of her.

Q6. What are Maddie’s thoughts as they go to Boggins Heights?

A. Maddie hopes to find Wanda and make amends with her. She wishes that the Petronski family hasn’t left the town. She wants to say sorry to Wanda and stop her from moving. She wants to assure her that everyone will be nice. She also wants to tell her that everyone at the school thinks that Wanda is a wonderful girl.

Q7. Why does Wanda’s house remind Maddie of Wanda’s blue dress?

A. Wanda’s house is a small house up on Boggins Heights. There is dry grass all around it. There is no sign of life in or around the house. The surroundings looked shabby but clean. Maddie remembers Wanda’s faded blue dress that is clean but shabby.

Q8. What does Maddie think hard about? What important decision does she come to?

A. Maddie cannot stop thinking about never being able to say sorry to Wanda. She cannot sleep and thinks deeply. After hard thinking, she comes to a conclusion that she will never let anyone tease someone because they have an unfamiliar and long name. She decided to stand against all the wrongs.

Q9. What did the girls write to Wanda?

A. Peggy and Maddie decide to write an apology letter to Wanda. But, they end up writing a friendly note telling her that she is the winner of the contest. They ask her how is she likes the new place and they tell her that they miss her a lot.

Q10. Did they get a reply? Who was more anxious for a reply, Peggy or Maddie? How do you know?

A. No, they didn’t get a reply. The letter wasn’t returned also. They concluded that Wanda must have received it. She might be too angry with them to reply to it. Out of the two girls, Maddie was more eager for a reply. She wanted to make everything right with Wanda. This is evident as weeks after sending the letter, Peggy almost forgot about the business while Maddie imagined scenes in which she would defend Wanda from bullying, mean girls.

Q11. How did the girls know that Wanda liked them even though they had teased her?

A. During Christmas time, Miss Mason received a letter from Wanda saying how much she missed everyone in room no. 13.  She asked the teacher to give the drawing of the blue dress to Maddie and the green dress to Peggy as her gifts. This makes clear that Wanda liked them even though they teased her. 

Q12. Why do you think Wanda’s family moved to a different city? Do you think life there was going to be different for their family?

A. Wanda’s family moved to a different city because in a big city there would be many other Polish immigrants. The natives would not find Wanda’s family strange. They would not make fun of them. Wanda and her brother Jake could attend school without feeling bad. Yes, life in the big city would be different for the family because their community would have more people. They would feel comfortable there.

Q13. Maddie thought her silence was as bad as Peggy’s teasing. Was she right?

A. Maddie was right when she realized that remaining silent while Peggy teased Wanda was a mistake. Yes. She was right. She too was a part of the bad deed because she remained silent and let Peggy tease Wanda.

Q14. Peggy says, “I never thought she had the sense to know we were making fun of her anyway. I thought she was too dumb. And gee, look how she can draw!” What led Peggy to believe that Wanda was dumb? Did she change her opinion later?

A. Peggy is a rich and popular girl in room no 13. She has a low opinion on Wanda. Wanda’s calmness and indifference to her teasing lead her to believe that Wanda is too dumb to understand that the girls are making fun of her. Yes. She changes her opinion later and realizes that Wanda is a talented girl.

Q15. What important decision did Maddie make? Why did she have to think hard to do so?

A. When they learned that the Petronski’s had finally moved away, Maddie couldn’t stop thinking about never being able to say sorry. She couldn’t sleep that night as she was thinking too deeply. As a result of deep thinking, she came to a conclusion that she will never let anyone tease someone because they have an unfamiliar and long name. She decided to stand against all the wrongs.

Q16. Why do you think Wanda gave Maddie and Peggy the drawings of the dresses? Why are they surprised?

A. Wanda gifted the drawings of the dresses to Maddie and Peggy. Both the girls were surprised as the drawings had their faces on them. The girls realized that Wanda had the intention to gift these drawings even before winning the contest. This clearly indicates that Wanda liked them although they teased her.

Q17. Do you think Wanda really thought the girls were teasing her? Why or Why not?

A. Yes, I think that Wanda knows all about teasing. Wanda was aware that the girls were teasing her. The note from her father clearly indicated that the students made fun of her name.

The theme of the story

 ‘A Hundred Dresses’ tells us about racial discrimination. Racial discrimination is prevalent in many societies. The story brings to light the sorrowful state of poor children who are victims of bullying and teasing. Underprivileged children are being treated differently. In this story, the central character, Wanda Petronski becomes an object of fun for the other girls. Wanda’s name is different and funny. She is poor and she is not like the other girls. She always wears a faded blue cotton dress which is shabby but clean. Other children believe that Wanda is boasting about possessing a hundred dresses. They do not know that she was a great artist and could indeed design a hundred different dresses. The story drives home the message that it is not correct to be judgmental about anyone without actually knowing them. 

Character Sketches

Wanda Petronski

Wanda Petronski doesn’t appear in person in the story. However, a lot has been told about her by means of other characters. Wanda Petronski is a Polish girl. She has migrated to America with her family. Because of her origin and her long, funny name, the American students of her school find her different.

Wanda appears to be a very calm and introvert girl. She always takes a seat in a far corner of room no.13, her classroom. She never responds to the teasing of the other girls about the hundred dresses she claims to have. By the end of the story, Wanda comes across as a very humble and forgiving girl. She writes a letter to Miss Mason saying that she missed all the students of room no.13. Moreover, she gifts the drawings of the dresses to the girls. Her liking for Peggy and Maddie is evident in her action as she has drawn their faces in the dress designs gifted for them.

Peggy

Peggy is one of the classmates of Wanda. She is not like Wanda. She is the exact opposite of Wanda. She is an easy-going girl whereas Wanda is an introvert. She is a native of America. Unlike Maddie, Peggy belongs to a wealthy family. She is a pretty girl and she sports curly hair. She is a popular girl in the school. She always sits in the front benches of the class along with her best friend Maddie and other children who get good marks. 

She wants to have fun with Wanda as she has a long and funny name. She teases Wanda as Wanda tells her about the hundred dresses. When she comes to know that Wanda indeed possesses a hundred dresses she realizes her mistake. With her best friend Maddie, Peggy tries to meet Wanda. She agreed with Maddie to make amends with Wanda. Peggy even acknowledges Wanda as a better artist than herself.

Maddie

Maddie or Madeline is Peggy’s best friend and a classmate of Wanda. She is a very sensitive girl. Unlike her friend Peggy, she is not rich. Though she is one of the girls who teased Wanda, she is not comfortable with it. Maddie comes from a poor family. So, she understands Wanda’s plight. But peer pressure dominates her. She often feels guilty for making fun of Wanda.

She is unable to decide whether to encourage Peggy in teasing or to support Wanda. She keeps thinking of Wanda even after Wanda’s moving out of the city. She feels like a coward as she doesn’t stop the girls making fun of Wanda. She realizes her mistake and takes a firm decision to stand up for anyone who is bullied and to never make anyone unhappy. She is happy to receive Wanda’s gift of drawing. She is the one who recognizes their faces on the dress drawings. She knows that Wanda has forgiven them.

Springtime A La Carte

O. Henry - Author

O Henry is the pen name of Sydney Porter (1862-1910). He was an American short story writer. His stories are known for their surprise endings. 

Springtime A La Carte

Q1. What does the author say about the opening of a story? Do you agree with him? Comment on the opening of this story?

A1. The author says that we should not begin our story with unimaginative sentences like, “It was a day in March”. Yes. I agree with him.

Though the author says us not to begin a story with unimaginative sentences, he just does just like that to create interest in the readers of his story.

Q2. What was the job assigned to Sarah in Schulenburg’s Restaurant?

A2. Sarah was assigned to type the menus in Schulenburg’s Restaurant. She had to provide typewritten menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Q3. What was Schulenburg’s agreement with Sarah?

A3. Sarah had to provide typewritten menus for the restaurant, as often as they were needed. In return she would get three means in her room.

Q4. Describe Sarah’s feelings as she thought of spring?

A4. Sarah was very unhappy at the thought of spring. It reminded her of her lover, Walter. Spring was the time of Dandelions. These flowers were made as a crown and presented to her by Walter. They decided to marry in spring. She lost touch with Walter. So, she was sad.

Q5. Who was Walter? Describe Sarah’s feelings on him?

A5. Walter was the son of an old farmer, Franklin. He lived in Sunnybrook Farm. He was a modern farmer. She had fallen in love with him. He made a crown of Dandelions and presented it to her. They decided to marry in spring.

Q6. How had Sarah and Walter lost touch with each other?

A6. Sarah had moved to a new room. She wrote the address of the new room to Walter. The letter did not reach him. He tried to reach her at her old address and she was not there. This is how they lost touch with each other.

Q7. What led Sarah and Walter to meet?

A7. Walter happened to look at the menu in Schulenburg’s Home Restaurant. He recognized the “W” key of her typewriter. Instead of typing ‘Dandelions with Hard-boiled Egg’, she mistakenly typed, “Dearest Walter, with Hard-boiled Egg’.

Q8. The story has a typical O’ Henry twist in the end. Explain.

A8. The last line of the story provides the twist. It solves the mystery of how the lovers found each other without help from police. With this last line, the author draws the reader’s attention to the typing mistake done by Sarah.

The Indian Weavers - Question and Answers

Sarojini Naidu

Indian Weavers

Question and Answers

Q1. Pick out the words, expressions or phrases from the poem that indicate different times of the day.

A. These are the words, expressions or phrases from the poem that indicate different times of the day:

 i. daybreak - early morning

ii. fall of night - before the night, late in the evening

iii. moonlight chill - cold night

Q2. Is there a similarity between the break of the day and the birth of a baby? If yes, what is it?

A. Yes. There is a similarity between the break of the day and the birth of a baby. Both symbolize a new beginning.

Q3. Pick out two objects which the shroud is compared to its colour.

A. The two objects that are compared to the shroud are feathers and cloud.

Q4. Which three stages of life that the poem speaks of? Can you relate them to the three stages of the day?

A. The three stages of life that the poet spoke of are birth, marriage, and death. We can relate them to the daybreak, fall of night and midnight chill, the three stages of the day.

Q5. The poet uses similes to draw a direct comparison between things. Identify the similes used in the poem and point out the common link between the two objects or things compared in each case.

A. The similes used by the poet to draw a direct comparison between things are:

i. blue as the wing of a halcyon

ii. like the plumes of a peacock, purple and green

iii. white as feathers and white as a cloud

The links between the two objects compared are i. blue, ii. purple and green and iii. white.

Q6. Identify and collect the words in the poem that indicate the changing mood of the poet?

A. These are the words in the poem that indicate the changing mood of the poet. Gay, bright, solemn and still. 

You can watch an animated version of the poem The Indian Weavers

Quality - Question and Answers

Quality

John Galsworthy (1867-1933) was an English novelist and playwright. He won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1932. 

Reading One:

Q1. How had the narrator been introduced to Gessler? What was unique about his shoes?

A. Gessler was the bootmaker to the narrator’s father. The boots made by Gessler are of good quality. They were mysterious and wonderful.

Q2. The process of getting Gessler to make shoes was as meticulous as his creation. Do you agree with his statement? Give reasons for your answer.

A. I agree that the process of getting Gessler to make shoes was meticulous. Here are some reasons for my answer. 1. He would not make shoes without order. 2. His shop had a kind of respect. 3. He selected only beautiful pieces of gold-brown leather.  4. He made boots with great care and devotion.

Q3. How did Gessler react when he learned that the boots had creaked? What does it tell you about him?

A. Gessler reacted as if he was hurt and he was sorrowful when he learned that the boots had creaked. It tells me about the devotion and care he had towards his profession.

Q4. What did Gessler feel about the big firms?

A. Gessler felt that the big firms had no self-respect. The big firms attracted customers not by the quality of work but by advertisement.

Q5. Why did the narrator not visit the shop for a long time?

A. The narrator did not visit the shop for a long time because he had ordered many pairs of boots and they lasted longer.

Q6. Why did the author order so many pairs of boots? Did he really need them?

A. The author ordered several pairs of boots to encourage and support Gessler. He really didn’t need so many pairs of boots.

……..

Reading Two:

Q1. How do you understand that Gessler was passionate about his job?

A. I understand that Gessler was passionate about his job because he treated his job as an art. His boots had some essence of boot stitched to them. He did his job with devotion and care. He treated leather pieces as beautiful pieces. He treated his profession with respect. He didn’t allow anybody to touch the boots he was making.

Q2. What had Gessler dies of? What does it reflect about industrialization?

A. Gessler dies of starvation. He couldn’t find work and had no money to buy food. Industrialization robbed artisans like Gessler of their profession and self-respect. It reflected the bad things that happened because of industrialization.

Q3. Is the title ‘Quality’ appropriate? Why? If you were to give this story another title what would it be?

A. I think the title ‘Quality’ appropriate. It is a sad story of a bootmaker who made good quality boots with devotion and care. He respected his profession. Industrialization robbed artisans like Gessler of their profession and self-respect. If I were to give this story another title, it would be ‘the other side of industrialization’.

Q4. Rewrite the story giving it a happy ending.

A. There was a bootmaker’s shop in London. It was run by two brothers. The name of the shop was Gessler Brothers. They made shoes with devotion and care. They respected their profession. They always made quality boots. People liked their boots for their quality. Their shoes fitted well and lasted longer. People waited for their boots to be made on order. The shop prospered in spite of the competition from big companies. Gessler Brothers became a famous shop.

Q5. Do you think Gessler should have changed with the times? Why?

No. I do not think that Gessler should have changed with times. Quality is the most important thing. Everyone should try to make quality products. People should have given more orders for Gessler’s boots because of quality and durability.

 If you want to watch an animated photostory with images and subtitles for the lesson 'Quality'.CLICK HERE,