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Newton's INN Notes
Newton's INN Notes
William Shakespeare was a English dramatist and poet, considered to be the greatest of all writers. Shakespeare was
not only a writer and poet, but also an actor who devoted his life to the theatre.
The poem entitled Seven Ages of Man is one of the best known passages from Shakespeare work. This speech is
delivered by Amiens in act III, scene VIII of the play As You Like It. Amiens is one of the group of noblemen
leading a life of exile with Dukes in the forest of Arden.
Summary
The world is like a stage of drama. All the men and women are only players. Every man has to play seven parts in his
drama of human life. At the first stage, a man is a baby. He only pucks or cries in the arms of his nurse. At the second
stage, he is a boy and goes to school unwillingly the third stages is the stages of youth. Now a man adopts the role of a
lover. He sighs and writes poem in praise of his beloved. At the fourth stage, the man becomes a soldier. He wears a
sunny beard, abuses others and is ready to pick up quarrels with others. He is ready to go into the mouth of death for
the sake of good names. At the fifth stages, he retires from active life and becomes a justice of peace. He accepts
bribes and decides the cases. The sixth stages come and man is changed completely. He wears spectacles and keeps a
pouch of snuff with him. He grows lean and thin. The seventh stages reduces a man to nothing. Now he loses his teeth,
his eyes and taste. He is a child for the second time.
Moral
Shakespeare has perfectly described this truth in Seven Ages of Man that man is an actor, life is a drama and this
world is a stages. Each person plays the roles assigned to him and tires to justify it.
Q1. Why does William Shakespeare compare the man’s life to the stage?
Ans: William Shakespeare compares the man’s life to the stage because according to him this world is just like a
stage where man and women are actors and actress. Every person in this world comes for a particular time
just like actors and actress and leave the stage after performing her /his role. Same as every person of this
world has left the world after leading his/her life.
Ans: In the first age of a man, he is a little born baby who is totally dependent on others, specially on mother. It is
the age of infancy in which he mews and puks in the nurse arm.
In the second age, his age of infancy ends when he becomes a cute school going boy with a morning
face and his bag hanging on his back, walking inappropriately on his way to the school.
Ans: He goes to school undeliberately in the second age because he is very attached with the atmosphere of his
house and it is very difficult for him to leave that atmosphere.
Q4. Why does a person indulge in the love of someone in the third age?
Ans: The person indulges in the love of someone in his third age due to lack maturity. At that time he sings a
Woeful ballad and admires the beauty of his beloved all the time.
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Q5. Describe the emotions and feelings of a lover for his beloved.
Ans: When a person indulges in the love of someone then he admires the beauty of his beloved. He sings
melodies and ballads for his beloved. He wants to see her, talk her and want to live with her all the time. In
fact he is ready to do anything for her beloved.
Q6. Why does the poet compare the fourth age of a person to a solider?
Ans: The poet compares the fourth age of a man to a soldier because in this he is very passionate, brave and
ambitious. He is like ready to fight over minor issues which gives him a more aggressive look and he want to
become famous at every cost just like a soldier.
Ans: in the fifth age of a man he enters into a mature and sensible phase and plays the role of justice. Due to
excessive eating of well fat cock he becomes corpulent. In this age he knows much about the life and society
and delivers lectures and wise sayings.
In the sixth age, he becomes an old man, he looks like a cartoon on the stage with loose pantaloon,
spectacles on nose, slippers and a pouch hanging on its side.
Q8. What sort of resemblance does the poet find between the first and the last age?
Ans: The resemblance which the poet finds between the first and the last age is that in the first age when a man is
a new born baby at that he is totally dependent on his mother or family members, similarly when he enters
in the last age or seventh age of his life where he comes an extremely old fellow then once again he
depends upon his family. It is second childhood and a miserable time for him.
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Thomas Campion was a prominent scholar, poet and musician of his time. Man of Life Upright is simple in expression
but it contains depth of thought and feeling. The poem present the concept of an ideal personality, leading a highly
disciplined and controlled life. He is master of himself.
Summary
The pure and innocent heart of an upright man is free from evil ideas and intentions. He passes his life in simple
happiness. He has perfect control over his wishes and emotions. As a result, worldly loss and problems fail to disturb
him.
He is confident and brave. He does not count on power or material resources. In a battle he depends upon God and
seeks help from him. He does not have strong forts, weapons of war or secret cellars for his safety.
This man faces the natural calamities such as stormy winds, heavy rains and tempest calmly and courageously. His
faith in God remains firm and unshaken.
- Tolstoy
The poet says that this main shows complete indifference to the happy and unhappy events of Life. He is aware of that
all wordly things and events are temporary and worthless. He seeks knowledge from the heavenly books and study the
objects of Nature adds to his wisdom and refines his intellect.
Compion says that the main of upright life considers the world a place for brief stay. It no more than an inn, without
any glamour or charm. He believes that his good deeds are his only assets and earning. When called upon by God, he
will have to embark on the journey to the next and eternal world.
- Bailey
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Ans: He spends his silent days in a joyful mood but his joy don’t cause any harm to others because he has
knowledge about the heavenly books.
Ans: He has perfect commands over his hopes and sorrows because he is not so ambitious. That’s why false hope
can’t deceive him or sorrow is not made him dissatisfied. That’s why he always looks happy and content.
Q3. Why does he not need any tower nor armour for defence?
Ans: He does need any tower or armour for defence because he has no enemies. He has no underground rooms
to save himself from the thunder bolt. The reason is that he envies none. He knows the reality of life and
follows the same philosophy in his life.
Q4. The poet says “He faces the danger with unafraided eyes”. What does it means?
Ans: The poet means to say that only an upright man has the courage to face the danger with unafraided eyes b/c
he lead a simple, peaceful, honorable and a chaste life. He is only afraid of God that’s why nothing can hurl
the disaster on him. It means he faces the danger bravely and courageously.
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John Milton is regarded as one of the most famous poets of English Literature. His masterpiece Paradise Lost,
Paradise Regained, Samson Agonistes earned him fame and honour. His individual style has a touch of sublimity and
majesty which is quite appropriate to his noble and powerful ideas.
Introduction of the Poem
Samson Agonistes is an adaptation of the Greek drama form in blank verse, which recounts the tragedy of Samson in
his blindness beset by enemies. This hero performed the decisive role in crushing the philistines who were the deadly
enemies of his race. Samson, too got killed in that disaster but his heroic act saved his tribesman from the deadly
enemy. By virtue of his glorious deed, his named earned eternity. It is rightly said:
Once the Philistines arranged a grand feast in a temple. The huge gathering included gentry from all parts of the
country. A prisoner, Samson, was brought to display his immense strength and stamina through different stunts.
Though he was blind, but performed very well and the leaders enjoyed it. After performing for some time, he feel
exhausted and wished to be taken between the pillars for rest. He placed his arms on the pillars and stood with his
head inclined as if he was lost in some profound thoughts or was busy in prayer. The foundation of great temple rested
onto these two pillars. Ultimately he addressed the gathering and informed them that his final performance would be
according to his own will and it would leave them amazed and fascinated.
After the speech, Samson started to exert all his force and energy onto these massy pillars. The way he was jerking the
pillars, it seemed as if the forces of nature had also come to his assistance and were enclosed in his body. Eventually,
he was able to remove the pillars from their place and the whole roof collapsed with a loud rumble and explosion. All
the people assemble there were buried alive under the pillars. Samson was unable to save himself from the claws of
death and was also buried with them, but remained alive among the hearts of his people. In this way, he set an
example of great sacrifice by giving up his life but eliminating his rivals.
Ans: Samson was a great hero of immense power. He fought against the philistines on number of occasions, the
deadly enemy of his race. At last, his wife betrayed him and he was taken prisoner through the treachery of
his wife.
Ans: He performed different sort of performance in front of philistines superordinators. First of all, they put out
his eyes to make him less dangerous. At the annual feast, he was brought to the temple. He was asked to
show his feat of power. He lifted weight, pulled, drew or broke different things. He performed whatever
could be done by the blind man. Everybody was surprised to see his immense strength.
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Q3. What did people assume when Samson felt the pillar in the arm?
Ans: When Samson felt the pillar in the arms, so he stood silent for a while with his head bowed and eyes fast
fixed on the ground. So the people assume that he was going to offer the great matter or thinking about a
critical problem or he is praying.
Ans: When the Samson was taken captive by the philistines. They arranged feast in the temple. The huge
gathering included gentry from all part of the country was come to see him. Samson was brought to display
his immense strength and perform whatever he could. When the show was ended he feel exhausted and
requested the guides to take some rest between pillars. He felt the pillars in his arms and straining all the
nerves and horribly shook the pillars to and fro. The whole roof felt with the burst of thunder over the super-
ordinators. He also became the victim of the complete destruction.
Q5. Who were assembled under the arched roof and why did they come?
Ans: The lords, ladies, captain, councilors, priests, their selected noble man and the finest members of their
society but also each philistine from the neighboring cities were assembled under the arched roof. They
came their to celebrate the feast of victory.
1. The Poem "Lines from Samson Agonists" have been written by________.
John Milton Thomas Camion Alexander Pope Thomas Gray
2. Samson was the man of great _________.
Height Strength Anger Hair
3. Samson became captive due to the treachery of his _________.
Sister Wife Mother Cousin
4. _________ is the moral lesson of the poem.
Sacrifice Revenge Patriotism Separation
5. _________was the deadly enemy of Samson's race.
Philistine Russian Greek German
6. John Milton was born in _________.
1608 1609 1611 1610
7. The poem "Samson Agonistes" is written in the form of _________ verse.
Rhyme Black Mix Blank
8. Philistine leaders made Samson _________ to make him less dangerous.
Blind Deaf Dumb Limper
9. John Milton was himself _________.
Deaf Blind Dumb Limper
10. John Milton was died in _________.
1608 1674 1647 1648
11. John Milton was the great poet of __________ language.
Latin Russian Greek German
12. To heave, pull, draw, or _________, he still performed.
Break Broke Broken None of them
13. None daring to appear _________.
Samson Antagonist Achilles Him
14. Antagonist means __________.
Challenger Powerful man Genius man Bold man
15. Samson agonists felt __________ pillars in his arms.
3 2 5 4
16. Flowers means __________.
Worst Finest member Top Best
17. Choice means __________.
Best Worst Corrupted Lay
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The poem entitled An Essay on Man is composed by a prominent English poet Alexander Pope. He has discussed in
his typical style, the nature, conduct and destiny of Man..
- Pope
Summary
In the opening lines of the poem, Pope says that God has concealed future and fate from all creatures. They are
absolutely unaware of the forth-coming event. God has hidden from animals what he has given to man and from man
what he has given to the angles, otherwise, it would be impossible to live here in, God has given to his creatures only
what they can afford to know.
The lamb does not know that it is going to be sacrificed. Would it know, it would not skip and play. Man knows that
the lamb is going to be sacrificed and he can afford this knowledge but the lamb can not. Pleased to the last it licks the
hand, which is going to shed its blood. The poet says that God remains indifferent to the day to day happenings and
rise or fall of human beings. Ion his eyes, the death or decline of a great hero or the death of a tiny bird are incidents of
similar significance. Since God prefers none to none there is no possibility of any injustice from God. whatever is
given is nothing but in our interest. So we should hope and wait the great teacher Death and pray to God.
Hope soars high with flattering wings. We should uphold the banner of hope and thankful to God for this gift of
unawareness. In the concluding lines of the poem, Pope gives his views on the condition of human soul and the role of
hope in human life. He says that hope never deserts human beings. It remains alive and active in human heart forever.
It is hope, which inspires human beings to keep striving and moving ahead. Man is never contented with his present
condition and circumstances. He always hopes and struggles to get into a better position. The light of hope gives
courage and will to work to the moral beings.
Conclusion
About human soul, the poet remarks that it never enjoys a moment of real joy and peace in this world. It is constantly
restless, disturbed and far from its real and eternal home. The eternal abode of human soul is Heaven. It aspires to
liberate itself from the material cage of human body and go back to its original and final home. Human soul hopes to
live there permanently enjoying peace comfort freedom and happiness.
“When all else is lost, Future still remains.”
- Bovee
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Ans: The poet says “From brutes what men” in this case he give the example of the lamb (animal) to prove his
views. The lamb does not aware that he is going to be sacrificed. Would it know, it would not skip and play
and does not have the flowery food but men know that the lamb is going to be sacrificed. Men can afford
this knowledge but lamb can’t.
Q3. How does the poet remarks that “Who sees in equal eye as God all” briefly explain?
Ans: The poet remarks that “Who see with equal eye as God of all” mean God knows each and everything and
gives similar. The poet compares the importance of all atom to the system and a bubble burst to this world
and the death of the hero to the death of the bird. He says all these things have same significance before
god. He says that we don’t know but Allah knows that this world and its system has to be ended on day and
on that day God will run everything.
Q4. How do the lines from “An essay on man” justify pope’s opinion the ignorance of the future and hope are
the two blessings?
Ans: Ignorance of the future and hope are the two great blessings for man-kind. In the opening lines pope says
that the living creatures remain happy because God has conceited their fate and future to them. They are
absolutely unaware of the forth coming events but God has categorized the reasons for creatures to
creatures, otherwise it would be impossible to live here in. God has given to his creatures only what they can
afford to know.
In the last stanza, Pope says that hope never desert in human being, in remains alive in the human
heart. It is hope which inspires the person to keep struggling and moving ahead because men are not
satisfied to his present state and want to get better and prosperous life in the society. The light of hope gives
courage and will to work for the moral being.
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Williams Words Worth is a poet who has developed his own immensely valuable theories concerning poetry. This is
the reason why he possesses a unique and artificial style. His work shows his life long love for natural beauty, which
gives hi the title Poet of Nature.
Summary
The poet was on one of his long walks along the barren hills of Scotland when he saw a young girl. She was all alone
in the field, harvesting the crops and singing a song in a pensive tone. The poet was profoundly fascinated by the
bewitching melody and her voice left an everlasting and indelible impression on the mind of the poet. This impression
motivated the poet to write a poem in appreciation of the melodious voice of the girl.
The poet says that the voice of the girl scattered all over the deep valley. He says that the musical notes of the young
singer are symmetrical to the thrilling songs of the Nightingale and the Cuckoo. They were far sweeter than the
humming of birds and impressed the heart deeply. The sweet melody appeals to the tired travelers of the Arabian
Desert, who need relaxation after a long and monotonous journey. The voice leaves a deeper impact than the song
sung by the Cuckoo birds. It gives more than just breaking the serenity and tranquility of the lonely seas.
The poet says that although he failed to understand the exact wordings of the song, as the girl was singing in her native
language, he could feel the sorrow and grief in her voice. It was a song of lamentation describing some suffering of
everyday life.
In the end, the poet realizes that although he would never again get the opportunity to listen to that melodious voice, it
would remain fresh in his mind forever. The beautiful gift of nature the girl had, became a source of ceaseless joy for
the poet.
“Great music is that which penetrates the ear with facility and leaves the memory with difficulty. Magical music never
leaves the memory.”
- Sir Thomas Beecham
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Q1. Who was singing and what was she singing about?
Ans: The Highland girl was singing a melancholy strain, which was spreading in the valleys. Perhaps she was
singing about former issues, sadness or about the future. Perhaps she singing about the pain or familiar
matter today.
Q2. Briefly describe in the incident that led Wordsworth to write “The Solitary Reaper”?
Ans: William Wordsworth used to take long tours on foot. Once upon a time he was on one of his long tour of the
barren hill of Scotland. When he saw a young girl who was singing and binding the crops along. The poet was
profoundly fascinated by the bewitching melody of her voice left the everlasting impression on his mind. This
impression motivated the poet to write a poem in the appreciation of the melodious voice of the girl.
Q3. Why does the poet not understand the exact meaning of the song?
Ans: The poet does not understand the exact meaning of the song because she was the highland girl of Scotland,
and was singing in Gaelic and Celtic language still spoken in the highland of Scotland and the Hebrides. That’s
why he could not only understand the exact meaning of the song.
Q4. What was the William Wordsworth feeling on hearing the solitary reaper?
Ans: William Wordsworth was feeling that her singing was ever flowing with the sound. He felt nightingale did
ever chaunt this sort of melody, no cuckoo-bird did ever sing so beautifully in the spring and her beautiful
and thrilling voice was breaking the silence of the deserts and seas.
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The poem entitled Music when Soft Voices Die is a short one, yet the theme that it contains is very deep and
profound. In this poem, we are told that we cannot forget our loved ones even though they are no longer with us.
Summary
The poem tells us that even after we stop listening to good music, this soft music lingers on in our memories for a long
time to come. Another example that he gives is of flowers like violets, telling us that even after flowers die away, their
sweet scent lingers with us for a long time to come.
Giving yet another example, the poet tells us that even after a rose withers away its petals, are scattered on the bed of
loved ones in order to make the room sweet scented. In the last, he empresses the central idea asserting that everything
and every one that we love can never be forgotten by us even though they are not with us any longer. Therefore, the
poet declares that even though his beloved is no longer with him, yet her loving though shall live in his memory and
even though the poet will not be able to actively show the love for her, yet in a silent, quite manner, he shall continue
to love her as long as he lives.
Conclusion
The conclusion then to draw from these lines is that the poet feels very rightly so that our loved ones are so precious
and dear to us that no matter what happens we cannot forget them.
Q1. What sort of example does the poet give in the poem “Music when the softy voices die”?
Ans: The poet gives three examples in the poem “Music when the softy voices die”. The first is that “The music
when the soft voices die remains fresh in the mind”. “The second are violet flowers, which wilt away but
their smell refreshes our senses. In the third example the poet is given the example of rose flower that when
it’s become wilter but still its petal are of some use. He is giving these sorts of example to show his loved for
his beloved.
1. The poem "Music When Soft Voices Dies" has been written by _________.
Shelly John Milton Tennyson Shakespeare
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Summary
Endymion is a poem of great beauty. In this poem John Keats has expressed his conception of beauty and has given a
unique definition of beauty. According to Classical Mythology Endymion was a beautiful youth with whom the moon
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goddess fell in love and on whom she induced a perpetual sleep in order to kiss him without his knowledge.
In this poem the poet says that beauty is a constant source of joy. Its loveliness increases with the passage of time.
Beauty is immortal. It appears in many shapes. The world is full of misery but the beautiful objects of nature such as
the sun, the moon, old and new trees and flowers give us great pleasure and we forget our griefs.
We also see glimpses of beauty of the grand places, which we imagine for the mighty dead. Similarly we derive great
pleasure from lovely tales which we have read or heard. There are masterpieces of literature and Art which serve as
source of eternal joy. Heroic deeds and lives of great men of the past too, are among these objects of beauty. It is the
heights of keat’s imagination All these visions of beauty are like a fountain, which gives an immortal drink to our
thirsty souls.
- Joubert
Conclusion
- John Keats
John Keats is an ardent lover of beauty. This is his fundamental belief and it operates in all his poems. He is really in
search of Truth. He wants to enjoy beauty to the best possible degree. Endymion is a magnificent poem, which reflects
profound love of the poet for beauty as it is a constant source of spiritual joy. Therefore one must not forget:
Q1. In how many shapes the thing of beauty is the poet find in the poem “Lines from Endymion”?
Ans: Beauty is immortal and its loveliness increases with the passage of time. It appears in many shapes. The
worlds is full of miseries but the beautiful objects of nature like sun, moon and forest or the history of the
human and the literature gives us great pleasure. By the way we forget our grieves.
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He is a great poet but known and admired more for his friendship with a greater poet and educationist, Mathew Arnold
and for his support to Florence Nightingale.
This poem teaches the moral lesson of inflicting courage, ceaseless struggle and sunny optimism of hope and
aspiration. The poet through various images conveys a great message that without struggle, man cannot accomplish
anything really great in this world. Struggle is the key to success in human life. It is rightly said:
“All honour to those who try.”
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Summary
It is wrong to say that our struggle is useless. It is not right to say that the enemy suffers no loss, and can
never be defeated. Circumstances never remain the same always. Sometimes we fail to achieve our desires. But we
should not b hopeless. Our fears may also be false. To explain this the poet gives three example.
In the battlefield, sometimes a soldier thinks of running away. He should not do so. It is possible that beyond
the smoke of guns, his friends may be winning. If he ran away, he would lose the honour of victory. Then we see the
waves, striking against the shore. We should not think that they strike without any success. Somewhere might have
broken the shore. Again the sun rises in the east, and its light comes only through the eastern windows. As the sun
rise in the east, and its light spreads everywhere, so our struggle does pay us somehow or the other.
Ans: The poem teaches us the moral of inflecting courage. The poet through various images conveys that without
struggle man cannot accomplish anything in the world. It confesses that struggle is the key of success, it right
said.
1. The poem "Say Not the Struggle Naught Availeth" has been written by _________.
Shelly John keats Thomas Campion Arthur Hugh Clough
2. "Say Not the Struggle Naught Availeth" is a _________.
Saying Proverb Sentences Statement
3. The poet gives example to clearify your _________.
View Perception Mentality None of them
4. Arthur Hugh was born at _________.
London Sussex Paris Liverpool
5. Arthur Hugh Clough was born in _________.
1819 1821 1820 1822
6. Say Not the Struggle Naught Availeith was become in _________ world war.
1st 2nd Ceriman Troy
7. This song was sung between the war of America and _________.
British German Russia Holland
8. In this poem Naught means _________.
Not Nay Nothing None
9. In this poem vain means _________.
Useless Worth full Use full Advantageous
10. In this poem fields means _________.
Playground Battle-field Park Plain
11. In this the poet preaches _________.
Patriotism Revenge Hope None of them
12. The _________ and the wounds are vain.
Labour Work Pain None of them
13. The enemy _________ not, not faileth.
Faint Unconscious Unaware None of them
14. If hope were _________fears may be liars.
Deceive Delude Dupe None of them
15. Your comrades chase e’en now the _________.
Fliers Friend Companion None of them
16. Seem here no painful inch to _________.
Get Achieve Gain Acquire
17. Comes silent, flooding in, the _________.
Deep Sea Ocean Main
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Lord Alfred Tennyson occupies a very important and prominent position in the domain of English Literature. He is the
representative poet of Victorian era. He is a prolific poet and has composed a number of poems. Tennyson’s poetry is
rich in imagery as that of keats but it lacks the romantic fine of Words Worth and Coleridge.
Introduction of the Poem
Ulysses is a long, magnificent, symbolical and moral boosting poem. The poem is written in the dramatic
monologues of the powerful blank verse and tells the story of the most prudent and bravest of the Greek heroes,
Ulysses of Homer’s Odyssey. He is the symbol of adventurous spirit, indomitable courage, inexhaustible zeal;
unflinching faith; unshakable determination and unquenchable thirst for knowledge. Ulysses wants to set out on a
journey of discovery because he believes that it is not too late to find a New World.
Summary
Ulysses was a Greek hero and the King of Ithaca. He had spent most of his life in voyages and was always filled with
the spirit of ventures and courage. His life was based on the principle of struggle and courage.
In this speech, Ulysses pays high tribute to his mariners who laboured and worked with him. He reminded them of the
past endeavors and motivated them to get prepared for another voyage. Ulysses believed that struggle should continue
as long as they lived. They had to prove their eagerness, enthusiasm and the ability to fight even with deities Ulysses
invited his sailors to set off for another voyage in the hope of discovering new land in the far west. He was conscious
of the dangers and hazards involved in such an exploitation but he was prepared to meet all the challenges.
Ulysses admitted that with the passage of time, the major part of their lives and much of their energies have been used
up and they had grown weaker. But their determination was as strong as ever and they do not find them selves lacking
in strength and vitality. They find themselves still a force to reckon with. They are always bent upon making ceaseless
efforts to discover new lands, and under no circumstances, giving up their struggle until ultimate success is achieved.
Moral
“Struggle is the father of all things … it is not by the principles of humanity that man lives or is able to preserve
himself above the animal world, but solely by means of the most brutal struggle.”
- Adolf Hitler
Q1. Who was Ulysses and why did he want to go on the voyage?
Ans: Ulysses was a great hero and king of Ithaca. He had spent most of his life in voyaging the different shores.
After many years of adventures on sea, he came home but found the home’s life dull and colourless. He
wanted to go on the voyage in search o adventures or new lands.
Ans: First of all, he paid tribute to his comrades who worked really hard and face the danger of nature. He
reminded them of the past endeavors the contriving and motivated them to get prepared for another
voyage because he believed that struggle has no ending. Perhaps we will find the newer land.
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Ans: Ulysses as the man of great courage and sprit. He told his mariners that it is possible that they may be
drowned in the great dept of the sea. Or it is also possible that they may be reached the Isles of the blessed
and met the great Greek warrior (Achilles). Whom they knew very well.
Ans: He was proposing a great adventure of finding a newer world. A/c to him there was never too late for
anything that’s why he wanted to do s/t noble and adventurous b/f his death.
Q5. What did the Ulysses ask the sailors to do in their old ages?
Ans: First of all, Ulysses paid high tribute to his mariners by reminding their past efforts. He invited them to set off
for the new voyage. He was conscious of the hazards but prepared to meet all the challenges. He knew with
the passage of time they had grown weaker but they are strong in will power. They still have the ability to
find the new lands in the far East, if they strive, search and not to accept the defeat.
Ans: He wanted to do something special before his death because life is the name of struggle, or we can say that
Ulysses was the King and was a brave person who always suffered for the sake of others.That’s why he
wanted to do something noble for his people before his death so that they would remember after his death.
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Twenty Minutes with Mrs. Oakentubb is an effective little piece of emotional drama written by Frank Arthur. Frank
Arthur is known for his achievements as a civil servant, novelist and scriptwriter.
It is a rare specimen of a melodrama filled with thrill and suspense. The play is notable for the skilful manipulation of
suspense. The story is based on the theme of revenge, crime and punishment.
“Revenge renders ears deaf.”
- William Shakespeare
Summary
It was a stormy winter’s evening of 1955. A heavily wrapped lady entered the waiting room of a country railway
junction, followed by a porter who lighted the fire for her, as it was very cold. Soon a male passenger also entered the
waiting room and came near the fire in order to warm himself. The porter told them that they had to wait for 20
minutes for the arrival of the train, bound for Stainthorpe. After the departure of the porter the two passengers were
left alone. They were strangers to each other, but soon they started a conversation to while away the time.
The man told the woman of two half-minute meetings, which had the most profound effect on his life. The first
meeting took place in June 1953 in Korea. He was severely wounded and wanted to die. He fainted and when he
regained consciousness, he saw a young Korean girl bending over him. She smiled at him and her smile gave him the
courage to live. He smile made him realize what his daughter would have been like if she had lived. She was killed
along with her mother in a road accident. They were overrun by a car, which was being driven recklessly by Mrs. Judy
Oakentubb. She was held guilty of manslaughter and was sentenced to 18-month imprisonment but according to him it
was a plain deliberate heartless murder. So, he was going to Stainthorpe in order to avenge the murder of his wife and
daughter.
The woman told the man that his wife and daughter were killed in the accident. It was not a murder. But he did not
agree. He said that she was drunk and was driving the car very fast to reach the coast from Stainthorpe. She led a bet
with one of her companies to cover the long distance within 15 minutes while it could be covered in half an hour. She
drove recklessly and killed his wife and daughter. So, it was a deliberate murder.
By chance he read the name of Mrs. Oakentubb, written on the label of the suitcase, which belonged to the lady who
was conversing with him. He was sure that the lady, who was standing before him, was Mrs. Judy Oakentubb. He
pulled a revolver from his pocket and pointed at her. Mrs. Judy Oakentubb recoiled and told him that she had been in
perpetual agony ever since the accident took place. She posed herself as a repentant lady over the tragic accident. She
instead of asking for her life implored for her death that according to her was a mean of escaping from the mental
torture. Believing in her statement, he decided to leave her and give her no punishment, as living with a sense of self-
reproachment was an ideal punishment for the lady. He says:
“Yes! You are right! It would be a greater punishment to live.”
He pocketed his revolver and walked out leaving her sobbing. As soon as he left the room, she came to her real self.
She expressed her hatred for the man observing her from outside. He opened the door suddenly, raised the revolver
and shot her dead. It is rightly said:
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Conclusion
Those who cause tragedies in the lives of others inevitably meet the tragic end. Beyond any shadow of doubt an
evildoer is the engineer of his own catastrophe.
Q1. What is the significance of the tie on label on the suitcase of Mrs. Oakentubb?
Ans: The label which is tie on the suitcase has the profound significance. When she was strolling the room took a
position with her back to her suitcase it appear that she had tucked the label under the flap so that it was no
longer visible. That was sufficient for the man to disclose the identity that she was the same lady who killed
his wife and daughter in the motor accident.
Q2. Explain the importance of the label on Mrs. Oakentubb suitcase. Why did he hide it?
Ans: The label which was attached to the suitcase of Mrs. Judy Oakentubb has the greatest importance because if
the person remained ignorant from the identification of the lady there could no progress in the play at all. The
lady hide the label on her suitcase because she felt that disclosure of her identify will make trouble for her.
Q3. At what point of the play do we come to certain that the man knows that the woman in the waiting
room is Mrs. Judy Oakentubb? When in fact do you think he discovered his identity?
Ans: According to me the author is quite sure at the beginning of the play that the lady who is sitting in the waiting
room is Mrs. Judy Oakentubb. When they start talking about the casual meeting of the people once in life,
sometime change the life. This story focuses on her (Judy). At the time of narrating the facial expression made
his mind clear that she is Mrs. Judy Oakentubb.
Q4. When is the audience likely to begin suspect that she might be Mrs. Judy Oakentubb?
Ans: The audience is likely to suspect that she might be Mrs. Judy. When the male character made his intensions
clean that he is going to kill her.
Q5. What motive has the man to murder Mrs. Judy Oakentubb?
Ans: The man became her bitter enemy out of grief. She killed her wife and daughter in motor accident. She was
drunken and driving car with rapid speed only for bet. That was his motive. It’s mean that his motive was to
take revenge.
Ans: The Porter is most humorous character of the play. His role is to relief the tension in the play. He brings the
lady passenger into the waiting room. He appears to be a kind hearted man. Who furls joy in providing
comforts to the passenger time & again?
Q7. Why is your opinion does the author make the Porter a humorous character?
Ans: The author makes the Porter a humorous character to create the moments of tensions, suspense and relief.
Ans Mrs. Judy Oakentubb is the central character of the play. She is an ordinary character. Nothing very
remarkable about her. Her dress suggests that she belongs to a rich class. She is very genius and cruel lady,
because when the male character makes her intensions that he comes here only to kill Mrs. Judy Oakentubb.
At that time she gets frightened but control her nerves. She also convinces that man, that she is facing is
misearable due to her mistake. In fact she does not repeat on it. We meet her for too shorter period of time to
establish any opinion about her but in short, there is nothing admirable in her character. She is the symbol of
deceiving.
“Treachery, the name is women” “john milton”
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Ans: Yes, the play has the happy ending because its ending touch the peak of the reader mind. She commits the sin
by killing the innocent pedestrian. That’s why get the same treatment.
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The chapter entitled Reflections on the Re-awakening East, has been written by Bertrand Russel. He is the most
outstanding writer and thinker of our time. His more popular 3orkds have been notable for their introduction of
scientific attitudes into the discussion of politics and sociology.
Summary
According to Russel, power has never stayed permanently in the world. Initially at the beginning the East and the
Eastern nations had more power then the West but gradually the power slipped out of the hand of the Eastern nations
and went into the hands of the Western countries. The West became all powerful and the East lost its power.
This chapter has been written in the year 1954 so Russel is talking about the conditions of year 1954. When Russel is
talking about the conditions of year 1954. When Russel wrote this essay in 1954, he thought that power was once
again passing out from the hands of the West and the East was beginning to re-awaken and to gain power, therefore,
what we have learnt so far is that power changes from hand to hand. Russel is expressing his thoughts and his opinions
as to what the Eastern nations should do on their re-awakening Russel is offering advice to the Eastern
awakening.nations as to what should they do in order to prosper and be successful.
First and foremost Russel advises the Eastern awakening nation not to adopt communism because Russel
describes communism as a poison. The next advice that he gave them is to adopt industrialization and mechanization
because according to Russel any country that does not accept industrialization will lag behind. He advises the Eastern
countries to stay away from war, to struggle for peace.
The next advice is not to follow the West blindly but to take from the West what is good and to leave out what is bad.
After that Russel goes on to declare that Asia has some excellent and major civilizations. These civilizations should
never be mixed with each other. Furthur more another excellent advice that Russel gave was that it is definitely agreed
that we can’t progress without mechanization yet the fact remains that side by side with mechanization we should not
forget poetry, arts, friendship, character-building, all these come side by side. We must see to it that on one hand we
progress in science and on the other hand we build our moral value.
Last but not the least, Russel concludes with the optimistic thought that the Eastern and Asian nations shallcontribute
to the betterment and the progress of the world and will not imitate the mistakes of the West.
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Q1. Why does Bertrand Russell want the reawakening of the east to preserve their traditional culture and
abstain from copying in the west?
Ans. The author preaches so view of the particular social and moral values of the east. He points out to the fact that
supremacy of the east was nothing military, science, philosophy, poetry & the art. All flourished in the China
& Mohammedan World at a time when Europe has a such call this period the dark ages. But it was only in
Europe that it was dark. Europe has as such cheated the East to establish and is the that east may preserve their
traditional culture and abstain from copying the west.
Ans. By this he means rapid progress of various social & political and the values & in comparison downfall of all
such values in the East.
Q3. What does Russell says about the relation b/w the East and the West?
Ans. The East and the west have been powerful by turns. Now again the east is becoming powerful. Russia &
China have great power and Western countries can’t keep their rules over eastern countries.
Ans. Russell says that Eastern countries should make use of science & technology. It is difficult to keep our
independence without them. They are necessary for progress. Russell rightly advices eastern countries not to
use science for destructive purpose. They should not like the wet to use science & technology for the
production of weapons for war. They should not use scientific and mechanical power to fight against and over
power other nations.
The west has no doubt use science and machine for better purpose too. It has explored the whole
world to use scientific & mechanical means. It ahs learnt the secrets of atoms & stars. It has provided the
world to many comforts & machinery. The east can also put science & machinery to such constructive use.
Russell thus asks the east to make such positive use of science, technology & machinery. He should not copy
the mistakes of the west in using these negatively that is for destruction.
Q5. Why is insular for European historians to turn the centuries after the fall of the Roman Empire “the
dark ages”?
Ans. European historians call the centuries after the fall of Roman Empire the dark ages because the European &
western countries were backward. The Muslims countries including Spain & eastern Asian countries were
advanced in comparison. But European historians did not consider this, & described the ages till the 15 th-
Century as dark.
Q6. On what ground does the argue that communism is the most modern & the most virulent form of
western imperialism?
Ans. Communism is the most virulent because it threatens the ancient & glorious traditions of Asia. Then it is
imposed by military force.
Q7. To what cause does the author attribute the power of England in the early 19 th century & the power of
United States & Russian today?
Ans. The attribute the industrialism & scientific technique the power of England in the 19 th century & the power of
United States & Russian today.
Ans. It is useless to resists industrialism because civilization depends on it. Further wars are not possible without
industrialization & countries have to prepare for war.
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Q9. How is traditional culture threatened in age dominated by science & machinery?
Ans. Traditional culture is threatened by science & machinery that put an end to every thing good and bad in it.
Science & machinery sweep away all cultural traditions & ways & make people think mechanically.
Q10. What is the author’s view had been the most serious flaw in the character of the west of the last few
centuries?
Ans. The most serious flaw in the character of the west has been the use of scientific technique in the preparation of
war.
Q11. What in the authors opinion should Asian countries accept from the west and what should they reject?
Ans. The Asian countries should have advance scientifically and industrially like the west. They should show
tolerance and have democratic quality like west. But they should not put science to destructive use should not
prepare for war. They should not put an end to their old traditions & social ways & not become slaves to
industrialism.
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20. Columbus and Vasco-Da-Gama were the pioneers of the new western imperialism and _________ was its
main weapon.
Machine Cane Scientific Technique None of them
21. It is now Europe whose freedom is threatened by the alliance of _________.
Moscow Peking Napolean Moscow with Peking
22. Asia has suffered under the insolence of the _________.
Americans White men Black men Christians
23. There are, it is true, some remnants of _________ to be wept away.
White Imperialism American Imperialism Mughlia Imperialism None of them
24. There is only one Imperialism which now offers any menace to Asia. It is that of _________.
Europe Russia Italy German
25. The power of England in the early Nineteenth Century was based upon a virtual monopoly of _________.
Science Machinery Industry None of them
26. It is the source of _________.
Power Energy Potential None of them
27. When industrialism was new in England, it roused _________ on account of its ruthlessness and destruction
of beauty.
Indignant Protest Vital Protest Favour None of them
28. Gandhi, in spite of his immense influence over his compatriots, was totally unable to restore the _________.
Spinning Wheel Industrialism Machinery None of them
29. The most sinister application of scientific technique is in regard to _________.
Ideas Peace Threat War
30. The organization of the world into _________ blocks.
2 3 4 5
31. Asia contains _________ of the world population.
1/3rd Half 1/4th 1/5th
32. Modern cosmopolitanism is based upon _________.
Science Machinery Industry Art
33. If human life is to be tolerable, it cannot be wholly _________.
Mechanized Industrialized Systematic None of them
34. The west throughout the last five centuries has displayed _________.
Energy Extra Ordinary Energy Strength Power
35. I have not the gift of _________ and I cannot plumb the depths of human folly
Speculation Prediction Prophecy None of them
The Day the Dam Broke is a fascinating, captivating, remarkable humorous story written by the great American
humorist James Groves Thurber. He has written a number of witty and humorous articles.
In this story, the writer has depicted the mob mentality with great dexterity. He has narrated the experiences of his
Aunt Edith Taylor and his own experiences about the “Great Run” of the afternoon in Columbus city. This short story
is a good example of Thurber’s sardonic but affectionate view of human behavior.
Summary
James Thurber recalls an interesting incident of his early childhood when he lived in Columbus City, situated near the
Ohio River in the U.S.A. All of a sudden, on March 12, 1913 a rumour spread that the River Ohio was in flood and the
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water would rush towards the city as the dam had broken. The people became panicky after hearing the rumour and
came out on the High Street. They started running towards the East for safety with out confirming the news about the
flood. In calamity ever rumour is believed. Men, Women and children were running helter-skelter towards the East.
Normal business was going on in the market, but when the rumour spread about the flood, the people who were busy
in selling and buying, started to run in utter confusion for saving their lives. Two thousand people were abruptly in full
right. Go East! Go East! The Dam has Broke was the clarion cry, being heard everywhere.
The writer’s aunt Edith Taylor was in a movie theatre, she wrote:
“When I reached Grant Avenue, I was so spent that Dr. H.P Mallory passed me, there was a boy behind him on roller-
skates and Dr. Mallory mistook the swishing of the skates for the sound of rushing water. He eventually reached the
Columbus School for Girls where he collapsed.”
The panic-stricken people ran out for safety leaving fires burning and food cooking and doors wide open. Some of the
people covered the distance 12 miles in order to save their lives. At last the military men riding through the city in
motor-lorries announced that the news about the flood was false and that the dam had not broken. At first the
announcement added to the confusion and increased the panic, for many stampedes the militiamen were announcing,
The Dam has now Broken! Thus setting an official seal of authentication on the calamity. But after repeated
announcements the misunderstanding was removed and order was restored. The people heaved a sigh of relief when
they heard that the dame had not broken. The people returned to their homes and started their normal business the next
day, but they did not joke about the happenings of the previous day. It is rightly said:
Conclusion
This story is a good study of human behaviour. It shows that men lose all there wit and wisdom in a panic. In fact, this
humorous story is also a satire on human follies.
“The mob has many heads but no brains.”
- Rivarol
Through all the funny references Thurber has tried to point out that all of us no matter how serious and sober, behave
in one and the same idiotic manner when we are thrown in a trying situation
“Stuffing the ear with false report.”
- William Shakespeare
Thurber has presented, in this story, his sardonic but affectionate view of life. It is a commendable effort to tell
something serious through fun and laughter. But in fact the author has tried to study human characters thrown in
difficult and trying circumstances because:
“Man alone suffered so cruelly in the world that he was compelled to invent laughter.”
- Nietzche
Q1. How an you say that “The Day the Dam Broke” is an interesting & humorous story?
Ans. The River Ohio in America was in flood in 1913. The writher was in Columbia, a city near the dam across the
river. In high street, the main city market a person suddenly started running east towards the restaurant. A
newsboy also started running. Other people also started running east saying that the Dam had broken. They
were running from floodwaters to the eastern part of the city that was higher part. Thus the broken dam
rumour began.
All peoples in the offices, shops, factories, homes etc came out in the street hearing the broken Dam
rumour. They were moving east. The writer’s grandfather behaved very strangely. He was afraid that some
soldiers on horses were attacking the city. Other people hit him on her head to make him running in the fear.
Later, soldiers announced from Lorries that the dam had not broken. At first the people were confused. Then
they understand their foolishness & started running back to their homes & places of work.
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Ans. The title is accurate because the essay is about the false news about the breaking of the dam in America. The
title at once raises some questions in our minds that what happened after the news spread around, & what was
the condition & situation of the writer who has written the essay the first person.
Q3. How can we gather about grand’s father age, physique & mental condition?
Ans. The writer’s grand father was surely very old, perhaps more than 75 year in age. He was more than six feet in
height & weighted about a hundred & seventy pounds. It means that he was quit heavy & well built. For his
age he was strong & active. Mentally he was not much ready to understand others. He did not accept the
rumor of the breaking of the demand instead thought that it was an attack of army that was upsetting the
people that was also wrong.
Ans. The panic started at the busy trade center on high street. Somebody began to run perhaps to meet his wife
waiting for him somewhere. Another person began to run also for some reason. Then all the people started
walking fast or running east and the words dam and then the dam had broken spread around like wild fire.
Q5. What caused the Lieutenant colonel of infantry to lead a fleeing company of three hundred person.
Ans: It was a cry of a little child goes ear that set the lieutenant colonel running & leading the eastward. This army
officer behaved thus as he was in the habit of obeying order’s or commands.
Q6. How long did the panic last & how was the order restored?
Ans. The panic lasted about two hours. Order was at last restored when militiamen announced from lorries through
megaphones that the dam had not broken.
Ans. The panic started in the cinema when the people inside heard the sound of the feet of the crowed & shouting
of the road. Somebody cried fire in the cinema that made the audience jump from their seats & run towards
the east.
Q8. Why did Dr. Mallory think that the floodwaters were shout to engulf him?
Ans. Somebody was running behind Dr. Mallory upon skating shoes. The hissing sound thus produced appeared
him like the sound of rushing water.
Q9. How did Thurber obtain the description of the events in the cinema?
Ans. Thurber got all this information from his aunt who too had gone to see the show.
Q10. Why did the citizens of Columbus did not care to talk about these events?
Ans. The citizens of Columbus did not care to talk about these events b/c there were ashamed of become panicky
about something which never actually happened?
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After the creation of Pakistan in the year 1950, Mr. Liaquat Ali Khan went on an official tour of the United States of
America. His mission was to introduce to the Americans the newly formed country of Pakistan, to tell the Americans
all about Pakistan and to bring the two countries close together. This chapter Pakistan and the Modern World, actually
is the explanation of Liaquat Ali Khan’s speech at the Kansas city, while he was thanking them for the degree
bestowed on him.
Summary
While Mr.Liaquat Ali Khan was in the United States of America, on this trip the University of
Kansas City awarded him an honorary degree for his services rendered to his country.
As far as the contents of the speech are concerned, these are what that makes the speech all important and interesting.
Mr. Liaquat Ali begins by thanking the administration of the University of Kansas City and tells them that he will talk
about Pakistan in his speech because his mission is to make the Americans familiar with the history and origin of
Pakistan. Mr. Liaquat Ali then goes on to say that there are similarities between the fight for independence that the
Muslims waged against the British and the fight that the Americans put up for their independence. Thus there are
similarities between fight for Indians and Muslims and Americans.
After that Liaquat Ali goes on to explain as to why the Muslims wanted a separate homeland and the Muslims of
Indian Sub-Continent were not willing to line with Hindus. There are religious, economic and social differences
between the Hindus and the Muslims. Further more, Mr. Liaquat Ali goes on to say that many people did not agree to
the partition of India. However, later on they realize that the creation of Pakistan has made the Asian Continent more
stable, also Mr. Liaquat Ali goes on to explain what advantages the creation of Pakistan has brought about in the
region. According to Mr. Liaquat Ali whereas in other countries there is backwardness, inner confusion,
discontentment, religious difference but in Pakistan there is no internal struggle, no religions difference and there is
democracy in the country. Mr. Liaquat Ali Khan then praises the Pakistani nation and declares that when Pakistan was
created there was no proper government, no money and no security, but it was due to the hard work and unity of
Pakistani nation that we managed not only to survive but also to progress.
Mr. Liaquat Ali Khan makes yet another point while introducing Pakistan to the Americans, he declares that even the
Pakistani people have duties to fulfill towards their country, the duty of each Pakistani is to guard and protect his
freedom and the freedom of his country. After that Mr. Liaquat goes on to make a very very important point. He
declares that in order to progress we must have strong faith in our religion and at the same time we must accept
scientific technology and progress. Then Mr. Liaquat Ali goes on to suggest that we must stay away from war and we
must follow the progress of the West and take from the West what we considered to be good.
Finally, he requests to the Americans to help Pakistan on the path of progress and the United States could do that be
lending its fund of knowledge and progress to backward Pakistani nation. Mr. Liaquat Ali Khan ends the speech on an
optimistic and hopeful note wanting Pakistan and United States to be friends for all times to come.
Q1. What reason did Liaquat Ali Khan give for the creation of Pakistan? OR How has Liaquat Ali Khan
justified the creation of Pakistan?
Ans. Liaquat Ali Khan says that the Muslim and the Hindus were two nations. They have so many differences that
they could not live together. The Muslims believed in one God & the Hindus believed more then one god.
Muslims believed in equality while the Hindus believed in differences of castes. The Muslims had laws
inheritance different from those of Hindus. They had different economic views. Thus they were to separate
nations.
Further the Muslims were quite backward while the Hindus were advanced. The Hindus were in majority and
undivided India. Without Pakistan, all the Indian Muslims would have become a minority after independence.
The Muslims wanted a country of their own to promote their religion and culture and to progress, so Pakistan
created.
Q2. What are the aims of Pakistan? What Pakistan wants to do?
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Ans. Pakistan is based on believe on God, democracy, justice and peace. The Pakistanis want to work for peace &
justice. At the same time, they are ready to fight against cruelty. They will fight if they are attacked.
Pakistan wants to make us full on science & machinery like America. Pakistan wants to be a
successful democracy. She wants to strengthen Asia & the whole world. She wants to cooperate with the
advanced countries like America. She wants to get their help & advice and aims to progress like them.
Q3. Write a short note on the duties of the West towards the people of Asia?
Ans. The West should help Asian in keeping peace. If there is aggression in any part of Asia, the West should help
Asia. Western countries like America should help Asia, whenever strong military powers trouble them.
The Western-World should help Asian countries like Pakistan with their knowledge and facilities. It
has great knowledge of Science. It should give this knowledge to Asia. It should help Asia in becoming
advanced in scientific, industrial and technical fields.
Western countries like America should help Pakistan and other Asian countries in becoming strong,
prosperous, and democratic. As a new democracy, Pakistan can learn well form America’s experience to
become strong & important like her.
Q4. Briefly state the main reason given by Liaquat Ali Khan for the Muslims desire not to continue living in
a united India?
Ans. The main reason why the Muslims did not want to live in a united India. After independence was that they
were not ready to accept the Hindus as their new masters.
Q5. What main differences does Liaquat Ali Khan point out b/w Muslims & Hindus belief and Attitudes?
Ans. Liaquat Ali khan points out the belief of Muslims in one God and the Hindus in more than one god, they
believe in the Prophet of the Arabia & Christ and in the belief of the right of private ownership & distribution
of wealth through inheritance and the practice of the Hindus to promote the increase of wealth.
Q6. What advantages does Liaquat Ali Khan show the Hindus to have gained from the creation of
Pakistan?
Ans. The Hindus would have true freedom to develop their own culture after independence. They could live
peacefully untroubled by the dissatisfaction of the Muslim.
Q7. Our administrative machinery had to be built up from scratch, what does this sentences mean?
Ans. This sentence means that the Muslims independent in Pakistan had no regular official machinery, armed
forces, commerce and industry. They had to build every institution from the start.
Q8. On what ground does Liaquat Ali Khan assert that the first duty of the Pakistan as a free people is to
themselves?
Ans. It means that the people of Pakistan should do their duty whenever they are to make the nation & the country
strong & stable. It is they who will strengthen the country and not foreigners.
Q10. What is the synthesis that Liaquat Ali Khan believes in necessary for Pakistan to achieve?
Ans. The synthesis or combination desired is that of ancient faith or old traditions of the east & modern science &
technology of the west.
Q11. What does state the real meaning of freedom for the common man, to be?
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Ans. He says that the real freedom for the common people means freedom from wants, freedom from disease &
freedom from ignorance.
Q12. Liaquat Ali Khan contrasts two notions that the Asian people tend to feel when thy view the Western
world. What are these two emotions?
Ans. On the one hand, the Asian nations are filled with admiration at the progress of civilization in the west, while
on the other they feel uneasy at their own backwardness. They are their contrasting emotions.
Q13. What does as he put forward as the two main duties today of the western world?
Ans. He says that the first duty of the western world is sharing it’s great fund of Knowledge, experience & skills
with those numerous countries that were denied their opportunities. Its second duty is to demonstrate that true
democracy is to international in its very conception and its very conception and is essential for the
maintenance of the world.
20. The Muslims believed in the right of private owner-ship for everyone, whether man or woman, and had laws
of _________ and economic institution.
Irregularity Interruption Inheritance Caste System
21. The Muslims believed in the _________ of all men
Equality Inferiority Superiority Inequality
22. Muslims believed in ----------.
Polytheises Monotheises Holiness None of them
23. Hindus believed in--------------
Polytheises Monotheises Holiness None of them
24. Muslims had laws in---------
Inheritance Matrimony Caste system Interruption
25. Liberty does not----------upon the people.
Decend Reveal Rely Depend
26. It is the------that must be earned before it can be enjoyed.
Fruit Show Power None of them
27. Muslims had no capital and no--------
Flag Homeland Leader Trader
28. We had no------------- equipment.
Military Industrial Machinery None of them
29. South Asia was vast enough for _________.
2 3 4 1
30. Pakistanis believed in universal-------------
Priesthood Brotherhood Fraternity None Of Them
31. Our share of the military equipment of British India which was allotted to us on paper remains largely
undelievered even today when ________ years have elapsed.
Five Four Three Six
32. That freedom means freedom only from foreign domination, is an _________.
Difficult idea Thought View Outworn idea
33. We cannot hold the clock back and therefore it is we who must go forward at _________.
Double pace Fast pace Speed Rapid pace
34. I sincerely believe that war and peace and progress and prosperity are all _________ today.
Indivisible United Separate None of them
35. America began mainly as an _________ country
Industrial Agricultural First world None of them
36. I came here to bring Pakistan and ---------closer on the name of humanity and peace
America England India Syria
John Galsworthy is a famous novelist and playwright whose works contains a great deal of criticism of British society,
particularly of the values of the well-to-do professional class. Like all the writers of the time, John Galsworthy is a
satirist and at bests an ironist.
The Silver Box is a powerful and bitter play. Through the character of James Jones, Galsworthy criticizes the British
society in which the rich are favoured by law and injustice is done to the poor.
“Law grinds the poor, and richmen rule the law.”
- Oliver Goldsmith
Summary
Mr. Barthwick was a member of the British Parliament. He posed himself as a social reformer who seemed to have
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great sympathy and compassion for the poor and Dow-trodden people. In a drunken state his dissolute son, Jack
Barthwick, stole a lady’s purse. He returned home very late at night. James Jones, a poor and jobless person, happened
to pass near the house of Mr. Barthwick. He saw Jack Barthwick trying to find the keyhole on the wrong side of the
door. He helped Jack in unlocking the door of his house. As Jack had nothing to give him, so he invited him to have a
drink. Jones entered the house with Jack. He drank whisky excessively and under the influence of whisky he stole a
sliver cigarette box and the same purse, stolen by the jack. In the morning Thomas Marlowe, Butler to Barthwick,
found the silver box missing. He communicated the loss to Mr. Barthwick who sent him to the police station to lodge
the report of the theft.
The police acted promptly and arrested Jones along with his innocent wife who was employed as a charwoman in the
house of Mr. Barthwick. Jones became violent and resisted the police when they arrested his wife who did not commit
any crime. The police took her into custody because they suspected that she might have stolen the silver box or helped
her husband in entering the house of Mr. Barthwick. Owing to the scoundrel Mrs. Jones lost her job and had to vacate
the house in which she lived with her three children.
Jones was aried in the court of law for stealing the silver cigarette box and making an assault on the police. He was
sentenced to one month’s imprisonment with hard labour. He protested against this injustice, for Jack who committed
the identical crime, was not punished. He says to Magistrate:
“Call this justice? What about him? He got drunk! He took the purse. But its his money got him off-Justice!”
Mrs. Jones was also tried for stealing the silver box and helping her husband in obtaining access to the house of Mr.
Barthwick. But the charges leveled against her could not be proved and she was acquitted. At the end of the trial she
looked at Mr. Barthwick with a silent request for re-employment but he made a gesture of refusal and hurried out of
the court. Thus the poor family was ruined completely.
Conclusion
The dramatist concludes that it is the poor people who always suffer and pass through mental and physical torture and
they are the one, who face these adversities with patience and endurance. While the opulent make use of their
resources and enjoy a trouble free life even after committing the most abhorrent crimes.
“How easy it is to judge rightly after one sees what evil comes from judging wrongly.”
- Elizabeth Gaskell
Q1. What is the massage of the Galsworthy’s plays of the Silver Box?
Ans. Two poor girls were presented before a magistrate in London court. They told the magistrate that they had no
home, their father had no work & their mother had left them. A Government officer had found them crying in
the street. Then the case of Jones, the poor girl’s father, was admitted Jones before the magistrate that had
stolen the silver cigarette boxes from the house of Mr. Barthwick a Member of Parliament. Mrs. Jones who
worked in Barthwick’s house was present. She said that her husband had stolen the cigarette box when he was
drunk.
Jones said that the Barthkwick’s son had taken him into his father house. There Jones took wine with Jack
Jones took some money form Jack who had stolen it from some woman. Jones was unemployed. Barthwick
was also present in the court. He told the officer of the court that purse should not be discussed.
Ans. First of all the writer shows the condition of poor & jobless people. Poverty is the first important theme of the
play. A poor person who is also jobless & can not support his family. Jones in the play was poor & jobless.
Galsworthy shows that how necessary is to private work & money to poor helpless people. Society & the
government should do this.
Poverty can force a person to steal. Jones stole a cigarette case & took a purse of money form
Barthwick’s house. He was badly in need of money. He might have drunk, but it was his need to force him to
steal.
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Secondly, the writer shows the injustice of English courts of his time. The magistrate punished the
Jones for stealing the cigarette box but said nothing to jack. He knew that Jack had stolen a purse of money
from woman. Jack had given this purse to Jones. The magistrate did not talk at all this. It shows that how
much unfair at was to punish a poor man and not to punish a rich or powerful person for the same crime.
Q3. What purpose in your opinion is served by beginning this act of the play with the case of Livens girls
that has nothing to do with the main play?
Ans. The main purpose of Act III of the play with Livens girls is to introduce poor and helpless children. The
presence of Theresa Livens and Maud Livens with their helplessness and fatherlessness draws our attention to
need for help to poor people by the government and the rich. They help the main action of the play that
concerns Jones.
Q4. Why are Mr. Barthwick and his son so anxious that as little as possible should be said in the court
about the purse and money that Jones had in his possession?
Ans. It is so because the Jack son of Mr. Barthwick had snatched or taken the sky-blue purse from s/b when he was
drunk. Jones had later taken or stolen this purse from Mr. Barthwick house. So Mr. Barthwick and Jack did
not want to have the purse talked about as it could involve them in the case.
Ans. Mr. Roper is the solicitor of the Mr. Barthwick and his son. He is helping the court to understand the situation
regarding them, as they want it to be explained.
Ans. Marlow, the manservant of Mr. Barthwick, established that Mr. Jones was above in his room when the silver
box was stolen. He reported the loss of the box to the police station on Mr. Barthwick asking.
Q7. From the constable’s evidence we learn that Mr. Jones was the first to be charged with the theft. Why
was this so?
Ans. Mr. Jones was the first charged to be theft because she worked at Mr. Barthwick house as a charwoman she
looked responsible for bringing her husband there, and she thus looked involved in the theft.
Q8. What led the constable to arrest & charged Jones as well?
Ans. The constable arrested Jones as well because Jones had entered Mr. Barthwick house when he did not worked
there. As he himself confused he had stolen a silver box in a drunken condition he had to be arrested.
Q9. Assuming That Jones has received a fair trial, why does this act of the play leave us with a feeling that
injustice had been done?
Ans. He explain the Magistrate did not do even justice she let Mr. Barthwick son go scat free without questioning
him about the purse of the lady he had perhaps attacked. Thus the magistrate did not do full justice.
Q10. What do you imagine to be the unspoken plea that Mr. Jones makes to Mr. Barthwick at the very end?
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Ans. Perhaps, Mr. Jones wants to request Mr. Barthwick to speak to the magistrate on her behalf to have his
husband excused and freed. Though it is too late, but she does not know the law and she is an uneducated
woman, she tries to beg him to help her through her gestures.
The World as I See It is an interesting essay in which Albert Einstein has expressed his personal views about the
purpose and ideals of life; democracy and dictatorship; war and peace; mystery and religion.
Albert Einstein is one of the most famous scientists and the greatest mathematical physicist of the current century.
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However, in this chapter, he gives us his views not about science but about the world as he sees and understands it.
Summary
There are several things that Einstein mentions in this connection. Firstly, Einstein tries to find out the purpose of the
existence of human beings and giving an answer. He feels that we human beings are created for each other and we are
dependent on each other.
Einstein goes on to declare that he does not believe in class differences. Einstein also declares that he believes in
simple living and a simple way of life. Next, he expresses his opinion regarding freedom. Einstein declares that he
definitely believes in freedom but he does not believe in unlimited freedom because according to Einstein unlimited
freedom is not possible, freedom has to be limited.
Further, Einstein goes on to talk about his ideas and goals in life. These are for three in number truth, goodness and
beauty. Einstein says that friendship should be made only with like-minded people. Einstein at time prefers to be alone
so that he can think well. Einstein now moves to another factor and that is the system of Government. According to
Einstein democracy if practiced correctly, is the best for of Government for any country. While talking about
Governments, he goes on to declare that he is totally against war and he has always favoured peace.
He goes on to say that he loves to solve the mysteries of the Universe. As such he was fond of solving all mysteries. In
the end, Einstein is very grateful for the fact that he is still living and that he is trying to contribute in solving the
mysteries of this Universe.
Conclusion
After the study of this thought-provoking essay, we come to the conclusion that Einstein is really a great man. He has
profound love for humanity. He is a genius and has philosophical bend of mind. In short, we can say that Einstein is a
man of keen observation, great wisdom, deep insight and profound knowledge.
Q1. What leads Einstein to feel a strong sense of duty towards his fellow men?
Ans. Einstein thinks that his life depends on the hard work of other men. He wants to help the Society in the same
manner as he has received from it.
Q3. What are the ‘insecure foundations’ referred to at the end of the last sentence of the fourth Paragraph?
Ans. The insecure foundations are the opinion, habits and judgements of other people.
Ans. Einstein is a democrat. He believes that leadership is a necessary thing but the people must be given freedom
in the selection of their leader.
Q5. On what grounds does Einstein put the individual before the state?
Ans. Einstein says that individual important then the state. The state should work for the betterment of the
individual.
Q6. What example does he give of service by the state to the individual?
Ans. The state should help the needy and provide medical aid to the individual. In the U.S.A. there is provision
security of ailing and needy persons.
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Ans. He thinks that human beings fight for money and power.
Q9. What does he appear to regard as the most precious element in human experience?
Ans. He does not believe in the immortality of the soul. There is no life after death.
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The Devoted Friend is an interesting short story of two friends having different temperaments and different
conceptions of devoted friendship written by Oscar Wilde. He was one of the most eminent and elegant writers of the
19th century. The story is both tender and profound in its treatment of the comically one-sided friendship between
poor Hans and the rich Miller.
Summary
The story is narrated by a songbird to a water rat and a duck. There are two characters in the story little Hans and
Hugh the miller.
Little Hans was a simple, innocent, kind-hearted and sincere fellow. He was a hard working gardener and earned his
living by selling the fruits and flowers into the market of the town. Hugh the miller was a rich but clever and selfish
man. He always claimed that he was a devoted friend of little Hans.
In the summer season, the miller would go to the garden of Hans and bring plenty of flowers and fruit without making
him any payment. He never gave anything to Hans. Hugh the miller repeatedly exploited Hans. Sometimes, he sent
Hans to Market with a heavy sack of flour. Sometimes, he asked Hans to drive his flock of sheep to the mountains for
grazing. He would also ask Hans to work on his flourmill or do some work of repair in his barn.
In return, he merely made a promise to give his invalid and damaged wheelbarrow to Hans, free of cost. The miller
called it an act of great generosity. Unfortunately, the promise was never materialized.
It is so happened that on a rough and stormy night, Hugh the miller sent little Hans to bring the doctor because the
miller’s little son had been seriously injured. As usual, little Hans showed compliance and left for the doctor’s home
as he could never think of displeasing the miller. When poor Hans was returning with the doctor, the strom grew more
fierce and he lost his way in the dangerous rocky region. He stranded on the moor and fell into a deep pool of water,
where he was drowned. In this way, the innocent fellow lost his life for the sake miller.
Moral
The story suggests that friendship is a noble and respectable bond based on bilateral love and cooperation. Mutual
interest is the essence of true friendship.
Ans. The friendship of the Miller was certainly much costly for poor Hans. The clever Miler had much disturbed
his daily routine life badly. He was unable to look after his garden properly due to following reasons.
1. Every now & then, he was assigned with some private job by the Miller such as going to market to sell the
flour.
2. Every now & then, he had to honour the friendly demands of the Miller for flower etc. Such a practice
ultimately kept the poor Gardner confused.
3. Whenever he was ill, he didn’t receive any sympathetic attitude from his friend.
4. Seasonal difficulties were also there to make him unable to look after his garden.
Q2. What was the supreme manifestation of the Miller’s selfishness that caused to Hans to loss his life?
Ans. The supreme magnification of the Miller’s selfishness that caused Hans to loss his life was to keep his friend
in inferiority complex with a false promise of wheelbarrow. Being selfish in all respect, the Miller behaved in
taking services from the poor to keep him in complete rest. On a stormy night, it was not an easy job to go to
town to fetch the doctor for ailing son. So again he played the old trick and asked Hans to cooperate in that
hour of need. He with a believed in his superiority complex was sure that poor Hans would do according to his
command.
Q3. Briefly explain why the story of Hans & the Miller was applicable to the water rat?
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Ans. The water rat was extremely selfish like the Miller. He told the linnet that he expected his friend to be devoted
to him alone. It means that just as the Miller used little Han to his own advantage. The water rat wanted to use
his friend for himself alone. Thus, the story of Hans & the Miller was applicable to the water rat.
Q4. When do we first suspect that the Miller was not really a very good friend of Hans?
Ans. This was suspect for the first time when we read about the neighbours thinking that the rich Miller never gave
little Hans anything while he took as much of flowers & fruits from Hans garden as he liked.
Q5. How did the Justify not asking Hans to share some of his good things during the winter?
Ans. The Miller justified him not asking Hans to share his things b/c then others would have thought him to be very
foolish to let others use them.
Q6. How did the Miller wife reveal that she too was ready to exploit the generosity of Hans?
Ans. The Miller’s wife revealed this when she asked him to take the big basket with him to fill it with Hans’s
flower.
Q7. How did the Miller persuade Hans to carry the large sack of flour to market?
Ans. The Miller persuaded Hans to carry the sack of flour saying that he was going to give him his wheelbarrow, so
he must do it.
Q8. What was the supreme manifestation of the Miller’s selfishness that caused Hans to lose his life?
Ans. The Miller’s greatest indication of his selfishness was not to give his lantern to Hans when it was so dark in
night and Hans fall into a ditch and lost his life.
Q9. Comment briefly on the Miller’s claim to have been Hans best friend?
Ans. In fact the Miller was Hans’s most selfish friend. It was the Miller who was getting service from Hans from all
he time and do anything for him. He promised to give his wheelbarrow to Hans, but never gave it. Instead he
put him to work for long hours.
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Characters
Princess Flavia
Introduction
Princess Flavia is a character from the novel entitled The Prisoner of Zenda, written by Anthony Hope.
She is the only female character who is not directly involved in the conspiracies, which pervade the
entire atmosphere of the novel. She is the cousin and fiancée of King Rudolf Elphberg and is the
immediate inheritor to the throne. She bears a bewitching personality and fascinates the readers by
the elegant attitude.
Her appearance can be perceived by Rudolf Rassendyll’s saying:
“A girl pale and lovely, surmounted by a crown of glorious Elphberg hair.”
Princess Flavia is a young, captivating and decent lady. She possesses a character full of virtues and
commands great respect and admiration among the people of Ruritania. They wish to see her as the
future queen of the country. She is a noble and kind-hearted woman.
“Trust men, and they will be true to you; treat them greatly, and they will show themselves great.”
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Princess Flavia is a wise woman. Her wisdom keeps her aware of the evil desires of Black Michael, who
is not a good man. She very intelligently keeps herself away from all sorts of intrigues. She is a
sensible person who has the courage to face the realities of life.
Her intelligence is enlightened when she said to Rassendyll:
“Do be careful,” she went on, “you don’t – indeed you don’t – keep enough watch on him.”
Romance
Princess Flavia is a lady with elements of love in her heart. These elements increase the fascination and
temptation in her character. She sincerely and quite confidently admits her inclination towards
Rassendyll, being impressed by his personality. She was bold enough to propose Rassendyll but her
sensibility restricted her to perform any action below dignity. She gave heart and soul to Rudolf
Rassendyll considering him to be the real king. She never mourns her decision even after coming to
know that he is a pretender. She confessed that Rudolf Rassendyll was acceptable to him even if he
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was a beggar.
“The fate of love is that it always seems too little or too much.”
- Amelia Barr
Devotion
The princess was a sincere and devoted lady, always worried about the security of Rassendyll. She
advised him time and again to be cautious of the wicked plans of Duke Michael. When Black Michael
was successful in injuring Rassendyll, she at once reached Zenda to look after him. This action reflects
her sense of responsibility and devotion towards the man whom she loved from the depths of her
heart.
She said to Rassendyll:
“Oh, if you were not the king, then I could show you how I love you.”
Princess Flavia is a responsible lady. She very loyal to her country and knows the difference between
love and duty. She sets an example of the greatest sacrifice by giving up her love at the altar of duty.
This aspect of her character shows that she is not the slave of her passions.
Here sense of duty is enlightened when she says to Rassendyll:
“Your ring will always be on my finger, your heart in my heart. But you must go and I must stay.”
In order to maintain peace in Ruritania and not to disgrace the royal family, Princess Flavia took a
sensible and daring step. She sacrificed her love for the sake of her homeland and parted with
Rassendyll forever. It was a noble and graceful decision in the interest of Ruritania and the Royal
family.
“There is no moral authority like that of sacrifice.”
- Nadine Gordimer
Conclusion
Princess Flavia proves to be not only the leading female character of the novel but also the most lively
and integral personality. She holds the attentions of the readers because of her charm, duty and
incredible virtues. She respected the wishes of the people and the country and gave up her love for the
sake of her country. She is a complete symbol of love, beauty and sacrifice, which makes her an
admirable character.
To love one person with a private love is poor and miserable, to love all is glorious.”
- Thomas Traherne
Rudolf Rassendyll
Introduction
Rudolf Rassendyll is the hero and central character of the novel entitled The Prisoner of Zenda, written
by Anthony Hope. The integral character of Rassendyll holds the attention of the readers throughout
the exciting events of the novel. Rassendyll possesses a prime personality and is linked with the main
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Rudolf Rassendyll is a tall, young and handsome man, who belongs to a noble family in England. He is
an educated man of twenty-nine, who has perfect command over German and French. He is bold,
cultural and knows the art of becoming popular. He has red hair, straight nose, blue eyes and a beard.
His physical appearance bears striking resemblance to that of the real king, though there were some
points of differences. Rassendyll himself pointed out:
“The king’s face was slightly more fleshy than mine, the oval of its contour the least trifle more
pronounced and his mouth lacking something of the firmness which was to be gathered from my close-
shutting lips.”
However, in spite of these differences, Colonel Sapt could not help mentioning to Rassendyll:
“You’re an Elphberg, every inch of you.”
Adventure
Rudolf Rassendyll is very fond of adventures and loves to roam about instead of sticking to a job. He is
also a good mastermind who handles difficult situations seeming effortless. The desire to participate in
sensational events is always there in his heart. This desire was fulfilled by his play-acting of King
Rudolf Elphberg, who was very identical to him. His likeness with the king of Ruritania helped him to
make his mission a success. He pledges in strong and unequivocal terms:
“I have been an imposter for the profit of another, but I will not be one for my own; and if the king is
not alive and on his throne before the day of betrothal comes I will tell the truth, come what may.”
Rudolf Rassendyll proves himself to be a man of outstanding attributes and full of wisdom. He plays
the role of the king very intelligently. Once he gets entangled in Ruritanian politics, he becomes
conscious not only of the significance of his royal position but also of the responsibility, which lies on his
shoulders. He is a wise, cool minded and responsible man.
Rudolf Rassendyll is a sincere man. He does not want to keep the throne to himself. He carries out all
his responsibilities with firmness and confidence. He realizes that it is his duty to restore the real king
to the throne and he never tries to take undue advantage as a pretender. His veracity and sincerity is
outstanding as he declares:
“If I’m found out, I’ ll make a clean breast of it, and fight it out with the Duke.”
Rudolf Rassendyll is supposed to be gifted with extraordinary courage and chivalry, and does not fall
short of our expectations in this matter. He is an expert rider and an excellent sword man. When time
and fate offered Rassendyll a challenge, he accepted him as a brave man. His stay in Ruritania unfolds
his marvelous sense of responsibility, boldness and wisdom. The role played by him in Ruritania to
save the throne from Black Michael was really an act of gallantry and wisdom.
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Romance
The romantic aspect of Rassendyll’s personality shows that his heart throbs for Princess Flavia but the
sense of duty and devotion to the throne is far stronger in him. The circumstances urge him to express
love to Princess Flavia but bot to feel it. Being deeply conscious of his responsibility and dedication, he
declares:
“I had to keep the princess devoted to me and yet indifferent to me; I had to show affection for her
and not feel it.”
In order to maintain peace in Ruritania and not to disgrace the royal family, Rudolf Rassendyll took a
sensible and daring step. He sacrificed his love at the altar of duty and left Ruritania with tears of
regret in the eyes of Princess Flavia, words of gratitude on the lips of king, applause and appreciation
from all the countrymen and feeling of satisfaction on his own part.
“There is no moral authority like that of sacrifice.”
- Nadine Gordimer
Colonel Sapt
Introduction
Colonel Sapt is one of the most significant and momentous characters of the novel entitled Prisoner of
Zenda, written by Anthony Hope. Being the most loyal servant of the kind, Colonal Sapt was the man
behind the impersonating of King Elphberg by Rudolf Russendyll. It was due to his guidance that
Rassendyll could successfully play the role of king Elphberg.
Colonal Sapt has played the character of an honest person who has sincere wishes to save the throne
for the real king of Ruritania. A single glance over the mentioned qualities will bring to light the noble
character of Colonal Sapt.
Colonal Sapt is a brave man whose gallantry keeps him motivated for taking personal risks. He shows
great valour on all events. He is also very loyal to the king and serves the throne with dedication and
faith. Being a sovereign authority, he has enough experience in the art of governing people. His only
objective in life is to reinstate King Elphberg. For this achievement, he uses all the persons including
Countess Flavia as pieces of chess board.
Sapt’s courage and determination is enlighted when he said to Rassendyll:
“If we’re detected, I’ll send Black Micheal down below before I go myself.”
Colonal Sapt is a wise man. His superb prudence made him sensible enough not take reckless steps.
He uses his mind and intelligence on the battlefield of life. It was merely due to his witticism that
Rassendyll’s identification was not revealed. Although the Colonal does not accept advises from others,
his gorgeous mentality enables him to crush all the obstacles that come in the path of his aim. Due to
these qualities, he exalted himself in the eyes of the king and Rassendyll.
His wisdom is enlighted when he said:
“… If you do not go I swear to you Black Micheal will sit tonight on the throne, and the king lie in prison
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or his grave.”
Friendly Attitude
Colonal Sapt is not only a good advisor, but also a sincere friend of Rassendyll. He became Rassendyll’s
friend as soon as they both met. Colonal Sapt served his friend on every difficult stage. A good
example of sincere friendship is seen at the Summer House, when Russendyll was in a dangerous
situation among the enemies.
Bachelorship
Colonal Sapt appears to be a confirmed bachelor having low opinion about women. He never trusts in
ladies, but believes that women spoil everything. Even the princess does not come in exception to his
hatred for the opposite gender.
When Mme de Mauban invites Rassendyll to the Summer House, he said:
“I do not believe any woman and you shall not go.”
Discipline
Colonal Sapt is a well-disciplined man. He has some firm rules, which are strictly followed by him. This
discipline and devotion leads the colonal to serve the king and his country.
When Rassendyll went to Marshall for some help without consulting him, Sapt angrily said:
“Sapt likes to be consulted before hand, not informed afterwards.”
Loyalty
Colonal Sapt is a colonal in the Ruritanian Army. He is the oldest of all the hot-blooded armymen. The
colonal is a devoted servant of the king. His loyalty is for the cause of monarchy and not for any
particular person. He has a highly productive mind, which enables him to act daringly to restore the
throne. He succeeded in liberating who was the actual inheritor to the throne.
Colonal Sapt says:
“I have eaten the King’s bread and I am the King’s servant.”
Conclusion
The character performed by Colonal Sapt is worth-reading. Readers get fascinated by his wisdom,
loyalty, courage and good principles.
Rudolf Elphberg
Introduction
Rudolf Elphberg is one of the central character of the novel entitled The Prisoner of Zenda created by
Anthony Hope. He is the prisoner in the castle of Zenda. He is son of late king of Ruritania and heir to
throne.
Appearance
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Rudolf Elphberg is a young, tall and handsome man. He is an educated man. He has red hair, straight
nose, blue eyes and a beard. His physical appearance bears striking resemblance to that of Rudolf
Rassendyll, though there were some points of differences, which are pointed by Rudolf Rassendyll:
“The king’s face was slightly more fleshy than mine, the oval of its contour the least trifle more
pronounced and his mouth lacking something of the firmness which was to be gathered from my close-
shutting lips.”
However, in spite of these differences, Colonel Sapt could not help mentioning to Rassendyll:
“You’re an Elphberg, every inch of you.”
Lack of Responsibility and Common Sense
Rudolf Elphberg, the king is a happy-go-lucky type of young man. He is a pleasure loving man and
wishes to pass a happy and care free life. He is devoid of a sense of responsibility and lacks even
common sense. He is indiscreet and trusts even his half brother, Black Michael. He does not care even
the coronation and drinks excessively. He also drinks the wine sent by his wicked brother. He does not
even think or suspect about it. It is well known to the people of Ruritania that Black Michael intends to
get through the access to the throne and wants to marry Flavia, but Elphberg is not aware of this fact.
A Weak Man
He has not the quality to face the dangers and odds boldly. His behaviour in prison throws a shadow
upon his person. He becomes completely demoralized and losses all gril. His health suffers and he
becomes partially insane. He requests Detchard to persuade his brother, Black Michael to kill him. He
becomes hopeless and sobs on his fate.
Rudolf Elphberg cannot, however, be called a bad man. He may be a weak king, but as a man, he has
some very good qualities. He is a pleasant tempered man, a sincere and good friend. He stands by his
friends and has a great trust and faith in them. There is in him a peculiar charm of personality, which
inspires confidence in the heart of those who come into contact with him. He loves and admires Flavia.
He is sincere, kind and open-hearted.
Conclusion
Although he remains captive throughout the novel and we cannot see him in action, but the whole
story revolves round him. He attracts our attention in the forest as a charming and gay person. He
reigns in the readers mind although remains behind the scene.
Black Micheal
Introduction
Black Michael is the villain of the novel entitled The Prisoner of Zenda created by Anthony Hope. He is
stepbrother of King Elphberg. He is not the legal heir to the throne because he is the son of the king’s
second and morganatic marriage. Black Michael is the owner of castle of Zenda and the surrounding
estate. Being the favourite of the late king of Ruritania, he was appointed as the Duke of Strelsau. He
is schemer and evil by nature.
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Black Michael is a selfish man. He loves Princess Flavia just to get the throne. He is a hypocrite and
makes a false show of love towards Madam Mauban. He has become popular among a small number of
people of the country by his hypocrisy. He is over ambitious and greedy.
A Wicked Person
Black Michael is a sinful man. He makes plot to get the throne with the help of his companions, but
always tries to delude them. That is why his followers betray him, when he is expecting complete
victory. He invites Rassendyll to the Summer House through a conspiracy, but fortunately Rassendyll
survives. This sharp and evil act shows his wickedness.
A Cruel Man
Black Michael is indeed a cruel person. When the king has been in his noose, he treats him in a very
harsh and inhuman manner. He does not feel pity for his brother even. Black Michael is a coward man.
He wants to save his life at any cost. He does not come out to handle the situation at any time.
A Cool-Minded Criminal
Black Michael is a wicked but a cool minded and genius criminal. When he sees that Rassendyll has
impersonated the king of Ruritania he does not make it known to the people to keep his villainy secret.
We see that even Rupert’s interest and love for Mauban do not irritate him. It shows that he is a
controlled emotion criminal.
Black Michael becomes utterly blind for power. At any rate he wants to usurp the sovereignty form his
brother. His lust for power corrupts him and brings his decline.
Black Michael always deceives his close companions. That is why he is killed by one of his own
followers. Thus, the villain of the novel receives a tragic end.
Antoinette – De - Mauban
Introduction
Antoinette-de- Mauban is the character of the novel entitled Prisoner of Zenda written by Anthony
Hope. Mme-de- Mauban was a widow, rich, beautiful and clever lady. She deeply loved Black Michael,
the Duke of Stralsau.
Personal Motives
She was sincerely devoted to the Duke and by this genuine attachment. She followed him at his
request from Paris to Ruritania but she was not aware that the Duke whom she thought to be a man of
strong passions was actually a cruel, cunning and selfish man who was content to take all but give
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nothing.
Peace Acceptance
She was a quite person who had decided to spend a quite and peaceful time in Ruritania with the
Duke. With this intention she accepted the Duke’s request. Only to discover at her arrival that things
were contradictory to what she had though. It did not take her long to find out that the Duke wanted
to kill the King and seize the th5one for himself but Mme-de- Mauban did not desire his triumph for she
detested his crime and mainly because she knew that if Michael was made the king he would marry
Princess Flavia.
Possessive Woman
She was a possessive woman and found her rival and would not bear to see the Duke abandoning her
by marrying the Pricess so she betrayed Black Michael to Rassendyll by warning him of his plan to kill
him in the Summer House. For she knew that in case of Rassendyll’s Death the Duke would become
the king and would eventually marry Flavia.
Conscientious
She wrote a letter to Flavia as king and warned her not to accept the Duke’s invitation in case, she
would come in the power of the Duke. She was a pretty lady and at the Zenda, Rupert, one of the
king’s six men was caught by her beauty. But Mauban hated him for she was sincerely devoted to the
Duke. Being aware of Rupert’s intentions she had warned Michael of him. Mauban was a
compassionate woman and when she learnt of the full measure of his cruelty, she was touched with
compassion for the King and from that day she became a well-wisher of Rassendyll and his party.
Duke’s Intriguer
Gradually she found herself entangled into the Duke’s plan, but she was not a weak woman, tired of
quarrels and ills between the Duke and Michael and disappointed by Black Michael’s cruel plans and
selfish motives. She begs Rassendyll to rescue her from the Duke and rupert but she still loved Black
Michael and hoped to gain his life if not his pardon from the king.
Emotional Woman
She was a woman ruled by her emotions and when Michael was killed by Rupert, she heaving taunts
came froth to avenge him.
This conduct proved that no knowledge of the man’s real character was enough to root her regard, for
him out of her heart. After these tragic events she withdraws herself entirely from society. She
recognized the king’s generosity and kindness and so she did not betray the king’s trust by letting out
the secret.
“Questions Asnwers”
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Q:1 Heaven does not always make the right men kings!" said Sapt. Do you think Rassendyll deserve to be the king of
Ruritania? If so, why?
Ans: In his role as the king, Rudolf Rassendyll is far more impressive than the real king Rudolf Elphberg. He carries out his
duties as a king majestically and tact fully without revealing his true identity. People love him and none cares to find out
whether he is the real king or not. Within few days he makes for himself a place in their hearts. On considering his
qualities Colonel Sapt liked him and he wanted that he worked as the king but he was loyal to his state. Due to best
qualities of Rassendyll deserved to be the king of Ruritania.
Q:2 De Mauban played a very significant role in the novel! "The Prisoner of Zenda". Comment. What role Madam De
Mauban play in the novel?
Ans: Mauban is a widow, rich, handsome and ambitious. She is a graceful, fashionably dressed French lady. She had no
political interest but her ambitions to win Black Michael, involves her completely in the intrigues and the counter
intrigues.
She has been fellow traveler of Rassendyll. She is standing in one the balconies on the coronation day. She is
astonished to see Rassendyll in shape of the king but she does not do any thing. Next, Black Michael compels her to
write a letter to Rassendyll and invites him alone in the summer house. He deputes three ruffians to kill him there.
Mauban saves Rassendyll from this devilish scheme of Michael. She loves Black Michael but she helps Rassendyll. She is
shifted to the castle of Zenda along with Black Michael. The Duke decides to invite Princess Flavia in order to trap her
there. She immediately writes a letter to Princess Flavia and informs her and forbids her into accepts the invitation of
Black Michael. She is the only female in the castle of Zenda. She attends a nursed the sick king in his cell. She sends a
message to Rassendyll through Johann, to rescue the king as he was about to die. Thus Mauban helps Princess Flavia
and Rassendyll in order to save the real king of Ruritania.
Ans: Rassendyll is a brave man. He agrees to impersonate the king it take risk of his own life. When Mauban writes a letter to
him and wants to meet him a particular house called the" Summer House".
Both Sapt and Rassendyll go to the summer House. Sapt stays behind while Rassendyll go to the summer
house. Sapt stays behind while Rassendyll goes into the house. He meets there with Mauban who tells him about the
plans of Black Michael to kill him by his three men. She advices him not to go by the front door because it will be closely
guarded. When they are talking to each other. Michael to kill him by his three men. She advices him not to go by the
front door because it will be closely guarded. When they r talking to each other. Michael's Man arrives there. Rudolf
stands behind the door with the rifle in his hand ready to shoot. From outside some one speaks not to shoot and they
decided that they should talk through the closed door. Rudolf understands that they r playing game. They want to
attack on him. He warns Mauban to stand aside from the line of firing and him self takes up an iron table which is used
as a tea table as a shield from their bullets. They open the door and come close together to fire at him but the attackers
become caught in the table and all four of them tumble down the stairs. Thus he uses the tea table intelligently for his
escape from the summer house.
Q:4 Between Black Michael and Rupert of Hentzau which character strikes you as more devilish? Give reason.
Ans: Black Michael is the more devilish character than Rupert of Hentzau in Anthony Hope's novel "The Prisoner of Zenda".
Rupert of Hentzau is a leading member of Black Michael gang of ruffians but he holds a unique positions between the
forces of good and evil. He is very ambitious he killed Black Michael only to get Mauban. He is fond of wine and women.
He is very sharp both at his tongue and sword.
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Black Michael is by nature a schemer, and all the time his mind remains busy in making plots for the
establishing his right to the throne. He invites the king to his forest lodge and imprisons him. He is a cruel man. He
makes several plots to kill Rassendyll at summer house, at the places of princess Flavia and at many other places. He is a
traitor b/c he wants to capture the throne of Ruritania. He is not a courageous ma. He always sends his six villains "The
hired guns" to deal with his enemies. He is also lustful towards the women. He promises to Mauban to marry her. She
leaves her country and comes to him. But now, he is after Flavia only to get the throne. He imprison the poor widow.
He is extremely selfish, cunning and ambitious.
Rupert of Hentzau only takes pride on her strength but Black Michael makes scheme to deal with his enemies
so he is more devilish and hateful character. We begin to hate him as soon as his evil nature is exposed to us and our
hatred is intensified with the advancement of the history when he is killed, we do not feel any sympathy for him, he is
rightly punished for his wickedness.
Ans: Rassendyll life was in danger b/c Black Michael had received the information that the real king was at Zenda and that
some one else who was like the king had been crowned. He started to make plans to kill the Rassendyll and he tried to
kill him at many places but he could not succeed and at last he was killed by his man due his evil nature.
Ans: Rudolf Rassendyll had a great resemblance with the king. He had to shave off his bread and appeared the coronation in
place of Rudolf Elphberg. Rudolf, Sapt and Fritz got a train for strelsau. The Train reaches there ban hour earlier then
the fixed time. The information was sent to the city. Soon high officials of the state reached at the station to welcome
the king. Sapt kept on whispering the names of officers and Rudolf Rassendyll as the king meet there with confident. No
body could suspect that the king was not real. Even contes Flavia who was to man the king was not able to notice the
replacement.
Q:7 Relate how Sapt and Fritz frustrated Michael's plot to seize the throne for him?
Ans: Colonel Sapt and Fritz both persuaded and guide Rassendyll to work as the king. They took him as the king at the time
of coronation the king. Thus Rassendyll trapped to impersonate as the king. Later Sapt, Fritz and Rassendyll worked
together and tried to release the real king from the prison of Black Michael, thus thy prevented Black Michael from
achieving the throne.
Q:8 Who are the six? What part do they play in the novel "The Prisoner of Zenda"?
Ans: Black Michael uses his six villains to deal with his enemies, they r known as the six or "The Hire Guns". Rupert of
Hentzau is the leading member of Black Michael gang of ruffians "The Six". The member of the gang of ruffians help
Black Michael to complete his schemes. They play a role in fighting with Rassendyll and try to complete the devilish plot
of Black Michael.
Ans: Antoinette de Mauban is a widow, rich and ambitious. She is a graceful fashionably dress French lady. She is educated
and sophisticated lady and moves in the highest circle of the Paris society. She had no political interest but her ambition
to win Black Michael, involves her completely in thee intrigues. She has come to strelsau to safeguard her own interest.
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She loves Black Michael above her head and sole but she knows very well the intention of Black Michael, who wants to
be the king of Ruritania and he can realizes his dreams by attracting Princess Flavia. She clearly tells Rudolf Rassendyll.
Madam De Mauban has great courage, determination and will power but participation in the struggle for
succession is based upon personal aims and motives, when she sees that Black Michael is neglecting her then she
betrays him and tells everything about his devilish plot to Rassendyll and Flavia.
Q:10 Colonel Sapt wisdom and loyalty save the king and throne of Ruritania Or Colonel Sapt Wisdom made it impossible
for Black Michael to get the throne the Ruritania Elucidate?
Ans: Colonel Sapt is an old and experienced soldier. He is a brave man. He has got a highly fertile and productive mind. Most
of the scheme and plots for the safety of real king in the novel are the creation of his mind. He makes quick decision on
all occasion and saves Rassendyll from danger and helps in rescuing the real king. Hence we can say that colonel Sapt
wisdom made it impossible for Black Michael to get the throne of Ruritania. Sapt is a faithful servant. He always tries for
the betterment of the king. He admits that Rassendyll is a better men to rule over the country, but he does not let him
even stay in the country after the freedom of the king.
Ans: Princess Flavia is the heroin of Anthony Hope's novel. She is the cousin as well as fiancée of the king and the next heir
to the throne; she is tall and graceful lady with a pale face, blue eyes and golden hair. She is very young, beautiful and
attractive. She is very popular among the people of Ruritania. She is well versed in all political affairs of the country. She
warns Rudolf Rassendyll. She frankly makes the confession of love and in last meeting with him; she tells that she can
accompany him even in rags. Then the real king appears, she sacrifice that passion for the sake of the king and the state
of Ruritania. She is not the slave of her passions. No doubt, she is a very responsible self sacrificing and nice lady and we
can say that she is an ideal woman.
Q:12 Why could Black Michael not expose the true identity of the impostor?
Ans: Black Michael knew that the person who had been crowned was not the real king; but he could not expose Rudolf
Rassendyll who was working as the king b/c if he did so, he would have to admit that he made the real king a prisoner.
Q:13 Was Madam De Mauban justified in opposing the evil scheme of Black Michael? Give reason.
Ans: Madam De Mauban was quite justified in opposing the evil scheme of Black Michael b/c she loved him much but he
was only a selfish person who took interest only to take the throne of the state. She wanted to marry with Princess
Flavia only to fulfill his scheme. Madam De Mauban had learnt his character so she told everything about his scheme to
Rassendyll and Flavia.
Q:14 "Before God, You are the finest Elphberg of them all" who is being referred to in the quoted lines and why?
Ans: In those quoted lines Rudolf Rassendyll is being referred b/c he has fine characteristics of Elphberg like red hair and
long nose. Due to his resemblance he works as an imposter in Ruritania in place of the real king.
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Q:15 Describe any event which you like the most in "The Prisoner of Zenda" Or narrate any scene or event from "The
Prisoner of Zenda" which you find most interesting and absorbing. Or describe the coronation ceremony as given in
the prisoner of Zenda. Or describe any incident you like the most in the novel "The Prisoner of Zenda"?
Ans: The coronation scene in the novel:- The most interesting scene in the novel is the coronation of Rudolf Rassendyll as a
king of Ruritania. The real king was lying senseless in the forest lodge b/c he had taken dragged wine. Rassendyll had a
great resemblance with the king. He had to shave off his bread and appeared at the coronation in place of Rudolf
Elphberg. So Rudolf, Sapt and Fritz got a train for strelsau. The train reached there an hour earlier than the fixed time.
The information was sent to the city. Soon high officials of the state reached there at the station to welcome the king.
Sapt kept on whispering the names of officers and the king met them with confidences. No body could suspect that the
king was not real. Even counters Flavia who was toe marry the king was not able to notice the replacement.
Then, they rode in a procession to the church. As the King passed through the streets, there were cheers,
blessings and waving handkerchiefs all rounds. All the people were happy when they saw the king. The commander-in-
chief of the army ordered the soldiers be very close to the king. The King Didn"t agree to the safety me and rode alone.
This left a good impression on the people.
The king knelt before the priest giving him a token of respect and then ceremonies started silently when all
traditional activities were over; the king was crowned by the priest. Then princess Flavia and other high officials
including Michael kissed the hand of the king. Rudolf Rassendyll played the role of the king excellently till he went to
the place and entered the sleeping room.
Q:16 Describe Rassendyll role in saving the life and crown of king Rudolf Elphberg?
Ans: Rudolf Rassendyll is the hero in the novel "The Prisoner of Zenda". He is a young man in the prime age. He is a tall, well
built and handsome young man, He is a brave man. He agrees to impersonate the king, it take risk of his own life. At the
summer house, then at the Jacob Ladder and then at the fateful night, he shows bravery. It is his bravery alone which
rescues the king from Duke'sprison.
Q:17 How does Princess Flavia show her love for her people and country?
Ans: Princes Flavia is very dignified and pleasant in her behavior. She talks softly and Walks beautifully. She is not proud of
her beauty or positions. These r the qualities that the people of Ruritania like her and they want her early marriage with
the king. She is sensible and straight forward when she got impressed by the personality and character of Rudolf
Rassendyll. She frankly makes the confession of love and in last meeting with him, she tells that she can accompany him
even in rags. When the real king appears she sacrifices that passion for the sake of the king and for the people of
Ruritania.
Q:18 Who persuaded Rassendyll to impersonate the king and why? Explain.
Ans: Colonel Sapt persuaded Rudolf Rassendyll to impersonate the king. He was a loyal servant and one of the ardent
supporters of Rudolf Elphberg. On finding the king senseless, he made Rassendyll as a temporary king. He wanted the
king could get his throne. He intended that they would rescue the real king after the coronation in the right time.
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Ans: King's enemies do not expose the imposter who was Rudolf Rassendyll b/c they know if they try to expose him, their
own identity will be disclosed before the people of the state and they all will come to know that Black Michael and his
companions have imprisoned the king and they wanted to kill him.
Q:20 Why and how did Antoniette de Mauban help Rudolf Rassendyll?
Ans: When Antoniette de Mauban realized that Black Michael was a selfish man and he did not love her. He was trying to
marry Flavia only to get the throne. She becomes jealous and she told the schemers of Black Michael. She also help in
saving her life at different places.
Ans: At the end of the story, Black Michael is killed by one of his friends, Rupert, inside the castle as a result of rivalry b/w
Black Michael and Rupert. When Rupert sees Madam De Mauban, he falls in love with her. Rupert and Black Michael
fight and Rupert kills Black Michael only to win a lady Mauban.
Q:22 "Michael clever, cunning and cruel but a coward "Do you agree? Give reason for answer.
Ans: Michael is a clever, cunning and cruel person. He never tries himself to kill the enemy. He always send his six villains
"The Hired Guns" to deal his enemies on not a single occasion, he is presented to give face-to-face fight. He only faces
Rupert alone and fights with him over Mauban and is killed without any hard fight.
Ans: Rudolf Rassendyll visited the state of Ruritania only for entertainment. The real king Rudolf Elphberg was imprisoned by
duke Michael. When colonel sap saw his resemblance to the king Elphberg. He persuaded Rassendyll to impersonate as
the king and thus he become the king of Ruritania after shaving his bread and after the coronation as the king.
Ans: Duke Michael kidnapped the king. He wanted that the king could not reach at the place of coronation in time. He gave
them drugged sine, The king became senseless and he kidnapped him. If the king could not reach for the coronation the
throne would be given to Black Michael but it was bad luck of Black Michael that Rassendyll reached there and ruled in
the place of the king.
Q:25 Describe the escape of Rudolf Rassendyll from the trap that was from Antoinette de Mauban?
Ans: When Rudolf Rassendyll read the letter. The letter was from Antoinette de Mauban, She had asked him to come and
see her at the summer house. Rudolf was sure that the lady could be of some use to the cause of the king. So he
decided to go to the Summer House. Rudolf went inside where he met Mauban. She told him that the duke had made
her write the letter and Rudolf would be attacked. He was attacked by three man but he used an iron tea table and
fought bravely and was able to escape unhurt.
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Ans: Prisoner of Zenda isinfact a romantic tragedy. Rudolf Rassendyll fall in love with princess Flavia. Rudolf Rassendyll and
Princess Flavia both acted nobly. Madam de Mauban though she loved to Black Michael but she told everything about
his devilish schemes to Rudolf Rassendyll and Flavia.
Q:27 Describe the last meeting b/w Rudolf Rassendyll and Princess Flavia?
Ans: After the death of Black Michael and the restoration the king from the castle of Zenda Rudolf Rassendyll meets with
Princess Flavia. Both love each other. In this meeting Princess Flavia frankly makes the confession of love and she tells
that she can accompanyhim even inrags but she becomes compelled for the sake of the real king and the people of
Ruritania. After this they are departed Princess Flavia get marry with Rudolf Elphberg and Rudolf Rassendyll goes after
leaving that country.
Q:28 Princess Flavia has been post rayed as an intelligent and romantic lady verify this statement?
Ans: Princess Flavia is not just an attractive and romantic lady but intelligent as well. She is well versed in all political affairs
of the country. She warns Rudolf Rassendyll to be careful from Duke Michael. She guessed that the duke wants to be
the king and make her his queen. She deals all the personal and state matters carefully and intelligently. She is sensible
and straight forward in her love. She loves Rudolf Rassendyll but sacrifice her love for the state. She is a very
responsible, Self sacrificing and nice lady.
Q:29 "Love is not after all everything". How is this message conveyed to the readers in the novel?
Ans: The message is conveyed to the readers in the novel "The Prisoner of Zenda" that love should not be blind but love is
already the name of sacrifice because some time one has to sacrifice his love for the sake of humanity as both Princess
Flavia and Rudolf Rassendyll sacrifice their love for the real king and for the people of Ruritania.
Ans. Rupert of Hentza killed Black Michael. He was so ambitious that he killed his master only to get Mauban. He was fond of
wine and woman.
Q:31 What part does the castle of Zenda play in the novel?
Ans. The castle of Zenda was the real property of Black Michael. It was made quite safe by the mechanical bridges. The king
was imprisoned in the castle of Zenda and all the efforts were made to release the king from this castle of Zenda.
Q:32 What was the Jacob's ladder? Give an account of the first attempt of Rassendyll at it?
Ans. The king of Ruritania was imprisoned in the castle of Zenda. The Duke Michael had connected the king's room to the
moat through a big pipe. This pipe was the earthen ware. It was so large that a man could was easily slip through it
from the room to the moat. It was called by Rupert as Jacob's ladder. The Duke had ordered the guards that whenever
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an attempt was made to liberate the king, they should kill him tie a weight of his body and throw it through the pipe
down into the moat. The murderers could also escape the Jacob's ladder similarly.
Rassendyll got full information from Johann about the king's room. When Rassendyll, Sapt and Fritz look three
soldiers and went towards the castle. Rassendyll swam across the moat whereas his companions waited at the bank. He
saw a guard sleeping there. He got into the boat and rowed towards the bank. He reached at the gate of the castle
where he fought with three armed man, this was his first attempt at the Jacob's ladder.
Q:33 How did Princess Flavia learn the truth that Rassendyll was not the real king?
Ans. Princess Flavia insisted on seeing the wounded king at once. Rassendyll supported by Fritz had reached the edge of the
forest by the road to the castle. The farm girl, seeing Rassendyll and believing him to be the king, ran to the princess
saying that the king was wounded and lying in the nearby bushes. Princess Flavia, with Sapt walked up to the wounded
Rassendyll. He and Sapt now had to tell her that the Rassendyll was no the real King,
Ans. Princess Flavia is a wise woman. Her wisdom keeps her aware of the evil desires of Black Michael, who is not a good
man. She very intelligently keeps herself away from all sorts of intrigues. She is a sensible person who has the courage to
face the realities of life.
Her intelligence is enlightened when she said to Rassendyll:
“Do be careful,” she went on, “you don’t – indeed you don’t – keep enough watch on him.”
Q:35 Briefly explain princess Flavia Romance in the Novel “The Prisoner of Zenda”.
Ans. Princess Flavia is a lady with elements of love in her heart. These elements increase the fascination and temptation in her
character. She sincerely and quite confidently admits her inclination towards Rassendyll, being impressed by his
personality. She was bold enough to propose Rassendyll but her sensibility restricted her to perform any action below
dignity. She gave heart and soul to Rudolf Rassendyll considering him to be the real king. She never mourns her decision
even after coming to know that he is a pretender. She confessed that Rudolf Rassendyll was acceptable to him even if he
was a beggar.
“The fate of love is that it always seems too little or too much.” - Amelia Barr
Q:36 Princess Flavia is a devoted lady. Give your point of view about this aspect of life inn the novel.
Ans. The princess was a sincere and devoted lady, always worried about the security of Rassendyll. She advised him time and
again to be cautious of the wicked plans of Duke Michael. When Black Michael was successful in injuring Rassendyll,
she at once reached Zenda to look after him. This action reflects her sense of responsibility and devotion towards the man
whom she loved from the depths of her heart.
She said to Rassendyll: “Oh, if you were not the king, then I could show you how I love you.”
Ans. Princess Flavia is a responsible lady. She very loyal to her country and knows the difference between love and duty. She
sets an example of the greatest sacrifice by giving up her love at the altar of duty. This aspect of her character shows that
she is not the slave of her passions.
Here sense of duty is enlightened when she says to Rassendyll:
“Your ring will always be on my finger, your heart in my heart. But you must go and I must stay.”
Q:38 How did Princess Flavia sacrifice her love for the state of Ruritania?
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Ans. In order to maintain peace in Ruritania and not to disgrace the royal family, Princess Flavia took a sensible and daring
step. She sacrificed her love for the sake of her homeland and parted with Rassendyll forever. It was a noble and graceful
decision in the interest of Ruritania and the Royal family.
“There is no moral authority like that of sacrifice.” - Nadine Gordimer
Ans. Rudolf Rassendyll is very fond of adventures and loves to roam about instead of sticking to a job. He is also a good
mastermind who handles difficult situations seeming effortless. The desire to participate in sensational events is always
there in his heart. This desire was fulfilled by his play-acting of King Rudolf Elphberg, who was very identical to him.
His likeness with the king of Ruritania helped him to make his mission a success. He pledges in strong and unequivocal
terms:
“I have been an imposter for the profit of another, but I will not be one for my own; and if the king is not alive
and on his throne before the day of betrothal comes I will tell the truth, come what may.”
Ans. Rudolf Rassendyll proves himself to be a man of outstanding attributes and full of wisdom. He plays the role of the king
very intelligently. Once he gets entangled in Ruritanian politics, he becomes conscious not only of the significance of his
royal position but also of the responsibility, which lies on his shoulders. He is a wise, cool minded and responsible man.
Q:41 How faithfulness and sincerity the life of blood of Rassendyll character?
Ans. Rudolf Rassendyll is a sincere man. He does not want to keep the throne to himself. He carries out all his responsibilities
with firmness and confidence. He realizes that it is his duty to restore the real king to the throne and he never tries to take
undue advantage as a pretender. His veracity and sincerity is outstanding as he declares:
“If I’m found out, I’ ll make a clean breast of it, and fight it out with the Duke.”
Ans. The romantic aspect of Rassendyll’s personality shows that his heart throbs for Princess Flavia but the sense of duty and
devotion to the throne is far stronger in him. The circumstances urge him to express love to Princess Flavia but bot to feel
it. Being deeply conscious of his responsibility and dedication, he declares:
“I had to keep the princess devoted to me and yet indifferent to me; I had to show affection for her and not feel
it.”
Ans. In order to maintain peace in Ruritania and not to disgrace the royal family, Rudolf Rassendyll took a sensible and daring
step. He sacrificed his love at the altar of duty and left Ruritania with tears of regret in the eyes of Princess Flavia, words
of gratitude on the lips of king, applause and appreciation from all the countrymen and feeling of satisfaction on his own
part. “There is no moral authority like that of sacrifice.” - Nadine Gordimer
Ans. Colonal Sapt is a brave man whose gallantry keeps him motivated for taking personal risks. He shows great valour on all
events. He is also very loyal to the king and serves the throne with dedication and faith. Being a sovereign authority, he
has enough experience in the art of governing people. His only objective in life is to reinstate King Elphberg. For this
achievement, he uses all the persons including Countess Flavia as pieces of chess board.
Sapt’s courage and determination is enlighted when he said to Rassendyll:
“If we’re detected, I’ll send Black Michael down below before I go myself.”
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Ans. Colonel Sapt is a wise man. His superb prudence made him sensible enough not take reckless steps. He uses his mind and
intelligence on the battlefield of life. It was merely due to his witticism that Rassendyll’s identification was not revealed.
Although the Colonel does not accept advises from others, his gorgeous mentality enables him to crush all the obstacles
that come in the path of his aim. Due to these qualities, he exalted himself in the eyes of the king and Rassendyll.
His wisdom is enlighted when he said:
“If you do not go I swear to you Black Michael will sit tonight on the throne, and the king lie in prison or his
grave.”
Ans. Colonel Sapt is not only a good advisor, but also a sincere friend of Rassendyll. He became Rassendyll’s friend as soon as
they both met. Colonel Sapt served his friend on every difficult stage. A good example of sincere friendship is seen at
the Summer House, when Rassendyll was in a dangerous situation among the enemies.
Q:47 Colonel Sapt helps the low opinion about women. How?
Ans. Colonel Sapt appears to be a confirmed bachelor having low opinion about women. He never trusts in ladies, but believes
that women spoil everything. Even the princess does not come in exception to his hatred for the opposite gender.
When Mme de Mauban invites Rassendyll to the Summer House, he said:
“I do not believe any woman and you shall not go.”
Ans. Colonel Sapt is a colonel in the Ruritanian Army. He is the oldest of all the hot-blooded army men. The colonel is a
devoted servant of the king. His loyalty is for the cause of monarchy and not for any particular person. He has a highly
productive mind, which enables him to act daringly to restore the throne. He succeeded in liberating who was the actual
inheritor to the throne.
Colonel Sapt says: “I have eaten the King’s bread and I am the King’s servant.”
Ans. Rudolf Elphberg is a young, tall and handsome man. He is an educated man. He has red hair, straight nose, blue eyes and
a beard. His physical appearance bears striking resemblance to that of Rudolf Rassendyll, though there were some points
of differences, which are pointed by Rudolf Rassendyll:
“The king’s face was slightly more fleshy than mine, the oval of its contour the least trifle more pronounced and his
mouth lacking something of the firmness which was to be gathered from my close-shutting lips.”
However, in spite of these differences, Colonel Sapt could not help mentioning to Rassendyll:
“You’re an Elphberg, every inch of you.”
Ans. He has not the quality to face the dangers and odds boldly. His behaviour in prison throws a shadow upon his person. He
becomes completely demoralized and losses all gril. His health suffers and he becomes partially insane. He requests
Detchard to persuade his brother, Black Michael to kill him. He becomes hopeless and sobs on his fate.
Q:51 How is Black Michael a selfish, hypocrite, wicked and a cruel man?
Ans. Selfish and Hypocrite:-Black Michael is a selfish man. He loves Princess Flavia just to get the throne. He is a hypocrite
and makes a false show of love towards Madam Mauban. He has become popular among a small number of people of the
country by his hypocrisy. He is over ambitious and greedy.
A Wicked Person:-Black Michael is a sinful man. He makes plot to get the throne with the help of his companions, but
always tries to delude them. That is why his followers betray him, when he is expecting complete victory. He invites
Rassendyll to the Summer House through a conspiracy, but fortunately Rassendyll survives. This sharp and evil act
shows his wickedness.
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A Cruel Man:-Black Michael is indeed a cruel person. When the king has been in his noose, he treats him in a very
harsh and inhuman manner. He does not feel pity for his brother even. Black Michael is a coward man. He wants to save
his life at any cost. He does not come out to handle the situation at any time.
Ans. Black Michael is a wicked but a cool minded and genius criminal. When he sees that Rassendyll has impersonated the
king of Ruritania he does not make it known to the people to keep his villainy secret. We see that even Rupert’s interest
and love for Mauban do not irritate him. It shows that he is a controlled emotion criminal.
Ans. She was a woman ruled by her emotions and when Michael was killed by Rupert, she heaving taunts came froth to
avenge him.
Ans. She was sincerely devoted to the Duke and by this genuine attachment. She followed him at his request from Paris to
Ruritania but she was not aware that the Duke whom she thought to be a man of strong passions was actually a cruel,
cunning and selfish man who was content to take all but give nothing.
Ans. Black Michael becomes utterly blind for power. At any rate he wants to usurp the sovereignty form his brother. His lust
for power corrupts him and brings his decline.
Ans. Black Michael always deceives his close companions. That is why he is killed by one of his own followers. Thus, the
villain of the novel receives a tragic end.
Ans. Rudolf Rassendyll is a tall, young and handsome man, who belongs to a noble family in England. He is an educated man
of twenty-nine, who has perfect command over German and French. He is bold, cultural and knows the art of becoming
popular. He has red hair, straight nose, blue eyes and a beard. His physical appearance bears striking resemblance to that
of the real king, though there were some points of differences. Rassendyll himself pointed out:
“The king’s face was slightly fleshier than mine, the oval of its contour the least trifle more pronounced and his
mouth lacking something of the firmness which was to be gathered from my close-shutting lips.”
However, in spite of these differences, Colonel Sapt could not help mentioning to Rassendyll:
“You’re an Elphberg, every inch of you.”
Q58. Who are six of the Duke of Strelsau and from where they belong?
Answer: Bersonin Krafstein, Detchard, Lauingram, De Gautet and Rupert of Hentzau are the six of Duke of strelsau. He heired
them from different places. Bersonin belongs to Belgian while De-Gaytet belongs to France and Detchard belongs to English. The
other three belongs to Ruritannia including Rupert of Hentzau Krafstein and lauengram.
Q59. Why did Rose urge Rudolf Ressendyll to try his hand in any job? And why did he used to refuse?
Answer: Rose, the sister in law of Rudolf Ressendyll urged him his hand in any job because she thought that he is aged about 29
and an educated person, who has command over different language. To add the beauty, due to the influence of his brother (Lord
Burlesdon) in public affairs in Britain. Jacob offers Rudolf for a suitable job. Rudolf Ressendyll used to refuse because he has a
riving disposition and think that it is not necessary to him to apply him in any profession.
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Q60. What is the only physical difference between two Rudolf?
Answer: Rudolf Ressendyll and Rudolf Elphberg have the remarkable similarity. The only difference between them is a beard.
Rudolf Ressendyll wears beard while Rudolf Elphberg is a clean shaven man.
Q61. Why does Rudolf Ressendyll go to Ruritania and what does he find there?
Answer: Rudolf Ressendyll goes to Ruritania only to attend the coronation ceremony of the Fifth king. He reaches there and find
the surrounding corrupt. King half brother (Black Micheal) is playing the game of conspiracy to become the king in the place of
the real king (Rodolf Elphnerg).
Answer: Madam-de-Mauban was going to strelsau by train and she was going there on the invitation of Black Micheal.
Answer: Black Micheal the half brother a wicked person send a bottle of rare wine as a present to the king because wine is one of
the weakness of the king. Black Micheal sends it to make him unconscious and wear the crown instead of him.
Answer: Col Sapt and Fritz are in the service of the kin. They are well bred and loyal to the cause of the king. They request
Rudolf Ressendyll to impersonate as a king of Ruritania in order to protect the throne of Ruritannia and to fail the plan of Black
Micheal.
Q65. Why does Col Sapt ask Fritz not to allow anybody to see the king?
Answer: Col Sapt asked Fritz not to allow anybody to see the king because Col Sapt and Rudolf Ressendyll (disguised as Sapt
orderly) secretly leave the palace ride out the city unobserved to the lodge of Zenda.
Answer: Madam-de-Mauban invites Rudolf in the summar house at the mid night. She invites him on the call of black Micheal.
Black Micheal wants to kill Rudolf Ressendyll because he is the only throne in his way.
Answer: Madam informs Rudolf Ressendyll that she invite him in the invitation of Micheal. Furthermore, she informs Rudolf
Ressendyll that in twenty minutes thra men of Black Micheal will come and arrest you along with Col Sapt and Col Fritz.
Q68. How did Rudolf Ressendyll save his life in the summar house?
Answer: Rudolf ressendyll saved his life in the summar house by using iron tea table. When they open the door of the summar
house, Ressendyll charges upon them holding infront of himself an iron topped table.
Answer: People Strelsau are curious to see Rudof and Princess Flavia in the conjugate life but Rudolf Ressendyll is failed to do so
that’s why he is much criticized by the common ma.
Q70. Why does Rudolf Ressendyll go to Marshal after he meets Princess Flavia?
Answer: Rudolf Ressendyll goes to Marshal after he meets Princess Flavia to insure him that you’re for most duty is the save the
Queen at every cost.
Q71. What will Marshal do is Rudolf Ressendyll does not come back an hunting expedition?
Answer: Marshal will deprive Duke Micheal of the govership of strelsau and declav a state of siege if hunting expedition after
three day.
Q72. How does the helpless king help Rudolf Ressendyll in his fight against Detchard?
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Answer: The helpless king Rudolf Ressendyll has courage to push a chair against Detchard’s leg and help the king (Rudolf
Ressendyll) being killed.
Q73. How does Rudolf Ressendyll draw up a plan of attack on the castle of Zenda?
Answer: Rudolf Ressendyll draws up the following plan of attack on the castle of Zenda. At 2 O’clock in the morning Johann will
open the door of the new castle. Sapt will attack with the stong party. At the same moment, Madam acting a litter conveyed by
Johann will scream for help as if Rupert is molesting her. This should being Micheal cut to her rescue and then Sapt will capture
him alive. Sapt will them have the draw bridge run out and it is likely that Rupert, possible with De-Gautet will run across the
bridge to see what is happening. Rudolf Ressendyll, equipped with a small ladder and ridding in the moat, will get into the bridge
and kill Rupert and De-Gautet as well. Taking the Keeps and enter in the castle and save the king (Rudolf Elphberg).
Q74. What does the farm girl tell Princess Flavia about the king?
Answer: Col Sapt and Col Fritz treat Rudolf Ressendyll in the friendly way. They escort the frontur and bid him good bye with
great affection and respect.
MCQ’s
1. The Prisoner of Zenda is written by ______________.
2 6 8 5
9. Rupert of Hentzau is the ______________among six.
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29 30 31 35
26. Rudolf Ressendyll had travelled many ____________countries.
30 29 35 32
30. Rudolf Elphberg was going to be the ________king of Ruritannia.
5 3 1 4
31. Col Fritz was in the love of ________.
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2 6 7 4
39. The old people were in the favour of ________ to be the king.
30 29 31 34
52. Ruput of Hentzan is in love with ________.
4 2 3 5
65. Rudolf Ressendyll told them about ________lady.
1 2 3 4
71. ________ was the most daring and dangerous among the six.
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ESSAYS
STATUS OF WOMEN IN ISLAM
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In Islam women enjoy an exalted and dignified position which can never he found in any other religion of
the world. Islam bestows women a very respectable place. Islam is the only religion that recognizes a
women to be a loving daughter of a kind father a polite wife of a loving husband, a kind-hearted mother of a
good son and a polite sister of a lovable brother. It recognizes the position of women to be the same as the of
men. It claims that both come from the same essence.
The position of the mother is very much exalted in Islamic tradition. Prophet Muhammad (peaces be upon
him) has gone so far as to say, “Paradise lies underneath the feet of your mothers”. As regards the position
of a women as wife, the saying of the prophet (Peace be upon him) is categorical. “The best among you is
the one who is best towards his family”. With regards to women as a daughter, the Islamic attitude can he
realised from the reproaches which the Holy Quran makes against the pagan pre-Islamic behavior at the
birth of daughters. Islam abolished all types of such disgraces.
So for as the conjugal and material life is concerned, the mutual relation of husband and wife is described in
the Holy Quran as that of a single soul in two bodies. Islam describes the house as a unit in the greater
organization of a nation as a whole as a whole. It speaks of husband as being “an administrator and
supervisor over the people of the house” and the wife is described as “Administrator of the house of her
husband and children. They home is thus described as a kingdom. Where authority is exercised by both the
husband and the wife within the boundaries of mutual understanding.
Islam has drawn a clear line of demarcation between the duties of men and women in the business of their
daily life. It envisages a natural division of work between men and women. While man is best suited to fight
and make his way through the attributes, women is entrusted with the onerous task of bringing up the
younger generation because of the preponderance of the quality of love and compassion in her. This
functional division of work does not mean that women has entirely been excluded from other kinds of
activities in every sphere of life.
We come to the conclusion that Islam recommends the duties of women mostly at home. Islam has laid
greater stress on the domestic duties of a women. Our salvation lies in following the teaching of Islam.
Therefore, we must abstain from copying the western culture blindly and must stick to our own Islamic
culture as firmly as possible.
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ISLAMIC DEMOCRACY
The modern democratic state is a type of state which came into existence in 19 th century largely as an effect
of the French Revolution and the industrial Revolution of the absolute nation-state of 16th and the 17th
century. But the Islamic state came into existence in the 7th century as an effect of the greatest Revolution of
the world which was not only political and economic but also social and ethical.
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Islam revolutionized every aspect of human life. So, Islamic democracy in its connotation is wider than
western democracy. It means not only political equality but also social equality. In Islamic society all are
equal. There is no class division or distinctions of birth and social position/ all member of the society enjoy
equal status and position. The only criterion of superiority in Islamic society is personal ability and
character. Allah says. “O mankind! I created you out of a single pair of a male and a female, the most
honoured of you in the sight of Allah is the who is the most righteous of you”.
The Holy prophet said. “No one is superior to another except n point of faith and piety. All men are
descended from Adam and Adam was made of clay. Is Islam the concept of human brotherhood and equality
is vital and basic. The lowest of the low must have the same right as the highest of the high the President of
the Republic. The first effective Endeavour of Islam to establish social equilibrium is its emphasis on
equality. The Holy Prophet said. “All men are equal in their human rights”.
In Islamic society everyone has got a right for equal opportunities of progress; the restricted scope for
personal achievement is the hall-mark of Islamic society. Islam not only emphasizes social equality, but also
bans such attitude and activities as are likely to disturb social harmony. Democracy in capitalistic countries
grants simply equal political right so, through manipulation of the non restricted freedom, the capitalists
make masses their wag slave. It results in mockery and force. All the wealth and resources under a
capitalistic democracy are concentrated in the hands of few capitalistic. They through their money power
turn the state into servant of their interests as against the interest of the general masses. This dangerous
possibility is not expected to occur in the Islamic state.
In capitalistic society, money determines one’s place in society. This is against the spirit of Islam. In a true
Islamic society no man can lord over others merely on the strength of a swollen purse. Islam cut the very
root of the possibility of economic exploitation by prohibiting vested interest, hoarding, profiteering, by
imposing Zakat and by declaring that all that is in the heaven and the earth belongs to god alone.
Islam ensures social justice and economic security for all by a comprehensive system of check and balances
on the sources of income, the means of living and the avenues of expenditure. It thus acts as a preventive
check on the capitalistic tendencies and evils. Islam also enunciates its scheme of economic freedom and
security through its scheme of equitable distribution of wealth and resources. It declares the state ownership
of all natural resources.
Right to private property is no doubt recognized by Islam, but it is hedged round by salutary checks. Islam
imposed heavy social responsibilities on the rich. There is a warning for serious punishment in store for
those who abuse their riches to the detriment of society. It has declared that all authority belongs to entitled
to exercise that authority. No nobility, no priest has any discriminating privilege. Thus political equality or
rule of law of capitalistic democracy is also fully secured in Islam.
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FEMALE EDUCATION
The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world. Women should be educated like men, otherwise. There can
be no peace and no progress. If you yoke an unbroken horse with a highly trained one, the carriage will be
dashed to pieces, and the occupant’s lives will be endangered. They cannot pull on they will pull in different
direction. The family peace cannot be preserved with such ill matched lifelong companions.
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Napoleon was once asked what the greatest need of France was. He unhesitatingly answered. Mothers
national progress if impossible without trained and educated mothers. It is well said that if you train a
women, you train a whole family.
Women are called the better half of man. It is a pity that this better half should remain in ignorance.
Uneducated and ignorance women are a drag on society. Women has the same mental gifts as man has; why,
then, should she be deprived of the blessings of knowledge? Of course, the duties of both differ. Man’s
duties are mostly public, those of women, domestic. Although women are these days coming to the front in
public affairs, also. The education of man or women should be such as may fit him or her for the duties
which he or she will be called upon to perform in after life.
There is a keen controversy going on in Pakistan whether women should receive higher education or not.
Orthodox people recognize the value of education of women, but are opposed giving them high education. If
women be mentally fit to receive higher education, there seems to be no reason why they should not be
allowed to develop their mental faculties to the utmost. To give them only the rudiments of knowledge,
while they are eager and quite fit for advanced studies, is to condemn them to a plea are perpetual inferiority
which is extremely unjust. All men, also, are not endowed with the same powers. There are dullards among
them, too.
In Pakistan at the present time, considering all circumstance, the ignorance of centuries, the conservative
ways of the people, and the religious and social traditions and customs, there is great need of proceeding
with great caution in the matter of female education. A wholesale transportation of the Western system is
neither desirable not profitable. A system based on the needs and circumstances of the people should be
adopted.
It is a significant sigh of the times that people are awakening to the need education the girls. Girls’ Schools
are being opened everywhere. But still the number of education women. Including literates even, is very,
very small hardly one in a hundred.
Domestic duties and religious instruction should form an important part of the curriculum of Girls Schools.
Their courses of reading should be different from those for boy. They danger of anglicizing them, which has
proved so great and real in the case of boys, should be minimized as far as possible. The School atmosphere
should be entirely Pakistan.
An education women is a real blessing in the home. The early education of children is properly looked after,
and the whole management of the household is conducted peacefully and most advantageously. Peace and
cleanliness prevail. Domestic happiness, it is no exaggeration to say, depends entirely on the women, and the
best way to secure it is to educate her in her duties. Women is certainly the better man, as Tennyson says.
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I had gone only a few paces towards the office, when I saw two well dressed gentlemen coming towards me.
They said that were professors in that college. I greeted them as one of them asked me, if anybody had
teased me. Don’t worry said the other. “and have a cup of tea with us, in the college tuck shop:. They took
me there and became very friendly with me. A shirtless servant placed a tray on the table before us, I
blushed to see the tea pot quite empty and “You are a first year fool” printed on the cup and the saucer
placed before me. They burst into peals of laughter and others, in the tuck shop, clapped their hands, I left
the chair in hot haste, with my face as pale as death.
I met some boy outside. They said that they were first year students. They took me to a class room. We had
hardly taken our seats, when a gentleman wearing gown came in. Everybody stood up. But before I could
take my seat, I was utterly surprised to see everybody singing Hey Jamalo around me; and the gentleman
wearing the gown, dancing on the dais. I wondered at my experiences of the college life, as I came out of the
class room. I decided to return home. I went to the bicycle stand. But I found its wheels punctures; and the
saddle, lying on the ground beside it. I was still standing there. When I heard an announcement from the
loud speaker it. Said that lectures to the first year class would begin on and from tomorrow at 7 A.M.,
according to the time table put up on the notice board. I dared not go there, lest I should fall into another
trap, and returned home.
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CO-EDUCATION
Co education means the education of boys and girls in the same schools. Colleges or Universities. This is a
modern concept and it has made a remarkable rapid progress. It was first introduces in Switzerland, but now
it has become popular almost in all Europe and America. The country opinions sharply differ on the issue of
co education in colleges.
The supporters of co education favour it mainly on two grounds, one economical and the other sociological
in the first place, they say that co education is an economical measure in a poor country like Pakistan. It is
not possible to maintain separate colleges for boys and girls especially in vocational colleges a lot of money
is required to equip the libraries, laboratories and workshops. In the second place, the social contacts
between the members of the two sexes are useful in many respects. The supporters of co education say that
if boys and girls are education together, they will develop in them a sort of mutual understanding; this
understanding will be helpful in their future life as men and women. They believe that co education makes
boys less coarse and girls less morbid. The boys become civilized and polite and spirit of competition is
studies are revived. Both try their hard to outdo each other.
The arguments of the supporters of co education are weighty but of those who are weightier. Demerits of
this system make its success in this country doubtful. The opponents of co education argue that in a hot
country like Pakistan this system is impracticable. Here boys and girls become young at an early age. Youth
is blind and there is every possibility that they may fall a victim to their emotions. Then every one of us
knows that ends and aims of education for the two sexes are quite different. Their demands ion educations
are different from each other and therefore, it is false economy to teach them in the same institution. Again,
in Pakistan colleges are very few and they are overcrowded. Co education can prove economical only in
such cases where the number of the students in the college is very small. And moreover we must remember
that Islam disallows free mixing of boys and girls. It is for these reasons, the opponents of co education
think that the system is not fir our country.
To conclude we may say that co education is above objection in the professional colleges where the ultimate
goal of all the students is the same. But in arts and Science College where the two sexes are prepared for the
normal routine of life. Co education is unnecessary.
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UNEMPLOYMENT
Employment means occupation. To be busy in doing something productive is to be employed. So
unemployment means absence of employment. When the people are out of work and have nothing to do,
they are said to be unemployed. Unemployment is a worldwide problem. Even advanced countries like
U.S.A, U.K And France have this problem. In the third world countries, unemployment is at its peak.
Pakistan is no exception.
Unemployment is a social evil of far reaching consequences. It specks starvation, disease and death in its
victims. They have no education, no culture, and therefore no concern for right and wrong, good and evil.
Dishonesty corruption crime sin and vices of all kinds prevail in a society where population is unemployed
on a large scale. Politically unemployment breeds discontent in the masses. Votes are sold and bought.
Revolutions and mob violence are the result of unemployment. People bust in finding out job for them
cannot pay attention to their rights and duties as citizens. Moreover, when a large portion of population is
unemployed, no effort to increase the national income can succeed.
The cause of this wide spread unemployment are four. First, our system of education does not suit our needs.
Much attention is paid to general and liberal education. Our country is an advancing country and needs
skilled hands. The teaching institutions turn out a peculiar type of young man who hates manual labour. He
is good for nothing except reading books and dreaming of high status in society. Secondly our country is not
much advanced in industry. We cannot absorb all our young men in factories. Moreover, they are not
skilled. Thirdly, In our country a few privileged persons are keeping all the key industries to them. If work
and leisure are equally distributes all men will have enough of work and enough of leisure. But the
education young men and common men have neither the capital nor the opportunities to try their luck in
business. Lastly I our country birth rate is very high. The sources of the country are not enough to maintain
such a large population. People are more the jobs are few. The result is unemployment.
Keeping is view the consequences of this evil, the Government of Pakistan much. It has already started
many employment schemes. The national man Power Council runs a National Employment Bureau which
helps the Pakistan to get jobs. Recently a Youth investment Scheme has been started in Pakistan. They give
financial help to young people and assist them in setting up business promotion scheme taste and ability.
Labour Department has being established. But in spite of all, much more is needed. Production should be
stepped in agriculture. The country should be industrialized to provide new channels of employment. The
concept of education should be changed. Planned distribution of wealth should be ensured. Population must
be kept within limits. It is only after a long time struggle that we can get rid of this evil and make our
country prosperous.
...........................................................................................................................................................................
examinations. The ideal student enriches himself with knowledge. In practical life only those students come
out with best colours, who had acquire knowledge.
An ideal student enjoys learning. He goes deep and deep in search of the knowledge. He is not a bookworm.
He knows that a healthy body is necessary for healthy mind. He takes interest in all the activities that
promote his physical health. He goes to the play ground with the same pleasure and enthusiasm with which
he studies in the library. An ideal student is not unsocial. He loves his fellow students and takes part in all
the collective activities.
The ideal student respects and honours his teachers. He knows the place of teachers, who are opening the
gate of glories for him. He is humble and obedient. The more he learns from his teachers, the more grateful
he is to them. The more knowledge he gets, the more humble he becomes. An ideal student is not a frog in a
well but a person with greater visions and ideals. He is regular and punctual. He does not participate in
adverse and negative activities. He confines himself to his studies and task. He does not waste his time in
useless deeds. He does not keep association with such elements whose purpose is to damage the cause of
education. He believes in simple and plain living. He is kind and generous.
The ever-increasing rush of heavy traffic on the roads is resulting in heavy loss of human life. One day or
the other, people suffer form accidents due to reckless driving. Some lose their vehicles and some go to the
police. This is due to lack of civic sense in the citizens and violation of traffic rules. Traffic jams, road
quarrels, untidiness and damage of public property is also a result of this problem. The government has not
done any planning to control this situation in the past two decades.
In the same manner, the government has never emphasized upon population distribution. As a result, slum
areas are rapidly being built, where poor labour lives. The disordered development of small houses is
spoiling the outlook of the city, as well as creating problems of illegal electric connections, water supply and
pollution. The authorities have failed to reclaim the locations from these people.
The academic career of children in Karachi is unpredictable due to lack of good schools and institutions. The
need of recreational institutions, parks and play grounds is also felt at times and most of all joblessness
creates problems for poor people.
Another problem faced by the citizens of the city is the frequent power breakdowns. Every other day,
K.E.S.C cuts down the electric supply without notice. This becomes a great hurdle for industries and
professional that use electric machinery for their work. Disturbance and shortage of water supply is also a
cause of discomfort among the citizens. Sometimes, the dirty and unfiltered water becomes a major factor in
food poisoning, which usually takes place on festive occasions, when demand of water in the city increases.
Any measure to improve the supply of filtered water has also not been adopted by the government. Problems
due to improper drainage system are also becoming a matter of concern among the people. The alarming in
crease in the disorderliness of drainage lines is posing serious threats for people, especially in poor areas.
Filth and dirt runs down a channel by the footpath and children play over it. We have malaria, cholera and
dysentery still destroying our children because such things exist.
The attitude of beggars in Karachi is the most irritating problem. They are worthless idlers robbing good-
natural people. It has become their regular practice to crowd public spots and cheat people. The adverse
effects of begging problem are noticeable in sum areas.
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There are too many dirty and ownerless dogs roaming about in the streets of Karachi. They spread many
diseases and sometime become a danger by injuring people.
Lack of environmental care among people and drivers of public service vehicles is giving rise to pollution
problems. Dust fills the air in most of the roads all the time. Improper turned cars fill the atmosphere with
deadly smoke at hours of rush, which causes disease among the policemen and common public. The blowing
of pressure horns is always there, deafening the ears.
Karachi is also often subjected to terrorist activities. Bomb blasts and firings at public spots are resulting in
great loss of human life. The terrorists deserve no less than capital punishment. It is the duty of the police to
intensify their investigation to stop such activities.
For the well to do class, life in Karachi may be fascinating, but for other citizens it is a center of drawbacks.
It is only through the concentrated efforts of each and every person, including the members of law-enforcing
and administrative agencies, can we overcome these serious problems of the metropolis.
As we look over the brighter side of the achievements of science, we come to realize that there is hardly any
sphere of life that has not been enhanced by the creative abilities of man. In the field of medical science,
knowledge and research has gone to such an extent that almost all the ailments have found a cure. The
threatening clouds of death no longer haunt the patients who were otherwise filled with despair. Epidemics
have been wiped out, nutritional standards have been improved, drug therapy has been recognized and
hygienic conditions are being created so that the new generation may enjoy a longer and better life.
In the realm of communication, modern scientific inventions have helped a lot. The far-flung corners of the
world have been linked together with a wide spread air network. Distances have lost their meaning and
thousands of miles can be covered within hours. Traveling today is not only swift, but also full of pleasure
and luxury.
Modern science has opened new vistas of entertainment. All the new electronic gadgets have filled our lives
with recreational variety. From the small pocket sized transistor to the big screen television and VCR, we
are provided entertainment at home and we owe it all to science. Readers are provided illustrated, colourful
books due to the blessing of modern science in the form of latest printing machines and techniques. Such
means of entertainment have brought about a change in our habits and hobbies.
The advantages of science are not restricted to the urban population. In the fields of agriculture, forestry and
fishery, science has provided the rural population with the latest implements and know-how. The new
methods of agriculture have boosted the production of farms and fields. With the use of different kind
pesticides, the crops remain undamaged and the tillers of the soil get better return of the labour. This
increase in output not only improves the condition of the toiling masses, but also brings about a healthy
change in the economy of the country. This keeps on moving the nations on the path of progress and
prosperity.
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ENGLISH NOTES FOR GRADE XII (KARACHI BOARD)
As we cast our eyes on the other side of the picture, we cannot help coming to the conclusion that science is
also the monster of death and destruction. Man is selfish and pugnacious by nature. To fulfill his jingoist
designs, he stands in need of the most destructive weapons, which could bring about the annihilation of his
rivals. Man has gained knowledge in the field of science, but due to lack of wisdom, he is misusing this
knowledge. All big nations are thinking of fulfilling the dream of becoming the super power. The wars of
today are not limited to the battlefield. It brings about epidemic killing of the civilian population. The
knowledge of this domain has added immeasurable danger to war. All the leading powers posses fatal
weapons, and it seems that the weaker countries are their mercy. These big nations talk a lot about reduction
in arms and they hold disarmament conferences. However, their practice is quite contrary to their preaching.
Science, no doubt provides, new ways of entertainment, but these very means of amusement are bringing a
sharp decline in the moral values of the young generation and equally sharp increase in the number of
crimes. The TV and video provide entertainment but they quite often become the channels of vulgarity and
obscenity. Moreover, new ways of crime are shown to younger people, who adopt the path of getting easy
money.
Looking at the two aspects of modern science, we conclude that science by itself is neither good nor bad. It
is the will and intentions of man, which makes him, put it to constructive use or take it to the path of devil.
"Idiomatic Structures"
1. AT SIXES AND SEVENS: Home ruler, who were all at sixes and sevens among themselves agreed only upon the
one thing and that was the freedom of India.
3. ALL THE SAME: It is all the same to me whether the pull over is home-made or bazaar-made.
5. BY FITS AND STARTS: He works by fits and starts and does not apply him steadily.
7. A BONE OF CONTENTION: This property is a bone of contention between the two brothers.
8. TO BREAK THE ICE: We all wanted to talk on this subject by no one willing to break the ice.
10. TO BACK OUT: He promised to help me but backed out at the eleventh hour.
11. TO BEAT ABOUT THE BUSH: Stop beating about the bush; say exactly what you mean.
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ENGLISH NOTES FOR GRADE XII (KARACHI BOARD)
14. TO FALL TO THE GROUND: The theory has fallen to the ground.
16. LEAVE NO STONE UNTURNED: Shah Faisal left no stone unturned to bring about unity in the Islamic world.
17. LIVE FROM HAND TO MOUTH: Our middle class people live generally from hand to mouth.
18. LOOK DOWN UPON: He is so proud of his promotion that he looks down upon all his former friends.
20. TO PAY BACK IN THE SAME COIN: If a person rude towards you, it does not mean that you should pay him
in the same coin.
21. TO KEEP PACE WITH: Agriculture in the states has kept pace with manufacture, but it has far out stepped
commerce. 22. RED TAPE: Florence Nightingale was a sworn enemy of red tape.
23. TO SPEAK VOLUMES: The murders spoke volumes about political conditions before Indian elections.
24. UP TO THE MARK: You don’t look quite up to the mark today.
25. TO GET INTO HOT WATER: Do not quarrel with your officers or you will soon get into hot water.
26. TIME AND AGAIN: Time and again proverbs come to be true.
27. CUT OFF: The supplies were cut off from the soldier due to snow fall.
28. RUN AGAINST: Zuhair Akram Nadeem was running against Dr. Farooq Sattar in the elections 89.
29. TO TURN OVER A NEW LEAF: The teacher pardoned the boy on the condition that he promised to turn over
a new leaf in future.
30. TO NIP IN THE BUD: The plot to overthrow the Government was detected and nipped in the bud.
31. TO FEEL LIKE A FISH OUT OF WATER: Being the only educated person in that village, I felt like a fish out of
water.
32. TO SHED CROCODILE TEARS: Don’t be deceived by the beggar’s crying. They are only crocodile’s tears.
33. LION SHARE: The stronger person generally gets the lions share of the property.
34. TO CRY OVER SPILT MILK: The damage has been done but instead of crying over spilt milk do something to
repair it.
35. IT IS HIGH TIME: The exams begin next month so it is high time to study seriously.
36. TO SAVE SOMETHING FOR THE RAINY DAY: He wasted his savings and has kept nothing for the rainy
day.
37. WITH A HIGH HAND: He is the most unpopular because he decides matters with a high hand.
38. DAY IN AND DAY OUT: I have been warning you day in and day out.
39. TO MAKE THE MOST OF: He let me use his bicycle for a week and I am going to make the most of it.
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ENGLISH NOTES FOR GRADE XII (KARACHI BOARD)
40. TO MAKE THE FUN OF: We should not make fun of handicaps.
41. TO MAKE ROOM FOR: They made room for more guests as all seats were full.
44. ALL ALONE: Yesterday night she was all alone in her house.
45. TO PUT INTO PRACTICE: The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) put into practice what he preaches.
46. A WILD GOOSE CHASE: The robbers fled away and the police gave them a wild goose chase.
47. TO END IN SMOKE: All his efforts ended in smoke because they were not made sincerely.
48. WITH FLYING COLOURS: If you work hard you will pass your examination with flying colours.
49. ODDS AND ENDS: The shopkeeper does not sell any particular article, but deals in odds and ends.
50. UNDER ONE’S NOSE: The police were on the look out for the culprit who was hiding under their nose.
51. TO POKE ONE’S NOSE INTO: One should not poke one’s nose into others affairs.
52. TO KICK UP A ROW: It is useless kicking up a row when the matters can be decided peacefully.
53. TO WIND UP: He is winding up his business in the city, as he going abroad.
54. IN BLACK AND WHITE: I want your statement in black and white.
55. A RED LETTER DAY: 14th August is a red letter day in the history of Pakistan.
56. TO RUN INTO: Last night my friend ran into a cheat who deprived him of his brief case by changing it with an
empty one.
57. TO BRING TO LIGHT: A number of facts were brought to light by the Prime Minister in the recent Press
Conference.
58. AT THE ELEVENTH HOUR: The president postponed his meeting with the journalists due to visit of the
French delegation at the eleventh hour.
59. TO COME ACROSS: In the wedding party, she come across he two very close friends of the University life.
60. TO GIVE UP: The doctor has strictly advised him to give up drinking and smoking for the sake of his life.
61. TO CALL A SPADE, A SPADE: Islam teaches us to call a spade, a spade even before a cruel ruler.
62. TO LOOK AFTER: All the parents have to look after their children during the early period of the school life.
63. TO BREAK UP: The two partners have decided to break up the partnership and divide the assets equally.
64. TO GET RID OF: Pakistan must get rid of that type of foreign aid, which puts on her, undue political pressure.
65. AT A STRETCH: Saeed Anwer played an aggressive inning and continued to score runs at a stretch.
66. TO GIVE IN: Imran Khan and Miandad were real fighters and they would never give in till the last ball.
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ENGLISH NOTES FOR GRADE XII (KARACHI BOARD)
67. TO LET DOWN: The rich feel proud of their wealth and usually let down the poor.
68. ONCE IN A BLUE MOON: I am not so fond of movies and watch some fine art movie once in a blue moon.
69. TO FALL OUT: A short tempered football player fell out with his opponents and got wounded.
70. TO CALL ON: The winners of 1994 World Cup called on the President, with their captain.
71. TO CALL OFF: The University students finally decided to call off the strike as their demands were accepted.
72. TO BRING HOME TO: Rizwan brought home to her all the important aspects of the matter.
73. TO GET OVER: The Indian Government made all possible efforts to get over the epidemic of plague.
74. TO GET ACROSS: The news of Mr. Eddhi’s self-exile got across the country within no time.
75. TO MAKE UP FOR: The Government and people of Iraq are working day and night to make up the loss caused
by the Gulf war.
76. TO MAKE OFF: The robbers made off through the back door just as the security guard started firing into air.
77. TO BRING OUT: The telephone Corporation has brought a decent Directory in three volumes.
78. TO BRING UP: Abraham Lincoln was brought up by his parents in a state of very limited financial resources.
79. TO TAKE OFF: The Hajj flight will take off every morning during the next couple of weeks.
80. TO TAKE PLACE: The wedding of my cousin will take place in the first week of November, next.
81. TO KEEP UP: Our cricket team must go through an extensive training and practice session to keep up their
position in the next world cup.
82. TO STIR UP: The statement given by Mr. Abdul Sattar Eddhi caused great stir up in the political circles.
83. TO GO OFF: While the police man was cleaning his rifle, it suddenly went off because it was loaded.
84. TO LET OFF: Finally, the defaulter was let off by the civil authorities in view of his undertaking to abide by the
rules in future.
85. TO BEG FOR: The Quaid-e-Azam begged for peace and friendship with his former enemies, the Congress
leaders.
86. TO FURNISH WITH: The chief justice was furnished with all the documentary proofs against the accused.
87. TO LOOK FOR: After the panic had subsided, people started looking for their misplaced baggage.
88. TO RUN AFTER: According to Einstein, ordinary people run after ordinary objects such as property and luxury.
89. TO TURN DOWN: The secretary was taking down the main points to prepare a summary of the Seminar on
pollution.
90. TO WATCH OVER: Sensible parents make it a point to watch over the outdoor activities of their growing up
children.
91. TO BANK ON: Never bank on a fair weather friend because he will certainly cheat you.
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92. TO BLOW HOT AND COLD: It is part of his nature to blow hot and cold as he favours this political party today
the other party tomorrow.
93. TO BREAK THE NEWS: It was really very hard to break the shocking news of her husband’s accidental death to
her.
94. TO CALL NAMES: He is such loose tempered man that he often begins to call names to his neighbours.
95. TO TURN THE TABLES: The pace attack by Wasim Akram and Waqar turned the tables against India and our
cricket team got victory.
96. TO HOLD WATER: The judge will give a favourable verdict only when you lawyer’s arguments hold water.
97. TO FACE THE MUSIC: Those who are responsible for terrorism in the city must face the music and be dealt
with.
98. TO BE UNDER THE CLOUD: These days, the opposition leaders are under a cloud and being tortured by the
Government.
99. BY HOOK OR BY CROOK: The corrupt politicians try to win in every general election by hook or by crook.
100. TO RUN SHORT OF: These days most areas in Karachi are running short of water supply.
101. TO KEEP AN EYE ON: Wise and responsible parents always keep and eye on the outdoor activities of their
children.
102. TO BUILD CASTLES IN THE AIR: It is a favourite hobby of day dreamers and idealists to build castles in the
air.
103. TO TAKE TO HEELS: Just as the mobile of Rangers approached, the robbers jumped over the gate and took to
their heels.
104. BY LEAPS AND BOUNDS: In the 21st century, Pakistan is expected to make progress by leaps and bound.
105. TO TURN DEAF EAR TO: He turned a deaf ear to his father’s advice and as a result, fell into trouble.
106. AT THE NICK OF TIME: Medical aid was provided to the injured passengers at the nick of time and it proved
effective.
107. TO BELL THE CAT: All the office workers are annoyed with the attitude of the M.D but no body dares to bell
the cat.
108. TO HAVE AN AXE TO GRIND: He certainly had an axe to grind behind his sympathetic attitude.
109. TO BURRY THE HATCHET: At last the two combatant groups agreed to bury the hatchet and restore peace.
110. TO BEAR WITH: During our lifetime we have to bear with many sorrows and sufferings.
111. TO BEAR OUT: As a witness, he bore out in the court that the man was innocent.
113. TO BREAK INTO: The Dakotas broke into the bank and took away a large sum of money.
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ENGLISH NOTES FOR GRADE XII (KARACHI BOARD)
114. TO BREAK OFF: Pakistan has broken off with Israel since the last two decades.
115. TO BREAK DOWN: If my car had not broken down on the way, I would have reached in time.
116. TO BREAK THE HEART: Don’t break the heart by rejecting the offer.
117. TO BLOW OUT: On the occasion of his birthday, he blow out the candle on cake.
119. TO BLOW ONE’S OWN TRUMPET: I always try to avoid such people who keep on blowing their own
trumpet.
120. TO BRING IN: Imran Khan has brought in a large amount for setting up the cancer hospital.
121. TO BRING ABOUT: The fight between the two political parties can bring about another martial law.
122. TO BRING ROUND: By presenting a very logical argument, he was able to bring round all the members of
committee.
123. TO BRING TO BOOK: All those who kidnap people for ransom money should be brought to book.
125. TO CARRY THROUGH: If we work altogether like a lean, we can easily carry through our mission with any
difficulty.
128. TO CALL FOR: You careless and rude behavior call for an explanation.
129. TO CALL IT A DAY: As we are tired after a hard day but let it call it a day.
130. TO CALL TO MIND: I can call to mind when I saw you last.
131. TO COME OF: Although she comes of a rich family, she is not proud of her wealth.
132. TO COME OFF: The annual meeting of the Board of Directors will come off next month.
133. TO COME BY: It is difficult to understand how did he come by all that money.
134. TO COME ROUND: He comes round after I had presented my views in a logical way.
135. TO COME TO LIGHT: Once the facts come to light, we will know who is responsible for creating such a
situation.
136. TO COME TO BLOWS: Very often, student belonging to different groups come to blows on silly matters.
137. TO COME OVER: With faith in God and confidence in your self you can come over all you problems.
139. TO DO AWAY WITH: It is the duty of the young people to do away with all the evil customs and traditions of
the society.
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140 TO DIE OFF: In the under developed countries, a large number of people die off.
141. TO DIE IN HARNESS: Once he had lost all his money at stakes he died in harness.
142. TO DEAL WITH: He has the knack of dealing with all kinds of people and situation.
143. TO DEAL IN: As he deals in auto-parts, he has a good knowledge of different kind of car.
144. TO DEAL OUT: He dealt out the card after shuffling the cards.
145. TO FALL SHORT OF: The performance of Indian Cricket team fell short of the expectations of the spectators.
146. TO FALL A PREY TO: The poor and the deprived always fall a prey to cruelty and injustice.
147. TO GIVE AWAY: At the end of the function, the prizes were given way by the chief guest.
148. TO KEEP IN THE DARK: The patient was kept in the dark about the nature of his illness.
149. TO KEEP BODY AND SOUL TOGETHER: With the price spiral, it is becoming difficult for the common
man to keep body and soul together.
150. TO LOOK FORWARD TO: We are looking forward to this visit next month.
151. TO MAKE OFF WITH: The robber make off with a large amount from the super market.
152. TO MAKE FOR: The Birkenhead met with a disaster when it was making for South Africa.
153. TO MAKE BOTH ENDS MEET: With his limited income, it is really very difficult to make both ends meet.
154. TO MAKE UP THE MIND: Once you make your mind then stick to your decision.
155. TO PUT IN A NUT SHELL: At the end of his lecture, he put all his arguments in a nut shell.
156. TO PUT DOWN: The revolt against the king was put down by the royal forces.
157. TO PUT OFF: The debate, which was put off last week, is scheduled for tomorrow.
158. TO STAND BY: I shall stand by you whenever you are in trouble.
159. TO TAKE AFTER: Children very often take after their parents
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