POETS AND PANCAKES

CLASS XII ENGLISH

Long Answer type Questions (125-150 Words)

It is through the character of Kothamangalam Subbu, that the author depicts a caricature of the so-
called ‘go-getters’ who are not really talented but manage to create an aura of talent around
themselves. Though officially on the rolls of the Story Department at Gemini Studios, he was always with
the boss. Subbu directs all his energies and creativity to his boss’ advantage. He delves into the various
spheres of film-making successfully giving the impression of being a brilliant story-writer, a talented
actor and a man who is always ready with many solutions for any problem. He makes the art of film-
making appear rather easy for his boss. Thus Subbu with his scheming nature takes advantage of his
boss’ gullibility and passes off himself as a multi-sided genius with multi-faceted abilities.

2. How does humour and satire enliven the account of the events and personalities at Gemini
Studios as portrayed by Asokamitran in ‘Poets and Pancakes’?

In the chapter, ‘Poets and Pancakes’, Asokamitran uses a lot of subtle humour and satire to highlight
human foibles. Petty professional differences and inconsequential differences not only keep our minds
occupied but also bring out a subtle humour that is spontaneous without being superfluous. The
characterisation of the office boy, Subbu and the legal advisor, have subtle touches of humour.
Asokamitran’s chatty style changes from one thought to the other rather quickly. For example, he makes
fun of the makeup applied to artists which can change any decent looking person into a hideous crimson
hued monster. Such references invoke laughter. The purpose of the visits of the Moral Rearmament
Army and the English poet also baffles everyone. Satire is also directed towards people who are against
communism and can go to any length to oppose it. The writer’s tone of ridicule is devoid of the slightest
trace of mockery, which is most commendable.

3. Subbu was ‘tailor-made for films’. How did he use his genius in various activities in the Gemini
Studios?

The author portrays Subbu as a man of versatile abilities who could delve into various aspects of film-
making successfully. Subbu had mastered all the arts related to film-making ranging from story-writing
to poetry and characterisation. He was in fact ‘tailor-made’ for film-making. Film-making seemed rather
easy with an expert like Subbu walking around as he understood all the trivialities and technicalities of
film-making. Subbu was the one who gave ‘a new direction and definition’ to the Gemini Studios during
its golden years. Subbu directed his entire energies and creativity to his boss, Mr. Vasan’s advantage. If
his boss was dissatisfied with one scene Subbu would offer him many alternatives. He understood all the
complications of film-making and could showcase his talent in every artistic arena.

4. Why and how was the Moral Re-Armament Army welcomed at the Gemini Studios?

Frank Buchman’s Moral Re-Armament Army comprising of a group of two hundred people belonging to
twenty nationalities visited Madras in 1952. The MRA was seen to be a counter movement to
international communism and people at the Gemini Studios did not think highly of communism and
communists. But Mr. Vasan, the boss at Gemini Studios was fascinated by the MRA, so they could not
have found a ‘warmer’ host than Gemini Studios in India. The MRA presented two plays ‘Jotham Valley’
and ‘The Forgotten Factor’ in the most professional manner. Six hundred people of the Gemini Studios
saw the plays many times. These plays conveyed simple messages but their sets and costumes were
‘first rate’. They impressed both the Tamil drama community and the Gemini Studios. The sunrise and
sunset scenes of ‘Jotham Valley’ continued to be copied for years to come.

5. ‘Subbu was a troubleshooter.’ Do you agree with this statement? Give an account of Subbu’s
qualities of head and heart.

Subbu was a perfectly selfish go-getter whose obsequiousness brought him close to his boss and shot
him to number two position at Gemini Studios. He was a very conniving person who took advantage of
his boss’ gullibility and portrayed himself as a rather competent and able person. Though he was
undeserving and lacked talent, he always remained cheerful and did not let anything dampen his spirits.
He always had something good to say about everyone. Film-making appeared easy with an expert like
Subbu around. He used all his energy and creativity to his boss’ advantage. Subbu was also a great poet
and an amazing actor. He wrote truly original poems for the masses and as an actor he played secondary
roles better than the main actors. His sycophancy to his boss earned him enemies. Also he angered
many such people who considered themselves much more talented and deserving than him.

6. What political significance does Gemini Studios’ invitation to Moral Re-Armament army and
Stephen Spender show?

The Moral Re-Armament army was a kind of counter movement to Communism and the people at the
Gemini Studios had a natural aversion towards Communists and Communism. They considered that the
aim of Communists was to spread unrest and violence. So by being a ‘warm host’ to the Moral
Re¬Armament army the people at the Gemini Studios actually displayed a counter movement to the
ideas of Communism. By inviting Stephen Spender, once again the purpose of the Gemini Studios was to
highlight how a renowned English poet, who was once attracted to Communism, was later completely
disillusioned by it. This further strengthened their aversion to Communism and they were able to
publicly display this aversion.