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Poets and Pancakes Class 12 English Important Questions &

Answers

Q. No. 1) Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

i. ‘In any case, there was this man in the make-up department who
would wish the direst things for Subbu’. Here ‘direst things’ refers
to something that is

a. urgent.

b. desperate.

c. disastrous.

d. dreadful.

Ans. Option (d)

ii. Pick the quote that best describes Subbu’s role in Gemini Studios
based on the story.

1. Life’s too short to hang out with people who aren’t

resourceful.
2. The more a person limits himself, the more resourceful he
becomes.
3. Success is not about your resources. It’s about how resourceful
you are with what you have.
4. Resourcefulness: Seeing where you want to go and taking the
first step.
a. Option 1

b. Option 2

c. Option 3

d. Option 4

Ans. Option (c)

iii. ‘An extremely talented actress, who was also extremely
temperamental, once blew over on the sets’.

Pick the idiom that matches best with ‘blew over’.

a. At one’s wit's end

b. Get bent out of shape

c. Have the blues

d. Experience pins and needles

Ans. Option (b)

iv. ‘Often he looked alone and helpless- a man of cold logic in a

crowd of dreamers…’. It can be inferred that the man

a. rationalized every thought before it was spoken.

b. failed to consider human emotions and social dynamics.

c. was critical of what others did around him.

d. egoistic and always thought others lacked reason.

Ans. Option (b)

Q. No. 2) Multiple Choice Questions based on an extract.

His success in films overshadowed and dwarfed his literary

achievements - or so his critics felt. He composed several truly
original ‘story poems’ in folk refrain and diction and also wrote a
sprawling novel Thillana Mohanambal with dozens of very deftly
etched characters. He quite successfully recreated the mood and
manner of the Devadasis of the early 20th century. He was an
amazing actor-he never aspired to the lead roles-but whatever
subsidiary role he played in any of the films, he performed better
than the supposed main players. He had a genuine love for anyone
he came across and his house was a permanent residence for
dozens of near and far relations and acquaintances.
i. Which of these statements is NOT TRUE about Subbu?

a. His literary accomplishments stole the limelight from his films.

b. He was a gifted poet and writer and his literary works were
noteworthy.

c. He was selfless in nature and was empathetic towards others.

d. He never hankered after lead roles and performed minor roles in

films.

Ans. Option (a)

ii. The word ‘sprawling’ has been used with the word ‘novel’. Pick
the option with which the word ‘sprawling’ CANNOT be used.

a. metropolis

b. handwriting

c. campus

d. portrait

Ans. Option (d)

iii. The phrase ‘deftly etched’ shows that Subbu

a. created the roles delicately.

b. was skillful in creating the characters.

c. pondered beyond necessity about the characters.

d. gave very little thought to the characters.

Ans. Option (b)

iv. Pick the option that best describes Subbu according to the
extract.

1. benevolent
2. powerful
3. accomplished
4. witty
5. generous
6. temperamental
a. 4, 5&6

b. 2, 3 & 4

c. 1, 3 & 5

d. 3, 4 & 6

Ans. Option (c)

Q. No. 3) Multiple Choice Questions based on an extract.

A girl from the countryside, she hadn’t gone through all the stages
of worldly experience that generally precede a position of
importance and sophistication that she had found herself catapulted
into. She never quite recovered from the terror she felt that day.
That was the end of a brief and brilliant acting career — the legal
adviser, who was also a member of the Story Department, had
unwittingly brought about that sad end. While every other member
of the Department wore a kind of uniform — khadi dhoti with a
slightly oversized and clumsily tailored white khadi shirt — the legal
adviser wore pants and a tie and sometimes a coat that looked like
a coat of mail. Often, he looked alone and helpless …

i. Select the option that completes the given sentence

appropriately.

‘Stages of worldly experience’ in the given context would refer to

_____.

a. good education to gain knowledge.

b. situations that require one to be street smart.

c. smaller, not-so-important roles in acting.

d. training in soft skills.

Ans. Option (b)

ii. Select the suitable word from the extract to complete the
following analogy:

sealed: closed :: propelled: _____.

Ans. catapulted

iii. Select the correct option to fill in the blank.

The harm done to the actress was a/an _____.

a. well-planned act.

b. unintentional act.

c. act of jealousy.

d. act of male dominance.

Ans. Option (b)

iv. Based on the above extract, choose the statement that

is TRUE for the legal adviser.

a. He disliked the actress from the countryside.

b. He acted after thinking through things carefully.

c. He did not gel well with others in the Department.

d. He was always dressed smartly.

Ans. (c)
v. Identify the textual clue that allows the reader to infer that the
writer is sympathetic towards the professional fate of the
actor. (Clue: a phrase)

Ans. Sad end

vi. Complete the sentence with an appropriate explanation, as per

the extract.

The writer uses the word ‘uniform’ to refer to the outfits of the
Department members because just like a uniform _____.

Ans. ... is a common dress code for all, similarly, their apparel/ dress was
nearly the same - loose khadi shirt and khadi dhoti.

Q. No. 4) Multiple Choice Questions based on an extract.

Barring the office boys and a couple of clerks, everybody else at the
Studios radiated leisure, a pre-requisite for poetry. Most of them
wore khadi and worshipped Gandhiji but beyond that, they had not
the faintest appreciation for political thought of any kind. Naturally,
they were all averse to the term ‘Communism’. A communist was a
godless man-he had no filial or conjugal love; he had no
compunction about killing his own parents or his children; he was
always out to cause and spread unrest and violence among innocent
and ignorant people. Such notions, which prevailed everywhere else
in South India at that time also, naturally, floated about vaguely
among the khadi-clad poets of Gemini Studios. Evidence of it was
soon forthcoming.

i. Pick the option that uses the same figure of speech as ‘A

communist is a godless man.’

a. She is as determined as Gandhi when it is a fight against

injustice.

b. She is a Gandhi when she raises her voice against ‘hinsa’ or

violence.

c. She, like Gandhi, feels that the earth is crying for deliverance.

d. She lives a life of opulence and calls herself a follower of Gandhi.

Ans. Option (b)

ii. Based on the extract, choose the correct option with reference to
the two statements given below.

 Statement 1: At Gemini Studios, the poets had a profound

knowledge of Communists.
 Statement 2: Communists were responsible for anarchy and
discontent in the country.
a. Statement 1 is true but Statement 2 is false.

b. Statement 1 is false but Statement 2 is true.

c. Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 cannot be inferred.

d. Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 can be inferred.

Ans. Option (d)

iii. Why do you think leisure is a prerequisite for poetry?

a. Poetry means freedom of expression.

b. One can enjoy poetry when there’s free time.

c. In order to write poetry, one needs free time.

d. Poetry means freedom from work.

Ans. Option (c)

iv. Asokamitran says that leisure is a prerequisite for poetry. He

says this because poets

a. need to relax for a period of time before composing lines.

b. maintain a leisurely pace in all tasks they do.

c. are creative and need to have free time to weave their thoughts.
d. begin poetic compositions in a rushed way and end in a relaxed
manner.

Ans. Option (c)

Q. No. 5) What does the writer mean by ‘the fiery misery’ of those
subjected to make-up’?

Ans. When the writer mentions "the fiery misery" of those subjected to
make-up, he is referring to the discomfort experienced by actors and
actresses during the makeup process in the hot and intense lighting of the
make-up room. The heat from the incandescent lights, combined with the
application of makeup, creates a physically uncomfortable and possibly
sweaty experience for the performers.

Q. No. 6) What work did the ‘office boy’ do in the Gemini Studios?
Why did he join the studios? Why was he disappointed?

Ans. The "office boy" in Gemini Studios worked in the make-up department.
His role primarily involved applying makeup to crowd actors during crowd-
shooting days. He joined the studios with hopes of becoming a star actor,
screenwriter, director, or lyrics writer. However, he was disappointed as he
ended up in a less glamorous role, working behind the scenes in the make-up
department and never achieving his aspirations in the film industry.

Q. No. 7) Discuss the significance of the make-up room in the

chapter, ‘Poets and Pancakes’.

Ans. In the chapter "Poets and Pancakes," the make-up room at Gemini
Studios holds significant importance for several reasons:

1. Transforming Actors: The make-up room was a crucial part of the

filmmaking process, as it was where actors and actresses underwent
dramatic transformations. The make-up artists used products like
"Pancake" to change the appearance of the performers, often making
them look drastically different from their real selves. This
transformation was essential for creating convincing characters on-
screen, highlighting the studio's commitment to producing quality
films.
2. Reflection of Studio Culture: The description of the make-up room
provides insight into the culture and working environment at Gemini
Studios. It depicts a busy and bustling atmosphere where artists and
technicians collaborate to achieve the desired look for each character.
 This reflects the studio's dedication to its craft and the meticulous
attention to detail required in the filmmaking process.
3. Hierarchy and Roles: The make-up department had a strict
hierarchy, with different artists responsible for various actors and
actresses. The author humorously highlights the division of labor, with
the chief make-up artist working on lead roles and the office boy
handling crowd actors. This hierarchy underscores the structured
nature of film production and the importance of every team member's
role, regardless of how minor it may seem.
4. Use of Pancake: The mention of "Pancake" as the brand name of the
make-up material used at Gemini Studios hints at the studio's reliance
on certain products and techniques. Pancake was a well-known
makeup brand, and its usage in large quantities underscores the
studio's commitment to achieving the desired appearance for its
actors. It also reflects the industry's reliance on established makeup
products.
5. National Integration: The make-up department at Gemini Studios
employed individuals from various regions and backgrounds,
showcasing a form of national integration within the studio. This
diversity among makeup artists reflects the cosmopolitan nature of the
film industry and how people from different parts of India came
together to contribute to the world of cinema.
Q. No. 8) ‘In all instances of frustration, you will always find the
anger directed towards a single person openly or covertly…’

Do you think it is right to direct our anger towards someone who is

not responsible for the cause of anger? Justify.

Ans. It is not always right to direct anger towards someone who is not
responsible for the cause of anger. Misdirected anger can lead to
misunderstandings and further conflicts. It's important to address the root
cause of frustration rather than projecting it onto innocent individuals,
promoting healthier communication and conflict resolution.

Q. No. 9) Why was the legal adviser referred to as the opposite by

others?

Ans. The legal adviser in Gemini Studios was humorously referred to as "the
opposite" because while his official title was "legal adviser," he was known
for taking actions that seemed contrary to his role. For example, he
discreetly recorded an actress's outburst, which had unintended
consequences for her, leading to her disillusionment with her acting career.
This behavior contrasted with the expectations associated with his legal role.
Q. No. 10) The author of 'Poets and Pancakes' is extremely
observant of people and their behavior. Support this statement with
an example of a description he gives us about any one of the
characters.

Ans. The author of "Poets and Pancakes," Asokamitran, indeed

demonstrates keen observational skills when describing Kothamangalam
Subbu, a prominent figure at Gemini Studios. He portrays Subbu as a
multifaceted character with insight and depth. Asokamitran highlights
Subbu's unwavering loyalty to the studio and his uncanny ability to come up
with creative solutions for film scenes. Despite Subbu's success in the film
industry, the author also suggests that his generosity and readiness to say
positive things about everything might have earned him some detractors.
Asokamitran's astute observations reveal not only Subbu's professional
attributes but also the complexities of human nature, adding depth and
authenticity to the narrative.

Q. No. 11) What kind of effect does Asokamitran’s style of writing

have on the reader?

Ans. Asokamitran's writing style in 'Poets and Pancakes' has a vivid and
immersive effect on the reader. His meticulous descriptions and keen
observations of characters and settings draw readers into the world of the
story, making them feel like silent observers. This style enhances the
reader's connection with the narrative and the characters, making the story
more engaging and relatable.

Q. No. 12) Name one example to show that Gemini Studios was
influenced by the plays staged by MRA.

Ans. One example of Gemini Studios being influenced by the plays staged
by the Moral Re-Armament (MRA) group is the mention in the text that after
the MRA group's visit to Madras and their successful plays, almost all Tamil
plays began to incorporate scenes featuring sunrises and sunsets in the style
of the MRA plays. This demonstrates the impact of the MRA's theatrical
productions on the style and themes of Tamil plays produced by Gemini
Studios.

Q. No. 13) Why is the Englishman’s visit referred to as an

unexplained mystery?

Ans. The Englishman's visit to Gemini Studios is referred to as an

"unexplained mystery" because the author and the staff at the studio
couldn't comprehend the purpose or relevance of his visit. His speech left the
audience baffled because it seemed out of place in a Tamil film studio, and
the author and others were puzzled as to why he was addressing them. The
visit lacked a clear explanation or connection to the studio's work, making it
a perplexing and enigmatic event.

Q. No. 14) The people were left in ‘utter bafflement’ after the
English poet’s speech.

Mention two things the speaker could have kept in mind before
addressing an audience to avoid such a reaction. Give your rationale
for it.

Ans. The English poet could have avoided leaving the audience in 'utter
bafflement' by:

1. Clarity of Content: Ensuring that the content of the speech is clear,

concise, and relevant. This would prevent confusion and help the
audience understand the message.
2. Audience Awareness: Considering the background and knowledge
level of the audience, tailoring the speech accordingly. This would
ensure that the content is relatable and comprehensible to the
listeners, reducing the chances of bafflement.
Q. No. 15) What does Asokamitran's narrative in Poets and Pancakes
demonstrate about Subbu?

Ans.

 He was a hardworking man because there were no properly

established studios and film companies when he started out.
 He was imaginative because he could come up with numerous
innovative ways of performing the same scene.
 He was immensely helpful to his friends and acquaintances.
 He was a celebrated poet who chose to dedicate his poetry to the
masses.
Q. No. 16) What does the story of Subbu's success in the film
industry reveal about the importance of loyalty, creativity, and
versatility in this field?

Ans. Subbu's success in the film industry reveals that loyalty, creativity, and
versatility are essential qualities for success in this field –
  Subbu was an extremely loyal employee who identified himself
completely with his principal and turned his entire creativity to his
principal's advantage.
 He was also a highly versatile and creative person who could be
inspired to come up with numerous alternatives when given a problem
to solve.
 Additionally, he had the ability to work well with others and was tailor-
made for the film industry. These qualities made him an invaluable
asset to Gemini Studios during its golden years.
Q. No. 17) What does The God that Failed refer to?

Ans. "The God That Failed" refers to a collection of essays written by six
prominent writers who had at one point been associated with or sympathetic
to communism but later became disillusioned with it. In their essays, these
writers describe their journeys into communism and their subsequent
rejection of it due to various reasons. The book explores the loss of faith in
the communist ideology, which had once held great promise for them but
ultimately failed to deliver on its ideals.

Q. No. 18) Author has used gentle and subtle humor to point out
human foibles and idiosyncrasies in the lesson ' Poets and
Pancakes'. Elucidate.

Ans. In 'Poets and Pancakes,' the author employs gentle and subtle humor to
highlight human foibles and idiosyncrasies through various instances:

1. Robert Clive's Ambitions: The portrayal of Robert Clive's ambitions

and restless nature is subtly humorous, emphasizing his desire for
recognition and importance.
2. Office Boy's Boasting: The office boy's boasting about his talent is
brought out humorously, showcasing his exaggerated self-importance.
3. Legal Adviser's Opposite Nature: The contrast with the legal
adviser, who is known as the opposite, adds a layer of humor by
playing on the idea of duality.
4. Use of Pancake: The use of pancake ostensibly to cover the pores is
comical, reflecting the absurdity of the beauty rituals.
5. "Gang of Nationally Integrated Make-Up Men": The term used to
describe the makeup artists as a 'gang of nationally integrated make-
up men' humorously underscores the dramatic transformation they can
achieve.
6. Strict Hierarchy: The strict hierarchy within the makeup room is
subtly amusing, reflecting the absurdity of the power dynamics in such
a setting.
 7. Ridiculing Subbu's Virtue: The author ridicules Subbu's virtue of
being a Brahmin, subtly pointing out his inefficiency with the comment
that "he always had work for somebody."
8. Subbu's Alternatives: The rapidity with which Subbu offers
alternatives when his boss gets stuck is amusing, highlighting his
eagerness to please.
9. People's Ignorance: The author pokes fun at the ignorance of the
people who did not know who Stephen Spenders was or why he had
arrived, highlighting the disconnect between the poets and their
audience.
Overall, these instances of gentle and subtle humor serve to expose the
quirks and shortcomings of the characters while adding a lighthearted tone
to the narrative.

Q. No. 19) Imagine Asokamitran witnesses a film shooting and visits

a film set of present-day Bollywood. As Asokamitran writes a diary
entry penning down the transformation you notice between the film-
making of yesteryears and today.

Ans.

Dear Diary,

Today, I had the opportunity to witness a film shooting on a contemporary

Bollywood film set, and I couldn't help but marvel at the transformation that
has taken place in the world of filmmaking since my time.

In my era, filmmaking was a more intimate affair. The equipment was bulky,
and the sets were often constrained by practical limitations. Actors had to be
precise, and retakes were costly. But today, it's a different world altogether.
The sets are grand, almost like a mini-city, with advanced technology that
can create any backdrop imaginable.

Actors seem to have more liberty to experiment, with multiple takes

available without the burden of additional expenses. The precision and
detailing in every shot are remarkable, thanks to digital cinematography.
There's also a refreshing diversity in storytelling and casting, which was
limited in my time.

However, I couldn't help but feel a tinge of nostalgia for the simplicity of
yesteryears. The personal touch and the charm of the past seem to have
given way to a more commercialized and fast-paced industry. Nonetheless,
the evolution of Bollywood is a testament to the dynamism of art, and I'm
grateful to have witnessed this transformation.

Yours faithfully,
Asokamitran

Q. No. 20) After reading this story, you are impressed by the
author’s use of gentle humor to point out human foibles. Evaluate
whether using such humor contributes towards bringing about
change in people’s attitudes and accepting their foibles.

Ans. The author's use of gentle humor in "Poets and Pancakes" indeed
contributes to highlighting human foibles in a way that is both entertaining
and thought-provoking. Gentle humor, when employed skillfully, can be a
powerful tool to make people reflect on their own flaws and idiosyncrasies
without feeling attacked or defensive. It creates a non-threatening
atmosphere, allowing readers to recognize the absurdity in human behavior.

By showcasing the quirks and shortcomings of the characters in the story,

the author encourages readers to introspect and perhaps even relate to
these foibles on a personal level. This self-awareness can be a catalyst for
change in people's attitudes and behaviors. It fosters a sense of empathy
and a willingness to accept one's own imperfections and those of others.

In essence, gentle humor acts as a mirror that reflects human nature, and
when people see themselves in that reflection, they may be more inclined to
embrace their foibles with a sense of humor and humility. It can promote a
healthier, more accepting attitude towards the quirks and imperfections that
make us all uniquely human.