THEMES AND VALUE POINTS

GRADE XII - ENGLISH

1. The Last Lesson

The short story The Last Lesson by Alphonse Daudet has multiple
themes and messages, including:
 Importance of language: The story highlights the importance of a
person's mother tongue or national language, and how people tend to
take it for granted. It also explores the idea that people only realize the
importance of language when they are prevented from using it.

 Linguistic chauvinism: The story explores the idea of linguistic

chauvinism, or the actions of conquerors who take away the right of
people to speak or study their own language. This can make people feel
like outsiders in their own country.

 Impact of war on education: The story explores the impact of war on

education.

 Patriotism: The story has a sense of patriotism.

 Nostalgia: The story explores themes of nostalgia.

 Human tendency to procrastinate: The story highlights the human

tendency to postpone learning things, feeling there is plenty of time to do
so.

 Student-teacher relationship: The story highlights the attitudes of

students and teachers to learning and teaching. It also explores the idea
that a proper relationship between a student and teacher can encourage
students to learn better.

 The story "The Last Lesson" by Alphonse Daudet has several

value points, including:
 Importance of education
 The story emphasizes the importance of education and the need to
respect and learn one's own language.
 Linguistic chauvinism
 The story highlights the unfair practice of linguistic chauvinism,
which is the unreasonable pride in one's own language while
disregarding other languages.
 Loss of language and culture
 The story shows how people deeply desire their language and
culture when they face war, and the sadness and grief of losing
them.
 Political situations
 The story shows how political situations impact children, and how
humans often value something more when they are about to lose it.
 Human tendency
 The story brings out the human tendency to postpone learning
things, feeling there is plenty of time to do so.
 Attachment to things
 The story explains that it is human nature to feel attached to
something that one is about to lose.
 The 'Last Lesson' by Alphonse Daudet is mainly about the longing to
learn the mother tongue and love for it. It has a sense of patriotism.
In the 'Last Lesson' the Prussians rejected the freedom of the people
of Lorraine and Alsace to learn their own mother tongue and started
forcing German onto them.

1.My Mother at Sixty-Six

The poem "My Mother at Sixty-Six" by Kamala Das explores the

themes of aging, loss, and separation, and the complex emotions
that come with them:
 Aging and mortality
The poem's central theme is the inevitability of aging and the
approaching reality of death. The poet's mother's pale, corpse-like face
symbolizes this process.
 Fear of loss
The poem captures the universal fear of losing loved ones. The poet's
childhood fear of losing her mother resurfaces.
 Contrast between youth and age
The poem uses imagery of young trees and children to contrast with
the mother's aged appearance.
 Emotional resilience
The poet maintains composure by smiling at her mother, reflecting the
human tendency to hide deep emotions.
 Family bonds
The poem highlights the deep bond between the poet and her mother.
The poem also serves as a reminder to cherish the time we have with
loved ones and to accept the realities of mortality.

Here are some value points from the poem My Mother at Sixty-Six
by Kamala Das:
 The bond between a mother and child
The poem explores the pure bond between a mother and her child.
 The fear of losing a loved one
The poem captures the universal fear of losing a loved one, especially a
parent.
 The reality of aging and mortality
The poem explores the reality of aging and the inevitability of
death. The poet's observation of her mother's face evokes a deep sense
of pain and fear.
 The emotional turmoil of the speaker
The repetition of "but" in the poem conveys the speaker's emotional
turmoil and the difficulty in expressing their true feelings.
 The contrast between the spring of life and the helplessness of
age
The images of young trees and merry children symbolize the spring of
life, while the poet's mother's face symbolizes the lifelessness and
helplessness that sets in with age.
 The poet's hope for the future
The poem concludes on a high note as the daughter is hopeful that she
will be reunited with her mother soon.

The Third Level

The story "The Third Level" by Jack Finney explores the themes
of escapism, nostalgia, and the trauma of war:
 Escapism: The story's protagonist, Charley, discovers a third level in
Grand Central Station that transports him back to 1894. This offers
him a glimpse of a seemingly utopian world, free from the worries of
modern life.
 Nostalgia: The story explores how people can be drawn to the idea
of a simpler and more peaceful time.
 Trauma of war: The story indirectly describes the repercussions of
war.

Other themes in the story include: Absence of mind, The disparity
between the two-time stamps and spaces, and Reality vs. imagination.
 The story also compares how life has evolved towards distress,
anxiety, and chaos in recent years.
It shows how people can be drawn to the idea of a simpler and more
peaceful time, even if it's just in their imagination. The story also
explores how we sometimes yearn for adventure and the idea of other
worlds or realities beyond our own.

The story "The Third Level" by Jack Finney conveys the value
of escaping the stress and complications of modern life:
 Escape
The story explores how people may want to escape the stress and
complications of modern life by finding refuge in the past.
 Imagination
The story shows how people can be drawn to the idea of a simpler and
more peaceful time, even if it's just in their imagination.
 Absence of mind
The story is based on the theme of absence of mind.
 Comparison
The story compares the times decades ago vs. now and how our lives
evolved towards distress, anxiety, and chaos.
 Hobbies
Pursuing hobbies such as collecting stamps is also a way to escape
harsh reality.
The third level in the story refers to the subway of the Grand Central
Station that takes passengers to Galesburg, Illinois. The protagonist,
Charley, uses the third level as a medium of escape from the harsh
realities of modern life.
 The third level signifies an escape from the modern world that is
“full of insecurity, fear, war, worry and all the rest of it....” The
period of 1890s represents a peaceful life not possible in the
present era. From this level, the protagonist wants to travel to
Galesburg, Illinois, with his wife Louisa.
Lost Spring
The theme and moral of Lost Spring, Stories of Stolen Childhood by
Anees Jung are to end child exploitation and allow children to enjoy
their childhood:
 Theme
The theme of Lost Spring is the cycle of poverty and traditions that force
poor children to work instead of attending school. The story also
highlights the callousness of society and the political class that contribute
to the suffering of these children.
 Moral
The moral of Lost Spring is to end child exploitation and allow children to
enjoy the joys of spring.
 Story
The story is about the plight of poor children in small towns in India who
are forced to work in their parents' professions and lose their
childhood. The story also celebrates the few children who dare to dream
despite their circumstances.
 Characters
The main characters in the story are Saheb-e-Alam and Mukesh. The
author shows glimpses of their fortitude and resilience in their harrowing
stories of exploitation.

The message is to put an end to child exploitation and allow all children to
enjoy the joys of spring. Note: Anees Jung depicted two stories in 'Lost
Spring,' both of which depict grinding poverty, pitiable living conditions,
and other traditions that condemn children to a life of exploitation.

Lost Spring" teaches us to be kind to others and to consider how hard life
can be for poor people. It shows us that education is important for
helping people get out of poverty.

Lost Spring Value Points

1. Introduction to Saheb: Saheb is a young boy who collects garbage and
he is from Dhaka but now lives in a slum in Delhi.

2. Saheb’s Life: He searches garbage dumps every day, hoping to find

something valuable. His family left Dhaka because storms destroyed their
home and fields.
3. Desire for Education: Saheb dreams of going to school and says he
would attend if one were built nearby.

4. Irony in Saheb’s Name: Saheb’s full name is Saheb-e-Alam, meaning

“Lord of the Universe.” It’s ironic because he lives in poverty and has no
control over his life.

5. Barefoot Boys: Many children, like Saheb, go barefoot. Some say it’s a
tradition, but it’s often due to poverty.

6. Saheb’s New Job: Saheb now works at a tea stall where he earns 800
rupees and gets all his meals.

7. . Loss of Freedom: Saheb feels less free working at the tea stall
compared to rag-picking because the tea canister he uses belongs to the
owner, not to him.

8. Introduction to Mukesh: Mukesh, from Firozabad which is famous for

its glass bangles, dreams of becoming a motor mechanic instead of
following his family’s tradition of making bangles.

9. Child Labor in Firozabad: Many children illegally work in dangerous

conditions in glass furnaces, but the law that should protect them is not
enforced.

10. Mukesh’s Determination: Mukesh is determined to become a

mechanic. He knows he will face challenges but is ready to work hard.

11. Family Tradition: Mukesh’s family has made bangles for generations.
His grandmother believes it is their destiny.

12. Living Conditions: The families live in poor conditions without basic
amenities, and despite their hard work, they continue to live in poverty.

13. Health Hazards: The children work in dim, airless rooms, which leads
to health problems like losing their eyesight.

14. Cycle of Poverty: The middlemen exploit the workers, trapping their
families in a cycle of poverty and debt.
15. Community’s Stagnation: The community lacks a leader to guide them,
leaving them feeling stuck in their challenging lives.

16. Mukesh’s Hope: Mukesh dreams of learning to drive and work with
cars, and he is willing to walk long distances to learn how.

17. Contrast in Lives: The story contrasts dreams with harsh realities.
Mukesh’s dream is a hope for a better future.

18. Message on Child Labor: The chapter focuses on the struggles of child
laborers and urges people to take action to make their lives better.

19. Importance of Education: Education is shown as a way to escape

poverty, with both Saheb and Mukesh’s hopes tied to learning new skills
and getting an education.

20. Conclusion: The chapter emphasizes the need for societal change.
Support for education and better enforcement of laws can help break the
cycle of poverty.

"Keeping Quiet
The poem "Keeping Quiet" by Pablo Neruda has themes of peace,
humanity, brotherhood, and the importance of introspection:

Introspection
The poem encourages readers to pause and reflect on their actions and
their impact on the world.

Silence
The poem suggests that a moment of silence can help people understand
the purpose of the world and promote inner peace.

Global harmony
The poem explores the idea that a moment of silence can lead to a more
connected and harmonious world.

Environmental consciousness
The poem emphasizes the importance of being non-harmful to the
environment.

Mutual understanding
The poem conveys the idea that a moment of silence can help create a
feeling of mutual understanding among people.

The poem suggests that people can learn from nature's cycles of renewal
and that this quiet introspection can help people cease harmful activities
like war and environmental destruction.

Pablo Neruda's poem "Keeping Quiet" conveys several values,

including:
 Introspection
The poem encourages people to pause and reflect on their actions and
their impact on the world.

 Peace and unity

The poem suggests that a moment of silence can help create a sense of
global brotherhood and peace.

 Non-harmfulness
The poem emphasizes being peaceful and non-harmful to humans,
animals, and the environment.

 Mutual understanding
The poem emphasizes the need to create a feeling of mutual
understanding among people.

 Antidote to violence
The poem suggests that a moment of silence can be an antidote to
violence, hatred, and war.

In the poem, Neruda asks people to count to twelve and pause their
activities to create a moment of universal stillness. He envisions this
pause as a way to stop harmful activities, such as environmental
destruction and war.
The Tiger King
The themes and morals of The Tiger King include:
 The dangers of power
The story explores the consequences of people becoming too ambitious
and obsessed with power, fame, and wealth. The main characters'
destructive behavior and unethical actions lead to the irony that the tiger
becomes king of an empty kingdom after everyone else dies.

 The unpredictability of life

The story shows that fate and destiny play an important role in shaping
our lives, no matter how powerful we may be.

 The transience of life

The story is a satire on the conceit of those in power, and a plea for the
protection of animals.

The Tiger King is a story about the Maharaja of Pratibandapuram, and it

serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of arrogance.

The story "Tiger King" delves into the themes of power, corruption, the
destructive nature of ambition, and the irony of fate. Through the
character of Maharaja Virarajendra, the author critiques the pitfalls of
unchecked power and the consequences of single-minded ambition.

The story The Tiger King has several value points, including:

The dangers of obsession and greed

The story shows how the main characters' desire for power, fame, and
wealth leads to destructive behavior and unethical actions.

The unpredictability of life

The story shows how fate and destiny play an important role in shaping
our lives, no matter how powerful one may be.
The meaninglessness of power for its own sake
The story shows that if you destroy everything in the pursuit of power,
then that power no longer matters.

The irony of human desires

The story shows how the Tiger King's attempt to disprove his fate
backfires, as he is killed by a wooden tiger.
The Tiger King is a cautionary tale about the dangers of arrogance and the
complexities of human nature. It is a story about the Maharaja of
Pratibandapuram, a narcissistic and power-hungry ruler who becomes
obsessed with hunting and killing tigers.

“The Tiger King” explores the theme of cruelty and ignorance by leaders
towards their kingdom and people. The author uses political satire to
reveal the true nature of politicians and those in power.

Deep Water
The theme and message of the story "Deep Water" by William
Douglas is overcoming fear and the importance of perseverance in
the face of challenges:
 Theme
The main theme of the story is conquering fear, especially the fear of
water.
 Message
The story conveys the message that fear is baseless and can be conquered
with determination, hard work, and courage. It also highlights the
importance of pursuing one's passions.
The story is an autobiographical account of Douglas's struggle to
overcome his childhood fear of water. He overcame his fear through
swimming lessons, gradual exposure to water, and the support of his wife
and instructors.

The theme of the story Deep Water is Victory in facing the fear. The
author's experience of overcoming his fear of water and learning how to
swim is a testament to the power of determination and perseverance.
VALUE POINT:
"Deep Water" teaches us to pursue our passions with courage and
determination, no matter how tough the journey gets.

Here are some value points from the chapter “Deep Water” by William
Douglas. These details will enrich your understanding of the chapter-

1. Setting: The story takes place in various locations such as a beach in

California, the YMCA swimming pool, and Lake Wentworth.
2. Introduction: William Douglas narrates his experiences with water and
his journey to overcome his intense fear of it.

3. Early Fear: As a child, Douglas develops a fear of water after a wave

knocks him down at a beach in California.

4. Traumatic Experience: Douglas’s fear is intensified when a bully

throws him into the deep end of a YMCA pool, leading to a near-drowning
experience.

5. Determination to Overcome: Despite his traumatic experiences,

Douglas is determined to overcome his fear of water and enjoy water-
related activities.

6. Instructor’s Role: Douglas hires a swimming instructor who uses

various techniques, such as a belt and pulley system, to help him feel safe
and build his confidence in the water.

7. Gradual Learning: The instructor teaches Douglas proper breathing

techniques, kicking, and swimming strokes, gradually helping him reduce
his fear.

8. Building Confidence: Through consistent practice and support,

Douglas’s confidence grows, and he becomes more comfortable in the
water.

9. Facing Fear: To fully overcome his fear, Douglas decides to swim in

various lakes and pools, including Lake Wentworth.

10. Moment of Fear: While swimming in Lake Wentworth, Douglas

experiences a moment of fear but manages to stay calm and continue
swimming, realising he has conquered his fear.

A Thing of Beauty

The theme of John Keats's poem A Thing of Beauty is that beauty can
be found in simple, everyday things and that it can provide lasting joy and
comfort. The poem's moral is that beauty can help us overcome negative
emotions and find a reason to live.
Here are some other ideas from the poem:
 Beauty is eternal and never fades
 Beauty can be found in nature and art
 Beautiful things are gifts from God
 Beauty can provide strength to endure sadness
 Beauty can dispel dark clouds of sorrow
 Beauty can create a sense of peace and happiness
 Beauty can offer a refuge from the hardships and sorrows of life

Journey to the End of the world

The themes of the travelogue Journey to the End of the world by
Tishani Doshi include:

 Environmental impact
The chapter highlights the impact of human activities on climate
change and environmental damage. It also encourages readers to
reflect on their impact on the planet and take action to preserve the
Earth's natural wonders.
 Importance of visiting Antarctica
The author believes that visiting Antarctica is the best way to
understand the Earth's history, present, and future. She encourages
people, especially young people, to visit Antarctica to learn how the
Earth was formed and what consequences we might face if we continue
to pollute our natural resources.
 Earth's beauty and history
The chapter shares the beauty, history, and environmental challenges
of Antarctica.

Some value points from the travelogue Journey to the End of the
Earth by Tishani Doshi include:

 Understanding the Earth's history

Doshi's visit to Antarctica helped her understand the Earth's past,
present, and future. She was amazed by the continent's vastness and
geological history, which dates back 650 million years.

 Climate change and environmental threats

Doshi's experience in Antarctica helped her understand the impact of
human activities on climate change and environmental damage. She
realized that even small changes can have large global impacts.
 Importance of respecting the Earth
The author's message is that people should respect the Earth and
recognize the impact of human activities on the environment. She
believes that visiting Antarctica is the best way to understand the
Earth's history and future.

 Importance of taking small steps

Doshi's experience in Antarctica helped her realize that we need to be
conscious and take small steps to protect the Earth. She says, "Take
care of the small things and the big things will take care of
themselves".

We will learn about climate change and its dangerous impact on our
lives and other living beings, warning us to take proper actions to
create a healthier planet.

It serves as a wakeup call to start working to make the planet a

healthier place.

The Rattrap

Human Kindness
Trust vs. Cynicism
Loneliness and Companionship
Identity and Naming

The story "The Rattrap" conveys several values, including:

 Kindness can transform lives
The story shows how kindness and compassion can change the
world. The rattrap seller's experience with the ironmaster and his
daughter's kindness leads him to return stolen money and believe in
human goodness.

 Materialistic things don't bring inner joy

The story teaches that love and respect bring inner joy, not
materialistic things.

 The importance of connections with others

The story emphasizes the need to bond with others and the value of
connections.

 The potential for change

The story encourages readers to believe in the possibility of change
and to question negative thoughts.

 The importance of goodness

The story shows that every person has an essential goodness that can
be awakened through love and understanding.

"The Rattrap" is a explores themes of redemption, kindness, and the

potential for change.
The Rattrap Value Points
1. Setting of the Story Rattrap: The story is set in the early 20th
century in Sweden, moving through many locations like the forest, the
crofter’s cottage, and the ironworks, Concluding at the ironmaster’s
manor during Christmas time.
2. Introduction to the Peddler: A poor peddler wanders around
selling rattraps made of wire. He also begs and steals to survive.
3. Peddler’s View of the World: He imagines the world as a
giant rattrap that offers temptations to trap people.
4. Loneliness and Despair: The peddler’s life is lonely and filled with
despair as he walks through the forest.
5. Meeting the Crofter: One evening, the peddler asks a crofter for
shelter. The crofter, who is lonely, welcomes him warmly.
6. Crofter’s Generosity: The crofter shares his food, tobacco, and even
shows the peddler his money.
7. Betrayal of Trust: The next morning, the peddler steals the crofter’s
money and runs away.
8. Lost in the Forest: The peddler tries to avoid the main road to
escape detection and gets lost in the forest.
9. Despair in the Forest: He feels trapped in the forest, just like the
world being a rattrap.
10. Hearing the Iron Mill: The peddler hears the sounds of an iron
mill and follows the sound to find people.
11. Meeting the Ironmaster: The ironmaster mistakes the peddler for
an old friend due to the poor light.
12. Peddler’s Refusal: The peddler is afraid of being caught with the
stolen money and refuses the ironmaster’s invitation to his home.
13. Edla’s Compassion: Edla Willmansson, the ironmaster’s daughter,
convinces the peddler to come home with her kind and compassionate
approach.
14. Christmas Eve at the Manor: The peddler enjoys a warm and safe
Christmas Eve at the ironmaster’s house.
15. Ironmaster’s Realisation: The next morning, the ironmaster
realises his mistake and threatens to call the sheriff.
16. Peddler’s Defence: The peddler explains his view of the world as a
rattrap and accepts his fate.
17. Edla’s Intervention: Edla insists that the peddler stay for
Christmas, showing her strong empathy and kindness.
18. Peddler’s Transformation: The peddler is deeply moved by Edla’s
kindness and decides to change his ways.
19. Leaving a Gift: The peddler leaves a small rattrap, the stolen
money, and a note for Edla, thanking her for her kindness and
addressing her as “Captain von Stahle.”
20. Message of Redemption: The peddler’s actions show that
kindness and compassion can lead to a person’s redemption.
21. Importance of Empathy: The story emphasises the importance of
understanding and caring for others, as shown by Edla’s actions.
22. Conclusion: The story ends with a powerful message about the
transformative power of kindness and empathy. Edla’s compassion
changes the peddler’s life, showing that understanding and caring for
others can lead to redemption and positive change.

A Thing of Beauty
The theme of the poem A Thing of Beauty by John Keats is the
enduring power of beauty to provide joy and comfort. The poem's
main ideas are that:

 Beauty can be found anywhere and at any time

 Beauty can be discovered in simple and common things

 Beauty can be a source of hope and strength during difficult times

 Beauty can be a refuge from the hardships of life

 Beauty can create a sense of peace and happiness

 Beauty never diminishes or fades

The poem focuses on nature and the unexpected beauty it brings. Keats
connects natural resources like the sun, moon, and rivers to the beauty
of nature, and suggests that they can be a source of support during
life's difficult times.

The theme of "A Thing of Beauty" by John Keats is the enduring and
uplifting power of beauty. Keats expresses that beautiful things,
whether in nature or art, provide lasting joy and comfort. They offer a
refuge from the hardships and sorrows of life, creating a sense of peace
and happiness.

Here are some value points from the poem A Thing of Beauty by John
Keats:
 Beauty is eternal: The beauty of a thing is everlasting and never
fades away.

 Beauty brings joy: Beautiful things provide eternal joy and delight.

 Beauty is in the small things: Beauty can be found in simple things

like trees, flowers, and the sun.

 Beauty is a source of hope: Beautiful things can help people feel

hopeful and motivated to live happy lives.

 Beauty is a source of peace: Beautiful things can provide peace of

mind, calm, and tranquility.

 Beauty is a source of health: Beautiful things can lead to good

health and quiet breathing.

 Beauty is a connection to Earth: Beautiful things can strengthen

our bond with Earth.

 Beauty can help with negativity: Beautiful things can help fade
away negative vibes and gloomy thoughts.

 Materialistic things can distract: Materialistic things can distract

people from eternal happiness.
 Tells us the value of beautiful things that are all around us and that
one must cherish them. They provide us timeless joy and leave an
unforgettable imprint on our minds; therefore every beautiful thing is
worth preserving.

"A Thing of Beauty" by John Keats is the enduring and uplifting power
of beauty. Keats expresses that beautiful things, whether in nature or
art, provide lasting joy and comfort. They offer a refuge from the
hardships and sorrows of life, creating a sense of peace and happiness.

The Enemy
The theme of the story "The Enemy" is about humanity and
compassion versus loyalty to one's country. The story explores how
people handle difficult situations and whether they should follow their
moral values or do what is expected.
Here are some other themes in "The Enemy":
 Humanization, kindness, and antagonism: In the story, Sadao
struggles with his conflicting feelings of seeing an American
prisoner of war as an enemy and as a fellow man.
 Racism and nationalism: The story is set in Japan during World
War II, which makes it understandable that Sadao would see the
American prisoner of war as an enemy.
 Decisions and duty: The story explores themes of decisions and
duty.
 The main theme revolves around moral dilemmas and compassion
during wartime, focusing on Dr. Sadao's decision to help an injured
enemy soldier.
 The writer of the story conveys that there comes a time in a man's
life when it is required for him to lift from petty considerations of
race, nationality and act in human consideration. Dr. Sadao being
patriotic Japanese hates Americans as his enemies.

Values:
Dr. Sadao demonstrates the values of his medical profession by helping
an enemy soldier, teaching us about peace, love, sympathy, and
understanding for others. The story teaches us to see beyond prejudices
and to value our shared humanity above all else.
The Enemy Value Points
1. Dr Sadao’s Discovery: Dr Sadao finds an injured American soldier on
the beach near his home.
2. Sadao’s Dilemma: Sadao knows the soldier is an enemy. He also
knows that helping him is dangerous. But his duty as a doctor makes him
want to save the soldier’s life.
3. Hana’s Support: Hana, Sadao’s wife, feels scared and unsure. Still, she
agrees to help her husband treat the soldier.
4. The Risk of Helping the Soldier: The couple hides the soldier in their
home. They know they could be punished if anyone finds out.
5. Disapproval from the Servants: The servants fear punishment for
protecting an enemy and leave the house.
6. Sadao’s Inner Conflict: Sadao struggles between his loyalty to Japan
and his responsibility as a doctor.
7. The Soldier’s Recovery: Sadao continues to treat the soldier, and the
soldier slowly begins to heal under his care.
8. Involving the General: Sadao informs the General about the soldier,
hoping to avoid suspicion and punishment.
9. The General’s Plan: The General suggests sending assassins to kill the
soldier secretly so Sadao won’t get in trouble.
10. Sadao’s Growing Guilt: As the soldier recovers, Sadao realises he
cannot let him be killed. Even though it would be easier, he knows it’s
wrong.
11. The Soldier’s Escape Plan: Sadao decides to help the soldier escape.
He gives him a boat, food, and directions to safety.
12. The Soldier Leaves: The soldier leaves the house safely. Sadao feels
relieved, knowing the soldier is free.
13. Fear Still Remains: Even after the soldier leaves, Sadao fears being
caught for helping an enemy.
14. Moral Lesson for Sadao: Sadao learns that personal values and
humanity are more important than following strict societal rules.
15. Hana’s Role in the Story: Hana’s support plays an important role.
Without her help, Sadao might not have been able to carry out his plan.
16. Conflict Between Duty and Loyalty: The story shows the struggle
between personal values, professional duty, and loyalty to one’s country.
17. Servants and Social Rules: The servants’ actions show how society
values rules and fear more than kindness and humanity.
18. The General’s Self-Interest: The General’s actions show that
personal needs can sometimes override national duty. He values Sadao’s
medical skills over patriotism.
19. Kindness Wins Over Hatred: Sadao’s actions show that kindness
and humanity can rise above hatred.
20. The Story’s Message: The story teaches that doing the right thing
isn’t always easy.

Indigo
The theme of the lesson "Indigo" by Louis Fischer is the importance of
effective leadership and how it can help overcome problems. The lesson
also highlights the exploitation of indigo farmers by British landlords and
the importance of Gandhi's role in the Indian independence movement.
Here are some other themes in the lesson:
 Exploitation of indigo farmers
The British landlords forced the farmers to grow indigo on a portion of
their land and sell it at low prices. This led to extreme poverty and
hardship for the farmers.
 Gandhi's leadership
Gandhi's exceptional leadership skills helped him mobilize the farmers
and encourage them to stand up for their rights. He used convincing
arguments and negotiation to secure justice for the oppressed in
Champaran.
 Social and cultural upliftment
The Champaran movement led to the social and cultural upliftment of the
peasants.
 Unequal economic system
The story highlights the unequal economic system that existed during
colonial British rule.

The chapter "Indigo" from Flamingo by Louis Fischer teaches several

important lessons about history, leadership, and social justice:
 Empathy and non-violence
The chapter emphasizes the importance of empathy and non-violence in
bringing about change.
 Collective action
The chapter highlights the power of collective action in achieving justice.
 Importance of leadership
The chapter showcases Mahatma Gandhi's leadership skills in mobilizing
farmers to stand up for their rights.
 Socio-economic conditions
The chapter explores the socio-economic conditions of the time, including
the exploitation of indigo farmers by British landlords.
  Unequal economic system
The chapter highlights the unequal economic system that existed during
British rule.
 Importance of Gandhi's decision
The chapter highlights the importance of Gandhi's decision to take up the
case of the peasants, which exposed the unjust system.
 Moral values
The chapter provides insights into the moral values that continue to
inspire movements for social justice worldwide.
The chapter is about Gandhi's struggle for the underprivileged peasants
of Champaran, Bihar. The British forced the peasants to grow indigo on a
portion of their land and sell it at very low prices. Gandhi led a year-long
war against the Britishers to tackle the discrimination and injustice. The
British agreed to meet the demands of the peasants, and Gandhi also
worked to provide them with education, health, hygiene, and self-
confidence.

Poets and Pancakes

The chapter “Poets and Pancakes” from Asokamitran's My Years
with Boss has multiple themes, including:
 Cooperation
The chapter shows the importance of cooperation in a professional
setting, even when people have animosity towards each other.
 The connection between literature and cinema
The chapter highlights how writers and poets contributed their literary
skills to the film industry by writing movie scripts and dialogues.
 The contrast between reality and what's seen on screen
The chapter shows that what people see on screen is different from
reality, and that the people involved in the film have different lives.
 The film industry in the 1940s and 1950s
The chapter provides a glimpse into the norms, attitudes, and lifestyles of
people working in the film industry during this time.
The chapter is set in Gemini Studios, a famous film studio in Chennai, and
takes readers behind the scenes to show the daily life and activities at the
studio. The author uses humor to describe the different characters,
including makeup artists, writers, and actors.

The title “Poets and Pancakes” creates a playful contrast between the two
words, which evoke different images. “Poets” evoke images of creativity,
emotions, and deep thoughts, while “pancakes” symbolize simplicity,
comfort, and everyday life.

The chapter "Poets and Pancakes" from My Years with Boss by

Asokamitran has several value points, including:
 Cooperation
The chapter teaches the importance of cooperation in a professional
setting, even when there is animosity between individuals.
 The connection between literature and cinema
The chapter highlights the role of poets and writers in the film industry,
contributing their literary skills to movie scripts and dialogues.
 The power of imagination
The chapter celebrates the power of imagination, the transformative
magic of art, and the enduring spirit of human creativity.
 The contrast between the real and the screen
The chapter shows that what people see on screen is different from
reality.
 The daily life of film industry workers
The chapter gives a glimpse of the daily life and activities at the studio,
including the roles people played in making movies.
 The beginning of India post-independence
The chapter provides an inside glimpse of the working of the film
industry in India, especially in the beginning of India post-independence.
 The juxtaposition of seemingly unrelated words
The juxtaposition of the words "poets" and "pancakes" creates a playful
and intriguing contrast.

"A Roadside Stand" explores several powerful themes:

Robert Frost's poem "A Roadside Stand" explores several themes,

including:
 Social inequality
The poem highlights the contrast between the wealthy travelers and
the struggling roadside stand owners.
 The value of rural life
The poem celebrates the hard work and resilience of the rural
community.
 The false promises of wealth
The poem explores the idea that American culture is motivated by
money and deluded by fantasies of what money means.
  The value of rural tradition
The poem explores the idea that urban bureaucrats and government
officials want to take the land and labor of rural people.
 The power of observation
The poem reminds us to pay attention to the seemingly insignificant
details of everyday life.
The poem is set around a roadside stand where farmers sell their
goods in the hope of attracting passing city dwellers. The poem offers a
snapshot of the relationship between the countryside and the cities in
early-20th-century America.

Social Inequality: The poem highlights the stark contrast between the
wealthy travelers and the struggling stand owners, prompting us to
question the distribution of resources and opportunities in society.

The Value of Rural Life: The poem celebrates the resilience and hard
work of the rural community, reminding us of the importance of
agriculture and the connection to the land.

Lost Innocence: The poem contrasts the child's carefree laughter with
the jaded expressions of the adults, suggesting the loss of innocence
and the harsh realities of life.

The Power of Observation: The poem reminds us of the importance of

paying attention to the seemingly insignificant details of everyday life,
as they often reveal deeper truths about our society.

The sad little roadside stand becomes a symbol for the lives and beliefs
of the impoverished rural people who run it

"The Interview":
THEME:
 Views on interviews
People have different opinions about interviews, with some viewing them
positively as a source of truth and art, and others viewing them negatively
as an invasion of privacy.
 Impact of interviews
Interviews can leave a lasting impact on people, and critics have
described them as leaving a thumbprint on one's throat.
 Power of interviewers
Interviewers hold a significant amount of influence over public
perception.
 Importance of interviews
Interviews are a vital part of people's lives, and are a powerful tool for
communication.
 Role in journalism
Interviews are a common part of journalism, and the author discusses
their importance in the field.
 Reliability of interviews
The chapter explores whether interviews can be seen as a reliable source
of fact, or if they are just an argument or intervention.
 Celebrity views
The chapter explores how celebrities view interviews, and how this
defines their merits.
 Umberto Eco's interview
The chapter includes an excerpt from an interview with writer Umberto
Eco, where he discusses his literary methods.

Value-based points:
 Hard work: Hard work is the key to success, and there are no
shortcuts.
 Facing challenges: Instead of blaming others, face challenges head
on and try to find a solution.
 Passion: Have passion for your work and treat it as worship.
 Tenacity: Have the tenacity and determination to prove yourself.
 Adaptability: The ability to adapt to changing circumstances is an
important value.

Aunt Jennifer's Tigers:

The poem Aunt Jennifer's Tigers by Adrienne Rich explores themes of
oppression, freedom, and personal empowerment. The poem's central
theme is how the patriarchy controls women's bodies but not their
minds. Here are some other themes and points from the poem:
 Constraints of marriage
The poem explores the constraints of a married woman's life, including
the burden of societal expectations and patriarchal norms.
 Male dominance
The poem highlights the hardships and tensions that women face in a
male-dominated society.
 Art as a means of expression
The poem suggests that art can be a powerful way to express one's
innermost thoughts and desires.
 Aunt Jennifer's tigers
The tigers embroidered by Aunt Jennifer symbolize her yearning for
freedom and strength, and her aspirations for a life unencumbered by
societal expectations.
 Aunt Jennifer
Aunt Jennifer is the main character in the poem, and she represents
women who are persecuted by patriarchal society. She is probably
terrified of her chauvinist husband and lives her life under constant
pressure.

The poem "Aunt Jennifer's Tigers" by Adrienne Rich conveys the

following values:
 Artistic expression
The poem highlights the power of artistic expression as a way to defy
societal expectations and assert one's identity.
 Freedom
The tigers in the poem symbolize the freedom from man-made
constraints and death that Aunt Jennifer desires but is unable to achieve.
 Resilience
The poem suggests that Aunt Jennifer's artistic expression is a testament
to her inner strength and resilience.
 Courage
The tigers symbolize the courage and confidence that Aunt Jennifer
dreams of but is unable to achieve.
 Breaking chains
The poem encourages women to summon their courage and break the
chains that bind them.

On the Face of It
The play On the Face of It by Susan Hill explores themes such as:
 Loneliness and alienation
The play shows how damaging loneliness and isolation can be. Derry, a
young boy with a disfigured face, has secluded himself from others
because of how they treat him.
 Prejudice
Derry faces discrimination because of his burned face, which leads him to
become pessimistic and hate being around people.
 The healing power of friendship
Mr. Lamb, an elderly man with a disability, and Derry become friends and
Mr. Lamb encourages Derry to have an ordinary existence.
 Appearances are deceptive
The play shows how appearances can be deceptive.
 Acceptance
The story encourages people to accept their flaws and live with dignity,
respect, and self-love.

The play On the Face of It by Susan Hill has several value-based

points, including:
 The importance of a positive attitude: Mr. Lamb's optimistic
outlook on life contrasts with Derry's initial negativity. Mr. Lamb
teaches Derry that his flaws are beautiful and worth celebrating.
 The importance of self-love: Derry needs to start loving himself
first if he wants others to love him.
 The importance of acceptance: Society should accept people with
disabilities as they are and expand their social interactions.
 The importance of focusing on the brighter side of life: People
with physical disabilities should not brood over their shortcomings.
 The importance of seeing beauty in everything: Mr. Lamb sees
the beauty in everything and teaches Derry to do the same.
 The importance of resilience: Both Mr. Lamb and Derry show
resilience in dealing with their disabilities.
 The importance of understanding that appearances are
deceptive: The play gives us an insight into how appearances are
deceptive.
On the Face of It is a short play that is mostly a conversation between Mr.
Lamb and Derry. The play explores how personal perceptions can shape
reality and the relationships between people.

Going Places
The theme of "Going Places" is the contrast between fantasy and reality,
particularly as experienced by the character Sophie:
 Fantasy vs. reality
The story explores the conflict between the idealistic world of dreams
and the pragmatic world of reality.
 Adolescent dreams
The story explores the theme of adolescent dreams and the harsh realities
that often accompany them.
 Hero worship
The story is about a girl who fantasizes about a great footballer and cooks
up the story of meeting her.
 Ambition, identity, and growing up
The story delves into themes of ambition, identity, and the challenges of
growing up.
"Going Places" is a story written by A.R. Barton and is part of the
Flamingo textbook in the English Core syllabus for CBSE Class 12. The
story is about a girl named Sophie who belongs to a lower-middle-class
family and dreams of owning a boutique in town. She looks up to a young
football player named Danny Casey and dreams about him so much that
she believes she has actually met him.

The story Going Places by A.R. Barton, explores several themes

related to values, including:
 Fantasy vs. reality: The story contrasts the fantasy and reality of
life, especially through the character of Sophie. Sophie daydreams
about a glamorous life, but is disappointed when she realizes the
limits of her current situation.
 Ambition: The story explores themes of ambition and the
challenges of growing up.
 Identity: The story explores themes of identity.
 Hero worship: The story explores the act of hero worship, as
Sophie looks up to a young football player, Danny Casey.

Memories of Childhood
The theme of the chapter "Memories of Childhood" is about
the societal issues that oppress the underprivileged sections of
society. The chapter is about the stories of Bama and Zitkala Sa, who
faced oppression as children.
Here are some points to consider about the theme of "Memories of
Childhood":
 The chapter highlights the societal issues that deprive certain
sections of society.
 It is important for students to learn about the miseries imposed by
society on the people of lower classes.
 The chapter is part of the Karukku autobiography by Bama, a Tamil
Dalit.
 The chapter tells the story of Bama's childhood in a village and how
she lost her innocence when she had to deal with the evil of
untouchability.
Here are some value-based points from the chapter "On the Face
of It":
 Accepting others: Society should accept people as they are and
expand their social interactions.
 Focusing on the positive: The physically disabled should focus on
the brighter side of life and not brood over their shortcomings.
 Being optimistic: People should be positive and optimistic about
themselves.
 Sharing and compassion: Sharing and compassion should overrule
all other considerations.
 Resilience: Both Mr. Lamb and Derry show resilience in dealing
with their disabilities.
 Subjective nature of beauty: Mr. Lamb helps Derry see that beauty
and worth are subjective.
 Futility of living in fear: Mr. Lamb tells Derry a story about the
futility of living in fear.
 Importance of personal perceptions: The story explores how
personal perceptions can shape reality.

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