Flax Golden Tales (Summaries UnitWise)

Business English | Flax-Golden Tales

Complete Four Levels of All Lesson

For : BA / BBS First Year

Moti Nissani and Shreedhar Lohani
Flax- Golden Tales provides a delightful alternative to traditional English -teaching texts. The selection of reading materials and the instructional activities, commentaries, short essays, audio cassettes , and appendixes which accompany them.

Between the two of them , Drs . Lohani and Nissani have published in , studied , and taught English and genetics , media studies and astronomy, psychology and philosophy , linguistics and mathematics, American literature and history, ecology and history of science , science education and interdisciplinary studies . They thus bring unusually diverse backgrounds to language instruction. In particular , Flax -Golden Tales owes much to their experiences of teaching freshman composition , English as a foreign language and literature.

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Summaries  (Click Here To Read Unit Wise)

Summary of Invitation ( Silverstein )

Unit-1

Flax-Golden Tales |

Invitation

Four Levels of Interacting with Texts

For : BBS / BA First year

Literal Comprehension :
This poem “ Invitation ” has been composed by 20th century American poet Shel Silverstein . The speaker in the poem invites different persons with different natures with him to accompany with him. He invites the readers who are imaginative as dreamers or even liars who always tell a lie. Hopers who for something are prayer of religious deities or persons with magical power are invited to him . He even invites to the pretenders who pretend to be superior or greater to others . So who ever the readers are all are invited by the speaker to sit by him to spin Flex Golden Tales . The tales are more colorful and very much imaginative, adventurous and with many more outstanding qualities . He invites the readers for four times to accompany him unfolding Flex- Golden Tales .

Interpretation:
The poem “ Invitation ” might be trying to create a good readerships in young generation. Modern young people are not so much interested in reading and enjoy in the literatures. May be they haven’t properly been invited to read . Not being interested in reading the children are more pretenders, liars , magic been players and so on . when they have inner desire for study they will start to read and will be co -readers to spin, colourful Flax- Golden Tales . The speaker’s intension seems to make readers and other people to be more imaginative, creative and have fun in literatures.

Critical Thinking :
The basic intension of the poem seems to make people more creative and productive making a good habit of study . It has easily drawn the attention of different readers . With the repetitive structural pattern the poet seems to be able to convince the readers to go with him to spin some beautiful stories and nice pieces of literatures. The multiple use of ‘come ’ has focused much on the importance of reading and value of good reader . How can one be more creative and interested in literatures if there is no passion with him ? Only invitation without interest becomes useless. Still the poem seems to rise some keen interest for reading .

Assimilation :
Before reading this poem I didn’ t gave keen passion to literature . I had much interest in music, song and sports I used to think literature doesn ’t do any practical thing in our life . When I read this poem , I got an vision that literature , creative works are also the main sources of internal entertainment or happiness , Dreamer , liar , pretender , prayer all could be adjusted in the vast arena of literature. To spin Flex- Golden tales inspired me to enjoy the world of imagination, creativity , and vision, Our life can ’t always be charming if we don ’t love reading by heart.

Summary of Yudhisthira ’s Wishdom (India , adapted by Rao )

Flax-Golden Tales | Unit 2: Ancient Tales

Yudhishthira’ s Wisdom

Four Levels of Interactions with Text

For : BA / BBS First Year

Source : The Mahabharata ( Shanta R. Rao ’ s adaptation)

Literal Comprehension :
Once in the exiled period five Pandav brothers grew thirty while running after a deer in the forest of Yaksha. In the hot weather they were tired and thirsty Yudisthira sent his youngest brother Sahadeva in search of water . He came across a beautiful pond and ready to drink water hurriedly . Some voice stopped him from drinking until he could have given his questions’ answers. Thinking it might be fancy he drank water . He sooner got fainted. Similarly , Nakula, Bhima and Arjuna got the same fate lastly Yudhisthira himself went and found such condition of brothers . He waited admonition form drinking water after listening similar. He gave the answers of all questions asked by Yaksha until Yaksha became pleased . He promised to restore one of the brothers . For that Yudhisthira preferred Nakala with much pleasing reason. So Yaksha being happy restore all his brothers and gave blessing for easy and comfortable life of remaining exiled period.

Interpretation:

This  story is taken from Mahabharata . The righteousness of Yudhisthira is the central point of this story. It focuses on wisdom; patience and loyalty to God are great human qualities . If we conduct any work rightly that has creative result . The story seems to tall that we must be faithful and honest on our work . If we have selfish and careless attitude , that ruins our personality in particular and humanity in general . Again , the reasonable and philosophical answers of the questions given by Yudhisthira can be knowledgeable. The due respect and love to the brother becomes another important meaning of this story.

Critical Thinking :
The charming table of Mahabharata seems to be philosophical and knowledge to any reader . Despite of its morality and simplicity of language there are some contradictory points in this story. At present, there is a question over the existence of God . Some disagreeing points can be given asking question like : ( a ) can we see Yaksha in our life ? ( b) can sun shine with God ’s power? ( c) Do god exist really? (d ) Is it true having less anger means being happy ? Etc . Still we can learn many more philosophy from this story.

Assimilation :
Reading this text gave me new awareness. To be true human , we must have wisdom and righteousness . We learn that we should forsake pride , anger, desires , etc . to be happy and satisfied in our life . I have learnt to change myself changing my thinking as well.

Summary of The Brave Little Parrot ( Nepal , adapted by Martin)

Unit-2
The Brave Little Parrot

Four Levels of Interactions – Flax -Golden Tales

For : BBS / BA First Year

Source : Buddhist Legend ( Rafe Martin’s Adaptation)

Literal Comprehension :
Once Buddha was born as a little parrot. In the forest where various animals and birds lived. While all the creatures were spending happy life , a storm and lightening turned the forest into fire . Helpless animals and birds were trapped in the fire. It was terrible picture where birds and animals were crying for help . Seeing that situation the little parrot started to put out the fire by dipping into river and spreading the drops of water into the fire . Though it got burnt all parts of his body the parrot still continued doing the work . Seeing such foolishness of parrot Gods in heaven laughed. But one of the Gods became ready to help him by changing himself into a golden eagle . The parrot didn ’ t like eagle ’s advice rather help when the eagle told the parrot to stop doing that work . So, the eagle began to weep weave upon weave until the fire was put out completely . By the mercy of God all the animals and plants were saved in that forest and there was greenery everywhere. All the animals expressed their gratitude to brave little parrot that saved them.

Interpretation:
Since the story is based on Buddhist Legend it tells much about human kindness , love and help . It tells us we should love and help as far as we car selflessly . It we do selfless help , God loves us. Again , another meaning can be that we should always struggle a lot whether it is fruitful or not. Keep on doing struggle but don ’t expect the fruit is its lesson . The good deeds of parrot are praiseworthy that are seen by the god as well. Those who have experienced the bitter life or suffering can understand others well . So rich and aristocratic people never understand the actual pain of poor and common people .

Critical thinking:
The story teaches us to do selfless service and help to other as moral lesson . Though in philosophy such concept is suitable and impressive but in our practical life such feeling is impossible because people don’ t have strong faith on God. Some disagreeing points are : (a ) Is it possible for a man to be born as a parrot ? ( b ) Do we really believe on the existence of god ? ( c) Can pouring tear put out forest fire ? Besides these some of the confusing points the story has praiseworthy ideas . Teaching human to help others selflessly and be kind and helpful are humane. This aspect of this story is really acceptable and heart touching one.

Assimilation :
I got extreme influence after reading this story “ The Brave Little Parrot ” and knew that we must be like the little parrot. While innocent and poor people are doing honest and dutiful works but so called reach people do everything with selfish motive. Reach are indifferent to the suffering of poor . Still the right conduct of parrot teaches us more to do similar type of behaviours in our life as will. If we help others without selfish nature , there will be someone ready to help us . These concept germinated or came in me after reading these mythological story “ The Brave Little Parrot ”

Summary of If Not Higher ( Poland, adapted by Peretz)

Unit-2
Flax Golden Tales

If Not Higher –
Four Levels of Interactions

For : BA / BBS First Year

Literal Comprehension :
Early every Friday morning , at the time of penitential prayer , the Rabbi of Nemirov discappered. He wasn’t found at home too. People thought, he went to the heaven at that time. But a Litvak didn’ t believe it. He decided to find the truth. He secretly went to the Rabbi’s room and watched every activity of the Rabbi during the night before fore Friday. In the next morning , the Rabbi left the home as a peasent aut of the city. Litvak secretly follow him . In the forest , he chopech a tree and made a bundle of sticks. He come back to the city with the bundle of sticks and sold it to a sick Jewish woman on credit. He also helped to brun the fire . while burning fire, he recited different portions and penitential prayers . Litvak was impressed by the Rabbi’ s action and become his disciple .

Interpretation:
This story tells us that the heaven is there where one finds pleasure of helping poor , sick and old person. The true spirit of religion is to help others . It isn ’t only limited to going to Temples and Churches and worship or pray Gods and Goddesses. One can please God by helping the helpless ones .

Critical Thinking :
This religious story raises some doubts in my mind. In the story , it is said that a religious leader goes to help a sick and old woman at the time of prayer . Can we really find such person in this materialistic world? It also talks about the heaven high in the sky. Is there really heaven ? Next, It says one can get heavenly pleasure by serving others or by sacrificing one’s pleasures. For other can we really apply it in our lives ?

Assimilation :
This story has impressed me a lot and has also taught a good lesson . Before reading this story, I used to think only about the heaven where one can go after his / her death . But now , I know that the heaven is also here in Earth . I have a great desire now to the serve the humanity and reach the heaven like Rabbi.

Summary of Why Go to University? ( Nissani)

UNIT-3 Education

Flax Golden Tales

Why Go to University
– Four Levels of Interaction

For : BA / BBS First Year

Literal Comprehension :

“ Why Go to University ” is an essay by Moti Nissani. This essay gives emphasis on the importance of higher education. Education is the third eye of human being . An uneducated person can see water in the river but an educated person can see the electricity on it. Education is the light of life . It removes darkness from mind and fills knowledge. In this essay, Nissani talks about the importance of university education.

A better educated people can get better job more easily than less educated person. He can earn more income and maintain good living standard. He can live happy and comfortable life . Not only that educated people are the manpower of the nation and they can make country also rich by utilizing the natural resources .

Education provides us knowledge and knowledge is power. An educated person is likely to resolve the difficulties and conflicts in a rational manner . Educated people are wise , tolerant , and they also realize their mistakes . Educated people take better care of their health. They are more likely to enjoy better health than tycoons. They know the disadvantages of smoking , fatness , tension , lack of exercise, imbalanced food, unhygienic atmosphere , over eating, stale food and air etc. they try to stay far from these health problems .

Educated people are also aware of the benefit of physical exercise. They well know the proverb’ sound mind in a sound body’ . So they do regular exercise and try to keep them always feet and strong . One survey shows that educated men and women are valued and respected in the society . A man might be handsome, kind, strong , brave , hero etc . he would still be considered in some ways deficient . The lack of education damages his life . But the better educated person is the better he feels about himself .

Educated people are curious about new thing and new places . They are lover of knowledge and civilized and well cultured. They take knowledge ; reward and they feel comfortable from their living. Going to University expands our social horizons . We meet new people , make new friends and share new experiences . Education also helps for friendship and personal growth. Education increases our personal freedom. Educated people are less dogmatic. They don ’t hesitate to fight and die if anyone tries to grab their rights and freedom .

Educated people have also knowledge of the universe . Today modern people believe that the earth moves and the sun is still . Education and democracy are closely related. Democracy flourishes only in the educated society . It doesn ’t exist if people are ignorant and selfish . So education is supremely Important and valuable.

Interpretation:

This essay may be trying to show the value of education. It shows that education is very important . The writer also says that University education is very necessary to live happy , comfortable and meaningful ; life . It fulfills our desire for learning and quenches the thirst of knowledge. It also helps for career development and also for the development of citizens , society and country .

Critical thinking:

This essay is very much impressive because education is considered supremely valuable . However I am not agree with few ideas of the writer . Is only formal education important ? Can ’t we become educated through informal education? Do all the educated people respected as much as rich businessman and powerful politicians? So I don’ t agree with the writer.

Assimilation :

This essay impressed me very much . Before reading this story, I don ’t know the value of formal education and University degree. But this essay inspired me to study well to take university degree. Now, I have decided to become a scholar to have comfortable through learning.

Summary of Don ’t Cut Down the Trees, Brother Woodcutter (Sama )

Unit-3 Education

Flax-Golden Tales

Don ’t Cut Down The Trees, Brother Woodcutter
Four Levels of Interactions

Balkrishna Sama (1902 – 1981)
| Translated by Michael Hutt

For : BA / BBS Firs YearSummary

Literal Comprehension :
The poem “ Don ’t Cut Down the Trees , Brother Woodcutter ” is composed by Nepali poet Bal Krishna Sama . The main theme of the poem is about conservation of nature . Specially, the poet argues that trees are very important in our lives and they need to be protected . The poet considers the trees as our dead mother who are silent observers , but they protect us from natural calamities . The poet personifies the tree. The tree is like our mother that is around us and takes care of us. When we remember our childhood , we find that most of the time we play around the tree . It gives us fruits and flowers as if our mother cares us. Thus , no child is hungry. Their leafy lips kiss us and when they feel tired, they sigh and weep . They never speak a word. They are able to tolerate and their pains and grieves are only for our sake. They never complain.
Further , the poet says that in winter the family sits around the fire burnt from the wood, and sing and talk. In the winter, the trees are covered with white frost that makes them bow at us. Nevertheless , we are ignorant. We do not understand all the scarifies and tolerance that the trees endure to sustain our lives . They silently and secretly pass the cold nights dreaming of our happy and cheerful days we spent during our childhoods under their guardianship . They also hear us singing the songs they had taught us. They bless our laugher all the time . They always love us. But , they cannot express their inner thoughts to us. It does not mean that they are lifeless, ignorant and thoughtless. They wait for us until winter ends . As soon as spring arrives , they again spread out their arms and appeal us not to cut off their arms .

Interpretation:
In this pro- environment poem , the poet is trying to be more concerned with the pressing problems of deforestation and environmental degradation. He repeats the idea of considering the earth and its plants as respectful and forgiving to us , the selfish humans who ceaselessly fell down trees for fulfilling their present needs. The poet is indirectly criticizing the human act of clearing the lands , thus , making the life of our children and grandchildren insecure . The trees need to be saved for our future in case the human species may become extinct .

Critical Thinking:
The poem “ Don ’ t Cut Down the Trees, Brother Woodcutter ” has contemporary message to all the generation. Keeping the environment balance is the upmost property for the benefit of human beings. Some of the ideas presented in this poem are not common to cover all sorts of ecological parts . For instance , those who live in hot place do they find frost on the top of the trees during winter?

Assimilation :
After reading this poem , once I felt to think of our dense forest found in Terai belt. There was “ Charkose Jhadi ” which was the great economic source of Nepal . Now we do not find it. if the then government was alerted like the poet Sama even nowadays we could find that dense forest . Thus , I appeal citizens and the government to conserve the forest whatever is left for our future generation .

Summary of Surely You Are Joking, Mr. feynman (Feynman and Leighton )

Unit-3 Education

Flax-Golden Tales

Surely You Are Joking, Mr. Feynman
Four Levels of Interactions

For : BA / BBS First Year

Richard P . Feynaman, USA ( 1918 – 1988)

Literal Comprehension
After passing his under- graduation from MIT taking Physics, the narrator Mr. Feynman was suggested to go to other colleges by Professor Slater to understand the rest of the world but he was quite unfamiliar in system of Princeton College. Then Feynman went to Princeton College where everything was fully formal. On the first day, Eisenhart gave new student tea party . Feynman was not mannered and formal person who answered to have both lemon and cream teas . She told Feynman was joking about it by saying ‘’Surely You ’ re Joking Mr . Feynman ’’ because it was taken as a social error .

After that he went to Cyclotron where everything was left open to do. He started to take part in philosophical discussion and sometimes in biological groups as well as physics classes . He spent lots of time in biological work . He also did research on a phase and discovered the double mutation process. His that discovery made him popular among the biology students . Later he was invited to Harvard University to give a lecture for biology. Despite of his hard work and discovery of new thing in biology, he could not be satisfied . Though he knew and did a lot about the biology and other subjects , but his actual interest was in physics . So he expected he would go back to physics sooner .

Interpretation

This essay tells us that there should be thirst of knowledge and progress in one’s mind to get their intended things . For it, one should also pay great labor to be successful in chosen field . This essay suggests how the education can be gained and what can be the best technique . Memorization and subject of inner interest are different and opposite things , the former is not the productive one . It also tells about the significance of interdisciplinary subject study . It portrays that education is the only key to learn about manner, culture , and knowledge in any multiple subjects .

Critical thinking

It is sure that for the readers this essay is quite difficult to understand by the students beyond science faculty , it is because it contains the jargons that are used in scientific text . The crux if the essay is easier, but the presentation and language is, so one must be multidisciplinary to understand it because there is description about biology, physics , philosophy and as well as about other subjects . The passion of the writer for study and progress even in lack of tools and resources gives the good lesson to us . The writer became multidisciplinary in the lack of tools and resources . Is it possible to be multi - talented for all people in the lack of tools and resources ? If it is difficult for the students of other faculty who are not from science background, why is this essay kept here in the management faculty ?

Assimilation

Thought the presentation and content of this essay is difficult to understand , it taught me a lesson that one should be dynamic and should have continuous effort to achieve your desired goal though you may lack the physical resources or somebody flatters you .
According to different situations and societies, Prof . Slater ’s suggestions to go in another college to meet the rest of the world is to try to understand multiple subjects and sectors of the life . I used to be bounded in studying of my subjects only but after reading this I came to know that nothing can be done with limited boundary of knowledge and people should be versatile/ multidisciplinary in terms our knowledge.

Summary of A 1996 Commencement Speech (Rushdie )

Unit-3 Education
Flax-Golden Tales

A 1996-Commencement Speech
– Four Levels of Interactions

Salman Rushdie , India ( 1947)

For : BA / BBS First Year (Business English )

Literal Comprehension :
In ‘ A 1996 Commencement Speech’ Salman Rushdie talks about human rights . He also suggests not to bow against falsehood and conspiracy. When Jean Kirkpatrick was chosen as a speaker, the American students boycotted his speech and staged a sit in . while giving the speech , Rushdie remembers the day when he graduated from Cambridge University in 1968. He was denied the degree accusing him of hurling dirty gravy of a bucket on the wall . So, Rushdie had to bow his head to the feet of VC to beg for the degree which was rightfully his . Now when he remembers his past , he can’t forgive himself for his passivity supplication and compromise with injustice . Rushdie also learned that injustice is the business of being forced to beg for what is rightfully yours. Rushdie also suggests his students not to accept injustice and not to surrender in front of inhumanity and falsehood for your rights . He also admires Bard College for offering him refugee on the basic of intellectual solidarity and human injustice . He suggests defying even gods if they limit your thoughts , rights , freedom and lives . According to him , a person should be guided by his / her best natures.

Interpretation:
The writer may be trying to focus on the importance of justice , rights , freedom and personal thoughts . In his speech , Rushdie suggests the students also not to accept injustice and not to surrender in front of inhumanity and stand up for our rights . He suggests defying even gods if they are injustice and if they limit our thoughts , rights , freedom and lives . He also views that a person should always keep up his good thoughts and best natures for self respect .

Critical thinking:
Although his essay is interesting, suggestive , instructive and satirical, some ideas of the writer are doubtful. How can we defy gods in practice ? Is it good to be sarcastic of the university from where we get graduation degree?

Assimilation :
I am very much affected from this speech of Rushdie . It reminded me my own past . I have also bowed down my head to the feet of injustice many times in the past to get what was rightfully mine. But this speech made me feel regret for what I have done. Is also inspired me not to accept any kind of domination , injustice and inhumanity.

Summary of The Parrot In The Cage

Unit:5 Actions and Consequences
| Flax Golden Tales

The Parrot In The Cage
– Four Levels of Interactions

For : BA / BBS First Year

Lekhanath Paudyal ( 1885 – 1966)

Translated by Laxmi Prasad Devkota

Literal Comprehension:
Lekhanath Poudel composed the poem “ The Parrot in the Cage” . The theme of the poem is about freedom, justice , happiness and serenity . The poem is a bitter satire on the then Rana regime that deprived Nepalese people freedom. The speaker has carefully painted the conditions that surround the parrot ’s life . The speaker is disappointed by the harsh reality of man ’s life . Away from its family, home , kin , friends, and the natural freedom man has forced the parrot to live a tragic life . Similar is the condition of the human life in Nepal of that period. Being a worshipper of nature , Poudel expresses his deep affinity to the natural world that provides him childhood appetite, which he wants in his later life . Having compelled to live away from his family , home and friends, Poudel pains for it and expresses nostalgia towards it. Finally, through the medium of parrot, voices of political, social, religious, spiritual and habitual life style and situation of human beings are exhumed in the poem . The poem clearly advocates the human instinct to live a free and struggled life away from the crowd.

Interpretation:
In this poem “ The Parrot in the Cage ” , the poet is trying to advocates the freedom of people in the Rana regime . The Nepalese people had been ruled by the Ranas for one hundred and four years . During this period, people were deprived of enjoying all kinds of freedom. The speaker in the poem is disappointed by the harsh reality of man ’s life . Besides, man has been found to live away from his family , home , kin, friends , and the spiritual freedom that surround him in the rural life . Thus , man has been forced to live a caged life like the parrot. Man ’s indifference to animal ’s plight and the mentality of getting entertainment from imprisoning lower animals has been criticized in the poem . Living away from the nature man has invited more tragedy and sorrow in his life .

Critical thinking:
The speaker has carefully painted the conditions that surround the parrot’ s life . Through the plight of the parrot, the speaker compares the sorrowful description of human life , lack of justice and freedom, the aggression and the cruelty prevalent in the society . Being a worshipper of nature , Poudel expresses his deep affinity to the natural world that provides him childhood appetite, which he wants in his later life . Having compelled to live away from his family , home and friends, Poudel pains for it and expresses nostalgia towards it. More than that , Hindu tradition to pray and appeal God at the time of difficulty is spread all over the poem . In the philosophical level , the poem may be faultless, but I have reservation towards the voices of the parrot . In real life , does a parrot speak like human to express his sorrows ?

Assimilation :
After reading this poem , I have realized that how cruel the Rana regime was . I always stand for the freedom of the human beings . As Jean jacks Rousseau said , “ Man is born free and wants to live free ” . Thus , I request all the human beings not to capture any animal as well as not any citizens at the name of ruling system or any pleasure

Summary of A Sound of Thunder ( Bradbury )

Unit-4

Flax-Golden Tales

A Sound of Thunder
– Four Levels of Interactions

For : BA / BBS First Year

Ray Bradbury , USA ( 1920 – 2012)

Literal Comprehension:
The hunting Sufari started with hunter Eckles , a rich businessman, Travis, guide and other two persons . The Sufari was for hunting a huge dinosaur Tyrannosaurus Rex. They were in a Time Machine that would give them the information of prehistoric past , present and future . The Time Safari INC had managed that hunting with its rules and system . When they were in Time Machines Travis told others about the ecosystem. He told if rat is killed eventually it would destroy fox , lion to civilization. Eventually , they saw the Tyrannosaurus ray that frightened Eckels much . He became too much nervous . It was very huge, ten tons heavy . Eckels was discouraged, not able to kill it. When the animal breathed there was a thunder . When the guide allowed eckels to kill but went out of the track . Travis and next guide guide killed the animal that made a sight like the fall of mountain . Travis warned Eckels not obeying rules and his order. When coming to the present state from the past in time machine Eckels found great change took place . When they returned to time safari office , nothing was changed except alphabets in the signboards of the office . Instead of Keithm , Deutscher was the president of America . Eckels found a dead butterfly on the bottom of his boot that made such change in course of time . Eckels requested the guide, travels to bring him back to past so he would repair the damage of butterfly . Travis said that was impossible . At the end there was shot of Travis but who was shot with the sound of thunder was not clear. The story ends “ there was a sound of thunder. ”

Interpretation:
This story “ A Sound of Thunder” is an example of science fiction . This story might be trying to focus on the destruction of ecosystem and environmental mechanism due to carelessness of human actions. The use of time machine and its misuse points out the man ’ s inability to handle the advanced technology . People are with various technologies yet they are not able to make proper handling of them . Next interpretation of the story might be a critique to modern society and the nature of human beings . In the name of humanity rich people are ready to extinct rare species (animal ) . And to earn money people are ready to destroy ecosystem and animal ’s world. We can also interpret to “ A Sound of Thunder” as blast and destruction of environmental system . Again , the “ butterfly effect ” may be another interdependent meaning of the story . This means a destruction of a butterfly may create earth shaking effect long with the ecosystem and balance . Chaos Theory has interpreted this way . In ecosystem the extinct of a mouse may starve a fox that makes to starve vulture and insects that will bring problem to care men and human race and a civilization ultimately. This essence of environmental closeness is presented in the story.

Critical thinking:
This story gives a message about human existence , ecology and animal world. Human selfishness and carelessness have become main causes of destruction of nature all people are fully money - minded and ready to -do anything for money and ready to destroy any species for the fun with the money . Still , we can be disagreed with some points . Is it possible disagreed to travel into past and future being in present? If it is possible to see about future , wouldn ’ t it be very fruitful to take preventions of so many problems to arrive ? But , the destruction of eco -system , butterfly - effects and human carelessness are very much remarkable points mentioned here.

Assimilation :
As I was reading this story , I felt as if I was watching a thrilling film. I also became very much puzzled how the people in safari could go in past and future . What time machine really was . As the quality of science fiction I got some beneficial points . I knew that our little mistake in the destruction of any creative like a butterfly may lead to have violent destruction eventually . It touched me a lot looking people who shot rare animals for fun and Safari Company was ready to do what rich people wanted to have because they could earn the money . The money - minded and stonehearted modern people made me feel very sad .

Summary of No Smoke From The Chimneys

Unit-4
Flax-Golden Tales

No Smoke From The Chimneys
– Four Levels of Interactions

For : BA / BBS First Year

Siddhicharan Shrestha ( 1912 – 1992)

(Translated by Michael Hutt )

Literal Comprehension :
The poem “ No Smoke from the Chimneys ” is written by famous Nepali poet Siddhicharan Shrestha (1912 – 1992) and translated by Michael Hutt into English . In this poem the poet has expressed a freedom fighter as the speaker. The speaker tells that he is busy wiping up blood from a broken head so that Death not to call him . The people who are engaging in the protest against the monopolized political entity are seriously injured, but they are not afraid . The people are not caring to food for freedom and justice ; they have no time for cooking . Therefore, nothing including the Lady’s (Death ’s ) calling can stop the speaker’s advancing feet or distract him from taking part in the protest.

Interpretation:
The speaker of this poem may be trying to express that freedom is more important than food or fear of death. Therefore, people do not get diverted or stop when they once have come out of their house to the streets . This poem is all about politics which describes a time when the Nepalese people were fighting for democracy against the Rana regime .

Critical Thinking:
While appreciating the speaker’s idea in poem , I did not like the name ‘Lady ’ used for death. In our society , the word ‘ leady’ means nice and sincere women who deserve respect and value . But the speaker of the poem has shown Death as a beautiful lady. This isn’ t quite matching. The title of the poem has unable to reflect the real mood of the speaker.

Assimilation :
Now I know how the Nepalese people fought against the autocratic rule for the freedom . The death could not discourage them from establishing democracy in the country . Otherwise , my generation would not have been enjoying the freedom.

Summary of The Wretched Stone ( Van Allsburg )

Unit-5 Television

Flax-Golden Tales

The Wretched Stone
– Four Levels of Interactions

For : BA / BBS First year (Business English )

Chris Van Allsburg , USA ( 1949-)

Literal comprehension :
After completing all its preparation a big cargo ship Rita Anne started her Voyage with fine environment. Every present crew were enjoying by reading books storytelling , etc. After four weeks they reached to an island which was very strange because there were no fruits in the plants, there was no sign of human life . There was bad smelling air and bitter water falling from fountains . They found a strange stone with shining one side that was giving light from there. They kept the stone in the ship and started their further journey. When crews were free they used to watch it. All sailors forgot their jobs and duties and rarely spoke each other . They always sat in front of the stone . They started to walk like animal , didn ’t understand the language spoken by the captain. The captain made a secret plan to throw the stone in to the see . Soon a storm occurred where captain alone was controlling the ship. Other crews were busy in watching TV ( Stone ) . Later the captain change them by playing music, reading books and telling stories . The ones who could read changed faster then who couldn’ t later all were rescued by another ship.

Interpretation:
This metaphorical story might be telling many things . Here the stone , ape stands for modern non- creative people. According to the writer being crazy to TV . People are careless to their responsibilities and duties . Watching TV is non- productive and uncreative work . There can be other ways to get entertainment like reading, singing story telling etc . We must be dutiful and punctual to get success in our life . Again the story might also try to tell us that we give less focus to our other important works while watching TV . TV itself is the cause of change in our good manners and attitudes . The title “ The Wretched Stone ” indicates the stone that gives lot of tensions and problems. This means people get more problems than benefits in watching TV . As we are away from the TV , we can be more creative , mannered and real human beings .

Critical Thinking :
After reading this story I became so much disagree with the ideas given as the negative aspects of TV in total . Modern science and technological inventions have made our life facilitated and comfortable. Among them TV is one most useful tool . As it is given in this story TV is the not really so useless. We can know about the world, new inventions , knowledge skills and so much ideas using TV . We can world in front of TV set. How can any person become ape watching TV ? Can we really become careless and duty-free watching TV ? Can we reject the number of information and knowledge we get from TV ? No doubt TV itself is not bad if we use it selectively and appropriately . There are many more advantages along with few disadvantages of using TV .

Assimilation :
The story influenced me a lot. When we see the misusages of TV in our daily life , we can see similar situation . School children become crazy to non -creative programs. They should be interested about study . Most of housewives normally watch TV and kill their important time without any creative work . No doubt , if we can’ t use TV properly, we can be meaningless and non- creative like the apes. The metaphorical presentation of TV as a stone made me to be careful in watching TV to find whether it has destroyed me or given creativity .

Summary of TV Can be a Good Parent (Gore )

UNIT 5 Television

Flax-Golden Tales

TV Can Be A Good Parent
– Four Levels of Interactions

For : BA / BBS First Year (Business English )

Ariel Gore , USA ( 1970)

Literal Comprehension

This essay “ TV can be good Parent ” is written by an American mother Arial Gore . In this essay, she has described about the condition when TV becomes parent of co -parents for kids by making reaction to the guidelines given by the American Academy of Pediatrics . The American Academy of Pediatrics ( AAP) gives new guidelines for parents telling that letting kids under the age of 2 to watch TV is harmful . Instead of worrying about more important issues such as welfare and poverty ; AAP is worried about children watching TV . The writer Gore defends this idea telling that TV set can be a good parent to single parent family where the parent had to go to job leaving their children at home . In single parent family when there is no to take care of children , TV set can be parent for them . To defend this idea she talks about her own personal life .

In 1970’s , when Gore was child, there was not TV set in her home . Her mother called TV set a “ Boob Tube ” . Her mother did not have to pay so much rent for room and had friends that all took care of children by helping eachother. However , those days were in 1970 and this is 1980. She herself now has become mother and has to go office leaving her daughter with TV set. That has become an injustice according to AAP because the research shows that the young children need more interaction with their parents and care givers. Due to this, the kids should have lost of direct interaction with their parents and care givers but it does not mean that she /he never talks to anyone, Gore says that she would understand if AAP if AAP discouraged children from watching much TV all the day and all night , according to her watching a little TV during a day to give their parent a break is not going to kill or make them dumb . She insists that they should be more worried about having shows like “ Jerry Springer” while young child is in room with them .
She says that direct interaction with the people is far better than anything . But she is forced to leave her daughter in front of TV program to go for jobs. Some programs like “ BLUES CLUES ” make children interactive not passive ones . So there must be programs for the betterment of kids. A survey shows that parents having direct interaction and spending more time with children is better than anything to them . But TV set can be like a good parent or co -parent in special condition when the parent can’t give time to children . Better care of the children can be given with a direct care , interaction etc but all single parent can’t give much time due to their poor economic condition. Gore also does not feel that TV set is the greatest thing in the world for little kids for anyone. She says that much more educational programs is needed for kids to end culture of war and violence . Along with it she argues that if the government provides the salaries to all housewives, they can spend maximum time with their kids and they can give more time to care and interact etc. Until such management is provided, TV by compulsion becomes parent or co - parent of children .

Interpretation

This essay is based on usefulness of TV , especially to poor single mothers. Many mothers are compelled to work outside for sustaining their life and the life of the family, in such condition , there’s nobody to take care of the children and it becomes inevitable for mothers to make their children watch television. Thought the mothers love their children , to feed and to run their house they had to work . In the essay it is expressed that money is playing the crucial role during this moment and it’s not like the time of ancient where each was helping eachother to care their children , hence, the TV is being one of the best solutions for making the children busy and parent work for feeding the children and run the life . In the essay the writer expresses that poor mothers can get only few days as off day in a week and on that day they have lots of work to do and if the children engage themselves watching television, she can accomplish her work very easily. The lower class ( poor) mothers see the importance of the television. Similarly they accept that nude and violent and abusive programs only makes the children not the good programs. Many TV programs like Nick Jr , Sesame Street can develop the cognitive power of the children too.

Critical Thinking

The way , the writer has presented the essay attaching her real life that how the TV can be the best parents for the poor parents is most appreciable . Along with her clarification, I do not think that TV can really do the job of the mother . Mother has the greatest meaning as a living being which the non- living thing TV can’t do. So, can the TV occupy the position of mother? Does the TV cares the children as mothers do? Can the children learn to write looking television programs? Does caring the children only mean passing their time own - self ? Why the writer is not expressing her view about the care of the children during their sickness?

Assimilation

After reading this essay of Gore , I come to realize that being mother and feeding their children is very much difficult task and how the mothers are managing their time with the help of different thing like TV . This essay made me to remember my past days when there was not TV set in my home but my family was joint family and I could be cared by other family members too. At this moment I have a little daughter and for the sake of managing time I m compelled to make my children watch the television so I can manage the time for reading , cooking , feeding etc. this essay really touched me .

Summary of Marriage is a Private Affair (Achebe )

Unit 6 : Crosscultural Bridges
Flax-Golden Tales

Marriage is a Private Affair
– Four Levels of Interactions

For : BA / BBS First year (Business English )

Chinua Achebe , Nigeria ( 1930 – 2013)

Literal Comprehension:

This suggestive story “ Marriage is a Private Affair ” is written by famous Nigerian writer Chinua Achebe . In this story , he has described about one marriage relation show marriage as a private affair . The subject matter of this story is love and marriage between Nnaemeka and Nene where Nnaemeka is from Ibo tribe and Nene is from other tribe . He did engagement and started to live with at Lagos city. When they were engaged Nene was asking to send the message about their engagement to his father Okeke but Nnaemeka did not do that because he was familiar with his father ’s nature and his culture . According to his culture, the son of Ibo tribe has to marry the girl of their own tribe arranged by father . If the arrangement is done by the father it will be acceptable from all the members of that community . If the arrangement is done by sons themselves with the girl of different tribe , it would make father very angry and creates the tension in family . So, he planned to tell his father when he went home on leave . But he did not tell to Nene that his father had already chosen a girl Ugoye of his own tribe .
Nnaemeka went home on leave and told his father that he could not marry Ugoye because he was engaged to marry with Nene who is a good Christian and teacher in Lagos City whom he loves . After hearing this Okeke became very angry because according him and his rituals Christian woman should not speak / teach. Then Okeke asked her name and when he knew that she was the girl of other tribe but not of Ibo tribe , he became silent which silent was more dangerous than his angry speech . Okeke tried to persuade his son Nnaemeka not to marry with Nene . But when Okeke was sure that his son would not obey him , he did not speak with his son after ordering to go away from home and gave up as a last . When Nnaemeka went to Lagos, the neighbors came to Okeke to give sympathy about his son’ s behavior . Different old people and gentlemen encouraged Okeke to go against his behavior and suggested to check his son with witch doctor by saying his mind is not right. But Okeke denied that idea.

After six months Nnaemeka showed his father ’s letter to Nene . Nnaemeka had sent their weeding picture to his father . His father had returned to them by damaging the picture of Nene . Nene sobbed when she found her picture damaged . He consoled her by saying that his father is a good natured man and that one day all would be right. Nene and Nnaemeka were living happier and more comfortable life in Lagos. Everybody except Nnaemeka ’s father Okeke in Ibo tribe knew about that because Okeke never liked to talk about his son and never let other to talk about his son. With a great effort , he was able to forget his son because almost 8 years went by not having any contact between Okeke and his son Nnaemeka . Nene had given birth to two sons within that time. Nene wrote a serious letter to Okeke telling that his two grandsons were enthusiastic / inspiring to see their grandfather. She had requested him in letter to allow them to see him and also told that she would not come to village where Nnaemeka would come with grandsons . When Okeke read the letter of Nene, the idea of grandson melted him and he soon realized his mistake not giving invite to his son and daughter- in law for eight years in to their home . He regretted for his behavior . The sky was clouded and started to rain. He could not sleep that night . He saw vision that two grandsons were waiting outside in the rain asking to come in . tears came in his eyes . Mentally Okeke wanted to invite Nene’ s family . So he had vague fear that he might die before giving them their proper right.

Interpretation

This story “ Marriage is a Private Affair ” might be trying to tell us that married life becomes happier and joyful if it is done privately and in accordance with personal choice . Along with it, the writer wants to say that if the society is superstitious and narrow minded , it brings us tension and problems. It is not necessary to get married within own culture like Ibo in this story to live happy married life . As Okeke did not accept his son ’s private marriage with Nene , he got 8 years tension, misunderstanding , conflicts and sadness which are the result of narrow mindedness and superstitious belief / traditional belief . Here the writer wants to suggest that we should be careful , qualified and independent then personal choice of marriage can be the best example of marriage to live happily .

Critical Thinking

Thought the writer’ s focus is to show private affair of marriage as the best example of marriage to live with joy and happiness , he has not described anything about the arrange marriage which has its own value too. So, some of the points which are described in this story makes me disagree. Here the private marriage life of Nene and Nnaemeka is shown as one of the happier and joyful life . Why did Nene write letter to Okeke, father - in - Law , saying that their two sons want to meet him ? Can ’ t we say that they were not happy ? Can a private marriage always create happiness ? Presently , we can see that private affair of marriage is bringing lots of problem in the world rather than arranged marriage . More events of divorce are occurring in private marriage cases . In such condition , how can we regard private marriage as the best example ? When Okeke could not convince his son Nnaemeka not to marry with Nene , he completely rejected his son. How can a father reject a son due to his misunderstanding of marriage ?

Assimilation

After reading this story, I came to know that superstitious and back - warded societies are not only in Nepal , these people are everywhere else. This story made me to remember the incident when I wanted to have inter - cast marriage with my present wife . She belongs to Newar family and me from Brahman family. We were in private affair at that time but our both family came to know our relation . As they were superstitious, both families denied our relation saying that we have different culture but we didn’ t give up and decided that convincing both family, we would get marry and enjoy the happy life . Finally , we both became independent and decided to get marry which was also accepted by both families. Now , everybody is happy seeing us that we are enjoying our private marriage life .

Summary of Then and Now : Finding My Voice ( Kim )

Unit 6 : Crosscultural Bridges
Flax-Golden Tales

Then And Now: Finding My Voice
Four Levels of Interactions

For : BA / BBS First year (Business English )

Elaine H . Kim , Korea (1961)

Literal Comprehension :
Elaine H . Kin a Korean writer used to believe in fortune-telling. Once as a fortune- teller said that during her teenage, her life ’ s visions and ideas were developed, she thought it was not right because it was the most difficult and irritation period in her life . This was also the period of Korean War . Many Korean refugees took shelter in her home in America. It was the period of violence and discrimination in America . African Americans were discriminated and arrested . Asian Americans were also discriminated because they could not live in the hotel and public places . Kim was treated as foreigner though she was born in America . She worked hard to become popular. But after being selected as cheerleader she remained with the popular girls . She got inter -cultural influence for her eyes and hairs etc. She studied the history of racism, discrimination between the Whites and Blacks and the Korean War. Therefore , she decided to fight against racism and discrimination . She wrote many articles and edited many books written on the behalf of women and their voice.

Interpretation:
As a cross - cultural article of studying different types of people and their culture , this essay also has emphasized on cultural impacts and differences. To believe a fortuneteller for a young and immature is not so easy but when we become mature and face many ups and downs in life then we say that it was true . This essay tries to tell us about experience living as a foreigner. It also says that one must be aware of one’ s own culture. It is difficult to live as a marginalized group . The writer during her teenage wanted to change her identity . She wished that she had been a white Americans . She did not like her eyes and hair. But now she loves her culture and identity . This essay shows the problem of culturally different people , she likes to raise voice against discrimination among people on the basis of religion, status, caste , sex etc .

Critical Thinking :
This world is a complex of many different cultures, religions, castes and tribes of people . There are discrimination , problems, war , chaos, injustices, struggle between people of different caste , religions , sex, ethnicity etc . This essay has presented on of such condition of the minorities Asians in the U . S . A . This essay has raised some question like – Why are the blacks discriminated in the USA ? Why do the white Americans behave rudely ? Moreover, we can ask that is it possible to adopt other ’ s culture? Is it wise to hate and dominate people from other cultures ? So in this essay Kim has analyzed how gender, race and economic class make an impact on personal life .

Assimilation :
This essay memorized me a lot of superstitious people and fortune tellers in Nepal . In Nepal fortunetelling has become a way of earning money from illiterate and general people. They still believe on such superstitions and spend money on them . Not only in our society there are many such societies that believe on such practices. There are many problems and issues in society everywhere . There are discrimination even in the U . S . A . among different races , sexes , tribes , color , and status of people . This essay also encouraged me to stand for equality among different races . As Kim has tried to raise voice against such problems and discrimination . I also got inspired for raising voice against these.

Summary of Arranging a Marriage in India (Nanda )

Unit 7 : Cultural Anthropology
Flax-Golden Tales

Arranging a Marriage In India
-Four Levels of Interactions

Serena Nanda

For : BA / BBS First Year (Business English )

Literal Comprehension :
In this essay , Serena Nanda discusses the marriage process practiced in India . In India arranged marriages are practiced than other types of marriages . Family members , especially parents are much concerned with the individuals being married . Parents choose a partner of their son or daughter . They have to go through a long process in finding the suitable marriage partner for their son and daughter. They consider the person’s personality , color, character, education, social class , and many more things ; they try to find out a suitable person from the same culture also . Personal choice is also a part of if arranging a marriage . The bride and groom can meet shortly before marriage . There is also match making process in India to find out match able person. The writer visits many times India and she has made many friends there. She did study as a project work there and tried to find a good match for her friend ’ s son . She enjoyed attending a marriage ceremony and being a matchmaker too. As she used to think marriage like in American and European countries, she found very difficult in India.

Interpretation:

This essay is concerned about culture variation between American and Indian societies. In this essay the writer presents an account of the processes of the arranged marriage in India. An arranged marriage is not practiced in western American society . According to the Americans marriage becomes successful with love not with love not with other matters . This essay shows the culture and the importance of arranged marriage of India. In India, parents choose partner of their child. They are not free to choose their own marriage partner themselves . Although it is odd and strange for Americans , it is cultural and social norms and value of Indian people .

Critical Thinking:
This essay is a detail of the process of finding a suitable girl for a boy to marriage . It is written by an American woman from the point of view of western eye about eastern culture. It is written about eastern society from the point of view of western people . Arranged marriage for westerns looks different from their point of view but it is very common in eastern societies. Marriage is a social practice so people may feel different about any social phenomena that come from different society. Any new matchmaker cannot do his her job , who is from different society. We depend on our relatives who know everything about families. In India parents are much involved in the marriage but they never allow their children to take a divorce . They are not free for love marriage like in western societies.

Assimilation :
Cultural study of different societies is very interesting for me also . It gives great pleasure to the students or researchers. As I also like such marriage are arranged differently according to different castes , religions and cultures are arranged differently according to different castes , religions and cultural groups. I also knew this that most eastern or Indian and Nepali people like arranged marriage and western like love marriage . I also believe in arranged marriage because I have seen many failure love marriages and successful arrange marriages too. In the essay, the feeling of Sita is quite reasonable and convincing. In India and in Nepal , the parents look for the appropriate man or woman for their son and daughter. This is durable and practical also though it is difficult to find a match .

Summary of Life is Sweet at Kumansenu ( Nicol )

Unit 7 : Cultural Anthropology
Flax-Golden Tales

Life Is Sweet At Kumansenu
-Four Levels of Interactions

Abioseh Nicol , Sierra Leone ( 1924 – 1994)

For : BA / BBS First Year ( Business English )

Literal Comprehension :
This story is set in a small African village , Kumansenu . In a small mud house a widow Bola used to live with her seven years granddaughter Asi . Her son Megi was in government job as a clerk . Bola gave birth of six children but all of them were died . Musa, a village magician suggested bola to break bone of dead child in the grave so upcoming born child wouldn ’t mock her . There was belief that the dead child’s spirit creeps from grave and scares mother sitting in her womb . When Bola was preparing food Asi was skipping outside . Suddenly Bola saw her son inside the house and became so much excited . She wanted to give party in happiness of son ’s arrival . But Meji made promise to Bola not to tell about his arrival to anyone. His neck was tied with red handkerchief and Meji had hoarse voice. He said he was tired much so wanted to take rest . He slept whole day to next Saturday morning . Bola doubted in Meji ’s condition still he pretended to satisfy her . When Bola went to market Meji took his daughter for a long walk up to hill secretly. Asi asked many questions to father he cunningly answered them. At Bola ’s request all of them went to Meji’s father grave and offered water and wine as culturally did. After the offer to graveyard they came back home secretly . Meji didn ’ t eat any food rather threw outside . Bola asked Meji about bad smell of dead body in the room that Meji convinced her telling that it might be dead rat. At night there was heavy rain. In locked door Bola saw Meji out but not wet in the rain. Thanking his mother Bola a lot for giving birth and support , Meji departed telling “ Life is sweet . ” Mr. Addai told Bola brought Lord gave birth him and he took back . Meji’s wife brought news that Meji was killed on Friday noon and buried on Saturday at sundown. Bola couldn ’t believe her eyes . As Meji taught Asi how to open gold locket. Asi could unlock it. They all became surprised about his arrival there. Magician , Musa said Bola that she should have broken his bones 30 years ago so that he wouldn ’t have come and scared her . Despite of him Bola felt very happy getting chance of giving birth of such son and gave him chance to born again .

Interpretation:
This story “ Life is sweet at Kumansenu” might be trying to give the power of love in African culture. In that culture there was belief that the dead child would creep to come back to mother ’s womb to trouble the parents. As Meji died at the age of 30 and his spirit visited her . The spirit had come to thank for giving birth and a chance to live a short and sweet life . It might be trying to give the superstitious cultural tradition of African country . Bola loved her child so much that eventually she didn’ t feel sad rather a pride of giving birth of Meji like son .

Critical Thinking :
Form the cultural and spiritual aspects the story is heart melting . It figures out about life -affirming character of African people . Beside cultural exercise there are many more disagreeable points . How can a person present as a spirit after death? Can ’ t we identify the person who is already dead ? Do present world people have such faith about spirit? If Meji’s spirit was present how could he visit and take child up to hill? The spiritual aspect given in the story is unacceptable in this scientific age .

Assimilation :
I have a lot from the people about their contact with ghosts , spirit etc . We have read such supernatural concept in many texts . This story reminded me my villagers who believe that after death spirit, comes to house and scares the people much like Nepali superstitious people the people of Africa believe on spirit, rebirth and such thing . The story “ Life is Sweet at Kumansenu” can be interpreted about the power of love and the gratitude of children toward their parents . Explain . The story “ Life is Sweet at Kumansenu ” shows the power of love and love of children to their parents. Mother Bola loved her son, Meji very much who was ready to give party on Meji’s arrival to the village . For the love and care of old mother Meji had also left his seven years lovely daughter, Asi with Bola . He had sacrificed his love to Asi and hopen to give children love to Bola . There is strong bond of love from son to mother and vice-versa . Meji, as a spirit had come not to scare Bola as their culture interpretation . He had come to thank her for giving short still sweet life for him. He was presented there not physically rather spiritually . if spiritual love is there, even the spirit can love and care of loved one. Form another angle we can easily say that this story has captured the gratitude of children to their parents. When Bola and Meji met they showed a strong spiritual bond of love between them . Even though Bola lost her single son still she was proud of her such ideal son. After the married life and having seven years daughter Meji hadn ’t left any percent to love and respect for his ideal mother. He didn ’t like to trouble his mother saying he was dead rather thanked a lot for giving birth of his noble life . Thus , in conclusion we can say that this African -Culture base story is really about the power of love and the gratitude of children to their parents .

Summary of The Lunatic (Devkota )

Unit-8 The Human Condition
Flax-Golden Tales

The Lunatic
– Four Levels of Interactions

Laxmi Prasad Devkota, Nepal (1909 – 1959)

For : BA / BBS First Year

Literal Comprehension:
This poem “ The Lunatic” by Laxmi Prasad Devkota is his own translation of Nepali Poem “ Pagal” . The person or speaker of the poem is mad who tells about his uncommon activities just opposite from normal sane people. He sees the sound , hears the sight and tastes the smell. He can see Helen in a rose. He works with sixth sense. He speaks such language that world does not accept . There is one in subtracting one from one in his maths. There is heart that melts and makes world of vapor. His dream world is full of thorns not roses . People call him a mad while sitting in wintry sun , listening cuckoo’ s song and weeping over people’ s death . He calls prostitutes are dead bodies and ruler and leaders are real fools. The great king is beggar for him . Other ’s heaven is his hell and others ’ god is his worse . When he sees a number if injustices done upon powerless , innocent people by powerful , he is much violent and turns to be like volcano . He/ takes himself really mad because he can’t hear thousands of such injustices and inequalities exist in this society and the world ruled by fools.

Interpretation:
“ The Lunatic ” is an autobiographical poem by a famous Literary star Nepali Literature late Laxmi Prasad Devkota. Looking to the then society full of injustices he has pivoted through ideas and feeling in this poem . The speaker has made a world of contrasts where oppositions are the desirable aspects by which the poet wants to have a systematic and humane world. He has used a mask of mad person but actually the so - called sane persons are mad and foolish . By using his characters like confidence , imagination , abnormality , aggression , rebellion he wants to break down all the vales of social injustices and dominations. In violent and challenging tone the poet wants to demolish all social, personal and any types of dominations . The skillful presentation of sane and insane characters, activities and state the poet might be trying to challenge to so - called civilized, high class and rulers who enjoy in controlling others and looting the innocents. The poem is the best example of political protest poem .

Critical Thinking :

It is natural for us not to accept any type of injustice , domination and inhuman behaviors. But the poet ’s senses of testing , smelling, hearing , sight and seeing the sound are really mad like . Again , The poet has used mask to criticize the ample of social personal injustices done in any name. How can a person visualize sound , hear the sight and taste the smell ? Can one work with sixth sense? Though we can be disagree in some aspects of him , still we can’ t deny what is his intention in the poem . The poem ’ s thirst is to be rebellious against any injustice is ever praiseworthy and ever convincing one. This depth idea is hidden under the surface abnormality of Lunatic in this poem .

Assimilation :
After reading this persuasive poem I got the insight c f why people become rebellious . What is the world and what is truth and how the innocent and honest people are made Scapegoat by so -called civilized and powerful people . The poem made me to remember the poem of famous poet Emily Dickenson “ Much Madness is Divinest Sense” The speaker has been called insane and sent to prison because she doesn ’t accept what majority say. She is against injustice and domination so she doesn ’t say. She is against injustice and domination so she doesn ’ t like to say white to black . If one doesn ’ t do what group says then he/ she is called insane. Similarly , the speaker of this poem “ The Lunatic ” is taking side of truth and so -called sane are mad and he is really sane. The poem also taught me that we should not accept any injustice by any cost .

Summary of How Sane are We? ( Chaudhary )

Unit-8 The Human Condition
Flax-Golden Tales

How Sane Are We
– Four Levels of Interaction

Anuradha Chaudhary ,
Bangladesh(1947)

For : BA / BBS First year
Business English

Literal Comprehension:

This essay by Bangladeshi writer, Anuradha Chaudhary , focuses on the consciousness of environment and need of its conservation. As we are responsible for destroying nature its conservation is also our responsibility. We should not destroy anything in nature, they are not only for us; they are the gifts handed over to give or hand over our many generations. But there is vast destruction of nature in the world but less effort for saving and conserving nature . We think ecology and politics are closely linked although many people do not see any link between them . As elections are held to select our representatives, the representatives, whom we trust best , become ministers. So we easily think that they make only good decisions always for all but our representatives or ministers are wrong; they do just opposite ; they think only their benefit , chair, party and vote . Many people think that political leaders are trustworthy so , who trust them cannot believe that they are irresponsible towards nature.

Chloroflurocarbons(CFC ) are man - made chemicals . They cause 20% of the greenhouse effect . They cause to deplete the ozone layer which is like a shield around earth. This absorbs 99% of the sun ’s ultraviolet rays . If the rays reach the earth, they will affect ecosystem, decrease agricultural productivity , weaken human immune system, cause skin cancer and eye cataracts . In 1920 CFCs were first made to use in refrigerators, spray cans , computer chips, air - conditioners etc . In 1974, the world’s scientists disclosed the fact that there is link between CFCs and the ozone layer , but nations and CFCs producers turned deaf ears towards the warning . Only in 1985, it was believed that there is a link between CFCs and the ozone layer . Then the world’s nations signed a document to stop CFCs productivity by 2006.

The decision of phasing out CFCs globally is a rational decision but the writer does not think they are honest to the decision. They could stop the use of CFCs immediately and use cheaper and harmless chemicals to substitute CFCs . But their decisions lack implementation . By allowing people to use CFCs for some more times, we are causing destruction to ourselves . Here the writer relates the science fiction “ War with the Newts” by Karel Capek . Where the newts are exceptionally clever water animals which could give men pearls. Men gave them knives to keep themselves safe from sharks . Their number increased so largely that they even went to the country to live and endangered the existence of human beings. Like the newts we are destroying our own dwelling and worsening our environment and air .

Interpretation:

We human being is considered the supreme creature of all the other many creatures in the world; we think ourselves wise , witty , clever , intelligent , enthusiastic and responsible creature . But , we are so sane that we destroy our own home and ourselves not only other creatures. We think only inheritance of the natural things here and do whatever thing we like . The essay also implies that human cannot make rational decisions. Neither general people choose rational political leaders as their representatives nor do the elected representatives make right decisions in time. Moreover , they are not honest too. They are only worrying about the next election but not about the future of people and other creatures. They know that CFCs are depleting ozone layer but are not doing anything to stop the use of this harmful chemical. They make decisions but have no courage and take no initiation of implementation . Thus , we are spoiling environment by electing such leaders and they are spoiling the future of mankind .

Critical thinking:

This essay is mainly focused on environmental degradation and importance of its conservation. In this essay the writer criticizes the governments, politicians and factory owners who use harmful chemicals like chloroflurocarbons . She gives emphasis on its conservation because we are responsible for its destruction . She criticizes sharply to the leaders and the people who elect such leaders but she does not think the scientists should also be equally careful about the harmful effects of the chemical. Not only leaders and scientists all we are equally responsible for this problem and should be careful for its solution.

Assimilation :

Reading literary tests is very beneficial. Literature gives not only pleasure or entertainment but a vast knowledge about different fields. As I read this essay, I got a lot of information from this essay . I knew about the ozone layer and its usefulness . I also knew the bad sides of air conditioners and refrigerators . Before this I was careless of these things ; I would not feel anything while using AC and fridge, but now I feel I am guilty of polluted nature when I use these appliances . I have seen many people suffering from skin cancer , respiratory problems and other many diseases . This might have been caused by the ultra violet rays of the sun and the depleted ozone layer . Now I will try to convince all my relatives and families about these problems.