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Textual Questions and Answers a. Why does the sight of the old man frighten Pelayo?          Pelayo is frightened because the old man looks strange and unnatural — he is lying face down in the mud, groaning, and has enormous wings, which make him appear eerie and otherworldly. b. Why was the old man unable to get up?           The old man couldn't get up because his enormous wings were entangled in the mud, and he was extremely weak, making movement difficult. c. The couple consider the old man a ‘lonely castaway’. Why?           They think he might be a shipwrecked foreigner, as he speaks an incomprehensible dialect and has the appearance of someone who has suffered greatly, resembling a ragpicker or a stranded sailor. d. Why was the neighbour woman sure that the old man was an angel?           She believed he was an angel because of his wings, and claimed that he must have c...

Introduction "Obituary" is one of A. K. Ramanujan’s most well-known and frequently anthologized poems. As a modern Indian poet writing in English, Ramanujan blends personal memory, cultural identity, and irony to reflect on the complexity of familial relationships and postcolonial Indian life. This poem appears in his collection Relations and is a poignant yet ironic account of the speaker’s father’s death and its aftermath. The title itself sets the tone—a cold, detached term typically associated with formal newspaper notices, which contrasts sharply with the personal and emotional content of the poem. Summary The poem begins with a list of what the father left behind after his death: debts, daughters, a bedwetting grandson, and an old house. There is no mention of wealth or proud legacy. Instead, the inheritance is deeply ironic and burdensome. The speaker notes how his father’s obituary appeared in the newspaper, not as a tribute but as a formality—among column...

Introduction to the Poem and the Poet "Night of the Scorpion" is a renowned poem by Nissim Ezekiel, one of the foundational figures in Indian English poetry. Ezekiel was known for his modern outlook and realistic portrayal of Indian society, often capturing the clash between traditional beliefs and modern thinking. In this poem, he presents a vivid narrative inspired by a real incident from his childhood, blending personal memory with universal themes such as fear, faith, and maternal love. The poem is a reflection on how individuals and communities respond to suffering, and it shows Ezekiel’s ability to present ordinary events in a deeply meaningful way. Detailed Summary of the Poem The poem begins with a sudden incident on a rainy night when a scorpion, seeking refuge from the downpour, enters the poet’s house and stings his mother. The poet, who was a child at the time, recalls the dramatic events that followed. As soon as the scorpion disappears into the darkn...

Bayen by Mahasweta Devi – A Detailed Study Note Introduction "Bayen" is a powerful short story by Mahasweta Devi, one of India’s most influential literary voices, known for her commitment to social realism and the portrayal of marginalized communities. The story delves into the themes of superstition, patriarchy, and the oppression of women, particularly those labeled as witches in rural India. Through the character of Chandi, Mahasweta Devi exposes the deep-rooted prejudices and exploitation faced by women, blending folklore with social critique to present a compelling narrative of suffering and resilience. Plot Summary The story revolves around Chandi, a woman who works as a railway watchwoman, ensuring that no one gets hit by passing trains. She is a hardworking and responsible individual, but her life takes a tragic turn when she is accused of being a "Bayen"—a witch-like figure feared and ostracized by society. The accusation is based on superstitio...

Detailed Study Notes on "This is a Photograph of Me" by Margaret Atwood Introduction "This is a Photograph of Me" is a thought-provoking poem by Margaret Atwood, a renowned Canadian poet and novelist. The poem was published in her 1966 collection The Circle Game. It explores themes of identity, memory, perception, and the invisibility of marginalized voices. Atwood uses a unique narrative structure and evocative imagery to reveal deeper truths about existence and disappearance, ultimately making a powerful feminist and existential statement. Summary of the Poem At first glance, the poem appears to describe an old photograph. The speaker describes the setting in a calm and ordinary tone, mentioning the landscape details—the house, a small lake, and surrounding trees. However, as the poem progresses, an unsettling truth emerges: the speaker, the subject of the photograph, is not immediately visible. It is only upon closer examination that the speaker revea...

Detailed Study Notes on Sonnet 121 by William Shakespeare Introduction William Shakespeare’s Sonnet 121 presents a powerful critique of moral hypocrisy and societal judgment. The poem explores the idea that it is better to be genuinely flawed than to be unfairly accused of wrongdoing. Shakespeare challenges the perception of morality dictated by others and argues that true integrity lies in being oneself, regardless of public opinion. The sonnet is a strong assertion of self-identity and a rejection of the false moral superiority exhibited by society. Summary and Interpretation In Sonnet 121, the speaker begins by stating that it is preferable to be truly "vile" than to be wrongly accused of being so. He expresses frustration at the way people judge others not based on reality but on their own distorted perceptions. He questions why his actions should be condemned by those who themselves have corrupt minds. The speaker refuses to conform to these false moral stand...