Literature Complete Revision + Questions Answers

Short Stories : 

1. Neighbours 

Neighbors by Tim Winton

Summary

This story is about a young married couple who just moved to a new neighborhood. Most people who lived there were immigrants from other countries in Europe.

At first, the sounds and traditions of the neighbors seemed strange and unwelcoming to the couple. But over time, as they got to know the neighbors better, they started talking to them more and became friends.

The couple planted a vegetable garden. The neighbors gave them tips on how to grow vegetables. They built a chicken coop but it fell down. Their Polish neighbor next door helped fix it.

With each new season, they grew closer to the neighbors by sharing food and gifts.

The wife found out she was unexpectedly pregnant. Though it was not planned, they prepared for the baby to come. Near the end of the pregnancy, their neighbor finished building a garage. The wife then had the baby at home with the help of a midwife. After the successful delivery of a boy, the husband saw all the neighbors cheering and celebrating in their yards, showing support for the new family.

The overall story is about how the couple overcame their initial doubts and formed a community with their immigrant neighbors.

छिमेकीहरू

सारांश

यो कथा भर्खरै नयाँ छिमेकमा सरेका युवा विवाहित जोडीको बारेमा हो। त्यहाँ बस्ने अधिकांश मानिसहरू युरोपका अन्य देशका आप्रवासीहरू थिए।

सुरुमा, छिमेकीहरूको आवाज र परम्पराहरू अनौठो र दम्पतीलाई मन नपर्ने देखिन्थ्यो। तर समय बित्दै जाँदा छिमेकीहरूलाई राम्ररी चिन्दै जाँदा उनीहरूसँग झन् धेरै कुरा गर्न थाले र साथीहरू बने।

दम्पतीले तरकारी बगैँचा लगाए। छिमेकीले तरकारी खेती गर्ने टिप्स दिए । तिनीहरूले कुखुराको कोप बनाए तर त्यो खसे। छिमेकी उनीहरूको पोलिश छिमेकीले यसलाई ठीक गर्न मद्दत गर्यो।

प्रत्येक नयाँ सिजनको साथ, तिनीहरू खाना र उपहारहरू साझा गरेर छिमेकीहरूसँग नजिक भए।

श्रीमतीले आफू अप्रत्याशित रूपमा गर्भवती भएको थाहा पाए। यद्यपि यो योजना थिएन, तिनीहरूले बच्चा आउने तयारी गरे। गर्भावस्थाको अन्त्यमा, तिनीहरूको छिमेकीले ग्यारेज निर्माण गरिसके। त्यसपछि श्रीमतीले मिडवाइफको सहयोगमा घरमै बच्चा जन्माइन् । केटाको सफल प्रसव पछि, पतिले सबै छिमेकीहरू नयाँ परिवारको लागि समर्थन देखाउँदै आफ्नो घरको आँगनमा हर्षोल्लास र उत्सव मनाउँदै गरेको देखे।

समग्र कथा भनेको कसरी दम्पतीले आफ्नो प्रारम्भिक शंकालाई जितेर आफ्ना आप्रवासी छिमेकीहरूसँग समुदाय गठन गरे भन्ने बारे हो।

Exercise

Understanding the text

Answer the following questions.

a. Describe how the young couple’s house looked like.

= The young couple's house was small but had high ceilings and paned windows, giving it the feel of an elegant cottage.

b. How did the young couple recognize their neighbours in the beginning of their arrival?

=The young couple recognized their neighbors in the beginning because their neighbors behaved in ways that seemed strange and noisy to them. The neighbors would shout, argue, and make loud noises. They didn't have good hygiene, and they complained about the couple's dog. All of this gave the young couple a negative impression of their neighborhood when they first arrived.

c. How did the neighbours assist the young couple in the kitchen garden?

= Neighbours helped the young couple both orally and physically in their kitchen garden. They helped the young couple in their kitchen garden by offering advice about planting and gardening practices. They gave tips on spacing, hilling, and mulching. They provided them with some seeds and plants of vegetables as well. 

d. Why were the people in the neighbourhood shocked at the role of the young man and his wife in their family?

= The people in the neighborhood were surprised at the role of the young man and his wife in their family because they were not following the traditional gender roles. The young man stayed home to write his thesis while his wife worked, which was unconventional at that time.

e. How did the neighbours respond when they learned about the woman’s pregnancy?

=  The neighbours responded to the woman's pregnancy with warmth and support. They smiled at the young couple, gave them gifts, and offered suggestions for baby names. They even knitted a baby suit for the expected child.

f. Why did the young man begin to cry at the end of the story?

=  The young man began to cry at the end of the story because he realized that his neighbors cared about him and his family. He saw their happiness and applause when his baby was born, and it touched his heart. He had previously been upset with his neighbors for getting involved in his life, but now he understood that they were just showing love and care. His feelings toward his neighbors changed, and he cried tears of gratitude for their kindness.

g. Why did the author not characterize the persons in the story with proper names?

= The author may have chosen not to characterize the persons in the story with proper names to create a sense of universality and anonymity. This allows readers to relate to the characters as representative of everyday people and emphasizes the themes of community and connection rather than individual identities.

निम्न प्रश्नहरूको जवाफ दिनुहोस्।

a युवा दम्पतीको घर कस्तो थियो वर्णन गर्नुहोस्।

= युवा दम्पतीको घर सानो थियो तर अग्लो छत र प्यान गरिएका झ्यालहरू थिए, यसले यसलाई सुन्दर कुटीरको अनुभूति दिन्छ।

b युवा दम्पतीले आफ्नो आगमनको सुरुमा छिमेकीहरूलाई कसरी चिने?

=युवा दम्पतीले सुरुमा आफ्ना छिमेकीहरूलाई चिन्थे किनभने उनीहरूका छिमेकीहरूले उनीहरूलाई अनौठो र कोलाहलपूर्ण व्यवहार गरे। छिमेकीहरू चिच्याउँथे, झगडा गर्थे र चर्को आवाज निकाल्थे । तिनीहरूसँग राम्रो स्वच्छता थिएन, र तिनीहरूले दम्पतीको कुकुरको बारेमा गुनासो गरे। यी सबैले युवा दम्पतीलाई पहिलो पटक आइपुग्दा आफ्नो छिमेकको नकारात्मक छाप दिए।

ग छिमेकीहरूले युवा दम्पतीलाई भान्साको बगैंचामा कसरी सहयोग गरे?

= छिमेकीहरूले युवा दम्पतीलाई उनीहरूको भान्साको बगैंचामा मौखिक र शारीरिक रूपमा मद्दत गरे। तिनीहरूले युवा दम्पतीहरूलाई तिनीहरूको भान्साको बगैंचामा रोपण र बागवानी अभ्यासहरू बारे सल्लाह दिएर मद्दत गरे। उनीहरूले स्पेसिङ, हिलिङ र मल्चिङबारे सुझाव दिए। उनीहरुलाई केही बीउ र तरकारीका बिरुवा पनि उपलब्ध गराए ।

d आफ्नो परिवारमा युवक र उनकी श्रीमतीको भूमिका देखेर छिमेकका मानिसहरू किन छक्क परे?

= छिमेकका मानिसहरू आफ्नो परिवारमा युवक र तिनकी श्रीमतीको भूमिका देखेर छक्क परे किनभने उनीहरूले परम्परागत लैंगिक भूमिकाहरू पछ्याउँदैनथे। युवकले आफ्नो थेसिस लेख्न घरमै बसे जबकी उनकी श्रीमतीले काम गरिन्, जुन त्यतिबेला अपरंपरागत थियो।

e छिमेकीहरूले महिलाको गर्भावस्थाको बारेमा थाहा पाएपछि कस्तो प्रतिक्रिया देखाए?

= छिमेकीहरूले महिलाको गर्भावस्थालाई न्यानो र समर्थनका साथ प्रतिक्रिया दिए। तिनीहरू जवान जोडीलाई हेरेर मुस्कुराए, तिनीहरूलाई उपहार दिए र बच्चाको नामको लागि सुझाव दिए। उनीहरूले अपेक्षित बच्चाको लागि बेबी सूट पनि बुनेका थिए।

f कथाको अन्त्यमा युवक किन रुन थाल्यो ?

= जवान मानिस कथाको अन्त्यमा रुन थाले किनभने उसले महसुस गर्यो कि उसको छिमेकीहरूले उसको र उसको परिवारको ख्याल राख्छन्। आफ्नो बच्चाको जन्म हुँदा तिनीहरूको खुशी र ताली देखे, र यो उनको हृदय छोयो। उनी पहिले छिमेकीहरूसँग आफ्नो जीवनमा संलग्न भएकोमा रिसाएको थियो, तर अब उसले बुझ्यो कि उनीहरूले केवल माया र हेरचाह देखाउँछन्। आफ्ना छिमेकीहरूप्रति उनको भावना परिवर्तन भयो, र तिनीहरूको दयाको लागि कृतज्ञताको आँसु रोए।

g किन लेखकले कथाका व्यक्तिहरूलाई सही नाम दिएर चित्रण गरेनन्?

= लेखकले सार्वभौमिकता र गुमनामताको भावना सिर्जना गर्न कथामा व्यक्तिहरूलाई उपयुक्त नामहरूका साथ चरित्र चित्रण नगर्ने छनौट गरेको हुन सक्छ। यसले पाठकहरूलाई दैनिक व्यक्तिहरूको प्रतिनिधिको रूपमा पात्रहरूसँग सम्बन्ध राख्न अनुमति दिन्छ र व्यक्तिगत पहिचानको सट्टा समुदाय र जडानको विषयवस्तुलाई जोड दिन्छ।

Reference to the context

a. The story depicts that linguistic and cultural barriers do not create any obstacles in human relationships. Explain with some examples from this story where the neighbours have transcended such barriers.

= In the story, language and cultural differences do not hinder human connections. There are many examples of transcending linguistic and cultural barriers in the story. 

The neighbors offer gardening advice and even give the young couple garlic cloves to plant, showing a shared interest in gardening that goes beyond language. The neighbors knit a baby suit and offer support during the pregnancy, demonstrating care and bonding that goes beyond cultural differences. When the baby is born, the neighbors cheer and celebrate together, regardless of their diverse cultural backgrounds.

b. The last sentence of the story says “The twentieth-century novel had not prepared him for this.” In your view, what differences did the young man find between twentieth-century novels and human relations?

=  The last sentence of the story, "The twentieth-century novel had not prepared him for this," means that the young man realized that what he learned from books didn't fully prepare him for real life. It suggests that the young man realized that the complexity and depth of human relationships could not be fully understood or prepared for by simply reading books, especially when it came to the unexpected joy and connection he felt with his neighbors during the birth of his child.

He initially had a certain view of immigrants based on what he read in twentieth-century novels. However, experiencing real-life interactions with his neighbors changed his perspective. He was surprised by the warmth and kindness of his neighbors and how different it was from what he expected. This made him understand the value of real human connections compared to what he had read in books.

c. A Nepali proverb says “Neighbors are the companions for the wedding procession as well as for the funeral procession.” Does this proverb apply in the story? Justify.

=  The Nepali proverb, "Neighbors are companions for the wedding procession as well as for the funeral procession," reflects the strong sense of social harmony and community relationships in Nepali society.

In our culture, when someone has a wedding, neighbors not only join in the celebration but also actively assist with the preparations. It's nearly impossible to carry out such ceremonies without the support of neighbors, except in cases where events are held at venues like party palaces or hotels. Similarly, when a family faces unexpected or sorrowful circumstances, the entire community stands ready to share in their grief.

This proverb also applies to the story. When the young couple began gardening, their neighbors offered valuable assistance, providing suggestions and even materials and seeds for various vegetables. They shared their knowledge on how to cultivate a successful garden. This demonstrates how neighbors came to their aid when they needed it.

Furthermore, their neighbors also joined in their moments of joy and celebration, such as the birth of their baby. This illustrates the essence of the Nepali proverb, emphasizing that neighbors are not only companions during times of sorrow but also during moments of happiness and celebration.

d. The author has dealt with an issue of multiculturalism in the story. Why do you think multiculturalism has become a major issue in the present world?

= Multiculturalism is coexistence or mixture of cultures. Having many different cultures living together in one place can be good but also hard. 

People may speak different languages. This can cause problems talking to each other and understanding each other. Miscommunications can happen.

Cultural differences sometimes lead to fights and arguments, especially about beliefs. This social tension needs to be solved with good talking and cultural sharing.

Groups may stick only with people from their own culture. This divides society and makes some people or groups feel alone and isolated.

Workplaces with many cultures can face challenges too, like conflicts, misunderstandings, and unfair judgments. Employers must promote inclusion.

While cultural diversity enriches our lives and thinking, it also has challenges. But these can be addressed with education, respectful discussions between groups, and rules that treat everyone equally and fairly. Overall, managing cultural variety well creates a better community.

a भाषिक र साँस्कृतिक बाधाहरूले मानवीय सम्बन्धमा कुनै बाधा उत्पन्न गर्दैनन् भन्ने कथाले चित्रण गर्छ। छिमेकीहरूले त्यस्ता बाधाहरूलाई पार गरेको यस कथाबाट केही उदाहरणहरू सहित व्याख्या गर्नुहोस्।

= कथामा, भाषा र सांस्कृतिक भिन्नताले मानवीय सम्बन्धमा बाधा पुर्‍याउँदैन। कथामा भाषिक र सांस्कृतिक अवरोधहरू पार गर्ने धेरै उदाहरणहरू छन्।

छिमेकीहरूले बागवानी सल्लाह दिन्छन् र युवा दम्पतीहरूलाई लसुनको लौङ्ग पनि रोप्न दिन्छन्, जसले भाषाभन्दा बाहिरको बगैंचामा साझा चासो देखाउँछन्। छिमेकीहरूले बच्चाको सूट बुन्छन् र गर्भावस्थाको समयमा समर्थन प्रस्ताव गर्छन्, हेरचाह र बन्धन प्रदर्शन गर्दछ जुन सांस्कृतिक भिन्नताहरू भन्दा बाहिर जान्छ। जब बच्चा जन्मन्छ, छिमेकीहरूले उनीहरूको विविध सांस्कृतिक पृष्ठभूमिलाई ध्यान नदिई सँगै खुशीयाली मनाउँछन्।

b कथाको अन्तिम वाक्यले भन्छ "बीसौं शताब्दीको उपन्यासले उनलाई यसका लागि तयार पारेको थिएन।" तपाईको विचारमा, बीसौं बीचको युवकले के भिन्नता भेट्टायो- शताब्दीका उपन्यास र मानव सम्बन्ध?

= कथाको अन्तिम वाक्य, "बीसौं शताब्दीको उपन्यासले उसलाई यसका लागि तयार पारेको थिएन," भनेको युवाले महसुस गरे कि उसले पुस्तकबाट जे सिकेको छ त्यसले उसलाई वास्तविक जीवनको लागि पूर्ण रूपमा तयार गर्दैन। यसले सुझाव दिन्छ कि जवान मानिसले महसुस गर्यो कि मानव सम्बन्धको जटिलता र गहिराईलाई केवल किताबहरू पढेर पूर्णतया बुझ्न वा तयार गर्न सकिँदैन, विशेष गरी जब यो अप्रत्याशित आनन्द र आफ्नो बच्चाको जन्मको समयमा आफ्ना छिमेकीहरूसँग महसुस गरेको सम्बन्धमा आउँछ।

सुरुमा उनले बीसौं शताब्दीका उपन्यासहरूमा पढेका कुराहरूको आधारमा आप्रवासीहरूप्रति निश्चित दृष्टिकोण राखेका थिए। यद्यपि, आफ्ना छिमेकीहरूसँगको वास्तविक जीवन अन्तरक्रियाको अनुभवले उनको दृष्टिकोण परिवर्तन गर्यो। उहाँ आफ्ना छिमेकीहरूको न्यानोपन र दया देखेर छक्क पर्नुभयो र यो उहाँको अपेक्षा भन्दा कत्ति फरक थियो। यसले उसलाई पुस्तकहरूमा पढेको कुराको तुलनामा वास्तविक मानव जडानको महत्त्व बुझ्यो।

ग एउटा नेपाली उखान छ "छिमेकी भनेको विवाह र अन्त्येष्टिको साथी हो।" के यो उखान कथामा लागू हुन्छ? न्याय गर्नुहोस्।

= नेपाली उखान, "विवाह र अन्त्येष्टिका लागि छिमेकी साथी हुन्" नेपाली समाजमा सामाजिक सद्भाव र सामुदायिक सम्बन्धको बलियो भावना झल्काउँछ।

हाम्रो संस्कृतिमा, जब कसैको विवाह हुन्छ, छिमेकीहरू उत्सवमा मात्र सामेल हुँदैनन् तर तयारीमा सक्रिय रूपमा सहयोग पनि गर्छन्। पार्टी प्यालेस वा होटेल जस्ता स्थानहरूमा आयोजना हुने घटनाहरू बाहेक छिमेकीहरूको समर्थन बिना त्यस्ता समारोहहरू गर्न लगभग असम्भव छ। त्यसैगरी, परिवारले अप्रत्याशित वा दु:खद परिस्थितिको सामना गर्नु पर्दा सम्पूर्ण समुदाय उनीहरूको दुःखमा सहभागी हुन तयार हुन्छ।

यो भनाइ कथामा पनि लागू हुन्छ। जवान दम्पतीले बागवानी गर्न थालेपछि, तिनीहरूका छिमेकीहरूले बहुमूल्य सहयोग, सुझावहरू र विभिन्न तरकारीहरूका लागि सामग्री र बीउहरू पनि दिए। उनीहरूले कसरी सफल बगैंचा खेती गर्ने भन्ने बारे आफ्नो ज्ञान बाँडे। यसले देखाउँछ कि छिमेकीहरूले कसरी उनीहरूलाई आवश्यक पर्दा उनीहरूलाई मद्दत गर्न आए।

यसबाहेक, उनीहरूका छिमेकीहरू पनि उनीहरूको बच्चाको जन्मजस्ता खुशी र उत्सवका क्षणहरूमा सामेल भए। यसले नेपाली उखानको सारलाई चित्रण गर्दछ, छिमेकीहरू दुःखको समयमा मात्र होइन, सुख र उत्सवको क्षणमा पनि साथी हुन्छन् भन्ने कुरामा जोड दिन्छ।

d लेखकले कथामा बहुसांस्कृतिकताको मुद्दा उठाएका छन् । बहुसांस्कृतिकता अहिलेको विश्वमा किन प्रमुख समस्या बनेको छ जस्तो लाग्छ ?

= बहुसांस्कृतिकता सहअस्तित्व वा संस्कृतिहरूको मिश्रण हो। एकै ठाउँमा धेरै फरक संस्कृतिहरू सँगै बस्नु राम्रो तर गाह्रो पनि हुन सक्छ।

मानिसहरूले विभिन्न भाषाहरू बोल्न सक्छन्। यसले एकअर्कासँग कुरा गर्न र एकअर्कालाई बुझ्न समस्या हुन सक्छ। गलत संचार हुन सक्छ।

सांस्कृतिक भिन्नताहरूले कहिलेकाहीं झगडा र तर्कहरू निम्त्याउँछ, विशेष गरी विश्वासहरूको बारेमा। यो सामाजिक तनाव राम्रो कुराकानी र सांस्कृतिक साझेदारी संग समाधान गर्न आवश्यक छ।

समूहहरू तिनीहरूको आफ्नै संस्कृतिका मानिसहरूसँग मात्र टाँस्न सक्छन्। यसले समाजलाई विभाजित गर्छ र केही व्यक्ति वा समूहहरूलाई एक्लो र एक्लो महसुस गराउँछ।

धेरै संस्कृतिहरू भएका कार्यस्थलहरूले पनि द्वन्द्व, गलतफहमी र अनुचित निर्णय जस्ता चुनौतीहरूको सामना गर्न सक्छन्। रोजगारदाताहरूले समावेशीकरणलाई बढावा दिनुपर्छ।

जहाँ सांस्कृतिक विविधताले हाम्रो जीवन र सोचलाई समृद्ध बनाउँछ, त्यसमा चुनौतीहरू पनि छन्। तर यसलाई शिक्षा, समूहहरू बीच सम्मानजनक छलफल र सबैलाई समान र निष्पक्ष व्यवहार गर्ने नियमहरूद्वारा सम्बोधन गर्न सकिन्छ। समग्रमा, सांस्कृतिक विविधता राम्रोसँग व्यवस्थापन गर्दा राम्रो समुदाय सिर्जना हुन्छ।

Reference beyond the text

a. Write an essay on Celebration of Childbirth in my Community.

= In my culture, we celebrate a new baby's birth through an event called Nwaran. This happens nine days after the birth. Family and community members gather to share in the joy.

A new baby brings happiness to the whole family. Guests come to congratulate the mother and newborn. Everyone is excited to see the new little one.

During Nwaran, the baby receives its name. It is a community celebration, not just a family thing. Neighbors also attend to wish the parents well. People sing, dance and enjoy good food together.

We do not have baby showers before the birth like some other cultures. I think importing foreign traditions goes against our own ways. Outsider customs have influenced our society too much.

b. Do the people in your community respond with similar reactions upon the pregnancy and childbirth as depicted in the story? Give a couple of examples.

=Yes, they do.People in our community are very helpful and supportive of each other. They celebrate both happy and difficult times together. This has helped strengthen relationships between neighbors.

Our culture values pregnancy and motherhood. When a baby is expected, the whole family and neighborhood takes part in celebrations. Pregnant women are treated with great respect. Families and friends pray for the health of the mother and baby. During pregnancy, the expecting mother receives good advice and support from loved ones. She is cared for and given gifts.

The birth of a baby is a big event for the whole community. Everyone gets excited when a new child arrives. Guests come to congratulate the parents and rejoice over the baby's first cry. The new mother and baby are welcomed and cared for by the entire extended family.

 "A Respectable Woman" 

By  Kate Chopin

Samman Janak Mahila ! 

Baroda ! - Mr. Baroda → Budha ko naam 

Mrs. Baroda → Budhi ko Naam 

Gouverniel → Mr, Baroda ko purano sathi ho. 

Summary

Mrs. Baroda and her husband Gaston had been spending time in New Orleans for the winter. Now they returned home to their plantation to have some private time together.

Gaston told Mrs. Baroda that their old college friend Gouvernail will visit them for a week or two. Mrs. Baroda had never met him.

From what Gaston had said about Gouvernail, Mrs. Baroda imagined what he might be like - someone serious who wears glasses and keeps his hands in his pockets.

When Gouvernail arrived, he was nothing like she thought. He was polite but quiet and did not try to impress her.

Gouvernail seemed happy just relaxing on the porch near the dogs. He did not seem interested in typical male activities like fishing or hunting.

Mrs. Baroda found Gouvernail strange and did not understand him. She tried talking to him but he remained mysteriously silent.

She was getting annoyed that he was interfering with her alone time with Gaston. She hoped he would leave soon. Gaston was surprised by her reaction.

One night, Mrs. Baroda met Gouvernail alone outside. He started talking to her in a philosophical way.

She felt strangely attracted to him physically but resisted. She was confused by these new feelings.

The next day, instead of discussing it with Gaston, Mrs. Baroda suddenly left for the city to get away from Gouvernail.

Later, she got over her dislike for him and invited Gouvernail to visit again. This showed she had understood her strange reaction to him.

Exercise

Understanding the text 

Answer the following questions.

a. Why was Mrs. Baroda not happy with the information about Gouvernail’s visit to their farm? 

Mrs. Baroda was unhappy with the information about Gouvernail's visit to their farm because she had been looking forward to a period of uninterrupted rest and quality time alone with her husband after busy work of sugar plantation. She felt that the arrival of Gouvernail would disturb this plan.

b. How was Gouvernail different from Mrs. Baroda’s thinking? 

Gouvernail was different from Mrs. Baroda's expectation because she had formed a negative image of him based on her husband's descriptions. She had imagined him as tall, slim, cynical, with eyeglasses, and a somewhat unlikable person. However, when she met him, she found him to be slim but not very tall or cynical, and he didn't wear eyeglasses. He was also polite and courteous, which was different from her initial perception.

c. How does Mrs. Baroda compare the guest - Gouvernail with her husband? 

Mrs. Baroda compares Gouvernail with her husband, Gaston, by noting that Gouvernail is more reserved and quiet in contrast to Gaston's frank,  interesting, adaptive, friendly, and talkative nature. She observes that while Gouvernail doesn't actively engage in conversation like her husband does.

d. Why and how did Mrs. Baroda attempt to change Gouvernail’s solitary habits? 

Mrs. Broda wanted to change his solitary habit because she wanted Gouvernail to be more open and talkative to her. For this, Mrs. Baroda tried to get Gouvernail to be more social. She walked with him, talked to him, and tried to make him feel comfortable by starting conversations and spending time with him. She wanted him to be more open and friendly.

e. How does Gaston not agree with his wife on Gouvernail’s character? 

Gaston disagrees with his wife. She thinks Gouvernail isn't friendly or interesting. But Gaston says Gouvernail is a good and respectable person. He believes Gouvernail has many great qualities, but he's just tired from working too much. He asks his wife not to treat him badly.

f. Why is Gaston surprised by his wife’s expression towards the end of the story? 

Gaston is surprised at his wife's expression near the end because she suggests that Gouvernail should visit them again, even though she didn't like him at first. Gaston is happy and surprised by her change of mind. He didn't expect her to be so accommodating and friendly toward Gouvernail after her initial dislike.

 Reference to the context 

a. What is the reason for conflict in Mrs. Baroda’s mind? What role does Mrs. Baroda  ‘being a respectable woman’ play in this story? 

The reason Mrs. Baroda is conflicted in her mind is because she's starting to like her husband's friend, Gouvernail. She's torn between her feelings and what society expects from her as a respectable woman. Society expects her to follow certain rules and behave a certain way, which makes it hard for her to show her feelings for Gouvernail openly. This creates a conflict inside her.

b. Sketch the character of Gouvernail and contrast it with Gaston. 

b. Gouvernail is quiet and thoughtful. He doesn't talk much and prefers to observe. He's a journalist who works hard. In contrast, Gaston, Mrs. Baroda's husband, is outgoing and chatty. He's also caring and understanding. Gouvernail is quiet and reflective, while Gaston is more expressive.

c. Why does Mrs. Baroda not disclose her feelings towards Gouvernail to her husband? 

c. Mrs. Baroda keeps her feelings for Gouvernail a secret from her husband because she knows society expects her to be a proper wife and woman. She's afraid that if she admits her attraction to Gouvernail, it could harm her marriage and go against society's rules. She also doesn't want to hurt her husband or cause problems between him and his friend.

d. The last three sentences of the story make a kind of twist. After reading these three sentences, how will you analyze Mrs. Baroda’s attitude towards Gouvernail? 

When Mrs. Baroda says to Gouvernail, "I have overcome everything! This time I will be really kind to him," it causes a surprise turn in the story.

This unexpected change indicates she's come to terms with her feelings and is open to having a better relationship with Gouvernail, despite her initial doubts.

However, there could be another meaning. She may have learned more about what she wants as a woman. By being kind to Gouvernail now, maybe she plans to follow her true feelings for him, without hiding behind social norms.

So the story takes an unexpected turn, as Mrs. Baroda decides to go with her heart instead of what people expect. This statement leaves things unclear about whether she just wants to be a normal friend with him by hiding her true feelings, or will act on her real feelings for Gouvernail.

Reference beyond the text 

a. The entry of an outsider into a family has been a recurring subject in both literature and movies. Narrate a story real or imaginative where an outsider’s arrival destroys the intimate relationship between the husband and the wife and causes break up in marital relationship without the direct mistake of anyone. Anton Chekhov’s story ‘About Love’ is the story on this subject. 

"About Love" by Anton Chekhov tells this story. Mr. and Mrs. Luganovich have a happy marriage at first, even though she is young and he is older. She is 22 with two small children, while he is over 40. They get along well as a couple.

Then a man named Alyohin comes to stay in their home. While he does not do anything directly wrong, his presence causes problems. Mrs. Luganovich starts to worry a lot and feels very sad. Her strong emotions for Alyohin destroy her relationship with her husband. In the end, she has mental health issues and breaks up with Alyohin, showing how an outsider can disrupt a marriage without meaning to.

b. Mrs. Baroda makes an expectation about Gouvernail even before meeting him. Suppose you are a mature girl/boy and your family members are giving you pressure to get married. Write in about 200 words describing what qualities you would like to get in your future husband/wife.

If my parents make me convinced to do wedding, this is what I look for in my wife:

Ability to do chores: My mother does most of the housekeeping, from laundry to cooking. I want her to be helping me and mother since I don't always have time. We should assign duties depending on our workload. 

Empathetic Nature: It's important for my future spouse to be empathetic and understanding, offering emotional support and comfort when needed.

Courage: Life has its challenges, and I want a partner who is brave enough to face them alongside me.

Intelligence: I value a partner who is intelligent and can collaborate with me to overcome obstacles in life, whether it's managing finances or pursuing our career goals.

Love and Faithfulness: Above all, I seek a partner who loves and remains faithful to me.

 

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A Devoted Son  ( Euta Samarpit, Kartabya Parayan Chhora ) 

by Anita Desai 

Summary

Rakesh gets first position in his medical exam results. There is a celebratory party at his house with friends and relatives congratulating his parents.

Rakesh goes on to have a very successful career - he wins scholarships, studies in the USA at prestigious hospitals, and comes back to set up his own clinic. He rises to become the top doctor and richest in the town.

As he achieves more success, he becomes more devoted to taking care of his aging father. However, over time his care becomes overly controlling and restrictive.

He puts his father on a strict diet, restricting all fried and high-calorie foods. When his father craves sweets, Rakesh scolds him.

Rakesh also puts his father on a heavy regimen of medicines, vitamins and tonics. He forces his father to take pills even when he refuses.

The father, now very old and weak, resents being controlled in this way. He complains to a neighbor about not getting enough food and being treated like a patient, not a father.

Over time, the father deteriorates into a helpless state, dependent on others to even move. Rakesh continues the restrictive policies, sitting his father up rigidly every evening.

Finally, during one of Rakesh's visits, the father explodes at him, refusing to take any more medicines. He insists he wants to die instead of living under Rakesh's control.

The chapter shows how Rakesh's care, though coming from a place of devotion, has become overbearing and detrimental to his father's well-being and autonomy. It brings up questions about controlling care for elderly family.

Exercise

Understanding the text 

Answer the following questions. 

a. How did the morning papers bring an ambiance of celebration in the Varma family? 

The morning paper brought an ambiance of celebration to the Varma family because the newspaper showed that Rakesh did really well in his studies. He got the highest grade, and he was ranked first in the country.

b. How did the community celebrate Rakesh’s success? 

The community celebrated Rakesh's success by coming to the Varma family's small yellow house. They said congrats to Rakesh's parents for their son's success, patted Rakesh on the back, and made the house and garden feel like a big party. There were flowers, sweets (halwa), fancy clothes, and gifts, making it a fun celebration.

c. Why was Rakesh’s success a special matter of discussion in the neighbourhood? 

People in the neighborhood thought Rakesh's success was special because he was the first son in his family to go to school and college. His family had to make big sacrifices to send him to school, and his success made everyone proud and happy in the family and the neighborhood.

d. How does the author make fun with the words ‘America’ and ‘the USA’? 

The author has made fun with the words 'America' and 'the USA' by showing how Rakesh's family calls it "the USA," which sounds more important, while the ignorant neighbors just call it "America," which is simpler.

e. How does the author characterize Rakesh’s wife? 

Character, Characterize ( Baani ) 

The author describes Rakesh's wife as chubby and uneducated but also calm, agreeable, and traditional. She was chosen from the same village as Rakesh's mother's childhood friend, not from abroad like some Indian boys who marry foreign wives.

f. Describe how Rakesh rises in his career. 

Rakesh rises in his career by excelling in his medical studies, winning a scholarship, and going to the USA for further training. He eventually returns to set up his own clinic and becomes known as the best and richest doctor in town.

g. How does the author describe Rakesh’s family background? 

The author describes Rakesh's family background as humble. His father worked at a kerosene dealer's depot, and his mother spent her life in a kitchen. They were not well-educated, and Rakesh's success was seen as a significant achievement given their background.

h. What is the impact of Rakesh’s mother’s death on his father? 

Rakesh's father was deeply affected by the loss of his wife. He felt very lonely because no one could care for him the way his wife did. This made him feel sad, and it started to have a negative impact on his health.

i. What did Rakesh do to make his father’s old age more comfortable? 

To make his father's old age more comfortable, Rakesh took care of him diligently. He brought his father morning tea, arranged for him to spend time in the garden for fresh air, supervised his diet, and provided best medical care.

j. Why did the old man try to bribe his grandchildren? 

The old man bribed his grandchildrens to buy sweets for him because he missed the tasty food his wife used to make, and he wanted to eat sweets, even though he wasn't allowed due to his diet.

k. Are Mr. Varma’s complaints about his diets reasonable? How?

Mr. Varma’s complaints about his diets are reasonable. He wanted to eat his favorite foods and enjoy traditional dishes. However, Rakesh restricted his diet to keep him healthy and prevent further illnesses from a medical perspective.

Reference to the context 

a. How did Varma couples make sacrifices for their son’s higher education? 

The Varma family worked very hard to pay for their son Rakesh's further education. Mr. Varma could not go to school himself, but he wanted Rakesh to study. So for 40 years, Mr. Varma worked in a kerosene warehouse while Mrs. Varma took care of the home. They saved their money so Rakesh could go to college. Their sacrifices paid off when Rakesh became the first in their family to graduate from college.

b. Mr. Varma suffers from diseases one after another after his wife’s death. Would he have enjoyed better health if she had not died before him? Give reasons. 

Yes, Mrs. Verma's existence would have improved Mr. Varma's health. Rakesh was happy and busy in his own lifestyle. So, no one could care for his father like his mother did. When his wife died, he was left alone. Her presence may have provided emotional support and care that could have positively impacted his well-being. The loss of his wife likely contributed to his declining health due to loneliness and emotional distress.

c. Dr. Rakesh is divided between a doctor and a son. As a son, he loves his father and worries about his weakening health but as a doctor he is strict on his father’s diet and medicine. In your view, what else could Rakesh have done to make his father’s final years more comfortable? 

To make his father's final years more comfortable, Rakesh could have shown more empathy and understanding as a son. While it's essential to consider his father's health from a medical perspective, he could have also balanced it with emotional support, allowing his father to enjoy occasional treats and traditional foods within moderation.

d. What does the story say about the relationship between grandfather and grandchildren? 

The story shows that Mr. Varma had a close bond with his grandchildren. He liked spending time playing with them. His grandchildren were his closest friends since he felt lonely after his wife died. The grandchildren brought Mr. Varma happiness during his final years.

e. Do you call Rakesh a devoted son? Give reasons. 

= Yes, I call Rakesh absolutely a devoted son. I have following reason to claim my opinion; 

• - After successfully completing studies in the US, He rejects the golden job opportunities there and returns to homeland to continue his job along with continuing to serve and take care for parents.

• - Instead of marrying, an educated women, he marries illiterate rural women, so that she could give time to Rakesh's parent.

• - Till the last breath of his mother, Rakesh was the one who held her hands and did everything he could do to save his mother.

• - Being a doctor and & owning a family, Rakesh had a very tight schedule, still he manages to take care of his father.

• - When father fell ill, he banned oily foods for him, because they were not healthy for him, spent most of his time with father, brought high-quality and effective tonics and medicines, behaved humbly and paid respect every time and did his best efforts possible to give him longer span. 

Thus, as the title suggests, Rakesh is undoubtedly a devoted son.

Reference beyond the text 

a. Write an essay on The Parents’ Ambition for their Children in Nepali Society. You must give at least five examples. 

The Parent’s Ambition for their Children in Nepali Society : An Essay 

In Nepali society, parents have high hopes for their children and work hard to provide them with the best opportunities for a successful future. Here are five examples of how parents support their children:

Education is highly valued in Nepali society. Parents invest a significant amount of their income in their children's education, whether it's by enrolling them in good schools or providing them with extra tutoring. They wake up early every morning to ensure their children are prepared for school and create a suitable environment for studying.

Parents recognize their children's talents and interests and help them nurture those skills. For example, if a child shows musical talent, parents may enroll them in music lessons. If a child excels in sports, parents encourage their participation in athletic activities.

Parents emphasize the importance of moral values such as honesty, integrity, and respect. Through daily interactions and guidance, they teach their children the difference between right and wrong, aiming to raise responsible individuals.

Parents make significant financial sacrifices for their children's higher education. They save money for years, take loans, or even sell property to fund their children's college or university education. They are determined to provide their children with access to higher education and the opportunities it brings.

Parents prioritize their children's well-being and happiness above all else. They celebrate their children's achievements, big or small, and offer emotional support during difficult times. Whether it's receiving a school award or accomplishing something simple, parents are there to cheer their children on, boosting their confidence and motivation.

In conclusion, parents in Nepali society have ambitious aspirations for their children. They show their commitment through their dedication to education, talent development, moral upbringing, financial sacrifices, and emotional support. This parental ambition shapes the lives of Nepali children, empowering them to strive for success and make positive contributions to society. The bond between parents and children is a crucial aspect of Nepali culture, and it is this ambition that continues to drive progress and growth in the nation.

b. Medicines replace our diets in old age. What can be done to make old age less dependent on medicine? 

=  Here are some things that can be done to make old age less dependent on medicine:

• Nutritious Diet - Ensuring elders have access to a balanced and nutritious diet that meets their dietary needs. A proper diet can help manage many health issues.

• Physical Activity - Encouraging and enabling regular physical activity like walking, yoga, swimming etc. according to one's mobility and health condition. Exercise can keep both body and mind active.

• Social Interaction - Reducing isolation and loneliness by promoting social interaction through involvement in family/community activities. Social support improves mental well-being.

• Disease Prevention - Conducting regular health checkups and awareness programs on lifestyle diseases common in old age like diabetes, hypertension, etc. and their prevention.

• Traditional Medicines - Exploring benefits of complementary therapies like Ayurveda, yoga, naturopathy along with allopathic treatment to address age-related health issues holistically.

• Positive Living - Cultivating positive attitudes towards aging through counseling and empowering elders to remain independent and engaged in routine activities of daily living.

Adopting a wellness approach focusing on non-medical aspects can substantially reduce dependence on medicines during old age.

c. Write an essay on “Care of Elderly Citizens” in about 300 words.

=

 Care of Elderly Citizens

As more people live longer due to advancements in healthcare and medicine, caring for the elderly population has become a major issue. Elders deserve to live their later years with dignity and respect. As a society, we need to ensure our parents and grandparents receive proper care, financial support, healthcare, companionship and a nurturing environment as they age.

Caring for the elderly should not be left solely to family members. It requires a community effort. Governments must allocate adequate funding for elderly care facilities, retirement homes, assisted living options and home healthcare services. Medical facilities need to have geriatric specialists and units catering to senior citizens. Basic amenities like wheelchair access, larger signage and help counters should be standard in public places. Pension plans and universal healthcare also help the elderly population meet their daily needs.

Community organizations can play a vital role too through volunteer-run daycare centers, recreational activities, meal delivery programs and transportation services for medical visits. Simply visiting and spending time with elders who live alone can significantly improve their quality of life. Families must make time to care for aging parents and provide emotional support. Where possible, multigenerational living can offer practical and financial benefits as well as companionship for seniors.

As a society, we must foster a culture of respect, compassion and caring for our elderly. They have spent their lives contributing to society and building the world we live in today. Caring for them with dignity in their retirement years is the least we can do to show our gratitude for their dedicated service and hard work. Aging gracefully is a right for all.

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The Treasure in The forest

Jungle ma vayeko khajana ! 

HG Wells !!!

Evans and Hooker ! Duijana Sathi haru ( Greedy ) 

Chang Hi ( Chinese Manxe ) 

Summary 

Evans and Hooker went on a canoe trip to find buried treasure. Three Chinese men had hidden the treasure on an island a long time ago.

Hooker had an old map that showed where the treasure was buried. It had a star marking the spot. They used landmarks on the map to find their way.

The map also had some Chinese writing that Evans could not understand. Hooker said it was Chinese words.

Khajana vayeko thau ma  Dash Dash Dash - - - - - - - (chinese letter ma kehi kura lekheko thiyo ) 

( Tehi khajan ko najik euta manxe mareko thiyo) 

They were very tired from their long journey. As Hooker rowed closer to land, Evans fell asleep. He dreamed about overhearing the Chinese men and making one of them, Chang-hi, tell where the treasure was buried.

Evans woke up when they reached the beach. Following the map, they found things that matched the palm trees and bushes shown. This proved they were in the right place.

They went deeper into the thick jungle guided by Hooker's map. They soon came upon a river and big rocks matching the map.

Near the river, they discovered Chang-hi's dead body. It looked like he was poisoned.

After looking around more, they found the freshly dug hole where the treasure was buried. Inside were gold bars, just as Chang-hi had said.

As they talked about what to do next, Evans and Hooker started feeling sick. They were shaking and feeling weak.

Suddenly Evans collapsed and started shaking badly. Hooker realized the jungle thorns were poisonous and they had been pricked like Chang-hi.

As Evans died in pain, Hooker also began to feel the effects of the poison. The story ended with him sitting alone, doomed to die from the poison like his friend.

Message of The Treasure in the forest story are: 

1. Too much greed is always dangerous. 

2. Doing something without a plan will lead to it;s failure ! 

Understanding the text

Answer the following questions.

a. Describe the expository scene of the story.

Expose = Dekhinu 

Expository = 

In the expository scene of the story, we see two characters, Evans and Hooker, sailing in the boat, holding a map in hand, and were seen confused as they did not understand the map. They were approaching a land nearby, which was a dense forest.

b. What does the map look like and how do Evan and Hooker interpret it?

The map was a little bit torn, and since it was older, the paper was also unclear. Somehow, they succeed in decoding the symbols in the map. They make their destination to the dotted lines area, which according to them, is the place where the treasure was hidden.

 

c. How did Evan and Hooker know about the treasure?

Evan and Hooker had known about the treasure that was buried and protected by Chang-hi in a secret place while the Chinese man was having the chit chat with his three friends in the jungle in broken English. According to their conversation, Once, Chang-hi discovered a buried treasure. He decided to re-bury it, planning to come back for it later. However, he needed help to carry the treasure, so he was asking for help with his fellow friends. 

d. Describe Evan’s dream.

Evan was daydreaming while on his boat. He had a strange dream. In his dream, he saw himself and his friend Hooker in a forest. They were looking for something. Evan heard three Chinese men talking in the forest. The men were talking about treasure hidden in the forest. Evan's friends moved closer to listen better. One Chinese man was telling them about treasure that he hid in the forest and now wants to work in a team to retrieve that.

In the dream, Evan saw the Chinese men fighting. Chang-hi was killed in the battle. After a silent pause, Chang-hi suddenly started laughing loudly. Evan then saw a big devil-like version of Chang-hi. It had a large black tail and was sitting in a pile of gold coins. The devil Chang-hi was calling Evan's name.

e. What do the two treasure hunters see when they walk towards the island?

The treasure hunters Evans and Hooker were exploring the jungle. They came across a small clearing with three palm trees. Many plants were growing there. In the middle of the plants they saw a dead body lying face down on the grass. It was the body of a Chinese man.

f. In what condition did the treasure hunters find the dead man?

The treasure hunters found the dead man lying face down on the ground in a clear space among the trees. The dead man was a Chinaman, and his body showed signs of a poisoned state or a snakebite. He had a purple neck, swollen hands, and ankles.

g. How did the treasure hunters try to carry gold ingots to the canoe ( dunga ) ?

The treasure hunters tried to carry the gold ingots by placing them in a coat. They lifted the coat, with the ingots ( Sun ko dalla )  inside, and attempted to carry it towards their canoe.

h. How were Evan and Hooker poisoned?

Chang-Hi had protected his treasure with poisonous thorns ( kada )  as indicated in the map with Dashes(---). Evan was pricked by a thorn, and Hooker was also pricked on his thumb. These thorns were similar to those used by the Dyaks for poison in their blowing-tubes. The poison from the thorns caused severe symptoms, including pain and paralysis, which affected both men.

Reference to the context

a. How do you know the story is set on a tropical ( Garmi ) island?

The story is set on a tropical island because the passage describes the vegetation like palms, thorny plants and seagrass which are commonly found on tropical islands. It also mentions that the characters seemed weary and thirsty due to the long night journey and intense heat, which shows that the island has a hot climate like tropical islands.

b. Why do you think Evan and Hooker took such a risk of finding the buried treasure on a desert island?

Evan and Hooker wanted to become rich so they took the risk of finding buried treasure on the deserted island. Being poor, they were probably desperate for money and saw this as a chance to improve their lives. Their greed led them to kill someone and break laws to find the treasure.

c. Do you think the narrator of the story is racist? If yes, what made him feel superior to other races?

Yes, the narrator seems racist. He describes the English characters by name but refers to the Chinese man without even giving the definitive names. This shows he sees the English race as superior. Chinese man are also given very minor role. The way he tells the story also makes it look like the English characters are dominating and powerful than Chinese man.

d. What do you think is the moral of the story?

The moral of the story is that greed and pursuit of wealth and power often lead to bad consequences. Evan and Hooker were so focused on finding treasure that they disregarded laws and ethics, which ultimately led to their deaths. The story teaches us to avoid greed and think about long term goals and impacts of our actions.

Reference Beyond Text

a. Interpret the story as a mystery story.

The story's plot and characters can be interpreted as a mystery story. Some key elements of a mystery found in the story are:

• It creates suspense by keeping the readers guessing about what will happen next.

• The characters like Evans and Hooker are investigating clues given on the map to find the hidden treasure, making it similar to detectives solving a mystery. 

• The forest setting adds to the creepy and mysterious atmosphere. 

• There are plot twists and misdirections like the characters getting misled by the dashes on the map. 

• Unexpected and tragic events like the characters getting killed by poisonous thorns add surprises. 

• Pieces of clues and evidence given in the story need to be connected to understand fully like in any mystery story.

b. Treasure hunting is a favorite subject of children’s stories. Remember a treasure hunting story you read in your childhood and compare and contrast it with ‘The Treasure in the Forest. 

 I remember a treasure hunting story called "The Hidden Treasure" from my childhood. In this story, there was an old father with three idle sons who never helped him, causing him great sadness and worry. Despite his efforts, he couldn't change their behavior. When the father fell seriously ill, he gathered his sons and shared a secret with them. He revealed that there was a hidden treasure buried somewhere in their fields, but he had forgotten the exact location. He asked them to find it after his passing. Sadly, the father died two days later. The sons diligently searched every inch of the land but couldn't find anything. Eventually, someone suggested they sow wheat in the field, resulting in a bountiful harvest. The moral of the story was that hard work leads to fruitful outcomes.

Similar to "The Treasure in the Forest," this childhood story also explores the theme of human greed for wealth. In both tales, characters are driven by their desire for treasure, prioritizing it over the well-being of others. Just as Chang-hi's death in our story reflects this greed, the sons in "The Hidden Treasure" display a similar attitude by valuing the treasure over their dying father.

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My Old Home

By Lu Xun !!!! 

Lu Xun le atma katha ho ! 

Lu Xun, maile yesto gare, maile usto gare ! 

Summary

The story is told from the first person point of view of the main character. He returns to his hometown by boat after being away for over 20 years. As he gets closer, the landscape looks dull and empty. He realizes his fond childhood memories of the town are probably not accurate.

The only reason he came back was to say goodbye. His family had sold their property. He goes to his old family home and meets his mother. She tells him their cousin Runtu, who was his good friend as a boy, may visit.

Memories of playing with Runtu as kids come back to him. Runtu's family worked for his family. The two boys became close friends sharing stories and exploring together. But Runtu had to leave after the New Year celebration.

Runtu does come to visit. But now he looks pale, thin and tired from hard times. He works as a farmer but struggles with taxes, crop failures and officials demanding money. The narrator and his mother feel sorry for Runtu's difficult situation.

Soon the narrator must depart on the boat with his mother and nephew. Runtu takes some old furniture and kitchen ashes. As they sail away, the narrator realizes he and Runtu will now live separate lives. He starts thinking about hope for a better future but also doubts if "hope" is just an empty dream.

The main characters are the narrator, his mother, nephew Hong'er, and childhood friend Runtu. The themes are nostalgia, hardships of rural life, losing connection to homeland and people, and hope versus doubt about the future.

Understanding the text

Answer the following questions.

a. How does the narrator describe his feeling at the arrival of his old home?

= The narrator feels mixed emotions of happiness, nostalgia and sadness upon returning to his old home. He is happy and nostalgic to see his beloved old home but also sad knowing he has to leave it forever. When the narrator realizes that nothing has changed around him, he becomes nervous. He's been expecting development in his hometown.

b. What were the three kinds of servants in China then? What does it indicate about contemporary Chinese society?

= There were three types of servants in old China - 

1. Dailies = day workers who only worked for a day, 

2. Yearlong servants = who worked for the same family all year, and 

3. busy-mothers who worked seasonally during festivals or when rent was due. 

This indicates China had a class system that divided work based on social status.

c. What makes the narrator nostalgic? What did he do with Runtu in his teenage years?

= The narrator feels nostalgic when his mother asks him to meet his old friend Runtu, as he spent a lot of fun time playing in fields with Runtu during his teenage years.

d. How did Runtu hunt a Zha in his young age?

= Runtu used to protect watermelons from a creature called Zha by standing guard on the beach. He fiercely attacked a Zha with his knife using all his young strength.

e. How does the narrator make a humorous picture of Mrs. Yang?

= The narrator humorously describes Mrs. Yang's face as resembling two compasses in a geometry box due to her narrow cheekbones and lips. He recalls her nickname "Beancurd Beauty" which attracted many customers to the shop.

f. According to the narrator, what were different factors that made Runtu a poor man throughout his life?

= Factors like social divisions, high taxes, family obligations, discrimination, lack of opportunities and very poor economic background kept Runtu poor throughout his life.

g. How does the narrator help Runtu before leaving the old home?

= Before leaving his old home, the narrator helps his poor friend Runtu by giving him some basic furniture and items like tables, candles, incense burner and scales.

h. How does the author differentiate two kinds of idols?

= The two idols that are mentioned in the story are superstitious idols and hope. He distinguishes between these two types of idols, stating that people worship superstitious idols for the short term benefits because they want something immediately, while hope is a long-term, uncertain and unclear. 

Reference to the context

a. While reading the friendship between the narrator and Runtu, Hindu readers remember the friendship between Krishna and Sudama. Which particular description reminds you of the mythological example?

The story of the narrator's connection with Runtu reminds Hindu readers of the relationship between Krishna and Sudama.

• Krishna and Sudama were good friends from childhood, just like the narrator and Runtu in this story.

• Runtu is poor, like Krishna's friend Sudhama was poor.

• Sudhama felt embarrassed when visiting Krishna, and Runtu also felt shy during his visit to Xun.

• When Sudhama visited, Krishna welcomed him warmly to his palace. Similarly, when Runtu visited Xun, Xun greeted him warmly.

• In the end, Lu Xun helped Runtu by providing food, just as Krishna helped Sudama by making his hut nice with everything he needed.

Both stories show that "A friend in need is a true friend". A real friendship is not affected by how much money or possessions someone has.

b. How does the story support the proposition that the relationships of childhood are innocent, impartial and disinterested?

The story supports the idea that childhood friendships are innocent, fair, and not interested in status or money. It uses the example of Runtu and the narrator's close friendship.

Lu Shun was Runtu's master, but the story shows their friendship was pure, neutral and not focused on their roles. They interacted as equals without caring about worker and master. Their bond went beyond social divisions.

As children, they had fun together and freely shared their thoughts. They didn't notice or care about supposed social class differences. They treated each other fairly without bias. They treasured the innocence of their childhood. The story only shows their real friendship.

Most childhood friendships have similar qualities. Childhood is the first phase of life, and whatever we do during that time stays with us forever in our memories until we die. Friendships from childhood are always very pure, innocent and unforgettable too. Young friends have a close bond with each other.

c. After reading the story, what inferences can you make about the contemporary Chinese economic and social system?

In "My Old Home," we find out that poor farmers and farm workers had complex relationships. Back then, people with different levels of money and social status couldn't easily become friends. Runtu was poor, and Lu Xun came from a middle-class family. Society's rules didn't allow them to be friends because they were from different backgrounds. The story also talks about slavery and how people were divided into full-time, part-time, and year-round servants.

The story also shows how peasants were mistreated and how they were unhappy with the feudal system.

d. What does the story indicate about the geographical features of the narrator’s hometown?

In the story, the narrator talks about how beautiful their hometown used to be. The narrator and their friend Runtu had a great time there. Back then, the place had lots of green plants. Watermelons grew by the ocean, making the sandy beach look even prettier. The town was calm and fun.

But when the narrator returns home twenty years later, they see that things have not improved. The place is now sad and empty, and the seaside town is deserted. The narrator feels really upset to see the place so empty and isolated.

Reference beyond the text

a. Human beings are on the road from time immemorial, always migrating to new places. Write an essay on The Trend of Migration in Nepal in about 300 words.

The Trend of Migration in Nepal

Title: The Trend of Migration in Nepal

Introduction:

Migration has been an integral part of human history, with people constantly on the move in search of better opportunities and improved living conditions. Nepal, a landlocked country in South Asia, has witnessed a significant trend of migration throughout its history. This essay explores the causes, patterns, and impacts of migration in Nepal.

Causes of Migration:

Several factors contribute to the trend of migration in Nepal. Economic reasons play a crucial role, with individuals seeking better employment opportunities, higher wages, and improved living standards. Limited job prospects, poverty, and lack of economic development in rural areas often push people to migrate to urban centers or overseas destinations. Additionally, political instability, social conflicts, and natural disasters can also trigger migration as people strive for safety and security.

Patterns of Migration:

Nepal experiences both internal and external migration. Internal migration refers to movement within the country, primarily from rural to urban areas. Rapid urbanization, coupled with the concentration of educational and employment opportunities in urban centers, attracts a large number of migrants from rural areas. Kathmandu, the capital city, serves as a major magnet for internal migrants. External migration involves Nepali citizens seeking employment and better livelihoods abroad, particularly in the Gulf countries, Malaysia, and other Southeast Asian nations.

Impacts of Migration:

Migration has both positive and negative impacts on Nepal. Remittances sent by Nepali migrant workers contribute significantly to the country's economy. These funds help alleviate poverty, improve living standards, and boost investment in education and healthcare. Moreover, return migrants often bring back new skills, knowledge, and experiences that can contribute to the overall development of the country. On the other hand, migration also poses challenges such as brain drain, as skilled professionals seek opportunities abroad, leaving gaps in critical sectors like healthcare and education. Social consequences, including the separation of families and strain on traditional values and cultural practices, are also observed.

Government Initiatives:

Recognizing the importance of migration, the Nepali government has taken various measures to address its challenges and harness its benefits. Efforts have been made to enhance skill development programs to equip potential migrants with the necessary qualifications and training. The government has also established mechanisms to protect the rights and welfare of migrant workers abroad through bilateral agreements and diplomatic channels. Additionally, there is an increasing focus on rural development, job creation, and economic diversification to curb the outflow of migrants from rural areas.

Conclusion:

Migration has become a significant trend in Nepal, driven by economic, political, and social factors. While it presents opportunities for economic growth and development, it also poses challenges that need to be addressed. By implementing effective policies, promoting sustainable development, and safeguarding the rights of migrants, Nepal can harness the potential benefits of migration while mitigating its negative consequences.

b. Find one of your relatives or friends, who has migrated to a new place leaving his/her old home. Talk to him/her and prepare a report on what he/she felt while leaving the old home.

Introduction: I interviewed my friend Maya, who recently migrated from Nepal to Canada, to understand her emotions, challenges, and experiences associated with this major life transition.

Background: Maya, a 22-year-old professional, chose to leave her hometown in Nepal seeking better career prospects and a higher quality of life in Canada. This required leaving behind her family, friends, and the comfort of her familiar surroundings to start fresh in a new country.

Emotional Impact: Maya expressed mixed feelings about leaving her old home. While excited by new possibilities abroad, she also felt sadness parting from loved ones and places important to her. Saying goodbye to parents was especially difficult.

Challenges: Adapting to an unfamiliar environment without a support system initially posed challenges. The language barrier hindered communication and integration into Canadian society. Securing housing, understanding local customs, and navigating immigration complicated matters further.

New Beginnings: Despite difficulties, Maya maintained hope and optimism for her new chapter. She valued personal and professional growth opportunities, broadening horizons, and cultural exposure. Continued family support encouraged pursuit of dreams during the transition.

Conclusion: Maya's experience reflects complex emotions of significant change. While facing hurdles, her determination, resilience and positivity helped navigate difficulties. Her story highlights strength needed to leave familiarity for new beginnings leading to growth.

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The Half-closed Eyes of the Buddha and the Slowly Sinking Sun

Shankar Lamichhane ! 

Summary

The story is set in Nepal. It is told from the view of a Nepali tour guide and a western tourist. Guide shows the visitor from the west different parts around Kathmandu, Nepal.

As they travel through beautiful Nepali valleys, the visitor is amazed by the landscapes, culture and history. The tourist has known Nepalese beauty in library books only all his life. The guide says plains in the West make people feel small. But Nepal's hills provide a feeling of comfort and safety.

The tourist talks about how Nepal has given many things to the West over centuries. Things like religion, art, books and culture. Yet Nepal continues giving without wanting anything back.

Over drinks in the evening, the guest discusses various aspects of Nepali history and culture he learned about in research before his visit. They talk about ancient sites, legendary kings, monks and nuns like  Tibetan Bhikshu who made kathmandu habitable, and artistic traditions. The guest is impressed by the religious and cultural diversity that has flourished peacefully in Nepal.

For dinner, the guide serves typical Nepali and Newari cuisine like momos. This sparks discussion of rural cultural traditions, family scenes, and the transmission of culture through generations. The guide emphasizes things that cannot truly be understood from books alone.

The next day, seeking to fulfill his promise to show the requested "eyes", the guide takes the guest to Chobhar hill. There, in a village temple courtyard, they find a shrine of Shiva alongside Buddha images and prayer wheels inscribed with "Om mani padme hum." 

The guide points out that this represents a living example of Nepal's religious tolerance and coexistence, with multiple faiths and deities worshipped side by side in the same space. Children play happily there unconcerned with the variety of deities, showing how different religious traditions have flourished peacefully together in Nepali culture.

The guide takes the guest to a more remote area to see special "eyes" as requested. They come upon a poor farming family with a polio disabled child, paralyzed from polio except for his eyes. There, the guide reflects profoundly on the child's condition and what it represents.

The guide sees the child's eyes look empty, with no expression or involvement. Yet he survives with no complaints, showing eastern acceptance. The family happily meets the visitor thinking he is a doctor to help. 

In a moving internal monologue, the guide imagines the child wishing he could learn, experience life, speak and participate as his actively exploring sister does. His condition represents the "end" of historical progression and development.

The story uses this troubling scene to discuss philosophy, endurance, and what cannot be captured in books alone about Nepal - conveying the depths of human experience and providing a profound conclusion to the guest's cultural journey.

Understanding the text

Answer the following questions.

a. How does the tourist describe his initial impression of the Kathmandu valley?

=  The tourist shares her first impression of the Kathmandu Valley by talking about the beautiful natural scenery and the unique rectangular landscapes. He also mentions the clay-made houses painted in red, yellow, and white. According to him, the air carries a nostalgic earthy scent and a peaceful mountain vibe.

b. According to the tourist, why is the West indebted to the East?

= According to the tourist, the West owes a debt to the East because the East has given the West various valuable things, including ancient texts like the Puranas, brass sculptures, ivory decorations, palm-leaf manuscripts, copperplate inscriptions, and most importantly, a rich and sacred civilization.

c. How does the tourist interpret the gaze of the monks and nuns?

=  The tourist thinks that the monks and nuns have a holy gaze that can see everything clearly without any biases or judgments.

d. Why do the tourists think Nepali people are wonderful and exceptional?

= The tourists believe Nepali people are wonderful and exceptional because they are very friendly, live peacefully together, and are skilled in arts, culture and music.

e. What are the different kinds of communities in the Kathmandu valley and how do they coexist with each other?

= In the Kathmandu Valley, there are diverse communities, including Aryans, non-Aryans, Hindus, Buddhists, and people from various non-Hindu backgrounds. They coexist peacefully, driven by a sense of unity and brotherhood.

f. What does the tourist feel about the temple of Adinath?

=  The tourist feels the temple of Adinath as the symbol of religious tolerance ( Dharmin Shaishnu ) and coexistence of two different traditions. Shiva shrine is a hindu temple, but there are numerous Buddha statues and several prayer wheels with ‘Om mani padme hum’ written on them on the premise of the main temple as well. Children from different backgrounds play happily there together.

g. Why does the guide take the tourist to the remote village?

=  The guide takes the tourist to a remote village to show the reality of rural Nepali life through the eyes of a poor, paralyzed child and teach the tourist about people's hardships and struggles in rural part of Nepal.

h. What does the innocent village couple think of the doctor?

=  The innocent village couple believes the tourist to be their oldest son, who has come to give the brother a life-restoring medicine from the seven seas. The guide lied to them about the tourist being a doctor, but the tourist was not a doctor.

i. What are the differences between the paralyzed ( thaliyeko )  child and his sister?

= The main difference is that the paralyzed child can only move his eyes while his sister has a healthy body and can do everything by herself like walking, talking, crawling etc.

j. Why does the guide show the instances of poverty to the tourist?

= The guide shows instances of poverty to make the tourist aware of the challenges, struggles, and difficult lives of common, impoverished families in Nepal. Despite the tourist's claim to know a lot about Nepal, the guide wants them to experience the compassionate side of this beautiful country and gain a deeper understanding of its reality.

Reference to the context

a. Which narrative technique is used by the author to tell the story? How is this story different from other stories you have read?

= The author, Shankar Lamichhane, tells a story using a style of writing called stream of consciousness. This style is different from regular stories. In a regular story, there is a straightforward story. In stream of consciousness, you are inside the character's mind. You experience their thoughts as they happen.

You can see the character's thoughts flowing. The story dives into what the character sees and feels. There may be repeating ideas or unusual grammar. This helps you understand what is happening in the character's head.

What is neat about this style is how the thoughts just flow like a river. The story is told from the view of a person exploring Kathmandu Valley. Instead of focusing on events, it focuses on the character's thoughts and feelings. This gives you a different way to connect with the story.

b. How is the author able to integrate two fragments of the narration into a unified whole?

= In the short story "The Half-closed Eyes of the Buddha and the Slowly Sinking Sun," the author tries to connect two different stories by using the theme of "eyes." The tourist in the story sees only the positive side of the country, while the guide is aware of both the positive and negative aspects of the country.

By bringing two parts of the story together with "eyes", author shows how eyes can mean different things in different situations.

The author does this by sharing examples of things that happen in different communities, what people do, the challenges they face, and even illnesses. By talking about all these things, the author connects them to the idea of "eyes" and what they symbolize.

The author uses a writing style called "stream of consciousness" to get this message across. This means the author shares thoughts as they come, without a strict order. It helps us understand the different meanings of "eyes" in various places and situations.

c. The author brings some historical and legendary references in the story. Collect these references and show their significance in the story.

The story "The Half-Closed Eyes of the Buddha and the Slowly Sinking Sun" includes many historical and legendary references. These references are important to understand the story.

The story talks about the Puranas, brass sculptures, ivory sculptures, palm leaf manuscripts, and copperplate inscriptions. These represent Nepal's rich cultural heritage. Gautam Buddha's eyes are portrayed with the beautiful sunset. This depicts Nepal as a land of hope and peace. The Bhikshus symbolize having a true perspective of reality. The overflowing Bagmati River refers to the legend of Manjushree making the Kathmandu Valley habitable for humans. The Adinath temple represents Nepal's tolerance and unity between different beliefs. The story briefly mentions Princess Bhrikuti and King Amshuvarma. This highlights Nepal's past connections to Tibet through relationships. 

In total, these historical and legendary references provide meaning and context to appreciate the story better.

d. The author talks about the eyes in many places: the eyes of the shaven monks and nuns, eyes in the window and door panels, the eyes of the Himalayas, the eyes of the paralyzed boy, the eyes of the welcoming villagers and above all the half-closed eyes of the Buddha. Explain how all the instances of eyes contribute to the overall unity of the story.

=Throughout the story, the author mentions different instances of eyes, like the shaven monks and nuns, eyes in windows and doors, the eyes of the Himalayas, the eyes of the paralyzed boy, the eyes of the welcoming villagers, and the half-closed eyes of the Buddha. These eyes are a central theme in the story.

These eyes represent something deeper. They symbolize different perspectives, experiences, and ways of seeing the world. Each pair of eyes has its own unique story and viewpoint, showing the diverse culture of Nepal.

The half-closed eyes of the Buddha are especially important. They represent calmness, wisdom, and acceptance. The Buddha's watchful gaze unites the land and its people, giving guidance and a sense of togetherness. The Buddha's eyes bring together all the different perspectives and experiences in the story.

In conclusion, these mentions of eyes in the story show how diverse and connected human experiences and viewpoints are in Nepal's cultural and natural landscape.

Reference beyond the text

a. Write an essay on Living Proximity to Nature.

 Living Proximity (nearer) to Nature : An Essay

Living in proximity to nature has numerous benefits for human well-being and happiness. Being surrounded by trees, plants and natural spaces allows people to feel more connected to the environment. It reduces stress and promotes relaxation. Just viewing nature scenes like forests or parks has been shown to lower blood pressure and the production of cortisol, the stress hormone.

Those who live close to parks, trails or other green spaces also tend to be more active. The easy accessibility encourages people to go for walks, runs or hikes more regularly. This helps combat obesity and diseases related to physical inactivity. Nature exposure also improves cognitive performance. Students who live near green spaces report better concentration and academic achievement.

With urbanization, many communities lack sufficient natural landscapes. But efforts should be made to incorporate more trees and vegetation even in cities. Pocket parks, community gardens and protected natural buffers improve quality of life. Governments should focus on accessible and well-maintained recreational areas for improved public health outcomes. Living near nature provides numerous psychological and physical benefits that enhance general well-being.

b. The story talks about ethnic/religious co-existence of different communities in Nepal, where the Buddhists and the Hindus and the Aryans and non-Aryans have lived in communal harmony for ages. In your view, how have the Nepali people been able to live in such harmony? 

In Nepal, the coexistence of different ethnic and religious communities is possible because of a few key reasons:

Shared Beliefs: Many communities in Nepal worship the same deities. This common spiritual connection helps create a sense of unity and shared identity among diverse groups.

Historical Acceptance: Nepal has a history of accepting various religions and cultures. Instead of suppressing diversity, the country has embraced it over the years.

Secular Constitution: Nepal's constitution declares the country as secular and guarantees religious freedom. This legal framework ensures that people can practice their religion without facing discrimination.

Geographical Factors: Nepal's geography, with its isolated communities in remote areas, has helped preserve diverse cultural and religious practices. It has allowed different groups to maintain their traditions without external interference.

Cultural Exchange: The coexistence of different communities in Nepal has led to a rich cultural exchange. People have learned from each other's traditions, promoting understanding and harmony.

These factors have allowed diverse groups to peacefully coexist and thrive in this beautiful country.

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'A Very Old man with enormous Wings' by 

Gabriel Gracia Marquez

Summary

The story begins with a setting of continuous rain for several days, leading to a sad and gloomy atmosphere. Pelayo and his wife, Elisenda, have been dealing with a house full of crabs due to the heavy rain. They believe the crabs' presence is causing their newborn child to have a fever, so Pelayo throws the crabs into the sea.

Pelayo discovers an old man with enormous, dirty wings lying face down in the mud in their courtyard. He is unable to get up and has huge, half-plucked wings tangled in the mud. 

Pelayo and Elisenda initially fear this strange sight but soon find the old man oddly familiar. They attempt to communicate with him, but he speaks an incomprehensible dialect. They conclude that he is a castaway from a shipwreck, and a wise neighbor woman suggests he might be an angel who was on a mission to take their sick child but got knocked down by the rain.

Word of the captive angel spreads, and the entire town becomes curious. They decide not to harm the angel and, instead, charge people to see him in their courtyard. People from all around come to witness the angel. Some even suggest grand ideas like making him the mayor of the world or a five-star general.

Father Gonzaga, the local priest, arrives and questions the authenticity of the angel, suspecting him to be an imposter. He observes the angel's behavior and language, which further raises doubts. He decides to seek guidance from higher authorities, delaying any decisive action.

While waiting for the priest's response, the courtyard becomes a bustling attraction, with people coming to see the angel and making various inquiries. Elisenda and Pelayo start making a lot of money from the visitors. However, the angel remains passive and unresponsive to the crowd's attention.

The situation changes when a woman who had been turned into a spider arrives in town as part of a traveling show. Her appearance and her tragic story overshadow the angel's presence. People flock to see her instead, and the angel is forgotten. Pelayo's courtyard returns to normalcy.

Elisenda and Pelayo use the money they earned to build a luxurious house, complete with security measures to keep out both crabs and angels. They live a prosperous life, and their child grows up playing near the old chicken coop, where the angel had once been held. 

The angel's presence becomes a distant memory, and he gradually regains his strength. One day, he miraculously takes flight, and Elisenda watches him disappear into the horizon, leaving behind the life he had known as a captive in the courtyard.

Understanding the text

Answer the following questions.

a. How does the narrator describe the weather and its effects in the exposition of the story?

The narrator describes the weather as dark and gloomy. It had been raining for days, making the soil muddy. The rain had caused crabs to come into the house, and the family believed it was making their sick child even sicker.

b. Describe the strange old man as Palayo and his wife first encounter within their courtyard.

When Pelayo and his wife Elisenda first encounter the strange old man in their courtyard, he is described as lying face down in the mud. He has enormous wings that are dirty and half-plucked, and he looks like an old, ragged man with very few hairs left on his bald head and very few teeth in his mouth.

c. Why did Pelayo and Elisenda imprison the old man in the chicken coop?

Pelayo and Elisenda put the old man in the chicken coop because they thought he might be a threat to their baby. They believed he was an angel who came for the child, and they wanted to keep him away to protect their family.

d. Why was Father Gonzaga not sure about the old man being a celestial messenger?

Father Gonzaga was not sure about the old man being a celestial messenger because the old man didn't understand Latin, the language of God's ministers, and didn't respond in a way that would be expected of an angel. 

e. Many people gathered at Pelayo's house to see the strange old man. Why do you think the crowd assembled to see him?

Many people came to Pelayo's house to see the strange old man because his big wings made him look very different and interesting. Some thought he might be special angel or sent by God, while others just wanted to see him. They were all curious about who he was.

f. Some miracles happened while the crowd gathered to see the strange man. What are these miracles?

Some miracles happened while the crowd gathered to see the strange man. For example, a blind man didn't regain his sight but grew three new teeth, a paralytic didn't start walking but almost won the lottery, and a leper's sores sprouted sunflowers. 

g. State the irritating things that the people did with the strange old man.

The people did several irritating things with the strange old man, including throwing stones at him, plucking his feathers, trying to get him to stand up, and even burning him with an iron. They treated him like a circus animal.

h. How and why was the woman changed into a spider?

The woman who was changed into a spider was originally a disobedient child. She had gone to a dance without her parents' permission, and during a thunderstorm, she was struck by lightning, which turned her into a giant spider.

i. Describe how Elisenda saw the strange man flying over the houses.

Elisenda watched the strange man when he tried to fly away. At first, he didn't fly very well and had trouble staying up in the air. But then, he got higher and eventually flew away. Elisenda kept looking until he became a tiny dot far away over the sea.

Reference to the context

a. The arrival of a strange old man at Palayo’s courtyard arouses many suspicions and explanations. Explain how the neighbour woman, Father Gonzaga and the doctor speak of the strange man. Why do you think these three people give three different kinds of interpretations? 

When a strange old man appears in Palayo's courtyard, it raises suspicions and leads to different explanations from the neighbor lady, Father Gonzaga, and the doctor. These three people give different interpretations because they have different beliefs and backgrounds. Additionally, the old man's appearance and actions were so unusual and unlike anything they had seen before. He had wings and spoke in an unknown language, making it difficult for them to agree on a single theory.

The neighbor lady, who considered herself knowledgeable about life and death, believed the old man was an angel sent to take the child but was unable to do so because of the rain and his old age. Father Gonzaga, the priest, suspected the old man might be a fake angel since he couldn't understand the language of God. The doctor, upon discovering the old man's natural wings and hearing a whistling sound in his heart and kidneys, was amazed and questioned why he was the only one born with such features. Their different explanations stemmed from their limited understanding of who the old man really was.

b. This story belongs to the genre of ‘magical realism’, a genre perfected by Gabriel Garcia Marquez in his novels and short stories. Magical realism is a narrative technique in which the story-teller narrates the commonplace things with magical colour and the events look both magical and real at the same time. Collect five magic realist happenings from the story and argue why they seem magical to you.

Magical realism (Magic + Real) is a storytelling method where the storyteller paints ordinary objects in a fantastic light, making them seem both magical and real. In this story, strange things occur that are not normal in our everyday lives. Title itself "A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings" depicts magical realism. A very old man is a real life existence and man with wings is a supernatural figure or a creature from a mythological world. In addition to this, the following instances are a few which make this story more magical to the readers like me;

• According to the neighbor, the old man is an angel who has come to take the sick child to paradise. This idea involves something magical happening in our real world.

•  When the old man with huge wings arrives in the courtyard, it's a magical moment. His presence is extraordinary and seems like something from another world. It's not something you see every day.

• The fact that the old man has wings is magical. Humans don't usually have wings, so it adds a touch of wonder and magic to the story.

• The strange healings that happen when people visit the old man, like a blind man growing new teeth or sores turning into sunflowers, are magical. 

• The story introduces a woman who transforms into a giant spider, which is a magical event. It's not something that happens in the real world, and it blurs the line between reality and fantasy.

• When the old man tries to fly away, his initial clumsiness and then his ability to fly over the sea are magical. It goes against the laws of physics and fills the story with wonder.

Because of this, this story also falls under the umbrella of 'magical realism.' These things are not typical but they happen within the story's world. 

b यो कथा 'जादुई यथार्थवाद' को विधासँग सम्बन्धित छ, जुन विधा गेब्रियल गार्सिया मार्केजले आफ्ना उपन्यास र लघुकथाहरूमा सिद्ध गरेका छन्। जादुई यथार्थवाद एक वर्णनात्मक प्रविधि हो जसमा कथाकारले सामान्य कुराहरूलाई जादुई रंगको साथ वर्णन गर्दछ र घटनाहरू एकै समयमा जादुई र वास्तविक दुवै देखिन्छन्। कथाबाट पाँच जादुई यथार्थवादी घटनाहरू सङ्कलन गर्नुहोस् र तर्क गर्नुहोस् किन तिनीहरू तपाईंलाई जादुई देखिन्छन्।

जादुई यथार्थवाद (जादुई + वास्तविक) एक कथा कथन विधि हो जहाँ कथाकारले सामान्य वस्तुहरूलाई उत्कृष्ट प्रकाशमा चित्रण गर्दछ, तिनीहरूलाई जादुई र वास्तविक दुवै देखिन्छ। यस कथामा, अनौठो चीजहरू हुन्छन् जुन हाम्रो दैनिक जीवनमा सामान्य हुँदैन। शीर्षक नै "ए वेरी ओल्ड म्यान विथ एनर्मस विंग्स" ले जादुई यथार्थवादलाई चित्रण गर्दछ। एक धेरै वृद्ध मानिस एक वास्तविक जीवन अस्तित्व हो र पखेटा भएको मानिस एक अलौकिक व्यक्तित्व वा पौराणिक संसारबाट एक प्राणी हो। यसका अतिरिक्त, म जस्ता पाठकहरूका लागि यस कथालाई थप जादुई बनाउने निम्न उदाहरणहरू छन्;

छिमेकीका अनुसार बिरामी बच्चालाई स्वर्गमा लैजान आएका बूढा परी हुन् । यो विचारले हाम्रो वास्तविक संसारमा केहि जादुई घटना समावेश गर्दछ।

 जब ठूलो पखेटा भएको वृद्ध मानिस आँगनमा आइपुग्छ, यो एक जादुई क्षण हो। उहाँको उपस्थिति असाधारण छ र अर्को संसारबाट केहि जस्तो देखिन्छ। यो तपाईले हरेक दिन देख्ने कुरा होइन।

बूढो मानिसको पखेटा छ भन्ने तथ्य जादुई छ। मानिससँग सामान्यतया पखेटा हुँदैन, त्यसैले यसले कथामा अचम्म र जादूको स्पर्श थप्छ।

अन्धो मानिसले नयाँ दाँत पालेको वा घाउहरू सूर्यमुखीमा परिणत भएको जस्तै वृद्ध मानिसलाई भेट्दा मानिसहरूलाई भेट्ने अनौठो उपचारहरू जादुई हुन्छन्।

कथाले एउटी महिलाको परिचय दिन्छ जो एक विशाल माकुरोमा परिणत हुन्छ, जुन एक जादुई घटना हो। यो वास्तविक संसारमा हुने कुरा होइन, र यसले वास्तविकता र काल्पनिक बीचको रेखालाई धमिलो पार्छ।

जब बूढो मानिस उड्न खोज्छ, उसको सुरुको अनाड़ीपन र त्यसपछि समुद्रमा उड्ने क्षमता जादुई हुन्छ। यो भौतिक विज्ञानको नियम विरुद्ध जान्छ र कथालाई अचम्मले भर्छ।

जसका कारण यो कथा पनि 'जादुई यथार्थवाद' को छातामा परेको छ। यी चीजहरू सामान्य होइनन् तर कथाको संसारमा हुन्छन्।

c. The author introduces the episode of a woman who became a spider for having disobeyed her parents. This episode at once shifts people’s concentration from the strange old man to the spider woman. What do you think is the purpose of the author to bring this shift in the story?

The author changed the story to highlight how people often ignore mysterious, thought-provoking and serious things. Instead of focusing on the strange old man, people become fascinated by the spider lady quickly.

This change in people's interests suggests they prefer lighthearted and entertaining things over serious ones. The crowd embraces the lady who transformed into a spider, and the angel's appearance is forgotten. They find the spider lady more exciting and entertaining.

The author also shows how two seemingly unrelated events can be connected in a miraculous way. The story introduces a lady who becomes a spider after disobeying her parents, revealing a connection between her transformation and the appearance of the old man.

d. The story deals with the common people’s gullibility. How do Palayo and his wife take advantage of common people’s whim?

Pelayo and his wife, Elisenda, take advantage of the common people's gullibility in the story by exploiting the curiosity and fascination surrounding the strange old man with wings. They recognize that the people are eager to see something extraordinary and are willing to pay for it.

Pelayo and Elisenda decide to charge five cents admission to see the old man with wings. With the money they earn from the visitors, Pelayo and Elisenda use it to build a two-story mansion with balconies and gardens. This demonstrates how they capitalize on the people's fascination with the old man to improve their own living conditions. 

Pelayo and Elisenda take advantage of the common people's curiosity and gullibility by turning the old man with wings into a profitable attraction, prioritizing their own interests and financial gain over the well-being of the mysterious visitor.

Reference beyond the text

a. An irresistible crowd queues at Palayo’s house for many days simply to look at the strange old man. Narrate an episode from your experience or from another story where people assemble in crowds, not for any noble cause.

An irresistible crowd queues at Palayo’s house for many days simply to look at the strange old man. In our town, similar incidents frequently take place, when a person gets injured in accidents. People, leaving their own business, start gathering and making a crowd just to see the accident, though there is no noble cause.

b. The taste of children is different from grown-ups. What are the elements in the story that make ‘The Old Man with Enormous Wings’ a children’s story? 

"The Old Man with Enormous Wings" possesses elements that make it suitable for children:

Fantasy and Magical Elements: Children are often drawn to stories with fantasy and magical elements. The presence of an old man with wings and the idea of miracles and supernatural events can captivate a child's imagination.

Simplicity of Language: The story uses straightforward language and simple vocabulary, making it accessible to young readers. This simplicity allows children to follow the narrative easily.

Visual Imagery: The story's descriptions, such as the enormous wings and the spider woman, create vivid mental images that can engage a child's visual imagination.

Moral Lessons: Like many children's stories, this tale contains moral lessons, such as the consequences of mistreatment and judgment. Children's stories often include moral themes to impart values and lessons.

Fascination with the Unusual: Children are naturally curious about the unusual and the mysterious. The strange and fantastical elements in the story can pique a child's curiosity and sense of wonder.

Short Length: The story is relatively short, which is suitable for shorter attention spans typical of children. It can be read or told in one sitting, making it ideal for bedtime or storytelling.

Animal Characters: The story features animals like crabs and chickens, which are relatable and interesting to children.

Overall, "The Old Man with Enormous Wings" combines elements of fantasy, simplicity, visual imagery, moral lessons, and fascination with the unusual, making it a story that can resonate with and entertain children.

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Poem Unit 2: Every Morning I Wake by Dylan Thomas

Summary

This poem is a simple prayer or blessing that is said each morning and evening in the Milk Wood town. This poem has been written by Dylan Thomas.

In the morning, the speaker makes a little prayer asking God to keep His loving eye on all the poor creatures who were born to die. They ask God to watch over and protect the inhabitants of the town. It shows that the speaker cares about all living things and knows that life is fragile and doesn't last forever.

In the evening at sundown, the speaker asks for a blessing on the whole town. They acknowledge the uncertainty of life, suggesting that whether people will make it through the night is uncertain ("touch-and-go"). This stanza highlights the speaker's awareness of the unpredictability of life and their desire for divine protection and guidance.

The third stanza recognizes that the people of the town are neither wholly bad nor good, but live imperfect lives under Milk Wood. They have faith that God will see their best nature, not their worst. This stanza dives into the complexities of human nature. The speaker expresses faith that God sees the best in people rather than focusing on their flaws or imperfections.

Finally, the prayer asks to see another day and for God to bless them all that night. It expresses the hope that they will all bow to the sun in the morning, saying goodbye to the day now ending, but with the expectation of another sunrise to see. The poem ends with a temporary farewell ("good-bye – but just for now"), suggesting that they will return to their daily routine, including their prayers, the next morning.

The poem shows humility, faith and a strong bond with God and nature. It shows the importance of caring for others, admitting our flaws, and wanting the best for our community. The daily prayers remind us that life is fragile and we need God's help and support, especially during hard times.

The tone of the poem is kind and thoughtful. It encourages us to stop and think about the meaning of daily routines, the beauty around us in nature, and how faith can guide us through life's difficulties.

Understanding the text

Answer the following questions.

a. When does the speaker pray to the Lord?

The speaker prays to the Lord in the morning and evening.

b. What does the speaker pray for?

The speaker prays for grace, sympathy and protection from God for the people of Milk Wood.

c. Who are the ‘poor creatures’? Why does the speaker call them ‘poor creatures’?

The 'poor creatures' refers to the residents of Milk Wood. The speaker calls them 'poor creatures' because they are made of flesh and bones and will die one day.

d. What does Milk Wood sound like? A type of wood or a place? Why?

Milk Wood sounds like a place name because there is no article (a/an) used before it. Place names are usually not preceded by articles.

e. Why do the inhabitants of Milk Wood bow to the setting sun ‘but just for now’?

The residents of Milk Wood bow to the setting sun as a way of temporary goodbye, as they expect the sun will rise again tomorrow. They believe God's grace and sun's warmth will help them survive another day.

Reference to the context

a. Discuss “Every Morning When I Wake” as a prayer to God.

=  "Every Morning When I Wake" is a prayer poem. In it, the speaker pleads to God for blessings and protection for all humans and animals. He prays that God may keep his loving eyes on all creatures who are destined to die.

b. Why does the speaker make a prayer to God, but not to a king, a billionaire or a scientist?

= The speaker prays only to God because God is the supreme and ultimate being. He is the creator and savior of all. Kings, billionaires and scientists derive their power, wealth and knowledge from God-created world. But they are not eternal like God. Only God can provide true protection and guide humans throughout their lives.

c. How does the poet highlight the magnificence of God?

= The poet highlights God's magnificence by pointing out that God's presence is holy. He created and saved humankind. People revere and depend on Him. And He guides humans throughout their lives until death and in afterlife. This highlights God's greatness.

d. How does the rhyme scheme of the poem reinforce its message?

= The AABB rhyme scheme gives the poem a rhythmic flow like a prayer or song. This makes the appeal to God more sincere, soothing and engaging. The repeated end rhymes reinforce the poem's theme of pleading to God.

Reference beyond the text

a. Does God exist? Give your opinion.

= As a Hindu who believes in God, I am firmly convinced of God's existence.

Hindu scriptures like the Vedas and Upanishads that I consider sacred texts provide profound insights about the nature of divine reality. They speak of Brahman - the supreme, eternal unchanging spirit as the ultimate truth.

I find the concept of Brahman permeating and sustaining this entire universe in forms like Vishnu, Shiva etc to be very logical. For me, design and precise workings of nature reflect an intelligent creative force behind it.

I believe God is the sublime answer to the deepest mysteries of life, consciousness and existence.

Personal experiences with prayer and meditation have also reaffirmed my faith by connecting me to a higher power. Spiritual practices have brought transformation that I think comes from interacting with the divine.

With the Gita and teachings of saints as my guidance, belief in God helps me live righteously and find meaning. So based on my religion, experiences and truths I have discovered, I have no hesitation in firmly upholding the reality of God.

b. In his Epistle to the author of the book, The Three Impostors (1768), Voltaire says, “Even if God didn’t exist, it would be necessary to invent him.” Write an essay highlighting the importance of God in the society.

= 

Title: The Significance of God in Society: Voltaire's Perspective

Introduction:

Voltaire's statement, "Even if God didn't exist, it would be necessary to invent him," highlights the profound importance of God in society. This essay explores the various ways in which the concept of God is significant for society, including moral guidance, social cohesion, existential meaning, and as a coping mechanism.

Moral Guidance:

Belief in God provides a moral framework. Religious beliefs and texts offer ethical principles that shape behavior, serving as a moral compass for individuals and communities.

Social Cohesion:

Religion fosters social cohesion through congregational activities, rituals, and shared values. Belief in God creates a common identity that strengthens social ties.

Existential Meaning:

God offers answers to profound existential questions, providing solace, hope, and a sense of purpose in life. Faith in God contributes to individual happiness and well-being.

Coping Mechanism:

Belief in God serves as a powerful coping mechanism during crises. It offers comfort, guidance, and strength, alleviating anxiety and providing reassurance.

Conclusion:

The concept of God plays a vital role in society, offering moral guidance, promoting social cohesion, providing existential meaning, and serving as a coping mechanism. Regardless of personal beliefs, the societal impact of the idea of God is undeniable, shaping and influencing human societies globally.

A day Poem by Emily Dickinson

A Day Kabita 

Day = Din ( Nepali ) 

Sunrise = Gham udaunu ( Jiban ko suruwat, janma ) 

Pov 1 : Manxe ko janma ko paxadi k hunxa vanne kura sabai lai tha xa ! 

Pov2 : Gham udayepaxi Prakriti Kasto hunxa, 

Day = Sunny Day ma manxe harule kk garxan vanne kura pani sabai lai tha hunxa ! 

Jiban ma pani manxe le kk kura gari rako hunxan vanne sabai lai tha hunxa ! 

Sunset = Baccha lai sunset naramailo lagxa, uslai surya astayepaxadi kaha janxan vanne thaha xaina ! 

Jiban : Manxe marepaxadi usko soul ( aatma ) kaha janxa, kasailai tha hudaina, ra yo pani euta naramailo time ho ! 

Sunset = Gham Astaunu ( Manxe maran ) 

Summary of the Poem

In the poem "A Day", Emily Dickinson describes a beautiful day and how it moves from morning to night. She uses symbols to tell the story.

कविता "ए डे" मा, एमिली डिकिन्सनले एउटा सुन्दर दिन र कसरी यो बिहानदेखि रातमा सर्छ भनेर वर्णन गर्छिन्। उनले कथा सुनाउन प्रतीकहरू प्रयोग गर्छन्।

Sarasar = Gham ko kiran !

Deep = Manxe ko Jiban ! 

In the morning, the sun rises. This symbolizes birth. When the sun comes up, its light hits the church tower and hills. Birds like the bobolink start singing lovely songs. Everything seems happy in the morning sunlight. 

बिहान, घाम उदाउछ। यो जन्म को प्रतीक हो। जब सूर्य उदाउँछ, यसको प्रकाश चर्चको टावर र पहाडहरूमा हिट हुन्छ। बोबोलिंक जस्ता चराहरूले राम्रा गीतहरू गाउन थाल्छन्। बिहानको घाममा सबै खुशी लाग्छ।

As the day goes on, the speaker sees little yellow boys and girls climbing up stairs as they play. In the evening, the sky starts to get dark shades of red and purple. This is when the sunset happens. Sunset symbolizes death.

दिन बित्दै जाँदा, स्पिकरले साना पहेँलो केटाहरू र केटीहरू खेल्दै गर्दा सिँढीहरू चढेको देख्छन्। साँझमा, आकाशले रातो र बैजनी रंगको कालो छायाँ पाउन थाल्छ। यो सूर्यास्त हुँदा हुन्छ। सूर्यास्त मृत्युको प्रतीक हो।

When night comes, a man called the "dominie" guides the children home. He closes the gate so no one can come in or go out. The speaker doesn't really understand how the sun sets. This shows that no one knows what happens after death.

Parents le baccha  lai ghar vitra lagera thunera rakhnule ! = Sarasar Meaning ! 

Deeper meaning ( Jiban marisakeapxi ko abastha )

Bhagwan le hami harulai dohorayera sworga laijanuhunxa, 

जब रात आउँछ, "डोमिनी" भनिने मानिसले बच्चाहरूलाई घरमा डोऱ्‍याउँछ। उसले गेट बन्द गर्छ ताकि कोही भित्र आउन वा बाहिर जान नपरोस्। वक्ताले वास्तवमा सूर्य कसरी अस्ताउँछ बुझ्दैनन्। यसले देखाउँछ कि मृत्यु पछि के हुन्छ कसैलाई थाहा छैन।

The Main Theme

The main theme is about the journey of life from birth to death. The rising sun represents being born and the setting sun represents dying. The poem shows how children grow up and take on more responsibility like adults during the day, just as we live our lives. Death and what comes after it are also important themes.

मुख्य विषयवस्तु

जन्मदेखि मृत्युसम्मको जीवन यात्राको मुख्य विषयवस्तु हो । उदाउँदो सूर्यले जन्म र अस्ताउँदो सूर्यले मृत्युलाई जनाउँछ। कविताले देखाउँछ कि कसरी बच्चाहरू हुर्किन्छन् र दिनको समयमा वयस्कहरू जस्तै थप जिम्मेवारी लिन्छन्, जसरी हामी हाम्रो जीवन बिताउँछौं। मृत्यु र त्यस पछि के आउँछ भन्ने पनि महत्त्वपूर्ण विषयहरू हुन्।

Literary Devices

The poem uses symbols, metaphors, similes and personification. For example:

The poem uses these symbols: Day = Life, Sunrise = Birth, Sunset = Death

The sun's rays are described as "ribbons" (metaphor).

Hills are said to remove their "bonnets" in the morning (personification).

News of the sunrise spreads like squirrels running (simile).

कवितामा प्रतीक, उपमा, उपमा र व्यक्तित्वको प्रयोग गरिएको छ। उदाहरणका लागि:

कविताले यी प्रतीकहरू प्रयोग गर्दछ: दिन = जीवन, सूर्योदय = जन्म, सूर्यास्त = मृत्यु

सूर्यको किरणहरूलाई "रिबन" (रूपक) को रूपमा वर्णन गरिएको छ।

पहाडहरू बिहान तिनीहरूको "बोनेट" हटाउन भनिन्छ (व्यक्तिकरण)।

सूर्योदयको समाचार गिलहरीहरू दौडिएझैं फैलिन्छ।

Stanza Breakdown

The poem is split into 4 short stanzas or parts. Each part describes a different time of the day from sunrise to night. The rising sun brings beauty and joy to nature. As the day ends, the children go home with the "dominie" and the mysteries of death are shown.

In the end, the poem beautifully depicts the cycle of life through the rising and setting of the sun each day. It shows both the wonders and unknowns of our lives on earth.

कवितालाई 4 छोटो श्लोक वा भागहरूमा विभाजन गरिएको छ। प्रत्येक भागले सूर्योदयदेखि रातसम्म दिनको फरक समयको वर्णन गर्दछ। उदाउँदो सूर्यले प्रकृतिमा सौन्दर्य र आनन्द ल्याउँछ। दिनको अन्त्यमा, बच्चाहरू "डोमिनी" लिएर घर जान्छन् र मृत्युको रहस्यहरू देखाइन्छ।

अन्तमा, कविताले हरेक दिन सूर्यको उदाउँदो र अस्ताउने जीवन चक्रलाई सुन्दर ढंगले चित्रण गरेको छ। यसले पृथ्वीमा हाम्रो जीवनको आश्चर्य र अज्ञात दुवै देखाउँछ।

The main topics in the poem are:

The cycle of life - The sunrise shows the start of a new day and sunset means the end, like how we are born and die.

Changing with time - As time passes, like the little kids climbing higher, we all grow and change as we get older.

Beauty in nature - Dickinson describes the natural sights beautifully, from the colors in the sky to the singing birds. Nature is amazing to look at.

जीवन चक्र - सूर्योदयले नयाँ दिनको सुरुवात देखाउँछ र सूर्यास्त भनेको अन्त्य हो, जस्तै हामी कसरी जन्मन्छौं र मर्छौं।

समय संगै परिवर्तन - समय बित्दै जाँदा, साना केटाकेटीहरू माथि चढ्ने जस्तै, हामी सबै बढ्दै जान्छौं र बूढो हुँदै जान्छौं।

प्रकृतिमा सौन्दर्य - डिकिन्सनले आकाशका रंगहरूदेखि गाउने चराहरूसम्म प्राकृतिक दृश्यहरूलाई सुन्दर ढंगले वर्णन गर्छन्। प्रकृति हेर्दा अचम्मको छ।

Understanding the text

Answer the following questions.

a. How does the poet describe the morning sun in the first stanza?

= The poet describes the morning sun as a sign of happiness in the first stanza. The sun's beams resembled a series of loosely knotted ribbons. In a flash, everything became crystal clear. The steeple of the church took on an amethyst hue as a result. Then, the news of the sun's arrival travels as quickly as a squirrel's quick movements.

a पहिलो श्लोकमा कविले बिहानको सूर्यलाई कसरी वर्णन गर्नुहुन्छ?

= कविले पहिलो श्लोकमा बिहानको सूर्यलाई खुशीको संकेतको रूपमा वर्णन गरेका छन्। घामका किरणहरू ढीला गाँठो भएका रिबनको शृङ्खलासँग मिल्दोजुल्दो थिए। एकैछिनमा, सबै कुरा क्रिस्टल स्पष्ट भयो। नतिजाको रूपमा चर्चको स्टिपलले नीलम रङ धारण गर्यो। त्यसपछि, सूर्यको आगमनको खबर गिलहरीको द्रुत गतिजस्तै छिटो यात्रा गर्दछ।

b. What does the line ‘The news like squirrels ran’ mean?

= The line 'The news like squirrels ran' means that the information about the sunrise ( or simply rays of the sun) spread very quickly across the area, just like how squirrels can run very fast.

b ‘खिलहरीजस्तै समाचार दौडियो’ भन्ने पंक्तिको अर्थ के हो?

=  रेखा 'खिलहरीहरू दौडिए जस्तै समाचार' को अर्थ सूर्योदय (वा केवल सूर्यको किरणहरू) को बारेमा जानकारी धेरै चाँडो क्षेत्रभर फैलिएको छ, जसरी गिलहरीहरू धेरै छिटो दौडन सक्छन्।

c. What do you understand by the line ‘The hills untied their bonnets’?

= Bonnets mean a special type of hat which can be tied under the chin. The line 'The hills untied their bonnets' refers to the hills losing their dark appearance as night ended. Before sunrise, the hills looked dark and gloomy like wearing a hat (bonnet). But when the sun's rays fell on the hills, their greenery and beauty was revealed as they seemed to remove their hats, becoming happy and excited.

ग ‘पहाडले आफ्नो बोनट खोलिदिए’ भन्ने रेखाबाट के बुझ्नुहुन्छ?

= बोनेट भनेको विशेष प्रकारको टोपी हो जसलाई चिउँडो मुनि बाँध्न सकिन्छ। 'पहाडहरूले आफ्नो बोनेट खोलिदिए' भन्ने पङ्क्तिले पहाडहरूले रातको अन्त्यसँगै आफ्नो अँध्यारो रूप गुमाउँदै गएको जनाउँछ। सूर्योदय अघि, पहाडहरू टोपी (बोनेट) लगाएको जस्तै अँध्यारो र उदास देखिन्थे। तर जब सूर्यको किरण पहाडहरूमा पर्यो, तिनीहरूको हरियाली र सौन्दर्य प्रकट भयो जब तिनीहरू आफ्नो टोपीहरू हटाए, खुशी र उत्साहित भए।

d. Is the speaker watching the morning sun? Why? Why not?

= No, the speaker is not watching the morning sun. This is because he says "I’ll tell you how the Sun rose", meaning he is describing what happened after the sunrise. He is not narrating by watching it in real time.

d के वक्ताले बिहानको घाम हेर्दै हुनुहुन्छ? किन? किन नगर्ने ?

= होइन, वक्ताले बिहानको घाम हेरिरहेको छैन। यो किनभने उसले भन्यो "म तिमीलाई कसरी सूर्योदय भयो" भन्छु, यसको मतलब उसले सूर्योदय पछि के भयो भनेर वर्णन गरिरहेको छ। उसले रियल टाइममा हेरेर बयान गरिरहेको छैन।

e. How does the sun set?

= The speaker does not know exactly how the sun sets. He only knows that the sun goes away taking all the happiness and joy, leaving behind unhappy and gloomy darkness. The slowly changing purple and yellow colors indicate that the sun is setting, but the speaker is unclear about the details of how it sets.

e सूर्य कसरी अस्ताउँछ?

= वक्तालाई ठ्याक्कै सूर्य कसरी अस्ताउँछ थाहा हुँदैन। उसलाई मात्र थाहा छ कि सूर्य सबै सुख र आनन्द लिएर दुखी र अन्धकारलाई पछाडि छोडेर जान्छ। बिस्तारै परिवर्तन हुने बैजनी र पहेँलो रङले सूर्य अस्ताउँदैछ भन्ने संकेत गर्छ, तर यो कसरी अस्ताउँछ भन्ने विवरणबारे वक्ता अस्पष्ट छन्।

Reference to the context

a. What, according to the speaker, is a day?

A day according to the speaker is a representation of life. It symbolizes sunrise as the beginning or birth of life and setting of sun as death. The time between birth and death is called "day" where we do various activities.

a) वक्ताको अनुसार, एक दिन के हो?

वक्ताका अनुसार एक दिन जीवनको प्रतिनिधित्व हो। यसले जीवनको सुरुवात वा जन्मको रूपमा सूर्योदय र मृत्युको रूपमा सूर्यास्तलाई प्रतीक गर्दछ। जन्म र मृत्यु बीचको समयलाई "दिन" भनिन्छ जहाँ हामी विभिन्न क्रियाकलाप गर्छौं।

b. What purpose does the hyphen in the first line serve in the poem?

The hyphen (-) indicates a pause or break. It allows the readers to think about the context and imagine the missing word.

b) पहिलो पङ्क्तिको हाइफनले कवितामा के उद्देश्य दिन्छ?

हाइफन (-) ले पज वा ब्रेकलाई संकेत गर्छ। यसले पाठकहरूलाई सन्दर्भको बारेमा सोच्न र हराएको शब्दको कल्पना गर्न अनुमति दिन्छ।

c. What makes this poem lyrical and sonorous? Discuss.

The poem has a musical quality due to the use of techniques like alliteration, assonance and rhythm. Being in first person, it expresses the poet's thoughts and feelings in a lyrical manner.

ग) यो कवितालाई के कारणले गीतात्मक र मधुर बनाउँछ? छलफल गर्नुहोस्।

अनुकरण, स्वर र लय जस्ता प्रविधिको प्रयोगले कवितामा सांगीतिक गुण छ । पहिलो व्यक्तिमा भएकोले यसले कविको विचार र भावनालाई गीतात्मक रूपमा व्यक्त गर्दछ।

d. Who is the target audience of the speaker? Why?

The target audience includes both children and adults. Children can understand the literal meaning, while adults can interpret the metaphysical significance of life and death. It seems to be addressed to birth to describe the sunrise.

d) वक्ताको लक्षित श्रोता को हो? किन?

लक्षित दर्शकहरूमा बालबालिका र वयस्क दुवै समावेश छन्। बच्चाहरूले शाब्दिक अर्थ बुझ्न सक्छन्, जबकि वयस्कहरूले जीवन र मृत्युको आध्यात्मिक महत्त्वको व्याख्या गर्न सक्छन्। सूर्योदयको वर्णन गर्न साथीहरूलाई सम्बोधन गरेको देखिन्छ।

e. The poem seems to describe a day for children. How would the adult people respond to this poem?

Adult people would be able to appreciate the deeper philosophical meaning behind the description of a day. While children see the literal depiction, adults can relate it to the various stages of human life from birth to death in a metaphysical sense. This poem encourages readers to think deeply and reflect upon the idea that life is temporary and impermanent.

e) कविताले बच्चाहरूको लागि एक दिन वर्णन गरेको देखिन्छ। यो कवितालाई वयस्कहरूले कस्तो प्रतिक्रिया दिनुहुनेछ?

वयस्क व्यक्तिहरूले एक दिनको वर्णन पछि गहिरो दार्शनिक अर्थ बुझ्न सक्षम हुनेछ। जब बच्चाहरूले शाब्दिक चित्रण देख्छन्, वयस्कहरूले यसलाई मानव जीवनको जन्मदेखि मृत्युसम्मका विभिन्न चरणहरूमा आध्यात्मिक अर्थमा जोड्न सक्छन्। यस कविताले पाठकहरूलाई गहिरो रूपमा सोच्न र जीवन अस्थायी र अनन्त हो भन्ने विचारलाई चिन्तन गर्न प्रोत्साहित गर्दछ।

Reference beyond the text

a. Observe your surroundings one fine morning and write a poem based on your own experience.

= You can write a Poem on your own. I am not good at writing poems. Here is just a small verse anyways.

A Morning Scene

The sun peeks up over the hills

Its warm rays the new day fills

The grass bears droplets of dew

As flowers open to the morning hue

The birds start to sing their sweet song

As branches sway where they perch along

A light breeze makes the leaves dance

Nature's beauty by chance

The clouds float lazily in the sky

Puffy and white as they drift by

All is calm and peaceful and new

On this fine morning view

Nature awakens without a sound

Spreading beauty all around

Each sight brings a feeling of glee

On this morning I see

b. Write a personal essay on A Day in the School. 

= In our lives, we have many experiences, but we can't remember all of them. The most important and special day for me was my first day of school. I was six years old when it happened, and I think it was in April. I was just a little kid at that time.

I still remember my first day of school very clearly. The name of my school is "Child Academy". When my mom dropped me off, my teacher walked me to my classroom. I was feeling nervous, but my teacher was really kind to me. She quickly found me a seat at the front of the class, and a few students came up and shook my hand right away. That made me feel less scared. I found a math textbook and started doing some calculations after a few minutes of searching.

After the lesson, a few more students came up to me and introduced themselves. It was exciting to make new friends at school. The school day ended at 1 p.m., and my dad picked me up and drove me back home.

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Unit 2 : Every Morning I wake 

• By Dylan Thomas

Christian Religion sanga related prayer ( prarthana )  ! Poem ! 

 

Stanza by Stanza Explanation

In the poem "Every Morning I wake", the poet says these lines in the first stanza.

Every morning when I wake, A

Dear Lord, a little prayer I make, A

O please do keep Thy loving eye B

On all poor creatures born to die B

Speaker = Kabita ma speaker = kabita ko bolne manxe, pramukh patra ! 

Thy = Your, Thou = You !  

From these lines, the speaker is asking God to love him/them forever. He not only prays to god for the protection of own but also for all innocent creatures in the world.

And every evening at sun-down

I ask a blessing on the town,

For whether we last the night or no

I’m sure is always touch-and-go.

In these lines, the speaker expresses the uncertainty of life and death. He is unsure if the night is the last night of city inhabitants or not, but he always prays the almighty will make everything good and protect them from any possible harm. . The speaker prays to God before going to bed, but he doesn't know whether he'll see them again in the morning, so he asks for God to bless them.  Every night's benefits from God enable us to see them the next day.

We are not wholly bad or good

Who live our lives under “Milk Wood”,

And Thou, I know, wilt be the first

To see our best side, not our worst.

In the process of living our daily lives, we may be nice or terrible, but only God is aware of our best selves. In this way, the speaker kneels before God, pleading for him to preserve them alive till morning. In Particular, the speaker represents Milk wood town and makes sure that they are not totally bad or totally good. People might judge them in their own way; it all depends on someone's perspective on how s/he judges others. But the speaker seems optimistic that the god knows the best side of the inhabitants of milk down. 

O let us see another day!

Bless us all this night, I pray,

And to the sun we all will bow

And say, good-bye – but just for now!

Last stanza, represents the ending lines of their prayers. Speaker pray that the night will be down soon and the delighting sun will re-appear. Night is used as the imagery in this poem. It points the pains, stress and undelightful days of the inhabitants of the town or the speaker himself. And he hopes for Almighty's help in their bad days. Last Good Bye for now, represents the ending of prayer. This time, the speaker says his or her goodbyes, but he or she knows they won't be permanent.

Understanding the text

Answer the following questions.

a. When does the speaker pray to the Lord?

The speaker prays to the Lord in the morning and evening.

b. What does the speaker pray for?

The speaker prays for grace, sympathy and protection from God for the people of Milk Wood.

c. Who are the ‘poor creatures’? Why does the speaker call them ‘poor creatures’?

The 'poor creatures' refers to the residents of Milk Wood. The speaker calls them 'poor creatures' because they are made of flesh and bones and will die one day.

d. What does Milk Wood sound like? A type of wood or a place? Why?

Milk Wood sounds like a place name because there is no article (a/an) used before it. Place names are usually not preceded by articles. A, an , the ( Articles )  

e. Why do the inhabitants of Milk Wood bow to the setting sun ‘but just for now’?

The residents of Milk Wood bow to the setting sun as a way of temporary goodbye, as they expect the sun will rise again tomorrow. They believe God's grace and sun's warmth will help them survive another day.

Reference to the context

a. Discuss “Every Morning When I Wake” as a prayer to God.

=  "Every Morning When I Wake" is a prayer poem. In it, the speaker pleads to God for blessings and protection for all humans and animals. He prays that God may keep his loving eyes on all creatures who are destined to die.

b. Why does the speaker make a prayer to God, but not to a king, a billionaire or a scientist?

= The speaker prays only to God because God is the supreme and ultimate being. He is the creator and savior of all. Kings, billionaires and scientists derive their power, wealth and knowledge from God-created world. But they are not eternal like God. Only God can provide true protection and guide humans throughout their lives.

c. How does the poet highlight the magnificence of God?

= The poet highlights God's magnificence by pointing out that God's presence is holy. He created and saved humankind. People revere and depend on Him. And He guides humans throughout their lives until death and in afterlife. This highlights God's greatness.

d. How does the rhyme scheme of the poem reinforce its message?

= The AABB rhyme scheme gives the poem a rhythmic flow like a prayer or song. This makes the appeal to God more sincere, soothing and engaging. The repeated end rhymes reinforce the poem's theme of pleading to God.

I Was My Own Route 

by Julia De Burgos

( Ma aafno baato ma thiye ) 

Summary 

This poem appears to be about a woman breaking free from societal expectations of how she should be and living her life authentically on her own terms. The poem talks about trying to be what others want instead of our true self. The speaker compares this to hiding from who they really are. They realize they are unique and can't go back to how things used to be.

In the first lines, she says she wanted to be how "men wanted me to be" - conforming to their ideas of what a woman's life should look like. But she realized she was "made of nows" - living in the present moment, not able to go backwards.

When she walked forward on her own path, going against the "old guard" or traditional ways of thinking, her back was "ripped" by their disapproving flapping wings. The speaker decides to accept who they are and keep moving forward on their own path. This causes problems with the "old guard" who want things to stay the same. As she continued forward, she separated more from familiar horizons/ways of seeing the world. 

Her face/expression took on a feeling of "intimate liberation" - freedom to truly be herself. By following the own way, the speaker feels free instead of being held back by the past and traditions. In the end, she found her real identity and reason for living now, without listening to what others expect. She felt like a blossom belonging to all the soils/places, without constraints of history, future or man-made boundaries.

In the end, she lived her life as "life in me" - authentically from within, not conforming to outside expectations anymore. The main message is about accepting yourself and not worrying about conforming to society or history. The speaker finds power in being their authentic self today instead of hiding it.

So in summary, it's about a woman breaking free from prescribed gender roles and societal constraints to live openly and authentically according to her own truth.

ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS. 

a. Why did the speaker try to be the way men wanted her to be? 

The speaker tried to be the way men wanted her to be because she wanted to meet the standards and norms that society had for her roles, behavior and appearance.

b. What do you understand by her feet 'would not accept walking backwards ( paxi tira ) '? 

When it says 'Her feet would not accept walking backwards', it means she did not want to follow men or go according to what men said. She wanted women to be equal to men and have the same opportunities in life, not be treated as less important than men.

c. Who are the old guards? Why did they grow desperate? 

The old guards were the conservative people at that time who strongly supported the belief that men should have more power than women. Julia was gradually getting free from society's patriarchal rules and was aware of her rights, which made the old guards worried.

d. How did the speaker have ‘a feeling of intimate liberation ( Freedom / Swatantrata ) '? 

The speaker had a feeling of intimate liberation because she stopped following the rules made by men and started living according to her own choices.

e. Why did the desire to follow men warp in her? 

At first, the speaker tried to be what society and men expected of her. But as she went on her journey and embraced her true identity and freedom, she realized she no longer wanted to conform to those expectations. This shift in her desires, from conformity to personal liberation, is what is meant by her desire "warping" within her. It signifies that her initial inclination to follow societal norms and men's expectations changed into a desire for personal freedom and self-expression.

Reference to the text 

a. What does the speaker mean when she says she was playing a game of hide and seek with her being'? 

When the speaker says she was playing a game of hide and seek with herself, she means she didn't really know who she was. The rules of the society at that time made it hard for her to express herself freely and discover her true identity.

b. Why, in your view, was her back ripped by the old guards as she was advancing forward? 

The old guards ripped her back because they wanted to stop her from progressing further and getting more rights. Since the old guards strongly believed in the old rules of the society which didn't give many freedom to women.

C. What, according to the speaker, did it feel like to be free? 

According to the speaker, being free felt like a bird flying in the sky without any restrictions of the society or gender roles. It meant she could choose her own path and do what she wanted.

d. Why does the speaker prefer the present to the past? 

The speaker prefers present over past because in the past she faced many difficulties due to the rules of the male-dominated society which didn't allow her to take decisions and express herself freely. But now she is free from all those limitations and able to live on her own terms.

e. John Donne, in his poem “No Man is an Island'', says, “No man is an island entire of itself.” Would Burgos agree with Donne? Do you agree with Donne or Burgos? 

When John Donne wrote that "No man is an island entire of itself", he meant that people depend on each other in society and we all influence each other. I think Burgos may not fully agree with Donne because she was fighting for women's equal rights and independence in a male-dominated society.

However, I agree more with John Donne's view. While it is important for women to have equal rights and opportunities, cutting off all connections from society or dependence on others is not realistic or ideal. Both men and women play important roles and we function better as interconnected parts of a whole society rather than as totally isolated individuals. Society progresses in a balanced way when both genders support each other as equal partners. So overall, Donne's idea of interdependence seems like a more practical philosophy to me.

Unit 4: The Awakening Age 

by Ben Okri 

( Jagaran ko samay ) 

Summary

The poem "The Awakening Age" by Ben Okri talks about the struggles Africans faced and the need for peace, unity and mainstreaming the african people around the world. It shows a vision of different people helping each other with unity.

The main message in the poem is for Africans. It asks them to imagine a new time, called the "awakening age". This means realizing their current situation and starting a new period.

Africans faced many difficulties like not having food, suffering, and being very poor for many years. This left them without much. The poem wants them to see and feel the greatness of this new time. It asks Africans to believe in themselves and in their ability to bring a new era.

The line "an invisible power drives his people, a hope like a mountain rope" shows the inner strength of Africans. Even with problems, they are pushed by a deep hope, like a strong rope tying them together. This hope helps them use what they have to reach higher levels, showing they can overcome issues.

Overall, the poem encourages Africans to know their capabilities and use them for themselves and others. This is about importance for us to work together and help each other solve problems. 

When we come together as a community and support one another, we can create a better future for everyone. The poem is a reminder that people from all over the world should unite and cooperate in order to tackle shared challenges and build a brighter world.

This poem seems to be about having hope and an optimistic vision for the future during times of struggle and injustice.

Understanding the text 

Answer the following questions. 

a. Who are the people 'who travel the meridian line? 

The people who travel the meridian line are Nigerians who came together after their country's long civil war that divided Nigeria into north and south parts.

B. What does the poet mean by 'a new world? 

A new world means a place filled with peace, happiness and oneness between people, with truth, knowledge and creativity.

C. How are people connected to each other? 

People are connected to each other through their shared experiences, history, and hope. The poem suggests that there is a common thread that binds humanity together, like a "mountain rope," and that this connection is based on hope, history, and the desire for positive change.

d. What can we gain after our perceptions are changed? 

When we change how we see things, we can gain more harmony, equality, prosperity and a feeling of brotherhood and sisterhood.

e. How are we benefited by new people? 

The poem suggests that we are benefited by new people because they bring diverse perspectives, "work, wisdom, and creativity" to the collective human experience. Interacting with people from different backgrounds and cultures enriches our understanding and expands our horizons.

f. Describe the rhyme scheme of this sonnet. 

The rhyme scheme of this sonnet appears to be AA BB. The rhyme scheme of this sonnet is monorhyme, which means that every line in the poem rhymes with each other. In this case, each line ends with words that rhyme with each other, creating a consistent and repetitive rhyme pattern throughout the poem.

REFERENCE TO THE CONTEXT

 a. What does the poet mean by 'the awakening age"? 

The poet refers to 'the awakening age' as a time when people become aware and enlightened about their potential and the possibilities for positive change in their lives and society.

b. Why, in your view, have these people ‘lived with poverty's rage'? 

The people have 'lived with poverty's rage' because they have experienced the hardships and struggles associated with poverty, which lead to frustration, anger, and a desire for a better life.

c. Why does the poet appeal for solidarity among the people?

The poet appeals for solidarity among the people because they are interconnected and can achieve more by working together. Unity and cooperation can lead to positive changes and improvements in their lives. The sole reason for the poet's appeal for solidarity is to bring equality, freedom and sentiments of fraternity, justice, togetherness and harmony among people.

d. Does the poet present migration in a positive light? Why? Why not?

The poet presents migration in a positive light because it can lead to new experiences, perspectives, and connections, which the poet views as valuable. According to the poet, the migrants' new ideas and creativity help awaken people from pain and suffering. 

e. Nepal is also known for its economic as well as educational migrants. Have you noticed any change in the perceptions and behaviours of these migrants when they return home from abroad?

Yes, Nepali economic and educational migrants change when they return from foreign countries. They bring back money and new knowledge. For example, people like eye surgeon Sanduk Ruit changed people's behaviors and businesses after returning from India with his specialty.

f. Relate the rhyme scheme of this sonnet to the kind of life idealised by the poet.

The rhyme scheme of this sonnet, which is AA BB CC DD EE FF GG, reflects the idea of interconnectedness and unity among people. Just as each line in the sonnet rhymes with another, people are connected and linked together in hope and solidarity, as emphasized by the poet. The rhyme scheme reinforces the message of the poem about the importance of working together for a brighter future.

REFERENCE BEYOND THE TEXT

Write an essay on 'The Impacts of Migration on Nepali Society :

Immigration in Nepali Society

In Nepal, there are ongoing debates among scientists and policymakers regarding the effects of emigration on the country's economy. More and more people are moving to the Terai and plain areas in order to improve their lives or protect their livelihoods.

There are various reasons why people choose to leave their homes, such as seeking education, pursuing better opportunities, escaping poverty, or fleeing from tragic circumstances. The migration of people from the central hills of Nepal has different impacts on the people who stay behind, their livelihoods, and the way land is managed.

Migration can have positive effects on people's lives. It can enhance their quality of life by exposing them to new cultures, traditions, and languages, which in turn promotes a stronger sense of community. The emigration of highly skilled workers also contributes to economic development in the region.

However, there are also negative consequences of population growth resulting from migration. It puts strains on existing social institutions, increases the demand for goods and services, displaces local residents from rural and urban occupations, leads to a decline in sanitation, and contributes to increased pollution in urban areas due to the influx of migrants. Other challenges include a greater reliance on remittances, inefficient use of natural resources like farmland, and wasteful spending.

In summary, the impact of emigration in Nepal is a subject of scientific and policy debate. While migration can bring positive changes to people's lives and contribute to economic growth, it also presents challenges such as strains on social institutions, increased demand for resources, and environmental issues.

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Soft Storm Poem by Abhi Subedi

Meaning : Soft Storm: Non-Violent Revolt 

Summary

Main Summary of "Soft Storm" by Abhi Subedi:

Poem by Abhi Subedi.

• Written in free verse and rhyme.

• Mix of natural and social themes.

• Describes a journey through Kathmandu and comments on societal issues.

Stanza 1:

• Describes chaos ( Keos, arajakata ) in Nepali society with words like "tumultuous ( Ashanti ) " and "eerie."

• Mentions hope with blooming flowers and contrasts with social issues.

• Uses similes like comparing the softness of a rose to a strong wind to show societal problems.

• Shows a city that seems easy and comfortable to some.

Stanza 2:

• Talks about children in poverty and corruption among politicians, crying for food under the tree of babarmahal.

• Politicians are only concerned with themselves, ignoring the poor.

• Reflects on how people used to be freer in the past compared to now.

Stanza 3:

• Describes a crying child searching for his mother.

• Shows anger at the government for not caring about people's suffering.

• Mentions a man beaten in front of his family and the lack of attention to each other in modern times.

Stanza 4:

• Describes a man with blood-stained clothes and wounds.

• Shows how powerful people silence others and play games with land ownership.

Stanza 5:

Mentions that some issues are not addressed or resolved.

Stanza 6:

• Presents a hopeful view with blooming plants, flowing storms, and colorful sunshine.

• Despite chaos, there are examples of beauty and hope in nature and daily life.

Stanza 7:

Expresses softness and concern for valuable things, selfish and lawless people, and suffering animals.

Last Stanza:

• Ends with a call for freedom and peace for all beings.

• Desires a peaceful environment and the joy of dancing to nature’s sounds.

The poem "Soft Storm" by Abhi Subedi explores the following themes:

Societal Chaos: It describes the disorder and problems in Nepali society, including political corruption and social injustice.

Contrast Between Hope and Despair: The poem contrasts hopeful images of nature with the harsh realities faced by people, highlighting both beauty and suffering.

Personal Reflection: The speaker reflects on societal issues, personal feelings, and the differences between past and present times.

Call for Change: It ends with a desire for freedom, peace, and a better world where people and animals can live in harmony.

Answer the following questions.

a. When does the speaker grow soft? Enlist the occasions when he grows soft.

The speaker softens as he hears uproar, the sky blooms like crocuses, the moon skids, hungry children cry, a alone kid looks for his mother, a man is mercilessly beaten, etc.

b. What do you understand by 'this seamless city' ?

The term "this seamless city" refers to a city where everything is connected and tangled together, like a big mess of problems, challenges, and chaos. In this city, there are no clear boundaries or divisions separating different issues. It's as if all the difficulties and complexities of urban life are twisted together, making it hard to tell one problem apart from another. This lack of separation creates a feeling of confusion and disorder throughout the city. 

c. Describe the poor children portrayed in the poem.

The poor children in the poem are depicted as being very hungry and suffering from poverty. They are pictured crying from hunger under some trees. These children represent the difficulties faced by marginalized and underprivileged childrens.

d. What do you understand about the unwedded gardens of history'?

The "unwedded gardens of history" symbolize a time where there is no order or justice in society due to dominance and imbalance of power. It refers to a period where social values and norms were not well established or followed.

e. Why was the forlorn child wailing?

The forlorn child was crying loudly because he was trying to find his mother but could not in the middle of past violence and confusion. He was crying from fear and desperation.

f. What do you understand about 'soft storm'?

"Soft storm" represents a non-violent revolt or desire for change in society. It shows the speaker's desire for transformation of problems, but in a non-violent way.

g. Why does the speaker call our time 'mad time'? 

The speaker calls our time "mad time" because it is characterized by chaos, violence and social issues. People are more self-centered and moral values seem to be lost. It is a time of societal confusion and disorder.

h. What does the speaker want to do during his "Hard times"? 

In "hard times," the speaker wants to melt like a rainbow. This suggests that in the face of challenging and difficult circumstances, the speaker desires to maintain a sense of hope, positivity, and unity. The melting of the soft storm into a rainbow symbolizes a desire for positive change and transformation even during difficult times.

Reference to the context

a. The poet uses the word 'soft' with the words like 'storm' and 'gale', which generally refer to disorder and violence. What effect does the poet achieve through the use of such anomalous expressions? 

The poet achieves an effect of contrast and irony by using the word 'soft' with 'storm' and 'gale,' which typically imply disorder and violence. This contrast highlights the poet's non-violent approach to addressing societal issues, emphasizing the idea of a peaceful revolution or revolt.

b. How does the speaker feel about the historical period he describes? 

The speaker's attitude towards the time described in the poem is critical and disapproving. He views the current time as chaotic ( Arajak ), filled with social issues and problems that disturb him.

d. What is the speaker like? A rebel? Why? Why not? 

The speaker can be seen as a rebel in a non-violent sense. While he doesn't resort to violence, his strong disapproval of the societal issues and his desire for change indicate a rebellious spirit against the prevailing norms and injustices. He seeks to challenge the existing order through his words and emotions.

e. Explain the following stanza: 

I became soft

when I saw

a blood-stained shirt

speaking in the earth’s ears

with bruised human lips

in the far corner

under the moon

of history and dreams

playing hide and seek

in open museums

of human times.

In this stanza, the speaker becomes "soft" when they witness a blood-stained shirt with bruised human lips. This imagery symbolizes violence and suffering. The mention of the "moon of history and dreams" suggests that this suffering is hidden in the depths of human history and often overlooked, like a forgotten museum exhibit. It portrays the speaker's empathy and sensitivity to the pain of others.

2 Marks ko Questiomn 

Essays ( nibandha ) 

Unit 1  :
On Libraries ( pustakalaya )  by Oliver Sacks

Written by Shriram Lamichhane | © The SR Zone

Summary

Oliver Sacks loved books and libraries his whole life. As a child, he spent a lot of time in the big library at his home. It had his father's books on Hebrew studies and plays by Ibsen. It also had books from his 3 older brothers. There he found The Jungle Book and felt like the boy Mowgli.

His mother kept books by authors like Dickinson, Trollope, Shaw, and Kipling in the living room. Medical books were locked in a closet. Sacks would get so into reading that he lost track of time. Whenever, he got late for food or meal, he could be found in the library reading the books.

The most important library was the local public library in Willesden. As a child, Sacks spent hours there. He feels he learned more there than in school. In the library, he could freely explore any topic that interested him.

At school and college, Sacks also found great libraries too. At St. Paul's School and Oxford University, he followed interests in science, especially chemistry. At Oxford he learned a lot about Theodore Hook by researching him.

Sacks' favorite Oxford library was at Queen's College. There he found old books and first editions by authors like Darwin, Browne, Swift, Johnson, Hume, Pope and Dryden. This introduced him to 17th-18th century literature and gave him a sense of history.

In 1965 in New York, Sacks used the big library at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He saw it as a community place. But by the 1990s, students accessed books more through computers than physically.

The college then got rid of most of its book collection over some years. This shocked and upset Sacks. He was sad about losing the special feeling of books and knowledge in the library.

In conclusion, Sacks' essay looks back nostalgically on his deep personal and learning connections to libraries. It also shows his sadness as physical books are replaced by electronic books from the digital age.

ओलिभर स्याक्सले आफ्नो सम्पूर्ण जीवन पुस्तकहरू र पुस्तकालयहरूलाई माया गर्थे। बाल्यकालमा, उनले आफ्नो घरको ठूलो पुस्तकालयमा धेरै समय बिताए। यसमा उनका बुबाको हिब्रू अध्ययन र इब्सेनको नाटकहरू थिए। यसमा उनका ३ ठूला भाइका किताबहरू पनि थिए। त्यहाँ उनले जंगल बुक भेट्टाए र केटा मोगली जस्तै महसुस गरे।

उनकी आमाले डिकिन्सन, ट्रोलोप, शा र किपलिङ जस्ता लेखकहरूका पुस्तकहरू बैठक कोठामा राख्नुभयो। चिकित्सा पुस्तकहरू अलमारीमा बन्द थिए। बोराहरू पढ्नमा यति धेरै लाग्थे कि उसले समयको ट्र्याक गुमायो। खाना वा खाना खान ढिलो हुँदा पुस्तकालयमा किताब पढिरहेको भेटिन्थ्यो ।

सबैभन्दा महत्त्वपूर्ण पुस्तकालय विल्स्डेनको स्थानीय सार्वजनिक पुस्तकालय थियो। बाल्यकालमा, स्याक्सले त्यहाँ घण्टा बिताए। उनले विद्यालयमा भन्दा त्यहाँ धेरै सिकेको महसुस गर्छन्। पुस्तकालयमा, उहाँले स्वतन्त्र रूपमा आफ्नो रुचि कुनै पनि विषय अन्वेषण गर्न सक्नुहुन्छ।

स्कुल र कलेजमा स्याक्सले उत्कृष्ट पुस्तकालयहरू पनि फेला पारे। सेन्ट पल स्कूल र अक्सफोर्ड विश्वविद्यालयमा, उनले विज्ञान, विशेष गरी रसायनशास्त्रमा रुचिहरू पछ्याए। अक्सफोर्डमा उनले थिओडोर हुकको बारेमा अनुसन्धान गरेर धेरै कुरा सिके।

स्याक्सको मनपर्ने अक्सफोर्ड पुस्तकालय क्वीन्स कलेजमा थियो। त्यहाँ उनले डार्विन, ब्राउन, स्विफ्ट, जोन्सन, ह्यूम, पोप र ड्राइडन जस्ता लेखकहरूका पुराना पुस्तकहरू र पहिलो संस्करणहरू फेला पारे। यसले उनलाई 17 औं-18 औं शताब्दीको साहित्यमा परिचय गराएको छ र उसलाई इतिहासको ज्ञान दियो।

सन् १९६५ मा न्यूयोर्कमा, स्याक्सले अल्बर्ट आइन्स्टाइन कलेज अफ मेडिसिनको ठूलो पुस्तकालय प्रयोग गरे। उनले यसलाई सामुदायिक ठाँउका रुपमा हेरे । तर 1990 को दशकमा, विद्यार्थीहरूले भौतिक रूपमा कम्प्युटरको माध्यमबाट पुस्तकहरू बढी पहुँच गरे।

त्यसपछि कलेजले केही वर्षमा धेरैजसो पुस्तक सङ्कलनबाट छुटकारा पायो। यसले स्तब्ध र विचलित बोराहरू। पुस्तकालयमा पुस्तक र ज्ञानको विशेष अनुभूति गुमाएकोमा उहाँ दुःखी हुनुहुन्थ्यो ।

निष्कर्षमा, Sacks को निबन्ध पुस्तकालयहरु संग उनको गहिरो व्यक्तिगत र सिकाई जडान मा पुरानो रूपमा फर्केर हेर्छ। यसले उहाँको दु:ख पनि देखाउँछ किनकि डिजिटल युगबाट भौतिक पुस्तकहरू इलेक्ट्रोनिक पुस्तकहरूले प्रतिस्थापन गरेको छ।

Understanding the text 

Answer the following questions. 

a. Where could the author be found when he was late for lunch or dinner?

The author could usually be found in the library if he was ever late for lunch or dinner. Since he was very fond of reading books, the library was his favorite place to spend time.

b. What are his first memories?

The author's first memories are of books and libraries because since childhood his parents introduced him to reading, especially his mother who was also fond of books.

c. Why did he dislike school?

The author disliked school because he felt the teaching methods were very theoretical and obligatory in nature. He preferred studying things out of genuine personal interest rather than just following instructions.

d. What did he feel about the library?

The author loved the library because it offered him a peaceful environment where he could freely browse and read from the tens of thousands of books available. He liked the freedom and could study at his own pace while being surrounded by other readers with similar interests.

e. Why was he so biassed about sciences, especially astronomy and chemistry?

Since childhood the author was curious to learn about science. To gain a deeper understanding, he focused his research on specific topics like astronomy and chemistry within the science field.

f. Why did he become so fascinated by Hook?

The author was fascinated by Hook due to his satire and operas. As a theatre personality of that era, Hook was admired for his humor and musical skills.

g. Describe the library at the Queen’s College.

The Queen's College Library is an historic and beautifully designed building in Oxford. The 17th century Upper Library is available to students and offers a pleasant environment for reading after recent renovation.

h. Why did the students ignore the bookshelves in the 1990s?

In the 1990s, students had access to electronic versions of books via devices like computers. So they didn't need to refer physical books on the shelves as much.

i. Why was he horrified when he visited the library a couple of months ago?

He was shocked to find most of the books had been discarded in recent years, erasing centuries of collected knowledge, which felt like a great loss to him.

a लंच वा डिनरमा ढिलो हुँदा लेखक कहाँ फेला पार्न सकिन्छ?

लेखक प्राय: पुस्तकालयमा भेट्टाउन सकिन्छ यदि उहाँ लंच वा डिनरको लागि ढिलो हुनुहुन्थ्यो। उहाँलाई किताब पढ्न धेरै मन पर्ने भएकाले समय बिताउनको लागि पुस्तकालय नै उहाँको मनपर्ने ठाउँ थियो।

b उनको पहिलो सम्झना के हो?

लेखकको पहिलो सम्झनाहरू पुस्तकहरू र पुस्तकालयहरू हुन् किनभने बाल्यकालदेखि नै उनका आमाबाबुले उनलाई पढ्नको लागि परिचय गराउनुभयो, विशेष गरी उनकी आमा जो पुस्तकहरू मन पराउनुहुन्थ्यो।

ग उसलाई किन स्कूल मन परेन?

लेखकले विद्यालयलाई मन पराउँथे किनभने शिक्षण विधिहरू धेरै सैद्धान्तिक र अनिवार्य प्रकृतिका थिए। उहाँले निर्देशनहरू पालना गर्नुको सट्टा वास्तविक व्यक्तिगत चासोबाट चीजहरू अध्ययन गर्न रुचाउनुभयो।

d पुस्तकालयको बारेमा उहाँले के महसुस गर्नुभयो?

लेखकले पुस्तकालयलाई मन पराउँथे किनभने यसले उनलाई शान्त वातावरण प्रदान गरेको थियो जहाँ उनले हजारौं उपलब्ध पुस्तकहरूबाट स्वतन्त्र रूपमा ब्राउज गर्न र पढ्न सक्छन्। उसलाई स्वतन्त्रता मन पर्यो र समान रुचि भएका अन्य पाठकहरूले घेरेको बेला आफ्नै गतिमा अध्ययन गर्न सक्थे।

e किन उहाँ विज्ञान, विशेष गरी खगोल विज्ञान र रसायनको बारेमा यति पक्षपाती हुनुहुन्थ्यो?

सानैदेखि लेखकलाई विज्ञानबारे जान्न उत्सुकता थियो। गहिरो बुझाइ प्राप्त गर्न, उहाँले विज्ञान क्षेत्र भित्र खगोल विज्ञान र रसायन विज्ञान जस्ता विशिष्ट विषयहरूमा आफ्नो अनुसन्धान केन्द्रित गर्नुभयो।

f किन उनी हुकबाट यति मोहित भए?

लेखक आफ्नो व्यंग्य र ओपेरा को कारण हुक द्वारा मोहित भएको थियो। त्यस युगको थिएटर व्यक्तित्वको रूपमा, हुकलाई उनको हास्य र संगीत कौशलको लागि प्रशंसा गरिएको थियो।

g क्वीन्स कलेजको पुस्तकालयको वर्णन गर्नुहोस्।

क्वीन्स कलेज लाइब्रेरी अक्सफोर्डको ऐतिहासिक र सुन्दर ढंगले डिजाइन गरिएको भवन हो। 17 औं शताब्दीको माथिल्लो पुस्तकालय विद्यार्थीहरूको लागि उपलब्ध छ र भर्खरको नवीकरण पछि पढ्नको लागि रमाइलो वातावरण प्रदान गर्दछ।

h। 1990 को दशकमा विद्यार्थीहरूले किताबको अलमारीलाई किन बेवास्ता गरे?

1990 को दशकमा, विद्यार्थीहरूले कम्प्युटर जस्ता उपकरणहरू मार्फत पुस्तकहरूको इलेक्ट्रोनिक संस्करणहरूमा पहुँच गरेका थिए। त्यसैले तिनीहरूले तखताहरूमा भौतिक पुस्तकहरू उल्लेख गर्न आवश्यक थिएन।

i दुई महिनाअघि पुस्तकालयमा पुग्दा उनी किन डराए ?

हालैका वर्षहरूमा धेरैजसो पुस्तकहरू खारेज भएको पाउँदा उनी छक्क परेका थिए, शताब्दीयौंदेखि सङ्कलन गरिएको ज्ञानलाई मेटाइएको थियो, जुन उनलाई ठूलो नोक्सानजस्तो लाग्यो।

Reference to the context 

a. The author says, “I was not a good pupil, but I was a good listener.” Justify it with the textual evidence. 

In the article, Oliver Sacks says "I wasn't a good student, but I was an excellent learner." He enjoyed exploring different genres of books on his own terms rather than just focusing on classroom learning and homework. He preferred learning from books of his own interest in libraries rather than strictly following a teacher's instructions in school. So while he may not have always complied with school requirements, he was highly interested in gathering knowledge by listening through reading diverse texts.

b. A proverb says, "Nothing is pleasanter than exploring a library." Does this proverb apply in the essay? Explain.

Yes, the proverb applies to the essay. Oliver Sacks enjoyed spending time in libraries due to the peaceful environment and opportunity to explore a wide range of topics on his own. He cherished the meditative atmosphere and company of other readers. Libraries offered pleasure through his love of reading books. The essay highlights how reading in libraries was a passion for Oliver Sacks and brought him joy, as suggested in the proverb.

c. Are there any other services that you would like to see added to the library?

Some services that can be added to modernize libraries include facilities like tabs for digital reading, WiFi for internet access, Braille services for visually impaired, small cafes for students, and audio-visual sections with DVDs/videos to complement books. These additions can help make libraries more accessible and support different learning styles in the current technology-oriented times.

a लेखक भन्छन्, "म राम्रो विद्यार्थी थिएन, तर म राम्रो श्रोता थिएँ।" शाब्दिक प्रमाणको साथ यसलाई औचित्य गर्नुहोस्।

लेखमा, ओलिभर स्याक्स भन्छन् "म एक राम्रो विद्यार्थी थिएन, तर म एक उत्कृष्ट शिक्षार्थी थिएँ।" उनले कक्षाकोठाको सिकाइ र गृहकार्यमा मात्र ध्यान केन्द्रित गर्नुको सट्टा आफ्नै सर्तहरूमा विभिन्न विधाका पुस्तकहरू अन्वेषण गर्न रमाइलो गरे। उनले विद्यालयमा शिक्षकको निर्देशनलाई कडाइका साथ पालना गर्नुको सट्टा पुस्तकालयमा आफ्नो रुचिका पुस्तकहरूबाट सिक्न रुचाउँथे। त्यसैले उनले सधैं विद्यालयका आवश्यकताहरू पूरा नगरेको हुनसक्छ, उहाँ विभिन्न पाठहरू पढेर सुनेर ज्ञान सङ्कलन गर्न अत्यधिक रुचि राख्नुभयो।

b एउटा उखानले भन्छ, "पुस्तकालयको खोजी गर्नुभन्दा सुखद अरू केही छैन।" के यो उखान निबन्धमा लागू हुन्छ? व्याख्या गर्नुहोस्।

हो, हितोपदेश निबन्धमा लागू हुन्छ। ओलिभर स्याक्सले शान्त वातावरण र आफ्नै विषयहरूको विस्तृत दायरा अन्वेषण गर्ने अवसरको कारण पुस्तकालयहरूमा समय बिताउन रमाइलो गरे। उसले ध्यानको वातावरण र अन्य पाठकहरूको संगतको कदर गर्यो। पुस्तकालयहरूले उनको पुस्तक पढ्ने प्रेमले आनन्द प्रदान गरे। निबन्धले हाइलाइट गर्दछ कि कसरी पुस्तकालयहरूमा पढ्नु ओलिभर स्याक्सको लागि एक जोश थियो र उसलाई आनन्द ल्यायो, जुन उखानमा सुझाव दिइएको छ।

ग के त्यहाँ कुनै अन्य सेवाहरू छन् जुन तपाईं पुस्तकालयमा थपिएको हेर्न चाहनुहुन्छ?

पुस्तकालयहरूलाई आधुनिकीकरण गर्न थप्न सकिने केही सेवाहरूमा डिजिटल पठनका लागि ट्याबहरू, इन्टरनेट पहुँचका लागि वाइफाइ, दृष्टिविहीनहरूका लागि ब्रेल सेवाहरू, विद्यार्थीहरूका लागि साना क्याफेहरू, र पुस्तकहरूलाई पूरकका लागि DVD/भिडियोसहितको अडियो-भिजुअल खण्डहरू समावेश छन्। यी थपहरूले पुस्तकालयहरूलाई थप पहुँचयोग्य बनाउन र वर्तमान प्रविधि-उन्मुख समयमा विभिन्न सिकाइ शैलीहरूलाई समर्थन गर्न मद्दत गर्न सक्छ।

Reference beyond the text 

a. Write an essay on Libraries and its uses for students. 

Libraries and Their Uses for Students

Libraries are invaluable resources for students, offering numerous benefits that enhance their educational experience. These institutions provide access to a wide range of books, both fiction and non-fiction, allowing students to explore various subjects and expand their knowledge. Libraries serve as quiet study spaces, fostering an atmosphere conducive to focused learning and concentration. They provide an escape from distractions, enabling students to immerse themselves in their studies and achieve academic success.

Moreover, libraries play a crucial role in promoting information literacy. Librarians are skilled professionals who can assist students in locating relevant resources, teaching them how to evaluate the credibility of sources and develop effective research skills. Students can learn to navigate the vast amount of information available and become critical thinkers.

Libraries have adapted to the digital age, offering access to online databases, e-books, and other digital resources. This allows students to access information anytime, anywhere, and bridges the digital divide. Many libraries also provide computer and internet access, ensuring equal opportunities for all students.

Additionally, libraries serve as community spaces, hosting events, workshops, and author talks. Students can engage in book clubs and literary festivals, fostering a sense of camaraderie and intellectual growth.

In conclusion, libraries are vital for students as they provide access to knowledge, facilitate focused study, promote information literacy, and create a sense of community. Students should take full advantage of these resources, as libraries are not just buildings filled with books, but gateways to academic achievement and lifelong learning.

b. Do you have any public libraries in your locality? If so, do the people in your community use it? Give a couple of examples.

Yes, we have a public library in our society, and it is an important part of our community. Libraries have played a crucial role in the development of our civilized society, and they will continue to do so as we expand our knowledge and learning capacities. Learning and libraries go hand in hand in our community.

Libraries are particularly important because not everyone has access to the technology we use today. In our library, we organize reading sessions for students and the community, along with book sales and library groups. These activities help shape our society and make it more educated. The library is a place where you can find information on topics you're interested in or need to learn about. It's also a place where you can relax and have fun, and possibly even make new friends.

For many local people, the library is essential because they rely on the computers available there to complete tasks such as paying bills, sending emails, doing schoolwork, or studying. While some people have these resources at home, not everyone does.

Technology can sometimes fail due to power outages or worn-out components, but libraries remain open and reliable. They serve as physical repositories of information and knowledge in our society, ensuring that important resources are preserved. Libraries play a vital role in safeguarding information through manuscripts and serving as a backup in case of data loss during transportation. That's why libraries are inseparable from our community.

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Essays Unit 2 : Marriage as a Social Institution 

Stephen L. Nock

Summary

The essay discusses marriage as a social institution that shapes relationships in significant ways. It argues that marriage is more than just the union of two people - it is a institution defined by established laws, morals and cultural standards.

Marriage exists within and is connected to other social systems like education, economy and politics. It does not exist independently of these larger structures. The essay notes that marriage has boundaries and expectations that non-married relationships do not have. These rules influence how spouses act and arrange their lives.

Married couples are part of a common set of principles that unmarried partners do not share. Marriage integrates individuals into an organized system with widely accepted meanings and roles.

The essay then talks about Emile Durkheim's theory from over 100 years ago. According to Durkheim, marriage is good for men because it provides stability and structure. It helps men organize their goals and keep desires under control.

Marriage assigns love a specific focus - the relationship between husband and wife. It also limits horizons by not allowing men to look for other types of satisfaction outside the marriage. Durkheim believed marriage channels impulses and ambitions in a useful way. It gives shape and purpose to male energies and prevents them from going in uncontrolled directions. This discipline helps husbands find happiness within marriage.

It acknowledges some may find freedom and happiness in unmarried cohabitation by avoiding marriage rules/boundaries. However, cohabiting couples lack the established guidelines and expectations that marriage provides for navigating domestic life matters.

Marriage also involves making promises and responsibilities to each other and to family members. These commitments are backed by laws and social norms. Spouses can define who they are and what they must do for each other because of their married status. Partners who aren't married don't have this.

The essay then talks about how marriage makes "social resources" by creating family ties and trusting relationships through in-laws. These networks provide helpful support and important information over the years.

However, these social resources rely on the surrounding social structures and community bonds that give them purpose. The strength of marriage connections depends on the larger institutions and relationships in the surrounding area that provide context.

The essay concludes by summarizing six main aspects that typically define normal American marriage:

• Adults choose to get married by their own choice

• Different expected roles with men providing financially and women caring for home/family

• Marriage involves a man and woman only

• Spouses only have romantic relationships with each other

• Marriage is usually followed by having children

• These factors represent mainstream American cultural norms and standards for marriage

Although some marriages don't exactly follow all points, they still represent the typical ideals and guidlines that set marriage apart from other relationships in US law, religion and traditions.

How is Marriage defined as a Social Institution in Essay?

Marriage has rules and structures. The relationship between husbands and wives follows certain patterns, but also allows flexibility. Marriage is different from other types of relationships because it has gently guiding boundaries. These boundaries define allowable behaviors for married couples.

By existing as a institution, marriage guides behavior and organizes family life according to societal norms. It connects the personal lives of husbands and wives to the larger community through legal and cultural frameworks that define appropriate conduct.

Being married means joining a big system with widely understood ideas. This system helps organize human life and keep marriages going. It separates married people from other kinds of partnerships. The structures and rules of marriage give shape and purpose to the connection between husband and wife. They understand their roles within the institution of marriage.

This institution provides a framework that married couples can follow in their own unique ways. It gives stability and direction to their relationship. The soft boundaries allow room for individualism, while retaining the shared identity of being part of marriage overall.

सारांश

निबन्धले विवाहलाई एक सामाजिक संस्थाको रूपमा चर्चा गर्दछ जसले महत्त्वपूर्ण तरिकामा सम्बन्धहरूलाई आकार दिन्छ। यसले तर्क गर्छ कि विवाह दुई व्यक्तिको मिलन मात्र होइन - यो स्थापित कानून, नैतिकता र सांस्कृतिक स्तर द्वारा परिभाषित संस्था हो।

विवाह भित्र अवस्थित छ र शिक्षा, अर्थतन्त्र र राजनीति जस्ता अन्य सामाजिक प्रणालीहरूसँग जोडिएको छ। यो यी ठूला संरचनाहरूबाट स्वतन्त्र रूपमा अवस्थित छैन। निबन्धले विवाहको सीमाहरू र अपेक्षाहरू छन् जुन गैर-विवाहित सम्बन्धहरू हुँदैनन्। यी नियमहरूले पति वा पत्नीले कसरी व्यवहार गर्छन् र तिनीहरूको जीवनलाई व्यवस्थित गर्छन्।

विवाहित जोडीहरू सिद्धान्तहरूको साझा सेटको अंश हुन् जुन अविवाहित साझेदारहरूले साझा गर्दैनन्। विवाहले व्यक्तिहरूलाई व्यापक रूपमा स्वीकृत अर्थ र भूमिकाहरूको संगठित प्रणालीमा एकीकृत गर्दछ।

निबन्धले 100 वर्ष पहिलेको एमिल डर्कहेमको सिद्धान्तको बारेमा कुरा गर्छ। दुर्खेमका अनुसार विवाह पुरुषका लागि राम्रो हुन्छ किनभने यसले स्थिरता र संरचना प्रदान गर्छ। यसले पुरुषहरूलाई आफ्नो लक्ष्यहरू व्यवस्थित गर्न र इच्छाहरूलाई नियन्त्रणमा राख्न मद्दत गर्दछ।

विवाहले प्रेमलाई विशेष फोकस प्रदान गर्दछ - पति र पत्नी बीचको सम्बन्ध। यसले पुरुषहरूलाई विवाह बाहिर अन्य प्रकारको सन्तुष्टि खोज्न अनुमति नदिई क्षितिजलाई पनि सीमित गर्दछ। डर्कहेमले विवाहको आवेग र महत्वाकांक्षालाई उपयोगी तरिकामा विश्वास गर्छन्। यसले पुरुष शक्तिहरूलाई आकार र उद्देश्य दिन्छ र तिनीहरूलाई अनियन्त्रित दिशाहरूमा जानबाट रोक्छ। यो अनुशासनले पतिहरूलाई वैवाहिक जीवनमा खुशी पाउन मद्दत गर्छ।

यसले विवाहको नियम/सीमाहरू बेवास्ता गरेर अविवाहित सहवासमा स्वतन्त्रता र आनन्द पाउन सक्छ भनेर स्वीकार गर्दछ। यद्यपि, सहवास गर्ने जोडीहरूमा स्थापित दिशानिर्देशहरू र अपेक्षाहरू छैनन् जुन विवाहले घरेलु जीवनका मामिलाहरू नेभिगेट गर्न प्रदान गर्दछ।

विवाहमा एकअर्का र परिवारका सदस्यहरूलाई वाचा र जिम्मेवारीहरू पनि समावेश छ। यी प्रतिबद्धताहरू कानून र सामाजिक मान्यताहरूद्वारा समर्थित छन्। पति/पत्नीहरूले तिनीहरू को हुन् र तिनीहरूको विवाहित स्थितिको कारण तिनीहरूले एकअर्काको लागि के गर्नुपर्छ भनेर परिभाषित गर्न सक्छन्। विवाह नगरेका साथीहरूसँग यो छैन।

त्यसपछि निबन्धले पारिवारिक सम्बन्ध र ससुराको माध्यमबाट विश्वास सम्बन्ध निर्माण गरेर विवाहले कसरी "सामाजिक स्रोतहरू" बनाउँछ भन्ने बारेमा कुरा गर्छ। यी सञ्जालहरूले वर्षौंमा उपयोगी सहयोग र महत्त्वपूर्ण जानकारी प्रदान गर्छन्।

यद्यपि, यी सामाजिक स्रोतहरू वरपरका सामाजिक संरचनाहरू र सामुदायिक बन्धनहरूमा निर्भर हुन्छन् जसले तिनीहरूलाई उद्देश्य दिन्छ। वैवाहिक सम्बन्धको बल ठूला संस्थाहरू र वरपरका क्षेत्रका सम्बन्धहरूमा निर्भर गर्दछ जसले सन्दर्भ प्रदान गर्दछ।

निबन्धले सामान्यतया सामान्य अमेरिकी विवाहलाई परिभाषित गर्ने छवटा मुख्य पक्षहरूलाई संक्षेप गरेर समाप्त हुन्छ:

वयस्कहरूले आफ्नो इच्छा अनुसार विवाह गर्न रोज्छन्

आर्थिक रूपमा प्रदान गर्ने पुरुषहरू र घर/परिवारको हेरचाह गर्ने महिलाहरूसँग विभिन्न अपेक्षित भूमिकाहरू

विवाहमा पुरुष र महिला मात्र समावेश हुन्छन्

पति/पत्नीको एकअर्कासँग रोमान्टिक सम्बन्ध मात्र हुन्छ

विवाहपछि सामान्यतया सन्तान जन्माइन्छ

यी कारकहरूले मूलधारको अमेरिकी सांस्कृतिक मानदण्डहरू र विवाहका लागि मापदण्डहरूलाई प्रतिनिधित्व गर्छन्

यद्यपि केही विवाहहरूले सबै बिन्दुहरू पछ्याउँदैनन्, तिनीहरू अझै पनि विशिष्ट आदर्श र दिशानिर्देशहरू प्रतिनिधित्व गर्छन् जसले विवाहलाई अमेरिकी कानून, धर्म र परम्पराहरूमा अन्य सम्बन्धहरूबाट अलग गर्दछ।

निबन्धमा विवाहलाई सामाजिक संस्थाको रूपमा कसरी परिभाषित गरिएको छ? ( Important )

विवाहको नियम र संरचना हुन्छ। पति र पत्नी बीचको सम्बन्धले निश्चित ढाँचाहरू पछ्याउँछ, तर लचिलोपनलाई पनि अनुमति दिन्छ। विवाह अन्य प्रकारका सम्बन्धहरू भन्दा फरक छ किनभने यसमा बिस्तारै दिशानिर्देशनहरू छन्। यी सीमाहरूले विवाहित जोडीहरूको लागि स्वीकार्य व्यवहार परिभाषित गर्दछ।

एक संस्थाको रूपमा अवस्थित, विवाहले व्यवहारलाई निर्देशित गर्दछ र सामाजिक मानदण्डहरू अनुसार पारिवारिक जीवनलाई व्यवस्थित गर्दछ। यसले उचित आचरणलाई परिभाषित गर्ने कानुनी र सांस्कृतिक ढाँचा मार्फत पति र पत्नीको व्यक्तिगत जीवनलाई ठूलो समुदायसँग जोड्छ।

विवाहित हुनु भनेको व्यापक रूपमा बुझ्ने विचारहरू भएको ठूलो प्रणालीमा सामेल हुनु हो। यो प्रणालीले मानव जीवनलाई व्यवस्थित गर्न र विवाह जारी राख्न मद्दत गर्दछ। यसले विवाहित व्यक्तिहरूलाई अन्य प्रकारको साझेदारीबाट अलग गर्दछ। विवाहको संरचना र नियमहरूले पति र पत्नी बीचको सम्बन्धलाई आकार र उद्देश्य दिन्छ। तिनीहरू विवाहको संस्था भित्र आफ्नो भूमिका बुझ्छन्।

यस संस्थाले एक फ्रेमवर्क प्रदान गर्दछ जुन विवाहित जोडीहरूले आफ्नै अनौठो तरिकामा पछ्याउन सक्छन्। यसले उनीहरूको सम्बन्धलाई स्थिरता र दिशा दिन्छ। नरम सीमाहरूले व्यक्तिवादको लागि ठाउँ दिन्छ, जबकि समग्र विवाहको हिस्सा भएको साझा पहिचान कायम राख्छ।

Understanding the Text

Answer the following Questions.

a. According to the author, what is marriage?

Marriage is the union of two people who are legally, morally, and culturally linked together and have a wide range of close personal relationships.

b. How is marriage an institution?

Marriage is a social institution because:

Society defines rules around marriage like who can marry whom.

It promotes social values like responsible procreation and family units.

Families are basic building blocks of communities and societies.

Marriage assigns roles within families that impact power structures.

Cultural traditions around marriage bring people together.

It determines legal aspects like inheritance, adoption through social norms.

So in short, as a socially recognized and regulated relationship, marriage plays an important part in population, community, law and traditions - making it a core social institution.

c. What are the rules that a marriage has?

The rules of marriage traditionally involve voluntary participation from mature, heterosexual adults. It is expected that husbands will take on the role of primary earners, both partners will remain sexually faithful to each other, and married couples may choose to become parents. These rules form the central foundation of marriage in American society.

d. Why does marriage matter to men?

Marriage matters for men because it gives structure to their lives. It helps them organize what they want to do and stops them from doing things on impulse. Marriage offers a way to control desires and decide what is right.

e. What is one of the central problems in modern society?

The author says a big problem in modern society is not having limits on wants for things like comfort, luxury and status. These wants can keep growing. Marriage and other social institutions help control these wants.

f. What does a social capital consist of?

Social capital means the networks of people connected through trust. These connections need mutual support. Marriage creates new ties with spouse's relatives and friends. This builds long-term networks of support.

g. What is normative marriage?

Normative marriage is the marriage which follows social norms and values. The six characteristics of normative marriage in the United States are, marriages are joined freely by mature, heterosexual individuals; husbands are the primary earners; partners are sexually faithful; and parents are involved.

निम्न प्रश्नहरूको उत्तर दिनुहोस्।

a लेखकका अनुसार विवाह भनेको के हो ?

विवाह भनेको दुई व्यक्तिको मिलन हो जो कानुनी, नैतिक र सांस्कृतिक रूपमा एकसाथ जोडिएका छन् र घनिष्ट व्यक्तिगत सम्बन्धहरूको विस्तृत दायरा छन्।

b विवाह कसरी संस्था हो?

विवाह एक सामाजिक संस्था हो किनभने:

समाजले विवाहको वरिपरि नियमहरू परिभाषित गर्दछ जस्तै कसले कसलाई विवाह गर्न सक्छ।

यसले जिम्मेवार प्रजनन र पारिवारिक एकाइहरू जस्ता सामाजिक मूल्यहरूलाई बढावा दिन्छ।

परिवारहरू समुदाय र समाजका आधारभूत संरचना हुन्।

विवाहले परिवारभित्रको भूमिका तोक्छ जसले शक्ति संरचनालाई प्रभाव पार्छ।

विवाह वरपरका सांस्कृतिक परम्पराहरूले मानिसहरूलाई एकसाथ ल्याउँछन्।

यसले विरासत, सामाजिक मान्यताहरू मार्फत ग्रहण जस्ता कानूनी पक्षहरू निर्धारण गर्दछ।

त्यसैले छोटकरीमा, सामाजिक रूपमा मान्यता प्राप्त र विनियमित सम्बन्धको रूपमा, विवाहले जनसंख्या, समुदाय, कानून र परम्पराहरूमा महत्त्वपूर्ण भूमिका खेल्छ - यसलाई एक मुख्य सामाजिक संस्था बनाउँछ।

ग विवाहको नियम के हो?

विवाहका नियमहरूले परम्परागत रूपमा परिपक्व, भिन्नलिंगी वयस्कहरूबाट स्वैच्छिक सहभागिता समावेश गर्दछ। यो आशा गरिन्छ कि पतिहरूले प्राथमिक कमाउनेको भूमिका लिनेछन्, दुबै साझेदारहरू एकअर्काप्रति यौन रूपमा वफादार रहनेछन्, र विवाहित जोडीहरूले आमाबाबु बन्न रोज्न सक्छन्। यी नियमहरूले अमेरिकी समाजमा विवाहको केन्द्रीय आधार बनाउँछ।

d विवाह पुरुषका लागि किन महत्त्वपूर्ण छ?

विवाह पुरुषहरूको लागि महत्त्वपूर्ण छ किनभने यसले उनीहरूको जीवनलाई संरचना दिन्छ। यसले उनीहरूलाई आफूले गर्न चाहेको कुराहरू व्यवस्थित गर्न मद्दत गर्छ र उनीहरूलाई आवेगमा काम गर्नबाट रोक्छ। विवाहले इच्छाहरू नियन्त्रण गर्ने र सही के हो निर्णय गर्ने तरिका प्रदान गर्दछ।

e आधुनिक समाजको मुख्य समस्या के हो?

लेखक भन्छन् आधुनिक समाजमा ठूलो समस्या भनेको आराम, विलासिता र हैसियत जस्ता चीजहरूको लागि चाहनामा सीमितता नहुनु हो। यी चाहनाहरू बढ्दै जान सक्छन्। विवाह र अन्य सामाजिक संस्थाहरूले यी चाहनाहरूलाई नियन्त्रण गर्न मद्दत गर्छन्।

f सामाजिक पुँजी भनेको के हो ?

सामाजिक पुँजी भनेको विश्वासको माध्यमबाट जोडिएका व्यक्तिहरूको नेटवर्क हो। यी जडानहरूलाई आपसी सहयोग चाहिन्छ। विवाहले पति/पत्नीका आफन्त र साथीभाइसँग नयाँ सम्बन्ध बनाउँछ। यसले समर्थनको दीर्घकालीन सञ्जाल बनाउँछ।

g आदर्श विवाह के हो? ( imp )

सामाजिक मूल्य र मान्यता अनुसार चल्ने विवाह नै सामान्य विवाह हो । संयुक्त राज्यमा आदर्श विवाहका छवटा विशेषताहरू छन्, विवाहहरू परिपक्व, विषमलिङ्गी व्यक्तिहरूद्वारा स्वतन्त्र रूपमा सामेल हुन्छन्; पतिहरू प्राथमिक कमाउनेहरू हुन्; साझेदारहरू यौन विश्वासी छन्; र अभिभावकहरू संलग्न छन्।

Reference to the Context

a. Discuss the six dimensions that define normative marriage in America.

The six dimensions of normative marriage in America are as follow:

People choose to get married willingly as mature adults of the opposite sex.

Traditionally, men are expected to be the main earners and financially support the family.

Spouses should only have each other as sexual partners and not be with anyone else.

Married couples are usually expected to have children and take care of them as parents.

Marriage helps control behavior and set rules on what is allowed in the relationship.

Normative marriage follows the general rules and values of society related to marriage and family.

In summary, these six points define what is considered a normal and traditional marriage in American culture based on common expectations, roles and social influences.

b. Do marriages differ according to culture? How is your marriage practice different from marriage in America?

Ans: - I am Hindu. In Hinduism, marriage is an important occasion for joining a man and woman as husband and wife. It also unites the two families spiritually and culturally.

Most people in Nepal follow Hindu traditions for marriage. The rituals are different in different parts of the country and even within the country.

Marriage customs vary based on location. What people do in one place is different from others.

Since I am Hindu and the US follows Christianity, our marriage ceremonies are conducted differently.

In the US, vows are said in front of God in a church to show love and commitment. Friends and family are asked if they approve the marriage. Rings are exchanged as a symbol of love. The first kiss makes them officially husband and wife.

In Hinduism, marriages usually happen at home or in a temple. Vows are said in front of sacred fire or priests to request the blessing of Gods. Families get united through rituals and ceremonies as per our customs and traditions.

a अमेरिकामा आदर्श विवाहलाई परिभाषित गर्ने छवटा आयामहरू छलफल गर्नुहोस्।

अमेरिकामा मानक विवाहका छवटा आयामहरू निम्नानुसार छन्:

मानिसहरूले विपरीत लिङ्गका परिपक्व वयस्कहरूको रूपमा स्वेच्छाले विवाह गर्ने छनौट गर्छन्।

परम्परागत रूपमा, पुरुषहरू मुख्य कमाउने र परिवारलाई आर्थिक रूपमा सहयोग गर्ने अपेक्षा गरिन्छ।

पति/पत्नीहरू एकअर्कालाई यौन साझेदारको रूपमा मात्र हुनुपर्छ र अरू कसैसँग हुनु हुँदैन।

विवाहित जोडीहरूले सामान्यतया बच्चा जन्माउने र आमाबाबुको रूपमा उनीहरूको हेरचाह गर्ने अपेक्षा गरिन्छ।

विवाहले व्यवहारलाई नियन्त्रण गर्न र सम्बन्धमा के अनुमति दिइन्छ भन्ने बारे नियमहरू सेट गर्न मद्दत गर्दछ।

सामान्य विवाहले विवाह र परिवारसँग सम्बन्धित समाजको सामान्य नियम र मूल्यहरू पछ्याउँछ।

संक्षेपमा, यी छवटा बुँदाहरूले साझा अपेक्षा, भूमिका र सामाजिक प्रभावहरूमा आधारित अमेरिकी संस्कृतिमा सामान्य र परम्परागत विवाहलाई के मानिन्छ भनेर परिभाषित गर्दछ।

b के विवाह संस्कृति अनुसार फरक छ? तपाईंको विवाह अभ्यास अमेरिकामा विवाह भन्दा कसरी फरक छ?

उत्तर:- म हिन्दू हुँ। हिन्दू धर्ममा, विवाह एक पुरुष र महिलालाई पति र पत्नीको रूपमा जोड्ने महत्त्वपूर्ण अवसर हो। यसले दुई परिवारलाई आध्यात्मिक र सांस्कृतिक रूपमा पनि एकताबद्ध गर्दछ।

नेपालमा धेरैजसो मानिसले विवाहका लागि हिन्दू परम्पराको पालना गर्छन् । देशका विभिन्न भागमा र देश भित्र पनि अनुष्ठानहरू फरक छन्।

स्थान अनुसार विवाह गर्ने चलन फरक फरक हुन्छ । मानिसहरूले एक ठाउँमा गर्ने काम अरूभन्दा फरक हुन्छ।

म हिन्दू हुँ र अमेरिकामा क्रिस्चियन धर्म मान्ने भएकाले हाम्रो विवाह समारोह फरक तरिकाले गरिन्छ।

अमेरिकामा, प्रेम र प्रतिबद्धता देखाउनको लागि चर्चमा भगवानको अगाडि भाकल गरिन्छ। साथीहरू र परिवारलाई सोधिन्छ कि तिनीहरूले विवाह स्वीकृत गर्छन्। औठी प्रेमको प्रतीकको रूपमा साटासाट गरिन्छ। पहिलो चुम्बनले तिनीहरूलाई आधिकारिक रूपमा पति र पत्नी बनाउँछ।

हिन्दू धर्ममा, विवाह सामान्यतया घर वा मन्दिरमा हुन्छ। पवित्र आगो वा पुजारीहरूको अगाडि भगवानको आशीर्वाद अनुरोध गर्न भाकलहरू भनिन्छ। हाम्रो रीतिरिवाज र परम्परा अनुसार परिवारहरू रीतिरिवाज र समारोहहरूद्वारा एकता हुन्छन्।

Reference beyond the text 

a. Write an essay on the marriage practice in your own culture.

Marriage in Hinduism

In Hinduism, marriage takes different forms - monogamy allows one spouse, serial monogamy allows remarriage after death/divorce of first spouse, polygamy allows one husband with multiple wives or one wife with multiple husbands.

Marriage is evolving in our culture. It is no longer just for reproduction but also for emotional bonding and social obligations.

During engagement, the bride and groom exchange rings and garlands with family blessings. Date of wedding is also fixed.

On the wedding day, the groom arrives with music and procession followed by women bearing gifts. At bride's home, family priest performs wedding rituals in mandap.

Priest instructs rituals like pouring vermilion on bride's head and putting mangalsutra around her neck as they circle fire seven times. This signifies the marriage bond.

Wearing sindoor and mangalsutra shows the bride is married. Family and friends bless the new couple. Bride emotionally leaves her parents.

Groom's family warmly welcomes the newlyweds. The couple then starts their new married life together.

b. Is marriage a Social Institution? Discuss.

Marriage takes different forms in different cultures, but generally serves the purpose of bonding between individuals and integrating them into society.

In the past, practices like child marriage were common but are no longer accepted today. Widow remarriage and transgender marriage are now legally recognized in many places.

The definition of marriage varies based on traditional and modern views. Broadly, it refers to a legally binding lifelong union between two people who live together, have an emotional bond and possibly children.

Sociologists define marriage as a social institution that has been practiced since ancient times by all human groups and civilizations. It allows people to fulfill their personal and social needs.

Marriage provides a structured way for society to regulate relationships and offspring. It gives married couples legal rights and social status. Various rituals, customs and conventions make it an important part of social structure across cultures worldwide.

So in essence, while forms may vary, marriage universally serves as a key institution to bond individuals and integrate them into communities through recognized rules and social practices.

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Knowledge and Wisdom 

Gyan ra Buddhi 

Bertrand Russell

Summary

In this essay, Russell makes a distinction between knowledge and wisdom. Knowledge is the accumulation of facts and information through learning and study.

Wisdom is something more than just knowledge. It involves applying knowledge and using it to create value or make good judgments/decisions. Wisdom develops from experience over time, not just from memorizing information. It comes from reflecting on what we learn and gaining insights.

The essay starts by saying wisdom means balance and thinking about all parts of a problem. But now, experts only focus on their area and ignore the bigger picture. Wisdom is needed to prevent unintended harm when applying the knowledge.

Having knowledge of many facts does not necessarily mean one is wise. Wisdom requires understanding how to properly use knowledge and considering all relevant factors in a situation. Russell argues that true wisdom involves having both knowledge/intellect but also compassion and understanding human lives from different perspectives.

He says education should aim to cultivate wisdom in students, not just imparting knowledge. Students need to learn how to apply their learning productively.  Wisdom is needed in private life to choose goals you can achieve and overcome personal biases. It compares wasting your life chasing something impossible like a magic stone, to two people destroying each other through hatred caused by distorted views of each other.

The key distinction Russell draws is that knowledge deals with acquiring information, while wisdom is the skillful use of knowledge to create benefit. It comes from experience, not just accumulation of data.

Overall, his definition of wisdom includes:

• Having a broad perspective.

• Being impartial.

• Focusing on humanity, not just self.

• Learning about various people/times and situations.

• Expanding knowledge beyond immediate concerns.

The essay concludes knowledge should include an element of wisdom by incidentally showing hatred's disastrous effects. Morals and knowledge should not be too separate. Even experts need common sense wisdom through a broad education to stop knowledge from being misused, and making wisdom ever more crucial as humanity's power grows.

सारांश

यस निबन्धमा, रसेलले ज्ञान र बुद्धि बीचको भिन्नता बनाउँछ। ज्ञान भनेको सिकाइ र अध्ययनको माध्यमबाट तथ्य र जानकारीको संग्रह हो।

बुद्धि भनेको ज्ञान भन्दा धेरै कुरा हो। यसले ज्ञानलाई लागू गर्न र मूल्य सिर्जना गर्न वा राम्रो निर्णय/निर्णय गर्न प्रयोग गर्न समावेश गर्दछ। ज्ञान समयको साथ अनुभवबाट विकसित हुन्छ, जानकारी सम्झना मात्र होइन। यो हामीले सिकेका कुराहरूमा प्रतिबिम्बित र अन्तर्दृष्टि प्राप्त गर्नबाट आउँछ।

निबन्ध बुद्धि भनेको सन्तुलन र समस्याको सबै भागहरूको बारेमा सोचेर सुरु हुन्छ। तर अहिले, विज्ञहरूले आफ्नो क्षेत्रमा मात्र ध्यान केन्द्रित गर्छन् र ठूलो चित्रलाई बेवास्ता गर्छन्। ज्ञानको प्रयोग गर्दा अनपेक्षित हानिबाट बच्न बुद्धि चाहिन्छ।

धेरै तथ्यहरूको ज्ञान हुनुको अर्थ बुद्धिमानी हुनुपर्छ भन्ने होइन। बुद्धिको लागि ज्ञानलाई कसरी सही रूपमा प्रयोग गर्ने र परिस्थितिमा सबै सान्दर्भिक कारकहरूलाई विचार गर्न आवश्यक छ। रसेल तर्क गर्छन् कि साँचो बुद्धिमा ज्ञान/बुद्धि दुवै हुनु पनि समावेश छ तर मानव जीवनलाई विभिन्न दृष्टिकोणबाट दयालु र बुझ्नु पनि समावेश छ।

उनले शिक्षाको उद्देश्य ज्ञान मात्र नभई विद्यार्थीमा चेतना जगाउने लक्ष्य राख्नुपर्ने बताए । विद्यार्थीहरूले आफ्नो सिकाइलाई फलदायी रूपमा कसरी लागू गर्ने भनेर सिक्नुपर्छ। व्यक्तिगत जीवनमा तपाईले हासिल गर्न सक्ने लक्ष्यहरू छनौट गर्न र व्यक्तिगत पूर्वाग्रहहरू हटाउन बुद्धिको आवश्यकता छ। यसले जादुई ढुङ्गा जस्तो असम्भव कुराको पछि लाग्दै आफ्नो जीवन बर्बाद गर्नुलाई एकअर्काको विकृत दृष्टिकोणले गर्दा घृणाद्वारा एकअर्कालाई नष्ट गर्ने दुई व्यक्तिसँग तुलना गर्दछ।

रसेलले तानेको मुख्य भिन्नता यो हो कि ज्ञानले जानकारी प्राप्त गर्ने सम्बन्धमा काम गर्दछ, जबकि बुद्धि भनेको लाभ सिर्जना गर्न ज्ञानको कुशल प्रयोग हो। यो अनुभवबाट आउँछ, डाटाको संचय मात्र होइन।

समग्रमा, बुद्धिको उनको परिभाषामा समावेश छ:

फराकिलो दृष्टिकोण राख्दै।

निष्पक्ष भएर।

मानवतामा फोकस गर्नुहोस्, केवल आफैमा होइन।

विभिन्न व्यक्ति/समय र परिस्थितिहरूको बारेमा सिक्ने।

तात्कालिक चिन्ताहरू भन्दा बाहिर ज्ञान विस्तार गर्दै।

निबन्धको निष्कर्षमा ज्ञानले घृणाको विनाशकारी प्रभावहरू देखाएर ज्ञानको तत्व समावेश गर्नुपर्छ। नैतिकता र ज्ञान धेरै अलग हुनु हुँदैन। ज्ञानको दुरुपयोग हुनबाट रोक्न, र मानवताको शक्ति बढ्दै जाँदा बुद्धिलाई अझ महत्त्वपूर्ण बनाउनका लागि विज्ञहरूलाई पनि व्यापक शिक्षाको माध्यमबाट सामान्य ज्ञानको ज्ञान चाहिन्छ।

Exercise

a. What are the factors that contribute to wisdom?

In the essay "Knowledge and Wisdom," Bertrand Russell discusses numerous factors that lead to wisdom. Among the characteristics that lead to wisdom, according to him, are: 

(I) a sense of proportion, 

(ii) comprehensiveness with wide emotion, 

(iii) emancipation from personal biases and sensory experience, 

(iv) impartiality

(v) knowledge of human needs and understanding.

a बुद्धिमा योगदान दिने कारकहरू के हुन्?

"ज्ञान र बुद्धि" निबन्धमा, बर्ट्रान्ड रसेलले बुद्धिमा डोर्याउने धेरै कारकहरू छलफल गर्छन्। उहाँका अनुसार बुद्धिमा डोर्याउने विशेषताहरू मध्ये:

(I) अनुपातको भावना,

(ii) व्यापक भावनाको साथ व्यापकता,

(iii) व्यक्तिगत पूर्वाग्रह र संवेदी अनुभवबाट मुक्ति,

(iv) निष्पक्षता

(v) मानव आवश्यकताको ज्ञान र समझ।

b. What message does the writer try to convey with the examples of technicians?

The writer uses the example of technicians to illustrate how the pursuit of specialized knowledge can lead to a lack of wisdom. He suggests that individuals focused on specialized fields, such as scientific medicine, may become so absorbed in their work that they fail to consider the broader consequences of their discoveries. This specialization can lead to a lack of wisdom as individuals may not see the bigger picture beyond their specific field of expertise.

c. Which leaders does Russell say were able to mix knowledge and wisdom soundly?

The writer mentions Queen Elizabeth I in England, Henry IV in France, and Abraham Lincoln as leaders who were able to combine knowledge and wisdom effectively. These leaders lived in times of religious and political tensions but managed to remain free from the errors of their time, demonstrating wisdom in their actions and decisions.

d. Why is wisdom needed not only in public ways but in private life equally?

Wisdom is needed not only in public ways but also in private life because it helps individuals make wise choices in their personal lives. It involves making informed decisions, choosing meaningful goals, and avoiding harmful prejudices and biases. Wisdom in private life contributes to personal well-being and the well-being of those around us.

e. What, according to Russell, the true aim of education?

According to Russell, the true aim of education should be to teach wisdom. He believes that knowledge and morals should not be separated in education, and that even specialized knowledge should be supplemented with a wider survey of human activities to put it in its proper context. Education should aim to produce good citizens of the world, capable of understanding and making wise choices.

f. Can wisdom be taught? If so, how?

Yes, Russell believes that wisdom can be taught. He thinks that teaching wisdom should focus more on intellectual aspects rather than just moral lessons. Wisdom can be taught by showing the harmful outcomes of hatred and narrow-mindedness. Additionally, providing knowledge that helps individuals understand the wider effects of their actions can also contribute to developing wisdom.

g. Why does the world need more wisdom in the future?

In the future, the world will need more wisdom because as people become more knowledgeable and skilled, they can do more things, both good and bad. Without wisdom, this ability to do more can lead to harmful results. As the world becomes more connected and complicated, wisdom becomes extremely important for making smart choices and avoiding unintended negative consequences.

Reference to the Context

Answer the following questions.

a. According to Russell, “The Pursuit of Knowledge may become harmful unless it is combined with wisdom.” Justify this statement.

Russell argues that knowledge alone can be harmful if it is not accompanied by wisdom. He supports this claim by providing examples of how specialized knowledge, such as in medicine or atomic research, can have negative consequences without the guidance of wisdom.

For instance, he mentions that scientists focusing solely on advancing medical knowledge may unintentionally disrupt food supplies and lower living standards in other areas while reducing infant mortality rates. Similarly, the pursuit of knowledge about atomic composition, without wisdom, can lead to the creation of destructive weapons that can harm humanity.

In these examples, actions driven purely by knowledge and lacking wisdom can have significant and negative impacts on society and the world. According to Russell, wisdom involves having a sense of proportion, understanding the broader goals of human life, and freeing oneself from personal biases. It allows individuals to consider the consequences of their actions and make informed and ethical choices.

Therefore, Russell emphasizes the importance of combining knowledge with wisdom to ensure that the pursuit of knowledge contributes positively to human well-being and avoids unintended harm.

b. What, according to Russell, is the essence of wisdom? And how can one acquire the very essence?

According to Russell, wisdom is about freeing ourselves from the constraints of the present moment and our personal biases. It involves rising above our immediate emotions and senses, and being able to impartially consider distant or abstract concepts. Wisdom requires understanding the broader and long-term effects of our actions and decisions.

To develop wisdom, Russell suggests the following steps:

Broaden your horizons: Expand your knowledge beyond your immediate interests. Engage with different perspectives, cultures, and ideas to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the world.

Practice impartiality: Make an effort to consider different viewpoints and avoid being rigidly attached to personal biases. Strive for a more open-minded and objective approach to issues.

Reflect and contemplate: Take time for self-reflection and introspection. Think about the potential consequences of your actions and decisions, both in the short and long term.

Seek knowledge: Knowledge forms the foundation of wisdom. Continuously seek learning and education, while also considering the ethical and moral implications of the knowledge you acquire.

Cultivate empathy: Develop empathy and try to understand the experiences and perspectives of others. This helps you make wiser decisions that take into account the well-being of all.

Apply wisdom: Act on your wisdom by making choices that align with ethical and thoughtful considerations. Use your wisdom to positively contribute to your own life and the wider community.

In summary, acquiring wisdom involves self-awareness, open-mindedness, empathy, and the ability to transcend immediate personal concerns to consider the greater good and the consequences of our actions.

Reference Beyond the Text

Answer the following questions.

a. Why is wisdom necessary in education? Discuss.

Wisdom is important in education for a few key reasons. It allows students to see topics from varied perspectives rather than just their own views. As people mature, emotions recede and they can apply lessons impartially. Wisdom ensures knowledge is used to benefit humanity. With wisdom, one can care for even those with opposing ideas while staying objective. Education provides knowledge, but wisdom guides its application. Without wisdom, people risk misusing new information. As an educational goal, wisdom should be cultivated through real-world examples while imparting facts. This nourishes good character in addition to teaching subjects.

b. How can you become wise? Do you think what you are doing in college contributes to wisdom?

Wisdom develops through patience, reflection and experience over time. In college, exposure to diverse ideas, intellectual challenges, and self-awareness can aid wisdom's growth. Mistakes are learning opportunities if one reflects calmly on their causes and effects. Maintaining optimism amid life's difficulties also marks the wise. What truly matters is persistently striving to understand various perspectives, make considerate choices, and better the world however possible - even within the bounds of academic life. College potentially affords perspective-gaining discussions, role models of ethical thinking, and chances to help others - all nurturing wisdom if intentionally pursued.

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Humility by Yuval Noah Harari

Humility Meaning = State of being Humble

This essay talks about how people often think their culture, religion or country is the most important. It says that many groups, like Greeks, Chinese, Hindus, Muslims, British, French, Germans, Americans, Russians and others feel they are better than others or the centre of human progress.

The essay shows that these claims are not true. It explains that basic human skills like morality, art, spirituality and creativity started long ago in Stone Age Africa. These came before the cultures and religions we have now. It criticizes people for thinking too highly of themselves and not knowing real history. Sometimes these claims are even racist.

The author, Yuval Noah Harari, also relates this to Jews. He says Jews also tend to think they are the most important. He jokes about a small belief that yoga was invented by Abraham. He points out big claims some Orthodox Jews make about studying their holy books and keeping the universe going.

In the end, the essay asks readers to think about their own cultures. It wants them to see how silly these self-important stories are, using Judaism as an example. It encourages questioning and bursting the inflated claims of your cultural or national group.

In summary, the essay looks at how people exaggerate how important their culture, religion or nation is in history. It debunks these claims and promotes being humble in understanding where real human skills came from.

Understanding the text

Answer the following questions.

a. Describe the claim of the Chinese nationalists about human history.

Chinese nationalists believe that history began with early dynasties in China like the Yellow Emperor and Xia and Shang dynasties. They think that other cultures like West, Muslims, and Indians just copied ideas from China.

b. What do pious Muslims believe about human history?

For pious Muslims, history before the prophet Muhammad is not very important. They believe that after the discovery of the Quran, history started with the rise of Islam and Muslim community.

c. What did the Aztecs firmly believe about the universe?

The Aztecs had some beliefs about the universe. They thought that if they didn't make yearly sacrifices, the sun would stop rising and the whole universe would fall apart.

d. What, according to the essay, are the universal human abilities?

According to the essay, universal human abilities are things like morality, creativity, religion, and inventiveness.

e. How are the basic yoga postures derived from the shape of the letters of the Hebrew alphabet ?

Some basic yoga poses look like letters from the Hebrew alphabet. For example, the pose Trikonasanna looks like the letter "aleph" and Tuladandasana looks like the letter "dalet".

Reference to the Context

a. How do Hindu nationalists refute the Chinese claim that human history really began with the Yellow Emperor and the Xia and Shang dynasties? Who do you agree with, and why?

People who are Hindu nationalists say that planes and nuclear bombs were invented long before Confucius, Plato, Einstein, and the Wright brothers. They say that Indian sages did this long before Plato, Confucius, Einstein, and the Wright brothers.

Because Hinduism has been found to be one of the world's oldest religions through both scientific and archaeological research, I agree with the Indian nationalists over the Chinese.

b. The author has dealt with a controversial debate on human history. Why do you think history has been a major contested issue in the present world?

History has become a debate today for a few key reasons. People are egoistic and everyone thinks their culture is the best. They believe their history started first. Also, the availability and quality of evidence plays an important role in these debates. If there is a lack of clear evidence or incomplete/conflicting evidence, it affects how events are understood. This can lead to more disagreements and controversies. The author wants us to see each other as equals instead of one group feeling more important than others. People being selfish as well as issues around evidence are why history is such a debated topic now.

Reference beyond the text

a. Write a short essay on The Conflicting History of Human Civilization.

 The Conflicting History of Human Civilization

Humans have a tendency to feel superior and believe that their own culture or civilization is the most important. This ego-centric view has been observed throughout history, from ancient civilizations like Mesopotamia, Egypt, Maya, India, China, Rome, and Greece. Each culture tends to think of itself as the center of the universe.

For example, Hindus attribute the modern technology we have today to their own culture. Some believe that Chinese inventions surpass those of the West, Muslims, or Indians. Greeks often consider history to have begun in Athens, Sparta, Alexandria, or Constantinople, all cities in Greece. Muslims place importance on Muhammad and the Quran as they believe they were the first of their kind. In China, they believe history started with the Xia and Shan dynasties. Indians and Hindus credit ancient Indian astronomers with ideas about atomic energy, rockets, and missiles.

Claims of superiority and progress have been made by the British, Germans, Americans, Russians, and Japanese, who claim to have freed people from primitive and immoral ignorance. Jewish rabbis are attributed with the study of religious literature that supposedly prevents the universe from collapsing, a belief shared by the Aztec people.

Inventions have also been attributed to Jews, including the Hebrew alphabet and the creation of yoga poses.

Nationalists in Turkey, Iran, and Egypt claim that their countries were the purest places of Islam before the time of Muhammad and the Quran.

However, it is important to recognize that these claims are not necessarily true. They often stem from selfishness and racism, leading to civil wars and conflicts. People tend to overlook their own flaws and lack humility.

Those who place themselves in a more modern setting and time period are often being conceited and proud. However, all humans have the capacity for right and wrong and possess creativity. These qualities are ingrained in our DNA.

b. The author claims, “Since it is more polite to criticise one’s own people than to criticise foreigners.” Do you agree to his claim? Give your reasons.

I agree with the author. There are some good reasons for this:

People are naturally very proud of their own history, culture and religion. Criticism from outsiders can easily offend them.

Issues within one's own society can be addressed by self-criticism in a respectful manner. This allows for improvements to be made without conflict.

The author gives examples why some Aztec beliefs like human sacrifice were unreasonable. Non-Aztecs protesting this could have caused cultural tensions.

It is better for a society to identify flaws themselves and work to resolve them, rather than outsiders pointing them out. This allows for progress through self-reflection rather than feeling attacked by foreigners.

Overall, self-criticism leaves room for respectful dialogue and improvements, avoiding potential conflicts from criticism by outsiders. The author's view encourages positive cultural exchange over friction.

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Human Rights and the Age of Inequality

Writer Name : Samuel Moyn 

Summary

Moyn looks closely at how human rights have developed over time. After World War II, human rights were mostly tied to making sure countries had ways to protect people from poverty. But this focus didn’t really help with the bigger economic problems around the world. Moyn wonders if the current human rights movement can change to better deal with the growing gap between rich and poor. He suggests that we might need a new type of human rights or a different way of thinking about politics. The essay stresses that it’s important to change how we think about human rights so we can handle today’s global problems better.

The essay starts with a story about a rich king named Croesus. He ruled his kingdom well and took care of everyone's basic needs like health, food, water and vacations. The kingdom was like a perfect place as imagined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights from 1948 that aimed to give all people basic rights.

The essay talks about how today our world is becoming like Croesus's kingdom. Most events, movements, rights focus to ensuring people can afford basic needs. But it notes that the gap between rich and poor is very large. Both the Declaration and rights movement did not focus on reducing this gap.

The author argues that even if all rights are given, big inequality can still exist as long as a minimum level of inequality is there. This experiment questions if we should keep idealizing a world like Croesus's with growing inequality despite respecting rights.

It looks at the historical connection between rights and economy. In the post-World War 2 time, countries focused on social rights and reducing inequality through welfare states. Even capitalist nations agreed some control was needed on inequality along with basic rights. The consensus was among nations on socio-economic rights and reducing inequality through welfare states. But this was done nationally rather than internationally.

The author discusses how rights have limited success in addressing inequality. The tools of rights movements are not enough to solve economic issues globally. Real redistribution from rich to poor is needed, which naming and shaming alone cannot do.

In conclusion, the essay suggests a very different new kind of rights is required to challenge growing inequality effectively. It raises the debate if rights movements should change themselves or wait for others to take on inequality. For now, the world continues to look like Croesus's kingdom with rising differences in wealth.

Understanding the text

 Answer the following questions:

a. What is the first human rights declaration adopted by the United Nations?

The first human rights declaration adopted by the United Nations is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948).

b. When is Human Rights Day observed?

Human Rights Day is observed on December 10th each year.

c. What is the goal of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?

The goal of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is to provide a list of the most basic entitlements that humans deserve simply by virtue of being human.

d. What are two big stages that involve writing the history of human rights in relation to that of political economy?

There were two important phases regarding writing the history of human rights along with political economy. The first was after World War 2 when countries worked to improve social welfare. The second was during globalization when the focus shifted to preventing political oppression and reducing violence.

e. What are the facts that have been missed in Roosevelt’s call for a “second Bill of Rights”?

In Roosevelt's call for a "second Bill of Rights," the following facts have been missed:

Late entry into an already established welfarist consensus.

Understated the egalitarian aspirations of welfarism.

Emphasized national organization over international.

Focus on national welfarism, ignoring global inequality.

f. Write the truth expressed in Herodotus's Histories.

The truth in Herodotus's Histories is that achieving global and local social-economic fairness requires redistributing wealth from rich to poor through action, not just highlighting problems.

g. Why is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights important to you?

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is important because it:

Protects basic rights.

Promotes equality.

Sets international standards.

Prevents atrocities.

Raises global awareness.

Provides a legal framework.

Upholds human dignity.

Reference to the Context

a. Does the essay give ways on how to stigmatise ( naramro dekhaunu) inequality? Explain.

The essay does not provide explicit ways to stigmatize inequality, but it discusses the idea that inequality can be seen as negative for society. The author suggests that if the gap between the rich and the poor continues to grow, there will be negative consequences for society, such as potential conflicts and unrest. The essay suggests that ensuring justice, equality, eliminating prejudice, and enforcing strict regulations can be steps towards addressing inequality and preventing its negative outcomes.

b. Is another human rights movement necessary? Why?

The essayist says that another human rights movement is needed because:

i) Politics everywhere, 

ii) those in authority breach the law.

ii) There is still a lot of nepotism and favouritism going on in society today,

v) The law is not equal for everybody.

vi) There is still a great deal of political and social domination.

vii) Laws and rights exist only on paper; they are never enforced.

All people, regardless of wealth or social status, need equal access to justice and equal protection of their human rights.

Reference beyond the text

a. What are the challenges in maintaining human rights in Nepal?

People in Nepal face a lot of problems when it comes to protecting their rights. The challenges are as follow:

Many people live in poverty, especially in rural areas

There are differences in access to education for men and women

Children's rights are often not protected

Authority is sometimes misused

Favoritism and corruption exist in many areas

Low literacy rates make it hard for some to know their rights

Personal gain is prioritized over fairness sometimes

It's difficult to monitor policies as tracking systems are weak

One Act Plays 

1. • A Matter of Husbands ! 

Sirsak Meaning → Euta budho ko bisaya ! 

Lekhne Manxe - Frenc Molnar !!!

Characters : 

1. Alfred - Budho 

2. Famous Actress - Kalakar keti - Alfred ko secret Girlfriend

3. Earnest Young Woman - Alfred ko Sojhi Budhi ! 

Scene = 1 One Act Play = Scene ! 

Scene = Bedroom !!!! 

Summary: 

The one-act play by Ferenc Molnar features a single scene with two characters: the Earnest Young Woman and the Famous Actress.

फेरेन्क मोल्नरको एक नाटकमा दुई पात्रहरू सहितको एकल दृश्य प्रस्तुत गरिएको छ: द अर्नेस्ट यंग वुमन र द फेमस एक्ट्रेस।

The Earnest Young Woman visits the Famous Actress to demand that she return her husband, Alfred, whom the wife believes is infatuated with the actress.

अर्नेस्ट यंग वुमनले आफ्नो पति अल्फ्रेडलाई फिर्ता गर्न माग गर्न प्रसिद्ध अभिनेत्रीलाई भेट्छिन्, जसलाई पत्नीले अभिनेत्रीसँग मोहित भएको विश्वास गर्छिन्।

Alfred, the young woman’s husband, is described as the manager’s lawyer for the actress. The wife claims Alfred has sent flowers and written love letters to the actress.

युवतीका पति अल्फ्रेडलाई अभिनेत्रीका लागि व्यवस्थापकको वकिलको रूपमा वर्णन गरिएको छ। पत्नीले अल्फ्रेडले अभिनेत्रीलाई फूल र प्रेम पत्र पठाएको दाबी गरेकी छन्।

The Famous Actress denies receiving any flowers or letters from Alfred and claims ignorance about the affair.

प्रसिद्ध अभिनेत्रीले अल्फ्रेडबाट कुनै फूल वा पत्र प्राप्त गर्न अस्वीकार गर्छिन् र अफेयरको बारेमा अज्ञानताको दाबी गर्छिन्।

The wife presents a love letter from Alfred to the actress, in which Alfred expresses admiration for the actress’s makeup, costumes, and performances.

पत्नीले अभिनेत्रीलाई अल्फ्रेडबाट एउटा प्रेम पत्र प्रस्तुत गर्छिन्, जसमा अल्फ्रेडले अभिनेत्रीको मेकअप, वेशभूषा र प्रदर्शनको प्रशंसा गर्छिन्।

The actress responds by suggesting that such gestures are common tactics used by husbands to provoke jealousy and that even managers and musicians pretend to be involved with actresses to make their wives feel appreciated.

अभिनेत्रीले यस्तो इशाराहरू पतिहरूले ईर्ष्या जगाउन प्रयोग गर्ने सामान्य युक्तिहरू हुन् र प्रबन्धकहरू र संगीतकारहरूले पनि आफ्नी पत्नीहरूलाई प्रशंसा गर्न अभिनेत्रीहरूसँग संलग्न भएको नाटक गर्ने सुझाव दिए।

The wife, feeling foolish, decides to disregard any future love notes or gifts and thanks the actress for her perspective.

पत्नी, मूर्ख महसुस गर्दै, भविष्यमा कुनै पनि प्रेम नोटहरू वा उपहारहरू बेवास्ता गर्ने निर्णय गर्छिन् र उनको दृष्टिकोणको लागि अभिनेत्रीलाई धन्यवाद दिन्छिन्।

Before leaving, the wife kisses the actress on the cheek in a gesture of admiration.

जानु अघि, श्रीमतीले प्रशंसाको इशारामा अभिनेत्रीको गालामा चुम्बन गर्छिन्।

After the wife departs, the actress reveals she was deceitful all along and calls out to Alfred, who was secretly hiding in the room.

श्रीमती बिदा भए पछि, अभिनेत्रीले खुलासा गर्छ कि उनी सबै समय धोखेबाज थिए र अल्फ्रेडलाई बोलाउँछिन्, जो गोप्य रूपमा कोठामा लुकेको थियो।

Understanding the text 

Answer the following questions.

a. What favour does Earnest Young Woman ask from The Famous Actress?

The Earnest Young Woman asks the Famous Actress to give back her husband.

a चर्चित अभिनेत्रीबाट अर्नेस्ट युवतीले के मागिन् ?

बलिया युवतीले चर्चित अभिनेत्रीलाई आफ्नो पति फिर्ता गर्न आग्रह गर्छिन्।

b. What, according to The Earnest Young Woman, are the indications that her husband has fallen in love with a Famous Actress?

According to The Earnest Young Woman, the signs that her husband has fallen in love with the Famous Actress are a love letter written by her husband to the actress and flowers sent to the actress.

b द अर्नेस्ट यंग वुमनका अनुसार उनको श्रीमान् एक प्रसिद्ध अभिनेत्रीसँग प्रेममा परेको संकेत के हो?

द अर्नेस्ट यंग वुमनका अनुसार उनका पतिले चर्चित अभिनेत्रीसँग प्रेममा परेको संकेत उनका पतिले अभिनेत्रीलाई लेखेको प्रेमपत्र र अभिनेत्रीलाई पठाएको फूल हो ।

c. Is Earnest Young Woman convinced by the argument of Famous Actress? How?

Yes, the Earnest Young Woman is convinced by the Famous Actress' explanation. She kisses the Famous Actress to show that she believes what the actress said.

ग के चर्चित अभिनेत्रीको तर्कबाट अरनेस्ट युवती विश्वस्त छन्? कसरी?

हो, चर्चित अभिनेत्रीको स्पष्टीकरणबाट अर्नेस्ट यंग वुमन विश्वस्त छिन् । उनले चर्चित अभिनेत्रीलाई चुम्बन गरेकी छिन् कि उनी अभिनेत्रीले भनेको कुरामा विश्वास गर्छिन्।

d. Where is the Earnest Young Woman's husband hiding himself as they are talking to him?

The Earnest Young Woman's husband is hiding in the closet ( daraz ) in the bedroom of the famous actress.

d उनीसँग कुरा गरिरहँदा आफूलाई लुकेर बसेको कमानी युवतीका श्रीमान कहाँ छन् ?

द अर्नेस्ट यंग वुमनका पति चर्चित अभिनेत्रीको सुत्ने कोठामा लुकेर बसेका छन् ।

e. When do you feel that a Famous Actress is really good at acting?

I think she is a very good actress. The Famous Actress explains to the Earnest Young Woman that her husband was just trying to make her jealous to get attention, not that he loves the actress. I was surprised when the husband came out of the room.

e चर्चित नायिका अभिनयमा साँच्चै राम्रो छिन् जस्तो कहिले लाग्छ ?

मलाई लाग्छ उनी निकै राम्रो अभिनेत्री हुन् । प्रख्यात अभिनेत्रीले अर्नेस्ट युवतीलाई बताइन् कि उनको पतिले केवल उनको ध्यान खिच्नको लागि ईर्ष्या गर्न खोजिरहेको थियो, न कि उसले अभिनेत्रीलाई माया गर्छ। श्रीमान कोठाबाट बाहिर निस्केपछि म छक्क परें ।

f. How do we come to know that a Famous Actress and the husband of Earnest Young Woman are in love?

We realize they are in love when the Famous Actress calls out to the Earnest Young Woman's husband to come out of the bedroom.

f चर्चित अभिनेत्री र अर्नेस्ट युवतीका श्रीमान प्रेममा छन् भनेर कसरी थाहा पाउने ?

जब प्रख्यात अभिनेत्रीले अर्नेस्ट यंग वुमनको पतिलाई शयनकक्षबाट बाहिर आउन बोलाउछिन् तब हामी उनीहरू प्रेममा रहेको महसुस गर्छौं।

G. Write down the plot of the play in a paragraph.

Initially, the Earnest Young Woman angrily asks the Famous Actress to return her husband. The actress denies taking her husband. She says she knew him from a case before. The young woman says her husband wrote love letters and sent flowers to the actress. She reads one of the letters aloud. The actress denies getting any letters or flowers but later says the husband was just trying to make his wife jealous to get her attention. The young woman realizes her mistake and apologizes. After she gets convinced, the famous actress calls the husband out from her bedroom.

G. अनुच्छेदमा नाटकको कथानक लेख्नुहोस्।

सुरुमा, विनम्र युवतीले रिसाउँदै प्रसिद्ध अभिनेत्रीलाई आफ्नो पति फिर्ता गर्न आग्रह गर्छिन्। अभिनेत्रीले आफ्नो पतिलाई लिन अस्वीकार गरे। उनी भन्छिन् कि उनले उनलाई पहिले नै एक केसबाट चिनेकी थिइन्। युवतीले आफ्नो पतिले अभिनेत्रीलाई प्रेमपत्र लेखेर फूल पठाएको बताइन् । तिनले एउटा अक्षर ठूलो स्वरमा पढ्छिन्। अभिनेत्रीले कुनै चिठ्ठी वा फूल नपाएको अस्वीकार गरे तर पछि पतिले आफ्नी पत्नीलाई उनको ध्यान खिच्न ईर्ष्यालु बनाउन खोजेको बताए। युवतीले आफ्नो गल्ती महसुस गर्छिन् र माफी मागेकी छिन्। आश्वस्त भएपछि चर्चित अभिनेत्रीले श्रीमान्लाई आफ्नो सुत्ने कोठाबाट बोलाउछिन् ।

Reference to the context 

a. Sketch the character of a Famous Actress.

The famous actress is a very clever woman who is aware of her beauty and popularity. On the surface she acts innocent but she is actually cunning and manipulative. She deceives people by telling lies. In this play, she tricks the earnest young woman by telling her that her husband is just trying to make her jealous, even though he is actually having an inappropriate relationship with the famous actress.

b. Shed light on the difference between an ordinary woman and an actress.

An ordinary woman like the earnest young woman is straightforward but also gullible and easy to trick. She believes everything the famous actress tells her without question. When the actress gives an excuse for the husband's behavior, the ordinary woman accepts it happily and doesn't see through the deception. On the other hand, the famous actress is much more cunning and intelligent. She can manipulate situations and mislead others through clever lies.

साधारण युवती जस्तै सामान्य महिला पनि सीधा तर पनि भोली र छल गर्न सजिलो छ। उनी प्रख्यात अभिनेत्रीले उनलाई कुनै प्रश्न बिना नै भनेका सबै कुरा विश्वास गर्छिन्। जब अभिनेत्रीले पतिको व्यवहारको लागि बहाना दिन्छ, सामान्य महिलाले यसलाई खुसीसाथ स्वीकार्छन् र धोकाबाट देख्दैनन्। अर्कोतर्फ, प्रसिद्ध अभिनेत्री धेरै चालाक र बुद्धिमान छ। उसले परिस्थितिहरू हेरफेर गर्न सक्छ र चतुर झूट मार्फत अरूलाई बहकाउन सक्छ।

c. According to Famous Actress, men associated with theatre use the theatre actresses to make their estranged wives jealous so as to woo them back. Do you agree with her argument? Why? Why not?

No, I don't think the famous actress's explanation is true. While making the wife jealous could be a tactic to win her back, in this case it seems the husband and actress were actually having an improper relationship. The wife was probably right that there was more going on between them than the actress admitted. Simple jealousy games don't usually involve hiding together privately like they were.

होइन, मलाई प्रसिद्ध अभिनेत्रीको व्याख्या सत्य हो जस्तो लाग्दैन। पत्नीलाई ईर्ष्यालु बनाउनु उनको पछाडि जित्ने एक युक्ति हुन सक्छ, यस अवस्थामा श्रीमान् र अभिनेत्री वास्तवमा अनुचित सम्बन्ध रहेको देखिन्छ। श्रीमतीले सायद सहि थिइन् कि उनीहरूबीच अभिनेत्रीले स्वीकार गर्नु भन्दा बढी चलिरहेको थियो। साधारण ईर्ष्यालु खेलहरूमा प्रायजसो तिनीहरू जस्तै गोप्य रूपमा लुकेर बस्नु हुँदैन।

d. How does a Famous Actress make a fool of Earnest Young Woman?

The famous actress tricks the earnest young woman by convincingly telling her that her husband was just trying to provoke her jealousy to get her attention, not that he loves the actress. The earnest woman believes this lie and thanks the actress, not realizing she has been deceived.

प्रख्यात अभिनेत्रीले आफ्नो पतिले उनको ध्यान खिच्नको लागि मात्र उनको ईर्ष्या जगाउन खोजेको हो भनेर विश्वस्त भई बृद्ध युवतीलाई छल गर्छिन्, उनी अभिनेत्रीलाई माया गर्छिन् भन्ने होइन। यो झूट पत्याएर कर्मठ महिलाले आफूलाई धोका दिएको महसुस नगरी अभिनेत्रीलाई धन्यवाद दिएकी छिन् ।

e. The conversation between the two women takes place on the stage of the theatre. What role does the theatre house as a part of setting play in A Matter for Husband.

The theatre setting provided privacy for the two women to openly discuss personal matters. Having the conversation backstage instead of in a public place allowed them to freely exchange views on the sensitive topic of the husband's behavior.

f. What do you think about the ending of the play?

In the end of the play, I felt surprised by all the twists. The actress tells the young lady that her husband was lying and just wanted to make her jealous. Young lady thinks everything is okay now. She believes she got her husband back, but in reality, her husband was still with the actress in secret relationship. They tricked the young lady.

While the young lady feels happy, the ending is bittersweet because she doesn't know the truth. The clever actress and Alfred were not honest with her. The play shows that smart people can deceive nice people by lying to them. Nice people are often trusting, so they get hurt without knowing.

Overall, I found the ending thought-provoking. It makes me think about how honesty is better, but sometimes honest people face troubles because of lies from others. 

ग चर्चित अभिनेत्रीका अनुसार रंगमञ्चसँग जोडिएका पुरुषहरूले रंगमञ्चका नायिकाहरूलाई आफ्नो विछोडिएका पत्नीहरूलाई ईर्ष्यालु बनाउन प्रयोग गर्छन्। के तपाईं उनको तर्कमा सहमत हुनुहुन्छ? किन? किन नगर्ने ?

होइन, मलाई प्रसिद्ध अभिनेत्रीको व्याख्या सत्य हो जस्तो लाग्दैन। पत्नीलाई ईर्ष्यालु बनाउनु उनको पछाडि जित्ने एक युक्ति हुन सक्छ, यस अवस्थामा श्रीमान् र अभिनेत्री वास्तवमा अनुचित सम्बन्ध रहेको देखिन्छ। श्रीमतीले सायद सहि थिइन् कि उनीहरूबीच अभिनेत्रीले स्वीकार गर्नु भन्दा बढी चलिरहेको थियो। साधारण ईर्ष्यालु खेलहरूमा प्रायजसो तिनीहरू जस्तै गोप्य रूपमा लुकेर बस्नु हुँदैन।

d एउटी चर्चित नायिकाले कसरी बनाउछिन् विक्षिप्त युवतीलाई मूर्ख ?

प्रख्यात अभिनेत्रीले आफ्नो पतिले उनको ध्यान खिच्नको लागि मात्र उनको ईर्ष्या जगाउन खोजेको हो भनेर विश्वस्त भई बृद्ध युवतीलाई छल गर्छिन्, उनी अभिनेत्रीलाई माया गर्छिन् भन्ने होइन। यो झूट पत्याएर कर्मठ महिलाले आफूलाई धोका दिएको महसुस नगरी अभिनेत्रीलाई धन्यवाद दिएकी छिन् ।

e दुई महिलाबीचको कुराकानी रंगमञ्चमा हुन्छ । A Matter for Husband मा सेटिङको एक भागको रूपमा थिएटर हाउसले कस्तो भूमिका खेल्छ।

थिएटर सेटिङले दुई महिलाहरूलाई व्यक्तिगत मामिलाहरू खुला रूपमा छलफल गर्न गोपनीयता प्रदान गर्यो। सार्वजनिक स्थानमा नभई मञ्च पछाडिको कुराकानीले उनीहरूलाई पतिको व्यवहारको संवेदनशील विषयमा स्वतन्त्र रूपमा विचार आदानप्रदान गर्न अनुमति दियो।

f नाटकको अन्त्य कस्तो लाग्यो ?

नाटकको अन्त्यमा, मैले सबै ट्विस्टहरू देखेर अचम्म महसुस गरें। अभिनेत्रीले युवतीलाई बताइन् कि उनको श्रीमान् झूट बोल्दै थिए र केवल उसलाई ईर्ष्या गर्न चाहन्थे। युवतीले अब सबै ठीक छ भनी सोचिन्। उनी आफ्नो श्रीमान फिर्ता पाएको विश्वास गर्छिन् तर वास्तविकतामा उनका पति अझै पनि अभिनेत्रीसँग गोप्य सम्बन्धमा थिए । उनीहरुले युवतीलाई धोका दिए ।

जब युवतीले खुसी महसुस गर्छिन्, अन्त्य तितो मीठो हुन्छ किनभने उनलाई सत्य थाहा छैन। चतुर अभिनेत्री र अल्फ्रेड उनीसँग इमानदार थिएनन्। चलाख मानिसले असल मानिसलाई झुट बोलेर धोका दिन सक्छन् भन्ने नाटकले देखाएको छ । राम्रा मान्छेहरु अक्सर बिश्वास गर्छन्, त्यसैले नजानी दुखी हुन्छन्।

समग्रमा, मैले अन्त्य सोच-उत्तेजक पाए। यसले मलाई इमानदारी कसरी राम्रो छ भनेर सोच्न बाध्य तुल्याउँछ, तर कहिलेकाहीँ इमानदार मानिसहरूले अरूको झूटको कारण समस्याहरू सामना गर्छन्।

Unit 2 : Facing Death by August Strindberg

= Mrityu Ko Samana ! 

Summary

Characters:

Monsieur Durand - The widower father who runs a small homestay business struggling with financial problems. He is trying his best to support his three daughters.

Adele - Mr. Durand's eldest daughter aged 27. She helps her father by cooking for guests. Her father trusts her the most.

Annette - Mr. Durand's second daughter aged 24. She doesn't help at home and plays around.

Thérèse - Mr. Durand's youngest daughter aged 24. Like Annette, she doesn't help at home and gets the family into more trouble.

Antonio - A lieutenant in the Italian army. He was the only paying guest at the Durand homestay but had to leave due to their financial issues.

Pierre - The errand boy who often returns without supplies due to unpaid bills.

The play is about a father named Mr. Durand who makes the ultimate sacrifice for his daughters. Mr. Durand is a widower who runs a small homestay business with his three daughters - Adele, Annette, and Thérèse. He used to work for the state railway company. The family is facing financial difficulties and is in big debt. They lost their mother and now have no money.

To earn a living, they turned their home into a small hotel. Mr. Durand and Adele work hard doing different jobs like cooking and cleaning. But the other two daughters do not help and only play. They owe money to the baker, butcher and grocery shops.

Their only paying guest is Lieutenant Antonio from the Italian army. But Mr. Durand tells him they can no longer host him due to no money. Antonio offers to pay more to stay one more month. But when Mr. Durand is out, Durand's daughter Thérèse kisses Antonio. Mr. Durand sees this and gets angry. He drives Antonio away without taking the money. 

The daughters then treat their father badly by not giving him food. Mr. Durand eats rat bait by mistake but does not get poisoned. The daughters blame their father for their problems. They say things were better when their mother was alive.

Mr. Durand tells Adele some secrets. He was actually born in France, not Switzerland. He fell in love before joining the army. Later he moved to Switzerland, got married and became a citizen there.  During the last war, he had to fight against his own country France as part of the Swiss army. He hid this fact by lying he was born in Switzerland.

He also says their financial troubles started because of their mother's careless investments. She wasted away their inheritance. Their mother had taught the daughters to hate their father. He reveals that their mother wasted money and caused their financial troubles.

Mr. Durand advises Adele to take care of her sisters like a mother. He also tells her to keep their insurance documents safely.

In the end, Mr. Durand drinks poison so that his death can give his daughters money from fire insurance. He sets the house on fire before dying, so the insurance pays them 5000 francs. The play shows how far a loving father will go to take care of his daughters in hard times. It deals with themes of family, sacrifice, financial struggles and the inevitable reality of death.

Exercise

UNDERSTANDING THE TEXT 

Answer the following questions:

a. Where does the play take place?

The play takes place in the dining room of Monsieur Durand's boarding house.

b. Why do the grocery, the baker and the butcher send their bills to the Durand household?

The grocery, baker, and butcher have to send their bills to Durand's home because he has not paid them for a long time. They can no longer provide more services until the unpaid invoices are paid.

c. Why does Monsieur Duran spend money on candles when he doesn’t have money to buy even bread?

On the anniversary of losing his baby son René, Monsieur Durand buys candles instead of food. He misses his departed son and wants to remember him, even though his family lacks basic needs.

d. Why did Monsieur Duran sell his life insurance?

Monsieur Durand wanted to use the money from selling his life insurance to pay off his debts.

e. Why has Monsieur Duran paid fire insurance?

Monsieur Durand took a new fire insurance policy so that he could claim money if his home caught fire. He plans to burn down the house himself to get the insurance money, which he needs to support his children.

f. How did Monsieur Duran and Mrs. Duran run out of their inheritances from both sides?

Mrs. Durand wasted the money they inherited from both families through reckless spending and bad investments. This money was meant to raise their daughters but is now all used up.

g. Why does Monsieur Durand tell a lie about his birthplace?

Monsieur Durand lies about where he was born for two reasons. One, he fought against his home country France from Switzerland which embarrasses him. Two, he wants to protect his and his wife's reputation after marrying a much younger woman and moving away from his hometown.

h. What business is Monsieur Durand running to make a living?

To earn money, Monsieur Durand runs a boarding house ( like a lodge or hotel ) business by renting rooms in his home.

i. What plan does Monsieur Durand have to help his daughters with money?

Monsieur Durand plans to take his own life and burn down his home to claim the fire insurance money. He wants to use this money to support his three daughters after he passes away.

j. How does Monsieur Durand die?

Monsieur Durand dies by consuming poison after setting fire in his house. He did this so his daughters would receive the life insurance payout after his death.

REFERENCE TO THE CONTEXT

a. Sketch the character of Monsieur Durand.

Monsieur Durand is the central character of the play. He is a retired railroad worker and owns a lodge which is also home to him and his three young daughters. He is bankrupt and in deep financial crisis. Though struggling with money problems, he is a loving, caring and protective father. His daughters are unhappy with him due to the family's miserable condition. Most of the time, the daughters dislike and blame him for everything. However, he keeps thinking about their well-being and will never give up on them. He sacrifices himself to protect his daughters, even if they don't like him. Throughout all struggles, he remains very patient and kind. Overall, he is a hero, caring, protective father, patient and humble man, honrouble man !

b. How do we know that the Durand family has reached a dead end?

We know the Durand family hit dead end because of their financial struggles. For years they have survived on loans from friends and relatives. The family has huge debts to many creditors. Due to not having enough money, they turned their home into an inn to make some money. Durand's situation is the worst in the family. His daughters hate him and blame him for all problems. At times they don't even share food or drink with him, showing their anger. He is so poor that he eats rat's food due to hunger. Still, he tries his best in the difficult situation. Ultimately, Durand decides to end his life to save his daughter by taking an insurance amount.

c. ‘The mother, though already dead, seems to have had a great influence on the daughters, especially Theresa.’ Do you agree?

Yes, I agree with this statement. We learn that the mother influenced her daughters a lot before she passed away, especially Theresa. The mother made the daughters dislike their father while she was alive. She ordered the daughters to always listen to her and blame their father. Because of the mother's words, all three daughters don't like their father now and blame him for everything bad. Theresa, in particular, seems to hate her father the most as she is always rude to him even now. So it's clear the mother's teachings and behavior significantly shaped how the daughters, especially Theresa, feel about their father.

d. Discuss the relationship between Monsieur Duran and his wife.

Monsieur Durand and his wife had a stressful marriage. However, his wife was responsible for destroying the family during her lifetime through her reckless decisions and actions. She wasted money on lotteries and even threatened to become a sex worker once. She filled her daughters with negativity and turned them completely against their father by blaming him for everything. She successfully managed to divert her daughters' attention and create hatred in them towards their father.

e. ‘Money determines the relationship between characters in this play.’ Elaborate this statement with examples from the play.

In the play, we see how lack of money damaged relationships. Durand cannot afford his daughters' needs so they transformed their home into a lodge. His relationship with his wife deteriorated due to huge property loss. The girls hate their father as he cannot support them financially.

Whenever Durand promises money, the daughters treat him nicely with affection. But otherwise, they disrespect him by grabbing his food and cigarettes. The characters' connections are defined by financial issues in the drama.

f. Monsieur Durand killed himself so that his daughters would get 5000 francs as compensation from the insurance company. What does his plan tell us about him?

Mr. Durand has faced poverty all his life. Due to the economic crisis, his daughters blamed him often for their troubles. People saw him as a bad father since he couldn't raise his children well financially. However, his plan shows he is a very loving father who sacrifices himself for his daughters' secure future with the insurance money. His death ensures financial support for the young girls.

g. Discuss Facing Death as a modern tragedy.

In modern tragedy, the play explores tragic events and concludes with an unhappy ending, particularly involving the downfall of the main character. The play "Facing Death" can be considered a modern tragedy because it concludes with the tragic death of the protagonist, Mr. Durand. Modern tragedies often tackle realistic situations and common issues faced by people. 

The Bull by Bhimnidhi Tiwari 

Summary 

Ranabahadur Shah - King

Laxminarayan Dahal - Main character

Jitman - Cowherd

Gore - Cowherd

The play is about a time when people were like slaves to powerful kings. It shows how Ranabahadur Shah, the king, cared more about his bull than people.

The story takes place in 1854. Jitman and Gore, who take care of cows, learn that the king's best bull has died. They get scared thinking the king will punish them for this news. They tell the bull has died to laxminarayan.

Laxminarayan Dahal does not want the cowherds to get into trouble. So he goes to the king's palace alone to talk to him. He does not say the bull has died. Instead, he lies that the bull is sick and should go to hills to get better treatment.

The king agrees to visit where the bull is kept to see his condition. Laxminarayan cleverly tells the cowherds to pretend the bull is still alive by moving its feet and fanning it before the king sees the bull. When the king sees the bull, he announces being upset that it has died, not sick. But he praises the cowherds for taking care of it.

Laxminarayan pretended to be hurt by the news. But the king saw through his acting. He scolded Laxminarayan for not being genuine. The king then told Laxminarayan to organize the bull's funeral properly. He had to make offerings to the priest as part of the ceremonies. The king wanted the bull respected, even in death.

The play shows how people had to serve powerful kings like animals in old times. The king cared more for his bull than people. It satirizes or criticizes the unfair feudal system. ( सामन्ती व्यवस्था ) 

UNDERSTANDING THE TEXT 

Answer the following questions:

a. Why have Gore and Jitman come to see Laxminarayan?

Gore and Jitman have come to tell Laxminarayan about King Ranabahadur Shah's bull (Male) who has died.

b. What, according to cowherds, is the reason behind the death of Male?

According to the cowherds, the reason behind Male's death is that he was starving and unable to digest the basic foods of fine rice and split gram.

c. Why does Ranabahadur want to see the bull himself?

Ranabahadur wants to personally meet the bull to verify its health status himself. He doesn't want the bull to be brought to the hill if it has been treated or healed at Thulo Gauchar in Kathmandu.

d. Why does Laxminarayan run ahead of the convoy at Thulo Gaucharan?

At Thulo Gaucharan, Laxminarayan runs ahead of the convoy to instruct the cowherds to massage the bull's rear feet and wave fans at it. This is to impress King Ranabahadur Shah and show how much care they have taken of the bull. Otherwise, the king would get furious and punish the cowherds.

e. Why do Gore and Jitman cry when the king declares that Male is dead?

Gore and Jitman cry when the king declares Male dead to demonstrate their fake affection and concern for the bull. They hope this will help them escape the king's anger, as he could punish them for the death of his bull otherwise.

f. How do we learn that the bull is dead?

We learn that the bull is dead from what the cowherds and king tell us - that the bull is not breathing, its tail and ears have fallen, and it is not eating.

g. How does the play make a satire on the feudal system?

The play depicts the dehumanization and oppression faced by common people under feudal rulers. The lord's animal is treated better than people. It shows how the feudal system has suppressed and dominated people, who live in fear and must survive on the lord's kindness, like the cowherds. This satirizes the abuse in the feudal social structure.

REFERENCE TO THE CONTEXT 

a. Discuss the late eighteenth-century Nepali society as portrayed in terms of the relation between the king and his subjects as portrayed in the play. 

The play shows that Nepal followed a monarchy rajtantra system in the 1800s under the Shah Dynasty. There were strict rules and people had to follow them. The king and soldiers commanded absolute authority and obedience. The rulers like kings and lords represented a cruel society where people suffered. Common citizens had little understanding of politics. People were punished for not paying respects to the rulers. They faced consequences for revolting against the abusive authoritarian rulers. Fundamental rights were denied. Women were servant ( daasi )  to men. Polygamy ( bahu bibaha ) was practiced where males had multiple wives. The monarchs and lords dominated the lives of ordinary people.

b. What does the relation between Laxminarayan and his wives tell us about the society of that time? To what extent has the Nepali society changed since then? 

Laxminarayan, who is 40 years old, has been married to seven women throughout his life. Despite having seven wives, he is unhappy and wants an eighth marriage. He disrespectfully calls his wives by insulting nicknames, showing patriarchal attitudes. This depicts a society where gender roles were rigid with men superior and women inferior. Married women were enslaved to husbands. Illiteracy, child marriage, poverty and lack of education caused many issues. Polygamy was prevalent where women relied on men and spent time indoors.

Today, Nepali society has vastly transformed. Women's awareness, education and representation in top jobs have increased tremendously. The constitution ensures equal rights and punishes gender discrimination. Society is no longer male-dominated, and women can survive independently.

c. Shed light on the practice of chakari as portrayed in the play. Have you noticed this practice in your society?

In the play "The Bull", many characters like Laxminarayn Dahal, Gore and Jitman serve King Ranabahadur Shah through the practice of chakari. This refers to pleasing superiors by being fearful and polite.

Laxminarayn is skilled at chakari and has faced punishment before for displeasing the King. The cowherds also fear the King and act cautiously around the dead bull, massaging its feet and fanning it to appease him. When speaking to the King, they refer to the bull respectfully as "The Bull Sir".

So the play focuses a lot on showing how chakari was used historically as people feared angering their rulers. In modern Nepal, you've noticed people still do chakari but more to politicians rather than kings. Nowadays, people use chakari seeking personal benefits like money, status and wealth from politicians rather than just avoiding punishment.

In summary, the play portrays historical chakari out of fear of kings, while today chakari is used more for self-interest when dealing with politicians in Nepal.

d. How does Laxminarayan outsmart Ranabahadur? 

When Laxminarayan learns about the bull's death, he goes to the palace and uses his skill of flattery (chakari) without revealing the reality. He tells the king the bull was ill, not dead. He instructs the cowherds to act like they treated the bull well. The king believes their story and is not furious since Laxminarayan cleverly diverted him. Through his tactics, he protects himself and cowherds from the king's wrath.

e. Sketch the character of Laxminarayan.

Laxminarayan is the central character who works as King Rana Bahadur's bull doctor and legal officer. Despite having 7 wives, he is unhappy and plans an 8th marriage. When the king's bull dies, he uses his intelligence to save himself and cowherds from the king's anger through his skills of flattery and tactfully diverting the king's focus. He is well-versed in pleasing the king through chakari. He outsmarts the authoritarian king with his clever strategies.