UNIT 1

INVITATION

Shel Silverstein, USA (1930-1999)

Flax-Golden

The speaker/persona requests every kind of reader to become a dynamic or creative reader in this poem.

a) Write the four levels of interacting with the text "Invitation".

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

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

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

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

Unit 2

ANCIENT TALES

Yudhisthira's Wisdom (Source: The Mahabharata)

The story is about the importance of patience, obedience to god's wisdom and right conduct without which Pandava brothers would have been lost. Furthermore, righteousness makes us feel good even after our death.

b. Apply the four levels of reading of text Yudhisthira’s Wisdom’

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

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

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

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

c) Write the story Yudhisthira’a wisdom from Yaksha’s point of view.

Once I (Yaksha) was taking rest sitting near the pool of my place. Suddenly, a man came near the pool and became ready to drink water. I ordered him not to drink until he had given the answers of my questions. He was Sahadeva who disobeyed me and started to drink water. Soon he became unconscious. Similarly, Nakula, Bhima,Arjuna came and tried to drink water without giving answers of my questions. So all of them lay unconscious near pool. After that Yudhisthira came but became sad seeing the condition of his brothers. When he was about drink water I warned him not to drink to until he could have given the answers of my questions. I asked him: “what makes the sunshine?” he answered the ‘power of god’. “What is the surest weapon against danger?” was second question. He answered that was ‘courage’. Again, I asked: “what gives more to man than earth?” He answered the ‘mother’. “What makes man happy when he gives up?” was the next question. He said ‘anger’. Similarly, desire was his answer for my fifth question. I was happy by his answers so I liked to relive one of the brothers. Then Yudhisthirs proposed to Nakula not Bhima and Arjuna. That made me more pleased. Then I relived all of the brothers. I blessed them for comfortable rest of the exiled period. I was actually Yama who got real exam of Yudhisthira.

The brave little parrot ( source: Buddhist legend)

The story teaches us that courage is the most powerful weapon in danger. The story also teaches that if we sacrifice ourselves for the sake of others, god will help in our effort to accomplish our task.

b. write the four levels of interacting with the text “The Brave little parrot”.

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

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

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

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

Ahab and Naboth

From The Holy Bible

Powerful rulers are wicked and cruel but the gods are more powerful than them. As a result even the powerful rulers can't escape from the god's punishment and supreme judges who can easily recognize the sin and virtue In this story the queen misuses her power to kill Naboth. However at the end, the king can't escape from the curse of the god.

b. Wtite the four levels of interacting with the text "Ahab and Naboth"

Literal Comprehension : The story "Ahab and Naboth" has been taken from " The Holy Bible". Once Ahab, king of Samaria went with Naboth to ask to let him his vineyard. He said he would giveNaboth a better vine-yard or its worth. Naboth refused to give it pointing that the Lord would be angry to give away one's inheritance. Being sad and heavy, king Ahab came home and lay in bed Jezebel, Ahab's wife asked him about the reason. He told her everything that had happened with Naboth. Jezebel encouraged Ahab not to worry and she promised that she would provide him the Vineyard by any cost. Then Jezebel wrote a letter giving order to the elders and the nobles of Naboth. She said they should put Naboth in high among the people. With the witness of two daughters of Belial they should stone him to dead. He should be accused of doing disrespect to king and the God. Elders and nobles did as she ordered in the litter and sent the message of Naboth's death to King Ahab's. Jezebel told Ahab to go Naboth's vineyard because Naboth was already killed. When King Ahab went to the vineyard the God suggested Elijah to go to vineyard warning Ahab that he had done wrong. The God commanded that the place where dogs lick Naboth's blood would lick Ahab's blood. Elijah informed Ahab that in the eyes of God he had done evil deed for that he must be punished.

Interpretation: This religious story might be trying to say that powerful people are always trying to enjoy in the absolute power dominating the powerless people. It is also meant to give a clear picture of absolute power. King Ahab has used his absolute power to get Naboth's vineyard. The power of so called kingship has used to snatch away others possessing. His wife Jezebel is also assisting him to use this evil power. Again, the story might also be telling that how far we dominated others and control with personal power, God is watching everything. We can’t be more powerful then God. So, we have to accept the punishment for our misdeeds. It is human greed that makes him want to possess other property. While ruling over others or controlling others we have to at least be afraid of almighty god. The absolute power neither gives benefit to users, not the used ones either.

Critical Thinking :Ahab and Naboth is a story full of moral lesson that we have to bear the result of our evil deeds. It teaches about human greed that has ever-negative results. Besides, we can't agree with some ideas presented in this story. (a) Do people of present world have faith on god ? (b) Is it possible to be Ahab like absolute king at present ? (c) Isn't it natural desire of human to possess new things? (d) Doesn't a faithful wife help her tensed husband? etc.

Still we come to the idea that evil or bad actions should be avoided, and we must be fully satisfied that we have, is acceptable moral part of this story.

Assimilation: After going through this story I got new idea that we must be fully happy and satisfied what we have possessed. If we are greedy and loot others, god is ever watching our misdeeds. We shouldn't use our absolute power because we will be punished for that sooner or later. I have also learnt to give of my habit of greediness and theft.

c) Retell the plot of the story "Ahab and Naboth" in one paragraph.

Ahab, king of Samaria wanted to have a Vineyard that belongs to Naboth. Ahab asked Naboth to give the Vineyard but Naboth didn’t give the Vineyard to Ahab telling that it was his inheritance and god would be angry. Ahab became sad and didn’t eat anything but just lying on bed. Ahab‘s wife Jezebel knew the reality and convinced Ahab to give him the Vineyard. She wrote a letter with seal and warned the nobles to witness what Naboth would reply. They should accuse him not doing respect to King and God. They should stone him to death. The nobles of Naboth land went there and did as Jezebel order them and he was killed. When Ahab was about to take the vineyard, God told to Elijah to catch Ahab. God also warned that in Naboth’s blood would be licked by dog in the same place. As Ahab started to take vineyard Elijah saw him and informed him about God was angry of his sin.

d. King Ahab of Isreal enjoyed near-absolute power. Is absolute power a good thing? Why? Why not?

When a rich and powerful persons misuse their power that becomes absolute power. In other words, when personal desires and wishes are fulfilled using the power that becomes absolute use of power because there is domination to someone or powerless persons.

King Ahab wanted to have the vineyard possessed by Naboth. When Naboth disagreed to give him the vineyard, King and Queen Jezebel used their absolute power on Naboth. With their power and command of kingship they ordered elders of Naboth land to stone him to death. They made Naboth to have guilt on not having respect to king and God. After the murder of Naboth Ahab went to bring vineyard but God gave warning him for his evil deeds. Ahab as the king should have asked why Naboth was killed rather grabbed the vineyard. This action shows that King Ahab used near-absolute power.

No, absolute power is not, in any cost, a good thing. Having such excessive misuse of power becomes undemocratic that can’t be acceptable to present world people. If we see the world’s political histories, we can find that absolute power is always cruel, corrupt and inhuman. To some extant such power holder can enjoy upon powerless ones with their absolute power but sooner or later they are kicked out by the subjects. In this 21^st century such power can’t be useful at all nor that can exist any longer because it is the time of true democracy, freedom, liberty, equality, human rights, etc.

If Not higher

I.L. Peretz( Poland 1852-1915)

Heaven is at the service of humanity. One should help poor, sick and needy people who are in a great problem. Here in the story, the rabbi of Nemirov disappears at the time of penitential prayer every Friday morning. He actually doesn’t go to heaven rather involves himself in the service of humanity. We should involve in selfless human services to get heaven on earth.

b. Write the four levels of interacting with the text to “ If Not Higher”.

Literal Comprehension: Every early morning of Friday praying time Rabbi used to disappear. He wouldn’t be found either in house or in praying room. Some Jews calculated that he had gone to heaven at that time. Other thought that he had done much human service. Among them a Jew, Litvak wanted to know his reality. He entered into Rabbi’s room secretly and observed what he was doing. Next day, at the time of prayer (early morning) he disguised into simple farmer’s dress and went into the forest. He cut a bundle of wood and returned to village. After some times he entered into a hut of a poor Jew woman. He requested her to buy woods even on credit. God was there to pay the money if she couldn’t be able to pay. He did all parts of prayer, one after another making fire in different steps. Looking all these activities and Rabbis human service Litvak was influenced a lot from him. He planned to be his disciple sooner.

Interpretation: Since this chapter is a Jewish legend with a good moral lesson about how to practice to religions. How we can get the favor of god is discussed here. The pious and good activities of Rabbi are related to human service, peace and livelihood. It tries to say that only going to temples or religious places is not getting God’s favor. God helps those who help needy people and who are in problems. Only reading holy books and mantras is no way to service of God. The best road reach the God is helping the poor and helpless people. Service to humanity is a service to God. Critical thinker is one who thinks actual problem and finds out solutions of any problem.

Critical Thinking: Thematically this religious story teaches a moral lesson to so-called religious people. It teaches we can get real favor of God. This religious description can’t be believed by modern readers (people) who don’t believe on the existence of God. We hardly meet Rabbi like religious person in modern money minded world. Rabbi’s service to sick woman is a model work of humanity. But, a question is: How can a person disappear from the praying place? Still the groaning of Rabbi contains human suffering and pains.

Assimilation: It is very useful story to any religious people. It has made aware to those people who only become crazy to stone Gods with stony heart and inhuman behaviours. Seeing many people making line in holy temples with rough practical manners, I realized that they are not getting real favours of god. True service of god can be done helping needy and helpless people not only going to temples and church like the message of Devkota’spoem ‘ Yatri’.

c. “Doing good deeds on earth may be a more exalted activity than doing God’s will in heaven.” Explain this statement on the basis of the story” If Not Higher”.

“Service to humanity is the best way to get the favor of God”. Explain this statement on the basis of the story “If Not Higher”.

This religious story “If Not Higher “might be trying to point out the real essence of religion. Worship is for the betterment and help of somebody. Generally, people want to be religious only going to holy places but they don’t have humanity and service to helpless people. Only visiting to holy places, citing religious creeds and hymes can’t be the true path to get the favor of God. The true religion is this religion when people apply the religious message of Holy books into practical life. The more we serve the humanity and needy people the more pleasure we get.

In this story the Rabbi does human service helping a poor, helpless and sick Jewish woman. He is citing prayer (Holy mantras) with the service to helpless woman without going to synagogue. The service for needy and helpless people is far more worthwhile than any prayer. Likewise the late poet Laxmi Prasad Devkota says we can’t find god in temple and mosque. We have to understand the agonies of helpless people and put the ointment into their aching wounds. This human service is the best path to have full favor of God and source of complete pleasure.

Phaedo

Plato Greece (427 Bc-347Bc)

The philosophic essay teaches us about the importance of death. Death is inevitable. Everyone should die sooner or later. So, one should accept heroic death for the sake of truth, justice and prosperity like Socrates accepts the death calmy for the sake of righteousness because he thinks that man after death reaches to heaven.

b. Write the four levels of meanings to the text”Phaedo”.

Literal Comprehension: This text was written by Plato, a great Greek philosopher and disciple of Socrates. It is about the last moment of Socrates’ death and his philosophy of life,death and rebirth. Socrates was amused of misleading youths of Athens teaching his philosophy. For the punishments, the ruler declared his death sentence. Phaedo was present when Socrates was killed feeding poisons. So, he has reported here what was the overall condition of Socrates at the last hour. Because of a mission Socrates’ death execution was delayed until the arrival of the ship from Delos. When the last time was approaching Socrates was teaching his philosophy of life, death and beginning of new life to his disciples and people. His wife, family, relatives were very much sad. On the day of execution when he finished his philosophical discussion and took bath. Then the prison officer came and ordered him to take a bowl of poison. There was no chance in the condition of Socrates. He drank the poison happily. When the poison spread all parts of his body he sat down and happily took his last breathe. He made a last wish with Crito to offer a cock to the healing god, Asclepius.

Interpretation: This philosophical text might be trying to expose about life death and rebirth. It tells that life and death are two sides of a coin. Death is a beginning of new life not the end of life. The text also might be trying to tell about the importance of death. Death is compulsory if we get life or birth. We should accept death happily because this is a good chance of next life again. Like Socrates we all should try to be the noblest and wisest person. He accepts death naturally because he thinks only after death the heavenly happiness can be achieved. Dying bravely is better than living like dead one. Death is not any dangerous thing we have to be afraid of rather a right path to the life of infinity.

Critical Thinking: This lesson has done a lot to avoid the people’s fear and negative concept about death. Normally, we think death negatively and always scare of it. But Socrates has faced it bravely and wisely to teach the lesson to all cowardice people who are chicken hearted in term of death. But there are some disagreeable aspects that can be raised there. Socrates says death is a path to heavenly happiness. If so: Is there so far scientific proof of god, heaven, hell like things? Can we find Socrates like person at present? Can a person become cheerful at the last hour of file?, etc. still the moral aspect of the lesson is unquestionable one.

Assimilation: Before reading this text, I used to be too much frightened of death and loss of precious life. When I read this text I got new insight in my life. I should be ready to go leaving everything. After death there can be the beginning of next life. I left becoming much greedy, money-minded and cruel to other people. Similarly, we must be very- very much courageous to accept any challenge that comes on the way of life. These types of visions charged my thinking of life and death very much.

c. Basing your answer on the text (Phaedo) answer the question: How should a human being face death?

What is the significance of the story (Phaedo) to you? Would you do anything different in your life because you read this text?

In this story ‘Phaedo’ there is a discussion between Phaedo, a devoted disciple of Socrates and Echecrates regarding the last condition and way, how Socrates died. When the guru was dying the devoted disciple, Phaedo was observing everything. So, now when Echecrates is asking about the situation and process of his death he is telling everything that had happened.

According to Phaedo, Socrates was charged of misleading the minds of youths teaching them his philosophy. He used to make great speech about our life, soul, death and life after. According to him death is not the ultimate end but a road to go to eternal life(world). So, he dislikes having any special burial. When, there was death sentence Socrates was not worried at all. He was teaching his disciples about his philosophy until his last hour. Again, he has shown himself as an example of how a human should face death. Though the officer, his disciple, his family members were sad while Socrates was fed hemlock (poison) Socrates himself was ever in smiling and graceful mood. There was no any hesitation in taking poison. Even when the poison started pain his body he didn’t show his seriousness rather happily accepted the upcoming death.

This text tells us that we should accept the death as a natural incident that leads the way to eternity. Reading this text I got the new idea that we shouldn’t be so serious about facing death, rather we should accept it without fear. Again, death is compulsory to everybody, so why should be fearful to accept it. Sooner or later everybody has to die. For human life and death are two parts of a coin who gets birth, he is sure to face death.

This text taught me about the real meaning of death and life. I am no more worried in facing it. Like other poets and philosophers the dead life is again alive. It means dead is luckier. It is sure that death will comes one day so we should accept it as a part of our life fearlessly, happily and gently. Why is there fear in death when we know that we must die? Great people like Socrates have heroic death because they have done heroic works. Still biologists are searching its prove, and they say there may be the existence of soul elsewhere.

The Cricket

P.U.Sung-ling,china (1640-1715)

The fortunate person will have always the successful achievement at the end. Nobody can snatch their luck from themselves. For instance make-good was once in the ocean of poverty, when he wasn’t able to collect adequate taxes from the villagers to meet the amount set by the officials of the state. Even though be continued his effort to accomplish his responsibility. As a result at the end of the story, he was richly awarded by the governor.

b. Write the summary of the story “The Cricket”.

The story “The Cricket” deals about Cricket Fighting in China began in Tang Dynasty (618-907) and become much popular during the Ming reign (rule). Cricket used to be taken as fighting specimen and could be sold in high price. As the narrator point out ordinary people used to collect crickets and give to the magistrate and the magistrate made Floral shade as a supplier of crickets. Many neighborhoods’ heads were given the duties of providing crickets by the officials. The officials gave much tensions and looted locals in the name of search.

Among other make-good was a neighborhood head who had to fulfill the number of quota crickets otherwise he had pay from his property. Make-good couldn’t complete the quota and lost his property. He couldn’t find good crickets so he was beaten badly as punishment. Being much wounded make-good was just waiting for death. But his wife had still suggested him to go on searching the crickets.

Once a hunched- back fortune teller came in that village who gave a picture to male-good’s wife that told about where good crickets could be found. Made-good make a journey towards Buddhist temple as suggested by the picture. Lastly, he found a nice (quality) cricket. He kept the cricket on the box in his house and went out. Make-good’s nine-year son unfortunately released (opened) the cricket from the box. As he started to catch it back, the cricket was killed. Make-good and his wife scolded the boy much because that cricket was only hope for their living. The sad boy was found unconscious near the well. The unfortunate couple of Make-good brought the child to bury. But the boy was breathing slightly. They kept the boy sleeping at home. The main attention of make-good was the cricket more than his sick son. While searching the crickets he found a small size cricket. Being less hopeful, he fought it. When Make-good brought that low size cricket in fighting it won all fights at local level. The cricket was sent to the magistrate to the governor to the emperor. The cricket fought very actively and won all the battles. The champion cricket was awarded giving good degree and lot of property to make-good. make-good Was given 100 hector farmland, a two storey building and many more sheep and oxen. He got the standard of any noble person of that time. Actually, the cricket was the spirit of his sick-child which converted into cricket to help his helpless parents.

c. Write the four levels of meaning to the text “The Cricket”.

Literal Comprehension: Cricket fighting was a popular culture in ancient china. The village Floral shade was made a main supplier of crickets. Make-good of the local area was made a neighborhood head by officials. Make-good had to fulfill the quota of cricket but he couldn’t fulfill rather ready to die. The officials made make-good get wounded. Make-good’s wife advised him to go in search of cricket taking a picture given her b a fortune-teller. Lastly, make-good found a cricket and brought it home keeping in a box. Unfortunately, the cricket was released by his nine-year son and killed in catching it back. When the boy was scolded much by his parents he left home. Later, the boy was found dead near a well. As the parents wanted to bury it, the child breathed slightly. They kept the boy at the home sleep and busied themselves in looking for cricket. With much difficulty make-good found a small sized cricket and brought to different local competitions. The cricket became a champion among all. Later it was sent to the magistrate to the governor to the emperor. When the governor was awarded and magistrate was praised make-good was also awarded with high education degree and lot of respect and property. Later, his son woke up from his unconscious situation because he had shifted his spirit to help his helpless parents into a cricket.

Interpretation:This story has clearly given a past history of china during Ming Reign. In the absolute rule of Ming reign common rural people were controlled and dominated in the name of culture. There was no freedom to people in bed Reign system. Make-good like innocent and honest people were punished for no reason. At that time, the value of human being was less than an insect (The cricket). It also focuses on the ideas that cultural exercises have both constructive as well as destructive results. It might also be trying to say that one should keep on doing hard work to meet our goal. Sooner or later happiness comes in everyone’s life. It has also clearly pictured the authoritarian ruling system and its bad impacts on common people. At the time of problem the children can be supportive as make-good son’s spirit turns into cricket to save his father can be another interpretation of this story.

Critical thinking: The ups and downs of make-good is really heart touching idea in this story. “The Cricket”. When there is authoritarian ruling system many poor and lower class people are victimized. We shouldn’t be pessimistic when we get problem is moral of the story which is acceptable. Still, there are some disagreeable points. Is it good to commit suicide or want to die when we are in problem? Do present world’s people believe on tantras and mantras? How can a boy’s spirit turn into a cricket? Can a tiny cricket be a champion among bigger ones? Can anyone forget serious child giving more focus on work? But the bad impact of bad rulers and cultural exercise pictured is agreeable to all.

Assimilation: After reading the text “The Cricket” I got the idea that our life is not only a blooming rose rather it is mixed of happiness and sorrow. Sometimes we can be unsuccessful in achieving goal but sooner or later we will meet our aims. One shouldn’t shed tear in tension and jump p with happiness in successes. We must be evergreen in life. Our duty is to do our work and success is sure to follow us like to make-good in this story” The cricket”.

d. Would the writer of “the cricket” agree that it is better to live in a free country than in an authoritarian one?

Every human being wants to live freely without anyone’s control over him/her. By inner wish everyone likes to live without somebody’s bad rule. A free country had democratic environment where humanity, personal freedom and right are given. Such types of country is accepted and liked by all. But, in the authoritarian ruling system rulers dominate common people. Powerful, rich and high-class people can be safe but other ordinary people are oppressed by them a lot. Make-good like common but honest and dutiful people are always dominated. There is rule of single person or few persons in authoritarian ruling system. There is no free election and selection of rulers rather everything is done by power.

In this story “The Cricket” officials gave tensions to make-good like persons with their personal wish. He was beaten badly when he was not able to provide good crickets. The duty of poor and humble people becomes to satisfy the desire of rulers and work for them. There is no chance of personal happiness. So, it is far better to live in the democratic and free country than the country with authoritarian rulers. Such dictatorship is not acceptable to anyone in the present world.

e. Why do people enjoy watching animals or people fight to the death?

There are different cultures and cultural exercises in different countries or societies. Some are good but some can be bad to exercise. On the background to this story "The cricket" the people’s interest in watching cricket fight is unique cultural exercise. On the one hand, by nature human beings are greedy and selfish who like to torture other and enjoy. The writer wants to say that the cricket fight in the Chinese background is an exercise made for the controlling way to common people by the rulers. If people see others’ ruin or death then they become happy and satisfied. As we see in the story, make-good got punishment by the ruler not fulfilling the quota of cricket. But again after getting the champion species of cricket he was awarded by the same ruler.

In short, we can say that the main reason behind people’s interest in watching animals or people fights and enjoy is their inner bad selfish desire. Again, this can be the use and control of power to powerless people. They never think that they will also die one day like the wounded or dead persons or animals in fights.

The Sword of Damocles

From Greek legend

Like Damocles, we also learnt the lesson that unlimited wealth doesn’t certainly bring us happiness and satisfaction, that though a high position has its honour and glory it also has its dangers and that he who would gain mighty power and greatness must be strong and of a good courage. Wealth and fame are attractive of the surface. But we shouldn’t spend our whole life to acquire them. There are many other things to acquire in life.

b. Write the four levels of meanings to the text “The Sword of Damocles”.

Literal comprehension:Dionysius was the tyrant king of Sicily in 4^th century B.C. he was tyrant with his harsh treatment to his subjects. He had strong security to be safe from daily fear of his murex ring. He used to enjoy with reputed people and people with science, letters and arts in general (intellectual people). There were many flatters of Dionysius. Among them Damocles was the oiliest tongued one. Damocles was much greedy who flattered him and interested to sit upon the throne of Sicily with all clothes and respect. The cunning and mighty king Dionysius had known everything of him so he wanted to teach Damocles a wide lesson. He offered Damocles to sit upon his throne when there was banquet (big feast) with all respect. Then he would know how challenging to be in the highest post in the following days. Being curious and boasting over his friends Damocles waited until next day banquet’s time. With high honours Damocles was offered the throne of Sicily. He was excited and enjoyed and ascended with robes varieties of foods and public respect. Sooner he felt headache due to heaviness of golden crown. Again, when he looked upwards he saw a keen sharp edged naked sword was suspended from the roof by a single hair exactly over his head and about to fall upon him. He entreated the king to let him free. But the king never let him free until the banquet was over. When Damocles was free from the throne, he felt (go) the lesson that "boundless wealth doesn’t necessarily bring happiness and satisfaction". Sitting in the high position has glory and honours as well as risk and challenges. To hold strong post, one must be as well courageous and must digest different challenges. (1) undergo (2) though

Interpretation: This marvelous story, based on Greek Legend, might be trying to point out that possessing power and high position is not always comfortable and respectable one rather it is also a matter of risks and challenges. It also may be trying to highlight that boundless wealth and being in powerful position is not necessarily bring happiness and satisfaction. One has to bear great challenge and live at the cost of life. Dionysus, king of Sicily, has thought this moral to flatterer Damocles who had fancy of highest post and power with comfort and satisfaction.

Critical Thinking: this story is based on Greek Legend has great moral lesson that we normally think others, who are in the highest post, are happy and comfortable. But it is not the ground reality. We can’t be fully agreed with the ideas given here in this store. The question we may raise here are:

a. Isn’t it natural for human to think to sit higher post?

b. How can sharp edged sword be hung with a single hair?

c. Can we find such tyrant king at present?

Even then the moral aspect of this story is not disagreeable one.

Assimilation: After going through this story, I got the ideas that we shouldn’t be greedy and envious to other who are power holder and envious live in higher posts. Though that seems glorious, there can be high risk of life. Higher post people live with great fear and risky of life like Damocles in this story.

c. Do you agree with writer of “Damocles sword” that boundless wealth doesn’t necessarily bring happiness and satisfaction”?

Yes, I agree with the writer of “Damocles sword” that boundless wealth doesn’t bring only happiness and satisfaction. The highest post possesses the highest risk he has to bear to. Outwardly, we can think that to sit in the highest post and possess power is a matter of satisfaction and comfort but, reality is not so. The people with boundless wealth and property live a life full of risks and danger.

We can also observe the so-called higher post people of our country. They go here and there with strong security. They are always full of tension when they will be at danger. This statement also points out that high rank power and wealth are source of dissatisfaction and danger. The one who is living simple life lives freely and happily. The rich and well-to-do people always fear thinking that anytime they could be victim of someone. Sometimes to handle highest post one needs courage and strong heart. The chicken- hearted persons can’t do anything good though they are holding respectable post and are with plenty of wealth.

When we consider this quotation or statement, we can draw a conclusion that people cannot be fully satisfied with money or wealth. Not they are happy with power and higher post either. To handle them one must be courageous and bold hearted. One must be tyrant to some extent to keep the dignity and power like of Dionysus of Sicily.

Unit 3

EDUCATION

The library card

Richard Wright, USA

(1908-1960)

Education is the supreme ornament of life. Reading opens up mental horizon of the writer. He knew about the discrimination, injustice and inequalities between whites and blacks. So, he wanted to forget his studies by indulging in sex and alcohol.

b. Apply the four levels of interacting with the text in “The Library Card”.

Literal Comprehension: when the writer was 19 years old he had gone to the bank lobby and started to read the newspapers. All of a sudden he stopped seeing a critical and furious comment made to white writer, Mencken as “Mencken is a fool.” Reading such harsh comment towards white became a matter of curiosity to the writer to know why people called him so. He thought a lot how to know about Mencken a lot because Negros were not allowed to go to library and take book to read. He couldn’t be sure to ask his boss or other whites friends about library card. Lastly, he contacted Irish Catholic Mr. Falk and kindly requested to manage him his library card. With doubt any confusion Mr. Falk managed to Richard his library card. Richard cunningly wrote a foot-note and managed to take two books “The Book of preface” and “prejudice.” Richard started to read in his rented room and knew that Mencken had mucked god and European countries. He also read the famous writers of the world. Reading became his passion and he went on reading and widened his mental horizon, when he was asked by whites and his landlady he just used to say he was just killing time. He also tried to write in the papers but he stopped it sooner. There appeared a great change in Richard’s manner. His hunger for reading books went on increasing. He saw a vast gap between his mental world and the outer world. He knew how Negroes were behaved and living their life. Being terror, anxiety in his mind he was bearing how far he could. He was also thinking one day it would burst out.

Interpretation: This impressive story “The Library Card” might be trying to give the idea of progress if we do something being dedicated and wholeheartedly. How, after a long time struggle, a Negro boy got educational success is given very heart touching way. Richard (a 19 years Negroes boy) had a keen interest to know about H.L Mencken at first and gradually about various subjects. This proved “where there is will, there is way.” This story also tries to give a clear picture of colour discrimination in the then America. While the Negroes were not allowed to go to libraries, parks, romantic places. From mental, personal, social to political sectors all Negroes were fully controlled. Even then, Richard got huge success with his strong passion and same ratio of dedication to study and knowledge.

Critical Thinking: at present America has become the center of world’s people. But her situation in few years back was very serious. Negroes were not taken as human beings. As presented in this auto biographical story: Was there such discrimination in USA? How could the white Mr. Falk agree to give Richard his library card? Does anyone have such keen desire to learn? Still, the story teaches to be hardworking and studious to have personal identity and progress of any kind.

Assimilation: When I read this story it touched me a lot. I evaluated myself a lazybones and cowardice person. I have evaluated myself to do nothing. If I have keen interest in doing anything, reading or what so ever, I will get success. The success of Richard has become a great inspiration to me to do something productive in my life. I always complained with others not able to be talented student. Now what I got is I should have deep interest from inside. If so, it is certain that I will do progress in my life.

c. Do you agree with Richard Wright and the author of “Why go to university?” that education is supremely valuable? Why or why not?

In most of the ideas given by these two writers Richard Wright and MotiNissani are agreeable to me. In this story “The Library card” Richard Wright has talked about the progress of a Negro boy with hard practice education and knowledge. The narrator encountered with a criticism of H.L Mencken as a fool, he got some strong desire to know about him and the reason of criticism. The white men Mr.Falk helped him to offer library card, with great passion for knowledge the 19 years Negro boy progressed a lot in his study and understanding about his world and author’s behaviors on him. Richard Rright has talked that it is knowledge that brings awareness, it is awareness that brings change in attitude and behaviors .this story also tells that where there will there is way. It is the speaker’s deep study by which he has understood the value of freedom life, human rights and human relationship. He has understood the value of being in human and position of being minority group. These all aspects are agreeable to me as well. It is the then American society when Negroes were behaved as non-human. Another agreeable point in this story is that we can do progress a lot if we have strong determination and dedication to do something. It is education that gives capacity to identify what is good and what is bad as the narrator in this story.

Again, similar type of agreeable ideas are presented by the essayist MotiNissani in his essay “Why go to University?”. Here, he has discussed about the value and advantage of going to university. According to him, it is education that makes us capable to develop reasoning power, makes open-mind, and gives power of tolerance, makes chances of getting opportunities and jobs. Again, the social respect and prestige are other advantages that are possible by university education. According to Nissani, it is education that gives us personal freedom, knowledge to understand the value of social culture, norms, democracy, etc. Personal, social and cultural aspects become strong by education.

Although Richard Wright and MotiNissani have discussed similar type of ideas motiNassani’s essay seems more compiled and detail. Anyway both of them seem agree about the importance of education. As they say education makes people conscious, skillful, independent which are agreeable points to everybody. In our judgment of their ideas presented both writers are right in their views and have positive impacts in readers. Again, Nissani’sarguments about university education is a bit questionable in the sense that everybody can’t go for university education because it can’t be available to all levels of people. But we have to respect the detail presentation of various advantage of university education given in this essay-“Why go to university?”

Why Go to University?

MotiNissani, USA (1947-)

This essay is about the deferent of University education. The writer says education is extremely valuable because it makes us different from other creatures. Getting a university degree not only helps us to get a job and promotion but also reforms our character and morality. It’s only through education an individual knows the real meaning of life.

b. Apply the four levels of meaning to “Why Go TO University?”

Literal comprehension: This suggestive essay “Why Go to university?” has been written by a versatile American writer, MotiNissani. Though there are few disadvantage of going to university education there are many more advantage of it. There is high change to get job for the educated one. In job, promotion and qualification university education becomes backbone. Secondly, we can solve various personal, social as well as national problems if we are educated and awarded. The education of good health and healthy life can be achieved form this educational system. Again, educated persons can hardly be cheated by other rather they can easily remove the social evils and superstitions. The educated persons have good prestige and respect in the society since they are the pillars of national development. Mental horizon is widened as that thinking, attitudes, characters are also become hospitable and cultured ones. Social horizon is enlarged with the help of university education. Again, internal satisfaction and self-understanding is possible by this education. Getting education of university is a good mental exercise. The world and its multiple aspects, ecology, human life and environment, political, cultural changes are possible to know with the help of university education. There are ample advantages in acquiring university education in our life.

Interpretation: Some of us are taking university education without knowing its true purpose but for formality. Some of people have not taken this education being unknown about the multiple advantages of acquiring it. Real education for life and our career is got from university education. Our interest must be positive and we must have earnest desire to get this education so that we can make our future bright. This essay might be trying to tell that civilized and cultured life can be attained with the help of university education. We educated and uneducated people must change our attitude towards university education. Because only truly award and educated person can understand what life really is?

Critical Thinking: We can’t deny the ideas given as the advantageous point in gaining university education. Besides, we can raise some disagreeable points against the writer. Are educated people really respected in this money minded society? Are there really chances for opportunities and jobs for educated people? Can all level people gain university education? Can find the ideals of education in Nepali universities? Has not the politic spoiled actual ethics of university education? Can only knowledge give/ sustain our life?

Assimilation: After reading this essay I widened my mental horizon as said by the writer. There is no good political system or true democratic system in Nepal. Most of our leaders are not getting university education so democracy has not been developed gradually. Again, I knew that besides getting job, there are many more advantages in getting university education. True political system can be established with the help of university education and true utilization of it.

c. what are the advantages and disadvantages in going for university education according to MotiNassani?

Disadvantages:

- University education is not suitable to everybody because of its expensiveness.

- Engaging in university education kills our time for earning money and financial development.

- Such education brings forth unnecessary tension and mental burden to our mind.

- Being indifference to university education is a way of being satisfied: the more we know serious our life becomes.

- Sometimes such education becomes lingering of time than productivity.

Advantage:

- University education is used to have higher social standard, prosperous life, highly improved income and quality of life.

- Higher education is a guardian to avoid a number of socio-cultural, economical problems by extending multi-faced ideas so that educated person rarely be cheated rather become master in everything.

- Since education and health are interrelated ideas so education helps the people to have healthy life.

- Educational sectors and institutions are all mental fields so better education leads us to have better mind and better thinking.

- Education makes a person self-dependent or self-sufficient so that educated or knowledge people are able supposed to be the ideal and reputed persons in any society.

- Having interest is way to progress. So, interest in learning new thing is ever encouraged by higher education by nourishing the varieties of books.

- Being social creature human gets widen the social horizon with the help of higher education.

- Again, education is a strong tool for personal freedom to differentiate what is right and what is wrong. It means the knowledge or educated people examine able everything critically and reasonably.

- Through the educational process we are acknowledged about co-existence in the universe. It is the educated person who understands that all species of the earth are equally important for existence.

- Since there is interrelationship between democracy and education, education purifies and makes a matured democracy.

In short, there are limitless advantages of university of education despite of its few drawbacks. It is the higher education that helps to lead quality, independent, healthy, sound and reasonable life. So most of Nissani’s ideas are fully supported here.

Surely you’re joking Mr. Feynman

Richard p. Feynman,USA (1918-1988)

For the productive knowledge and education, we need right person, right place and right time as well. On the other hand, we must have practical kind of education, interdisciplinary, too. We must learn how to behave with the people and society merely bookish knowledge is not always helpful in one’s life.

b. Write the summary of the Essay “ Surely you’re joking Mr. Feynman”

The narrator, Richard Feynman completed his undergraduate from MIT (Massachusetts institutes of Technology). Though he wanted to continue his graduation from MIT, Professor Salter advised him to go other college to know how was the rest of the world. So he joined to Princeton. He was not formal in manner but Princeton was full of formality.

On the first day he went to Princeton, the dean Eisenhart invited all the students to a tea party. Feynman didn’t know about how to talk with others, how to have food and where to sit. When Mrs.Eisenhart asked him whether he liked lemon or cream in his tea he replied both. Then all students laughed because he did a social error.

The narrator talks about night academic gowns to dinner. He also saw a Cyclotron where machine was in separate room and other connections from the other rooms in MIT College. But three was at Princeton, all Cyclotron was in a single room. He remembered MIT and Professor Salter whose advice made the narrator to learn rest of the world. At Princeton, Feynman attended in talks and seminars with philosophers. Sometimes there was debate about electron or essential objects. Similarly, the narrator Feynman joint the lable of biologists and asked different questions. He found neither of the students nor teachers were clear about the essence of subject-matter. Feynman took part in physics classes as well.

Feynman involved in studying about DNA spiral, phase course and learnt many lab techniques. He spent a long time in the experimentation without productive result. He did much more boring work related to RNA, DNA and formation of protein in body which was same in all creatures. With Feynman’s multi-disciplinary knowledge he was asked to give lectures at Harvard University too. Though he invested his long time and energy in biology and others sectors his inner interest was in physics. So, he liked to go back to the physics. Though he built up his confidence and knowledge in many sectors, he couldn’t be away from physics, the real subject of his interest.

c. Write the four levels in interacting with the texts "Surely You're Joking Mr. Feynman".

Literal Comprehension: After passing his under-graduation from MIT, the narrator Mr. Feynman was suggested to go to other collage by Professor Salter. Then Feynman went to Princeton College where everything was fully formal. On the first day Dean Mrs. Eisenhart gave new student tea party. Feynman was not mannered and formal person who answered to have both cream and lemon teas. She told Feynman was joking about it because it was taken as a social error. After that he went to cyclotron where everything was left open to do. He started to take part in philosophical discussion and sometimes in biologists group as well as Physics 'classes. He spent a lot of time in biology and works because despite of his hard work he couldn't discover any new thing. Though he knew and did a lot about the biology and others subjects his actual interest was in the Physics. He expects he would go back to physics sooner.

Interpretation: This suggestive essay might be trying to tell about the thirst of knowledge and progress in one's life. How education be gained and what can be the best technique about it is given here. Memorization and subject of inner interest are opposite things, the former is not productive one. it also advocates about the significance of interdisciplinary subject study. It also tells that varieties can be coloruful for life no doubt one can be Pandit inn particular sector. Education is the only key that helps to learn about manner, culture and knowledge in the multiple subjects. Only necessary things is the passion of learning in any one.

Critical Thinking: This essay is very tough to understand for the students of education, humanities like faculties because the scientific terms and subjects used here are very much hard to grasp. The crux of the essay is easier but the presentation and language is not so. One must be multi-disciplinarian to understand it because there is talk about Biology, Physics, Philosophy and what not. But the passion of the writer for study and progress even in the back of tools and resources is very much lessonful.

Assimilation: Though the presentation and content of the essay is difficult, it taught me a lot. it taught me to be dynamic according to different situations and societies. Professor Salter's Suggestion to go to rest of the world means to try to understand multiple subjects and sectors of life. I used to be limited to only course of study and books but now I have made myself try to be jack of all and master of none. Nothing can be done to be in limited boundary on in specific area.

d. How do you feel about the strange title of Feynman's essay? Do you think it captures the point Feynman is trying to make about life and education?

"Surely you're joking Mr. Feynman" is suggestive essay about the value of education. But this advice of value of education is presented in different way. Like the title of the essay it seems to be joking to us. Yet, the essay is not such light rather a serious subject matter hides behind. After completion of his undergraduate from MIT the writer had gone to Princeton for his graduation. Princeton was place of formality but the writer has not formality in manners and language. He became a matter of joke in front of Dean of the collage and all the students when he chose both tea-lemon and cream. At that occasion the Dean Mrs. Eisenhart used the statement "Surely you're joking Mr. Feynman" Though surfacely this statement seems to be light at core it has brought the concept of life education and career. As the writer had not learned formality and processed to learn at Princeton. At the beginning phase he was so light and informal but by the end of the essay Feynman has been presented to be an expert, experienced and having knowledge of multidisciplinary and with good manners. The selection of both of the teas also indicates that the writer wants to have tastes and knowledge of all sectors. He never took it serious who laughed at him and for what subject they did but his target was learning by doing and even by making errors.

As we analyze the title of this essay, it is fitted to the essay in the sense that it has captured the pace of writer's concept of education and life. No doubt he participated in Philosophical classes, Biological classes, Physics and what not. In my opinion we can deduce that to be perfect and pundit in any sector, one must begin with practice and good interest no doubt many mistakes can be committed in the process of learning something. From the crux of the essay and its title there seems to be interrelated meaning.

The Good Example

Vicente Riva Palacio, Mexico

(Translated by MotiNissani from Spanish)

This essay discourages the memory- based education like don Lucas is doing. we must have technical and practical kind of education otherwise we also become just like "a Perico" So our education must be dynamic, creative and life supportive.

b. Write the four levels of meaning of "The Good Example".

Literal Comprehension: This short but a suggestive story "The Good Example" has been translated onto English from Spanish by the versatile writer, MotiNissani. There was a small village in Mexico with roofs of red tiles, Plam leaves and among big-big trees. In that village there was a school run by Don Lucas Forcida. He was dedicated for his school doing all duties well like a martyr. The teaching style of the school was repetition and roting or drill of syllables, words and math's tables. The whole day duty of Lucas was monotonous but he had one friend 'a parrot' to fresh him after the school. Lucas used to do regular interaction with the parrot put in the cage at level of school. School children named it "a Perico". The bird could communicate and tell children voices and school's teachings. As the children were taught using traditional method students would learn by heart. Even Perico could do as the school children. One day when the school was going on Perico escaped form the cage and flew away to neighboring forest. By time almost everybody forgot about the Perico but Lucas hardly forget the bird. One day he went to find the bird in the neighboring village riding on the horse. He was in the afternoon heat inside the big forest. He heard a chirping sounds of birds.

Later, he found, the sound was familiar to him. He heard same syllables, words drills taught in the school. To his great surprise Don Lucas encountered with a group of parrots led by Perico. Perico informed Lucas that he had also made school in that forest as Lucas in the village without control and any restriction but with complete freedom in learning.

Interpretation:The story might be focusing on the idea of negative impact of rote learning system. Rote learning is just monotonous that never makes any ne creative at all. This learning is similar to parrot learning. It also might be trying to say that everyone likes to have better learning and happiness in natural environment. Restriction and controlled environment's learning never becomes creative. It also raises the issue that 'every bird can be happy in its nest or in its flock' It is education that makes one very conscious and free from any restriction, Here the Parrot has escaped away from the cage and opened a school like in. Mexican village but in free or natural environment of learning. It is with the help of awareness got from education. So good example is a good example of memory based education.

Critical Thinking: We see the Perico has become a teacher in the forest by the last Part of the story. So far we have ideas that parrot can copy some words and terms from human beings but: How can a parrot do a complete conversation with Don Lucas? How can parrot open a school in the forest? How can a parrot tell with Don Lucas that it has school? Beside symbolic meaning the nature of Perico seems to be questionable.

Assimilation: After reading this story I learnt that if teaching is done systematically, even birds can learn and do well then: Why not the human being> But the roting teaching learning strategy of Don Lucas' school reminds me about my primary level teaching learning classroom situation. When teacher used to pronounce the words like "Good morning" we would say 'Good morning' "Go there Hari" so more and so forth. Even at college there are not creative teaching and learning activities. Notes, guess so papers are roted by the student and vomit in the exam hall in three-four hours without any creativity.

c. Compare Nepali education today to Mexican education in the 19^th century. Does Nepali education promote memorization or understanding?

Defend the statement " The Good Example" can be viewed as a satire on the roting (memory-based) education)

It is obviously taken that the story "The Good Example" can be viewed as a satire on the memory-based education. The educational system of Southern Mexico has been satirized in this story. The teaching was roting and memorization without any creativity. What the teacher says or teaches the students rote one by one. The students are not requested to go through the texts and read much for extra knowledge. The learning is assumed to be finished if one can memories what was taught to him/her. There is no care whether it is applied in the practical life or not. The creative, constructive, logical and imaginative state of minds of children memory-based learning system enables even a parrot to open a school and teach similarly.

In Mexican Lucas' school there is no use of creativity and self-education beside roting. In most of the private schools as well as in the governmental school of Nepal the plight of education is similar. To defend this roting.monotonous and non-creative learning system Richard Wright studies a lot without any formal teaching but became a Pandit in overall aspects. The 19^th century Mexican education system and the current education of Nepal are totally matched.

While comparing the education of Mexico and Nepal in most of school same non-creative and roting educational pedagogy are adopted. The teacher is called the best teacher who makes his student able to say words by words what is taught or given in the book . The traditional monotonous teaching system of Don Lucas Forcida was also not productive. The applicable, creative and practical aspects of the learners are always sidelined both in 19^th century Mexican and Nepali education systems or institutions. In short, this story " The Good Example" has become the best example for mocking bad education system of Mexico in particular and of Nepal like countries in general

A 1996 Commencement Speech

Salman Rushdie, India (1947-)

Salman Rushdie was condemned to death by the former Iranian Spiritual Leader. Ayatollah Ruhallahkhoment on Feb. 14^th 1989 after publishing the Satanic Verses. He says students shouldn't bow down their heads, be slaves of the authorities rather they should challenge even good and guided by their own better nature.

b. Write four levels of meanings to " A 1996 Commencement Speech"

Literal Comprehension: "A 1996 Commencement Speech" is graduation speech given by a famous Indian born writer, Salman Rushdie to the students of Bard College, New York in 1996. He was given honorary degree by Bard collage on that occasion. While giving speech Rushdie remembers of his graduation day, 1968 from Cambridge University. A few night before of his graduation some unknown persons threw bucketful gravy-onion in his room. Salman was accused for this fault and punished. Again, when he had gone to graduation program with brown shoes he was rejected asking to wear black shoes. At the nick hour of ceremony he had to return for black shoes. In the ceremony also he had to kneel down to ask for degree in Latin language with Vice-chancellor. He did as authority ordered him. When he was giving this speech he repented saying that he shouldn’t have paid up, should not have changed the shoes and should not have knelt down. Doing compromise, he did crime accepting injustice and domination. Rushdie said due to his three years hard work and parents’ investment he was qualified to get B.A. degree not freely given by university. Taking education is right of students not any body is favour.

Rushdie pointed out the Irani leader declared his death notice but he was saved by Bard Collage. Taking about any supreme authority and power, Rushdie said even god has done many crimes and cruelties. God has not created the world and human beings rather people have created Him. Because of people’s belief and mercy there is the existence of god. Arachne, promecheus had challenged the misdeeds of goods. There could be money-god, etc. If god do crimes over humans why to respect them. Being radical Rushdie encouraged students that we must be guides by our personal will or personal nature. If possible, we should follow our better natures than bad ones.

Interpretation: This speech given by one of the renown scholars of the world might be advocating the call for freedom of expression. It points out that everyone should be guided by her personal nature-possible by better nature. By any condition one shouldn’t bow down and follow others domination and order. As Salman Rushdie accepted the order for dead rules he repented for that later. It might be questioning about the existence of god and His power. God Himself has done a lot of crimes because of our faith but not the god has created us. Freedom and right can’t be achieved by mercy, begging and bow down rather by snatching. It also encourages to all to fight against any unfair authority injustice and domination. Obedience and tolerance can’t be the way to freedom rather defiance (protest) and revolt are inevitable.

Critical Thinking: This essay as a speech has given a full credit for action done in accordance to human nature. It has opened up the eyes of people/public to evaluate everything reasonably. Compromise to any domination is a crime. This philosophy for personal rights and freedom is ok. Still some disagreeable points can be raised here. Can we always go against all types of system? Can defiance always become constructive tool to freedom? Are all traditions worthless? What can we say to patience and non-violence of Mahatma Gandhi regarding protest? Are not there other Gods besides Greeks Gods? But the messages of revolt against injustices can’t be discarded fully.

Assimilation: After going through his speech I got shocked Sooner I went 10 years back in my school days. When I was studying in class five I had to face a bitter criticism of my class teacher. Any of the boys of our class had written pornographic (rough) sentences on the wall of the classroom. When the teacher came into classroom, the accusation came over me because other boys were clever. I was innocent then, so I couldn’t defend t all. Now I regret my self about it. I wish I should have defended against it at the right moment. I should have told directly the teacher about my non-involvement in that work. I should have fought against the injustice that I had to fought accept them.

c. According to Salman Rushdie “defiance is an inevitable and essential aspect for freedom and right”. Do you agree with him? Why and how?

When a person get chances to work in accordance with his/ her personal choice it is called freedom. Freedom, in other words, means the condition of not being controlled by anyone in doing something. It is not only for action, it can be about thinking and any topics. According to Salman Rushdie, if we want freedom and rights we have to defend it. We have to protest and fight against any types of injustices and dominations. Tolerating the injustices and being obedient to someone is crime itself. Again, actual freedom and personal rights can be gained by protest not by begging and request.

The meaning of ‘defiance’ given by Rushdie is applicable in all walks of our life. In education, in social life or family relation and others. Everywhere protest and voice against injustices must be raised anyhow. Again, we should not connect the meaning of defiance with the present contexts of Nepal. There is always ‘Chakka Jam’ and ‘Bandh’-like activities giving tensions to common people, it is too bed. What I agree with Salman Rushdie’s idea is that we shouldn’t accept and compromise the crime by any cost. But in the name of protest we should not even by forgetting, do such activities what hamper others. There innocent and over loyal people should get some lesson from this speech about what to do to get freedom and rights.

UNIT 4

ACTIONS AND CONSEQUENCES

Shep's Hobby

James Herriot, UK

The writer says that there's an extra ordinary similarity between humans dogs in the sense that they enjoy making jokes fun-loving etc. Furthermore we shouldn't snatch anybody's or animals' "sparkle of life"

b. write four levels of meanings to the text "Shep's Hobby"

Literal comprehension: the writer was a veterinary surgeon. Once he had to go to Mr. Baile's farm to check his sick cow, Rose. The cow had some stomach problem regarding indigestion. Bailes had a big and fearful dog-named Shep. The dog was kept behind the high wall on the side of passage. The writer gave different medicine to Rose yet the cow was not recovered. As the writer was returning home along the passage of high wall all of a sudden a loud bark of Shep exploded into his ear. That frightened him a lot. Next morning, went to make inquiry about the condition of Rose. He found that Rose was more serious. While he was going to see the cow there was strong blow waaah! that made the writer staggered. The writer gave the treatment to the cow. The following afternoon he was going to find the condition of Rose. He became happy finding the cow in improved condition. When he reached there Mr. Baile told him that the cow was cured by the postman, Jim Oakey not by the writer. Being angry the writer was returning along the passage. Shep frightened him as if he felt his heart would stop. The writer became much angry with the dog and threatened pulling it near him by the claim. He warned it showing his fist near its nose after a month when the writer had been to Baile's farm, he saw the dog inactive and didn't bark at him. the writer felt very sorry in snatching (killing) the barking hobby of harmless Shep. Sooner the dog frightened to a tinker in front of him. That made the writer satisfied that Shep had barking hobby by them.

Interpretation: this story “Shape’s hobby” may be trying to tell us that it is not only human beings who enjoy their hobbies; it is in animals in same way. Animal may have own types of enjoyment doing some activities like scaring other making loud bark here. Indirectly the story is also trying to say that it is humans who want to be superior to others and wants to control others unique characters. It is animal right to enjoy doing any types of activities. This story is advocating about animal rights and effect of human actions upon animals life. There are similarities between animals and humans in terms of wishes, hobbies, likes, dislikes etc. so, human being should always be careful not to hurt animal’s unique personality. It is a duty of every human being to save “Sharkle of life” that is a unique personality in everyone animal.

Critical thinking: it is not questionable about the concept of hobbies and unique personality of every animal. It is also selfish nature of human that always tries to dominate animals that will affect negatively. Still there are some unacceptable points. How is it possible to cure the cow that couldn’t be cured by animal doctor? How can a seriously in cow make fast walk? Can a dog understand human waring? Do animals enjoy similar like humans? Still, the story has raised the ideas about how to save unique quality of animal that is acceptable to everyone.

Assimilation: before reading this story I used to think that animals are animals. They don’t have any similarities with human beings. I would think they don’t think and don’t have any special qualities as such. But after reading this story I knew that animals do have ‘unique personality' like of humans. They can easily be hurt from misdeeds of humans. I knew how to take care if any animal after reading this story

C. In the story “shep’s hobby “the writer points out some extra ordinary similarity between humans and animals. Human must not hurt the unique personality of animals and their ‘sparkle’ of life. Do you agree with the writer?

The story “Shep’s hobby” is giving a clear picture of animals hobby and way of fun. Shep is a big dog with a fun of scaring other barking loudly. But when the writer threatened it showing his fist, it stopped barking at the writer. That made the writer feel sad. But when Shep barked harshly to tinker the writer felt happy because he hadn’t completely destroyed its fun of barking.

The main crux of the story shows that animals do have hobbies and ways of making fun. For that humans should be careful while behaving to animals. We must take care of animals like to the children by their parents. There must be love, care and affection to animals form human beings.

I also agree with the ideas of the writer about animal hobby and way of fun. I like to love and have affection towards all animals. Like to my brother and sister I also love to animal kike dog, cat, rabbit, etc. I never like to hurt the sparkle of any animals and unique personality of them. Because like us animals have desires, hobbies, ways of fun and joke etc. this must be understood by humans before behaving with animals anyway.

A sound of thunder

Ray Bradbury, USA (1920)

The writer depicts that people are selfish and due to their activities, future world is in danger people have made so many impossible things possible and solved tremendous mysteries. Time machine takes to the past to safari. So science is boon it we misuse it.

b. write the four levels of meanings of the story “A Sound of thousands.”

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

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

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

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

c. Summarize the story “A Sound of Thunder” in a paragraph.

‘A Safari set up with a team of five persons where Mr. Travis was safari guide for others. The others hunters were Eckels, Lesperance, billings and Kramer. They started their safari for the shooting of a dangerous animal ‘A Tyrannosaurus Rex’, the tyrant lizard. They were in a time machine. There was a advertisement (sign) that if someone found new animal, the office would provide chance to shoot it. The one who disobeyed guide’s instruction would face penalty of 10,000$. There was no guarantee for hunter being injured or dead since they were going to perform the most dangerous hunting /shooting of animal. Travis informed others about the dianosaurs with two brains. Travis pointed million years back history and events. They were inside the time machine that protected them touching the earth. Travis told that there was close link among living creatures. While killing a mouse that starved a fox that affected to a lion to a caveman to the entire civilization. Travis informed others that like a butterfly effect a mouse could make an earthquake. In the morning wind when they were going further with careful guidance of travels, they found the Tyrannosaurus Rex of ten tons that could cover one hundred yards in six seconds. It was really gigantic beast with red points on its chest that scared them all. A windstorm came from its mouth while breathing. They shot it very carefully and courageously that Tyrannosaurus Rex fell and lay still stopping the thunder around. They wiped the blood form Lelmets and changed dresses. The half dead beast was killed by huge fallen tree again. After shooting they came back to time machine.

Eckels was nervous and wakened by the event and went going out of path. When they arrived in the office room, they found change in the letters of the sign painted on the office wall. Eckels was surprised looking the dead butterfly on his boot that made great effect on him. He was tensed and he wanted to make dead butterfly alive that was impossible. He heard a sound of thunder at last when travels raised his rifle Travis.

d. “A Sound of Thunder” is a story about a critique of modern society. Justify.

“A Sound of Thunder” a science fiction that has given a clear picture of extinction of animals and environment. Human beings are so much fun oriented that they are ready to finish rate animals and plants. They never think what will be the future result of their actions. This too much selfish ego of getting fun is the cause of destruction. Again, some institutions or people are so much crazy for money that they are ready to do any work for earning money. All the countries are on competition making weapons and other machines.There minds are fully covered by power and money. Their careless activities have put the world at the risk and may cause serious result anytime. Modern people are so much selfish and heartless. They are weak minded and thrill-seekers.

This story is a true example of a critique to the modern society. It is a bitter criticism to modern people and their narrow, selfish nature of enjoying in the destruction of environment. They are not careful at all what they are doing now. A minor act ion may gave serious effect in a long run of ecosystem is also presented as a butterfly effect on this basis this story shows a criticism what people think and do and how much they are serious about their actions. Due to atomic bombs and other arms the world is at great risk. The whole world construction can be tuned into ashes within a minute or a single click of buttons. Modern people are so much careless that they don’t use logic and would be results of their present actions. They are hardly thinking that this world is their home place and damage in any part of environment may damage their home itself. This type of critical modern society and selfish, heartless, greedy and careless people are presented in this suggestive story.

UNIT 5

Television

The Wretched Stone

Chris Van Allsburg, USA (1949)

The story explores the unfortunate condition brought by television set in our life metaphorically. Stone found in the island is nothing but TV set people become just like animals (apes) due to TV. Our creativity culture etc will be destroyed due to TV. So we have to eschew TV as far as we can.

b. Write the four levels of meanings to "the wretched Stone"

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

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

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

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

c. What are the advantages and disadvantages of Television in our life?

Television in short TV, is an audio-visual machine run by electromagnetic waves. It is for both eyes and ear. It has multi-channels. News can be heard and pictures can be seen on its screen. there are both advantages and disadvantage of a TV. If it is over used, it is very bad. On the other hand, there are many advantageous programs given in the TV set. Even in education sector, TV can be used for teaching learning purposes children, youth as well as old persons get full entertainment from TV. Thus, we can say that a TV is a curse to them who misuse it and it is a blessing for them who use it properly. These two aspects are discussed below.

Advantages:

· Television is very useful since it delivers many programs for our interests.

· It provides entertainment with music, songs, programs, etc.

· It is a good friend, baby-sitter house servant etc.

· It is very useful in education, business and other dally programs.

· It helps to keep people to be in touch throughout the world and events.

· It makes people up to date, knowledgeable, etc.

· it becomes a source of time palling, public awareness, trainings, project field study, etc.

· It teaches a lot about social, cultural, personal aspects of people.

· It is used in teaching learning purposes too.

Disadvantages:

· Both the children and adults are affected badly by false things presented on television.

· People (Basically young people) can copy foreign fashions and unacceptable activities sooner.

· TV wastes our creative, productive time and makes us forgetting out duties and responsibilities.

· It makes people crazy, fashionable and lazy if they misuse it .

· Poor people can't have TV since it is expensive to buy and to mend it.

· TV gives false advertisements that cheat the common people.

· The imaginative and creative potentiality of children and youths are damages badly.

· The more programs are broadcast, the more people are affected by them.

· Less people can select what is good and what is not while using TV.

Even then we can't reject all positive uses and implication of TV.

Curbing the one Eyed Monster

Fiona C. Jenkins

New Zealand (1947-)

So please, oh, please, we beg, we, pray,

Go throw your TV set away, and in its place you can install A lovely bookshelf on the will

b. Write four levels of meanings to "Curbing the One Eyed Monster"

Literal Comprehension: this essay is written in American context in particular and all over the world in general. Few rich people control most of American TV stations. They have TV as the means to earn money by presenting different false advertisements. By using TV they are elected giving false ideas to people. Though some educated American opposed TV but they can’t do so because they think TV as a hurricane, which can't be escaped from. TV only shows about junk food, false ideas, half-information or reality in pieces. By using TV programs the rich people make people to think what they want. BY using money they give false ideas and earn more money. Any types of people can't be free from the false propagandas. TV normally gives shallow values and beliefs. There are Thousandsof violent events and accidents faced by children so they turn to be violent. There is only way to be safe from this poison of TV set is boycotting (not using) it. We should throw TV set from out home/room and put a good bookshelf in its place. Creative works like reading, arts, music, etc can be done instead of watching TV.

Interpretation: Through this easy the essayist might be focusing us to be away from bad intoxication of TV. TV hardly presents core truth, so we don’t live in real world. We live in the world of illusions made by such false advertisements. We should boycott from using it rather creative works like reading, music, art, etc. can be done instead. WE should always be clear about what is real culture and what is the false culture shown in the TV set. We should be alert to select good or real aspects because originality is not given on the TV programs. The crux of this essay is to stop watching TV that can be the best solution.

Critical thinking: Through this easy is focusing on both the uses and misuses of TV it has not given equal credit to advantage of it. If we make productive use of TV, selectively and carefully, we can get a numbers of profits. TV, politics, love like things themselves are not bad but bad players or users make them polluted and useless. Can we live up to date and intellectual life without watching TV? Will people stop watching TV? Will they throw TV set rally? IF we all avoid using TV: How can we know about world events, history and ancient cultures, etc? Can’t we make the best use of TV selecting more informative and productive or intellectual programs? Is throwing TV is final solution.

Assimilation: When I completed reading this easy, I changed my attitude towards advertisements and some of the programs given on the TV set. Before reading it I used to believe almost all commercial advertisements and propagandas broadcast on TV set. I used to think TV would provide100% reality. TV programs are doing public services and developmental activities. I knew that some rich people are using black money and modify the truth. They make TV as the business tool of earning more money befooling public, I won't throw TV set as it is said in the essay rather I will trust only limited programs. I should not kill my valuable time in watching worthless and non-creative advertisements and channels but I will use it selectively.

Smarter Kids, Brought to You by the letters T and V

Dimitri A. Chistakis, Greece(1937-)

(Washington Post, December 2006)

This lesson has provided a very balanced view of the both negative and positive impact of TV. On the small kids. However there are some points which are not agreeable. Is it true that TV. Viewing doesn't cause vision problem? Is watching TV harmful to children's cognitive development? Does it rally create problems in children Except these questions, the easy is really convincing and a veritable gold mine for the dynamic readers.

b. Write the summary of the essay "Smarter Kinds, Brought to you by the Letters T and V".

as one of the modern digital devices TV has separated parents from their children. The survey of 1961 shows that the starting period of watching TV for American children was from 3 years. Now they have started to watch from 9 month. parents don't sit with their children and take care about what programs the children are watching. The writer has corrected different false myths about TV and given what is the actual truth on the basis of researches. Bad eyesight is not due to over watching TV is his claim.

1. The first myth is TV makes kids dumb, which is not true. The intellectual and good programs on TV have given better quality of knowing numbers, letters and shapes than those who have not watched TV from 3 to 5 years. Educational programs like " Blues Clues' make children more creative.

2. TV makes kids violent: A number of studies have proved that mostly the children who watch violent and sexual based programs make them more aggressive. There is link between nature of programs and behaviors of children. By nature when children are crazy for such violent programs, they are turned to be violent, angry and more aggressive as an age factor.

3. Educational Videos make infants smarter: The results of researches have proved that those children who watched TV before three years have scored worst in tests of letters and numbers. Because watching TV before 3 years old delayed the child ability to develop language skill.

4. Sitting around watching television-instead of paying outside makes kids overweight: Actually, only sitting and watching TV programs do not make kids overweight. Same children who sit long time for reading also don't make overweight. the actual reason is that those children who watch TV watch almost 70 percent advertisements for food products. Non of these junk foods are healthy. sitting in front of TV children have (eat) about 170 more calories per day. that is the main cause of children becoming overweight.

5. Television helps kids get to sleep: The survey informs just opposite of this is true. the more children watch Television, the more irregular sleep they have. Not having should sleep becomes a problem where television can't be the solution. Such children can’t sleep well because three- fourths of children sleep before going to bed.

6. Kids watch too much Television: The problem is not children watching too much TV but what they watch and how they watch it. If the parents sit with children and watch programs together, there is less chance to have negative effects of programs on children. But in American context, there is single TV set for each young member. Parents don't care what they are watching. If they are harmful and violent programs could be controlled to their children watching together.

c. What is the interpretation of this essay "Smarter Kids Brought to You…"?

This essay "Smarter Kids……" might be trying to tell us about both the negative and the positive aspects of TV on the small kids depending who use it and how do they use it. If educational and informative programs are watched, the children become smarter ones. But if they are shown violent, false and sexualized programs that make them negative aggressive and violent. This essay also requests to all parents to pay attention what their kids watch and how they watch TV.

The writer has presented the ideas about watching TV for kids so critically that neither he has said watching TV is good nor bad. He has given various historical data and all authentic surveys and has corrected some of the misconceptions about TV. He has set new myths in place of old ones. He has focused on 6 critical points and has given what is the truth about them. The basic intension of the writer seems to give the ideas that watching TV for smaller kids/ children can be both constructive one. Thus, selecting educational and quality programs and regular paying attention from guardians (parents) to children can be the best. In this situation TV can be the best tool to make smarter quicker and intelligent kids from watching TV.If not TV can be curse as well.

TV Can Be A Good Parent

Ariel Gore, USA(1970-)

The writer never supports the idea of sticking to TV. It's a blessing to single woman and without economic support and child care assistant stop watching television is impossible. So TV programs can't be avoided unless $75 per month and assistant to look after children are managed.

b. write the four levels of interacting with the text to "TV Can Be A Good Parent".

Literal comprehension: American Academy of Pediatric (AAP) is giving guidelines for parents telling that letting kids under 2 years old to watch TV is harmful. Writer defends this idea telling that television set can be a good parent to single parent family where the parent has to go job leaving children at home. There is no one taking care of children. In 1970s, the writer's mother called TV as "boob tubes" when she was small. She herself now has become mother and has to go to job leaving her daughter with TV. That has become an injustice according to AAP. No doubt, small kids should have lost of direct interactions with their parents and caregivers. The children should be discouraged from watching much TV. She says direct interactions with people is far better than anything. Her daughter Maca is let in front of various TV programs because she has to go for job. Some programs like “Blues clues” make interactive kids not passive ones. A survey shows that parents having direct interaction and more time spending with their children is better than anything to them. Through direct interaction with people is better TV set can be like parent in special condition where parent can’t give time to children. Better nurturing (care) of children can’t give with direct care, interactions with someone but all single parents can’t give so much time to their children due to difficult economic problems. What is needed is providing much more educational programs and ending of culture of war and violence. For this, the government should provide salaries to all housewives. So, they can spend maximum time with their children and can give them lot of love, care, interactions, etc. until such management is provided TV set is by compulsion becomes of parent or co-parent.

Interpretation: This essay is trying to tell us about the condition when TV becomes like co-parent. AAP has blamed the parents letting their children hanging over TV set. But the government has not paid any attention on what are the economic problems and compulsion single mothers/single parents facing. Despite of AAP's blame, the writer defends that watching TV is not going to kill them or make them dumb. All the TV programs are not harmful. Everything is relative so , TV is neither hundred percent good nor bad either. Educational and creative programs become productive and play the role like of parents to those children's parents who have to go for work. This creative solution of providing salary for housewife is the special condition of single mother.

Critical Thinking: The writer's presentation in this essay is very much creative. She is not telling that TV is the best tool for children. She is also telling that direct interaction and attachment of parents is better to their children. Her logic is totally acceptable. AAP blames against children's right can be implemented only when the government has provided salary to those single mothers. TV can't be banned soon because TV has become parent to such children. TV channels must be educational, unbiased and should always not be used for commercial purpose. Can we manage a TV set for every child? Is it good always letting children in front of TV set? Can we really replace TV set in place of parents? Can TV provide love affection, attachment and support as parents do? Even then the logic of writer about economic problem and her solution is not questionable.

Assimilation: This essay touched me a lot. Before reading this text I didn't know at all about what is the meaning of direct interaction with people. Sitting with TV and with real human being was same to me. But after reading this essay, I knew that watching TV carelessly and too much is harmful. We must be careful while watching TV. Again we should give maximum time to our childrenThe best investment we can do with children is to spend as much time as we can with them.

c. How can a TV be a good parent?

Parent is a person who takes care of us. He loves us and fulfills our desires and always tries to keep us satisfied. Living with our parents we feel happy and safe. parents teach us what is good and what is bad. They also guide us what to do and what not to do. They hope on us to make a famous person and make a dream on us. Their every time prayer becomes how to make their children successful, happy talented and on the right track. Parents become ready to do any hard work to give us good question, clothes and quality life. Again, there is a question How can a TV be a good parents? TV can never be purely just like real parents. No doubt TV programs may keep the children happy and satisfied for sometimes. Children spend their time sitting in front of TV. They can be lulled by various activities done on the TV screen. But parental love, care talks, supports like things can not be compared with TV shows. Even than we can't reject that some of the TV programs are educational and more creative. Sometimes, the TV looking children become more talented that others. In case of writer of this essay "TV can be a good parent" TV plays an important role. In a family of single parent who has to go for work then TV must be in place of parent by compulsion. It is compulsion of single parents' children to spend their maximum time in front of TV instead of with real parent. According to the situation TV can be like a good parent but not like the real or biological parent as a whole.

COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY NOTES

Tuesday, May 22, 2018

FLAX GOLDEN TALES: NOTES UP TO UNIT 5