The Cricket

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.

Phaedo

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?

Or

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.

If Not higher

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 behaviors. Seeing many people making line in holy temples with rough practical manners, I realized that they are not getting real favors 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’s poem ‘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”.

Or

“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 hymens 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 tounderstand 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.

Ahab and Naboth

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. Write 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 give Naboth 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.

The Brave Little Parrot

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, various animals and birds lived. While all the creatures were having a happy life, a storm and lightening turned the forest into fire. Helpless animals and birds were trapped in the fire. It was a 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 the river and spreading the drops of water into the fire. Though it 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 the eagle’s advice but rather helped 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 the 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 can selflessly. If 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 struggling but don't expect the fruit is its lesson. The good deeds of the parrot are praiseworthy and are seen by the god as well. Those who have experienced a 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 others as a moral lesson. Though in philosophy such a concept is suitable and impressive but in our practical life such feeling is impossible because people don't have strong faith in God. Some disagreeing points are: (a)  Is it possible for a man to be born as a parrot? (b) Do we really believe in the existence of god? (c) Can pouring tears put out a 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.

Assimilation : I got extremely influenced after reading the 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 work but so called reach people do everything with selfish motives. Rich people are indifferent to the suffering of the poor. Still, the right conduct of a parrot teaches us more to do similar types of behaviors in our life as well. If we help others without selfish nature, there will be someone ready to help us. These concepts germinated or came into me after reading this mythological story "The Brave Little Parrot"

Yudhisthira's Wisdom

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 Yudhisthira 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.

INVITATION

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^th century 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, colorful 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 a 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.