English ( Literature Reader ) for Class 9

Summary

‘The Solitary Reaper’ is William Wordsworth’s rendition of the delight a simple peasant girl derives from nature and how the entire atmosphere reverberates with that happiness.

The poet sees a highland girl reaping the harvest and singing. The poet compares her song with the song of the nightingale, soothing his sorrows, easing his weariness, just the same way as the nightingale welcomes the weary travellers in the shady oasis of the Arabian sands. The maiden’s song is also compared to the song of the cuckoo bird which is the harbinger of summer and ushers in happiness. The song of the maiden is as thrilling and persuasive as the song of the cuckoo bird which is effective enough to break the silence of the seas.

Try yourself:

What does the poet compare the song of the maiden to?

• A.The song of the nightingale
• B.The song of the cuckoo bird
• C.The song of the seas
• D.The song of the harvest

View Solution

The poet cannot understand the dialect of the song, he is unable to comprehend its meaning but is able to gauge from its sad tone that it probably relates to some unhappy memories, some battles fought long ago. The poet also feels that the song may be about the commonplace things like joys or sorrows.

The poet feels that the girl’s song would have no end and would continue forever. The poet saw the girl singing as she bent over her sickle. The song of the maiden was so mesmerising and spellbinding that it held the poet motionless and still. When the poet started mounting the hill, the song could not be heard but it left an indelible mark on the poet’s heart. For the poet, it would always remain a fresh evocative memory. The poem also shows how the appeal of music is universal.

About the Poet

Robert Frost was a famous American poet born in San Francisco in 1874. He spent most of his life in New England, which is a beautiful area in the northeastern United States. Frost’s poems often reflect the nature and life in this region. He went to college at Dartmouth and Harvard but did not finish his degree. Instead of focusing on school, he worked on a farm and taught in a school while trying to write poems. At first, many people in America did not want to publish his work, but he did not give up. In 1912, he moved to England with his family to get more attention for his poetry. Soon after, a publisher in London released his first book of poems. After that, he returned to America and gradually became one of the most loved poets in the country. Unlike many poets of his time who tried new styles, Frost chose to use traditional forms of poetry. He believed in using the old ways to create something new. While his poems often sound cheerful and paint beautiful pictures of nature, they also have deeper, darker meanings about life. Frost’s work is special because he makes readers think carefully about the world around them.

Key Points of the Poem

• The poem is titled “The Road Not Taken.”
• It consists of four stanzas, each with five lines.
• The poem describes a moment when the speaker faces a choice between two different paths in a yellow wood.
• The speaker feels sorry for not being able to travel both paths.
• He carefully considers each path before making a decision.
• The poem reflects on the idea of choices and their impact on life.
• The speaker ultimately chooses the road less traveled, which symbolizes making unique or unconventional choices.
• The poem concludes with the speaker reflecting on how this choice will shape his future.

Theme/ Message

• The Importance of Choices: The poem emphasizes that every choice we make in life is significant. The roads symbolize different directions or paths we can take, and each choice can lead to different outcomes.
• Individuality and Non-Conformity: The speaker’s choice of the road less traveled represents the idea of being unique and making decisions that are not influenced by others.
• Regret and Reflection: The speaker anticipates that he will look back on this choice with a mix of emotions, suggesting that choices can lead to both satisfaction and regret.
• The Nature of Life’s Journey: Life is depicted as a journey filled with decisions and paths that shape who we are. The poem reflects on how our choices define our experiences.
• Uncertainty of the Future: The speaker understands that once a path is chosen, it is difficult to go back. This highlights the uncertainty and permanence of decisions.

The message of the poem can be understood in several layers. First, it teaches us that every choice has consequences. The speaker acknowledges that he cannot take both paths, indicating that life often requires us to make decisions without knowing what the future holds. This uncertainty adds weight to our choices. Second, the poem encourages individuality. The speaker’s decision to take the road less travelled symbolizes the idea of following one’s own path rather than conforming to what others might do. This message is particularly important in a society where people often feel pressured to fit in. Lastly, the poem reflects on the human tendency to look back on choices with a sense of nostalgia or regret. The speaker knows that he will tell the story of this choice later in life, suggesting that our decisions become part of our identity. Overall, the poem beautifully captures the essence of decision-making in life and the importance of embracing our unique journeys.

Detailed Summary

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveller, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

In this stanza, the poet talks about a beautiful, yellow wood, which means a forest where the leaves are yellow. He sees two different paths in front of him. Imagine if you are at a park and you have to choose between two slides. The poet feels sad because he cannot go on both paths at the same time. He wishes he could be like two people and travel on both roads. So, he stands there for a long time, looking at one path to see how far it goes. He looks down the path until it curves, like when you look down a slide to see where it goes.

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

Here, the poet decides to take the second path because it looks just as nice as the first one. He thinks this path might be better because it has grass and looks like not many people have walked on it. It’s like choosing the slide that looks less slippery because it has more grass around it. But he also realizes that both paths have been walked on by people and are actually quite similar. So, even though the second path seemed special at first, he knows that both paths are almost the same because others have used them too.

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

In this part, the poet says that both paths looked fresh and clean in the morning. No one had walked on them enough to make the leaves dark. It’s like when you go to the park, and the grass is still bright and green because it hasn’t been stepped on. He thinks that he will come back to try the first path another day, but deep down, he knows that once he chooses a path, it might be hard to come back. Just like if you go down one slide, you might not want to go back to the other one because you are having fun on the first one.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and II took the one less travelled by,
And that has made all the difference.

In the last part, the poet imagines that many years later, he will tell a story about this moment. He will probably take a deep breath and feel a little sad or thoughtful when he remembers it. He thinks about how he chose one path over the other, and how it was the less popular path—the one that not many people took. This choice has changed his life in some way, just like how choosing a different game to play can change your day. He feels that making that choice was important and has made a big difference in how his life turned out. 

Difficult Words

• Diverged: Split or separated into different directions.
• Traveller: A person who goes on a journey or trip.
• Undergrowth: Dense growth of plants under taller trees in a forest.
• Claim: A right to something or a reason to choose it.
• Grassy: Covered with grass.
• Wanted: Needed or desired.
• Trodden: Walked on or stepped on.
• Ages: A long period of time.
• Sigh: A long, deep breath that shows sadness or relief.
• Equally: In the same manner or to the same degree.
• Perhaps: Maybe or possibly.
• Difference: The way in which two or more things are not the same.
• Reflect: To think deeply or carefully about something.
• Regret: A feeling of sadness or disappointment about something that has happened.
• Journey: The act of travelling from one place to another.

About the Poet

Lord Alfred Tennyson was born in Lincolnshire, England, in 1809. He became one of the most famous poets of the Victorian era and served as the Poet Laureate for over 40 years. Tennyson is well-known for his ability to express deep emotions and beautiful imagery through his poetry. His works often reflect noble ideals and the complexities of life, making him a favourite among readers. Some of his most famous poems include “The Lady of Shalott,” “The Princess,” “Ulysses,” and “The Palace of Art.” Tennyson’s poetry is praised for its musical quality and how it paints vivid pictures in the reader’s mind. He had a unique skill in combining sounds with meanings, which made his poems not just words but also an experience for the reader. His contribution to literature helped keep poetry alive in a time when novels were becoming more popular. Tennyson passed away in 1892, but his poetry continues to be celebrated today.

Key Points of the Poem

• The poem is titled “The Brook” and is written by Alfred Lord Tennyson.
• It contains a total of 6 stanzas, each describing the journey of a brook.
• The brook represents the flow of life and nature, constantly moving and changing.
• The poem emphasizes the idea of permanence versus impermanence, highlighting how while people come and go, nature continues its course.
• Tennyson uses vivid imagery and sound devices to create a musical quality that reflects the brook’s movement.

Theme/ MessageThemes

• The Continuity of Nature: The brook flows continuously, symbolizing the unending cycle of nature. It moves through landscapes, overcoming obstacles, and remains a constant presence regardless of human activities.
• Impermanence of Human Life: The poem contrasts the brook’s eternal journey with the fleeting nature of human existence. People come and go, but the brook continues its path, highlighting how life is temporary.
• The Beauty of Nature: Tennyson captures the beauty of the natural world through detailed descriptions of the brook’s surroundings, creating a sense of wonder and appreciation for nature.

Message

• Life Goes On: The repeated lines about men coming and going reinforce the message that life continues. While humans may face challenges and changes, nature remains a steady force.
• Connection with Nature: The poem encourages readers to connect with nature and appreciate its beauty. It reminds us to take time to observe the world around us and find joy in its simplicity.
• Resilience: The brook’s journey through various terrains symbolizes resilience and adaptability. It teaches us that, like the brook, we should keep moving forward despite obstacles.

Detailed Summary

I come from haunts of coot and hern;
I make a sudden sally
And sparkle out among the fern,
To bicker down a valley.

In this first part of the poem, the poet tells us about a river. The river says that it comes from places where special birds like “coot” and “hern” (which is another name for a heron) live. Imagine a beautiful place where birds are flying around. The river then suddenly comes out, like when you jump out from behind something to surprise your friend. It shines brightly as it moves through the green ferns (the soft, leafy plants). The river flows down into a valley, which is like a big dip in the land. So, we can picture a lovely scene where the river is happily rushing through a beautiful place, making it feel alive and exciting.

By thirty hills I hurry down,
Or slip between the ridges,
By twenty thorpes, a little town,
And half a hundred bridges.

In the second part, the river continues to describe its journey. It says it moves quickly down thirty hills, which are like small mountains. The river is in a hurry, just like when you want to get to the playground quickly. It also “slips” between ridges, which are the tops of small hills. As it flows, it passes by twenty little villages called “thorpes,” which are cozy places where people live. The river also talks about crossing many bridges, about fifty of them! These bridges help people and cars get across the river. This stanza shows us how the river travels through many different places, meeting lots of things along the way.

Till last by Philip’s farm I flow
To join the brimming river,
For men may come and men may go,
But I go on for ever.

Here, the river tells us that it finally reaches a place by Philip’s farm. A farm is a place where people grow food and take care of animals. The river is getting ready to join another big river. The river then says something very important: people, like men and women, come and go in life; sometimes they stay for a short time and sometimes for a long time. But the river is different; it keeps flowing forever, never stopping. This means the river is always moving and will continue to exist even when people change. It’s like a reminder that nature goes on no matter what happens with people.

I chatter over stony ways,
In little sharps and trebles,
I bubble into eddying bays,
I babble on the pebbles.

In this part, the river describes the sounds it makes while flowing over stones. When it flows over rocks, it makes a “chattering” sound, like when you talk a lot and quickly with your friends. The river makes little musical noises, like “sharps and trebles,” which are high-pitched sounds. It also mentions bubbling into “eddying bays,” which are small areas where the water goes round and round in circles. The river then says it “babble[s] on the pebbles,” which means it makes gentle sounds as it flows over small round stones. This stanza makes us feel the liveliness of the river, as if it’s full of joy and music as it travels along.

With many a curve my banks I fret
By many a field and fallow,
And many a fairy foreland set
With willow-weed and mallow.

Now, the river talks about how it twists and turns, making curves along its banks, which are the sides of the river. It goes by many fields, which are wide-open spaces where crops grow, and “fallow” lands, which are empty fields waiting to be planted again. The river also mentions “fairy forelands,” which are magical-looking places near the river, filled with pretty plants like willow-weed and mallow. This stanza paints a picture of a beautiful landscape, showing us how the river is surrounded by nature and how it makes everything look lovely and special.

I chatter, chatter, as I flow
To join the brimming river
For men may come and men may go,
But I go on for ever.

Here, the river repeats that it keeps chattering as it moves to meet the big river. It reminds us again that while people might come and go in life, the river will keep flowing endlessly. This repetition emphasizes the idea of the river’s eternal journey, making it feel even more important. The river is like a friend who is always there, no matter what life brings.

I wind about, and in and out,
With here a blossom sailing,
And here and there a lusty trout,
And here and there a grayling,

In this stanza, the river describes how it meanders, or moves in a winding way, going in and out through the landscape. It sees flowers floating on the water, which are called blossoms, and it mentions fish like trout and grayling swimming here and there. Trout are strong, lively fish, and grayling are a type of fish that live in clean rivers. This creates a lively image of nature, where everything is busy and happy. The river is full of life, with plants and animals coming together, making it a joyful scene.

And here and there a foamy flake
Upon me, as I travel
With many a silvery waterbreak
Above the golden gravel,

The river continues to describe itself, saying that sometimes it has little white bubbles, called “foamy flakes,” on its surface as it moves. These bubbles appear as it travels along. The river also talks about “silvery waterbreaks,” which are places where the water splashes and shines like silver as it flows over the smooth stones. The “golden gravel” refers to the shiny little rocks at the bottom of the river. This stanza adds to the beauty of the scene, showing us how the river sparkles and shines with the light, making it feel magical.

And draw them all along, and flow
To join the brimming river
For men may come and men may go,
But I go on for ever.

Here, the river says it carries everything along with it as it flows to join the big river. This means it takes all the lovely things like blossoms and fish with it on its journey. The river repeats that while people may come and go in life, it will continue to flow forever. This reinforces the idea of the river’s endless journey, stressing that it is a constant presence in nature.

I steal by lawns and grassy plots,
I slide by hazel covers;
I move the sweet forget-me-nots
That grow for happy lovers.

In this stanza, the river describes how it flows gently by lawns (which are grassy areas) and small grassy places called plots. It slips past hazel bushes, which are plants with soft leaves. The river also talks about moving the forget-me-nots, which are pretty little blue flowers. These flowers are special because they remind lovers of their happy times together. This part of the poem shows us how the river is part of love stories and happy moments, making it feel warm and friendly.

I slip, I slide, I gloom, I glance,
Among my skimming swallows;
I make the netted sunbeam dance
Against my sandy shallows.

Now, the river continues to describe itself, saying it slips and slides around, moving quickly and playfully. It mentions “gloom” and “glance,” which means it can be dark and shiny too, depending on how the light hits it. The river sees swallows, which are birds that fly quickly above the water, skimming just above the surface. The river makes the sunlight dance on it, which means when the sun shines, it creates beautiful sparkles on the water. The sandy shallows are the parts where the water is shallow and has sandy bottoms. This stanza makes the river seem lively and happy, as it plays with the light and the birds around it.

I murmur under moon and stars
In brambly wildernesses;
I linger by my shingly bars;
I loiter round my cresses;

In this final part, the river whispers softly at night, under the moon and stars. It flows gently through wild, untouched places called wildernesses, which are natural areas where people don’t go much. The river takes its time at its “shingly bars,” which are places with small stones along its banks. It also hangs around “cresses,” which are a type of water plant that grows near rivers. This stanza adds a quiet, peaceful feeling to the poem, showing us how the river is calm and beautiful at night, surrounded by nature and stars.

And out again I curve and flow
To join the brimming river,
For men may come and men may go,
But I go on for ever.

Finally, the river says that it curves and flows out again to meet the big river. It repeats once more that while people come and go, it will keep flowing forever. This ending brings the poem full circle, reminding us of the river’s endless journey and its connection to nature. It leaves us with a sense of continuity and the beauty of nature that never stops, even when people change or leave. 

Difficult Words

• Haunts: Places where animals live or frequent.
• Sally: A sudden charge or an adventurous journey.
• Brimming: Filled to the top, overflowing.
• Eddy: A circular movement of water, creating a small whirlpool.
• Fret: To move or flow in a way that creates curves or waves.
• Thorpes: Small villages or hamlets.
• Willow-weed: A type of plant that often grows near water.
• Mallow: A flowering plant that grows in moist areas.
• Glance: To quickly look at something.
• Murmur: A soft, low sound, like gentle speech or flowing water.
• Brambly: Covered with thorny bushes or brambles.
• Shingly: Covered with small stones or gravel.
• Cresses: Water-loving plants that often grow in shallow water.
• Silvery: Shiny and light-colored, resembling silver.
• Forget-me-nots: Small, blue flowers symbolizing true love and remembrance.

Summary

The writer was travelling to Pittsburgh on business. In the compartment, most of the men and women were sitting in their chair-cars, idly gazing here and there. The gentleman sitting in chair No 9, appeared quite familiar and when he turned around, the writer discovered to his delight, that he was an old friend, John A Pescud. Pescud was a travelling salesman for a plate-glass company and the writer had not met him for the last two years.

Pescud was of small built, having a wide smile and he believed that plate-glass was the most important commodity in the world. He told the writer that business was doing well and he was going to get off at Coketown. Pescud was reading the latest bestseller, “The Rose Lady and Trevelyan”. Pointing towards the book, Pescud said that the novel dealt with an American hero who falls in love with a royal princess from Europe. He believed that such romances only happened in novels because, in real life, any sensible fellow will pick out a girl from the same kind of status and family.

Try yourself:

What was John A Pescud’s profession?

• A.Doctor
• B.Lawyer
• C.Salesman
• D.Teacher

View Solution

After mocking the imaginative content of the novel, talk veers around Pescud’s personal life. Pescud informs the writer that professionally, he was prospering and he had also invested in real estate. On being asked regarding his love-interest, Pescud relates his personal experience. He was going to Cincinnati when he came across a very beautiful girl, whom he wished to marry. He chased her wherever she went, crossing many stations and finally reached Virginia. She was escorted to a palatial mansion by a tall old man. Pescud stayed back in the village and discovered that she was the daughter of Colonel Allyn, who was the biggest and finest man in Virginia. He met the beautiful girl the next day and tried to converse with her.

He discovers that her name was Jessie and her father was the royal descendant of a renowned British family. She had been aware all along that Pescud was following her and warned him that her father would feed him to the hounds if Pescud ever thought of a proposal. Nevertheless, nothing seemed to deter Pescud and with due ceremony, he arrives at the mansion. He was surprised to see that the inside of the palace was very impoverished with very old furniture. Colonel Allyn arrived in great style, despite his shabby clothes. Amidst talking of anecdotes and humorous occurrences, Pescud frankly put forth his proposal, giving all the details of his business and family. He is accepted by Jessie and her family and the marriage had taken place a year ago. Pescud had built a house in the East End and the Colonel was also residing with him. He waited daily at the gate for Pescud to hear a new story. By this time, the train was nearing Coketown. It appeared to be a dull and dreary place and the writer questioned Pescud regarding his purpose of getting down at Coketown.

Try yourself:What profession was Pescud thriving in?

• A.Real estate business
• B.Writing novels
• C.Banking
• D.Acting

View Solution

Pescud told the writer that he was halting there to get some Petunias which Jessie had seen in one of the houses. Pescud invites the writer to pay a visit and gets down at the station. The train moves forward and the writer discovers that Pescud had left his bestseller behind. He picked it up and smiled to himself because Pescud’s own story was no less than a bestseller.

Introduction

The story is a humorous one. Harold is a genius and an exception in his family. His parents, uncle, grandparents, a priest at the church and, in fact everyone who meets the family is concerned that the parents must hide the truth of Harold’s father’s profession from him. Everyone thinks that the fact that his father, Bill Bramble is a professional boxer will have a bad effect on Harold and so they insist on telling him that he is a sales representative. Finally, the truth is disclosed to Harold by Bill’s friend and trainer, Jerry Fisher. Everyone is amazed to know that Harold likes the sport and follows it keenly. He asks his father to go ahead with the fight fixed for next week. 

Summary

Mr. Bramble is a famous boxer, popular by the name of ‘Porky’, with a large fan following. But, despite his successful boxing career, he is keen to give it all up because of his son Harold. Harold, a ten-year- old schoolboy, is unaware of his father’s profession and has been told that he is a commercial traveller. Haroldis a constant source of amazement to his parents because of his excellence in studies and his impeccable manners. 

Try yourself:What was the profession of Mr. Bramble according to the passage?

• A.Commercial traveller
• B.Professional boxer
• C.Intellectual
• D.Model of excellent behavior

View Solution

His mother, Mrs Bramble, is convinced that he is a child prodigy. They fear that such a superior human being might not approve of his father’s profession. Encouraged by his brother-in-law (Mrs Bramble’s brother), Major Percy Stokes, Mr Bramble decides to give up his boxing career and look for a job as a boxing instructor in a school or college. Unfortunately, the decision is taken days before a major boxing event where he stands to win a lot of money and fame. His wife does not appear too happy with this decision as she feels the money he would have won would have helped in their son’s education. Before the discussion can go any further, Mr Fisher, the trainer and promoter of Mr Bramble’s fight, arrives. He is horrified at Mr. Bramble’s decision to give up boxing at such a time and does all he can to make him change his mind. 

Try yourself:

Why is Mrs. Bramble shocked to learn about Bill Bramble’s decision not to fight?

• A.She is surprised to see her husband and brother in the doorway.
• B.She does not like her husband’s profession as a boxer.
• C.Bill was supposed to win a significant amount of money.
• D.She is worried about Harold discovering the secret.

View Solution

In the middle of all this chaos enters Harold wanting to know why there was so much fighting in the house. Much to the surprise of his parents, he is extremely excited to know that his father is the famous boxing champion ‘Porky’ and surprises everyone with his in-depth knowledge of the boxing world and the fact that he has bet some money on ‘Porky’s’ win. Hence, matters end peacefully, with Mr Fisher taking Mr Bramble to train for the ‘big fight’ and Harold asking his mother to help him with his studies.

Key Points of the Story

• The story begins with the introduction of Private Quelch, a new recruit at the training depot, who quickly earns the nickname “the Professor” due to his lanky appearance and extensive knowledge.
• During a musketry lesson, Private Quelch impresses everyone with his knowledge of the service rifle’s mechanics, correcting the Sergeant and showing his confidence.
• Private Quelch is ambitious and works hard to gain recognition, studying training manuals and constantly asking questions to the instructors.
• Although he initially earns respect from his peers, they soon grow to resent him as he constantly tries to outshine them and correct their mistakes.
• The atmosphere among the recruits becomes tense as Private Quelch’s enthusiasm and need to show off his knowledge creates a divide between him and his fellow soldiers.
• A turning point occurs during a grenade lesson given by Corporal Turnbull when Private Quelch interrupts to provide additional information, which embarrasses the Corporal.
• In a surprising twist, Corporal Turnbull allows Private Quelch to give a lecture on grenades, showcasing his knowledge while the other recruits feel inferior.
• After the lecture, Corporal Turnbull announces that Private Quelch will be assigned to permanent cookhouse duties, which becomes a source of amusement for the other recruits.
• Later, Private Quelch is seen lecturing the cooks on proper potato peeling methods, demonstrating that his need to prove his knowledge continues even in mundane tasks.
• The story highlights the tension between ambition, knowledge, and social dynamics in a military setting, where one person’s desire to excel can alienate them from their peers.

Try yourself:

What was Private Quelch’s nickname among his teammates?

• A.Private Q
• B.Professor
• C.Sergeant
• D.Corporal

View Solution

Detailed Summary

In the story, we meet a character named Private Quelch during his first week of army training. He quickly gets a nickname, “the Professor,” because he is tall and wears glasses. When anyone talks to him, it is easy to see why he is called that. He knows a lot and is always ready to share what he knows. The other soldiers notice this right away.

One day, during a lesson about rifles, a Sergeant, who looks very tough, starts to teach the group about how rifles work. He tells everyone that the bullet comes out of the rifle very fast, at over two thousand feet per second. Just then, Private Quelch interrupts and corrects him, saying it is actually two thousand four hundred and forty feet per second. The Sergeant agrees but does not seem too happy about it. After the lesson, the Sergeant keeps asking questions, and he often turns to Private Quelch because he knows a lot. This makes the other soldiers respect Quelch even more.

Quelch wants to do well in the army. He studies hard and reads all the training manuals. He even stays up late to learn more. During training, he is very active and even tries to make everyone sing after long marches, which annoys the others. They do not like his enthusiasm, especially after walking for thirty miles. He tries very hard to impress the officers, and when they are around, he marches like a really serious soldier, swinging his arms like a Guardsman.

As time goes on, the other soldiers start to feel nervous around Private Quelch. At first, they respect him, but soon they begin to fear him because he always corrects their mistakes in front of everyone. If someone does something well, he tries to do it better. When the officer praises them for cleaning their hut well, Quelch jumps in to say thank you, trying to get attention for himself.

One afternoon, while everyone is relaxing, Corporal Turnbull is giving a lesson about hand grenades. Corporal Turnbull is a younger soldier who is very tough and has a lot of respect from the others because he has been to battle. He explains how a grenade is made and mentions that it has many parts to help it break into pieces when it explodes. Suddenly, Private Quelch interrupts and says there should be five main points to talk about first. This surprises everyone, and Corporal Turnbull, feeling embarrassed, hands the grenade to Quelch and tells him to take over the lesson.

Private Quelch stands up confidently and gives a detailed talk about the grenade. The other soldiers listen quietly, feeling scared. After he finishes, Corporal Turnbull thanks him but does not say much else. Then, he tells the soldiers that he has been asked to choose someone for a special job. Everyone thinks it might be a good job, but then he announces that Private Quelch is chosen for permanent cookhouse duties. This means Quelch will be the one to help in the kitchen, which is not a very exciting job at all. The other soldiers find it very funny and joke about it for days.

A few days later, the narrator and his friend Trower pass by the kitchen and hear Quelch’s familiar voice complaining about how the cooks are preparing potatoes. He is lecturing them about how they are not doing it in a healthy way. Hearing this, they quickly leave because they do not want to hear more of his annoying talk. Private Quelch’s eagerness to show off his knowledge ends up with him in a position that the others find amusing and not at all what he had hoped for.

Theme/ Message

• The primary theme of the story revolves around ambition and the consequences of trying to outshine others. Private Quelch’s intense ambition leads him to constantly seek approval and recognition, which ultimately alienates him from his peers.
• Another important theme is the challenge of fitting in. While Private Quelch possesses significant knowledge, his inability to connect with his fellow recruits creates a sense of isolation, highlighting the importance of social relationships in a group setting.
• The story also conveys a message about humility. Private Quelch’s arrogance and need to display his intelligence often backfire, leading to his humiliation when he is assigned to a less prestigious role despite his impressive knowledge.
• Finally, the story illustrates that knowledge is valuable, but how one chooses to share that knowledge can affect relationships. It is essential to balance expertise with empathy to avoid creating divisions among peers.

Difficult Words

• Recruit: A person who has recently joined the military.
• Musketry: The skill or practice of shooting with a musket or rifle.
• Mechanism: The parts of a machine or device that work together.
• Ambition: A strong desire to achieve something, usually requiring hard work.
• Resent: To feel bitterness or anger about something unfair.
• Enthusiasm: Intense and eager enjoyment or interest in something.
• Impassive: Not showing emotion or feeling.
• Condescending: Showing a feeling of superiority; treating others as if they are less important.
• Nominate: To formally suggest someone for a position or role.
• Monotonous: Dull, repetitive, and lacking in variety.
• Unhygienic: Not clean or sanitary, which can cause health issues.
• Vitamin: Essential nutrients that are important for health.
• Droning: Speaking in a dull, monotonous voice.
• Impudent: Not showing respect for another person; rude.
• Segmentation: The act of dividing something into parts or sections.

Summary

• Duke was a rough-playing Doberman Pinscher, four years old, weighing 23 kilos, with a red coat and a fawn vest. Chuck Hooper had doubts at first about buying him because his wife, Marcy, was not really a dog lover. She’s a tiny blonde; a Pomeranian was her idea of the right-size dog for a colonial house on a small plot. However, Chuck was very impressed with Duke’s energy and agility.
• Hooper himself had an athletic build and was the Zonal Sales Manager of a chemical company. At the hospital, there were other injured people, but each morning when Marcy quietly went to work, it was a gate slamming down. One unlucky day, Hooper met with an accident and had to be admitted to the hospital due to a haemorrhage in the motor section of his brain, completely paralysing his left side.
• Hooper remained critical for a month. Exercises, baths, and a wheeled walker did not work. He was discharged from the hospital and became very depressed as he was lonely at home, with Marcy away at work. In his first meeting with Duke after his accident, Duke hit Chuck above the belt, causing him to fight to keep his balance. Perhaps the dog sensed his master’s need, and from that moment, he never left Hooper’s side.

Recovery Journey

• Hooper remained grim and didn’t reciprocate at all. Secretly, Marcy cried as she watched the big man’s grin fade away. One fine day, Duke seemed to be in no mood to tolerate his master’s indifference. He nudged, needled, poked, and snorted. By chance, Chuck’s right hand hooked onto Duke’s collar to hold him still. Duke pranced, and Chuck asked Marcy to make him stand.
• He moved his right leg out in front. Straightening his right leg caused the left foot to drag forward, alongside the right. It could be called a step. Chuck was exhausted, but a beginning was made. The next day, Duke walked to the end of the leash and tugged. He managed to take four steps. In two weeks, both of them managed to reach the front porch, and by next month, they were along the sidewalk. Seeing this progress, the doctor prescribed a course of physiotherapy with weights, pulleys, and whirlpool baths.
• On January 4, Hooper managed to walk to his district office without Duke. But Hooper was not mentally fit to undertake a full day’s work. There was no time for physiotherapy sessions, so Chuck again took Duke’s help, who pulled him along the street faster and faster. Chuck regained his stability and endurance, and the next year, he was promoted as the Regional Manager.
• Chuck, Marcy, and Duke moved to a new locality in March 1956. But it was not to be. One day on October 12, 1957, after being run over by a car, Duke succumbed to his injuries in a nearby hospital. Duke was drugged and made it until 11 o’clock the next morning, but his injuries were too severe. People who had seen Chuck and Duke walk together sympathised with Chuck, who walked alone now. A few weeks later, the chemical company promoted Charles Hooper to the post of Assistant National Sales Manager. As a special tribute to Duke, they called this promotion as advancing ‘towards our objective, step by step.’

Summary

• The writer was twelve years old and she used to stay with her grandparents in north Karnataka. Since there were very few diversions, the entire family would eagerly wait for a weekly magazine called Karamveera. This magazine published the famous writer Triveni’s novel, ‘Kashi Yatre’, as a serial. 
• The novel dealt with the protagonist’s struggle to visit Kashi. Since grandmother believed in Kashi-Yatra as a pilgrimage, she could identify with the trials and tribulations of the main characters. 
• Every Wednesday, the writer would read the next episode of the story to her. The grandmother would not only listen with great attention but also memorise it by heart. Later, she would discuss it with friends in the temple courtyard.

Try yourself:What was the name of the novel that was published in the weekly magazine Karamveera?

• A.Kashi Yatra
• B.Karamveera
• C.Triveni
• D.None of these

View Solution

• One day, the writer had to go to the neighbouring village for a cousin’s wedding and stayed there for a week. When she returned, she was surprised to see her grandmother in tears. At night, the grandmother narrated how her past life, feeding and bringing up children, kept her busy, sparing no time for education of any kind.
• Moreover, education for girls was not considered important in those days. Without the granddaughter, she had a tough time trying to decipher and guess the next episode of ‘Kashi Yatre’. 
• She felt very desperate and helpless, silently gazing at the pictures, unable to read a single word. This incident fanned the grandmother’s desire to learn the Kannada alphabet, and she vowed to learn it by Dussehra. The granddaughter’s pleas, her mockery of the grandmother’s age, all fell on deaf ears. No wonder the grandmother proved to be an ideal student.

Try yourself:Why was the grandmother unable to read the episodes of ‘Kashi Yatre’?

• A.She did not have the time to learn how to read.
• B.She did not have access to the episodes of ‘Kashi Yatre’.
• C.Education for girls was not considered important in those days.
• D.She did not have anyone to teach her how to read.

View Solution

• In no time, she could read, repeat and write Kannada. The writer presented her with a copy of the novel ‘Kashi Yatre’ as a token of appreciation, and her grandmother touched the feet of her granddaughter, her teacher, as a befitting tribute.