Deep Water to rid himself of this fear.
He swam relentlessly in pools and
1. Write an essay on the panic that gripped Douglas
when he was almost drowning.
Ans:A big bruiser boy hurled Douglas into the swimming
pool. He landed in a sitting position, swallowed water and
went at once to the bottom. He was frightened but not out
of his wits. He planned to hit the bottom and make a big
jump but it seemed a long way down. Nine feet appeared
like ninety feet. He came to the surface of the water and
saw the dirty tinge. He tried to grab the rope but in vain. He
felt suffocation. His body becomes rigid and paralyzed. His
lungs ached and head throbbed. He got dizzy. Sheer, stark
terror seized him. He shrieked. His heart was pounding in
his head. All efforts were in vain for the second time. He
started going down third time. He tried to suck air but got
water. All efforts ceased. He relaxed. His legs felt limp and
blackness swept over his brain. He felt sleepy and thought
that the curtain of life had fallen. Then he was saved.
2. A big boy threw Douglas into the swimming pool.
How this experience did affect him and how did he
overcome from this sad incident? Or What is the
misadventure that William Douglas speaks about?
When Douglas was tree or four years old, he was knocked
by the weaves at California beach,. The over power force
of water terrorized him and he developed an aversion for it.
The YMCA pool revived unpleasant memories of Douglas‟
childhood when he was tossed into the pool by a big boy.
After this incident Douglas was determined to over come
his fear of water. He engaged an instructor under whose
supervision he practiced. The instructor taught him to
exhale under water and inhale by raising his nose. This
exercised helped Douglas shed his panic when he went
under water. By kicking at the side of the pool Douglas built
up his stamina. He spent six months with his instructor and
then he decided to be on his own in the pool to ensure that
he had fully overcome his fear. When he gained enough
confidence he went to Lake Wentworth in New Hampshire.
Next he swam across Warm Lake confidently practicing
different strokes in swimming. In this way his instructor
made a swimmer out of Douglas, piece by piece.
3. „At last I felt released.‟ Describe the efforts
undertaken by Douglas to find this moment to release.
The moment of release signals the moment that al traces
of fear that had haunted William Douglas for years
disappear completely and he felt like a new man. His
misadventure of having beamed through in to the deep end
of the pool when he was child was the beginning of the
night mare of terror that continue to follow him for years to
come. He struggled in vain to save himself but soon lost
consciousness though rescues he was left with an
overwhelming sense of fear, this fear continue to haunting
intruding on all his activities and making it impossible for
him to enjoying boating, swimming canoeing and fishing.
Douglas then decided to fight this fear that had taken over
his life. The instructor whom he hired to teach him
swimming worked systematically, and soon made him
master swimmier. Douglas however was still not confident
and taking courage in to his hands embarked on a mission
in Lakes diving and putting his face under the water
indulging in all the activities that instilled fear in him till all
traces of residual fear had disappear. He then he felt
liberated, as he had won a personal battle it is indeed a
saga of perseverance and courage.
1. When did Douglas realize that he had an aversion to
water?
From the beginning, however he had an aversion to the
water when he was three or four years. The incident
happened in the surf with father. The weaves knocked him
down and swept over him. He was buried in water his
breath was gone. He was frightened.
2. How did William Douglas conquer his fear?
He made all the effort to overcome the fear of water. The
fear held him firmly in its grip finally; he resolved his mind
to appoint an instructor and learnt to swim. The instructor
made him practise five days a week. He taught him how to
exhale under water and inhale above water. He made a
swimmer out of Douglas piece by piece. He drove away the
fear in the mind of Douglas and made him an expert
swimmer.
3. How did the fear of water deprive Douglas joy?
The fear stayed with him as the years rolled by. Wherever
he goes the haunting fear of the water followed him. It
ruined his fishing trips; deprived him of the joy of canoeing,
boating, and swimming.
4. How did the instructor make a swimmer out of
Douglas?
The instructor made Douglas practice five days a week, an
hour each day. He put a belt around Douglas. A rope was
attached to the belt. The rope went through a pulley that
ran an overhead cable. He taught him to put his face under
water and exhale. He also taught him how to raise his nose
and inhale. He taught him various strokes. Thus, „bit by bit‟
the instructor built Douglas a swimmer.
The Enemy
1. Describe the traditional Japanese way of living as
we see in “The Enemy”.
Dr. Sudao sees Hana in America but waited to fall in love
with her until he is sure she is Japanese. His father would
never have received her unless she is pure in her race.
Only after his father sees her the marriage was arranged in
the old Japanese way. Everything about Sudao‟s house
had been Japanese to please his father. The floor was
deeply matted because Sudao‟s father would never in his
own home sit on a chair or sleep in a foreign bed. Western
education does not make her dine with her husband. She
still wears Kimono. She shows herself an obedient wife
when in spite of retching and ignorance of anesthetics she
helps Sudao and cleans the wound of her husband‟s
patient.
2. Who was white man?How did he come to shore ?
The white man was an American Soldier probably a
Prisoner of War. On the right side of his lower back a gun
wound had been reopened. The flesh was black with gun
power. The man might have tried to escape and had been
shot. To make things worse a rock had struck the wound.
3. What did Dr.Sadao wanted to do initially? Why
didn‟t they do what they wanted? Give reasons for
both.
Dr. Sadao initially thought the best thing that they could do
was to put him back in the sea. Sadao and his wife knew
that even if he saves him, as patriotic Japanese they have
to hand him over to the officials who would kill him anyway.
Then they decided they would save him, probably because
he remembered that he had been trained not to let a man
die if he could help it.
4. How does the old gardener reflect a common
Japanese belief and sentiments ?
The gardener believes that his master should not heal the
wound of the white man. He wanted the white man to die.
The white man was first shot and then the sea caught him
and wounded him with her rocks. He believed that if his
master saved him against their wish, they will take revenge
on them.
5. Why does the general speak of German
ruthlessness and American Sentimentality ?
The General says that the German doctors are ruthless
and wouldn‟t mind even the death of the General, if the
operation is a success. So he wouldn‟t let a doctor of that
kind perform an operation on him. He also knows that
Sadao‟s American sentimentality is keeping him merciful to
the white man. If only Sadao had the German ruthlessness
he wouldn‟t mind the death of the white man.
In short, the General wants Sadao to possess the
American sentimentality while treating him and the German
ruthlessness while dealing with the American.
6. “Dr. Sudao is a thorough professional” –
Substantiate
Dr.Sudao is an outright professional surgeon. He is familiar
with every atom of human body. He had been told that
“ignorance of the human body is the surgeon‟s cardinal sin”
and that it is a murder. It is this professionalism that makes
the general retain him for his own surgery. The general‟s
trust is understandable as we witness Dr.Sudao curing the
young American in no time. He does not even care for his
wife‟s inadequate knowledge of anesthetics. He doesn‟t
care when she goes outside retching. He tells her not to
faint and gets involved in his work. Professionalism does
not mean knowledge alone. When his mind continues to
wonder what he should be doing with the American, his
hands mechanically go about doing the business. He tells
the General that he has been trained not to let a man die if
he could help it.
A true professional never lets go a chance that comes
before him. Despite all questions that linger in his mind, he
never lets his profession down and takes care of the man‟s
life. Though put bitterly, the gardener is right when he says
his master is proud of his skill to save life that he saves any
life. He forgets all about the need for political
assassinations, when he sees his patient out of his bed. He
chides the American for getting out of the bed without his
permission and examines the stiff muscles.
THE POETS AND PANCAKES
1. What made the lawyer stand out from the others at
Gemini Studios?
Every other member wore khadi-dhoti with a slightly
oversized and clumsily tailored white khadi shirt. Only the
legal adviser wore pants and a tie and sometimes a coat.
2. What was the notion about a „Communist‟ at that
time?
A Communist-Godless man- no filial or conjugal love- no
compunction about killing his own parents or his children;
out to spread unrest and violence among innocent and
ignorant people.
3. Subbu is described as a many-sided genius. List
four of his special qualities.
Gave direction and definition to Gemini Studios during its
golden years. Had a separate identity as poet- poetry for
masses. Composed truly original „story poems‟ in folk
refrain. Wrote a sprawling novel Thillana Mohanambal with
dozens of deftly etched characters. An amazing actor who
performed better than the main players.
4. What was the strict hierarchy in the make-up
department?
The chief make-up man made the chief actors and
actresses ugly, his senior assistant the „second‟ hero or
heroine, the junior assistant the main comedian, and so
forth. The players who played the crowd-responsibility of
the office boy.
5. What was the responsibility of the office boy in the
make up department?
The office boy attended to the make up of the ordinary
actors. He would mix his paint in a huge vessel. Then he
would slap it on the actors. His idea was to close every
pore on their faces.
6. Why was the moral rearmament army welcomed at
the studios?
These people were thought to be a group of international
circus. They were about 200 strong entertaining them,
afforded the staff a good diversion from their dull routine.
They were also gifted stage players.
7. What was the job of the narrator? Why did he appear
to be doing nothing all the times?
His job in the studio was to cut the news papers clippings
on a wide variety of subjects--- was to store them in files -
-- people thought that he was doing next to nothing expect
tearing up of newspapers
8. “Film making must have been and was so easy with
a man like Subbu around”. Justify this statement.
Above statement is apt and true because Subbu was a
many sided genius --- understood the all the intricacies of
film making – used all his creativity for the benefit of the
company – used all the alternatives to satisfy the producer
with setting.
9. What misery did the people face in the make-up
room when they were subjected to make-up?
Makeup room of Gemini studios had the look of hair cutting
saloon --- like Robert Cleve stable - had a dozen large
mirrors, lights at all angles they are incandescent light –
so they had to face the immense heat radiated by lights. –
Amid the dazzling lights and heat the people had to pass
through the fiery misery in the make- up room.
10.Describe how the visits of the English poet Stephen
Spender was a total flop and remained an unexplained
mystery.
It was total flop. No one knew the poet. Nor had the people
at the studios any taste for English poetry. Moreover, the
poet‟s accent was such that nobody could make out what
he was saying .The audience remained confused and the
poet quite baffled what he was doing at studio is an
unexplained mystery.
11. What was the effect of Jotham Valley and other
plays on Tamil Cinema?
For years the Tamil stage had the same sunrise and
sunset with a bare stage , a white background curtain and
a tune played on the flute
12. Kothamangalam Subbu, „a compassionate man‟,
was tailor-made for films? Elaborate.
Subbu had a cheerful behaviour. Had work for everyone.
He could never do things on his own but sense of loyalty
made him identify himself with his principal completely and
turn his creativity to the principal‟s advantage. Tailor-made
for films- come out with several ideas and alternative
perspectives as per producer‟s requirement-could be
inspired at command. He gave direction and inspiration to
Gemini Studios during its golden years. Identity as a poet-
Critics felt his success in films dwarfed his literary
achievements. Amazing actor- Genuine love for anyone he
came across- his home a permanent residence for
acquaintances and relatives. He was charitable and
improvident man-readiness to say nice things about
everything.
13. Asokamitran has used humour and satire
effectively in Poets and Pancakes. Discuss.
Author uses gentle human and mild satire.
He has a chatty style which quickly changes from one
thought to the other. Makes fun of the make-up applied to
the artists which changes a decent person intoa monster.
Sets required the actors to look ugly so that they look
presentable in the movie. Characters of the Office Boy,
Subbu No. 2 and the Legal Adviser has many subtle
touches of humour. Purpose of the visits of Moral Re-
Armament Army and the English Poet baffles everyone.
Baffled reaction of the staff Gemini studio arouses humour.
Satire is also directed towards people who are against
communism and would do anything to oppose it.
The Interview
1) What is the popular view of the interview?
It is the highest source of truth. In practice, it is an art. It is
a supremely serviceable medium of communication. It
gives the most vivid impression of our contemporaries.
2)What were the achievement of Umberto Eco before
he turned into writing fiction?
As a professor he acquired a formidable reputation for his
ideas on Semiotics, literary interpretation, medieval
aesthetics. He also dealt with literary fiction, academic
texts, essays ,children‟s books and news paper articles.
3) How does Eco mange to do all things according to
him?
He always did the same thing through his various writings.
Above all, he was able to use the empty spaces between
two activities. For example , while waiting for the elevator
to come up he has already completed an article. Using of
this time gap was called by him as interstice.
4) Why does Eco consider himself as an academician
first and then novelist?
He liked to identify himself with the academic community.
He participated in academic conferences and not in the
meetings of writers. He considered himself as a university
professor who only wrote novels only on Sundays.
5) Why were the journalists puzzled at the success of‟
„The Name of the Roses‟?
Journalists always take the people for granted that they like
trash and silly experiences. The journalists thought that the
name of the Rose is a Meta physical novel and devoid of
easy reading experiences. They were puzzled as even in
America 3,000 copies were sold where people had never
seen a cathedral or knew Latin.
6) How does Umberto Eco explain the reason for the
huge success of his novel?
The fact behind the success of the novel cannot be
pinpointed. The author of the novel himself calls it as
mystery. Success may be due to its narrative, personal and
unconventional style. The mood of the age was ripe to
accept a novel of that nature. The novel goes depth into
Metaphysical, theology and medieval history which
interested the readers. The author feels that people always
do not want silly experiences.
7) Why according to Eco success of a book is
mystery?
The success of a book depends on certain factors like the
time of the publication, and the mood and belief of the
people of that particular time. A book which is successful
today need not be successful after 10 years. People at
different times prefer different experiences.
8. In spite of drawbacks the interview is a supremely
serviceable medium of Communication. Justify the
statement.
Though many celebrities consider it „an unwanted intrusion
in their lives , it is a common place, feature of journalism -
- is a serviceable medium of communication -- we get most
vivid impression of our contemporaries through them.
Everything of the moment reaches through the interview
from the celebrity himself.
21. „The Name of the Rose‟ deals with medieval history.
Was it responsible for its success?
The success of the novel cannot be pinpointed. The author
of the novel himself calls it as mystery. Success may be its
narrative, personal and unconventional style. It was written
at the right time, neither a decade earlier nor later. The
novel goes depth into Metaphysical, theology and medieval
history which interested the readers. People always do not
want silly experiences.
1. What were the salient features that have been
brought out by Mukund Padmanabhan through his
interview of Eco?
– university professor who wrote novels on Sundays
– He pursued his philosophical interest.
– Even for the children he writes on non-violence and
peace.
– Uses interstices to write novels became novelist by
accident
– started writing novels at the late age of 50
– as novels satisfied his taste for narratives
– writing novels was secondary / occasional occupation
– „The name of the Rose‟ acquired fame / acquired the
equivalent of intellectual superstardom with it
– the medieval background was one of reasons for its
success
– people always do not like silly experience.They also want
difficult experience.
– phenomenal success of the novel was a mystery
– difficult and serious novel
– proved journalists and publishers wrong
– thought it was written at the most appropriate time, hence
the success
– story told like the Chinese wiseman
– narrative, playful and personal style
2. What is an interview? Write the opinions of some
celebrities about interview.
It is an art where you meet a person directly and ask his
views and dislikes.
- is a serviceable medium of communication - we get most
vivid impression of our contemporaries through them.
- the interview holds a position of great power and
confidence.
*V.S.Naipaul - people are wounded and lose a part of them
*Lewes Carroll- it is a horror and never wanted to be
interviewed
*Rudyard Kipling- expressed a condemnatory attitude
toward interview, his Wife, Caroline was wrecked by two
reporters at Boston
*H.G.Wells- interview – an ordeal to the interviewed
*Denis Brian- almost everything of moment reaches us
through one man asking questions of another, interviewer
holds unprecedented power and influence.
Should Wizard Hit Mommy ?
1. What was the usual skunk story plot ?
The basic tale of the story was the same. A small animal
named Roger would have a problem. It would go a wise
owl. The owl would tell Roger to meet the Wizard. The
Wizard would solve Roger‟s problems and demand some
money in return. Roger would have money lesser than the
Wizard‟s demand. The wizard would tell him the place to
get the extra money. After giving the money to the wizard,
Roger would play many games with other creatures, and
would go home in time to hear the train that brought his
daddy home from Boston. Then they would have their
supper.
2. Why do you think Jack introduced an isolated
skunk ?
Somehow, one feels that Jack was trying to recollect his
own childhood days. He remembers certain humiliations of
his childhood. Roger Skunk is isolated and no other
creature plays with him. This is unexpected for Jo. She
probably has not seen the word of humiliation and
isolation. Jo wants to tell her “something true, something
she must know”
3. How does Jack react when Jo interrupts him while
telling the story?
Jack gets annoyed whenever Jo interrupts but tries to keep
himself calm at times. Initially he does not react so harshly,
just lets Jo say what she wants but when she is anxious
about the introduction of the wizard he questions her. He
commits a casual and careless mistake calling the
character Roger Fish. This shows the initial enthusiasm is
dead in him and in a cool tone says that it is “silly of your
stupid old daddy”. At the end when she doesn‟t show
attention, he changes the course of the story just to
disappoint her and make her feel like the skunk.
4. What did Roger Skunk want from the Wizard? How
did he pay the Wizard ?
Roger Skunk wanted to play with other creature and his
foul smell was the problem. He asks the wizard to change
him smell like roses. The wizard did it and wanted seven
pennies for it. Skunk had only four pennies. The wizard
asked him to go to the end of the lane and turn around
three times and look down the magic well to find the three
pennies he wanted. Roger Skunk did as he was told and
paid the wizard
5. Why didn‟t Jack want story to have its usual
ending ?
The story was nearing the usual end. Roger Skunk played
with all the other creatures and went home. The usual story
should have continued with the arrival of the train from
Boston and dinner. In anticipation of the usual ending, Jo
was a little inattentive. Jack didn‟t like this. He didn‟t like
women when they took anything for granted; he liked them
apprehensive and hanging on his word. So, he didn‟t want
the story to have its usual ending.
6. Why did the mother Skunk take Roger Skunk to the
Wizard again ?
Whether mother skunk wanted it or not, Jack wanted Jo to
realise that parents know what is right for the children. So,
the mother skunk took the little skunk back to the wizard to
smell like what he used to be.
7. Why was Jo unhappy with the ending ?
The unusual isolation itself was unexpected for Jo. She
was happy when the wizard changed Roger Skunk‟s smell.
But mother skunk took the little skunk to the wizard. She hit
him on the head with her umbrella. This was the second
shock for Jo. She wanted the wizard to hit back mommy.
Jack refused. So she was disappointed with the ending.
She wanted her father to change the ending at least the
next day.