Shall I compare thee to a summer's day by William Shakespeare

 

William Shakespeare (1564-1616) was an English playwright, poet, and actor, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's greatest dramatist. His plays have been translated into every major living language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright. He is often called England's national poet and the "Bard of Avon".

Sonnet 18, also known as "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?", is one of William Shakespeare's most famous and beloved sonnets. The poem is a tribute to the beauty of the speaker's beloved and explores the theme of immortalizing beauty through poetry.

In the opening lines, the speaker contemplates whether they should compare the beloved to a summer's day, a common poetic device for praising beauty. However, the speaker immediately rejects this idea, stating that the beloved is "more lovely and more temperate" than a summer's day, highlighting the beloved's superior beauty and character.

The sonnet then delves into the shortcomings of a summer's day. The speaker describes how rough winds can shake the delicate buds of May, and how summer's lease, or its time, is too short-lived. These natural imperfections are used to contrast the beloved's beauty, which is depicted as timeless and constant.

Continuing with this comparison, the speaker notes that sometimes the sun shines too hot, and its "gold complexion" is dimmed by clouds. Similarly, all things beautiful in nature eventually decline due to chance or the changing course of nature. In contrast, the beloved's beauty remains untouched and unblemished by time and its inevitable changes.

The poem takes a significant turn in the latter part, where the speaker reassures the beloved that their beauty will not fade. The beloved's "eternal summer" will not lose its beauty nor will it be claimed by Death's shadow. The speaker emphasizes that the beloved's beauty will live on forever.

The reason for this immortality lies in the power of poetry itself. The speaker declares that as long as this sonnet exists and is read by others, the beloved's beauty will live on through its lines. Through the art of poetry, the beloved achieves a form of everlasting existence, defying the passage of time and the clutches of mortality.

In the closing couplet, the poem underscores this idea. It states that as long as there are people to read and appreciate this sonnet, the beloved's beauty will be preserved and will continue to live on.

Overall, Sonnet 18 is a profound expression of admiration for the beloved's beauty and a celebration of the immortality that poetry can confer upon that beauty. It captivates readers with its vivid imagery, powerful language, and timeless themes, making it one of the most cherished and iconic sonnets ever written by William Shakespeare.

Let's break down the sonnet and analyze its various components:

Sonnet 18: Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?

Shall I compare thee to a summer's day? (Line 1)

Thou art more lovely and more temperate: (Line 2)

Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, (Line 3)

And summer's lease hath all too short a date: (Line 4)

Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines, (Line 5)

And often is his gold complexion dimmed; (Line 6)

And every fair from fair sometime declines, (Line 7)

By chance or nature's changing course untrimmed; (Line 8)

But thy eternal summer shall not fade (Line 9)

Nor lose possession of that fair thou owest; (Line 10)

Nor shall Death brag thou wanderest in his shade, (Line 11)

When in eternal lines to time thou growest: (Line 12)

    So long as men can breathe or eyes can see, (Line 13)

    So long lives this, and this gives life to thee. (Line 14)

Analysis:

Comparison and Compliment: The poem opens with the speaker contemplating whether to compare the beloved to a summer's day. He immediately dismisses the idea, stating that the beloved is "more lovely and more temperate." Here, the speaker establishes that the beloved is far superior to a mere seasonal comparison.

Nature's Imperfections: The following lines (3-8) draw a contrast between the beloved's beauty and the imperfections of nature. The rough winds and the transient nature of summer are used as metaphors to illustrate the fleeting and changeable aspects of beauty found in the natural world.

Eternal Beauty: In lines 9-12, the speaker declares that the beloved's beauty will never fade or be lost to time. By using the phrase "eternal summer," the speaker suggests that the beloved's beauty will remain forever young and vibrant, unlike the passing seasons.

Immortality through Poetry: The sonnet takes a turn in lines 11-12, where the speaker addresses the idea of mortality and the fear of death. The speaker assures the beloved that even death cannot claim them because their beauty will live on in the lines of this poem. This is a powerful notion of achieving immortality through art and poetry.

Timelessness of the Sonnet: The closing couplet (lines 13-14) emphasizes the everlasting nature of the sonnet itself. The poem declares that as long as there are people to read and appreciate it, the beloved's beauty will live on through the words of this sonnet.

Themes: Some of the prominent themes explored in Sonnet 18 include the immortality of poetry, the transient nature of beauty, the power of art to preserve beauty, and the speaker's profound admiration for the beloved.

Imagery and Language: Shakespeare's use of vivid imagery, metaphors, and personification enriches the sonnet. The contrasting elements of summer and the beloved's beauty, the "eye of heaven" representing the sun, and "eternal lines" symbolizing the poem itself contribute to the sonnet's depth and beauty.

Overall, Sonnet 18 is a timeless tribute to the eternal beauty of the beloved and the power of poetry to immortalize that beauty. Its eloquent expression of admiration and its exploration of life's impermanence continue to resonate with readers across centuries, making it one of Shakespeare's most celebrated and enduring works.

Line-by-line analysis of Sonnet 18:

Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?

The speaker begins by asking a rhetorical question. He is not really asking if he should compare his beloved to a summer's day, but is instead stating that he will indeed make the comparison.

Thou art more lovely and more temperate:

The speaker compares his beloved's beauty to a summer's day, but he notes that his beloved is more lovely and more temperate. A summer's day can be hot and stormy, but his beloved is always mild and gentle.

Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May,

The speaker continues to compare his beloved to a summer's day, but he notes that a summer's day is not always perfect. The wind can shake the delicate buds of May, but his beloved's beauty is never shaken.

And summer's lease hath all too short a date:

The speaker reminds us that summer is a fleeting season. It comes and goes quickly, and it is always followed by winter. However, the speaker's love for his beloved will never fade.

Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines,

The speaker continues to remind us that summer is not always perfect. Sometimes the sun shines too hot, and the heat can be oppressive. However, his beloved's beauty is always refreshing and cool.

And often is his gold complexion dimmed;

The speaker also notes that the sun's beauty can be dimmed by clouds. However, his beloved's beauty is always clear and bright.

And every pelting storm shakes him from his sphere:

The speaker reminds us that the sun is not always in control of its own destiny. It can be shaken from its sphere by storms. However, his beloved is always in control of his own destiny.

But thy eternal summer shall not fade,

The speaker now turns to the central theme of the sonnet, which is the power of poetry to preserve beauty. He says that his beloved's beauty will never fade, because he has captured it in his poem.

Nor lose possession of that fair thou owest;

The speaker's poem will keep his beloved's beauty alive for all time. No matter what happens, the beauty of his beloved will never be lost.

Nor shall death brag thou wand'rest in his shade,

Death cannot claim the beloved, because the beloved's beauty is immortal. It will live on forever in the speaker's poem.

When in eternal lines to time thou grow'st:

The speaker's poem will ensure that the beloved's beauty will be remembered for all time. It will grow into an eternal line that will be read by future generations.

So long as men can breathe or eyes can see,

The speaker's poem will live on as long as there are people to read it. It will be a testament to the beloved's beauty, and it will keep the beloved's memory alive for all time.

So long lives this, and this gives life to thee.

The speaker's poem is a gift to the beloved. It is a way for him to immortalize the beloved's beauty and keep the beloved's memory alive.

The Gold Frame by R. K. Laxman

Introduction

Rasipuram Krishnaswami Laxman (24 October 1921 – 26 January 2015) was an Indian cartoonist, illustrator, and humorist. He is best known for his creation The Common Man and for his daily cartoon strip, You Said It in The Times of India, which started in 1951.

Laxman's cartoons were widely popular in India, and he was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1968 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2005 for his contributions to art and literature. He retired from The Times of India in 2006, but he continued to draw cartoons for other publications until his death in 2015.

Introduction

R.K. Lakman was a master of the short story. His stories are often humorous and deal with everyday life in India. In "The Gold Frame," Lakman tells the story of a frame maker who accidentally damages a customer's photo. The frame maker is panic-stricken, but he comes up with a clever plan to substitute the damaged photo with another one. The customer, however, does not notice that the photo has been switched. He only complains that the frame is the wrong shape.

This story is a reminder that we often focus on the superficial aspects of things and fail to see the deeper meaning. The customer is so concerned with the shape of the frame that he does not even notice that the photo has been changed. This is a lesson that we can all learn from. We should not judge things based on their appearance alone. We should take the time to look deeper and see the true value of things.

Summary

Datta was the owner of a small shop called The Modern Frame Works. He used to put pictures into frames. One day a customer came to Datta’s shop with a faded picture of an elderly person. He demands that the best frame be used and chooses an imported German frame with an oval cut mount.

Later, however, Datta accidentally drops a tin of enamel paint over the photo. The photo is completely damaged. Datta is panic-stricken. He does not know what to do. As he looks around in dismay, an idea takes shape in Datta’s mind. He plans to substitute the damaged photo with another photo, which is somewhat similar. He finds a suitable photo for this purpose and puts it in a dazzling gold frame.

The customer arrives and asks if the work has been completed. Datta slowly removes the cover and hands over the photo. The customer looks at it. He shouts in anger, “What have you done?” Datta fears the worst. He thinks that his deception has been noticed. The customer continues shouting that while he had asked for an oval frame, Datta had used a square one!

Datta realizes then that the customer had not noticed that the photo itself was different. He had merely objected to the frame. He is relieved, as he knows that, at the most, he might have to change the frame.

Conclusion

This story teaches us a valuable lesson about the importance of appearances. The customer was so focused on the shape of the frame that he did not even notice that the photo had been changed. This is a reminder that we should not judge things based on their appearance alone. We should take the time to look deeper and see the true value of things.

Love Cycle by Chinua Achebe

Author Introduction

Chinua Achebe (1930-2013) was a Nigerian novelist, poet, and essayist. He is best known for his novel Things Fall Apart (1958), which is considered one of the greatest novels ever written in English. Achebe's work explores the themes of colonialism, identity, and the African experience.

Summary

The poem "Love Cycle" by Chinua Achebe compares the relationship between the sun and the earth to a human love relationship. The poem begins with the sun withdrawing its "long misty arms of embrace" from the earth at dawn. The earth is left "perfumed in dewdrop fragrance" and "wakes to whispers of soft-eyed light." The sun's departure is compared to the aftermath of dispassionate sex between a couple.

The sun then "wears out his temper ploughing the vast acres of heaven" and takes it out on the earth in "burning darts of anger." The earth endures the sun's harshness, like a woman who is dissatisfied with her partner but remains in the relationship for reasons of her own.

Towards the end of the poem, the speaker speculates on why the earth continues to stay in a relationship with the sun. The speaker suggests that the earth may be drawn to the sun's "great power" and "magnificent beauty." The earth may also be hopeful that the sun will eventually change its ways and become a more loving and gentle partner.

Analysis

The poem "Love Cycle" is a metaphor for the complex and often contradictory nature of love. The sun represents the passionate and destructive aspects of love, while the earth represents the patient and enduring aspects of love. The poem suggests that love is a cycle that repeats itself, with periods of passion and anger alternating with periods of patience and endurance.

The poem also explores the theme of hope. The earth remains in a relationship with the sun even though it is often mistreated, because it is hopeful that the sun will eventually change its ways. This suggests that even in the most difficult relationships, there is always hope for a better future.

Themes

The poem "Love Cycle" explores the following themes:

The complex and contradictory nature of love

The power of hope

The importance of patience and endurance

Style

The poem is written in free verse, which means that it does not follow a strict rhyme scheme or meter. This allows the poet to express the natural and unpredictable rhythms of love. The poem is also full of vivid imagery, which helps to bring the reader into the world of the poem.

Conclusion

"Love Cycle" is a powerful and moving poem that explores the many aspects of love. The poem is a reminder that love is a complex and unpredictable emotion, but it is also an emotion that is worth fighting for.

Text

At dawn slowly

the sun withdraws his

long misty arms of

embrace. Happy lovers

whose exertions leave

no aftertaste nor slush

of love’s combustion; Earth

perfumed in dewdrop

fragrance wakes

to whispers of

soft-eyed light…

Later he

will wear out his temper

ploughing the vast acres

of heaven and take it

out of her in burning

darts of anger. Long

accustomed to such caprice

she waits patiently

for evening when thoughts

of another night will

restore his mellowness

and her power

over him.

From:  1971, Beware Soul Brother and Other Poems

Copyright ©:  Christmas in Biafra and other Poems

Uncle Podger Hangs a Picture by Jerome K. Jerome

 

Author introduction

Jerome K. Jerome (1859-1927) was an English writer and humorist. He is best known for his humorous essays and short stories, including "Three Men in a Boat," "The Idle Thoughts of an Idle Fellow," and "Uncle Podger Hangs a Picture."

Summary

The story of "Uncle Podger Hangs a Picture" is a humorous account of a man's attempt to hang a picture on the wall. Uncle Podger is a well-intentioned but incompetent man who makes a complete mess of the job. He starts by taking off his coat and rolling up his sleeves, as if he were about to undertake a major project. He then orders everyone in the household to help him, including his wife, Aunt Podger, his children, and the maid.

Uncle Podger begins by measuring the height of the picture and marking the spot on the wall where he wants to hang it. He then gets a ladder and climbs up to the spot. However, the ladder is wobbly, and Uncle Podger has to hold on to the wall for support. He tries to hammer in a nail, but he misses the mark and hits his thumb instead. He then drops the hammer, which rolls out of reach.

At this point, Aunt Podger tells Uncle Podger to come down from the ladder and let her do it. But Uncle Podger is determined to finish the job himself. He climbs back up the ladder and tries to hammer in the nail again. This time, he succeeds, but the nail is crooked. Uncle Podger tries to straighten it out, but he only makes it worse.

The picture is now hanging crookedly on the wall, and Uncle Podger is starting to get frustrated. He orders everyone to move away so that he can have some space. He then tries to hammer the nail straight, but he misses the mark again and hits his thumb again. This time, he hits it so hard that he breaks his nail.

Uncle Podger is now in a lot of pain. He climbs down from the ladder and sits down in a chair. He tells Aunt Podger that he is going to give up and let her do it. Aunt Podger finishes hanging the picture, and everyone is relieved that it is finally over.

Analysis

The story of "Uncle Podger Hangs a Picture" is a humorous look at the dangers of overconfidence and the importance of being prepared. Uncle Podger is a well-intentioned man who is confident in his abilities. However, he is also careless and disorganized. He starts the job without making sure that he has all the necessary tools and materials. He also fails to plan ahead, which leads to a series of mishaps.

The story is also a reminder of the importance of teamwork. Uncle Podger could have easily hung the picture by himself if he had been more organized and careful. However, his mistakes and clumsiness led to a lot of chaos and frustration. In the end, it was Aunt Podger who had to step in and finish the job.

The story of "Uncle Podger Hangs a Picture" is a classic example of Jerome K. Jerome's humor. It is a funny and heartwarming story that will leave you laughing out loud.

A Nation's Strength by William Ralph Emerson

Introduction to William Ralph Emerson

William Ralph Emerson (1833-1917) was an American architect and the second cousin of Ralph Waldo Emerson, one of America's most famous poets and essayists. William Ralph Emerson was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and studied architecture at Harvard University. He worked as an architect in Boston for many years, and he designed several of the first buildings for the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. He died in Milton, Massachusetts, in 1917.

Summary of "A Nation's Strength"

In the poem "A Nation's Strength," William Ralph Emerson asks what makes a nation great and strong. He dismisses the traditional notions that gold, the sword, or pride are the keys to national greatness. Instead, he argues that it is the people of a nation who make it great and strong. He writes:

            "Not gold but only men can make

            A people great and strong;

            Men who for truth and honor's sake

            Stand fast and suffer long."

Emerson goes on to describe the qualities of the men who make a nation great. These are men who are brave, hardworking, and dedicated to truth and honor. They are men who are willing to stand up for what they believe in, even when it is difficult. They are men who are willing to sacrifice their own comfort and well-being for the good of their country.

Analysis of "A Nation's Strength"

The poem "A Nation's Strength" is a powerful reminder that the true strength of a nation lies in its people. A nation can have all the gold and power in the world, but if its people are not strong and virtuous, it will not last. Emerson's poem is a call to action for all of us to live our lives in a way that makes our nation stronger.

Thematic Elements

The poem "A Nation's Strength" explores the themes of patriotism, courage, and sacrifice. Emerson argues that the true strength of a nation lies in its people, and that it is the people who make a nation great and strong. He calls on all of us to live our lives in a way that makes our nation stronger.

Style

The poem "A Nation's Strength" is written in a simple and direct style. Emerson uses clear and concise language to communicate his message. The poem is also very rhythmic, which helps to create a sense of power and strength. The poem is a six-stanza poem, each stanza having four lines. The poem follows the rhyme scheme abab, which is also called alternate rhyme. In the following example, the first line rhymes with the third while the second line rhymes with the fourth.

                What makes a nation's pillars high

                And its foundations strong?

                What makes it mighty to defy

                The foes that round it throng?

Conclusion

"A Nation's Strength" is a powerful and inspiring poem that reminds us of the importance of patriotism, courage, and sacrifice. It is a poem that is sure to resonate with anyone who cares about the future of their country.

Text

What makes a nation's pillars high

And its foundations strong?

What makes it mighty to defy

The foes that round it throng?

It is not gold. Its kingdoms grand

Go down in battle shock;

Its shafts are laid on sinking sand,

Not on abiding rock.

Is it the sword? Ask the red dust

Of empires passed away;

The blood has turned their stones to rust,

Their glory to decay.

And is it pride? Ah, that bright crown

Has seemed to nations sweet;

But God has struck its luster down

In ashes at his feet.

Not gold but only men can make

A people great and strong;

Men who for truth and honor's sake

Stand fast and suffer long.

Brave men who work while others sleep,

Who dare while others fly...

They build a nation's pillars deep

And lift them to the sky.

"A Nation's Strength" first appeared in Our Little Kings and Queens at Home and at School (Louis Benham & Co., 1891). This poem is in the public domain.

How I Taught My Grandmother to Read by Sudha Murthy

Introduction

The story "How I Taught My Grandmother to Read" is about how the author, Sudha Murthy, taught her grandmother to read. The author's grandmother was illiterate and had never gone to school. However, she was very intelligent and had a strong desire to learn. When the author was twelve years old, she started teaching her grandmother to read. The grandmother was a quick learner and soon she was able to read simple words and sentences. The author was very proud of her grandmother and she was happy that she had been able to help her achieve her goal.

Summary

The story is set in a small village in Karnataka, India. The narrator, who is about twelve years old, lives with her grandparents. Her grandmother is illiterate, but she has a strong desire to learn to read. One day, the narrator's grandmother tells her that she wants to learn to read the novel "Kashi Yatre" by Triveni. The narrator agrees to teach her grandmother how to read.

The narrator starts by teaching her grandmother the alphabet and simple words. Her grandmother is a quick learner and soon she is able to read simple sentences. The narrator is very proud of her grandmother and she is happy that she has been able to help her achieve her goal.

The grandmother is so excited about her new ability to read that she starts reading everything she can get her hands on. She reads newspapers, magazines, and even books that she doesn't understand. The narrator is amused by her grandmother's enthusiasm and she is glad that she has been able to open up a whole new world of knowledge to her.

On the day of Saraswati Puja, the grandmother gives the narrator a gift. It is a piece of material for a new frock. The grandmother tells the narrator that she is giving her the gift as a token of her appreciation for teaching her how to read. The narrator is touched by her grandmother's gesture and she is proud of the role she has played in helping her grandmother achieve her dream.

The story ends with the narrator reflecting on the importance of education. She says that education is a gift that can open up new possibilities for us in life. It can help us to understand the world around us and to make informed decisions. The narrator is grateful that she was able to help her grandmother learn to read and she hopes that her story will inspire others to never give up on their dreams.

Additional details about the story:

The grandmother's name is Krishtakka.

The novel "Kashi Yatre" is about an old woman who wants to go to Kashi, a holy city in India.

The narrator's name is not revealed in the story.

The story takes place in the early 1960s.

Analysis

The story of "How I Taught My Grandmother to Read" is a heartwarming tale of the power of education and the importance of never giving up on your dreams. The grandmother in the story is a shining example of the fact that it is never too late to learn. She was able to achieve her goal of learning to read at the age of sixty-two, thanks to the help of her granddaughter.

The story also teaches us the importance of family and community. The author's grandmother was supported by her entire family in her quest to learn to read. Her children and grandchildren were all very proud of her and they encouraged her every step of the way. The story shows the power of love and support to help us achieve our goals.

Central Idea

The central idea of the story is that education is a powerful tool that can help us achieve our goals, regardless of our age or circumstances. The grandmother in the story was able to achieve her dream of learning to read at the age of sixty-two, thanks to the help of her granddaughter. This story shows that it is never too late to learn and that education can open up new possibilities for us in life.

About the Author 

Sudha Murthy is a well-known Indian author, social worker, and philanthropist. She is the chairperson of the Infosys Foundation, a non-profit organization that works in the areas of education, healthcare, and rural development. Murthy has written several books, including the best-selling "How I Taught My Grandmother to Read". Her stories are often inspired by her own life experiences and they explore themes of family, love, and the power of education.

The Faltering Pendulum by Bhabani Bhattacharya

Introduction

The Faltering Pendulum is a short story by Bhabani Bhattacharya that tells the story of a young woman who is ostracized by her community because she is barren. The woman, who is called the "rag woman," buys three pumpkin seeds and a goat at the weekly bazaar. She plants the seeds in her garden and tends to them with great care. However, the plants wither and die, and the goat dies as well. The woman is heartbroken, but she eventually finds hope in the form of a young girl who discovers the two tiny pumpkins that have grown from the withered vines. The story ends with the woman feeling a sense of peace and acceptance.

The story is a powerful exploration of the themes of loneliness, isolation, and hope. The rag woman is a tragic figure who is shunned by her community because of her inability to bear children. However, she finds solace in her garden and in the company of the young girl. The story suggests that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for redemption.

Summary of the story

The rag woman is a young woman who lives in a small village in India. She is poor and uneducated, and she is ostracized by her community because she is barren. The woman has no friends or family, and she spends her days wandering the streets, collecting rags and other discarded items.

One day, the woman goes to the weekly bazaar. She barters for a few coins, and she buys three pumpkin seeds and a month-old goat. The woman takes the seeds and the goat back to her garden, and she plants them with great care.

The woman tends to the pumpkin plants and the goat with loving attention. She watches them grow and thrive, and she begins to feel a sense of hope for the first time in her life. However, her joy is short-lived. One day, the woman discovers that the pumpkin plants have withered and died. The goat also dies shortly thereafter.

The woman is heartbroken. She feels like she has lost everything. She sits down in her garden and begins to cry. However, her tears are not tears of sadness. They are tears of relief. The woman realizes that she is finally free from the burden of her barrenness. She is no longer a pariah, and she can finally start living her life.

The next day, the woman goes back to the bazaar. She buys a new set of pumpkin seeds, and she plants them in her garden. She also buys a new goat. The woman tends to the new plants and the goat with even more care than she did the first time. This time, the plants thrive, and the goat grows strong.

The woman is no longer lonely. She has found a new purpose in life. She has found a way to overcome her barrenness and to start living her life to the fullest. The story ends with the woman feeling a sense of peace and acceptance. She knows that she will never be able to have children, but she is finally content with her life

About the author

Bhabani Bhattacharya was an Indian author who wrote novels, short stories, and essays. He was born in 1906 in Sylhet, British India (now Bangladesh). Bhattacharya was educated at the University of Calcutta, where he studied English literature. After graduating, he worked as a journalist and a diplomat.

Bhattacharya's first novel, Sonar Tari (The Golden Boat), was published in 1933. It was a historical novel set in the 17th century. His second novel, Pather Panchali (Song of the Road), was published in 1944. It was a semi-autobiographical novel that tells the story of a poor family living in rural Bengal. Pather Panchali was adapted into an acclaimed film of the same name by Satyajit Ray in 1955.

Bhattacharya's other novels include A Goddess Named Gold (1949), He Who Rides a Tiger (1954), Shadow from Ladakh (1963), and A Dream in the Offing (1971). He also wrote several collections of short stories, including Steel Hawk and Other Stories (1968) and The Inherited Heart and Other Stories (1976).

Bhattacharya's work is known for its realism, its psychological insight, and its exploration of social and political issues. He was a major figure in the development of Indian English literature. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian honor, in 1968. He died in 1988.

Additional facts about Bhabani Bhattacharya:

* He was a close friend of the Indian writer and Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore.

* He was a founding member of the Progressive Writers' Association, an organization of Indian writers who were committed to social and political change.

* He was a diplomat for the Indian government, serving as ambassador to the Soviet Union and Czechoslovakia.

* He was a recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award, India's highest literary honor.

Us and Them by David Sedaris

David Sedaris is an American humourist, author, and radio contributor. His essays and short stories are often about his family life, middle-class upbringing, and other autobiographical details. 

David Sedaris's short story "Us and Them" is a humorous and poignant exploration of class and social differences. The story follows David, a young boy who moves to a new neighbourhood and meets the Tomkeys, a family of hillbillies who live in a trailer park. David's family is middle-class and they view the Tomkeys as being "other." They are often rude and condescending to them.

However, David is fascinated by the Tomkeys. He sees that they are kind and loving, even if they are different from his own family. He also learns that they face many challenges, such as poverty and discrimination.

As David gets to know the Tomkeys, he begins to see that they are not so different from his own family after all. They are all just people trying to make their way in the world. In the end, David realizes that there is no such thing as "us" and "them." We are all just people, and we should treat each other with respect, regardless of our differences.

The story is told from David's point of view, which allows the reader to see how his perception of the Tomkeys changes over the course of the story. The story is full of humour, but it also has a serious message about the importance of understanding and respecting people who are different from us.

The story is set in the 1970s, a time when class and social differences were more pronounced than they are today. However, the story's message is still relevant today. We live in a world where people are often divided by class, race, religion, and other factors. "Us and Them" reminds us that we should not judge people based on their appearance or their social status. We should all be treated with respect, regardless of who we are or where we come from.

The story is also a commentary on the role of television in our lives. The Tomkeys do not own a television, and they are often baffled by the things that David and his family talk about. They see television as a waste of time and a distraction from the real world.

In contrast, David's family is constantly watching television. They use it as a way to escape from their own lives and to avoid dealing with real issues. The story suggests that television can be a harmful force in our lives if we allow it to become a substitute for real human interaction.

"Us and Them" is a thought-provoking story that challenges us to think about the way we view people who are different from us. It is a reminder that we should all be treated with respect, regardless of our class, race, religion, or any other factor.

Themes from the story "Us and Them":

Class and social difference: The story explores the ways in which class and social differences can shape our perceptions of others. David's family is middle-class and they view the Tomkeys as being "other." They are often rude and condescending to them. However, David is fascinated by the Tomkeys and he eventually comes to see that they are not so different from his own family after all.

The importance of understanding and respecting people who are different from us: The story reminds us that we should not judge people based on their appearance or their social status. We should all be treated with respect, regardless of who we are or where we come from.

The role of television in our lives: The story suggests that television can be a harmful force in our lives if we allow it to become a substitute for real human interaction. The Tomkeys do not own a television, and they are often baffled by the things that David and his family talk about. They see television as a waste of time and a distraction from the real world. In contrast, David's family is constantly watching television. They use it as a way to escape from their own lives and to avoid dealing with real issues.

The Sparrow by Paul Laurence Dunbar

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The Sparrow by Paul Laurence Dunbar

A little bird, with plumage brown,
Beside my window flutters down,
A moment chirps its little strain,
Ten taps upon my window–pane,
And chirps again, and hops along,
To call my notice to its song;
But I work on, nor heed its lay,
Till, in neglect, it flies away.

So birds of peace and hope and love
Come fluttering earthward from above,
To settle on life’s window–sills,
And ease our load of earthly ills;
But we, in traffic’s rush and din
Too deep engaged to let them in,
With deadened heart and sense plod on,
Nor know our loss till they are gone.

This poem is in the public domain.

Paul Laurence Dunbar was one of the first African American poets to gain national recognition. He was born on June 27, 1872, in Dayton, Ohio. By the age of fourteen, Dunbar had poems published in the Dayton Herald. In his free time, he read the works of the Romantic poets, including John Keats and William Wordsworth, as well as the works of the American poets John Greenleaf Whittier and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

The poem "The Sparrow" by Paul Laurence Dunbar is a short but powerful work that explores the themes of freedom, perseverance, and the power of dreams. The poem tells the story of a small sparrow that flutters down to the speaker's window and sings its song. The speaker is initially indifferent to the sparrow, but eventually comes to appreciate its simple beauty and its message of hope.

The sparrow in the poem serves as a symbol of hope and determination. Despite its small size and seemingly insignificant existence, the sparrow continues to sing and soar freely in the sky. This symbolizes the speaker's own ability to persevere in the face of adversity. The sparrow's song also represents the beauty and strength found in even the most humble and overlooked aspects of life.

The poem ends with the speaker reflecting on the sparrow's departure. The speaker realizes that they have missed out on the sparrow's message of hope by being too busy with their own affairs. This realization leads the speaker to vow to be more mindful of the simple pleasures in life and to appreciate the power of dreams.

The poem "The Sparrow" is a reminder that even the smallest things can have a big impact. The sparrow's song may seem insignificant, but it is enough to inspire the speaker to change their perspective on life. The poem also teaches us the importance of appreciating the simple things in life and of never giving up on our dreams.

Here are some additional thoughts on the thematic elements of the poem:

The theme of freedom: The sparrow's freedom to fly and sing is contrasted with the speaker's own sense of being trapped by their work and responsibilities. This contrast highlights the importance of freedom and the need to find ways to break free from our own limitations.

The theme of perseverance: The sparrow's determination to continue singing despite its small size and insignificant existence is an inspiration to the speaker. This teaches us that we should never give up on our dreams, no matter how difficult they may seem.

The theme of dreams: The sparrow's song represents the speaker's dreams for a better future. This teaches us that our dreams are powerful things that can help us to overcome challenges and achieve our goals.

Overall, "The Sparrow" is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of freedom, perseverance, and the power of dreams. It is a poem that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it.

J. R. D. by Harish Bhat

Harish Bhat is a former Chairman of Tata Sons and a current member of the Tata Group's Group Executive Council. He is also the author of the book "Tata Stories - 40 Timeless Tales to Inspire You", which tells the story of J.R.D. Tata's vision and leadership in building Air India into one of the world's leading airlines.

In this book, Bhat recounts how Tata was determined to make Air India the best airline in the world, and how he achieved this through his attention to detail and his relentless pursuit of excellence. He tells stories of how Tata would fly on Air India flights himself and then write "blue notes" to the management, pointing out any areas where he felt the airline could improve.

One example Bhat gives is of a time when Tata was flying on an Air India flight and noticed that the tea served on board was indistinguishable from coffee. He wrote a blue note to the management, suggesting that they investigate whether the tea was being made correctly. As a result of Tata's intervention, the quality of the tea on Air India flights improved dramatically.

Bhat's book also tells the story of how Air India became a symbol of India's growing international stature. In the early days of the airline, Tata was determined to make sure that Air India represented India's best. He insisted on the highest standards of service and comfort, and he made sure that the airline's staff were well-trained and professional. In addition to J.R.D. Tata's own commitment to excellence, Air India also received the support of other prominent Indian leaders, including Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi.

As a result of Tata's leadership, Air India became one of the most respected airlines in the world. It was consistently ranked among the top airlines in terms of safety, punctuality, and service. In 1968, Air India was even named the "World's Best Airline" by the Daily Mail.

Bhat's book is a fascinating and inspiring story of how one man's vision and dedication can create something truly great. It is a story that will inspire readers to dream big and to never give up on their goals.

A Patch of Land by Subramania Bharati

The poem "A Patch of Land" by Subramania Bharati is a beautiful and moving meditation on the meaning of home and belonging. The poem begins with the speaker's simple request for a patch of land, on which he can build a house and live with his wife. The speaker's desire for a patch of land is not motivated by greed or materialism, but rather by a deep-seated need for roots and stability.

The speaker describes his ideal home in vivid detail. He wants a house with pillars decorated with flowers and balconies painted white. He wants palm trees beside the well, and moonlight to descend gently upon him. He wants a gentle breeze to blow and bring pleasure to his soul.

The speaker's vision of home is not simply a physical place, but also a state of being. He wants to live in a place where he can be surrounded by beauty and peace, and where he can feel a sense of connection to the land and to the natural world.

The poem is a prayer to the goddess Parashakti. The speaker asks Parashakti to help him defend the earth and to bless him with the power of his songs. The speaker's prayer is a reminder that the land is not just a physical space, but also a sacred place. It is a place that is worthy of our protection and our respect.

"A Patch of Land" is a poem that speaks to the universal human need for home and belonging. It is a poem that is both beautiful and thought-provoking, and it is a poem that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it.

In addition to its beautiful imagery and its moving message, "A Patch of Land" is also a poem that is rich in symbolism. The patch of land, for example, can be seen as a symbol of the speaker's own identity and his place in the world. The house that the speaker builds on the land can be seen as a symbol of his hopes and dreams for the future. And the goddess Parashakti can be seen as a symbol of the divine presence that is present in all of creation.

"A patch of Land" is a poem that can be interpreted in many different ways. But ultimately, it is a poem that is about the search for home and belonging. It is a poem that reminds us that we all need a place to call our own, a place where we can feel safe and secure. And it is a poem that suggests that the land itself is a sacred place, a place that is worthy of our protection and our respect.

The Gold Frame by R.K. Laxman

                                                          Link :The Gold Frame short film
THE GOLD FRAME
R.K. Laxman

        Datta was the owner of a small shop called The Modern Frame Works. He used to put pictures into frames. One day a customer comes to Datta’s shop with a faded picture of an elderly person. He demands that the best frame be used and chooses an imported German frame with an oval cut mount.

      Later, however, Datta accidentally drops a tin of enamel paint over the photo. The photo is completely damaged. Datta is panic-stricken. He does not know what to do. As he looks around in dismay, an idea takes shape in Datta’s mind. He plans to substitute the damaged photo with another photo, which is somewhat similar. He finds a suitable photo for this purpose and puts it in a dazzling gold frame.

      The customer arrives and asks if the work has been completed. Datta slowly removes the cover and hands over the photo. The customer looks at it. He shouts in anger, “What have you done?” Datta fears the worst. He thinks that his deception has been noticed. The customer continues shouting that while he had asked for an oval frame, Datta had used a square one!

      Datta realizes then that the customer had not noticed that the photo itself was different. He had merely objected to the frame. He is relieved, as he knows that, at the most, he might have to change the frame.
https://youtu.be/GqgfFFmtJoo