Unit-1
Business Communication-I
CONTENTS
1.0 Objectives.
1.1 Introduction.
1.2 Presentation of subject matter
1.2.1
Section 1 – Option A : Telephonic Communication.
Check your progress
1.2.2
Section 2 – Option B : Using fax machine for sending messages.
Check your progress
1.2.3
Section 3 – Option C : Writing E-mails.
Check your progress
1.3 Summary
1.4 Terms to remember
1.5 Key to check your progress.
1.6 Exercises.
1.7 Recommended reading.
1.0 Objectives :
After studying this unit you will be able to :
•
Understand how English is used in formal business communication.
•
Learn essential telephone skills such as making and answering business
calls; sending and reporting telephone messages.
•
Understand when and how fax and emails are sent in business
communication.
•
Learn the etiquettes of professional communication.
•
Understand the format of fax messages and emails.
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•
Learn how to send and receive fax and e-mails.
•
Understand the features and technical aspects of fax and e-mails.
•
Explain the difference between business letters and fax.
1.1 Introduction
The objective of this unit is to make the student familiar with the formal English
used in the predominant forms of business communication such as telephonic
communication, fax messages and e-mails. The student will be able to learn the
polite expressions and pleasantries used in such communication. As effective
communication is key to successful business; acquisition of communication skills is
indispensable. In order to work with competence and confidence either as superior or
subordinate, you need to possess some basic skills of professional communication.
You should be able to communicate on phone clearly, distinctively, confidently and
pleasantly. You should be able to send and receive fax messages and e-mails. You
should also know the technical aspects of phone calls, of receiving and reporting
messages and sending fax and e-mails on computer.
Here are the do’s and dont’s of effective telephonic communication.
1.2 Presentation of subject matter
1.2.1 Section-1
Option A – Telephonic Communication
Means of communication have changed drastically over the years, with the
introduction of a modern telecommunications such as faxes and e- mails, but still
widely used business communication tool is the telephone. It is one of the
commonest and fastest ways of contacting persons. This is because it is a simple,
handy and economical device and a very powerful means within business
environment. Its hard to imagine a business operating efficiently without a telephone.
It has become the integral part of business communication.
Although it is the most commonly used, it is the difficult form of
communication as there is no advantage of body language. We can not see the facial
expressions and gestures of the caller and there is no eye- contact between the caller
and person called. There fore it is necessary to acquire professional telephone skills
for successful business communication.
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I) Listening, questioning and speaking are the three key telephone skills. To focus on
these three skills, following guidelines can help us in the acquisiton of telephone
technique.
While making and answering a professional call –
When you are communicating on phone for business purpose, remember you are
representing your business organization. You make the first impression of your
company. To develop a positive image of your company, in the mind of the caller,
you should speak confidently, efficiently and clearly. This will inspire confidence in
the caller. This is a responsibility and a challenge too. But this can be met by
practicing telephone skills. You have to cultivate a cheerful and friendly tone. As the
caller can’t see you, he will judge you with your tone. So speak in a pleasant, relaxed
and warm tone. Exchange pleasantries and make a few polite enquires, if you are
well acquainted with the person in formal communication polite and courteous
language should be used all the time. Take care that you don’t sound hurried or
impatient. Speaking fast or mumbling may create confusion. So speak clearly and
distinctly.
Pre call preparation :Prepare beforehand the questions or the points, you would like to discuss. Go by
sequence, it makes the person called, easier to respond. Always keep a notepad and a
pen or pencil handy to note down essential information or message.
If you write down main points, you want to cover and prepare the list of the
people you want to speak to, it would help you a lot to be on a track.
Introduce yourself and offer service –
It is customary to identify yourself or your firm, in professional communication
when you are making external professional call, give the details like your name,
name of your organization and purpose of your call. Similarly, while receiving the
call, ask the caller name and number. Use his name during the conversation. It
creates friendly familiarity. Study the following examplesGood Health Centre, Good morning, how may I help you?
Good Morning, I D B I Bank, this is Ram Desai.
Hello, Accounting Department, Mahesh Kadam speaking.
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Hello, can I speak to Mr. Dixit, P. R. O. from H. R. Department?
While attending the call :Listen to the caller attentively. You can respond to the questions and important
information on the spot. Give undivided attention and acknowledge a comment every
now and then. Write down important information on a notepad and confirm by
repeating. As far as possible soften negative responses. Instead of saying “You
should” or “You need to” use phrases like, “I suggest”, “I recommend” sound
friendly and professional. Never eat or chew or tap a pen while talking. If the
message is long, keep saying, ‘yes’ or ‘ok’ to reassure that you are listening. If the
information is not readily available, promise to ring back and keep the promise.
Placing the caller on hold :As a receptionist, you have to handle multiple calls and you need to place the
caller on hold. It may be because the person, the caller has requested to speak to, is
on another call or may be the caller needs an information and you need a moment to
take a file. In such situation, make sure whether the caller wishes to hold or prefers to
leave a message. In case you place the caller on hold, it should not be more than 30
seconds. Apologize for keeping on hold and thank the caller for waiting. Study the
following examples.
“Please connect me to Mr. Wagle?”
“Mr. Wagle is talking on another line, would you care to wait, or may I have him
return your call?”
“Mr. Sharma from Partyline speaking, Can I speak to Mr. Chopra?”
“Mr. Sharma, Mr. Chopra is working with another client at the moment would you
like to hold or would you prefer to leave message? I am not sure, how long he will
be, but it may take some time.”
Use the expressions like. ‘Will you please hold on” “Thank you for holding.” “I
apologize for keeping you waiting.”
Transferring calls :Often it happens that the caller needs to speak to someone else and by mistake
he reaches you. In such situation, you have to transfer the call. Before transferring
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the call, explain what you are able to do and get the callers permission. Study the
following expression.
“Mr. Mohan Joshi is in Accounts Department. I would like to transfer you to his line.
Is that all right with you?”
Ending a call :You should end the business call at appropriate time and when you have
completed the purpose.
When you are receiving the call, don’t keep the receiver before the caller hangs
up. When you are pressed for time, you can end the call saying something like “I am
late for the meeting” or “I have an appointment.”
End the call as pleasantly as you begin.
Use the closing comments like –
“It was nice talking to you” “ I will look forward to your call.”, “ I will see you
on Monday.” “Good Bye” instead of “Bye bye.”
II) Sending & Reporting Message :A telephone message comes in the picture when the person called is not
available. A good telephone message enables you to take an appropriate business
action in response to the call. The message becomes a link between the person called
and the caller. A message form is an excellent guide to collect the right information.
Sending and reporting messages involves, taking complete messages, writing the
details on the message from and reporting it to the right person at right time.
Messages are nothing but the details about who, when, why, how etc.
Telephone messages can be left on answering machine too.
Taking a message :Could I speak to Ram please?
I’ m sorry. Ram is out of station. Could I take the message please?
Please tell Ram, Mohan called. Its regarding building plan, he requested.
Your number please?
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My phone number is 2266239 I am calling from Vishwa Karma Constructions. I will
call back tomorrow.
Thank you, I will give him the message
The message can be reported by filling in the details on message form
Here are two sample message forms. Examine them carefully.
Sample No. 1
Messages
Date :
Message for :
Caller :
From (company name) :
Contact number (s) :
Message :
Message Taken by :
Sample No. 2
While you were Out
To :
From :
Company:
Contact number :
Cell :
Message :
Date :
Time :
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Call Taken by :
You might have seen that the forms are simple and clear. When you receive the
message fill the blanks completely and correctly and be sure the right person gets the
message. The basic questions who, what, when, why, where, and how apply to taking
messages.
Read the following telephone conversation and fill in the details in the message form.
You can use one of the samples.
:
Hello, can I speak to Mr. Siddarth Kapoor please ?
:
I am sorry. Mr. Siddharth Kapoor is with client right now. Could I take
your ménage?
:
Its Amol calling from Superfast Advertising Agency. Its regarding the
advertisement for the newly launched product.
:
May I know your number Mr. Amol?
:
Sure. Its 9810253520. I will call back after an hour.
:
Thank you. I will give him the message.
III) Leaving a message on answering machine. In big offices a recording device
is attached to a phone.
When a person is not available in office or home he/she can leave a recorded
message on answering machine. A recorded message can be like this ----The message
Hi, this is Mohan I am not available to take your call right now. Please, leave
your message after the tone or press zero for the operator.
When the caller gets this recorded message he or she can leave the message after
the tone.
The message
Hi, this is Jitu from Modern computers. My number is 353562. The computers
you ordered have arrived. Please give me a call so that we can arrange to deliver.
Thanks.
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Please note that Jitu has left a short message, He gave his name, contact number
and reason for calling. So that if Mohan wants to return his call, he can get the
essential information. Jitu requested a call back in a polite manner. The message left
on answering machine should be concise and it should contain all the necessary
information
Read the following message on answering machine.
Hi this is Meena. I am not in right now. But if you leave the message, I will
return to you
The message
Hi, this is Leena from Partyline. If you let me know the details of Friday’s party,
I would really appreciate it. My number is 9820567821. Thanks.
Thus we have learned that while taking message on message form and while
leaving a message on answering machine –
•
How to take a complete message.
•
Leave a concise message on an answering machine.
•
Ensure that the message contains all the necessary information.
IV) Reporting message :As a secretary you have to receive phone calls for your boss in his absence and
have to note down the message to report to him when he arrives. Study the following
telephone conversations and how they can be reported. Study the language used.
A: Hello, good morning, Paranjape Builders.
B: Good morning Can I speak to Mr. Paranjape, please?
A: I am sorry, Mr. Paranjape is out of station. Will be back tomorrow. Can I take
your message?
B : Yes, please. Tell him Mr. Gavade called from Patel Enterprize. Its about the
payment of the order No. 2250 delivered on 15th Oct.
A : May I know your number please?
B : My number is 2622639 please tell him to ring me as soon as he arrives.
A : Yes sir, I’ll give your massage.
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B : Please tell him. Its urgent. Good Bye.
A : Good Bye.
Let us see how the secretary will report the message to Mr. Paranjape when he
arrives.
Reported message :- Sir Mr. Gavade from Patel Enterprize called. Its about the
payment of the order No. 2250 delivered on 15th Oct. He has asked you to ring and
he said that its urgent.
Study the following examples :
A : Hello, K P T Pvt. Ltd. Good morning
B : Good morning can I speak to Mrs. Prabha Kulkarni?
A : I am afraid, she is busy in the meeting with clients.
B : Will you please give my message to her?
A : O sure, may I know your name please?
B : Tell her Mr. Dixit called from Kolhapur. Its about the audit statement.
A : May I know your number please?
B : Yes, my number is 9881107836. Tell her, I will be reaching her office at 4 o’
clock.
A : I’ll. Good Bye.
Study how the above telephone message can be reported.
Madam, Mr. Dixit had called from Kolhapur. He is arriving here at 4 o’ clock to
discuss about audit statement, he wants you to contact him on the number
9881107836.
Study the following reported telephone massages.
1.
Sir Mr. Dixit has called. He wants you to sign the contract tomorrow morning
by 10. ‘O’clock.
2.
Sir. Mr. Rane, had called. He wants to know if you’re available tomorrow at 1
‘O’ clock.
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3.
Sir, there was a call from lawyers office. You have to go to the court tomorrow
for hearing.
Section – 1 (A) Check your progress
1.
Choose the correct alternative and rewrite the following statements.
i)
Speak ………….. when answering the telephone
a) gently
b) clearly
c) softly.
ii) When calling a company, you should state……
a) your impressions about the company
b) the purpose of your call.
c) the time you require for the phone call.
iii) In telephone communication while the other person is speaking, you should
………………..
a) keep pin drop silence
b) interrupt with new information.
c) keep on saying “hmm” and “okay”
iv) Begin and end a business telephone call ………………
a) hurriedly b) pleasantly
v)
c) sadly.
A perfect telephone message contains ………………
a) the name of the caller
b) the purpose of the call.
c) all the essential details.
vi) Which of the following is the acceptable way of answering the telephone at
a business firm.
a) “Good Morning” Who is speaking ?
b) “Hello”
c) “Anytime Gas Agency”, How may I help you ? ..
vii) Which of the following is the correct way to end a call.
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a)
End a call when both callers have accomplished their purpose or one is
pressed for time.
b)
Wait till you’ve accomplished your purpose even if the other person is
pressed for time.
c)
Make up a story to avoid talking to the other person.
viii) When a person is not available, you would say,
a)
I m sorry Mr. Sawant is not available at the moment, May I take the
message please ?
b)
I am sorry Mr. Sawant is not available at the moment please call back
in 10 minutes .
c)
Can you call back later ? He is not in.
ix) Choose the best of these three messages.
a)
Hi this is Rajan from Zenith Computers, Please give me a call when
you get in.
b)
Hi this is Rajan from Zenith Computers, I am calling to find out how
the computers we provided are working.
c)
Hi this is Rajan from Zenith Computers, I guess you are not in, I’ll call
back later.
1.2.2 Section – 2 Option B - Using Fax messages for sending messages.
Fax also known as facsimile has become a regular part of business
communication. It is the telephonic transmission of written documents to a telephone
number via fax machine. Although e-mail is replacing fax, fax is useful to send the
documents especially signed ones which can’t be sent by e-mail. Fax is fast and easy
way of exchanging information and documents at a critical time. Through fax you
can send maps, diagrams and photographs along with the written message to the
distant places. Nowdays business letters are converted into fax messages and fax
messages are also sent through computers.
Traditional Fax :The traditional way of sending fax is using fax machine attached to a phoneline.
A fax machine is an electronic device composed of a scanner, a modem and a printer,
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It transmits data via telephone line to a recipient i.,e. to another fax machine. This fax
machine transforms the message into images and prints them on paper.
Sending fax message
In most fax machines, you need to do the following.
1.
Turn on the fax machine.
2.
Take the document you want to fax and put it into the document feeder. The
icon on the machine displays how to do it.
3.
Dial the fax number you want to fax to.
4.
Press the “send” button.
5.
Wait for the fax to transmit.
6.
Take the confirmation page or any other information that prints out.
Receiving a fax :1.
Turn on the fax machine.
2.
The phoneline rings when your fax machine receives the fax.
3.
The fax machine receives and prints off the fax.
4.
If the machine is configured to receive the faxes manually, hit the “answer”
button when phone line rings to receive the fax.
5.
If your machine is configured to receive faxes automatically, the fax
machine will answer and receive the fax.
Sending fax using a computer :Traditional fax machines are becoming outdated. Online fax services are
replacing the traditional method of sending a fax. The benefit of this type of faxing is
that you are able to store your documents electronically and send and receive cleaner
and cleaner copies. For sending a fax using computer, you have to –
1.
Sign up for an online fax service
2.
Find the icon for creating new fax
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3.
Type in the recipient’s name, fax number, phone number. Type your full
name, your phone number, and total number of pages of the document you
are sending.
4.
Type a brief message in the box explaining the document contents.
5.
Attach the document you want to fax, preferably a PDF document.
6.
Click “send” to transmit documents.
Through fax you can send orders, price quotations, contracts, resumes, financial
reports and so on. E-fax is replacing traditional fax, yet some documents need a
signature for legal purpose, hence you require a traditional fax machine.
A fax message should be professional in appearance and content. So make sure
that the coversheet and documents include all the information you want to send and
that everything is correct, professional, legible and complete.
Cover sheet :The fax message usually has a cover page containing the following information.
Name and fax number and other contact information of the recipient.
Name and fax number and the telephone number of the sender.
Date
Number of pages including cover sheet
A short message describing the documents being faxed.
Fax messages can be sent between branches of the same company or to external
business associates. Instead of business letters today fax and e-mails are used for
business communication.
Here is a sample business fax. Study it closely.
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Mahindra & Mahindra
120, Kandivali (West)
Mumbai
Tel : 0202288855
Fax : 020 2288856
E-mail : [email protected]
Date : 3rd Nov. 2012.
To
Mahesh Thakur,
General Manager,
Bharat Machine Tools,
Mumbai.
Fax No. 8678 872
From :
Dinesh Agarwal
Assistant Manager
No. of pages : 3 (including this page)
Enclosed is the order for automobile spare parts we require. Please send them at the
earliest. Make a phone call if any queries.
Hoping for prompt action.
Thank you.
Dinesh Agarwal.
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You can see how business letters are converted into fax messages. Let us see how
this fax can be answered.
Bharat Machine Tools.
Andheri, Mumbai
Tel : 020 2275866
Fax : 020 2275867
Email : [email protected]
Date : 5th Nov. 2012
To
Dinesh Agarwal
Assistant Manager,
Mahindra & Mahindra
Mumbai
Fax No. 020 2288856
From :
Mahesh Thakur
General Manager
No. of pages : 2 pages (including this page)
We value our customers and make it our duty to understand their needs and
requirements so that we can help them to make their business work even better. We
have dispatched your order today itself by VRL transportation. Please find enclosed
the invoice of the goods ordered by you.
Thank you for doing business with us, we hope the same in future.
Mahesh Thakur.
You might have noted that there is no salutation or greeting in the beginning of
the message. At the end there can be ‘Thank you’ or ‘Best Regards’ or just
‘Regards’.
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Read the following fax message and its reply.
ICICI Bank
Head Office, Banglore.
Tel : 025 25275205
Fax : 025 25275207
Email : [email protected]
Date 29/10/2012
To
Kiran Desai
Manager, ICICI Bank,
Kolhapur.
Fax No. : 0232 200405
From :
Mr. Sharad Chavan
Manager
No. of pages : 1
Mr. Kamal Das is visiting your branch tomorrow for the verification of gold loan
proposals. Please arrange for his accommodation in a hotel nearest to the branch.
Reserve a room for two days and three nights. Mr. Das will be reaching there on 31st
Oct. 2012 by 8 a.m. by Kadamba Travels.
Thank you.
Sharad Chavan
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Study the reply to above fax.
I C I C I Bank
Kolhapur Branch
Tel : 0231 220404
Fax : 0231 220405
Email : [email protected]
Date : 30/10/2012
To : Mr. Sharad Chavan
Manager
Head office, Banglore.
Fax No. : 025 25275207.
From :
Kiran Desai
Manager
No. of pages : 1
Thank you for sending us details regarding the proposed stay of Mr. Das. We are
pleased to reserve a room in the hotel Ayodhya, near bus stand. The room will be
available at 8 a.m. on the day of his arrival and will remain at his disposal until the
day of his departure. We look forward to welcoming Mr. Das and hope he will have
a pleasant stay.
Thank you.
Kiran Desai.
Section-2 (B) Check your progress.
1.
Rewrite choosing the best alternative.
i)
There is no …………….and ……………… in the beginning of the fax
message.
a)
name and address of the receiver.
b)
name and address of the sender.
c)
salutation and greeting.
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ii) Instead of business letters today ………………. and ………….. are used
for business communication
a)
mobile messages and phone calls
b)
fax messages and e-mails.
c)
meetings and get-togethers.
iii) In business, fax is useful to send ……………. and ………….. at critical
time.
a)
information and signed documents.
b)
Bio-Data and certificates.
c)
personal letters and invitations.
1.2.3 Section-3 Option C – Writing E-mails.
Electronic mail or E-mail has become a predominant form of business
communication. Fax messages and e-mails are replacing business letters now a days.
Billions of e-mails are sent world wide everyday. This is because of their high speed,
ability to reach many people at distant places at a time and the provision of attaching
important files along with the message. Moreover, it is quick, effective and
economical. Alike fax messages, e-mails are sent within the business organization
and outside the business organizations. In both the situations, e-mails should be
formal. Another advantage of e-mails is that they can be stored and can be referred
to, any time you want.
Now-a-days, almost all levels of staff in every department and in almost all
types of companies write e-mails. The days of traditional secretary and massive
paper work have gone. As we all know, effective communication is the key of the
success of any business; and e-mails being an integral part of corporate
communication, it is advisable to understand how to write e-mails. To maintain
quality and standard, it is essential to follow e-mail etiquettes while sending business
e-mails.
Here are some e-mail etiquettes. If you follow them your recipients will get the
necessary information and they will act accordingly.
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1.
Write a meaningful subjectline :-
If your subject line accurately describes the content of your e-mail, your
recipient will read it with interest. If the subject line is vague, it will fail to motivate
the busy recipient to take it as worth while. Subjectline should catch the attention and
the recipient should know what the mail is about at a glance. Following are the
examples of bad subjectline.
Subject :- Blank
Subject :- Meeting
Subject :- Read immediately or Urgent
Subject :- The file you wanted
Here is the more specific, informative subjectline
Subject : Reminder of 10 a.m. meeting on 5th Oct. 2012 on promoting a new
product.
2.
Make one point per e-mail
As for as possible send one and only point or message per e-mail. In case your
e-mail contains many points give numbers to your points or consider writing a
separate e-mail on each subject. If you want to put several points as they relate to the
same project, present each point in separate paragraph. This makes each point stand
out significantly. You would make your recipient focus on your message and can
reply to each one individually.
3.
Identify yourself:
It is important to give your name, occupation and other important identification
information, in the first few sentences, when you are contacting someone outside.
4.
Proof read :
Business e-mails should be written in standard English. Many people think that
they can ignore punctuation, spellings and grammer in e-mails. This approach should
be avoided for business e-mails. So before you click, “send” proof read your
professional e-mail to check punctuation, spellings and grammar.
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5.
Dinstinguish between formal and informal situations:
Although business e-mails are less formal than business letters, formal approach
is expected all the time. So write according to situation. It is important to keep your
business e-mails short and clear. The specific action you except from the recipient
should be directly stated. Avoid using abbreviations like – He’s, He’d. “Dear Mr.
XYZ” is preferred rather than “Hallo”.
You can use abbreviations and non-standard punctuations and spellings when
you are writing e-mail to your friend or collegue.
6.
Specify the response you want :
If you expect specific action such as phone call or appointment from your
recipient, make sure to include it in your message. Your contact information will
make your recipient easier to respond.
7.
Using EOM headlines :
When you have a very short message to convey, you can use EOM or End Of
Message technique. This is possible when you can put all the relevant information in
the subjectline, followed by the letters, “EOM” This helps the recipient know that all
the information is in the subjectline.
8.
Be a Good correspondent :
Check your inbox regularly and reply the e-mails you have received promptly.
This is the act of courtesy and it encourages others to reply. It is professional and
courteous to make yourself available online, evenif your message is “sorry, I am too
busy to help you now.”
In short, a good layout, easy-to-read font, use of paragraphs for new point, clear
and concise sentences, clearly stated purpose in the first paragraph, pertinent
information in the body of the e-mail are the qualities of professional e-mail to
ensure positive impression. With friends and co-workers you can be casual but with
customers and clients stick to formal set up and style.
If you see the format of e-mail on computer screen, you will find that the
contents “To”, “From”, “CC”, “Subject”, “Date”, “Time” appear automatically.
Study the following e-mail and study its format closely.
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To : [email protected]
CC: [email protected]
Subject : Discount Mansoon Sale
Mrs. Jaya Ghate
Taranga Appartment,
Kagal .
Dear Customer,
We are pleased to inform you about our Mansoon Discount Sale on readymade
Garments. The sale starts from 1st August 2012 and will be continued till 15th August
2012. We are offering 50% discount on T-shirts and trousers. There is 20%, 30%,
40% discount on other items too. You will be saturated in the mansoon of discounts.
Do visit our shop.
Best Regards.
Yours sincerely,
H.R. Desai
Vastram.
You can see that e-mail starts with e-mail address of the recipient ‘CC’ stands for
carbon copy. The CC is a field for sending the same message to other recipients. At
CC write the e-mail address of other recipient. Then mention the subject of your email clearly. In the body of e-mail write the content related to the subject mentioned
in the subject line and then mention the response you want. After complimentary
close identify yourself. Now study the following internal business e-mail.
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To : [email protected]
CC :
Subject : Meeting on Friday 10th Sept. at 11 in Conference Hall on Advertising
Campaign.
Mr. Dinesh Parekh
Sales Department
Roxy Glassware, Pune
Dear Mr. Parekh,
I wanted to let you know that I have scheduled a meeting with the Marketing
Department, this Friday 10th Sept. 12. Regarding the new advertisement campaign.
It’s at 11a.m. and will be in the small Conference Hall. Please let me know if you can
make that time.
Thank you.
Yours sincerely,
P. S. Kothari.
Big companies now a days send e-mails for various business purposes such as
enquiring about the delay of an order placed, complaining for the damaged goods
received, booking rooms in the hotels, informing about the meetings, various
schemes, proposals, campaigns etc. Study the following example.
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To : [email protected]
CC :
Subject : Our order No. 150, Rejecting the damaged sauce bottles.
Mr. Balwant Singh
Maggie Food Products,
Mumbai.
Dear Mr. Balwant Singh,
We are sorry to inform you that the tomato sauce bottles delivered by you
against our order No. 150 have been found damaged. We are rejecting all the 200
bottles. We request you to replace them at the earliest.
With Regards.
Yours sincerely,
Uday Pawar
Provisonal store,
Goregaon (West)
Section – 3 (C)
Check your progress
1.
Rewrite choosing correct alternative
i)
In an e-mail subjectline should be …………. and …………….
a)
vague and long.
b)
specific and informative.
c)
catchy and casual
ii) In e-mails ‘cc’ stands for.
a)
casual communication.
b)
complimentary close.
c)
carbon copy.
23
iii) Business fax and e-mails should have ……………… set up.
a) informal
b) formal
c) impressive.
iv) EOM technique is used in …………………
a) telephone calls
b) fax
c) e-mails.
1.3. Summary
In this unit you have learnt how telephone, fax messages and e-mails are
predominant forms of business communication and how quick, clear and effective
communication leads you to success in business. You might have realized that the
massive secretarial paper work has been replaced by fax and e-mails. As an
employee of any business firm, in any department, in any position you need to
communicate with your superiors, subordinates, clients and business associates.
After studying this unit you will be able to face the challenges in your career
confidently. The professional skills introduced in this unit will enable you to
communicate clearly and effectively. Various aspects, features and do’s and don’ts
related to telephone calls, fax messages and e-mails provide you theoretical
knowledge which will be useful while actually practicing them in future.
1.4. Terms to remember :
Caller - persons who makes the phone call.
Person called - person who receives the phone call
Acquisition - something acquired.
Cultivate - develop, improve
Pleasantries - courteous or polite remarks made in conversation.
Place the caller on hold - request the caller to hold on.
Hang up - end the call
Press for time - in a hurry
To look forward to - to wait eagerly.
Distinctly - clear, understandable.
24
Predominant - main element
Drastically - far reaching effect.
Gesture - movement of body to express feelings.
Acquainted - familiar.
Apologize - to say sorry.
Appropriate - proper
Courteous - polite, kind, well mannered.
Etiquettes - manners.
1.5 Key to check your progress.
Section 1 A
1.2.1
i) b
ii) b
iii) c
iv) b
v) c
vi) c
vii) a
viii) a
ii) b
iii) a
ii) c
iii) b
ix) b
Section 2 B
1.2.2
i) c
Section 3 C
1.2.3
i) b
iv) c
1.6 Exercises
1.
Complete the following conversations.
A
:
Hello, Kesari Travels. Good Moring, how may I help you ?
B
:
Good Morning, could I …………….. Ram please.
A
:
I’m ……………. Ram is ………………. Station could you
…………… please ?
B
:
Please tell Ram, Deepak called. It is about booking for Delhi.
A
:
Your……………….?
B
:
My phone number is ……………… I am from ………….. to
…………….
25
A
:
Thank you. I’ll ………………….. message.
A
:
Hello, Sanjivani Health Centre. How ………….?
B
:
Will you please ………… ?
B
:
I will.
A
:
I am ………………. Dr. Deshmukh is in ……………….. would you
like to ………………… ?
B
:
Please ask him, if tomorrow at 10 suits him for the meeting. Tell him
to call me.
A
:
May I know ………………. Please.
B
:
Its …………………..
A
:
Thank you. I’ll ………………….
A
:
Hello, HDFC bank, how …………………?
B
:
Mr. Deshmukh from Sangli calling. What are your working hours ?
A
:
We are ……………….. from 9 to 6 from Monday to Friday. On
Saturday from 9 to 3
B
:
O.K. Thank you.
A
:
You’re …………………… thank ……………. for …………….?
2.
3.
4.
Suppose you are Anil Murthi. Write a fax to your business associate in Delhi to
receive you at the airport and to arrange for your accommodation in Delhi for
two days. Inform about your flight and time of arrival. Imagine necessary
details.
5.
Suppose you are manager of company. Send fax to your sales manager asking
him to send the details of sales during the last six months. Imagine necessary
details.
6.
Write an e-mail to travel company requesting to send the proposed plans of
Europe tour in Diwali vacation. Imagine necessary details.
26
7.
Write an e-mail to your supplier asking him to send the latest price quotation of
cell phones and schemes of Diwali offer. Imagine necessary details.
8.
Write an e-mail to university authorities to send you the prospectus of a degree
course in food technology. Imagine necessary details.
1.7. Recommended Reading.
Gupta, R.K. (2006) Rapidex English Speaking Course. Delhi : Pustak Mahal
Publication.
Gupta Renu, (2010) A Course in Academic Writing. New Delhi : Orient Black
Swan.
27
Unit-2
Business Communication-II
Writing Notices, Office Orders and Circular Letters
CONTENTS
2.0 Objectives
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Presentation of Subject Matter
2.2.1
Content I: Writing Notices
Self check I & II
2.2.2
Content II: Writing Office Orders
Self check III
2.2.3
Content III: Circular Letters
Self check IV
2.3 Key to Self – Check Exercises
2.4 Summary
2.5 Exercises
2.6 Project Work
2.0. Objectives:After studying this unit, you will be able to :
understand how to write notices, office orders and circular letters.
How to draft the notices of the registered bodies
Understand the difference between the notices on college notice board and the
notices of registered bodies.
Learn, how to handle official correspondence in English like writing
appointment order.
28
To inform the readers with the facts and information about the firm, its policy
and cause of a circular letter.
2.1 Introduction:
In the first part of Business Communication you have studied how external
communication is carried on by making use of devices like telephonic
communication, Fax and E-mails. You have also practiced the skills of formal and
informal telephonic conversation, reporting messages, and drafting E-mails.
In this part of Business Communication you are going to study how to write:
A. Notices and Office Orders
B. Circular letters
which are used frequently for written communication among the different
departmental heads and the other officials on the official matters in the big business
organization.
In big companies and institutions there is a mechanism for sending written or
oral instructions and information to the employees. It uses a certain pattern for its
activities and communication. The Board of Directors is an apex authority that takes
major policy decisions. The Managing Director or Chief Executive Officer(CEO) is
entrusted to implement the policy decisions and pass on necessary information to the
subordinates i.e. departmental managers who in turn give instructions to the
supervisors. They pass on these instructions to administrative and operative staff.
Internal communication includes sending and receiving information within a
business organisation. Such communication is of two types:- Formal and Informal.
Formal communication includes notices, office orders and a circular letter. Formal
communication is of two types: vertical and horizontal. Vertical communication
flows downward i.e. from superior to subordinates or upward i.e. from subordinates
to superiors and horizontal communication takes place between employees of equal
rank, for example, a communication from supervisor to another supervisor.
This unit deals with some tools of business communication like: 1. Notices 2.
Office Orders and 3. Circular Letters
29
2.2. Presentation of Subject Matter
2.2.1 Content I : I. Writing Notices:
Notice is a useful means of communication when many people within the
institute or company have to be informed about new instructions, changes and other
important matters. The tone of the notice is always in the form of request instead of a
command. The important components of a notice are: day, date, and place of a
meeting, the purpose of the notice and designation of the person concerned.
Generally, notices are displayed on a notice board or written on a blackboard in the
company or institute in order to have easy access to all concerned.
Notices in the College:
Often we come across notices on the college notice board. These notices inform
students and other stakeholders what will happen and what has happened. They give
information that is useful for you to do something or not to do something. The
following are some specimen of how they are written:
NOTICE
20th October 2012
The following students of B.Com. I
should see the office superintendant Shri
R.S. Pawar between 11.30 am to 12.30
pm in connection with their compliance
for the Shivaji University Merit
Scholarship on or before Monday, 25th
October 2012.
1)
Shri B.A. Bhosale
2)
Shri J.S. Marathe
3)
Shri K.B. Patil
Since this notice is written on the
notice board of the college, the name of
the college is not necessary on the top
of a notice. They are written precisely
due to shortage of space. The details
such as who should see whom, by what
date and time, the reason and other
necessary details are given. Note the use
of the modal verb ‘should’. It is used to
show obligation, duty or similar idea.
The verb ‘see’ means ‘meet’.
While writing time we use a.m. and
p.m.
a.m.= ante meridian i.e. the time from
midnight to noon
Principal
p.m.= post meridian i.e. the time from
noon to midnight
30
NOTICE
Since notices are official, impersonal
and applicable to all concerned, we use
passive voice in writing them. Passive
voice is used when what is done is to be
made prominent. Note the structure ‘are
required’ and the omission of a
preposition phrase beginning with agent
‘by’. Note also the expression ‘failing
which’ or ‘failing this’ which means ‘if
you fail to return the books’. It is a kind
of warning.
25th February 2013
Students of all classes are required to
return the books borrowed by them to
the library on or before 15th March,
2013. Failing this they will not get their
clearance certificate from the library.
Librarian
See one more example of college notice:
NOTICE
4th February 2013
This notice is about the practical
examination which is compulsory for all
the students in the subject Physical
Education. Note the verb phrases in the
passive form, ‘are informed’, ‘will be
collected’ and ‘will be displayed’.
All the students of B.A. I and B.Com. I
are hereby informed that their
compulsory practical examination in the
subject Physical Education will be
conducted in the last week of February, Active
2013. The detailed schedule of the exam informs
will be displayed shortly.
will display
Director,
will collect
Passive
are informed
will be displayed
will be collected
Department of Sports
You can see here that when there are modal verbs such as will, shall, can, may,
etc., you have to make use of BE + past participle for passive. Modal verbs are used
to express possibility, probability, certainty, uncertainty, compulsion, obligation, etc.
For example:
Active
: She will write a letter.
31
Passive : A letter will be written.
With the help of a teacher, practice more such examples in the class.
Suppose there is a change in the office hours, as a Registrar of the college, you will
write a notice to inform this to students. Let us see how such notice is written:
NOTICE
13th March 2013
The college office will remain open between 10.00 a.m. to 6.00
p.m. instead of 8.00 am. To 4.00 p.m. from Monday, 18th March 2013
every day except on holidays due to University examinations.
Registrar
Principal
This notice is concerned with faculty, non-teaching staff and students of the
college. Note the details given like new office hours along with the old timings and
reason. The day and date of commencement of new working hours are also
mentioned. Both the registrar and the principal have signed this notice as they are
administrative heads of the college.
Self-Check I:
Draft the following notices:
A. As a Librarian of the college, write a notice informing students about the change
in the reading room hours during examination time.
B.
NSS Programme Officer of the college convenes a meeting of volunteers
regarding NSS special camp in the adopted village.
C.
Literary Association in your college is organizing an essay competition on
“Global Warming”. Give details such as length of the essay, medium (Marathi,
English, Hindi), last date of submission, whom to be submitted, etc.
32
II. Notices of Registered Bodies:
Cooperative Societies and Companies registered under Company Act, clubs and
organizations governed under their bye-laws are required to call meetings of their
members, office-bearers, and shareholders. Notices for these meetings are different
than simple notices displayed on the college notice-board. A notice for the general
meeting should be sent to the members 15 days in advance, that is, before the date of
the meeting.
Here is a specimen notice for such a meeting.
Nature Care Club
1………….. ………………….. Nature View Sadar Bazar
Satara 415 001
2………….. …………………………………….. 12th March 2013
3………….. …..
The second meeting of the members of the
4………….. …...
Club will be held at 4-00 p.m. on Monday,
5………….. …… 28th March 2013 in the hall of the club.
6
7………….. ………… All the members are requested to attend the
meeting.
8………….. …………………………………..
Secretary
Copy to:
9………….. …… All the members
Study the format of the notice carefully. The numbers given are explained below:
1.
The name of the organization and its full address
2.
Date of the issue of the notice – 12 March 2012
3.
Serial number of the meeting – second
4.
Time of the meeting - 4.00 p.m.
5.
Date of the meeting – 28th March 2013
33
6.
Place of the meeting – hall of the club
7.
Request to the members
8.
Secretary - a person authorized to issue the notice
9.
Copy to all the members
Sometimes a meeting of all the members especially of club or some social
organization is called for one specific purpose. See for example:
Rotary Club, Karad
A meeting of all the members of the Club will be held
at 5-00 p.m. on Tuesday, 29th Jan. 2013 in the Assembly
Hall of the club to plan and conduct a blood donation
camp on the occasion of birth centenary of Yashwntrao
Chavan.
All the members are requested to be present.
14th January 2013
Secretary
Postponement and Cancellation of a Meeting:
A secretary of an organization may have to send a notice if the meeting is
postponed or cancelled. Such notices may be sent by post or by hand. If too many
people are involved, such a notice may appear in a newspaper.
Youth Welfare Association
Near Telephone Exchange,
Tarabai Park, Kolhapur-3
13th August 2012
Members of the Association are hereby informed that the
General Body Meeting scheduled to be held at Chandvani
Hall, Tarabai Park, Kolhapur on 25th August, 2012 at 5-00
p.m. has been cancelled due to unavoidable circumstances.
The new date will be intimated shortly.
Secretary
34
Note the expressions:
scheduled to be held
due to unavoidable circumstances
Here is another example of a cancellation of a cricket match organized by Satara
Sports Council, Satara:
SATARA SPORTS COUNCIL, SATARA
Near General Post – Office
Satara 415 002.
10th Oct. 2012
The Satara Sports Council, Satara regrets to inform that the
Special T20 Cricket match between S.C. Railway, Miraj and Satara
Sports Club teams which was to be held this morning, has been
cancelled due to heavy rains over the days. Members and the public
who have bought ticket for the match can claim their money from the
club’s office between 9.00 a.m. and 3.00 p.m. on 11th Oct., 2012.
Honorary Secretary
This is a notice for the public and is normally sent to the newspaper or displayed
outside the playground on a notice board. Note the details such as the reason for
postponement, arrangement made to pay back the money of the public, etc.
Self Check II :
Draft a notice for each of the following:
a)
Lions Club, Satara has postponed its annual meeting for the members.
b) Women's Welfare Association, Satara wants to call a meeting of its members to
plan a music and dance competition.
c) Women's Welfare Association, Satara has cancelled its Dandiya Competition.
d) The Gymkhana Department of your college has changed the venue of cricket and
hockey matches.
35
2.2.2 Content II : Writing Office Orders:
Office order is a form of downward communication i.e. it travels from higher
authority to subordinates. Office of the management may find it necessary to send
orders to employees on the occasions like appointment, confirmation, transfer,
promotion, suspension, dismissal, etc. Being a sensitive form of communication, its
drafting should be clear, precise and specific in contents and language. It is generally
issued by the CEO/ Personnel Manager/ Managing Director on the letter head of the
company.
Appointment order states the following facts:
1)
pleasure of the management in appointing employee
2)
The date and time for the candidate to join duties
3)
Post for which he is appointed along with terms and conditions
4)
The details of a salary, allowances and perquisites
Specimen Order
MAHARASHTRA SCOOTERS LTD., SATARA
Office Order
15th December 2012
Ref. No./ 1244 /2012
To,
Shri L.A. Chavan
945 Ramlila,
Saraswati Colony
Karad Dist. Satara 415124
With reference to your application dated 15th November, 2012 and
subsequent interview, I am pleased to inform you that you are appointed
Junior Clerk in the Department of Marketing w. e. f. 1st January, 2013 in the
Scale of Rs. 5200-20000.
Your appointment is on probation for a period of six months after which
36
your services will be confirmed if found satisfactory.
You will be eligible to get all allowances applicable as per the rules and
regulations of the company.
Sd/
Personnel Manager
Copy to :
1. Accounts Department
2. Department of Marketing
The specimen given above shows the essential components of order of appointment:
a)
Name and address of the company on a letterhead
b) Reference number and date of issuing order
c)
Name of the employee and designation
d) Pay scale and nature of appointment
e)
Signing authority/officer
f)
Copy of the order to
Also note abbreviation w. e. f. means ‘with effect from’
After completing probation period satisfactorily, the company or management
sends order of confirmation to the employee stating that his job has been confirmed.
37
Specimen Order
MAHARASHTRA SCOOTERS LTD., SATARA
Office Order
17th June 2013
Ref. No./ 1122 /2013-14
To,
Shri L.A. Chavan
945 Ramlila,
Saraswati Colony
Karad Dist. Satara 415124
I am pleased to inform you that as per the resolution passed in the meeting
of the management your service as a Junior Clerk has been confirmed with
effect from 1st July, 2013.
You will be entitled to the benefits of medical bills, provident fund, gratuity
and pension as per the rules and guidelines of the company.
Sd/
Personnel Manager
Copy to :
1. Accounts Department
2. Department of Marketing
Self - Check III :1)
Draft an office order regarding the appointment of an employee as a Sales
Executive in the head office of a company. Imagine name of a company and
other relevant details.
2)
Insert necessary details in the following office orders:
A)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
38
Ref ---------- / -------------
----------Office Order
Mr Jaywant Patil, Accounts Assistant, is promoted as Senior Accountant with
effect from ….. He will draw a scale of Rs. 6000-100-6500-125-7500 and other
allowances admissible as per the rules of the company.
Sd/
Copy to :---------------------------
--------------------------------
B)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ref -------------- / -------------
-----------------
Office Order
In appreciation of the excellent performance of Mr. Saurabh Thorat in the sales
promotion campaign during the month of June-July 20--- the management is
pleased to grant him a special incentive of Rs. ……… effective from 1.8.20…..
Copy to : ----------------------------------
Sd/
------------------
2.2.3 Content III : WRITING CIRCULAR LETTERS
Circular letters are circulated by business concerned to a large number of its
customers or suppliers. They convey the same message to all those for whom they
are meant. They are letters produced for mass circulation. They are, in fact, like
announcement intended for general circulation. Since they are not directed to specific
customers, they are likely to go unread unless they are attractive, catchy and
colourful. A circular letter is intended for general circulation to customers while an
39
office circular circulates information to all those working in an office. It informs
official matters to organizational members like changes in working schedules,
inviting suggestions from employees, etc.
A circular letter has the following features:
(1) It is an information giving letter intended for general or mass circulation.
(2) It conveys the same message to all concerned.
(3) It must be simple, precise and accurate. A badly designed circular will
circulate bad information. It will negatively affect the interests of the
company.
(4) It does not contain any inside address as it is not meant for specific
customers.
(5) It has to be persuasive and convincing to attract its readers' attention. Most
of the circulars are likely to go unread and unnoticed.
Circular letters are written in the following situations:
(1) Setting up of a new business
(2) Introducing a new product
(3) Extension of existing business
(4) Transfer of existing business
(5) Opening of a new branch
(6) Admission or retirement of a partner, that is, change in constitution of the
firm
(7) Change in prices (increase or decrease) or announcing a sale
(8) Dissolution of business
40
Some specimen circular letters are reproduced below:
(1) Announcing establishment of a new business
IRANI AND COMPANY
Grocers and Provision Merchants
Sitaram Building, M G Road
Bombay 400 001
12th March 2012
Dear sirs,
This is to inform you that we are opening a new high class Grocery and
Provision Stores at the above address. In charge of the store will be Mr Ramesh Patil,
who was formerly manager of the grocery department of the Navy Stores, Mumbai.
His experience of the trade will certainly assist us in selecting the best quality goods,
and running the business on the most efficient lines. We have adequate space to keep
a large variety of stocks at hand in this centre.
It is, of course, impossible for us to prove the quality of our goods and fairness
of their prices unless you are good enough to give us a trial order. We are quite
confident that you will be satisfied with the result.
Yours Faithfully,
Irani and Company
The circular letter given above shows its essential components: a) name of the
company, b) date of issuing a circular, c) salutation, d) purpose of the circular
letter, and e) issuing authority. See that the name of the company is written in
capital letters. Also be careful while writing ‘yours’ and putting a comma after
‘faithfully’ or ‘truly’. Very often you write it as ‘your’s’ which means ‘your is’.
41
(2) Opening of a new branch
FEMININE HEALTH CENTRE
F-108, Rajouri Garden
New Delhi 110 027
5th June 2013
Dear Customers,
Thank you for patronizing and supporting our health centre operating in your
area for the last three years. We are glad to inform you that we have opened a new
branch of our health centre in Moti Nagar Market. The address of the new branch is
C-114 near Aryan Medical Centre, Moti Nagar Market, New Delhi
Our special attractions are lymphatic massages, body therapies, bio-energetic diet
counseling, steam/sauna, Gym/Yoga and aerobics.
You are cordially invited to come at its opening on Friday, 14th June, 2013 from
10.00 am to 8.00 p.m. Special discount is available if you join any of our packages
on the opening day of our centre.
Yours Truly,
Feminine Health Centre
(3) Announcement of a sale
LUCKY SILK STORE
H-39, Main Market, Rajouri Garden
New Delhi- 110 027
7th March 2013
Dear Customers,
We value your clientele and patronage offered to us till date. In our effort to
provide you better services, we are renovating our store with effect from 1st April,
2013. We announce our renovation sale starting from 18th March, 2013 (Sunday) on
all dress materials, saris and suits. Discount rates will vary from 30% to 50% and the
last date of the sale is 31st March, 2013.
42
We hope, you will visit our store and take advantage of our renovation sale.
Yours Faithfully,
Sales Manager
Lucky Silk Store
(4) Announcement of a new Partner
SHRI RAM ENTERPRISES
24, Daryaganj, New Delhi – 110 004
9th March 2013
Dear Customers,
Your continued patronage has helped us expand our business. We are happy to
inform that we have admitted a new partner Mr. Rajendra Pal in order to meet the
growing demands of the customers and ensure prompt deliveries of sports materials.
He was a good sportsperson, with many achievements during his school and college
career. He has been associated with a large manufacturing company in the capacity of
a Deputy Sales Executive. He has good knowledge of supervising, controlling and
promoting sales. We are sure his admission to our company as a partner will be
beneficial to all.
We thank you for cooperation in the past and trust that you will continue to
favour us with your valued business.
Yours Faithfully,
SHRI RAM ENTERPRISES
Self – Check IV:
Write circular letters for the following situations. Imagine other necessary
details.
a)
P. N. Gadgil Jwellers Ltd., Pune wants to open a new branch in Satara.
43
b)
Office of the Navneet Publications Ltd., Mumbai in Satara is shifted to a new
place.
c)
Hindustan Lever Ltd., Mumbai have changed prices of some soaps and
detergent powder.
2.3 Key to Self – Check Exercises
Self-Check-I
a)
NOTICE
24th April 2013
The students of the college are hereby informed that the reading
room will remain open between 6.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. from
Wednesday, 24th April 2013 every day instead of 10.00 to 6.00 p.m.
due to the university examinations.
Librarian
b)
NOTICE
29th Oct. 2012
A meeting of NSS volunteers will be held on Monday, 5th
November 2012 at 11.30 a.m. in the NSS office to discuss the
organization of NSS special camp in Banawadi village. All
concerned should remain present in time.
NSS Programme Officer
c)
NOTICE
8th December 2012
The Literary Association of the college is organizing an essay
competition on the topic “Global Warming”. The essay can be
written in Marathi, Hindi and English language and should not
44
exceed more than 3000 words. Interested students should submit
their essay on or before Saturday 29th January, 2013 to Dr. N. A.
Patil, Chairman of the association. Essays coming after the due date
will not be considered for the competition.
Chairman
Principal
Literary Association
Self – Check II
a)
LIONS CLUB
Near Prabhat Theatre. Satara
13th March, 2013
The Life members of the club are hereby informed that its annual
meeting scheduled to be held on 20th March 2013 at 5.00 p.m. in
Karmveer Bhaurao Patil Hall, Pawai Naka, Satara has been
postponed due to the unavoidable circumstances. The new date will
be informed to you shortly.
Secretary
b)
Women’s Welfare Association
104, Shivaji Circle, Satara
10th March 2013
An urgent meeting of the members of the Association will be
held on Saturday 16th March, 2013 at 5.00 p. m. to discuss the
organization of a national level Music and Dance competition on the
occasion of birth centenary of late Yashwantrao Chavan.
Secretary
45
c)
Women’s Welfare Association
104, Shivaji Circle, Satara
23rd Oct. 2012
Women’s Welfare Association, Satara regrets to inform all
concerned that Dandiya Competition which is held every year on the
occasion of Navratra Festival has been cancelled due severe drought
situation in Satara District.
Secretary
d)
Venutai Chavan College, Karad
Gymkhana Department
10th Oct. 2013
All the team managers and players are hereby informed that the
venue of Shivaji University Satara Zonal Cricket and Hockey
Matches is changed due to heavy rainfall during the last two days.
Now the matches will be held at Shivaji Stadium, Karad as per the
revised schedule
Zonal Secretary
46
Self Check III
1)
Bajaj Auto Ltd. Pune
10th June 2013
Office Order
Ref. No./ 1012/2013-14
To,
Shri J. S. Patil
159, Somawar Peth,
Karad, Satara
As per your application dated 10th April, 2013 and subsequent interview, I
am hereby pleased to appoint you as a Sales Executive in the scale of Rs. 10000150-15000. You are also entitled to get other allowances as per company rules.
Your appointment is on probation for one year. You should join duties on or
before 25th June, 2013.
Sd
Personnel Manager
A)
THORAT INDUSTRIES LTD;
159, MIDC, SATARA
13th June,2013
Ref 1012 /2012-13
Office Order
Mr Jaywant Patil, Accounts Assistant, is promoted as Senior Accountant with
effect from 01st July, 2013. He will draw a scale of Rs. 6000-100-6500-125-7500
and other allowances admissible as per the rules of the company.
Sd/
Copy to :-Accounts Department
Personnel Department
47
B)
MARUTI INDUSTRIES LTD.;
134, MIDC, SHIROLI, KOLHAPUR
25th July,2013
Ref.123 /2013-14
Office Order
In appreciation of the excellent performance of Mr. Saurabh Thorat in the sales
promotion campaign during the month of June 2013, the management is pleased
to grant him a special incentive of Rs. 2000/- effective from 1.8.2013.
Copy to : Accounts Department
Sd/
Personnel Manager
Self Check IV
a)
P N GADGIL AND SONS
59/C Wadgaon Bk. Sinhgad Road, Pune – 411 041
11th April 2013
Dear Customers,
Thank you for your cooperation and support to our showrooms in Pune
and other parts of Maharashtra. We are extremely delighted to inform you
that we are opening a new branch in Satara for the services of our customers
in Satara district from Friday, 19th April, 2013. The address of the new
branch is :
C- 115, Marwadi Chowk, Satara
Our new attractions are ‘Kuber Suvarna Sanchay Yojana’ and 1 %
discount on labor charges for necklace and mangalsutra. This offer is valid
only for a limited period of time. You are cordially invited to visit our
showroom between 10.30 a.m. to 9.00 p.m.
Yours faithfully,
Manager
P N Gadgil & Sons, Satara
48
b)
NAVNEET PUBLICTIONS LTD., MUMBAI
145, Shivsagar, Shivaji Circle, Satara
11th April 2013
Dear Customers,
This is to inform you that we are shifting our office in Satara to a
new spacious air conditioned office from 15th April, 2013. The
address of the new office is:
945. Rajlaxmi Chambers, Sadar Bazar, Satara
We expect that you will extend the full cooperation and support
at this place also.
Yours faithfully,
For Navneet Publications
Ltd. Mumbai
2.4. Summary:In this unit you have learnt how English is used for writing notices, office orders
and circular letters in a business organization. We can see that an authority asks an
employee to draft notices which must include important things like day, date, place
and purpose of a meeting and designation of the person concerned.
You have learnt how office orders related to posting, promotion, confirmation,
suspension, etc. are written carefully as it is a very sensitive form of communication.
You have also studied how to circulate messages to a large number of customers and
suppliers through a circular letter, letters that circulate messages. The use of the ‘you’
attitude, catchy words and sentences are essential in order to make it more interesting
and effective.
2.5 Exercises:1)
As a chairman of the Discipline committee, write a notice banning the entry of
the strangers in the college campus.
49
2)
Write an office order asking employee to submit their monthly work report
within stipulated time.
3)
Draft a circular letter announcing the retirement of a partner of your firm.
2.6 Project Work:1)
Visit nearby firm and study how the administration is run.
50
Unit-3
Preparing C.V. & Writing a letter of Application
CONTENTS
3.0 Objectives
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Writing a letter of Application for a job.
3.3 Self Assessment Questions.
3.4 Curriculum Vitae.
3.5 Self Assessment Questions
3.6 Difficult Words and Concepts
3.7 Key to Answers
3.0 Objectives :
After reading this unit, you will be able to :
•
Select an advertisement for a job.
•
Write an application letter for a job
•
Prepare your curriculum vitae
•
Write your standard C.V.
3.1 Introduction:
Writing letter is one of the most important activities in the world of business.
We have to write various types of letters regularly in the business or in the
organization. They are various types of letters. A letter of application is a business
letter. It has one additional element i.e. Curriculum Vitae.
51
In this unit you will learn about writing letter of application for a job and
Curriculum Vitae. A letter of application is a response to an advertisement in the
newspapers or different advertisements on websites and magazines. It is
representative of your ability and qualities. It is your appeal to the prospective
employer. It is accompanied by C.V. A C.V. is profile of your career, qualification,
work experience, additional information, interest and references.
Tasks and examples in this unit will help you to understand various parts of
letter of application and C.V.
You will be graduated in a couple of years. After your graduation, you may
choose to go for post graduation studies. But many of you will choose to go for a job.
Then your search for job will start. You must know that good and lucrative jobs are
given only to the studious, descent and qualified persons. So it is necessary for you
to learn enthusitically and with tremendous interest different skills like writing and
speaking in English during the years of your graduation.
When you start looking for a job, you need to search different newspapers,
magazines and Internet and also wide reading will help you to know various types of
job opportunities in various fields. Then you can decide to send application letter
only to those organizations or employers who is offering better package and quite
suitable to your educational and background of experience.
After selecting the employer or organization you can send the application to the
same. But keep it in mind that writing application letter is a task of a great
importance. Your application letter is your personality for the employer. So you
have to make sure that you write letter with tremendous care, seriousness and
passion. Your application letter is a key for your entrance in the organization.
Before you start writing application letter make sure that you have done the
following things.
•
You have read the advertisement most carefully.
•
You have gathered maximum information about the organization.
•
You have necessary qualification and documents.
52
Generally, there are two types of application letters. First, you write a letter of
application as a response to advertisement of organization. But sometimes you, write
application letter thinking that they are vacancies or there will be vacancies in the
organizations which are huge and working through various branches and
departments.
Application letter written as a response to the advertisement is called as
solicited letter of application and application letter written without any
advertisement is called as unsolicited letter of application.
Usually good application has the following points.
•
Application letter assures that application will serve the purpose and interest of
the organization.
•
It gives all the information that is required by employer or the organization.
•
It is complete in itself with giving all important things and avoiding all
unnecessary things.
•
It states things clearly, neatly and in good descent language.
•
It has everything that is asked for and speaks most positively making it strong
case for interview.
Following are the general precautions for application letter.
•
Application letter must follow the chosen pattern of the letter correctly from the
beginning till the end of it.
•
Begin application with your interest in the post and how you have learned of the
vacancy. Don't forget to mention post / position, the name and date of
application.
•
Write a paragraph telling about your qualities, abilities and experience you have
which suits for the post/position. Don't write the information that is mentioned
in the C.V.
•
Application letter is ended with formal request and complimentary close.
•
Mention the enclosures without fail.
53
3.2 Writing a letter of Application for a job
Patterns of Application Letter.
There are two formats of application letters.
i) British Format ii) American Format
First, observe the British Format.
1. Letter Head
2. Date :
3.
4.
5.
6.
Inside address
Subject
Salutation
i) Introduction
ii) Content
iii) Conclusion
7. Complimentary Close
8. Signature
9. Enclosures. :
American format of Application Letter
1.
Letter head
2.
Date
3.
Inside address
4.
Subject
5.
Salutation
54
6.
i)
Introduction
ii) Content
iii) Conclusion
7.
Complimentary Clause
8.
Signature :
9.
Enclosures :
The British format and American format of application letters are different from
each other. You can select one of the patterns. But you must not mix up the patterns.
Now lets try to know little more about different points of both formats.
1.
The letter head : Write name and address of an applicant.
2.
Date : Prefer writing date by leaving one space below the letter head. You may
write the date in the following manner.
1) 16th May, 2013 - British Style
2) May, 16, 2013 - American Style
3) 16-5-2013 - Indian Style
3.
Inside address : Leave one space below the date and write the recipients
designation address of the organization as shown in the pattern.
4.
Subject : State the subject in short and in block letters.
5.
Salutation : You may use the following expressions
(i) Sir/Dear Sir / Dear Sirs - if the name of the organization suggests partnership.
6.
Body of the letter : Write about your request, content, qualification and
experience etc. politely in brief. In case if don't have any experience, you can
say that you will learn things with lot of interest and hard work to do your job on
your own at the earliest.
7.
Conclusion : In the concluding paragraph make a polite request for an interview
call.
8.
Complimentary close: Leave one space below the last line of the body.
Following are the common compliments.
55
i)
Yours faithfully
ii) Faithfully yours
iii) Truly yours
iv) Yours truly
v)
You can use sincerely yours if the name of the addressee is used in salutation.
9.
Signature: Put your signature in full below complimentary close and write your
name in the bracket below the signature.
10. Enclosures: Leave two spaces below the signature and write 'Enclosures'. Here
you should write a list of documents you have attached to the letter.
Now observe the following application letter in the American Format very carefully.
Rajan Sharma
45, Shree Nivas,
Rajarampuri 11th Lane,
Kolhapur - 416008.
May, 16, 2013
The Manager,
Hero Honda Ltd;
MIDC, Pimpari
Pune - 400 018.
Sub :- APPLICATION FOR THE POSITION OF CLERK.
Dear Sir,
With reference to your advertisement in 'The Times of India' dated May, 10,
2013, I wish to apply for the post of Junior Clerk in your organization.
I am a commerce graduate from Shivaji University. After completing my
graduation, I have worked as a clerk in a couple of firms. I have also completed a
Diploma in Computer Applications. I am comfortable in English and Marathi and
Hindi.
56
My C.V. is enclosed for your consideration. I wish to make my career in
administration. I ensure you that I will make every possible efforts for the growth of
the organization. I do hope that I shall have an opportunity of an interview.
Faithfully yours,
…………………..
………………….
Enclosures:
i) C.V.
ii) Certificate of Graduation
iii) Certificate of diploma in Computer Application
3.3 Self Assessment Questions
A) Choose the correct alternative and complete the following sentences :
1.
Candidate may start searching for a job through .............
I.
2.
articles II. letters
....... is attached with a letter of application.
I. Money
3.
II. Newspaper
III. C.V.
There are ......... types of letters of application.
I.
4.
III. websites
1
II. 3
III. 2
The opening of application letter should express your interest in .....
I.
Hobbies II. Post
III. Advertisement
B) Say True or false :
1)
If you combine American and British Format of letters, it creates better
impression.
2)
Letter of application must give the details of your profile or career.
3)
Application letter is written as a response to the advertisements is called as
unsolicited letter of application.
4)
Application letter ends with formal request.
5)
Application letter need not follow the chosen format completely.
57
Task II :
1)
Write application letter for the post of Financial Manager as a response to the
following advertisement.
WANTED
Financial Manager
suitable candidates may apply to
The Managing Director,
Tata Steel Company,
310, MIDC, Thane, 416 057
2)
Write Application letter as a response to following advertisement in British
format.
3)
Write application letter of a response to following advertisement in American
format.
Bajaj Auto Finance
102, M. K. Gandhi Road,
Kolhapur. 416 009,
Wanted Sales Executive,
Sincere and hardworking
graduates can apply immediately.
3.4 Curriculum Vitae :
Resume or Bio-data is called as a Curriculum Vitae (C.V.) in North America.
But resume and C.V. have different formats in the modern day world of job
applications. A C.V. and resume are a brief account of a person's qualification and
previous occupation / experiences and skills etc.
Importance of C.V. :
The first thing in the minds of all candidates is a good placement. And journey
to it, begins with C.V. Before writing a C.V. You must know true function of C.V.
58
A C.V. is a persuasive business message for the employer. A C.V. should encourage
the employer to invite you for interview. In simple words your purpose in writing a
C.V. is to create curiosity and interest in the mind of the employer. But it is not
complete information of you with every details about you.
Successful C.V. :
A successful C.V. creates right impression in form and function. It convinces
the employer to invite a candidate for a meeting or interview. It also expresses what a
candidate has to offer very clearly. It highlights value to employer. Successful C.V.
is a selling document. A selling C.V. is not one day exercise. It is a life long process.
You need to update your skills relevant for successful job or responsibility and learn
in the organization all the time. You should start thinking about your future at present
time. You can learn different skills and complete courses related to your field or may
be courses like communication in English. A C.V. shows signs and career progress
over period of time even if you are applying for the first time for some job.
Contents or parts of good C.V. :
1.
Name
2.
Objective
3.
Residential address
4.
Contact No.
5.
E-mail address
6.
Summary of qualification.
•
Education (Highest to 10th)
•
Skills
•
Technical
7.
Work experience (starting from the current to the first)
8.
Computer Literacy
9.
Key words
10. Date of Birth
11. Marital Status
59
12. Honours/rewards/achievements
13. Hobbies / special interests
14. References
Important Tips of successful C.V.
1.
Career Objective: You should know your position and goal of your career. You
may write clearly and specifically about your purpose, for example, you may
mention. To get more knowledge and gather experience so that I can grow with the
organization and make myself a valuable person for the organization.
2.
Make sure that your C.V. is not more than one and half page at the most.
Remember you are giving complete information relevant to the position and not
about yourself.
3.
Edit your C.V. carefully and effectively to make your C.V. successful.
4.
If your C.V. exceeds one page then write 'Continued' at the bottom of the first
page.
5.
Use traditional type face.
Being professional you are not expected to use fancy typefaces. You should
stick with Times, Bookman or Palatino.
Jayashree (Time)
Vedantika (Bookman)
Vanaja (Platino)
6.
Select a readable size
You may use 12 point type for a C.V. Anything less than 10 point is small point
type. You can make header 2 points higher than your body type for example
Objective (14 points)
To begin a career as an executive /clerk in the field of Insurance, Banking,
Mutual funds and to grow a important position in the organization (12 points).
7.
Don't mix type faces
60
C.V.is not place to show your artistic skill. Select one and stick to it.
8.
Highlight with bold face type
It is good to use bold face to attract the attention to certain important facts. But
don't use it frequently because it will loose the necessary effect.
9.
Use all captital letters for section heads. Use caps for your name header and
section heads example - PROFILE.
Master in the business management and marketing. Ten years experience in
HR, Marketing and operations. Awarded with Executive of the year by HCL
Ltd; Trained in NIIT in programming and networking.
10. Don't use Italic type.
Use of Italic will help only to detract the reader.
Example - Conducted various seminar on marketing (Incorrect)
Conducted various seminar on marketing (correct)
11. Use margins correctly
Leave at one inch margin at the top of the page and one inch borders on three
sides.
12. Don't use hyphens :
Hyphens breakup words and it may not help reading.
13. Space between lines should be single space and 1.5 line between paragraphs.
This type of spacing creates attractive and balanced look.
14. Highlight accomplishments with bullets.
important point is not in a paragraph.
It is useful because sometimes
15. When you have bulleted items don't write more than two to three lines.
Otherwise it will loose its effect. Bullets are used for providing information
precisely.
16. Keep your lines short.
Short lines help readers to read without much strain or time.
17. Prepare your C.V. as per requirement
61
Your must have standard C.V. but you should sent C.V. as per requirements of
the position.
Example of C.V.
Name
:
Mr. Sachin Anil Mane
Objective
:
To know more about account and gather experience
so that
I can grow with organization and make myself as a
valuable person for the organization.
Residential address
:
Plot No.IIIA/S, Rajeevnagar, 4th Lane, Kolhapur.
Contact No.
:
Mobile : 942351415
Qualification
:
Exam/
Board/
Subject
College
University
B.Com.
Shivaji University
Accountancy
H.S.C.
Kolhapur Board
S.S.C.
Kolhapur Board
Technical Skills
:
Work Experience
:
Period
June 2012
onwards
to
Percent
Class
Year of
Obtained
passing
73
Distinction
2011
All
71
Distinction
2008
All
68
First Class
2006
Technical proficiency in Excel, Access, Word and
Power point.
Name of the organization
2013 New Speed Types Ltd, Kolhapur.
June 2011 to Dec. 2011
M/s. Kanase & Company, Kolhapur
Computer Literacy
:
Certificate in Computer Applications
Key Words
:
Accountant, Computer Operator,
Date of Birth
:
1-8-1991
62
Position
Accountant
Clerk
Marital Status
:
Unmarried
Interests & Hobbies
:
Listening Music, Reading different magazines
References
:
1. Dr. K.S. Kale
H.O.D. Deptt. of Commerce,
The New College, Kolhapur.
2. Shri. R. K. Samudre,
Manager, New Speed Types Ltd; Kolhapur.
15, Laxmipuri, Kolhapur.
3.5 Task : III : Self Assessment Questions
1)
(a) Write your personal information
Name
:
.......................
Address
:
.......................
E-mail
:
.......................
Phone
:
.......................
Date of Birth
:
.......................
Age
:
.......................
Marital Status
:
.......................
Sex
:
.......................
Nationality
:
.......................
Languages known :
.......................
(b) Give details of your educational qualifications in the following table :
Exam/
Board/
Degree
University
Subject
B.Com.
H.S.C.
S.S.C.
63
Percentage
Class
Year of
Obtained
Passing
(c) Imagine that you are working as accountant and write your work
experience in the following table.
Experience :
Name of the
Employer
Position
Work period
Nature of duty
(d) 1) Imagine and write your additional information about your participation in
sports and computer knowledge.
2)
Imagine that you are graduate and prepare your own standard C.V.
3)
Write a letter of application in reply to the following advertisement.
Wanted a DTP Operator with good knowledge of
English, Knowledge of Computer must,
Experienced candidate will be given preference.
Apply, Manager, New Design Ltd. 11th lane
Shahupuri, Kolhapur.
4)
Write suitable C.V. for the above advertisement.
5)
Write a letter of application in reply to the following advertisement
Graduate
with
passion
for
sales,
good
communication skills in English and Hindi is
essential, candidates should have a two wheeler with
driving license, apply within 10 days. Manager,
Dabour India Ltd., Plot No.10, MIDC, Pune.
Prepare C.V. which is suitable to the above advertisement.
64
3.6 Difficult Words & concepts :
Curriculum Vitae : brief written account of one’s past history used when
applying for a job etc.
position : Person’s place or rank in relation to other in employments.
post : Job
profile : brief biography
prospective : who is one day to be., in future
reliable : that may be relied or depended upon
testimonial : certificate; written statement testifying to a person’s merits,
abilities, qualifications etc.
3.7 Key to answers :
3.3 Task I :
A. a. 1- websites
2- C.V.
3- 2. 4-
post
B. b. 1- false, 2- false, 3- false, 4- true, 5- false
Task II : 1)
C.S. Mane,
30, Shahupuri 4th Lane,
Pant Marg, Kolhapur -416 001.
20th June 2013.
The Managing Director,
Tata Steel Company,
310, MIDC, Thane, 416 057.
Sub :- Application for the post of Financial Manager.
Dear Sir,
Your advertisement for the post of Financial Manager in The Times of India of
13 September, 2013 interested me because I have the kind of training and
experience which you expect in the person you are looking for.
th
65
After my M. Com. I specialized in Management Accountancy while working for
my MBA degree. Then one year’s training as Management Accountant and
subsequent experience of working as assistant Financial Manager in Kalyani Forge,
Pune has given me an insight into budgeting, accounting and financial control.
I have indicated details of my qualification, experience etc. in the enclosed C.V.,
for your kind consideration. I would be grateful to you if you consider my
application favourably. My C.V. is attached herewith.
Your’s Faithfully,
(C.S. Mane)
Encl : C.V.
2)
Write British format on your own.
3)
Write American format on your own.
3.5 Task III : 1)(a) Write your personal information in the blank places.
Task III : 1) (b): Write your own information in the given table.
Task III : 1) (c) Imagine that you are working as accountant and write your work
experience in the following table.
Experience :
Name of the
Employer
Menon Ltd.
MIDC Thane
GPT Transport
Kolhapur.
Position
Work period
Nature of duty
Accountant
Sept. 13th
onward
June 12 th to
Aug 13 th
To keep Company’s
Account
To keep company’s
account
Accountant
66
Task III : (d) 1) Write your additional information about your participation in sports
and computer knowledge.
Sports :
1)
Played football for The New College, Kolhapur
1)
Selected in Shivaji University, Football Team
2)
Received best player award in Kolhapur Football Association’s Tournaments.
Computer Knowledge :
1)
Completed MS-CIT Course
2)
Completed Tally
Task : III) d) 2) Write on your own.
Task : III) d) 3) Write on your own.
Task : III) d) 4) Write on your own
Task : III) d) 5) Write on your own
Task : III) d) 6) Write on your own
67
Unit-4
Growing Up
Joyce Cary
Content
4.0 Objectives
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Text part I
4.3 Text part II
4.4 Exercises
4.5 Vocabulary exercises
4.6 Summary
4.7 Answers to the Questions
4.8 Writing Activity
4.0 Objectives
In this unit you are going to learn about :
Joyce Cary as a story writer.
changing relations between the parents and their daughters when they grow
up
how to accept the change and behave accordingly
how to describe an incident in English making proper use of tenses, direct
and reported speech etc.
4.1 Introduction
Joyce Cary was a man, and this was his real name. When he died in 1957, he
had become accepted widely as one of our best modern novelists. He wrote about
many different things- Africa, children, painters and their lives- but always with
68
generosity and a sharp intelligence. In this story, which is told without tricks of style
or fireworks of any kind, many readers will be amused to recognize themselves ; but
Cary shows us that “growing up”, whether at thirteen or at fifty-two, can be a
disconcerting challenge.
4.2 Text part I
Robert Quick, coming home after a business trip, found a note from his wife.
She would be back at four, but the children were in the garden. He tossed down his
hat, and still in his dark business suit, which he disliked very much, made at once for
the garden.
He had missed his two small girls and looked forward eagerly to their greeting.
He had hoped indeed that they might, as often before, have been waiting at the corner
of the road, to flag the car, and drive home with him.
The Quicks’ garden was a wilderness. Except for a small Vegetable patch near
the pond, and one bed where Mrs. Quick grew flowers for the house, it had not been
touched for years. Old apple trees tottered over seedy laurels, unpruned roses. Tall
ruins of dahlias and delphiniums hung from broken sticks.
The original excuse for this neglect was that the garden was for the children.
They should do what they liked there. The original truth was that neither of the
Quicks cared for gardening. Besides, Mrs. Quick was too busy with family, council,
and parish affairs, Quick with his office, to give time to a hobby that bored them
both.
But the excuse had become true. The garden belonged to the children, and Quick
was even proud of it. He would boast of his wild garden, so different from any
neighbour’s shaved grass and combed beds. It had come to seem, for him, a triumph
of imagination and this afternoon, once more, he found it charming in its wildness,
an original masterpiece among gardens.
And, in fact, with the sun just warming up in mid May, slanting steeply past the
trees, and making even old weeds shine red and gold, it had the special beauty of
untouched woods, where there is still, even among closely farmed lands, a little piece
of free nature left, a suggestion of the frontier, primeval forests.
69
“A bit of real wild country,” thought Quick, a townsman for whom the country
was a place for picnics. And he felt at once released, escaped. He shouted, “Hullo,
hullo, children.”
There was no answer. And he stopped, in surprise. Then he thought, “They’ve.
gone to meet me—I’ve missed them.” And this gave him both pleasure and dismay.
The last time the children had missed him, two years before, having gone a mile
down the road and lain in ambush behind a hedge, there had been tears. They had
resented being searched for, and brought home; they had hated the humiliating
failure of their surprise.
But even as he turned back towards the house, and dodged a tree, he caught
sight of Jenny, lying on her stomach by the pond, with a book under her nose. Jenny
was twelve and had lately taken furiously to reading.
Quick made for the pond with long steps, calling, “Hullo, hullo, Jenny, hullo,”
waving. But Jenny merely turned her head slightly and peered at him through her
hair. Then she dropped her cheek on the book as if to say, “Excuse me, it’s really too
hot.”
And now he saw Kate, a year older. She was sitting on the swing, leaning
sideways against a rope, with her head down, apparently in deep thought. Her bare
legs, blotched with mud, lay along the ground, one foot hooked over the other. Her
whole air was one of languor and concentration. To her father’s “Hullo,” she
answered only in a faint muffled voice, “Hullo, Daddy.”
“Hullo, Kate.” But he said no more and did not go near. Quick never asked for
affection from his girls. He despised fathers who flirted with their daughters, who
encouraeed them to love. It would have been especially wrong, he thought, with
these two. They were naturally impulsive and affectionate-Jenny had moods of
passionate devotion, especially in the last months. She was growing up, he thought,
more quickly than Kate, and she was going to be an exciting woman, strong in all her
feelings, intelligent, reflective. “Well, Jenny,” he said, “what are you reading now?”
But the child answered only by a slight wriggle of her behind.
Quick was amused at his own disappointment. He said to himself, “Children
have no manners but at least they’re honest they never pretend.” He fetched himseld
a deck chair and the morning paper, which he had hardly looked at befope his early
start on the road. He would make the best of things. At fifty-two, having lost most of’
70
his illusiols, he was good at making the best of things. “It’s a lovely day,” he
thought, “and I’m free till Sunday night.” He looked round him as he opened the
paper and felt again the pleasure of the garden. What a joy, at last, to be at peace.
And the mere presence of the childrel was a pleasure. Nothing could deprive him of
that. He was home again.
Jenny had got up and wandered away among the trees; her legs too were bape
and dirty, and her dress had a large green stain at the side. She had been in the pond.
And now Kate allowed herself to collapse slowly out of the swing and lay on her
back with her hair tousled in the dirt, her arms thrown apart, her small dirty hands
with black nails turned palm upwards to the sky. Her cocker bitch, Snort, came
loping and sniffing, uttered one short bark and rooted at her mistress’s legs. Kate
raised one foot and tickled her stomach, then rolled over and buried her face in her
arms. When Snort tried to push her nose under Kate’s thigh as if to turn her over, she
made a half kick and murmured, “Go away, Snort.”
“Stop it, Snort,” Jenny echoed in the same meditative tone. The sisters adored
each other and one always came to the other help. But Snort only stopped a momelt
to gaze at Jenny, then tugged at Kate’s dress. Kate made another more energetic kick
and said, “Oh, do go away, Snort.”
Jenny stopped in her languid stroll, snatched a bamboo from the border, and
hurled it at Snort like a spear.
The bitch, startled, uttered a loud uncertain bark and approached, wagging her
behind so vigorously that she curled her body sideways at each wag. She was not
sure if this was a new game, or if she had committed some grave crime. Jenny gave a
yell and rushed at her. She fled yelping. At once Kate jumped up, seized another
bamboo and threw it, shouting, “Tiger, tiger.”
The two children dashed after the bitch, laughing, bumping together, falling
over each other and snatahing up anything they could find to throw at the fugitive,
pebbles, dead daffodils, bits of flower-pots, lumps of earth. Snort, horrified, overwhelmed, dodged to and fro, barked hysterically, crazily, wagged her tail in
desperate submission; finally put it between her legs and crept whining between a
broken shed and the wall.
71
Robert was shocked. He was fond of the sentimental foolish Snort, and he saw
her acute misery. He called to the children urgently, “Hi, Jenny don’t do that. Don’t
do that, Kate. She’s frightened you might put her eye out. Hi, stop —stop.”
This last cry expressed real indignation. Jenny had got hold of a rake and was
trying to hook Snort by the collar. Robert began to struggle out of his chair. But
suddenly Kate turned round, aimed a pea-stick at him and shouted at the top of her
voice. “Yield, Paleface.” Jenny at once turned and cried, “Yes, yes—Paleface,
yield.” She burst into a shout of laughter and could not speak, but rushed at the man
with the rake carried like a lance.
The two girls, staggering with laughter, threw themselves upon their father.
“Paleface—Paleface Robbie. Kill him-scalp-him. Torture him.”
They tore at the man and suddenly he was frightened. It seemed to him that both
the children, usually so gentle, so “affectionate, had gone completely mad,
vindictive. They were hurting him, and he did not know how to defend himself
without hurting them, without breaking their skinny bones, which seemed as fragile
as a bird’s legs. He dared not even push too hard against the thin ribs which seemed
to bend under his hand. Snort, suddenly recovering confidence, rushed barking from
cover and seized this new victim by the sleeve, grunting and tugging.
“Hi,” he shouted, trying to catch at the bitch. “Call her off, Kate. Don’t, don’t,
children.” But they battered at him, Kate was jumping on his stomach, Jenny had
seized him by the collar as if to strangle him. Her face, close to his own, was that of a
homicidal maniac; her eyes were wide and glaring, her lips were curled back to show
all her teeth. And he was really strangling. He made a violent effort to throw the
child off, but her hands were firmly twined in his collar. He felt his ears sing. Then
suddenly the chair gave way all three fell with a crash. Snort, startled, and perhaps
pinched, gave a yelp, and snapped at the man’s face.
Notes and glossary
toss (v): to throw something lightly or carelessly
totter (v): to fall
ambush (n): the act of hiding and waiting and then making a surprise attack
dodge (v): to move quickly and suddenly to one side to avoid something
72
languor (n): the pleasant state of feeling lazy and without energy
impulsive (aj.): acting suddenly without thinking about the consequences
cocker (n): type of dog with soft hair
hurl (v): to throw something violently in a particular direction
snatch (v): to take something quickly and often rudely
hysterically (av): in an uncontrolled way
wag (v): move from side to side
yield (v): to stop resisting something
vindictive (aj): trying to harm or upset somebody
seize (v): to capture somebody
yelp (n): to give a sudden short cry
snap (v): to try to bite somebody
Task – 1
A. Complete the following statements choosing the correct alternative from the
ones given below them.
1)
Robert Quick had ----daughter/s.
a) one
2)
b) in the house
c) in the garden d) in the street
b) government
c) parents
b)
wife
c) ancestors
d) wild garden
The garden had the special beauty in -----------------a) mid-March b) mid-May
6)
d) children
Quick would boast of his ------------a) children
5)
d) three
The garden belonged to the --------------a) parents
4)
c) two
When Quick came home, the children were ---------a) at school
3)
b) no
c) August
Kate was ---------------- year/s old.
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d) June
a) twelve
7)
eleven
c) thirteen
d) one
Mr. Quick felt that children have no manners but at least they’re ----------a) punctual
8)
b)
b) honest
c) generous
d) full of respect
c)
d) envied
The sisters ------------- each other
a) hated
b) loved
adored
B. Answer the following questions in one sentence each.
1)
Where were the children when Quick came home?
2)
What was the original excuse for the neglect of the garden?
3)
What did Quick dislike very much?
4)
Whom did the garden belong?
5)
What was the country for Quick?
6)
How old was Jenny?
7)
How old was Kate?
8)
How old was Quick?
9)
What was Quick good at?
10) What was the name of the bitch?
11) What did the children throw at Snort?
12) Whom did Kate call as Paleface?
4.3 Text part 2
Kate was lying across his legs, Jenny on his chest; she still held his collar in
both hands. But now, gazing down at him, her expression changed. She cried, “Oh,
she’s bitten you. Look, Kate.” Kate, rolling off his legs, came to her knees. “So she
has, bad Snort.”
The girls were still panting, flushed, struggling with laughter. But Jenny
reproached her sister, “It’s not a joke. It might be poisoned.”
“I know,” Kate was indignant. But burst out again into helpless giggles.
74
Robert picked himself up and dusted his coat. He did not utter any reproaches.
He avoided even looking at the girls in case they should see his anger and surprise.
He was deeply shocked. He could not forget Jenny’s face, crazy, murderous; he
thought, “Not much affection there. she wanted to hurt. It was as if she hated me.”
It seemed to him that something new had broken into his old simple and happy
relation with his daughters; that they had suddenly receded from him into a world of
their own in which he had no standing, a primitive, brutal world.
He straightened his tie. Kate had disappeared; Jenny was gazing at his forehead
and trying to suppress her own giggles. But when he turned away, she caught his
arm, “Oh Daddy, where are you going?”
“To meet your mother—she must be on her way.”
“Oh, but you can’t go like that —we’ve got to wash your bite.”
“That’s all right, Jenny. It doesn’t matter.”
“But Kate is getting the water and it might be quite bad.”
And now, Kate, coming from the kitchen with a bowl of water, called out
indignantly, “Sit down, Daddy —sit down — how dare you get up.”
She was playing the stern nurse. And in fact, Robert, though still in a mood of
disgust, found himself obliged to submit to this new game. At least it was more like a
game. It was not murderous. And a man so plump and bald could not allow himself
even to appear upset by the roughness of children. Even though the children would
not understand why he was upset, why he was shocked.
“Sit down at once, man,” Jenny said. “Kate, put up the chair.”
Kate put up the chair, the two girls made him sit down, washed the cut, painted
it with iodine, stuck a piece of plaster on it. Mrs. Quick, handsome, rosy, goodnatured, practical, arrived in the middle of this ceremony, with her friend Jane
Martin, Chairman of the Welfare Committee. Both were much amused by the scene,
and the history of the afternoon. Their air said plainly to Robert, “All you children —
amusing yourselves while we run the world.”
Kate and Jenny were sent to wash and change their dirty frocks. The committee
was coming to tea. And at tea, the two girls, dressed in smart clean frocks, handed
round cake and bread and butter with demure and reserved looks. They knew how to
75
behave at tea, at a party. They were enjoying the dignity of their own performance.
Their eyes passed over their father as if he did not exist, or rather as if he existed
only as another guest, to be waited on.
And now, seeking as it were a new if lower level of security, of resignation, he
said to himself, “Heavens, but what did I expect? In a year or two more I shan’t
count at all. Young men will come prowling, like the dog’s after Snort. I shall be an
old buffer, useful only to pay bills.”
The ladies were talking together about a case-the case of a boy of fourteen, a
nice respectable boy, most regular at Sunday school, who had suddenly robbed his
mother’s till and gone off in a stolen car. Jenny, seated at her mother’s feet, was
listening intently, Kate was feeding chocolate roll to Snort, and tickling her chin.
Quick felt all at once a sense of stuffiness. He wanted urgently to get away, to
escape. Yes, he needed some male society, he would go to the club. Probably no one
would be there but the card-room crowd, and he could not bear cards. But he might
find old Wilkins in the billiard room. Wilkins at seventy was a crashing, a dreary
bore, who spent half his life at the club who was always telling you how he had
foreseen the slump, and how clever he was at investing his money. What good was
money to old Wilkins? But, Quick thought, he could get up a game with Wilkins,
pass an hour or two with him, till dinner-time, even dine with him. He could phone
his wife. She would not mind. She rather like a free evening for her various accounts.
And he need not go home till the children were in bed.
And when after tea, the committee members pulled out their agenda, he stole
away. Suddenly, as he turned by the corner house, skirting its front garden wall, he
heard running steps and a breathless call. He turned, it was Jenny. She arrived,
panting, holding herself by the chest. “Oh, I couldn’t catch you.”
“What is it now, Jenny?”
“1 wanted to look at the cut.”
Robert began to stoop. But she cried, “No, I’ll get on the wall, Put me up.”
He lifted her on the garden wall which made her about a foot taller than himself.
Having reached this superior position she poked the plaster.
“I just wanted to make sure it was sticking. Yes, it’s all right.”
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She looked down at him with an expression he did not recognize. What was the
game, medical, material? Was she going to laugh? But the child frowned. She was
also struck by something new and unexpected,
Then she tossed back her hair. “Good-bye.” She jumped down and ran off, The
man walked slowly towards the club, “No,” he thought, “not quite a game —not for
half a seeond. She’s growing up — and so am I.”
Notes and glossary
reproach(v): to blame or criticize somebody
recede (v): to move away from somebody
giggle (v): to laugh in a silly way
demure (aj): quiet and serious
till (n): the drawer where the money is kept
stuffiness(n): boredom
dreary (aj): dull and not interesting
homicidal (aj): likely to kill another person
Task -2
A. Complete the following statements choosing the correct alternative from the
ones given below them.
1)
-------------------- came from the kitchen with a bowl of water.
a) Jenny
2)
b) Robert Quick
c) Kate
d) Mrs. Quick
Mrs. Quick arrived with her friend ---------------a) Wilkins
b) Robert Quick
c) Snort
d) Jane Martin
3) ---------------- wanted to look at the cut.
a) Jenny
b) Kate
c) Mr. Quick
B. Answer the following questions in one sentence each.
1.
Why did Quick avoid looking at the girls?
2.
What type of a woman Mrs. Quick was?
77
d) Mrs. Quick
3.
Who was Jane Martin?
4.
Why did Quick want to get away from the tea party?
5.
Why would Mrs. Quick not mind Mr. Quick dining with Wilkins?
6.
Why did Jenny want to get on the wall?
4.4 Exercises
A. Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences each :
1)
What did Quick find when he came home?
2)
What was the original truth about the Quicks?
3)
Why would Quick boast of his wild garden?
4)
What happened two years ago?
5)
What was Jenny doing when Quick caught sight of her?
6)
How did Jenny respond to her father’s call “ Hullo”?
7) In what condition did Quick see Kate?
8)
How did Snort react when Jenny hurled a bamboo at it?
9)
What did Snort do when the children started throwing anything at it?
10) What had happened to Quick’s old relation with his daughters?
11) How did the two girls behave at tea?
B) Write short notes :
1)
Quick’s garden.
2)
The garden in mid-May.
3)
The two girls treating the cut
4)
Quick’s realization in the end?
5)
The two girls and the bitch
6)
Mr. Quick, a victim
78
4.5 Vocabulary exercises
Complete the following table.
Noun
Adjective
Verb
neglect
imagination
pleasure
humiliating
meditative
laughter
suggest
hate
affectionate
develop
E) Give antonyms of the following words.
forward, hope, before, tall, like, firm, rough, clean
F) Give synonym of the following words.
despise, maniac, secure, certain, meditate
G) Derive new words by adding affixes (suffixes and prefixes).
honest, manner, touch, imagine, appear, pleasure, cover, respect, allow, probable
H) Match the words in group A with their meanings in group B.
A
1.
2.
3.
4.
snap
recede
seize
yelp
B
:
:
:
:
to capture somebody
to give a sudden short cry
to try to bite somebody
to move away from somebody
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4.6 Summary
Robert Quick came home from his business trip. From his wife’s note he came
to know that his daughters were in the garden. He went to the garden. Quicks garden
was nothing but a wilderness, almost completely neglected by the family. Neither
Quick nor his wife had time to look after the garden. In fact, the garden belonged to
the children.
In the garden, the father caught the sight of Jenny who was reading. To her
father’s hullo, Jenny just said hullo and dropped her cheek on the book. To her
father’s hullo, Kate, in a faint muffled voice said “hullo daddy”. Both the daughters
did not show any affection towards their father. The father thought that they had no
manners but were honest, they never pretend. At this time, Snort, a bitch, came
loping and sniffing. The girls snatched a bamboo and threw at her. Robert Quick
tried to stop them. Suddenly Kate turned round and aimed a pea-stick at him and
shouted at the top of her voice, “yield paleface”. Jenny joined her sister. The two
girls were staggering with laughter. They threw themselves upon their father. Robert
was frightened, he did not know how to defend himself. Meanwhile Snort rushed
barking, seized Quick by the sleeve. She gave a yelp and snapped at his face. The
bitch had bitten him. Robert had the feeling that something new had broken into his
old relation with his daughters, they had suddenly receded from him into a world of
their own in which he had no standing. When Quick turned away, Kate came with a
bowl of water and called out indignantly, “Sit down daddy! how dare you get up?”
She was playing the stern nurse. The two girls made him sit down, washed his cut,
painted it with iodine, stuck it with plaster on it.
At home, after tea, Quick wanted to get away. Suddenly Jenny came. She
wanted to look at the cut. Robert began to stoop. Jenny cried, “No I will get on the
wall. Put me up”. He lifted her on the garden wall. “it’s all right” She looked down at
him and frowned. She was also struck by something new and unexpected. She tossed
her heir and ran off. Robert walked slowly towards the club. He realized that it was
not a game. The fact was that she was growing up and so was he.
80
4.7 Answers to the Questions
Task – 1
A. 1)
two
2)
in the garden
3)
children
4)
wild garden
5)
mid-May
6)
thirteen
7)
honest
8)
loved
B. 1.
in the garden
2.
the garden was for the children
3.
his dark business suit
4.
to the children
5.
a place for picnic
6 . twelve
7.
thirteen
8.
fifty-two
9.
making the best of thing
10. Snort
11. pebbles, dead daffodils, bits of flower pots, lumps of earth
12. Robert Quick
Task -2
A. 1)
Kate
2)
Jane Martin
3)
Jenny
81
B. 1.
in case they should see his anger and surprise.
2.
handsome, rosy, good-natured, practical
3.
chairman of the Welfare Committee
4.
he wanted some male society for which he would go to the club.
5.
she rather liked a free evening for her various accounts
6.
to make sure that the plaster was sticking.
Exercises
A) 1.
When Robert Quick came home after his business trip, he found a note
from his wife. In this note she had written that she would be back at four
and that the children were in the garden.
2.
The original truth was that neither of the Quicks cared for gardening. Mrs.
Quick was busy with family, council and parish affairs whereas Mr. Quick
was busy with his office. Both had no time to give to a hobby that bored
them.
3.
It was different from any other garden in the neighbourhood. For Mr.
Quick, it was a triumph of imagination, an original masterpiece among
gardens. He found it charming in its wilderness. In mid-May, it had the
special beauty.
4.
Two years ago, the children had missed their father. They had gone a mile
down the road and lain in ambush behind a hedge. They had resented being
searched for and brought home. They had hated the failure of their surprise.
5.
When Mr. Quick turned back towards the house and dodged the tree, he
caught the sight of Jenny. She was lying on her stomach by the pond. Her
book was under her nose.
6.
Jenny merely turned her head slightly. She peered at him through her hair.
Then she dropped her cheek on the book. This meant that she was not eager
to see her father.
7.
Kate was sitting on the swing. She was leaning sidewise against the rope,
with her head down .Her bare legs, covered with mud, lay along the ground,
one foot hooked over the other.
82
8.
The bitch startled and uttered a loud uncertain bark and approached,
wagging her behind so vigorously that she curled her body sideways at each
wag. She was not sure if this was a new game or if she had committed some
grave crime.
9.
Snort was horrified and over-whelmed. She dodged to and fro, barked
hysterically, crazily, wagged her tail in desperate submission; finally she
put it between piper legs and crept whining between a broken shed and the
wall.
10. It seemed to him that something new had broken into his old simple and
happy relation with his daughter. They had suddenly receded from him into
a world of their own in which he had no standing. It was a primitive, brutal
world.
11. The girls knew how to behave at tea. They were enjoying the dignity of
their own performance. Their eyes passed over their father as if he did not
exist or as if he existed as another guest to be waited on.
B) 1.
Quick’s garden was a wilderness. Except for a small vegetable patch and a
bed of flowers, it had not been touched for years .Quick was proud of the
garden. He would boast of it. It was different from the other gardens in the
neighborhood. For Quick, it was a triumph of imagination, an original
mouthpiece among gardens. He found it charming in its wilderness.
2.
In Mid-May when the sun warmed up and slanted steeply past the trees, it
made even old weeds shine red and gold. It had then the special beauty of
untouched goods where there is still a little piece of free nature left among
closely farmed lands, a suggestion of the frontier, primeval forests.
3.
Quick was bitten by the bitch. The girls were still laughing. Soon Jenny
realized that it might be poisoned. When Quick got up and was about to go,
Jenny stopped him. Meanwhile Kate came with a bowl of water. She was
playing the stern nurse. She put up the chair. The two girls made the father
sit down. They washed the cut and painted it with iodine and stuck a piece
of plaster on it.
4.
The girls treated the cut and stuck plaster on it. After tea, when Quick was
about to go out, Jenny came panting. She wanted to make sure that the
83
plaster was sticking. Quick wondered whether it was a game , medical or
material, or whether she was going to laugh. But Jenny frowned. She was
also struck by something new and unexpected. She jumped down and ran
off. Quick walked slowly towards the club. He realized that it was not a
game, not for half a second. She was growing up and so was he.
5.
Jenny and Kate were in the garden when Snort came. She tried to push her
nose under Kate’s thigh. Kate murmured, “go away”. The sisters adored
each other and one always came to the other’s help. They snatched a
bamboo and hurled it at Snort. They dashed after the bitch, laughing and
throwing anything at the bitch. Snort barked hysterically, wagged her tail in
desperate submission. When Quick tried to stop the girls, Snort seized him
by his sleeve and snapped at his face. The girls treated the cut afterwards.
6.
Robert Quick was fond of Snort. When he tried to stop the girls from
hurting the bitch, the two girls threw themselves upon their father. The
father was frightened. He did not know how to defend himself. Snort
suddenly rushed barking and seized him by his sleeve and snapped at his
face. The father was deeply shocked. Kate came with a bowl of water and
ordered him to sit down. She was playing the stern nurse. Robert found
himself obliged to submit to this new game. A man so plump and bald
could not allow himself even to appear upset by the roughness of the
children.
84
Vocabulary exercises
A)
Noun
Adjective
Verb
Neglect, negligence
Negligible,
neglectful, ------------------------------neglected, negligent
----imaginary
imagine
--------------------------------- Pleasing,
pleasant. please
---------Pleased, pleasurable
Humiliation
-------------------------------------
humiliate
meditation
--------------------------------------
Meditate
--------------------------------- Laughable, laughing
---------
Laugh
suggestion
Suggestive, suggestible
---------------------------------
Hatred, hate, hater
hateful
----------------------------------
affection
-----------------------------------------
Affect
Development, developer
Developed,
developing, ------------------------------developmental
---
B) Forward
x
backward
Hope
x
despair
Before
x
later/back
Tall
x
short
Like
x
dislike/unlike
85
Firm
x
unstable/shakable/ changeable/unsteady/fluctuating
Rough
x
smooth
Clean
x
unclean/dirty
Despise
=
hate/dislike
Maniac
=
madman, fanatic
Secure
=
safe, protected, procure
Certain
=
sure, definite, guaranteed, bound
Meditate
=
contemplate/ reflect/speculate/think over
Honest
-
honesty, honestly, dishonest, dishonestly
Manner
-
mannerly, mannerism, mannerist, mannered
Touch
-
touchy, touching, touché, touched, touchiness, touchier,
touchiest
Imagine
-
imaginary,
imagination,
unimaginable, unimaginative
Appear
-
appearance,
disappearing
Pleasure
-
pleasurable, pleasurably
Cover
-
uncover, covering, coverage, covered
Respect
-
respected, disrespect, respectful, respectfully, respectability,
respecter, disrespectful
Allow
-
allowable, allowably
Probable
-
probably, probability,
probabilism, improbable
C)
D)
disappear,
86
imaginable,
imaginative
disappearance,
appearing,
probabilistic,
probabilistically,
E)
A
B
1.
Snap
to try to bite somebody
2.
Recede
move away from somebody
3.
Seize
to capture somebody
4.
Yelp
to give a sudden short cry
4.8 Writing activity
Write a short essay each on the following :
1.
Changes in the relationship between you and your parents in the course of time.
2.
Describe how eager you were to see your parents after the gap of a few days.
3.
Do you now need your parents as much as you needed them in the past? Why ?
87
Unit-5
The Nalpat House
Kamla Das
Content
5.0 Objectives
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Text I
5.3 Text II
5.4 Exercises
5.5 Vocabulary Exercises
5.6 Summary
5.7 Answers to the questions
5.8 Writing Activity
5.0 Objectives
In this unit you are going to learn :
about Kamala Das as an Indian writer in English
about the ancestral house with its spacious interiors and the surrounding
areas
about the occupants in the house with their striking features
a few new vocabulary items which occur in this passage.
how to describe a house or a person
5.1 Introduction
Kamala Das was a major Indian poet and litterateur. She was known for her
fiery poems and explicit autobiography. Her open and honest treatment of female
88
sexuality, free from any sense of guilt, infuses her writing with power and marks her
as an iconoclast in her generation. On 31st May,2009 aged 75, she died in Pune.
In ‘Nalapat House’ she describes the ancestral house in Malabar. All the minute
details of the house and its surrounding regions are given in such a way that the very
picture of it stands before us. The ancestress Kunji, the aunt, the grand uncle and the
Mahatma are some of the occupants in the house that the author focuses on.
5.2 Text part I
When the Second World War threatened to grow into an interminable horror my
father decided to send us to our ancestral home in Malabar which was called the
Nalapat House.
The house, though not large by local standards, had an inner courtyard and a
temple situated inside the main hall which opened out to the south. There was a
gatehouse which had a steep staircase running up to the luxuriously furnished
bedroom where my grand-uncle slept at night, a portico supported by pillars that led
on to a higher portico where the Ottanthullal dancers performed several times a year,
a hall where the men sat down to eat their meals, a dining hall for the women of the
house, the servants’ quarters, three small bedrooms on the ground floor, three
bedrooms on the first floor overlooking a narrow verandah and an attic where the old
trunks and palanquins were stored.
To the south of the house was the snake shrine which was at least two thousand
years old, where the idols of Renuka and her father Vasuki were worshipped and
beyond that stretched the regions of the dead, the Sradhappura, the house built for
cooking food for the dead on their death anniversaries, and the coconut estate where
after each cremation a tree was planted in memory of the newly deceased. There was
a bathhouse near the pond and a crocodile that came out in the afternoon after the
servants had also finished their baths, to lie in the sun with its mouth open to trap the
dragonflies.
To the north there were the usual cattle sheds and the grain-husking yard. Above
all those structures like a green canopy hung the leaves of the many trees that my
ancestress Kunji had planted during her honeymoon days. Large trees bearing
flowers or fruits threw scatter rugs of green shadow all around the house where we
played throughout the day, my brother and I.
89
The house was gifted to my ancestress, the fifteen-year-old Kunji by her new
and doting husband after she had come to his village, fleeing from the burning city of
Cochin, where she had gone with her uncles to attend a relative’s wedding. An
aristocrat was to be shown to her at Cochin who was to marry her if she liked his
face and if her uncles approved of his deportment.
But the English East India Company was not aware of all those delicious
schemes, when they decided to blow up the most important trade port to weaken the
power of the Dutch from whom they had just then wrested the city. It was at that
time beautiful, with well- laid-out streets and gardens. The Portuguese churches had
been transformed into warehouses by the Dutch who were not religious but were
artistic enough to call their streets by musical names like de Linde Straat and de
Bloomendaal Straat.
To Spite the Dutch and their last Indian governor, Von Spall, the English
governor blew up with gunpowder the magnificent warehouses and the residences of
the traders and the Nair barons. Women and children perished in the blaze. The ones
who escaped from the burning city with the connivance of the English and their
secret allies were too dazed to speak of their ordeal.
Kunji, accompanied by a servant, bearing two Dutch trunks painted red and
gold, made her way towards home, the principality of Alengad which included
Alwaye but was made to change her route by an amorous chieftain who brought her
over to his village and married her. He was well versed in astrology and architecture.
He chose the site for the Nalapat House and designed it.
To the east lay lush paddy fields and also to the north. From the west the blue
and frothy Arabian Sea roared at night. Near the snake shrine was the rare Nirmatala
tree which burst into bloom every summer with large butter-coloured flowers that
filled even the inner rooms with perfume.
Glossary
Interminable (aj): lasting a very long time and therefore boring or annoying
portico (n): a roof that is supported by columns
shrine (n): a place where people come to worship
deceased (n): dead
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deportment (n): the way in which a person behaves
to spite (v): to deliberately annoy or upset somebody
connivance (n): not taking notice of something wrong
principality (n): a country that is ruled by a prince
Task – 1
A. Complete the following statements choosing the correct alternative given
below them
1. The snake shrine was at least ----------- thousand years old.
a) one
b) three
c) four
d) two
2. A tree was planted in the memory of the deceased at the ---------- estate.
a) coffee
b) tea
c) coconut
d) cashew
3. ----------- was the author’s ancestress.
a) Kunji
b) Nalapat
c) Ammini
d) Varahamihira
4. Near the snake shrine was the rare --------- tree.
a) Fig
b) Nirmatala
c) Sanjivani
d) Bunyan
B. Answer the following questions in one sentence each.
1.
What was the ancestral home of Kamala Das called?
2
.Why did the father decide to send the family to Malabar?
3.
What was the Shradhappura built for?
4.
Who gifted the house to Kunji?
5.
Why did the East India Company decide to blow up the trade port?
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5.3 Text – 2
When we went there as children, the Nalapat House had seven occupants, not
counting the servants. My grandmother, my aunt Ammini, my grand-uncle, the poet,
my great-grandmother, her two sisters and Mahatmaji.
‘Will Mahatmaji approve,’ whispered the old ladies of the household to one
another at the beginning of any activity. It was as if Mahatma Gandhi was the head
of the Nalapat House. His photographs hung in every room. Even the servants felt his
presence in the house and began wearing khaddar,
My grandmother spun khadi yarn on a thakli holding it aloft over her head in the
afternoon, while the others slept and the old windows creaked in the heat. She was
plump, fair-skinned and good-looking. Her throat, whenever I nestled close to her,
smelled of sandalwood. She told me of the trip the ladies of the family once made to
Guruvayoor to donate their jewellery to the Harijan Fund.
Mahatmaji had talked in Hindi and in English which they could not anyway
understand, but his smile hypnotized them. All the jewellery was given away. I
thought of Gandhiji as a brigand, although I did not speak my mind then. I thought it
his diabolic aim to strip the ladies of all their finery so that they became plain and
dull. Austerity seemed meaningless at that time of my life. And, a cruel practical
joke!
My aunt Ammini was an attractive woman who kept turning down all the
marriage proposals that came her way. She wore only white khaddar and did not use
oil on her wavy hair. She chose to lead the life of an ascetic, but when she was alone
in her bedroom facing the fragrant Parijatam tree she sat on the window sill and
recited the love songs written by Kumaranasan, whose poetry was fashionable then.
It was while listening to her voice that I sensed for the first time that love was a
beautiful anguish and a thapasya...
My grand-uncle Narayana Menon was a famous poet-philosopher. He occupied
the portico where the easychairs were placed and the table with heavy books. There
was above his chair a punkah made of wood and covered with calico ruffles, which a
servant seated far away could move by pulling on its string. Beside his chair was a
hookah which my grand-aunt meticulously cleaned every morning. Grand-uncle
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looked every inch a king, although he did not have enough money even to buy the
books that he wished to read.
To the south of the portico was the grilled library ruled by an ill-assorted group
consisting of Blavatsky, Gurdjieff, Havelock Ellis and Varahamihira. The Nalapat
House had the finest library of palm leaf manuscripts, most of which were written in
the Vattezhuthu that probably came to Malabar from the Phoenicians.
My grand-uncle must have been a lonely man, for he had no friend living nearby
who could discuss with him the subjects he was interested in. With the callers he
talked about the petty scandals floating about in the literary world and laughed
engagingly, clapping his pink palms. He was witty and eloquent and even towards
the end of his life when cataract made reading impossible, he remained cheerful,
trying to turn his attention to the study of classical music.
At my grand-uncle’s evening durbar there were occasionally brilliant
grammarians and writers who came from long distances to stay with him, but they
were tongue-tied, and awed by his presence.
Notes and Glossary
brigand (n): a member of a group of criminals, especially one that attacks
travelers
austerity (n): leading simple and economical life
calico ruffles (n): a type of heavy cotton cloth that is usually plain white
meticulously (av): paying careful attention to every detail
scandals (n): talk or reports about shocking or immoral things that people have
done or are thought to have done
eloquent (aj): able to use language and express one’s feeling well when one is
speaking in public
Task 2
A. Choose the best alternative from the ones given below to complete the
following.
1.
Narayan Menon was a famous -------------.
a) poet-philosopher
b) poet-lover
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c) anthropologist
d) birdwatcher
2. ------------- was as if the head of the Nalapat House.
3.
a) Mahatma Gandhi
b) The father
c) The mother
d) Narayan Menon
To Kamala Das, ___________ seemed meaningless at that time.
a) popularity b) generosity
c) property
d) austerity
4. ____________ chose to lead the life of an ascetic.
a) Mahatma Gandhi b) Narayan Menon
c) Ammini
d) Kunji
B. Answer the following questions in one sentence each.
1.
Whose photographs hung in every room of the Nalapat House ?
2.
What seemed a cruel practical joke to Kamala Das, the child ?
3.
Who did not use oil in her wavy hair?
4.
Who was Narayan Menon?
5. What was there to the south of the portico?
6. Why was the grand uncle called a lonely man?
7. What did the grand uncle talk about with the callers?
8. Who used to be present at the grand uncle’s evening durbar?
5.4 Exercises
A) Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences each.
1. Describe the ancestral house of Kamala Das in Malabar.
2. Describe the scene to the south of the Nalapat house.
3. Describe the scene to the north of the Nalapat house.
4. What did the English governor do to spite the Dutch?
5. Who were the seven occupants in the Nalapat House?
6. Describe the presence of Mahatma Gandhi in the Nalapat house.
94
B) Write short notes on
1.
Nirmatala tree
2. The Grandmother in The Nalapat House
3. Ammini
4.
Narayan Menon
5.5 Vocabulary exercises:
A) Complete the following table
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Perform
beautiful
inclusion
Choose
Understandable
B)
Match the words from group A with their meaning in group B
A
C)
B
deportment
:
a place where people come to worship
connivance
:
dead
shrine
:
a roof that is supported by columns
deceased
:
help in doing something wrong
portico
:
the way in which a person behaves
Give the synonym (sameness of meaning) of the following words.
Word
Synonym
deceased
------------
beautiful
------------
plump
------------
famous
-------------
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D) Give the antonym (oppositeness of meaning) of the following words.
attractive
------------
cheerful
-------------
beautiful
------------
reject
------------
5.6 Summary
Kamala Das describes the ancestral house called the Nalapat House in Malabar.
The house is big, spacious with a number of rooms, a hall for men for their meals, a
separate hall for women, a number of bedrooms, separate quarters for servants, an
attic etc. To the south of the house, there was the snake shrine, the region for the
dead, coconut estate where a tree was planted in memory of the newly deceased. To
the north, there were large trees bearing flowers and fruits.
Kamala Das also describes the destruction caused by the English to weaken the
Dutch. The incident that leads to the marriage of the author’s ancestress, Kunji, has
also been dealt with. The house was gifted to Kunji by her husband. To the east was
the Nirmatala tree. In summer, its flowers filled the inner rooms with perfume.
The Nalapat House had seven occupants. Mahatma Gandhiji was as if the head
of the house. His photographs hung in every room. The grandmother spun khadi yarn
on a thakli. She remembered the incident when the ladies of the family donated their
jewellery to the Harijan Fund. Aunt Ammini was an attractive woman who chose to
lead the life of an ascetic. When alone, she recited the love songs. Grand uncle
Narayan Menon was a famous poet-philosopher. He was witty and eloquent. His
evening durbar was occasionally attended by grammarians and writers.
5.7 Answers to the Questions
Task- 1
A.
1) two
2)
coconut
3)
Kunji
4)
Nirmatala
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B. 1.
The Nalapat House
2.
The second world war threatened to grow into an interminable horror
3.
for cooking food for the dead on their anniversaries.
4.
her new and doting husband
5.
to weaken the power of the Dutch from whom they had just wrested the
city
Task -2
A. 1)
poet-philosopher
2)
Mahatma Gandhi
3)
austerity
4)
Ammini
B. 1.
Mahatma Gandhi’s
2.
austerity
3.
aunt Ammini
4.
a famous poet-philosopher
5.
the grilled library
6.
he had no friend living nearby who could discuss with him the subjects he
was interested in.
7.
the petty scandals floating about in the literary world.
8.
brilliant grammarians and writers.
Exercises
A. 1)
The house had an inner courtyard. It had a temple situated inside the main
hall which opened to the south. There was a gate house which had a steep
stair case, a portico supported by pillars, a hall, a dining hall, the servant’s
quarter, three small bedrooms on the ground floor, three bedrooms on the
first floor and an attic.
2)
To the south of the house was the snake shrine where the idols of Renuka
and her father Vasuki were worshipped. Beyond that stretched the regions
97
of the dead, the Shradhapura, the house built for cooking food for the dead
on their anniversary, and the coconut estate where after each cremation a
tree was planted in memory of the newly deceased.
3)
To the north, there were the usual cattle sheds and the grain-husking yard.
Above all those structures hung the leaves of the many trees.. Large trees
bearing flowers or fruits threw scatter rugs of green shadow all around the
house
4)
Von Spall, the English governor blew up with gunpowder the magnificent
warehouses. The residences of the traders and the Nair barons were also
destroyed. Women and children perished in the blaze.
5)
The Nalapat house had seven occupants. They were: the grandmother, aunt
Ammini, the grand uncle, the poet, the great –grandmother, her two sisters
and Mahatmaji. Some servants also lived there.
6)
Mahatma Gandhi was as if the head of the Nalapat house. His photographs
hung in every room. Even the servants felt his presence in the house and
began wearing Khaddar. The grandmother spun khadi yarn on a thakli in
the afternoon.
B. 1)
Nirmatala tree: Kamla Das describes The Nalapat House and its
surrounding regions very minutely. She also remembers the trees growing
there. One of such trees is the Nirmatala. The Nirmatala tree was near the
snake shrine. It was rare of its kind. Every summer it burst into bloom with
large butter-colored flowers. Even the inner rooms filled with its perfume.
2)
The grandmother : The grandmother was greatly influenced by Mahatma
Gandhi. In the afternoon, she spun khadi yarn on a thakli. She was fat, fair
skinned and good looking. Her throat smelled of sandalwood. She told the
author about the trip of the ladies to Guruvayoor to donate their jewellery to
the Harijan Fund.
3
Aunt Ammini : Aunt Ammini was an attractive woman. She had rejected
many marriage proposals that came her way. She used to wear white
Khaddar only and did not use oil on her wavy hair. She chose to lead the
life of an ascetic but when she was alone in her bedroom, she recited love
98
songs. After listening to her voice the author realized that love was a
beautiful anguish and a thapasya.
4)
Grand-uncle Narayan Menon was a famous poet-philosopher. He used to
sit in the easychair with the table full with heavy books. Above his head
hung a wooden punkah. Beside his chair was a hookah. He had no friends
living nearby. With the callers he talked about the petty scandals in the
literary world. He was witty and eloquent. Towards the end of his life he
turned his attention to the study of classical music. Brilliant grammarians
and writers occasionally attended his evening durbar.
Vocabulary Exercises
A.
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Performance, performer
-------------
performative
Beauty, beautician
beautify
----------------
---------------
include
inclusive
Choice, chooser
-------------
Choosy
understanding
understand
---------------
B.
deportment
:
the way in which a person behaves
connivance
:
help in doing something wrong
shrine
:
a place where people come to worship
deceased
:
dead
portico
:
a roof that is supported by columns
deceased
=
dead / departed
beautiful
=
pretty
plump
=
fat
famous
=
renowned/ illustrious
C.
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D.
attractive
x
repulsive
cheerful
x
cheerless
beautiful
x
ugly
reject
x
accept
4.8 Writing Activity
Write a short essay each on the following :
1.
Describe your house with its interior and the surrounding regions
2.
Describe each of the members of your family
3.
describe an incident associated with your childhood.
100
Unit-6
I Have a Dream
Martin Luther King J.
Content
6.0 Objectives
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Text I
6.3 Text II
6.4 Exercises
6.5 Vocabulary Exercises
6.6 Summary
6.7 Answers to the questions
6.8 Writing Activity
6.0 Objectives
In this unit you are going to learn about :
Martin Luther King Jr. as the Black civil rights champion
the eternal values for which he stood.
Dos and don’ts for those who fight for injustice
The speaker’s dream about America as a nation of equals
figurative language that is a feature of an impressive speech.
how to speak effectively in English.
6.1 Introduction
Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968) is one of the greatest men that the world has
ever seen. An ardent clergyman, King believed in the principle of equality. He
championed the cause of the down-trodden Negroes and fought unceasingly to get
101
them political and social justice. He came under the influence of Mahatma Gandhi
and wielded the weapon of non-violence. In his brief career of eleven years (195768), he led many peaceful demonstration all over America. He was awarded the
Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. Ironically, when he was planning to lead a peaceful
demonstration in Memphis, he was shot dead on April 4, 1968.
The present passage states briefly the eternal values for which he stood. It also
clearly emphasizes the method, aim and purpose of his movement. With religious
metaphors he drives home the significance of the non-violent method of agitation.
He had a dream which of course was not realized in his lifetime. But the struggle
continues with the same zeal till the dream is realized till the bell of freedom rings all
over America for the Negroes
This address by The Black civil rights champion was made at the ‘March for
Jobs and Freedom’. No speech has so powerfully captured the dream of an oppressed
minority.
6.2 Text part - I
Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand
signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great
beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames
of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak, to end the long night of
captivity. But one hundred years later, we must face the tragic fact that the Negro is
still not free.
One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the
manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination, One hundred years later,
the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material
prosperity. One hundred years later, the Negro is still languishing in the corners of
American society and finds himself an exile in his own land.
So we have come here today to dramatise an appalling condition. In a sense, we
have come to our nation’s capital to cash a check. When the architects of our
republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of
Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to
fall heir.
102
This note was a promise that all men would be guaranteed the inalienable rights
of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It is obvious today that America has
defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of colour are concerned.
Instead of honouring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people
a bad cheque which has come back marked ‘insufficient funds’. But we refuse to
believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are
insufficient “funds in the great vaults of opportunity" of this nation.
So we have come to cash this cheque - a cheque that will give us upon demand
the riches of freedom and the security of justice. We have also come to this hallowed
spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now. This is no time to engage in the
luxury of cooling off or to take the tranqtilising drug of gradualism. Now is the time
to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial
justice. Now is the time to open the doors of opportunity to all of God’s children.
Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid
rock of brotherhood.
It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment and to
underestimate the determination of the Negro. This sweltering summer of the
Negro’s legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of
freedom and equality. Nineteen sixty-three is not an end, but a beginning. Those who
hope that the Negro needed to blow off steam and will now be content will have a
rude awakening if the nation returns to business as usual. There will be neither rest
nor tranquility in America until the Negro is granted his citizenship rights.
The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation
until the bright day of justice emerges. But there is something that I must say to my
people who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice. In the
process of gaining our rightful place we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us
not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and
hatred.
We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and
discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical
violence. Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical
force with soul force.
103
The marvellous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must
not lead us to distrust of all white people, for many of our while brothers, as
evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied
up with our destiny and their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom.
Notes and glossary
score (n): twenty
emancipation (n): freedom
beacon light (n): a light that is placed somewhere to guide vehicles and warn
them of danger
sear (v) : to burn the surface of something in a way that is sudden and powerful
manacles (n): metal bands joined by a chain, used for fastening a prisoner’s
ankles or wrists together
segregation (n): the act of separating people of different races, religions or sexes
discrimination (n): the practice of treating somebody or a particular group in
society less fairly than others
languish (v): to be forced to stay somewhere or suffer something unpleasant
appalling (aj): shocking, extremely bad
default (v): fail to do something that must be done by law
sacred (ad): considered to be holy
bankrupt (aj): without enough money to pay what you owe
hallowed (aj): respected and important
tranquilising (aj): making a person or an animal calm or unconscious especially
by giving them a drug
desolate (aj): empty and without people, making you feel sad or frightened
fatal (aj): causing or ending in death
sweltering (aj): very hot in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable
invigorating (v): making somebody feel healthy and full of energy
104
ghetto (n): an area of a city where many people of the same race or background
live, separately from the rest of the population
tribulations (n): great trouble or suffering
Task -1
A. Complete the following sentences by choosing the correct alternative.
1.
2.
3.
We refuse to believe that bank of justice is ----------a)
corrupt
b) bankrupt
c)
unfair
d) just
It would be ---------- for the nation to underestimate the determination of
the Negro.
a) fatal
b) harmful
c) destructive
d) dangerous
We must conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and ----------a) devotion
b) duty
c) discipline
d) unity
B. Answer the following questions in one sentence each.
1.
What came as a joyous daybreak?
2.
What is the life of the Negro crippled by?
3.
In the vast ocean of prosperity where do the Negro live?
4.
What did the note promise ?
5.
What will a cheque give the Negroes?
6.
What do the Negroes refuse to believe?
7.
What would be fatal for the nation?
8.
When will there be rest and tranquility in America?
9.
How long will the revolt continue?
10. How should we not satisfy our thirst of freedom?
11. On what plane must we conduct our struggle?
105
6.3 Text part – II
We cannot walk alone. And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall
march ahead. We cannot turn back. There are those who are asking the devotees of
civil rights, ‘When will you be satisfied?’ we can never be satisfied as long as our
bodies, heavy with the fatigue of travel, cannot gain lodging in the motels of the
highways and the hotels of the cities. We cannot be satisfied as long as the Negro’s
basic mobility is from a smaller ghetto to a larger one. We can never be satisfied as
long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has
nothing for which to vote. No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied
until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.
I am not unmindful that some of you have come here out of great trials and
tribulations. Some of you have come fresh from narrow cells. Some of you have
come from areas where your quest for freedom left you battered by the storms of
persecution and staggered by the winds of police brutality. You have been the
veterans of creative suffering. Continue to work with the faith that unearned
suffering is redemptive.
Go back to Mississippi, go back to Alabama, go back to Georgia, go back to
Louisiana, go back to the slums and ghettos of our northern cities, knowing that
somehow this situation can and will be changed. Let us not wallow in the valley of
despair. I say to you today, my friends, that in spite of the difficulties and frustrations
of the moment, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American
dream.
I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning
of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.’ I
have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and
the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at a table of
brotherhood. I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a desert state,
sweltering with the heat of injustice and oppression, will be transformed into an oasis
of freedom and justice. 1 have a dream that my four children will one day live in a
nation where they will not be judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of
their character. I have a dream today.
I have a dream that one day the state of Alabama, whose governor’s lips are
presently dripping with the words of interposition and nullification, will be
106
transformed into a situation where little black boys and black girls will be able to join
hands with little white boys and white girls and walk together as sisters and brothers.
I have a dream today.
I have a dream that one day, every valley shall be exalted, every hill and
mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked
places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh
shall see it together. This is our hope. This is the faith with which I return to the
South. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone
of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our
nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to
work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up
for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.
This will be the day when all of God’s children will be able to sing with a new
meaning, ‘My country, ’tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where
my fathers died, land of the pilgrim’s pride, from every mountainside, let freedom
ring.’ And if America is to be a great nation, this must become true. So let freedom
ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the
mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies
of Pennsylvania! Let freedom ring from the snowcapped Rockies of Colorado! Let
freedom ring from the curvaceous peaks of California! But not only that; let freedom
ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia! Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of
Tennessee! Let freedom ring from every hill and every molehill of Mississippi. From
every mountainside, let freedom ring.
When we let freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and every
hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all
of God’s children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and
Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual,
‘Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!”
Notes and glossary
battered (aj): old, used a lot and not in very good condition
wallow (v): to enjoy something that causes you pleasure
oasis (n): an area in the desert where there is water and where plants grow
107
exalted (aj): of high rank, position or great importance
hew (v): to cut something large with a tool
jangling (aj): making an unpleasant sound
Task-2
A. Complete the following sentences by choosing the correct alternative.
1.
2.
We cannot walk ----------a) fast
b) slowly
c) alone
d) together
Let us not wallow in the valley of -----------a) frustration
b) despair
c) desire
d) hope
3. One day the children will be judged by----------a) their degrees
b) the content of their character
c) their innocence
d)
the status of their parents
B. Answer the following questions in one sentence each.
1.
With what faith should the people continue to work?
2.
What is the basis of discrimination in America?
3.
What should people be judged by?
6.4 Exercises
A. Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences each :
1. How is the life of the Negro after a hundred years?
2. What must the Negro do and what not to enter into the palace of justice?
3. What is now the time to do?
4. Where should freedom ring from? And for what?
5. When will the Negro be satisfied?
108
B. Write notes on
1.
Martin Luther King ’s advice to the Negroes
2.
Martin Luther King ’s Dream
6.5 Vocabulary exercises
A) Complete the following table
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Oppression
Discriminate
Satisfactory
Symbol
Frustrate
B) Match the words from group A with their meaning in group B
A
B
Score
:
shocking, extremely bad
Appalling
:
old, used a lot and not in very good condition:
Fatal
:
to enjoy something that causes you pleasure:
Battered
:
twenty
Wallow
:
causing or ending in death
C) Give the antonym of the following words
Word
antonym
Liberty
x
Refuse
x
Gain
x
Creative
x
Heavy
x
Despair
x
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D) Derive new words by adding affixes to the following words
equal, just, happy, mind, faith, free
6.6 Summary
The passage is in the form of an address by Martin Luther King Jr. It was made
at the March for Jobs and Freedom. Hundred years ago, the Emancipation
proclamation was signed. People welcomed it thinking that it would end the captivity
of Negroes. But still the negro is not free. Even after hundred years there is
segregation and discrimination. The negro is in poverty, he is like an exile in his own
country. The architects of the republic signed a promissory note- a promise that all
men would be guaranteed the rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Instead, America has given the negro people a bad cheque which has come back
marked insufficient fund. It is unbelievable that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We
have come to cash this cheque. Now is the time to open the doors of opportunity to
all of God’s children. It would be fatal to overlook the urgency of the moment. The
revolt will continue until the bright day of justice emerges. In the process of gaining
our rightful place we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds, Let there be no bitterness
and hatred, let us maintain dignity and discipline. We can never be satisfied until
justice rolls down like water. We must continue to work with the faith that unearned
suffering is redemptive. In spite of the difficulties and frustrations, I have a dream
that one day this nation will rise up. The sons of former slave owners will be able to
sit together at the table of brotherhood, children will be judged by the content of their
character and not by the color of their skin, little black boys and black girls will be
able to join hands with little white boys and white girls and walk together as brothers
and sisters. We will have to work together knowing that we will be free one day. Let
freedom ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city,
then only we will be able to speed up that day when all of God’s children will be able
to join hands and sing the song of freedom.
6.7 Answers to the Questions
Task – 1
A. 1)
bankrupt
2)
fatal
3)
discipline
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B. 1)
emancipation proclamation
2)
the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination
3)
on a lonely island of poverty
4)
all men would be guaranteed the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the
pursuit of happiness.
5)
the richness of freedom and the security of justice.
6)
that the bank of justice is bankrupt and that there are insufficient funds
7)
to overlook the urgency of the moment and to underestimate the
determination of the Negro.
8)
when the Negro is granted his citizenship rights.
9)
until the bright day of justice emerges
10) by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred
11) on a high plane of dignity and discipline
Task – 2
A. 1)
alone
2)
despair
3)
their character
B. 1)
that unearned suffering is redemptive
2)
color of the skin
3)
content of their character.
Exercises
A. 1.
The life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation
and the chain of discrimination. The Negro still lives in poverty languishing
in the corners of American society. He finds himself an exile in his own
land.
2.
The Negro must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. There must not be hatred
or bitterness or physical violence. Dignity and discipline must be
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maintained. The Negro must not distrust the white people and continue to
work with the faith that unearned suffering is redemptive.
3.
Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to
the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to open the doors of
opportunity to all. Now is the time to lift the nation from the quicksands of
racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood
4.
Freedom should ring from every village and every hamlet. It should ring
from every state and every city. Only then we will be able to speed up that
day when all the people, irrespective of caste, color and creed, will be able
to join hands and sing together the song of freedom.
5.
The Negro will be satisfied when he will gain lodging in the motels of the
highways. He will be satisfied when he will be free to move anywhere and
will get the right to vote and believe to vote for something .He will be
satisfied when justice will be done to him.
B. 1.
We must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let there be no bitterness, hatred
or physical violence. We must conduct our struggle on the high plane of
dignity and discipline and meet the physical force with soul force. We must
not hate the white. We must make the pledge that we shall march ahead
until justice is done. We must continue with the faith that unearned
suffering is redemptive. Let us not wallow in the valley of despair.
2.
It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream that one day this nation
will rise and live out the true meaning of its creed. One day the sons of
former slaves and of slave owners will sit together like brothers.
Oppression will disappear even from a desert state like Mississippi .
People will be judged by the content of their character and not by the color
of their skin.. Black boys and girls of Alabama will walk together with
white boys and girls like brothers and sisters.
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Vocabulary exercises
A.
Oppression-
oppress-
oppressed/oppressive
Discrimination-
discriminate-
discriminating/discriminatory
Satisfaction
satisfy
satisfactory
Symbol-
symbolize(se)
symbolic, symbolist
Frustration
frustrate
frustrating/frustrated
B.
Score
=
twenty
Appalling
=
shocking, extremely bad
Fatal-
=
causing or ending in death
Battered
=
old, used a lot and not in a very good condition
Wallow
=
to enjoy something that causes you pleasure
Liberty
x
slavery, confinement, restriction, restraint etc
Refuse(v)
x
accept ,agree
Gain
x
loss, lose
Creative
x
unimaginative, conventional
Heavy
x
light
Despair
x
hope
C.
D.
Equal
-
unequal, equality, inequality, equalize, equalizing, equally, equalizer
etc
Just
-
unjust, justice, injustice, justify, justifiable, justification, justly,
justified, justifier, etc
Happy - unhappy, happily, happiness, unhappiness, etc
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Mind
- minded, minder, mindful, mindless, etc
Faith
-
faithful, faithless, faithfully, unfaithful
Free
-
freely, freedom, etc.
6.8 Writing activity
Write a short essay each on the following :
1.
Mahatma Gandhi’s contribution to The Indian Freedom Struggle Movement
2.
Principles of Gandhism
3.
Casteism in India
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Unit-7
Money
Philip Larkin
Contents
7.0 Objectives
7.1 Introduction
7.2 The Text of the Poem
7.2.1 Check your progress
7.3 Summary
7.3 Notes and Glossary
7.4 Key to check your progress
7.0 Objectives
After reading this unit, you will be able to
Understand power of money
Understand relation of money and life
Understand relation of man and money
Understand timely use of money
7.1 Introduction
Money is a poem written by Philip Larkin. First, we will understand the
importance of Philip Larkin as a modern poet. Philip Larkin grew up in Coventry,
England. He is one of the most important poets of England of the modern times. He
worked as the librarian for libraries in Wellington, Leicester and Belfast. He was
popular in England and also in other countries. Philip Larkin is one of the leading
poets after Word-War II
Larkin won many academic and literary awards. In fact Larkin was thought as
not only best English poet but one of the best in Europe. Larkin was observer of
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contemporary English society. He is a sort of realistic reporter. Larkin's poetry, by
and large, is a reflection of his own personal experience and his personality. He
wrote poems of boredom, loneliness, failure, helplessness and fear of death. He
freely wrote about human problems and suffering.
7.2 The Text of the Poem:
Money
1.
Quarterly, is, it, money reproaches me:
'Why do you let me lie here wastefully?
I am all you never had of goods and sex.
You could get them still by writing a few cheques.
2.
So I look at others, what they do with theirs:
They certainly don't keep it upstairs.
By now they've a second house and car and wife:
Clearly money has something to do with life
3.
__In fact, they've a lot in common, if you enquire:
You can't put off being young until you retire,
And however you bank your screw, the money you save
Won't in the end buy more than a shave.
4.
I listen to money singing. It's like looking down
From long french windows at a provincial town.
The slums, the canal, the churches ornate and mad
In the evening sun. It is intensely sad.
3.2.1 Check your progress
I)
Comprehension Questions :
A) Skimming and scanning Question.
Answer the following questions in one or two sentences each :
1.
Why does money reproach the speaker?
2.
What does money ask the speaker to do?
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3.
What have the others done with their money?
4.
Why is the scence seen from the French window sad?
B) Answer the following question in 2-3 sentence each :
1.
Who reproaches the speaker? Why?
2.
How does the poet know that others do not keep their money upstairs?
3.
What does the poet mean by ''You can't put off being young''?
4.
What does Money advise us to do?
C) Write short Notes on :
1.
The poet's reflections on money.
2.
Money and Life.
3.
The central idea of the poem.
D) Complete the following sentences by choosing the correct alternative given
below :
1.
The poet is keeping money ......................................
a) on the upstairs b) in a bank
2.
3.
c) in the safe
d) in a locker
The theme of the poem is ...................................
a) using money to enjoy life
b) saving money
c) keeping money safe
d) keeping money for retirement
In the third stanza of the poem, the poet warns that.
a) others will spend your money
b) the value of money will go down
c) you won't be able to buy a house. d) your money may be stolen.
II. Vocabulary Exercises :
I)
Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonym means a word of similar meaning, For example.
enquire (v)
-
to ask about
ornate (n)
-
decoration
goods (n)
-
movable property
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Antonym means a word of opposite meaning, for example
rich (adj.)
x
Poor
borrow (v)
x
lend
dry (adj.)
x
wet
alive (adj.)
x
dead
Give synonyms for the following words.
clever
=
happy
=
problem
=
belief
=
Give antonyms for the following words :
tall
x
black
x
legal
x
open
x
II) Complete the following table filling the gaps where possible :
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
-
reproach
-
-
-
-
provincial
-
-
-
-
Wastefully
-
retire
-
Now use all these words in your own sentences.
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7.3 Summary
The poem begins with question by money. Money asks the poet why he has kept
money as it is for the last three months. Money assures poet of goods, properties and
a life full of sex. Poet only needs to write cheques.
Money reproaches the poet so he looks at other people to see what other people
are doing with their money. He understands that the people are using money to
purchase second house and a car and a wife. Money is useful for buying property and
amenities for life. And this makes life a pleasant experience. Certainly money is
powerful and it has big role to play in the life. Use of money among people is very
common. In fact money and life have lot in common. We don't want to grow old but
we grow old. We may save money but it is of no use. You can hardly use money in
your old age.
Poet listens to money's singing as he watches through french windows at town,
slums and churches which are ornate and mad.
7.4 Notes and Glossary :
quarterly (adj.): Once in three months.
reproach (v): to scold, find fault with somebody
goods (n): movable property, personal belongings
I am ... sex: (the money) 'I'/represent goods and sex that you can buy
enquire (v): to ask about, question
provincial (adj.): of a province, local, narrow.
however you bank: no matter how you save your screw (''bank'' as verb here)
your salary or earnings.
Screw: Salary
retire (v): retire from your job
french windows: pair of outer doors with square glass panels, opening out on to
a garden in a house. (French windows here represent life of luxury)
ornate (n) : decorated, much adorned, richly ornamented
intensely (adj.): attentively, exceedingly.
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7.5 Key to check your progress
(A) 1.
Money reproaches the speaker because he has kept money as it is for the
last three months.
2.
Money asks the speaker to use it to buy goods and sex
3.
The other people with their money have bought second home and a car and
a wife
4.
The scence seen from the windows is sad because the speaker sees slums
the canal and the churches ornate and mad.
(B) (1) Money reproaches the speaker because the speaker has not used money for
the last three months. Money asks the poet that he should not allow money
to lie wastefully and he can buy goods and sex. He only needs to write a
few cheques.
(2) Money reproaches the poet for keeping money as it is for the last three
months. So the poet looks at others to know what other people are doing
with their money. He comes to know that people are using money and they
have bought second home and a car and a wife.
(3) Write on your own
(4) Write on your own
(C) (1) Write on your own
(2) Money is essential for life so it is very important. People work hard to earn
money all through their lives or before they retire from their job. They earn
their salary and try to save money by keeping it in a bank or at home.
Money reproaches the poet for keeping money as it is for the last three
months. Then the poet looks at other people to see what they are doing with
their money. He understands that people are using money to buy second
home and a car and a wife. It means money has big role to play in the life.
In fact money is success and happiness. But if you save it all your life at the
end of your life you realise that money is hardly useful to you. So money
should be used properly for various pleasures of life. You only grow old
and you can't remain young. So timely use of money is very valuable.
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(3) Good poem always ends in wisdom. Money ends in wisdom of life. Money
is success and happiness. Everybody wants big salary or to earn more
money in life. But saving money is important habit of many men and
women. In Money the poet urges us to question the wisdom of frugal
spending in youth. Life should be lived completely and happily. You do
not remain young all your life. So money should be spent and should not
be kept as it is for the years. In the old age money can hardly buy anything
for you. Life should be enjoyed and we should not be mere spectator of life.
Money and life are related to each other. Life without money is not a
pleasant experience. So proper use of money in life is essential for better
life.
(D) (1) in a bank
(2) Using money to enjoy life.
(3) The value of money will go down.
III. Vocabulary Exercises :
synonyms of the following words.
Happy
=
glad, joyous,
Clever
=
intelligent, smart, etc.
Problem
=
write on your own
Belief
=
write on your own
Antonyms of the following words
1.
Tall
x
short
2.
Black
x
white, fair, etc.
3.
legal
x
write on your own
4.
Open
x
write on your own
II) Write on your own
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Unit-8
The Blind Boy
Colley Cibber
CONTENTS
8.0 Objectives
8.1 Introduction
8.2 The Text of the Poem
8.3 Self-check Exercises
8.4 Summary
8.5 Notes & Glossary
8.6 Key to self check Exercises
8.7 Recommended Reading
8.8 Writing Activity
8.0 Objectives:
After studying this unit you will be able to:
Understand the feelings of a blind boy.
Learn the opinions of others about the visually impaired.
Learn eagerness of a boy to know the blessings of sight and live a happy
life.
Compare and contrast the boy with eyesight and visually impaired /or the
blind.
8.1 Introduction:
Colley Gibber was an English actor, a manager, a playwright and poet. He was
the Poet Laureate of his time. He wrote his autobiography entitled “Apology for the
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Life of Colley Gibber” (1740). He started an English trend of anecdotal
autobiographies.
The poem ‘The Blind Boy’ is about the boy who is visually impaired. The views
of the blind boy and his feelings are expressed in the poem.
8.2 The Text of the Poem
My day or night myself I make,
Whene’er I sleep or play;
And could I ever keep awake,
With me ‘twere always day.
With heavy sighs I often hear
You mourn my hapless woe;
But sure with patience I can bear
A loss I ne’er can know.
Then let not what I cannot have
My cheer of mind destroy;
Whilst thus I sing, I am a king
Although a poor blind boy.
O say! What is that thing call the Light
Which I must never enjoy?
What are the blessings of the sight?
O tell your poor blind boy!
You talk of wondrous things you see’
You say the sun shines bright;
I feel him warm, but how can he
Or make it day or night?
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8.3 Self – Check Exercises:
I.
A) Answer the following question in one words / phrase sentences:
1)
What does the speaker hear with a heavy sigh?
2)
What does the speaker call himself even though he is poor blind boy?
3)
Who cannot make day or night for the boy?
4)
Whose warmth does the speaker feel?
B) Fill in the blanks by choosing the correct alternative :
1)
When the speaker sings, he is a -----------I)
poet
III) singer
II) king
2)
IV) poor boy
The speaker never enjoyed a ------------ in his life.
I) day
III) light
II) blessings
IV) none of the above
II) Comprehension Questions:
A) Skimming and scanning questions:
Answer the following questions in one to two sentences each:
1)
Whom is the poem about?
2)
Does the speaker enjoy life?
3)
What does the speaker always hear?
4)
What do the people talk to the blind boy about?
5)
How does the speaker feel when other says the Sun shines bright?
B) Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences each:
1)
About which things the speaker is aware of?
2)
How are the days of the speaker divided?
3)
Is the speaker unhappy? If yes tell how?
4)
When did the speaker lose his eye sight?
5)
What is the speaker approach towards life?
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C) Write Short Notes on:
1)
The theme of the poem 'The Blind Boy'
2)
The Blind boy and his life.
3)
Compare and Contrast the boy with eyesight and the boy without eyesight.
D) Complete the following sentences by choosing the correct alternative given
below:
1)
2)
The speaker in the poem is _______
a) a school boy
b) a village boy
c) a poor boy
d) a visually challenged boy
The speaker cannot enjoy________
a) a movie
3)
b) food
d) life
c) lucky
d) unlucky
The speaker is__________
a) unhappy b) happy
4)
c) light
The others mourn over_________
a) death
b) loss
c) helpless woe d) separation
E) Vocabulary Exercises:
Give the synonym of— blessing, heavy, patience
Give the antonyms of - blessing, woe, bright, day, poor
8.4 Summary
This poem deals with a feeling of boy who is visually impaired. He is well
aware of his blindness. He makes a day or night and could keep himself awake as if
it were always a day. He often hears with a heavy sign people mourning over his
helpless situation. But, he bears a loss of sight with patience. He feels that worrying
about what is not with him will destroy his happiness. Thus, he is quite happy with
what he has. Whenever he sings, he feels he is a king although he is a poor blind boy.
He is very much eager to know the blessings of the sight which he never
enjoyed in his life due to his blindness. He hears people talking about wonderful
things they see around them. They talk of the sun which shines bright. He feels him
warm as he can’t make a day or night for him. Thus poem tells a story of a bind boy
who is happy with what he has.
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8.5 Notes and Glossary:
Wonderous (aj)- wonderful hapless (Aj) -helpless
Cheer of mind (N) - happiness Bear (V) - carry
Shine (V) – reflect light
Mourn (V) – feel or show regret for
Patience(N)-suffering inconvenience
8.6 Key to Self – Check Exercises
I.
A) 1)
The speaker hears with a heavy sigh people mourn over his hapless
woe.
2)
The speaker calls himself a poor blind boy.
3)
The sun cannot make day or night for the boy.
4)
The speaker feels the warmth of the sun.
B) 1)
King
2)
Light
II. A) Write on your own.
B) Write on your own.
C) Write on your own.
D) Write on your own.
E) Write on your own.
8.7 Recommended Reading:
1.
John Milton: On His Blindness
2.
P.B. Shelley: To A Skylark
8.8 Writing Activity:
Interview a blind who lives nearby your house and try to know his/her feelings.
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Unit-9
English for Consumer Advertising
Index :
9.0 Objectives
9.1 Introduction
9.2 English for consumer advertising
9.2.1
Section – 1
Check your progress
9.2.2
Section – 2
Check your progress
9.2.3
Section – 3
Check your progress
9.3 Summary:
9.4 Terms to Remember:
9.5 Key to check your progress
9.6 Exercises
9.0 Objectives
After reading this unit, you will be able to:
Understand consumer advertising and its importance in the commercial
world.
Explain different media of advertising.
Learn importance of language as a tool in consumer advertising.
9.1 Introduction
In the previous unit entitled ‘Preparing a C V and Writing a Letter of
Application’ you have studied the techniques of preparing your C V and writing a
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letter of application. Your C V is the sum and substance of your efforts and academic
history and indicates the direction of the career you have chosen. However it should
display reliability and arouse interest in the prospective employer. It should assure
that you are an outstanding applicant liable for the job you have applied. Therefore
your C V is like a ‘Personal Advertisement’. You may have all the abilities necessary
for a particular position but your C V is a failure if the employer does not at once
come to the conclusion that you possess ‘what it takes’. The same is applicable to
consumer advertising.
Advertising is, generally, the practice of creating print, audio, and video
messages intended display a product or service and attract a customer to purchase
that product or service. Thus, in the previous unit, we have seen, the appeal is made
through C V and letter of application. In the present unit appeal is made through
advertising. Employer has to select an able candidate for his purpose; here, buyer as
well has to choose one from the range of products. As attempts are made to submit a
remarkable C V, in the same way, every attempt is made by the companies to attract
the consumers in order to motivate them to purchase their brand. Unlike industrial
advertising, which is directed towards businesses, Consumer advertising is intended
for domestic markets such as individuals and families. Consumer advertising aims to
introduce or re-introduce products and services to people for every- day- use. This
includes variety of products or services like vehicles, household appliances, home
electronic devices, books, movies, clothes, travelling and just about anything else
commonly found in routine practice.
In the present unit you are going to learn the way English is used in consumer
advertising. The copy writers prepare the ad using language as their tool. While
doing this they use variety of language devices using their creativity. Sound Related,
Vocabulary related, Sentence Types related, Figures of speech related Devices and
‘Code-mixing’ are some common devices. They even artistically break language
rules to make the ad memorable. It is this skill appeals the consumer and makes
advertise a success.
Here, the text is followed by Self Assessment Questions which will help you to
understand the unit. Tasks are intended to offer you practice so that you will be able
to apply the techniques studied in the unit practically.
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9.2 English for consumer advertising
In this unit, you are going to learn:
1.
Consumer advertising and its importance in the commercial world.
2.
Different media of advertising.
3.
Importance of language as a tool in consumer advertising.
Can we imagine a newspaper, radio or television without an advertisement?
Very difficult! Every magazine opens with it and each T.V. program starts with it. It
has become a part and parcel of our routine life. After all, Advertise is a powerful
tool for the flow of information from the seller to the buyer. It is a form of mass
communication and closely related with the commercial world.
9.2.1 Section-I
I.
Advertising: What-Why-When?
The word ‘advertise’ in English is originated from Latin root ‘advertere’ which
means ‘to turn towards’, ‘to bring into notice’ or ‘to draw attention to something’. In
the same way advertise influences and persuades people to believe in the appeal
made in it. Among the two major types of advertising include Industrial or
institutional advertising and Consumer advertising. Consumer advertising is a
favorable representation of a product to make consumers and general public aware of
it.
There are several reasons for advertising. For example-announcing a new
product or service, announcing a modification of or in change of price, expanding the
market to new customers, challenging competitions and so on. If the consumers are
not made aware of the products available in the market they will not buy the product
even if it was for their advantage. Advertising helps people find the best product for
themselves, compare the range of products and get what they desire after spending
their valuable money.
Though the great breakthrough in advertising came only in the late 19th century
after the advent of technology; the form of advertising for the transmission of
information dates back to ancient Greece & Rome. The newspaper advertising began
to develop in the 17th century in the various parts of the world. However, there is a
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great revolution in the field of advertising with the advent of radio and television as a
popular media of mass communication.
II. Advertising: Its media
Media of advertising is means of communication by which message of
advertising is communicated to the consumers at large. There are two major types of
media:
1.
Print Media:
Print Media, even called as non-electronic media, includes newspapers, books,
magazines, journals, leaflets and even banners and posters. Print media is
comparatively affordable; moreover, it is within reach of every locality.
2.
Electronic Media:
Now a day’s electronic media is the most popular mode of advertising. It is an
advertisement by means of radio, T.V. or Internet. With the increase of internet users
web advertisements also getting more popular with time. It is through this media one
can cover a wide range of audiences. It is the most viable platform through which
you can get your advertisement reached to every corner of the world within seconds.
III. Language of Advertising: It’s Creativity
Though advertise can reach to us through different media; it has language as its
main tool. In the era of globalization English is known as an international language.
Naturally, typical use of English in advertising has become a matter of curiosity.
Though English in advertising has evolved from common language; its effective use
has transformed it into ‘Informal Professional Language’ with its unusual use of
words and style. There is a great change in use of English in advertising with
advancement of science & technology, as well as, changes in social lifestyle. Now a
day it is known as a creative language. It can make a powerful impact over people
and their behavior. Despite the fact that visual content and design in advertising have
a great influence on the consumer, it is its language that helps people to identify and
remember a product .That’s why in advertising one has to consider the emotive
power of the words to arrest the attention. To attain proper effect the language of
advertising is beautified with the use of various devices.
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The analysis of advertising language brings forth some common characteristics. Let
us have a look over them:
1.
Dependence on persuasive keywords and phrases. e.g. ‘Let’s Make Things
Better’ – (Philips)
2.
Use of short words, short sentences and short paragraphs for effortless reading.
e.g. ‘Intel inside’ – (Intel)
3.
Deliberate use of concrete and familiar words. e.g. ‘See It, Hear It, Feel It’
(SONY T.V.)
4.
Intentional departure from language rules. e.g. ‘I’m Loving It!’ (McDonalds)
5.
Reference of surprising element and a dramatic appeal to the consumers e.g.
‘DRIVE THE CHANGE’(RENAULT Car)
6.
Frequent occurrence of interrogative sentences. e.g. ‘Why Should Boys Alone
Have All The Fun?’- (Scooty Pep)
7.
Use of figures of speech as simile, idioms and ironical expressions.
8.
Utilization of sound related devices like rhyme, rhythm, alliteration etc. to make
the ad memorable. For e.g. ‘Not just thunderous – but wondrous.’ (Videocon)
9.
Frequent use of superlatives and hyperbole. For e.g. ‘Better than the best’.
10. Use of imperative statements.
11. Making use of emotional appeal. e.g. ‘I’m A Complain Boy – I’m A Complain
Girl’ – (Complain)
IV. Persuasive words and phrases in advertising:
Here are some common words and phrases that frequently occur in advertising
language often with some emotional as well as factual value:
Words: suddenly, now, announcing, miracle, magic, free, amazing, quick,
hurry, easy, revolutionary, wanted, offer, starting, remarkable, improvement,
bargain, challenge, sensational, introducing, new, the truth about, compare, great,
good, wonderful, fresh, big, real, rich, bright, extra, special, approved, enjoy.
elegant, modern, masterpiece, original, secret, legendary, advanced, call, crafted,
exclusive, millions, natural, strong, safe, sale, enriched, save
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Phrases: just arrived, it is here, last chance, a must, best quality, brand – new,
prime-quality, reduced rates. act now, a Error! Hyperlink reference not valid., free
trial offer, high class, wide variety, call today, don't delay, excellent quality, hightech, introductory offer, unbeatable value, advice to
V. Advertisement: It’s Structure
Advertisement in print media more or less carries its own structure. It helps to
attract the prospective consumer. It is as follows –It consists of four elements. Let’s
try to understand this with the help of an advertisement of ‘Lizol, a home cleaner.
GRASP
HIGHLIG
HT
REQUEST
through- Layout, Picture,
Monogram,
Slogan
(Example: Slogan: ‘Do Your Children Fall Ill Often?’)
through- Images, Features of product
(Example: Features: ‘Kills 99% germs in just 60 seconds’ etc.)
to- Buy, Try
(Example: Request: ‘For clean and healthy home, trust only Lizol’)
for Buying
(Example: Support: ‘Recommended by Indian Medical Association’)
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SUPPORT
Thus, this journey begins from capturing the attention to inducing the consumers for
buying the product. Generally, slogans are in Block capitals and easily read. They are
catchy, economical, having brand name of the product with its essential features and
qualities.
VI. Slogans:
Slogans or catch lines are short phrases/sentences stuffed with attractive and
brilliant words. They are closely associated with the brand name. These catch lines
are not just easy to remember but even difficult to forget! Here are some examples:
‘The Taste of India’ (Amul Milk)
‘Have A Break, Have A Kit-Kat’ (Kit-Kat)
‘Life’s Good’ (LG)
‘Sharp Minds, Sharp Products’ (Sharp)
‘Connecting People’ (Nokia)
‘The Complete Man’ (Raymond’s)
Task – 1
(A) Collect advertisements of the following products of different brands and
compare their headlines concentrating on sound related devices:-
Bath Soap, Anti Dandruff Shampoo, Cold Drink, Detergent Powder, Shirt, Car,
Mosquito – Repellant, Tooth-Paste, Cell Phone.
(B) Prepare slogans for the following products: Fan, digital Camera, Music system,
Biscuit, Solar Water heater.
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1.2.2 Section-2
VII. Use of Language Devices in Advertising:
While copywriting advertising agencies use various language devices to achieve
desired effect, with the use of these devices the language. It brings a creative touch,
so that the intended message in advertisement gets artistic value.
i)
Sound Related Devices :
a.) Rhyme
These devices are related to the technique using sounds elements in advertising
language. Similar to poetry rhyme, rhythm, alliteration or repetition techniques are
used to bring musical quality in the advertising message.
See below the ad of the newspaper ‘Loksatta’
‘SHARP PERSPECTIVES.
INSIGHTFUL VIEWS.
TRUTHFUL NEWS’
You might have understood that the words ‘Perspectives, Views, News’ have
the same sound at the End. This device is known as ‘rhyme.’
b.) Alliteration –
In this device the words which begin with the same sound are brought together.
This technique is widely used in advertising headlines / slogans. Here is the ad of
Cotton King Shirts –
‘Feel The Softer Side of Shirts’
Here the sound ‘s’ makes us feel the very softness, of shirts, and the same effect
renders the sound ‘f’ in the following ad of ‘The Financial Express’ Your favorite
financial daily with a fresh perspective everyday.
c.) Rhythm –
Copywriters often use language with rhythmical patterns. Reader or listener may
not notice it but s/he feels it in inner mind, This makes the slogans memorable.
Similar patterns of stressed and unstressed syllables create rhythm regularity.
The slogan of ‘AMWAY Nutrilite’ goes like this –
‘Aging is a natural process….But aging healthy is a choice…’
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Don’t you feel the inner rhythm in it?
d.) Repetition –
Repetition of key words is an important feature of advertising language. Let us
see an advertise of a tea brand.
‘Leaf tea or CTC, blended teas or dust,
Darjeeling tea, Green tea or tea from the gardens of Assam,
Tea that is full bodied or tea that is light,
Whatever your preference in tea, you are sure to find it with AMEZ.
So, go ahead and discover your cup of tea’.
Here the repetitive use of ‘tea’ not only creates desire in the minds of readers but
enhances musical interest in the message.
ii) Vocabulary related devices –
a.) Adjectives –
Adjectives are used to describe the striking features of product and ads abound
with the adjectives like fresh, smart, beautiful and so on. Feel these adjectives how
they arouse within you an expectation for your dream home.
Did you grow up in a sunny home full of laughter, or a sober home full of serious
purpose?
Was it airy, or was it cozy? Cluttered or orderly?
Generally, language of advertising is exaggerative in character. It is the reason there
is increased number of comparative and superlative adjectives like super white, extra
energy, extra vitamin etc. Study this one.
‘THE BEST SOURCE OF NUTRITION
IS ALSO THE MOST AFFORDABLE ONE
AN EGG.’
b.) Formation of New Words:
Now a day, it has become a routine practice to form new words and expressions
in order to support the creative aspect of advertisement. So as to achieve the proper
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impact they have to use different devices of word building. You might have come
across to the following ad:
‘An ordinary word just cannot
Describes the amazing taste of
Kellogg’s Extra Muesli. So we
made a new one – Heavenlicious !’
Here – the word ‘Heavenlicious’ is blending of the words ‘heavenly’ and ‘delicious’.
Another product of the same company is named after ‘Tastexplosion’ which is
blending of the words ‘taste’ and ‘explosion’ respectively.
‘Get that Pepsy Feeling.’
We know the word ‘Pepsy’ as noun but here it has become an adjective.
‘No Waiting for Chocolating!’
This ‘Eclairs Candyman’ ad uses unusual word ‘Chocolating’ which is a verbal noun.
Sometimes the advertising slogan echoes or refers to another famous quotation.
‘The World’s Online Market Place’
This slogan unmistakably reminds us the famous quotation of William Shakespeare,
we all know, ‘The world’s a stage. Naturally, slogan becomes memorable. In short,
as there is no end to your imagination, no end to such a word play! Hence, the field
of advertising calls for your creativity.
Task 2:
(A) Write an advertisement copy for a Motor-Bike and describe its features with the
use of various adjectives.
(B) Prepare an advertisement copy for a new Refrigerator. Use as many word
formation devices as you can.
1.2.3 Section-3
iii) Skillful Use Of Sentence Types :
You have studied the four types of sentences–i.e. Statements, Questions,
Commands and Exclamations. Advertisers use these sentence types very skillfully
and make emotional appeal.
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For the same purpose ads abound with the first and second person pronouns. ‘I’,
‘We’, ‘You’, help friendly atmosphere and give personal touch. As a result the reader
or listener will easily accept the message as if a close friend recommended them.
‘We value your trust’.
This slogan of Jindal Aluminum is not just a statement but more than that. The
same intimate relationship develop the following slogans –
‘The Choice Is Yours’
‘The Honour Is Ours’ (Ford Car)
‘Bring out the champion in you’ (Nestle Milo)
‘My perfect morning begins with ‘Loksatta’’
The use of questions is also preferred a lot. These friendly questions force you to
think over the implied message. Here is the ad of land Rover car.
‘Why get a car when you can get a Land Rover?’
Thus questions are nothing but indirect commands. in their ad KESARI Travel
company asks you. –
‘Is your name on waiting list?’
It implies, ‘hurry up to register your name in a confirmed list!’
In an another ad LAKME assures you a perfect fairness through polite command.
(Only if you buy their product.)
‘Remove All 6 Fairness Blocks,
Reveal Your Perfect Fairness.’
The same is about‘Recharge Your Emotions’ (Essel World)
‘Taste the Thunder’ (Thums up)
‘Don’t Compromise the Life of Your Engine’
This slogan of ‘Castrol’ seeks positive response through negative command.
KESARI reminds us their specialty in tours in typical exclamatory expression –
‘After all, you need to travel smart to arrive fresh!’
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iv) Figurative Devices:
Expressions in ads are laden with figurative or rhetorical devices. It means, they
suggest multiple layers of meaning. These are the devices in which there is a
departure from ordinary forms of expression in order to produce a greater effect.
These effects are achieved through various figurative devices – like simile, metaphor,
personification, hyperbole, irony and so on. See the
‘Apollo Tire Makes Everyone Feel Safe. Like You Do’ or
‘Using Computer Is Easy As Dell’
The device used here is simile. But in a very different way, to evoke their unique
performance. Sometimes the products are spoken of as having life and intelligence.
EVERY JAGUAR CAN DO
THINGS MACHINES CAN’T.
The implied meaning is – ‘our car is not just machine, it is a jaguar known for its
agility and speed. This device is personification. In the same way –
‘CEAT Tyres Are : Born Tough !’
and
MRF Tyres Are - Tyres With Muscle!
Below is an example of irony –
‘The secret
The maintaining my figure?
I EAT !’
Striking one! But this eating does not mean your routine diet containing high calories
but ‘Kellogg’s Special’ with low calories!
Likewise, in advertising language there can be used variety of figures if you have
striking ideas.
VIII. ‘Code-mixing feature’ of Advertising:
Usually, while watching T.V. or reading newspaper you come across the ads
mixed with two languages. Code is a multilingual style of language. In a multilingual
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country like India this type of communication is socially accepted and we do not feel
anything wrong in it. Let us see the examples below:
‘Navratna Oil is – ‘Thanda Thanda Cool Cool’
‘Pepsi’s slogan reads as :
‘Yeh Dil Mange More’
One should taste ‘Maggie Ketchup’ so that‘Taste Bhi, Health Bhi.’
Here is another example of code – mixing between English and Marathi by ‘Pond’s
Cold Cream’ Milva Pond’s White Beauty Facewash
Mofat Pond’s Cold Cream Sobat.
IX. Monologue, dialogue and Humour:
It is the technique used to share the positive experiences of others regarding the
product. Generally this type of advertisements are largely used in audio and visual
media like radio, T.V. etc.
In monologues there is a single participant who shares his/her experiences about
the product. Very often persons in the monologues are celebrities like a film star or
cricketer.
Whatever media may be; light humour and fun create lively atmosphere in
advertise. It is the reason most of the advertises are funny. All of us, from kids to the
elders, enjoy such ads. It is but natural that people pay more attention to a humourous
ad than a serious or foctual one. you might be enjoying ‘Gems’ T.V. commercial in
which an elderly woman is thrown up in the sky while picking up the ‘Gems’ fallen
on the ground ..........
‘No Umar for Lalch!’
or an ad of ‘Knorr’ vegetable soup with actress Kajol.You like it, know?
‘Tummy Bole snacks? Sat Baje? Mummy bole, No! Dinner kaun khayega?
Tummy ki suno ya Mummy ki?
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Tummy...Mummy.... yummy!
Naya Knorr Soup.....Itna tasty ki Tummy khush ! Itna healthy ki Mummy Khush !’
X. Language of Advertising: The Art of Rule Breaking
For successful advertising there should be a strong appeal and attraction in its
language. For the same reason; every attempt is made to bring novelty in it. There is
no exception of grammatical rules as well. Sometimes copywriter misspells some
words purposefully, sometimes there is addition of some prefix or suffix to the
common words to make the ad more vivid,interesting and striking.
for example:
‘We know eggsactly how to sale Eggs’
Here the word ‘eggsactly’ is the variation of ‘exactly’ and it echos the word at the
end of slogan.See below a sentence from an ad for candy it reads‘From you to you.’
Here, there is purposeful deviation from natural use of reflective pronoun. In a
simple language the above expression could be -‘for yourself.’
In an another ad for ‘7-Up’ cold drink they use the word, ‘uncola’ however according
to the language rules is not permitted to use prefix (un) before a noun (cola) but
everything is possible in advertisment!
To sum up:
Accordingly, the use of English in advertising is a matter of skill, artistic attitude
alongwith wide knowledge languages and ongoing commercial trend. If you are
interested in the field of advertising there is a range of lucrative careers. The job in
this field is categorized into two sides or departments. The executive department
understands client needs and the creative department prepares the advertisment copy;
as per the need of the product. There is an opportunity even in the field of ad films.
You can make your career in private advertising agencies or public sector companies.
Similarly, one can have an option as freelancer in this discipline. The advertising
sections of newspapers, magazines, journals, radio, television or market research
organisations are in search of your talent.
***
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Task 3:
(A) Draft an advertisement copy of the following keeping with its structure and
using the essential words, phrases and various sentence types. Invent names for
these products:
Two wheeler for Ladies, Washing Machine, Mixer Grinder
(B) Study the advertisements of the following products and note down the
characteristics of language in them.
Chocolate, After Shave lotion, Tooth Brush, Laptop.
(C) Prepare headlines for the following products/services using code mixing feature.
Travel Company, CFL Bulb, Sweets, Hand wash, Water Purifier.
9.2.1 Section – 1
Check your progress
Choose the correct alternative from the options given below and complete the
sentences:
1.
----------is a powerful tool for the flow of information from the seller to the
buyer.
a) Advertise
2.
b) Consumer
b)cross
c) non-consumer d) colorful
c) group
d) specific
Now-a-days -----------media is the most popular mode of advertising.
a) Non-electronic b) electronic
5.
d) Newspaper
Advertise is a form of --------------communication.
a) mass
4.
c) Radio
------------ advertising is a favorable representation of a product to make
consumers and general public aware of it.
a) Industrial
3.
b) Television
c) Print
d) audio
Newspapers, books, magazines, journals, leaflets, banners and posters are
examples of ---------------- media.
a) audio
b) electronic
c) audio- visual d) print
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6.
-------media is comparatively affordable.
a) non-electronic b) audio
7.
b)17th
c) 18th
d) 19th
Code is a ---------------style of language.
a) monolingual
9.
d) audio- visual
The newspaper advertising began to develop in the --------------century.
a) 16th
8.
c) Visual
b) digital
c) multilingual
d) none of the above
In advertising-----------is used as a main tool.
a) media
b) language
c) emotion
d) copy
9.2.2 Section -2
Check your progress
a)
Say whether true or false.
1.
Advertise is a form of mass communication and closely related with the
commercial world.
2.
Advertise influences and persuades people to believe in the appeal made in
it.
3.
The newspaper advertising began to develop in the 18th century in the
various parts of the world.
4.
Media of advertising is a means of communication by which message of
advertising is communicated to the consumers.
5.
Print media is called as non- electronic media.
6.
Print media is expensive.
7.
Electronic media is an advertisement by means of radio, television or
Internet.
8.
Slogans are short phrases / sentences stuffed with attractive and brilliant
words.
9.
Code is a multilingual style of language.
10. Magazine is a print medium.
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b) Match the items under Column A with those under Column B:
Column A
Column B
1.
T.V., Radio
a. speech of one person
2.
Slogan
b. a product
3.
Code-mixing
c. advertisement
4.
Monologue
d. multilingual
5.
Bath soap
e. catch lines
f. media
c)
Write short notes on:
1.
Media of advertising
2.
Code-mixing
3.
Creativity in Language of advertising
4.
Use of Monologue and Dialogue in Consumer advertising
9.2.3 Section-3
Check your progress
A) Prepare advertisement to be sent to the print media for the following
products:
1.
Toothpaste
2.
Shampoo
B) Draft the advertisement of the following based on the description given
below using essential words, phrases, and abbreviations.
AQUA PURE is a new product of India Lever Limited. It is different from
traditional water purifiers. Their slogan is –‘Be Sure with Aqua Pure’. Its new
technology gives you pure and safe water as compared to boiling water. You can
enjoy a tension free life because there will not be water borne diseases. Its unique
safety system consists of nine stage purification system which gives relief from all
kinds of water diseases. Moreover it restores minerals and natural taste in the water.
143
You can get ten to 12 liters of water in an hour. Its auto -switch- off technology
means no tension. It has five star rating so very low electricity consumption. In
addition, it is available in an affordable price. In short, to buy AQUA PURE means
to experience satisfaction.
9.3 Summary:
Advertising has become a part and parcel of our day-to-day life. Advertise is a
powerful tool for the flow of information from the seller to the buyer. The word
advertise in English is originated from Latin root ‘advertere’ which means ‘to turn
towards’, ‘to bring into notice’ or ‘to draw attention to something’. Equally, advertise
influences and persuades people to believe in the appeal made in it. There are two
major types of advertising i.e. Industrial or institutional advertising and
Consumer advertising. In the present unit we are dealing with Consumer
advertising. It is a favorable representation of a product to make consumers and
general public aware of it.
Though the art of advertising dates back to ancient times; there is a great
revolution in the field of advertising in the modern age with the introduction of Print
Media like newspapers and Electronic Media like radio and television or Internet.
Now a day’s electronic media is the most popular mode of advertising.
Language of Advertising: It’s Creativity
Advertise uses language as its main tool though it appeals us through different
media and variety of languages. However, in the present age of globalization English
is known as an international language. Naturally, typical use of English in
advertising has become a matter of interest. Even if, English in advertising has
developed from common language; its typical usage of words and style has made it
an ‘Informal Professional Language’. English in advertising is modified with
progression in science & technology, as well as, changes in social lifestyle in
general. That is to say; English in advertising is known as a creative language.
There are some common characteristics of advertising language. They are as follow:
1. Persuasive keywords and phrases. 2. Short words and sentences. 3. Use of
familiar words. 4. Intentional departure from language rules. 5. Dramatic appeal to
the consumers 6. Frequent use of interrogative sentences. 7. Use of figures of
144
speech. 8. Utilization of sound related devices 9. Recurrent use of superlatives. 10.
Use of imperative statements. 11. Emotional appeal.
Advertisement in print media more or less carries its own structure. It helps to
attract the prospective consumer. It consists of four elements:
1. GRASP- attention is caught through the use of Layout, Picture, Monogram or
Slogan
2.
HIGHLIGHT- product is highlighted through Images and Features of product
3.
REQUEST- to- Buy, Try the product
4.
SUPPORT-rationale for buying the product
Slogans:
Slogans or catch lines are short phrases/sentences stuffed with attractive and
brilliant words
‘The Taste of India’ (Amul Milk)
‘Have A Break, Have A Kit-Kat’ (Kit-Kat)
Use of Language Devices in Advertising:
While copywriting advertising agencies use various language devices to achieve
desired effect. They bring a creative touch, so that the intended message in
advertisement gets artistic value.
ii) Sound Related Devices: These devices are related to the technique using
sounds elements in advertising language. Similar to poetry rhyme, rhythm,
alliteration or repetition techniques are used to bring musical quality in the
advertising message.
Rhyme-This device consists of the repetition of the same sound at the End.
Alliteration –In this device the words which begin with the same sound are
brought together.
Rhythm –In this device similar patterns of stressed and unstressed syllables
create rhythm regularity.
Repetition –Repetition of key words creates desire in the mind of readers and
even enhances musical quality.
145
ii) Vocabulary related devices –
Adjectives –Adjectives like fresh, smart, beautiful etc. are used to describe the
striking features of product. Mostly, language of advertising is exaggerative in
character. It is the reason there is increased number of comparative and superlative
adjectives like super white, extra energy, extra vitamin etc.
Formation of New Words: It has become a usual practice to form new words
and expressions in order to support the creative aspect of advertisement. For e.g. the
word ‘Heavenlicious’ is a blending of the words ‘heavenly’ and ‘delicious’.
iii) Skillful Use Of Sentence Types :
You know that there are four types of sentences –i.e. Statements, Questions,
Commands and Exclamations. Advertisers use these sentence types in very skillfully
way. So that the reader or listener will easily accept the message as if a close friend
recommended them.The slogan of Jindal Aluminum ‘We value your trust’ is not just
a statement but more than that. Likewise; The use of questions is also preferred a
lot. These friendly questions force you to think over the implied message.
polite commands like ‘hurry up to...’is a regular feature of advertising language.
Similarly, use of typical exclamatory expression easily catches our attention.
iv) Figurative Devices :
Language in ads is loaded with figurative or rhetorical devices. It means, they
suggest multiple layers of meaning. In these devices there is a departure from
ordinary form of expression in order to produce a greater effect. These effects are
achieved through various figurative devices–like simile, metaphor, personification,
hyperbole, irony and so on.
‘Code-mixing feature’ of Advertising:
While watching T.V. or reading newspaper you come across the ads mixed with
two languages. Code is a multilingual style of language. In a multilingual country
like India this type of communication is socially accepted and we do not feel
anything wrong in it. For e.g. -‘Pepsi’s slogan: ‘Yeh Dil Mange More’
146
Monologue, dialogue and Humour:
In monologue there is a single participant who shares his/her experiences about
the product. Very often persons in the monologues are celebrities like a film star or
cricketer. However dialogue consists of two or more persons. Generally this type of
advertisements are largely used in audio and visual media like radio or T.V. Light
humour and fun create lively atmosphere in advertise. It is the reason most of the
advertises are funny and all of us enjoy such ads.
Language of advertising is so innovative that it is known as the art of rule
breaking. For successful advertising there should be a strong appeal and attraction in
its language. For the same reason; every attempt is made to bring novelty in it. There
is no exception of grammatical rules as well. Sometimes copywriter misspells some
words purposefully, sometimes there is addition of some prefix or suffix to the
common words to make the ad more vivid,interesting and striking.
Thus, use of English in advertising is a matter of skill, artistic attitude. it
requires wide knowledge of languages and ongoing commercial trend. If you are
interested in the field of advertising there is a range of lucrative opportunities.
***
9.4 Terms to Remember:
Consumer : a person who uses a product
Slogan : a short catchy phrase used in advertising
Code-mixing : mixing of two or more languages in ads
Media : various means of mass communication (print & electronic)
Monologue : a speech by one person
Layout : the way in which advertising is planned
Copy : the text of an advertisement
Monogram : initials representing several words in a name
Brand : an identifying trade mark or label
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9.5 Key to check your progress:
2.1 1. Advertise
5. print media
2. Consumer
3. mass
4. electronic
6.non-electronic
7. 17th
8. multilingual
9. Language
2.2 a)
Answers to check your progress:
1-true
2- true
3- false
4- true
5- true
6- false
7- true
8-true
9- true
10- true
3-d
4-a
2.2 b) Answers to check your progress:
1-f
2-e
5-b
2.2 c)
1.
Media of advertising
Advertising: Its media
It is through different Media the message of advertising is communicated to the
consumers. The newspaper advertising began in the 17th century in the various parts
of the world. Yet, there is a great revolution in this field with the advent of radio and
television as a popular media of mass communication. These media can be divided
into two major types: 1. Print Media 2. Electronic Media
Print Media includes newspapers, books, magazines, journals, leaflets and even
banners and posters. This media is even called as non-electronic media. Print media
is comparatively affordable; moreover, it is within reach of every locality.
Electronic media consists of electronic means of communication like radio,
T.V. or Internet. In this modern age advertisement through electronic media is the
most popular mode of advertising. With the increase of internet users web
advertisement is also getting more and more popular. It has one benefit over Print
Media is that this media can cover a wide range of consumers. It is the most feasible
platform through which one can transmit advertising message to every corner of the
world instantly.
148
2.
Code-mixing
Now a day the feature of Code-mixing is widely used in all types of media.
Code is a multilingual style of language. While watching T.V. or reading newspaper
we come across the ads mixed with two languages. Generally English is mixed with
Hindi or some other local language. In a multilingual country like India this type of
communication is socially accepted and we do not feel anything wrong in it. Here are
some examples of this kind:
In the ad of Navratna Oil their slogan says ‘Navratna Oil is – ‘Thanda Thanda
Cool Cool’. Thus Hindi word ‘Thanda’ is mixed with English ‘Cool’ in the same
way‘Pepsi’s slogan reads as :
‘Yeh Dil Mange More’
Eating ‘Maggie Ketchup’ means-‘Taste Bhi, Health Bhi.’
Here is another example of code – mixing between English and local language
Marathi by ‘Pond’s Cold Cream’ Milva Pond’s White Beauty Facewash
Mofat Pond’s Cold Cream Sobat.
In short the feature of Code-mixing is well-accepted and widely used in advertising
world.
3.
Creativity in Language of Advertising
Language is used as a main tool in Advertising. English has achieved worldwide
importance in this age of globalization and it is known as an international language.
Therefore, Advertising in English is preferred as it is understood and spoken
worldwide. So, the study of English in advertising has become a matter of curiosity
and interest. Though the foundation of English in advertising is laid down with
common English; its unusual use of words and style has transformed it into ‘Informal
Professional Language’. With an advancement of science & technology and changes
in social lifestyle English has undergone a lot of modification. Everyday it is
enriched by new words and new terms. The same impact can be seen in the world of
advertising. English in advertising is used in its all possible way to make the ad
impressive. And this makes English a creative language. This artistic use can make a
powerful impact over the behavior of people. visual content and design play
149
important role in advertising, yet it is its language that helps people to identify and
remember a product . The language of advertising is beautified with the use of
various devices to produce proper result.
Here are some common characteristics of language of advertising:
1.
Persuasive keywords and phrases. 2. Short words and sentences. 3. Use of
familiar words. 4. Intentional departure from language rules. 5. Dramatic appeal
to the consumers 6. Frequent use of interrogative sentences. 7. Use of figures of
speech.8. Utilization of sound related devices 9. Recurrent use of superlatives.
10. Use of imperative statements.11. Emotional appeal.
In short language of advertising is very creative and twisted for the purpose of
striking effects.
4.
Use of Monologues and Dialogues in Consumer advertising
Monologues and Dialogues are examples of audio and visual media. The
advertisements on radio and television make use of monologues and Dialogues in
advertising a product. In monologues there is a single participant who shares his/her
experiences about the product. It is the technique used to share the positive
experiences of others regarding the product. However dialogue consists of two or
more persons. Generally this type of advertisements is largely used in audio and
visual media like radio or T.V. To make dialogue more interesting humourous and
funny situations are purposefully used. It is the reason most of the advertises produce
laughter and no feeling of boredom even if we watch them again and again. It is the
reason most of the advertises are funny and all of us enjoy such ads. It is but natural
that people pay more attention to a humourous advertise than a serious or foctual
one.
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9.2.3 A)
1.
Toothpaste
is your paste…..a pest?
‘TEETHSHINE’
DON’T JUST SMILE …
LAUGH ALOUD WITH SHINING TEETH…
Experience the magic of confidence….!
Try the New ‘TEETHSHINE’
Know Your Healthy Sign
Why ‘TEETHSHINE’?
* Helps keep your teeth healthy
*Strengthens gums
*Fights Cavities
*Removes surface stains on teeth
*Freshens Breath
*RECOMMENDED BY NATIONAL HEALTH ORGANIZATION
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2.
Shampoo
‘SILKYSOFT’
GIVE YOUR HAIR A SILKY TOUCH…..
…after all, it’s here…. ‘SILKYSOFT’…
You are fed up…and why not? every time new ad and every time new
shampoo!...result?...frustration…. oh! it is what you were waiting for…after all, it’s
here…‘SILKYSOFT’…..now, turn away frustration….and welcome silky touch…
welcome‘SILKYSOFT’…
Soft and Silky Hair Just In 1 Wash
*STOPS HAIRFALL
*NOURISHES DRY AND ROUGH HAIR
*ANTI DANDRUFF
*HAIR CONDISHNING
*DEEP DOWN CARE
152
B)
*****
FIVE STAR
RATING
Do you know your family is not safe even with boiled water?
Now
BE SURE WITH AQUA PURE
Yes, most of the diseases are transmitted through the water you drink….even if it is
boiled….and we know; you are the one won’t take any risk at the cost of your dear
ones…now be tension free …your family is safe in the hands of AQUA PURE…And
believe…we are the one who care even for you….After all we know…you are safe
and your family is safe…..
Know your AQUA PURE:
* kills disease causing bacteria and virus
* unique nine stage purification system
* restores minerals and renders natural taste to the water
* 10 to 12 liters of water in an hour
* auto -switch- off technology
* five star rating meanslow electricity consumption
HURRY UP it’s all in a GREAT PRICE….!
A PRODUCT OF INDIA LEVER LIMITED
‘always caring for you’
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9.6 Exercises:
A) Prepare an advertisement for the following products for the print media:
i)
Cell Phone
ii) Washing Machine
iii) Wrist watch
iv) Foot wear
Consider the following suggestions:
*Imagine a brand name for the products.
* Make use of proper Headline or a Slogan.
* Use code-mixing feature
* Use Repetition of words/phrases
* Use proper adjectives
* Give main features of the product
B) Draft the following advertisement by using the essential words/phrases and
abbreviations:
SAMCON T.V. is one of the leaders in innovation. Its slogan is ‘Go watching,
go enjoying’ It has launched a new slim LCD T.V. ‘BLASTER’ with variety of
features. The T.V. gives you a theatre –like experience with high quality digital
picture. Its body comes with high gloss finish for its ever new look. It has USB
support. It comes with 225 channels and sound equalizer. Moreover, you can use
it as a computer. It is even provided with ‘Picture in picture’ facility to watch
two channels at a time. Its full remote control functionality means additional
comfort. Not only that, it comes with 3 years of warranty against manufacturing
defects.
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Unit-10
Information Transfer and Interpretation of data
CONTENTS
10.0
Objectives
10.1
Introduction
10.2
Information Transfer and Interpretation of Data
10.2.1
Section I
- Check your progress
10.2.2
Section II
- Check your progress
10.2.3
Section III
- Check your progress
10.2.4
Section IV
- Check your progress
10.2.5
Section V
- Check your progress
10.3 Summary
10.4 Notes and Glossary
10.5 Key to check your progress
10.6 Exercises
10.0 Objectives:After studying this unit you will be able to:
narrate the given information.
compare the given information.
classify information by using tables.
draw the diagrams for presenting information.
explain the relation between given data and charts and that between data
and diagram.
155
10.1 Introduction:In the previous unit entitled “English for Consumer Advertising” you have
learnt how language is used to attract the attention of the consumer towards the
particular product. This unit deals with presenting visual forms so that it can be
grasped easily and can be interpreted accurately.
Unless information is presented it cannot be interpreted accurately. And unless
there is accurate interpretation no effective decision can be taken. Modern
information technology has brought various forms of presenting data yielding to easy
and accurate interpretation. These forms of presentation are tables, bar diagrams, tree
diagrams, pie diagrams, flow chart and so on. These forms are visual so they can be
interpreted easily as well as accurately. The process of interpretation generally
includes generalization, comparison, contrast and prediction.
The text is followed by self- assessment questions that could help you to have
accurate knowledge of the topic. Finally you will be able to apply the skill of
presenting information and interpreting the given data in different situations.
10.2 Information Transfer and Interpretation of Data
Information means ‘something told’ or ‘knowledge acquired in any manner;
fact, data etc.
It is a great skill to present information in a precise way. Visual presentation of
the information is unanimously accepted way of presenting information in the world
of Information Technology. It is time saving and helpful in many respects.
•
Complex facts and figures can be much more easily understood.
•
It makes comparison easy.
•
Graphs and diagrams are the visual aids that give immediate and accurate
comprehension of the data.
•
Information presented through charts and diagrams impress the reader more
effectively than going through a long narrative in writing or in speech.
Information can be presented in different forms such as table, charts, maps,
graph, tree diagram, pie diagram, flow chart and out-line form which give the
required information at a glance.
156
Information Transfer:
Information transfer means transferring information from one form of
presentation to the other. For example, Information presented in the narrative
paragraph can be transferred to table, bar diagram, pie diagram, flow- chart, tree
diagram or in the out-line form highlighting the important points in the information.
Even information in bar diagram can be transferred to table or pie diagram.
Interpretation of Data:
To interpret data means to explain its meaning and make it to understand at ease.
There are three steps of interpreting data- generalization, comparison and contrast
and prediction.
Generalization:
making the general statements about data.
Comparison:
Comparing and contrasting the figures under the heads.
Prediction:
Observing the trend in the data and making statements about
its present or future position.
Now let us see some of the important devices of presenting information and how
each of them is useful in the respective situation.
I)
Table:
It is one of the most useful devices of presenting information. We get
information at a glance with the help of the table.
•
Percentage or figures are normally presented in tables with suitable headings.
•
Table helps to classify the information under different heads.
•
Table is useful to show the information of the object and its features, cause and
its effects, reason and its result and so on.
Here is narrative paragraph/ passage giving information about Occupational
distribution of working population in India over the years 1981-2007.
Working population of India has been distributed under three different heads
namely, Primary sector, Secondary sector and Tertiary sector. It has been observed
that during the year1981, 68.7% of working population was working in primary
sector, 13.8% in the secondary sector and 17.5% in the tertiary sector. There was
some change in occupational distribution of the working population in the year 1991.
157
The percentage in working population in primary sector was decreased and became
62.7%. On the contrary the percentage of working population in secondary and
tertiary sector was increased which became 14.9% and 22.4% respectively. In the
year 2001, 59.3% population was busy in the primary sector, where as 18.2 % people
were working in the secondary sector and 22.5% in the tertiary sector. According to
the economic survey in 2007, the percentage of working population was engaged in
primary sector has been reduced to 52.7%. There is considerable growth in the
percentage working population in the tertiary sector which became 28.5%. There is
slight increase in the percentage of working population which became 18.8%.
Note you have to make a lot of repetition in such narration. You have to state again
certain words, verbs and the years etc.
Here is the tabular presentation of such information.
Occupation
Distribution of Working population
1981
1991
2001
2007
Primary sector
68.7%
62.7%
59.3%
52.7%
Secondary sector
13.8%
14.9%
18.2%
18.8%
Tertiary sector
17.5%
22.4%
22.5%
28.5%
100
100
100
100
Total
Occupational Distribution of Working Population in India.
Interpretation of the data:
Generalization:
From the data given above you can make the general statements such as,
1.
The above information shows that there is a shift of workforce from primary
sector to secondary and tertiary sector.
2.
It appears that is a consistent growth in the percentage of working population in
the tertiary sector.
3.
It seems there is a gradual increase in the percentage of working population in
the secondary sector.
158
Comparison:
You can make statements of comparison such as:
1.
It appears from the information given above that the percentage of working
population in the primary sector is greater than that of secondary and tertiary
sector. Over the years from 1981 to 2001.
2.
The percentage of working population in the secondary sector is less than that of
primary sector and tertiary sector in the respective years 1981, 1991, 2001 and
2007.
3.
The percentage of working population in the tertiary sector is quite less than that
of the primary sector over the years.
Contrast:
You can contrast the information given above by saying:
It can be seen from the information given above that the percentage of working
population in the secondary sector is the lowest one in contrast to that of primary
sector over the years 1981 to 2007.
Prediction:
1.
It appears from the above information that there is shift of workforce from
primary sector to the secondary sector and tertiary sector during the three and
half decades given.
2.
The information given above shows that there is a gradual growth in Indian
economy.
3.
From the year wise figures given in the information above we can predict that
there is consistent increase in the percentage of working population in the
tertiary sector.
Study the structures which are used for making statements:
1.
The above information shows that……
2.
It appears from the information given above that……
3.
According to the above information we can say ………
4.
The information indicates that ………
159
5.
It can be seen from the information above……..
Use of tenses
1. Simple present tense is used to state the general tendencies or trends
e.g. use of is, are.
2. Past tense is used to talk about the information related to previous
years. was increased, decreased etc.
3. Future tense is used to indicate the position. e.g. will increase, will go,
etc.
Following expressions can be normally used to make statements of comparison,
more than, less ….than, …er….. than.
To indicate contrast in two different things ‘in contrast to’ can be used.
10.2.1 Section I
Check your progress:
A) Read the following table accurately and complete the statements given
below it :1.
This table shows that the production of food grains (MT) in the year 200910 is _____________ that of in the year 1950-51.
2.
In the year 1991-92 the production of pulses (MT) to was ____________
that of sugarcane (MT).
3.
In the year 1950-51 the production of oilseeds (MT) was ___________ than
that of in the year 1991-92.
4.
The production of sugarcane (MT) was __________ in the year 1991-92
that of in the year 1950-51.
5.
The production of the ___________ was the lowest compared to other
agriculture products in the year 1950-51.
B) Say true or false1.
Generalization means making general statements about the data.
2.
Transferring information means making notes from the given information.
160
3.
Table form is useful to show the family analogy.
4.
Prediction means making statement about future position regarding the
data.
5.
The production of sugarcane was the lowest one in contrast to that of the
products in the year 2009-10.
Task-1:
A) Narrate the information in the table given below:
Agriculture Production (Million Tonnes)
Commodity
1950-51
1991-92
2001-02
2008-09 2009-10
1.
Food grains (m.t)
51.0
167.0
212.9
234.4
218.2
2.
3.
4.
B)
Pulses (m.t)
Sugarcane (m.t)
Oilseeds (m.t)
8.4
69.0
5.1
12.0
249.0
18.3
13.4
297.2
20.7
14.6
285.0
27.7
14.6
277.7
24.9
1.
Make a general statement about the topic
2.
Make the statements of comparison and contrast based on the information given.
3.
Make the statement of prediction based on the above information.
II) Tree- diagram:
Tree – diagram is useful for representing different components of any particular
object. It is useful to present classification of data, relationship in family ancestry/
analogy and hierarchical relationship of management in any office or organization.
Thus tree-diagram shows division, sub-division and hierarchical relations.
Look at the following tree-diagram which describes the classification of Account-
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Accounts
Personal
Natural
Ram
Impersonal
Artificial or legal
Rita
Government
Representative
Prepaid
Accounts
Companies
Real
Capital
Accounts
Clubs
Nominal
Drawing
Accounts
Co-operative
Societies
Let us see how this tree diagram can be presented in a descriptive form.
There are two main types of accounts: personal account and impersonal account.
Personal accounts is of three types and is classified as natural account, artificial or
legal account and representative accounts. Natural personal account can be the
account of Ram and Rita. Artificial or legal personal account is further classified as
Government’s accounts, Company’s accounts, Club’s accounts and the accounts of
Co-operative societies. Similarly Representative personal accounts are sub-divided
into Pre-paid accounts, Capital accounts and Drawing accounts. Impersonal accounts
can be Real accounts and Nominal accounts.
The following structure can be used to describe a tree-diagram:
divided into, further divided into, sub-divided into, classified into, further classified
into etc.
10.2.2 Section II
Check your progress
Say true or false1.
Hierarchical structure of any organization can be shown easily through table
form.
162
2.
Tree diagram is useful for presenting different components of any particular
object.
3.
Real and nominal accounts are the types of personal accounts.
4.
Government, companies, clubs and co-operative societies are the types of
personal accounts.
5.
The accounts of Ram and Rita are the example of real accounts.
Task-2
A) Here is a tree-diagram giving information about modes of transport. Read it and
narrate it into a paragraph.
Modes of Transport
Land
Trans port
Roadways
Water
Transport
Railway
Rivers
National
Highway
State
District
Highway Roads
Air
Transport
Inland water transport
Canals
Shipping
Coastal
Shipping
Over Seas
Shipping
Rural
Roads
Domestic
Air transport
International
Air transport
B) Transfer the following information in to a tree-diagram.
There are four types of markets namely, local markets, regional markets,
national markets and international markets. Local markets are divided as markets for
perishable goods such as butter, eggs, milk and vegetables, and market for bulky
goods where brick, sand and stones are sold. Semi durable goods are sent to regional
markets. Durable goods and industrial items are sent to national markets. The
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precious commodities like gold and silver are transacted in the markets at
international level.
I)
Flow chart
Flow-chart provides information in short about the processes. It depicts the various
steps taken to complete the process. It is used to tell the recipe of any dish or
procedure of producing any item or process of doing certain activities such as taking
admission in the college or opening a bank account etc.
Look at the following flow-chart that provides various stages in the procedure of
accounting.
Generating financial
information
Recording
Transactions and
filing the data
Classifying the data
Interpreting the
data & preparing
the reports
Analyzing the data
given
in
the
financial statement
Summarizing the
data in the form of
financial
statement
Submitting the
reports to the end
users
This is a flow chart that gives procedure of aspects of accounting generating
financial information.
All business transactions of financial characters evidenced by some documents
such as sales bill, pass book, salary slip etc. are recorded in the books of accounts.
Then the classification of the records data is made under separate heads. After that
the classified data is summarized and presented in the form of financial statements.
Then the data in the financial statements is analyzed in the simplified form. After that
the recorded financial data explained and interpreted which will help to know about
the financial condition and profitability of the business operations. Finally the
interpreted information is transmitted to the end users to make rational decisions.
164
10.2.3 Section III
Check your progress
Say true or false1.
Flow chart provides information about the processes.
2.
Flow chart can be used to tell the process of making tea.
3.
Flow chart is generally used to classify any data.
4.
Data given in the financial statement is analyzed after summarizing the
classified data.
5.
Interpretation of the data is the final step in the process of accountancy.
Task-3:
A) Here is a flow-chart showing procedure of giving contracts. Write a paragraph
narrating this procedure.
Advertising
the nature of
work- inviting
quotations
Calling
board
meeting
Opening
quotation
envelops
before them
Finding
out the
lowest
quotation
Get the
agreement
signed by the
managing
director and
the contractor
If agreed ask
the
companies
Solicitors to
draft an
agreement
Explaining
the terms
and
conditions
Inviting
the party
B) You know how coffee powder is prepared. Present a flow-chart of making
coffee powder giving all the important stages.
III. Pie-diagram
Pie-diagram represents a circle which is further divided into the different parts
to indicate different components.
165
When a circle is sub-divided into various component sectors it is called a piediagram. The whole circle is 100% which can be divided into pies as per the data. It
gives a visual impression of the information. Pie-diagram is supplementary to tabular
data.
Here is a pie-diagram about monthly expenditure of a family.
Pie-diagram
The information in the above pie-diagram can be narrated in the following way.
The above pie-diagram shows the monthly expenditure of a family. The family
spends 40% of its income on food. After food the great expenditure is made on
clothing; its percentage is 20%. Below the clothing there is house rent for which the
family expends 15%. The expenditure on education is 10%. Similarly the family
expends 6% of its income on fuel and electricity and its miscellaneous expenditure is
10%.
‘There is’-used to express general facts.
10.2.4 Section IV
Check your progress
Say true or false1.
In a pie diagram the circle is divided into rectangular pies.
2.
In a pie diagram a circle is sub-divided into different component sectors.
166
3.
Pie diagram is supplementary to flow chart.
4.
In a pie diagram percentage is used to measure data.
5.
From the above pie diagram we learn that family expends maximum
amount of its income on education.
Task-4:
A. Prepare a Pie-diagram representing the data given.
Distribution of Revenue
Source
% of Revenue
Customs
14
Excise
40
Income Tax
30
Corporate Tax
10
Miscellaneous
06
Total
100
B. 1.
Make the Statements of generalization based on the data above.
2.
Make the statements of comparison and contrast about the data.
IV. Bar-diagram
Bar-diagrams are called one dimensional diagram because only the length of the
bar is taken into account and not the width. The length of the bar easily shows the
contrast between two sets of information. The vertical and horizontal bars, or X-axis
and Y-axis are used to present information. There length shows the frequency of the
variable and width provides visual impacts
See for example the following Bar Diagram showing information about the
literacy rate in different states in India in 2001.
167
Literacy Rate in various states in India
States
% Literacy Rate
Kerala
90.86
Goa
82
Maharashtra
77
Himachal Pradesh
77
Tamilnadu
73
Rajasthan
60
Uttar Pradesh
60
Bihar
47
The above bar-diagram gives us the information about the literacy in different
states in India. The highest literacy rate is found in Kerala which is 90.86 %. It is
followed by the state Goa where literacy rate is 82%. Maharashtra and Himachal
Pradesh have equal literacy rate and it is 77%. Tamilnadu states its position having
the literacy rate of 73%. The percentage of literacy rate in Rajasthan and Uttar
Pradesh is 60%. The lowest literacy rate is found in Bihar, it is 47%.
General Statement:
1.
As per the information given in above bar-diagram Kerala state achieves the
highest position in the literacy rate in India.
2.
The literacy rate in the state of Bihar is the lowest.
Statement of Comparison:
1.
The literacy rate in Kerala is higher than that of Goa, Maharashtra and
Tamilnadu.
2.
The literacy rate in Rajstan and Utter Pradesh is less than that of Goa and
Himachal Pradesh.
3.
Bihar is far behind in its literacy rate compared to other states in India.
Statement of Contrast:
The literacy rate in Kerala is the highest one in contrast to that of Bihar.
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Statement of Prediction:
By observing the information in above bar-diagram we can say that major states
in India are proceeding towards achieving cent percent literacy.
10.2.5 Section V
Check your progress - V
Q.
Say true or false1.
Bar diagram is multidimensional diagram.
2.
Vertical bars are used to present percentage.
3.
The highest literacy rate is found in the state Goa.
4.
The literacy rate in the state of Maharashtra is equal to that of Tamilnadu.
5.
The literacy rate in Bihar is the lowest one.
Task-5:
A. Present the following information in bar-diagram.
Literacy Ratio
B. 1.
2.
Census year
Males
Female
1951
25.0
7.9
1961
34.4
13.0
1971
39.4
18.7
1981
56.4
29.75
1991
64.1
39.3
2001
75.85
54.16
Compare and contrast the information given and make many such possible
statements.
Make the statements of prediction based on the above information.
10. 3 Summary:This unit began with five objectives. Different types of information transfer are
discussed in this unit. The data presented in the visual form helps to interpret the
information quickly and easily. The devices used for visual presentation are table,
tree diagram, flow chart, pie diagram and bar diagram. Data is transferred to these
devices for interpretation. The devices of information transfer interpret data by
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generalisation, comparison, contrast and prediction. There are objective type of
questions to check your progress followed by the key to answers, which help you to
assess your answers.
10.4 Notes and Glossary :
Information :- knowledge gained or given, facts, news.
Narration :- the act or process of telling something.
Generalization :- form general opinion or speak in general terms.
Compare :- to examine terms or facts to see what differences or similarities
they have.
Contrast :- difference or dissimilarity between things that are being compared.
Prediction :- act of foretelling.
Pie-chart :- a diagram used to display statistical data, consisting of a circle
divided into sectors each of which contains one category of information.
Flow Chart :- a diagram representing the nature and sequence of operations to
be carried out.
10.5 Keys to check your progress:Section - I
A) 1. Greater than 2. In contrast to 3. Quite less
4. Higher than
5. Oilseeds
B) 1. True 2. False 3. False
4. True
5. False
2. True
3. False
4. True
5. False
2. True
3. False
4. True
5. False
2. True
3. False
4. True
5. False
2. True
3. False
4. False
5. True
Section - II
1.
False
Section - III
1.
True
Section - IV
1.
False
Section - V
1.
False
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10.6 Exercise:
1.
Transfer the following information into a pie-diagram.Interpret the data
given.
Percentage of failures of B.Com – I students in various subjects:
English
-
35%
Accounting -
20%
Marketing
-
10%
Management -
10%
Economics
-
15%
Insurance
-
10%
2. Write a paragraph on the process of making cement with the help of the
following flow chart:
Take lime stone and
clay, ratio 3:1
Grind the mixture
to a fine powder
Cement clinker is
formed. Now allow it
to cool
Heat it to the
temperature of
14000c
Transfer it to a
cylindrical rotating
kiln
Grind the mixture
to a fine powder
Add 3 % gypsum
into it
2.
Represent the following information into the form of a tree diagram:
We can divide all things in nature as animate and inanimate. The animate things
can be divided into humans, animals and plants; whereas inanimate things can be
man-made and natural. Humans can be divided into Negroid, Mongols, Asiatics and
Europeans. Animals can be divided in to wild and tame.
171
Unit-11
Writing Notice, an Agenda, and Minutes of Meeting
11.0 Objectives.
11.1 Introduction.
11.2 Presentation of subject matter
11.2.1
Notice
Check your progress-I
11.2.2
Agenda
Check your progress-I
11.2.3
Minutes
Check your progress-I
11.3 Summary
11.4 Key to check your progress.
11.5 Exercises.
11.0 Objectives
After studying this unit, you will be able to
•
Understand the nature of meeting notice, its agenda and minutes
•
Explain the specific use of language made in them
•
Find relation among these official documents
11.1 Introduction:
Dear friends, you are the students of Commerce faculty. This faculty is basically
concerned with commerce. The dictionary meaning of the word is ‘trade, business’.
That is to say, in this faculty you study the way business is managed. In this paper,
you will study the way English language is used to carry out business. As for the use
of language in business, you might have realized that the language used in business
and its management is different from your everyday use of language. In case of
Marathi, your mother tongue, you can easily identify this distinction, because you are
well aware of the varieties of the language. However, in case of English language,
172
you might say that you have not learned English to the extent to which you have
learned Marathi. Therefore, identification and use of ‘different’ English in the
management of business is a little difficult task. Still you should not worry because
this SIM will help you identify those differences and will also assist to learn its use.
Trade or business is carried out both on small scale and large scale. Each one
has its own management features. Due to globalization, privatization and
liberalization the nature of business has changed to a very great extent. The small
traders as well as the big business companies have their organizations. The
communication between these traders is a part of business communication. Similarly,
a big commercial company has many workers and officers. They also have to
communicate among themselves. Business communication addresses the issues
involved in the communication processes used by these organizations. Some
registered organizations like various professional organizations, housing societies,
clubs, etc. also have to communicate with each other.
The present paper, particularly the ‘Communication Skills’ therein, are devoted
to the discussion of various forms of communication, their nature and the language
employed for it. Units 1, 2, 9 and 11 of your text book deal with these processes.
Unit 1 deals with the electronic media in the communication process such as
telephone, fax and emails. Unit 2 is devoted to the discussion of written
communication in the light of notices, office orders and circular letters. The nature of
this unit is very close to that of Unit 11. Unit 9 specifically deals with the use of
English in consumer advertising. In fact, language in advertising is used very
judiciously because, with the help of advertisement, the company intends to increase
the sale of its product. Unit 10 is devoted to show how English can be used in an
impersonal and formal manner while information is transferred and data are
interpreted. Unit 11 also discusses the use of English in formal situations. Here too,
impersonal and formal nature of language is underlined. The common thread in all
these ‘communication skill’ units is the specific manner of using language to carry
out certain functions. Let us now look at the way language is used in notices, agenda
and minutes of meeting and what their nature and structure is?
The word notice is used in many areas like public notice, office notice, meeting
notice, etc. Public notices are generally published in news papers; office notice is
displayed on the notice-board of an office. You might have also seen notices
displayed on the notice-board of your college. However, here we are concerned only
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with meeting notice. Therefore, it is essential to understand the nature of meeting.
Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary defines the word ‘meeting’ as ‘an assembly
of people for a particular purpose, especially for a formal discussion’. Thus meting
refers to an assembly of people; that is, coming together of people. But it is not
casual and unintentional coming together. The members generally have a particular
purpose. The people who participate in the meeting are members of a specific group.
Moreover, such meeting is formal in nature. That means it has to follow a particular
set patterns. In such a formal assembly discussion of a particular issue or issues take
place. The formal nature of meeting means it is conducted by following a procedure.
The three words in the title of this unit – notices, agenda and minutes – indicate the
same procedure followed in conduction of meeting.
As a student, while talking to your friends, classmates, teachers, you could have
used the word ‘meeting’ many times. For you the meaning of the word could be
‘informal get together’. Still you might have seen the use of the word by many
people around you, particularly your teachers. It means you also have some
knowledge of the way ‘formal meetings’ are conducted. Even in your college you
might be aware of the formal meeting of class representatives convened by the
principal of your college. Moreover, since you are a student of commerce faculty,
you would be acquainted with the working of various organizations like housing
societies, various trusts, educational institutes, sport clubs and many national and
multinational companies. All these institutes are registered organization. A registered
organization works with the approved rules and regulations. The same rules and
regulations require the members of the institute to come together in order to discuss
some issues of importance and to arrive at certain decisions. The procedure of asking
people to come together, discus certain issues and to arrive at decisions is carried out
by preparing written documents. In the conduction of such meeting therefore notices,
agenda and minutes play a very important role in keeping records.
An official meeting of the members of an institution is a very important event
because it is convened to discuss important issues. It needs help of several written
documents. These written documents are carefully prepared by the secretary of the
organization in consultation with the chairman. The chairman is the chief of the body
and the secretary looks after all the documentation of the body.
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11.2 Presentation of Subject Matter
11.2.1 Notice
What is a notice?
A notice of a meeting is the official declaration of the meeting scheduled in the
future. There should be a gap of some time (some days/weeks, as per the practice of
the institution) between the issuing of the notice and the scheduled time of the
meeting. Usually, such a notice is printed on the letterhead of the organization. The
notice always includes the following points:
1.
Name of the committee/official body/ group of people who are expected to
meet.
2.
The scheduled day, date and time of the meeting.
3.
The venue/ place of the meeting (with specific details like room numbers or
name of the hall).
4.
The agenda of the meeting.
The following are some of the examples of meeting notices:
1. A Meeting of the Executive Council of Shivaji University Teachers’ Association
will be held on Friday 24 January 2013 at 4.30 p.m. at SUTA office, Kolhapur to
discuss ……
2. There will be a meeting of the Executive Council of Shivaji University Teachers’
Association on Friday 23 January 2012 at 4.30 p.m. at the SUTA office Kolhapur to
discuss …..
3. The second General Body Meeting of Sharad Sports Club is scheduled on 19
February 2012 at 5.00 p.m. at the Club’s Office.
4. All the members of Sharad Sports Club are hereby informed that the second
General Body Meeting of the club will be held on 19 February 2012 at 5.00 p.m. at
the club’s office.
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The following are some important points regarding the use of language in notice:
Usually a notice begins as follows:
A meeting of ----- is scheduled
A meeting of ------ will be held
Look at the language here. The phrase ‘a meeting’ shows that it is an indefinite
meeting. This is followed by the particulars of the body whose meeting is scheduled.
The blank area can be substituted by the name of the organization, committee, etc.
The preposition ‘of’ after the word ‘meeting’ specifies the name of the body.
However, changes can be introduced in this structure as per requirement. For
example, instead of using an indefinite meeting at the beginning of the notice like ‘a
meeting’, very specific mention of the nature of the meeting can be communicated,
as in the example 3 above:
‘The Second General Body meeting of ……’
The use of such phrases at the beginning help the secretary to point at the
specific details like the meeting is the ‘second’ and not the ‘first’ or ‘third’ and it is a
‘general body’ meeting as opposed to only the Executive Council (EC) meeting.
This is followed by the verb of the sentence:
‘is scheduled’
‘will be held’
These verbs are used in passive aspect. You might have learnt the active and
passive voice. Generally a notice is realized in passive construction. Sometimes, in
informal situations, instead of using passive construction, notice can be realized in
active form using the dummy subject ‘there’, as in example 2 above. As the example
4 indicates, at the beginning of the notice, the people addressed to can also be
included, like ‘all the members of …..’. Sometimes, as shown in example 6, the
phrase ‘all members’ can also be used as follows:
To,
All members,
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When the number of the members called for the meeting is limited and/or when
such members are socially/officially important, their proper names are used, as
follows:
To,
Mr. X Y Z
Another important element in the notice is that in the beginning the word ‘NOTICE’
or phrases like ‘Meeting Notice’ or Notice of Meeting’ are generally used at the
centre of the page, and to the next line, the name of the organization may appear, as
in example 5.
The following are some more examples of meeting notice:
5.
NOTICE
City Council Meeting
The Common Council of the City of Blair will hold its regular monthly business
meeting on Monday, June 8, 2013, commencing at 7.00 p.m. in the Council Room in
the City Hall.
Secretary
6.
Notice of Meeting
To,
All Members,
Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of Members of All
India Commerce and Management Teachers’ Association will be held on 22 August
2013 at 4.00 p.m. at Dept. of Commerce and Management, University of Delhi, New
Delhi to transact the following business:
1. ………
2. ………
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3. ………
4. ………
New Delhi
August 10, 2013
Secretary,
All India Commerce and Management Teachers’Association
The examples 5 and 6 demonstrate that the person to whom the notice is
addressed are either directly mentioned below the word ‘To’ or indirectly referred to
in the content of notice. The notice, as we have seen earlier, is prepared and issued
by the secretary of the organization. Therefore, at the end of the notice the word –
‘Secretary’ and the name of the organization appear. Sometimes, the day on which
the notice is issued and the place are also mentioned in the notice. Remember that
there should be a gap of appropriate period of time between the issuance of the notice
and the actual date of the meeting.
Sometimes, a meeting is scheduled and the notice of the meeting is also sent to
the members concerned. But due to certain reasons, it needs to be postponed. In this
situation, the concerned people need to be informed about it. This can be done using
the following kind of notice:
7.
Pande Finance Ltd.
15/08/2013
Members of the Board of Directors of Pande Finance Ltd. are hereby informed
that the Meeting of the Executive Committee scheduled to be held on 25 August
2013 at 4.00 p.m. has been postponed due to unavoidable circumstances. The new
date of the meeting will be communicated shortly.
Secretary
178
In the task I of the textbook, students are asked to prepare notices. Let us now
prepare those notices:
1) The NSS department of your college has organized a work camp of the students
who have enrolled themselves for NSS activities. As a preparation for the camp, the
in-charge NSS teacher has called a meeting of all these students. Imagine the
relevant details.
NOTICE
15/12/2013
All the students who have enrolled their name for NSS during the year 2013–14
are hereby informed that a meeting is scheduled on 25th December 2013 to discuss
issues related to the work camp at 4.00 pm. in the auditorium of the college.
In-Charge
National Social Service Scheme
2) You are the secretary of the Lotus Housing Society. Prepare a notice for the
regular monthly meeting of the members of the society giving details like day, date,
time, place, etc.
NOTICE OF MEETING
LOTUS HOUSING SOCIETY
March 22, 2014
To,
All members,
The fifth monthly meeting of the members of Lotus Housing Society will be held
on 25th March 2014 in the meeting hall of the society at 6.00 p.m. The following
issues will be discussed in the meeting:
1. -----------------
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2. ----------------3. ---------------4. ---------------Secretary
Lotus Housing Society
Check Your Progress I:
Identify True/False of the following:
1.
The Secretary of the body in consultation with the Chairman prepares the notice
of the meeting.
2.
Notice should be conveyed to the concerned members prior to the meeting.
3.
Usually phrases like ‘is scheduled’ ‘will be held’ are used in the body of a
notice.
4.
A notice should clearly include the details like time, date and venue of the
meeting.
5.
In case a meeting is postponed, members should be informed about it with
another notice.
11.2.2 Agenda:
A meeting always has a purpose – to discuss certain issues and arrive at
acceptable conclusions. The issues/items that are discussed during the meeting are
referred to as ‘agenda’. The word ‘agenda’ is a plural of the word ‘agendum’.
However, the word ‘agenda’ is commonly seen used in singular. Sometimes the word
‘business’ is also used instead. Agenda is the most important part of the meeting,
because it decides the development of the discussion at the meeting, minimizes the
chances of irregular discussion and preserves continuity. Agenda of a meeting is
usually prepared by the secretary in consultation with the chairman. It is also the
responsibility of the secretary to see that each member who is invited to participate in
the meeting gets it. Generally, Agenda of the meeting is sent with the meeting notice.
If the list of the items in the agenda is small, it is given below the notice (as in
example 6 above). But in case of a large list, a separate sheet is used for it and is sent
as an enclosure with the meeting notice.
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Agenda follows a specific sequence. Usually the first item of agenda is the
‘approval of the minutes’ of the earlier meeting. On the basis of the discussion taken
place in the meeting, the secretary prepares the minutes after the meeting. These
minutes are put before the next meeting of the same members in order to get the
details approved. During the process of approval, some members may raise an issue
related to the items in the minutes. Therefore, the second item of the agenda is the
‘issues raised out of Minutes’ or ‘Matters arising’. Sometimes a special entry of these
items raised is not made in the agenda. After this item, the other important items for
which the meeting is organized are included in the agenda. When these issues are
discussed, the members with the permission of the chairman, or even the chairman, if
time permits, can raise an issue which is not included in the agenda. This item is
referred to as ‘any other business with the permission of the chair’ or simply, ‘Any
other business’. Usually, the last item of the agenda is the date of the next meeting.
Before the meeting ends, the members finalize a date for the next meeting of the
body. To indicate this, item like – ‘Date of Next Meeting’ or simply, ‘next meeting’
are included.
There are two methods of writing items in the agenda:
1)
2)
Items in the form of Nouns or Noun Phrases, etc.
•
Appointment of a security personal/ clerk
•
Proposal of a function
•
Membership drive
•
Fund collection
•
Review of activities
Use of infinite construction:
•
To appoint a security personal/ clerk
•
To consider a proposal for arranging a function
•
To organize a membership drive
•
To collect funds
•
To review activities
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Instead of using such dots or bullets, numbers can also be used. The use of such
numbers is dependent on the number of the meeting and also the number of the item
in the meeting. Such use of number further helps to note down the minutes in a
systematic way. The agenda for the notice given in example 2 above can be
furnished in the following manner using numbers:
2.1 Confirmation of the minutes of the last meeting
2.2 Matters arising out of the minutes
2.3 Purchase of 2 new table tennis boards
2.4 Appointment of a new attendant
2.5 Any other business with the permission of the chair
2.6 Date of the next meeting
Since it is the second meeting, the figure 2 before dot indicates the number of
the meeting and the figures after the dot show the item number in the agenda.
Sometimes, instead of using both numbers and bullets, ‘time’ is used to indicate the
period allotted for the discussion of items on the agenda. Accordingly, the above
items can be written in the following way:
PM
5.00 Confirmation of the minutes of the last meeting
5.15 Matters arising out of the minutes
5.20 Purchase of 2 new table tennis boards
5.40 Appointment of a new attendant
6.00 Any other business with the permission of the chair
6.15 Date of the next meeting
In the task II of the textbook, students are asked to prepare agenda for the
following notices. Let us now prepare those agenda.
1)
Prepare an agenda for the meeting of the All India Commerce and Management
Teachers’ Association mentioned in example 6 above. Imagine relevant details.
182
AGENDA
•
Confirmation of the minutes of the last meeting
•
Matters arising out of the minutes
•
Membership drive
•
Elections for Executive Members
•
Conference
•
Any other issue with the permission of the chair
•
Next Meeting
2)
Prepare an agenda for the meeting of the Boards of Directors of Pande Finance
Ltd. called for the appointment of an Auditor. Imagine relevant details.
Pande Finance Ltd.
Agenda
3.1 To approve the minutes of last meeting
3.2 To discuss the issues raised
3.3 To appoint an auditor
3.4 To appoint two office clerks
3.5 To discuss other issues with the permission of the chairperson
3.6 To finalize date of the next meeting
Check Your Progress II:
Q. Answer the following
1.
What is the purpose of a meeting?
2.
What is agenda?
3.
Why is agenda important?
4.
What is the first item in agenda, usually?
5.
What is the last item on the agenda?
11.2.3 Minutes:
Minutes are the official record of the issues raised and decisions taken during
the meeting. All companies and organizations (both registered and non-registered)
183
require to maintain the record of the minutes of the meetings. Since minutes contain
the decisions arrived at by the members of the meeting, they need to be precise and
clear. Such minutes are often written in formal and impersonal style. Since a meeting
is called in order to invite suggestion of the members on a particular issue or to arrive
at some decisions, the transaction of the meeting is useful for the further necessary
actions in future. As we have seen, these minutes are read out in the next meeting
and once approved by the members; they are signed by the chairman. Such signed
minutes are legal documents and can be produced as evidence in future. The
following are the essential components of the minutes:
1)
Name of the body whose meeting is conducted, the nature of the meeting, e.g.
the meeting of the Board of Directors of Pande Finance Ltd., the annual general
meeting of SUTA, etc.
2)
Day, Date, Time and Venue of the meeting
3)
Name of the Chairman and the names of members present for the meeting
4)
Name of the person ‘in attendance’, i.e. any invited official like the auditor, who
are not the members of the company.
5)
Leave of absence to those who were absent for the meeting, for e.g. Mr. XYZ
and Mrs. PQR intimated their inability to attend the meeting and they were
granted leave of absence.
After this, the business carried out according to the agenda of the meeting is
included.
In the light of this discussion, let us study the following example carefully:
Rotary Club, Kolhapur
Minutes of 7th Monthly Meeting
Minutes of the seventh monthly meeting of the members of the Managing
Committee of Rotary Club Kolhapur, held at 5.00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 25
2013, in the meeting hall of the club.
The following members were present for the meeting:
1)
Shri A. S. Inamdar
Chairman
2)
Smt. V. B. Pardesi
Member
184
3)
Shri Y. C. Phadatare
Member
4)
Dr. P. D. Pradhan
Member
5)
Shri. D. B. Patil
Member
6)
Shri D. V. Kambale
Member
7)
Smt. Ramaswamy
Member
The following members were absent at the meeting:
1)
Shri. S. S. Chougule
Member
2)
Smt. B. T. Lanjewar
Member
3)
Shri P. R. Sonatakke
Member
7.01 The minutes of the 6th monthly meeting held on 23 December 2012 were read
out by the secretary and the same were confirmed by all the members. Since no
amendment was suggested, the minutes were singed by the Chairman.
7.02 In last meeting Smt. V. B. Paradesi and Shri. D. B. Patil were entrusted the
responsibility of organizing ‘a tree plantation programme’ at XYZ College.
Accordingly, they informed the committee about the progress and the date of the
same. They further presented the required financial provision and the committee
approved it.
7.03 Since S. S. Chougule, Smt. B. T. Lanjewar and Shri P. R. Sontakke
communicated their inability to attend the meeting, they were granted ‘leave of
absence’.
7.04 The Rotary Club office has to be shifted to the new specious building.
Resolution: It was decided that the secretary should look into the matter and hire
the required manpower for the same.
7.05 Purchase of required furniture in the new office building.
Resolution: It was resolved that Dr. P. D. Pradhan and Shri D. V. Kamble should
pursue the matter and put the proposal of required financial provision before the
committee in the next meeting.
7.06 In the view of constant demand for membership of the club, it was suggested
that membership drive be started from 1st February to 15th February 2013.
185
Resolution: It was decided that the club should start the membership drive from 1st
February to 15th February 2013.
7.07 Considering the infrastructure of the new building, one more watchman is
required. Accordingly, Shri Raghunath Khamkar (an Ex-serviceman) who applied
for the job was interviewed and selected by the concerned committee. Resolution:
The committee approved the appointment and it was decided that the new
watchman should join his duties from 1st February 2013.
7.08 Discussion was held on financing the foreign tour of two members of the club.
Resolution- It was resolved that for this year the financial assistance for foreign
tour be given to ABC and XYZ.
Proposed by Smt. Paradesi
Seconded by Shri Kambale
7.09 Organization of a stage show on ‘Environmental crisis’ is discussed.
Resolution- It was resolved that the play of the renowned dramatist Kolekar‘Worries of Dharatimata’- be staged in all the schools of the district.
7.10 Shri B. V. Kamble suggested that next meeting be called on 28th February
2013.
Resolution: It was resolved that the next monthly meeting be called on 28th
February 2013.
Since there was no matter for discussion, the meeting ended with a vote of thanks to
the chair.
Secretary
Chairman
The close examination of the above minutes leads to the following conclusion
regarding the use of language in it:
1)
Predominant use of simple past tense, for example
The Secretary read out …….
Shri. Kamble suggested …….
The meeting ended …….
2)
Recurrent use of passive voice, for example the following verb phrases
186
……is discussed…..
……be staged…..
…… were entrusted …..
3)
Decisions and resolutions are recorded in impersonal passive voice, as in
It was resolved ……
It was decided ……
They were granted ……
On the basis of the detailed specimen of minutes given above, now try to solve
the task III from your text book.
Check Your Progress III:
Q. : Answer the following
1.
Who signs the minutes, once they are approved?
2.
What is granted to the members who cannot attend the meeting?
3.
Who reads out the minutes of the earlier meeting?
4.
Which tense is used to write minutes?
5.
Which grammatical construction is predominantly used to write minutes?
11.3 Summary:
Notice, agenda and minutes are the essential parts of formal meeting. Notice is
the declaration of the day, date, time and venue of the meeting to the concerned
members. Agenda refers to the list of issues to be discussed in the meeting. This list
can be either written just below the notice on the same page or a separate page can be
attached. Minutes are the detailed account of the transaction taken place during the
meeting. These minutes are written in simple past tense using passive construction.
11.4 Key to check your progress.
Check Your Progress I:
1.
True
2.
True
187
3.
True
4.
True
5.
True
Check Your Progress II:
1.
To discuss certain issues and arrive at acceptable decisions
2.
The list of issues to be discussed in the meeting.
3.
Because it decides the development of the discussion of the meeting and
preserves continuity.
4.
Approval of the minutes of earlier meeting.
5.
Date of next meeting.
Check Your Progress III:
1.
Chairman
2.
Leave of absence
3.
Secretary
4.
Simple past tense
5.
Passive constriction
11.5 Exercises:
(A) Draft the following Notices:
1.
A notice inviting students to participate in the Elocution Competition
organized by your college. Mention day, date, time and the topics of the
competition.
2.
The secretary of teachers association of a college calls the meeting of all
teachers to discuss pros and cons of semester system. Imagine relevant
details.
3.
The secretary of the Mehata Enterprises calls the 2nd monthly meeting of
the Board of Directors. Give details of day, date, time and place.
188
(B) Draft the agenda for the following meetings:
1.
Meeting of the Board of Directors of Atul Cooperative Bank to decide the
general policy for lending loan, purchase of furniture and forthcoming
elections.
2.
A meeting of the members of Prathamesh Housing Society, Sangli to
discuss the appointment of a residential watchman, plantation around the
building and re-colouring of the building.
(C) Write minutes based on the agenda of the meetings in (B).
189
Unit-12
The Worker
Walter Wykes
Index
12.0
Objectives
12.1
Introduction
12.2
Check your progress
12.3
Text
12.4
Check your progress
12.5
Terms to Remember
12.6
Key to check your progress
12.7
Summary
12.8
Broad Questions, Characters
12.9
Short answer type questions.
12.10 Exercises
12.11 Writing Activity
12.12 Recommended Reading.
12.0 Objectives
After studying this One- Act -Play you will be able to :
Learn about how recession in America has affected family life of corporate
employees.
Explain how an individual in this ultra modern age has to struggle for
survival
Find relationship between work life and family life and how essential it is
to balance work life and family life.
190
Learn about how a person fails to balance between work life and family
life.
Learn about the insecurity and uncertainty in life and its consequences.
Learn about the callous system and helpless employee.
12.1 Introduction
Walter Wykes is an American playwright and actor, born on 30 October, 1969.
He has produced 30 plays has received the American College Theatre Festival
Award for Excellence in playwriting. His dramas have an absurdist or surrealistic
bent. He creates nightmarish atmosphere in his plays which reflects the senseless
nature of the world we inhabit.
The present on act play, “The Worker” depicts the plight of an employee who is
under the tension of getting fired. He struggles hard, does all sorts of work to please
management. It is the story of wife and husband who lived in the time of Recession
in America. The husband spends too much time at work, neglects his wife and her
aspirations. The wife feels lonely; she craves for a child. As a solution on the
problem. She makes a fake child and spends time with it. The husband fails to
balance work life and family life. The message comes like thunderbolt that he is
fired. The husband is broken. He loses on both the fronts work as well as family. The
play portrays struggle of modern man between work and family life which creates
dilemma. Despite hard work, efficiency and devotion the worker is a loser.
12.2 Check Your Progress
A) Choose the correct alternative and complete the following sentences.
1.
Walter Wykes is an ---------- playwright.
a)
2.
3.
English
b) Australian
c) American
The theme of ‘The Worker’ is -------------.
a)
Recession in America
b)
Modern family life
c)
Loneliness of the wife
The wife in this one-act-play ------------- to cope up with her loneliness.
191
4.
a)
cooks in the kitchen
b)
makes a fake child
c)
chats with her neighbours
The husband spends most of his time in -----------.
a)
The office
b) the parties
c) the meetings
12.3 Text
THE WORKER
A dark comedy in one act
By: Walter Wykes
CHARACTERS
Man
Woman
Messenger
[A nondescript apartment. There is nothing to differentiate this apartment from any
other apartment in any other building in any other city. A young WOMAN, also
nondescript, sits in a rocking chair, cradling an infant tenderly in her arms. Lost in
thought, she is slow to notice the scuffling of feet just outside the apartment door.
Suddenly her eyes grow wide—she lunges out of the chair, looks about the room in a
panic, stuffs the baby into a bureau drawer, and disappears into the hallway. A few
moments later, a young MAN enters carrying an enormous stack of files and papers.
He places this stack carefully in the middle of the room—then exits and returns with
another stack. Again, he exits, this time returning with a briefcase and a computer.
He repeats these steps, stumbling in and out of the apartment, until he has fashioned
a gigantic mound in the middle of the room which includes a fax machine, two
printers, a garbage can, a paper shredder, several trays of office supplies, a filing
cabinet, an entire desk—perhaps even a whole cubicle, complete with wall-dividers,
potted plants, and a fish tank. Finally, he closes the door behind him.]
MAN
:
[His usual greeting.] I'm home.
192
[He loosens his tie and waits for a response, but none is
forthcoming. He hesitates.]
MAN
:
I'm ... I'm home.
[Still no response. He scratches his head, puzzled.]
MAN
:
Hello?
WOMAN
:
[Offstage.] In here!
MAN
:
I said I was—
WOMAN
:
In the kitchen!
MAN
:
Aren't you going to—
[The WOMAN scurries into the room wearing an apron and oven mitts. She kisses
her husband dutifully on the cheek and scurries back towards the kitchen.]
MAN
:
Wait. [The WOMAN stops.] What are you doing?
WOMAN
:
I'm just finishing up dinner.
MAN
:
It's ... it's not ready? [Pause.] I don't understand. It's always ready.
When I walk in the door, it's— [Pause.] Am I early?
[He checks his watch.]
WOMAN
:
No, you're right on time.
MAN
:
Was there some sort of natural disaster? An earthquake? Is there
something you're not telling me? Are you injured?!
WOMAN
:
No, I just— [Noticing the gigantic mound of work-related items in
the center of her living-room] What's all this?
MAN
:
Oh ... nothing. Just a few things from work.
WOMAN
:
A few things? Why, it's practically you're whole— [A sudden
realization.] Oh my god! You’ve been fired!
MAN
:
No!
WOMAN
:
No?
MAN
:
No, nothing like that.
193
WOMAN
:
Oh, thank heavens! [Pause.] I don't understand. You haven't been
fired ... but you're entire office is sitting in the middle of our living
room.
MAN
:
It's not the entire office. Just my cubicle. And ... you know, my
desk. And a few other little things.
WOMAN
:
[At a loss.] Do you want me to wash it?
MAN
:
No, I ... [Pause.] All right, look ... I didn’t want to tell you, but
I’ve fallen behind.
WOMAN
:
What do you mean?
MAN
:
At work. I’ve fallen behind. I can't keep up.
WOMAN
:
Why not? You spend practically every waking moment there.
MAN
:
Well... recently, they’ve ... ahh ... they’ve let a few people go.
WOMAN
:
That's awful! How can they treat people like that? Just lay them
off! It's heartless! Don't they have any sense of social
responsibility?
MAN
:
Well, they didn’t lay them off exactly ... not in the traditional
sense.
WOMAN
:
What then?
MAN
:
Let's just say they’ve been encouraged to move on.
WOMAN
:
Isn’t that the same thing?
[Pause.]
MAN
:
I really shouldn’t talk about it.
WOMAN
:
All right.
MAN
:
Anyway, the point is that every day there are fewer and fewer
people doing the same amount of work. They have me running the
accounting department entirely by myself!
WOMAN
:
You’ve been promoted to management?!
194
MAN
:
No, it's just me—there's no one to manage! I do everything! The
whole department!
WOMAN
:
The whole department? By yourself?
MAN
:
That's not all! I'm also expected to take incoming calls because
there's no receptionist, fix the computers because there's no tech
department, field customer complaints because there's no
customer service! I'm in charge of the mail room, the cafeteria,
janitorial services, research and development! Last week, human
resources was let go, the whole department, and I received a
memo—which I’d actually typed myself because there's no
secretary—instructing me to familiarize myself with all applicable
state and federal guidelines! Tomorrow, I'm supposed to start
mediating all employee disputes! I have no idea what I'm doing!
I'd ask the legal department for advice, but I’ve never studied law
so I wouldn’t know what to tell myself! And to top it all off, I
have to take the CEO's dog out to poop four times a day! At
regular intervals! He has stomach problems and he's on a very
strict schedule!
WOMAN
:
Well, you’ll just have to tell them it's too much.
MAN
:
I can’t.
WOMAN
:
Why not? Maybe they’ll hire some of those poor people back.
MAN
:
You don't understand. It's too late for that.
WOMAN
:
Why is it too late?
[Pause.]
MAN
:
Look ... there’s really nothing to worry about. I shouldn’t have
said anything. I'm just going to have to do some work from home
if I want to catch up, that's all.
WOMAN
:
Work from home? [He nods.] But ... that's our time! If you work
from home, I’ll never see you! We’ll never have time to—
MAN
:
I don't really have much choice.
195
[Pause.]
WOMAN
:
All right. Fine. [Pause.] I’ll just finish dinner.
[She goes. The MAN sighs and rubs his eyes. He looks around the room, pushes the
couch out of the way, and begins setting up his cubicle. He takes a pile of papers and
looks for a place to put them—opens the bureau drawer. His face turns dark as he
pulls the “baby” from the drawer.]
MAN
:
What is this?!
WOMAN
:
[Offstage.] What is what?
MAN
:
THIS! What is THIS?!!!
[She enters—finds him holding the “baby.”]
MAN
:
How many times have I told you?!
WOMAN
:
You didn’t say—
MAN
:
There will be no children in this house!
WOMAN
:
It's not—
MAN
:
No talk of children! No representations of children! No dolls, no
drawings, no finger puppets!
WOMAN
:
But it's only—
MAN
:
I don't care! Get rid of it!
[He throws the doll at her.]
WOMAN
:
What?
MAN
:
You heard me.
WOMAN
:
You ... you want me to—
MAN
:
Destroy it! Burn it! Crush it into little pieces! Leave it in an alley
somewhere! I don’t care! But it can’t stay here! I won't allow it!
Not in this house!
[She glares at him, then turns and exits with the doll. She returns a moment later with
the doll stuffed under her dress. Perhaps she has added a pillow or blanket as well to
196
help disguise the doll. It gives her the appearance of being pregnant. After a few
moments, the MAN senses her presence but does not look at her.]
MAN
:
Please try to understand. I don't mean to be cruel. It's for your own
good. I'm only trying to protect you.
WOMAN
:
Protect me?
MAN
:
Yes.
WOMAN
:
From what?
[Pause.]
MAN
:
You ... you wouldn’t understand.
WOMAN
:
You don't think I'd make a good mother! That's what this is all
about! You don't think I'm prepared! But how would you know?
You’ve never given me the chance!
MAN
:
No. It's not— [He notices her belly for the first time.] What's this?
WOMAN
:
What does it look like?
MAN
:
What do you think you’re doing? Give it to me.
WOMAN
:
No!
MAN
:
Have you lost your mind?
WOMAN
:
I'm going to keep this baby. I won't let you hurt her. If you touch
one hair on her head, I will never forgive you!
MAN
:
You don't mean that.
WOMAN
:
Never!
MAN
:
Listen to me ... it's not a baby.
WOMAN
:
I don't care! It's mine! She's mine! She's all I have!
MAN
:
It's just an object. It has no feelings.
WOMAN
:
She does! She does have feelings! More than you!
MAN
:
That's enough.
197
WOMAN
:
Who do you think I talk to when you leave me all alone in this
house?! Who do you think listens to me and keeps me from going
completely insane?! Who do you think I share my dreams with?!
Not you! You’re never here! Who do you think comforts me and
holds my finger when you call to say you’re going to miss dinner
again?! She’s more real to me than you ever were!
MAN
:
I’m not going to argue with you.
WOMAN
:
Get away from me!
[He grabs her and sticks his hand up her dress.]
WOMAN
:
Help! Help! Someone— [She struggles, but he removes the
doll.] Give her back!
MAN
:
No.
[He grabs his coat and moves toward the door. She tries to hold him back.]
WOMAN
:
Where are you going with my baby?! What are you going to do?!
MAN
:
Let go.
WOMAN
:
[Blocking the door.] No! I won't let you!
MAN
:
Get out of my way.
WOMAN
:
Please! Don't do this! Don't—
[He drags her, screaming, from the door. Realizing that she cannot stop him, she
collapses on the floor and begins to sob uncontrollably.]
MAN
:
When I return, I expect dinner to be waiting.
[In the midst of her sobbing, she begins to laugh, softly at first, but it grows louder
and overpowers the tears.]
MAN
:
What's so funny?
WOMAN
:
Do you really expect me to cook for you after this?
MAN
:
Of course.
WOMAN
:
If I do, it’ll only be to poison you and end your miserable life!
198
MAN
:
You say that now—you're angry. It’s to be expected. But in time
you’ll forgive me. You may even realize I was right. And if not,
well ... I'm capable of feeding myself. I didn’t starve before I met
you.
WOMAN
:
There are other things I can withhold.
MAN
:
What?
WOMAN
:
Other things I do for you ... in the dark ... secret things ... places I
go ... services I perform ... words that I say ... certain indignities
that I allow ... what if I were to ... forget? Forget how to do these
things? Forget how to find these ... places?
MAN
:
Are you serious?
[She folds her arms, defiant.]
MAN
:
Fine. You can keep it.
WOMAN
:
Do you mean it?! Really?!
MAN
:
On one condition.
WOMAN
:
[Taking the doll from him and cradling it gently.] Anything!
Anything!
MAN
:
No one must ever see it. No one. Not even me. I mustn’t know it's
here. If I find it, I will destroy it.
WOMAN
:
But ... [Pause.] Shouldn’t you ...
MAN
:
Shouldn’t I what?
WOMAN
:
Shouldn’t there be some ... well, some shared responsibilities? I
mean, I shouldn’t have to raise her alone.
MAN
:
You want to give me responsibilities?
WOMAN
:
Yes.
MAN
:
For the—
WOMAN
:
The child. Our child.
MAN
:
Fine. If it misbehaves, I’ll punish it.
199
WOMAN
:
No. You'd be too harsh.
MAN
:
What do you want from me?
WOMAN
:
You could put her to sleep. And if she wakes during the night, you
could hold her and pat her back.
MAN
:
It'd better not wake! I have to work in the morning!
WOMAN
:
You can't expect a baby to always sleep through the night. And if
you're tired, you could take a day off every now and then. You
have sick days.
MAN
:
I never take sick days!
WOMAN
:
That was before. Work was your only priority. Now there's a child
to think of.
MAN
:
You see! This is how it starts!
WOMAN
:
How what starts?
MAN
:
There was a reason I wouldn’t allow you to have this child!
WOMAN
:
Because you're selfish and only think of yourself!
MAN
:
No, because suddenly you expect me to take sick days and buy
diapers and leave early to see it perform in school plays! You’ll
start calling me during work hours to tell me it's crawling or
talking or taking its first poop! Word starts spreading that I'm not
committed to my job anymore, and next thing you know, I end up
like the others!
WOMAN
:
What others? The ones who were fired?
MAN
:
Yes! No! I told you, they weren’t fired!
WOMAN
:
Then what? [Pause.] What?
MAN
:
[Under his breath—almost a whisper.] They were killed.
WOMAN
:
What?
MAN
:
They were murdered! Executed!
WOMAN
:
Murdered?
200
MAN
:
Yes! Put to death!
WOMAN
:
Who murdered them?
MAN
:
The company! Who do you think?
WOMAN
:
But ... if the company wasn’t happy with their performance, why
didn’t it just let them go? I mean, in the old fashioned sense?
MAN
:
I don't know. You can't expect me to understand the company's
actions. It’s a giant corporation. It doesn’t think the way we do.
Maybe it didn’t want them to share trade secrets with the other
companies. Maybe it didn’t want to pay unemployment. Maybe it
just wanted to avoid paperwork.
WOMAN
:
But ... they can't get away with that! Those poor people! We
should call the authorities!
MAN
:
Shhh! Not so loud! Someone might hear! Besides, the authorities
don't want to get involved. And, to be honest, these were not the
best employees. I mean, they really did deserve some sort of
punishment. Not death, you know, but they weren’t pulling their
own weight, and it was all handled very nicely. They threw a party
beforehand and—
WOMAN
:
A party?
MAN
:
Yes.
WOMAN
:
Before they ... [She motions slitting her throat. He nods.] It seems
a little strange. To throw a party for someone and then ...
MAN
:
It was the company's way of thanking them for whatever small
contribution they'd made over the years. Each of them had a cake.
One candle for every year of service. It was really quite touching.
Some of them cried.
WOMAN
:
But—
MAN
:
I shouldn’t have told you any of this, but I want you to understand
my position. They mustn’t question my dedication to the
company. Not for one moment. [She nods.] Good. I'm glad you
201
understand. If I’ve been harsh with you, it's only because I knew
what the consequences of certain actions might be. You can see
now that it wasn’t out of arrogance or selfishness. I was looking
out for us ... for the two of us. For our family. Now, we won't
speak of this again. Ever. To anyone. It isn’t safe.
Agreed? [Pause.] Promise me.
WOMAN
:
I just think ... those poor people ... someone should—
MAN
:
Promise.
[Pause.]
WOMAN
:
All right. I promise.
MAN
:
Good girl. [He kisses her.] We have to look out for ourselves.
There's nothing more we can do. It’s not realistic. We go about
our jobs—do the best we can—and try to be happy.
[There is a knock at the door.]
MAN
:
Who's that?
WOMAN
:
I don't know.
MAN
:
Did you invite someone for dinner?
WOMAN
:
No. [The MAN looks through the peephole.] Who is it?
MAN
:
I don't know. I can't tell.
WOMAN
:
Let me look.
[He steps out of the way. She looks through the peephole.]
MAN
:
Can you see anything?
WOMAN
:
No. [There is another knock at the door.] Should we answer?
MAN
:
I don't know.
WOMAN
:
Maybe they’ll go away.
MAN
:
What if it's something important?
WOMAN
:
Like what?
MAN
:
I don't know.
202
[Pause. Another knock—louder. The MAN opens the door. A MESSENGER stands
in the doorway holding a clipboard.]
MAN
:
Hello?
THE MESSENGER: I have a message for employee nine-zero-zero-eight-five-sixone dash B dash H dash three-three-three.
MAN
:
That’s me.
THE MESSENGER: [Reading from his clipboard.] The company wishes to inform
you that there will be a party held in your honor Monday morning.
MAN
:
A ... a party?
THE MESSENGER: [Still reading.] Cake will be served promptly at 8:00 AM.
MAN
:
There ... there must be some mistake.
THE MESSENGER: As always, tardiness is frowned upon.
MAN
:
But—
THE MESSENGER: What kind of cake would you like?
MAN
:
You don't understand!
THE MESSENGER: Chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry?
MAN
:
I'm a model employee!
THE MESSENGER: Chocolate, vanilla, or—
MAN
:
I’ve never even taken one sick day! Not one!
THE MESSENGER: Chocolate—
MAN
:
I'm running more than a dozen departments all by myself! I’ve just
memorized the entire human resources handbook! The entire
thing! I can quote it for you! Verbatim! I can quote it backwards!
I'm a useful employee! Ask anyone! I’ll ... I’ll … I’ll work for
free! I’ll even forfeit my—
THE MESSENGER: CHOCOLATE, VANILLA, or STRAWBERRY?!!!
[Pause.] Look ... I'm just trying to do my job. I have to look out for myself, you
know. It’s nothing personal.[Pause.] Chocolate, vanilla, or—
203
MAN
:
It doesn’t matter.
THE MESSENGER: You have to choose.
MAN
:
I don't care.
THE MESSENGER: Chocolate then. [The MESSENGER makes a note on his
clipboard.]How many years of service?
MAN
:
What?
THE MESSENGER: How many years have you been with the company? The
candles. You get one for every—
MAN
:
I ... I don't remember. It's been—
THE MESSENGER: It’s all right. I can check your file. Just sign here.
[The MAN signs reluctantly. The MESSENGER exits. Silence.]
MAN
:
I don't understand. [Pause.] I did everything they asked.
Everything. I followed every rule. I never spoke out of turn. I
brought donuts once a week. How could they question my
...[Pause.] Wait ... you ... you didn’t tell anyone—did you?
WOMAN
:
Tell what?
MAN
:
About the child! The doll!
WOMAN
:
No. I ... I don't think so.
MAN
:
You don't think so?!
WOMAN
:
I ... I don't—
[A sudden realization. Horrified, she covers her mouth.]
MAN
:
Who?! Who did you tell?!
WOMAN
:
The other day, at the grocery store, I ... I ran into that woman, you
know, from the company picnic ... the one with no bra ... with the
cigarettes and the stringy hair—
MAN
:
My god! She hates me! How could you—
WOMAN
:
I only mentioned it to make her jealous!
204
MAN
:
You might as well have cut my head off yourself! That woman's
had it out for me since day one! She wants my job! She’s been
watching like a hawk—waiting for me to slip up! She must have
told them.
WOMAN
:
What are we going to do?
MAN
:
Nothing.
WOMAN
:
But—
MAN
:
There's nothing we can do. It’s over.
WOMAN
:
Maybe ... maybe you can tell them it was a mistake? Tell them
she’s lying! She made the whole thing up! Out of jealousy!
MAN
:
They'd find out the truth.
WOMAN
:
I’ll deny it! I never said anything! She doesn’t have any proof!
[Pause.]
[Pause. He considers this.]
MAN
:
We'd have to destroy all the evidence.
WOMAN
:
What do you mean? What evidence? [He looks at the doll. She
clings to it protectively.] No. Please.
MAN
:
It’s the only way.
WOMAN
:
You don't know what you're asking.
MAN
:
I know what the … the child means to you. But it’s her or me.
There’s really no choice. [Pause.] Is there? [Pause.] Surely you
wouldn’t choose that thing over me.
WOMAN
:
Her … her name is Emma.
MAN
:
They’re going to kill me.
WOMAN
:
She discovered her feet the other day. I wish you could’ve seen it.
MAN
:
Do you understand what I’m telling you.
[Silence.]
[Pause.]
205
WOMAN
:
She can make animal sounds too. She can do lion, doggie,
monkey, and duck.
MAN
:
I’m going to die. They’re going to chop off my head.
WOMAN
:
She whacked the cat on the head this morning, and I told her that
wasn’t nice and she should say she was sorry. So she petted the
cat on the head and said, “Sorry, Meow.” Then she got the cat
brush and started brushing him and said, “There go, Meow.” It
was so sweet.
MAN
:
She can’t do that. She’s an infant.
WOMAN
:
She’s very advanced.
MAN
:
What am I saying? She’s not even an infant—she’s a doll!
WOMAN
:
She can count to ten.
MAN
:
She cannot!
WOMAN
:
She can. Sometimes she skips “seven” because it’s harder than the
others.
MAN
:
You’re making that up!
WOMAN
:
No.
MAN
:
All right, then make her do it! C’mon! Right now!
WOMAN
:
She isn’t in the mood.
MAN
:
Not in the mood!
WOMAN
:
She’s not a trained monkey, you know.
:
You’re … you’re really going to let me die?
:
Maybe you’ve misunderstood. Maybe they’re really throwing you
a party. Just a party. Maybe they want to thank you for all the
extra hours you’ve put in. [Pause.] You should probably get your
work done. Just in case. We’ll leave you alone now. I’m sure you
[Pause.]
MAN
[Pause.]
WOMAN
206
don’t want any distractions. [Pause.] Emma and I will keep our
fingers crossed for you. [To the doll.] Won’t we, Emma?
[Pause.] Tell Daddy, “Bye-bye.” [Pause.] Bye-bye, Daddy.
[The WOMAN exits. The MAN remains standing, motionless.]
12.4 Check your progress.
A) Complete the following statements choosing the correct alternative from the
ones given below :
i)
When the man comes home, the woman is …………………..
a)
watering the plants
b) cooking dinner in the kitchen.
c)
cradling the doll in her arms d) dressing up for the party.
ii) The man spends every waking moment in the office. The statement
indicates …………………..
a)
He works the whole day in the office.
b)
He does overtime job to earn extra money.
c)
He is hard working and devoted employee.
d)
He doesn’t like to go home.
iii) The man does all sorts of work in the office except management, because
…………..
a)
He lacks managerial skill.
b)
All employees are on leave.
c)
All the employees have been fired except manager.
d)
He hates management.
iv) Seeing the doll in the drawer, the man ………………..
v)
a)
becomes happy
b) becomes sad
b)
becomes sorry for the woman d) becomes angry
The woman wanted the baby doll because…………
a)
It was very expensive
b) her husband gifted it to her.
c)
It was her companion when she feels lonely.
d)
it looks like a real baby.
vi) Before dismissing the employee, the company …………….
207
a)
forces the employee to submit resignation.
b)
makes the employee to work hard.
c)
compels the employee to go on leave.
d)
arranges a party in the honour of the employee.
vii) The messenger’s message is about …………..
a)
The party arranged.
b) the promotion of the man.
c)
the expedition of the man
d) an urgent meeting.
viii) The woman had told about the baby to ……………
a)
The messenger
b) the neighbour.
c)
the woman from the picnic
d) the friends in the office.
B) Answer the following in one or two sentences each.
i)
How many characters are there in the play ?
ii)
What does the woman hide when the man comes home ?
iii)
How does the man react after finding the doll ?
iv)
What does the company do before firing the employee ?
v)
What are the flavors of cake the company offers ?
vi)
What is the name of the baby doll ?
12. 5 Terms to remember –
Lunge (V) - sudden forward movement of the body
Panic (N) - a sudden feeling of great fear.
Gigantic (adj.) - of great size.
Cubicle (N) - a small room made of a larger room cubicles are used for dressing
or sleeping.
Scurry (v) - to run with short quick steps.
Oven mitts (n) - gloves for taking hot dishes out of oven.
Fire somebody (v) - to dismiss an employee from a job.
Waking movement (np.) - almost all the time except sleeping hours.
Lay off (v) - to dismiss a worker temporarily from job when there is no work.
Cafeteria (n) - a restaurant found in factory or college where customers collect
their meals from a counter.
208
Janitorial services (n) - caretaking services.
Janitor (in us) - caretaker – a person who is employed to look after a house,
building.
Mediate (v) - try to get agreement between two or more people.
Alley (n) - a narrow a passage.
To glare (v) - to stare.
To stuff (v) - to fill tightly with something.
Insane (adj.) - mad, foolish, not same.
To grab (v) - to take something roughly.
To withhold (v) - to keep something back.
To have sick days - to have medical leave permission to be absent from work
because of illness.
To commit to something (v) - to care a lot about, willing to give a lot of time,
energy.
To slit throat - to cut throat
Dedicate (v) - to devote oneself to good cause
Dedication (n) Arrogance (n) - showing too much pride.
Tardy (adj.) - slow to act, move, or happen
Tardiness (n) Frown upon (v) - to disapprove of somebody / something.
Verbatim (adj.) - exactly as spoken or written word for word.
Forfeit (n) - a penalty.
To run into (v) - meet by chance.
Stringy (adj.) - long and thin.
Hawk (n) - a strong prey bird.
-
A person who favours aggressive policies.
To slip up (v) - to make a careless mistake.
To discover feet - to learn to walk.
To chop off (v) - remove from something by cutting.
209
To whack (v) - hit or beat, a heavy blow.
12.6 Answer to check your progress
12.2
1) c
2) a
3) b
4) a
12.4 A) i) c
ii) c
iii) c
iv) d
vi) d
vii) c
viii) c
iv) c
B)
i)
three
ii) the baby doll
iii) he gets angry
iv) Arranges a party in the honour of the employee
v)
Chocolate, vanilla, strawberry.
vi) Emma.
12.7 Summary –
This One Act Play deals with the disaster of recession in America. The writer
points at the consequences of recession on family life. He has portrayed how
husbands spending too much time in the office can affect wife. The play explores the
struggle of individual to keep balance between his different roles in the society. What
happens when an individual fails to balance his roles and fails to reach expectations
of family and society. The play also depicts how depressed and defeated a modern
man feels when he is fired for no fault of his own.
The husband in the story is efficient, hardworking and loyal employee. He
spends most of the time in office. His wife feels lonely and makes a fake child to
spend time with it. When all the colleagues of the husband are fired, he alone
handles all sorts of work in the office. He is under the impression that the company
would never dismiss him. Unfortunately he is also fired. He is disturbed. When told
to choose between he and the baby doll; his wife chooses the baby doll. The husband
thus loses on both the fronts family life and work life.
12.8 Broad questions & characters
The Man in The Worker
‘The Man’ in The Worker is the major character. When the One-Act-Play opens,
we see him busy in keeping all the things he has brought from the office, in the living
210
room. It seems he has brought the whole office to home. At home, the man is a
typical husband. He expects that his wife should welcome him warmly and should
keep dinner ready before his arrival. When his wife asks why he has brought the
whole office at home; he explains that much of the work is pending and he has to
finish it. Through the dialogue between both of them we come to know that the man
spends most of his time working in the office. He cant spare time for his family life.
This makes his wife feel lonely. We also realize that the man works hard and does all
sorts of work in the office. He struggles hard to secure his job. Almost all the
employees have been fired by the company. The man tries to please the management
doing all sorts of work without complaint. In this struggle he ignores his wife. She
craves for child. But the man can’t fulfill her desire because more responsibilities at
home would mean less efficiency and devotion at office. He deprives his wife from
the joy of being a mother. As a solution the wife fashions a fake child. She spends
time with her fake child. The man even doesn’t allow her to have this joy. He is
afraid of getting fired. The company doesn’t allow him to have a personal life. He
secures his job at the cost of family life and personal joys, but this sacrifice also is in
vain. The man is shattered when the messenger brings the news of the party arranged
by company in his honour. He realizes that he has lost battle on both the fronts
family and work. He blames his wife and her fake child. At the end the wife chooses
the fake child over him. The man is completely lost.
The man represents the husband who lived during recession. The man’s struggle
is a struggle of an individual to balance the different roles he plays. The man’s plight
is a plight of modern man who struggles between work and life and how this struggle
creates dilemma and destroys family life.
In the office, the man is hard working, loyal, devoted and dedicated employee.
He gives his best for the company.
The Woman in The Worker.
The woman who plays the role of wife of ‘The Man’ a miserable woman. She is
a loving, caring, dutiful wife. But her husbands spending most of the time at the
office makes her lonely. She wants a companion to spend time with. At last she finds
a solution. She takes a baby doll & treats the doll as her child. She imagines this baby
doll doing many activities. To cope up with her loneliness she plays with this fake
child. But her husband doesn’t like this. He is afraid that if the company would come
211
to know about his wife’s aspiration for a baby the company would be doubtful about
his dedication towards work. He doesn’t want to get fired. The wife hides the baby
and secretly plays with it. Despite his devotion and dedication, the husband is fired.
The wife is no more attached to her husband emotionally at the end. Rather she is
more attached to the baby doll. The woman is a dissatisfied wife and a craving
mother. She represents the plight of a woman who lived during recession.
12.9 Short answer types questions
What is the theme of “The Worker ?
The worker is a story of a husband and a wife who lived in the time of great
depression. It portrays how the husbands spending too much time at work can affect
wife. The wife fashions a fake child to cope with her loneliness. It explores the
struggle of individual to balance the different roles society expects to play and what
happens when the roles clash. This struggle of modern man between work and life
creates dilemma and destroys family life.
12.10 Exercises
I)
Answer the following questions in three to four sentences.
1) What are the things that the man in the play has brought from the office ?.
2) Why the woman is so fond of the baby doll. ?
3) What sorts of work the man has to do in the office ? Why ?
4) How does the company honours the employee before firing ?
5) What message the messenger has brought for the man ?
6) How does the man react to the message ?
7) Why does the woman choose the baby doll over the man ?
8) What is the theme of this One-Act-Play ?
II) Write short Notes on;
1) The Woman
2) The Man
3) The theme of ‘The Worker’
4) The story of ‘The Worker’
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Vocabulary Exercises
1. Match the words from group ‘A’ with their meanings in group ‘B’
A
B)
B
Panic
Not sane, mad.
Fire (somebody)
Caretaking service
Insane
Slow to act
Janitorial services
Of great size
Sick days
A bird of prey
Tardy
Feeling of fear
Hawk
To dismiss the employee from the job
Verbatim
Medical leave
Gigantic
Short quick steps.
Scurry
Word to word.
Fill in the blanks in the following sentences with the phrases given below.
Make changes where necessary.
to have sick days, lay off, frown upon, to run into, to discover.
1. Due to recession a number of employees in IT sector were…………..
2. His wife insisted upon ……………….. as he suffered from flu.
3. Environmentalists …………………. Industrial growth.
4. In a marriage ceremony of a friend Sheela ………….. her college friend.
5. While watering the plants, I …………….. the two offspring’s of a pigeon.
12.11 Writing Activity
Write the story of your favourite movie?
12.12 Recommended Reading
One-Act-Play The Hour of Truth by Percival Wilde.
213
Unit-13
Leisure
W. H. Davies
Index:
13.0
Objectives
13.1
Introduction
13.2
The Text
13.3
Self-Check Exercises
13.4
Notes and Glossary
13.5
Key to Self-Check Exercises
13.6
Summary
13.7
Exercises
13.8
Writing Activities
13.0 Objectives :After studying this poem you will be able to
Learn about modern life-style
Know how modern man is busy in his routine work
Know how man is deprived of happiness in the simplest things in life
Enjoy the beauty of nature
13.1 Introduction:William Henry Davies (1871-1940)
William Henry Davies was a Welsh poet and writer. He spent most of his life as
a tramp. The “Autobiography of a Super-Tramp” is an account of his times in the
USA from 1893 to 1899. His first book of poetry (1905) brought him success and
established his reputation as a poet.
214
In the poem “Leisure” he comments on modern life style which has become very
mechanical . According to him man is full of anxiety and in a hurry. He has no time
to stop for a moment to admire nature. The poet brings our attention towards the
beauty of our surroundings that we miss just because of our hastiness. Similarly he
warns if our life remains full of worries and problems with no opportunities to enjoy
its simple pleasures, it will be very poor and miserable.
13.2 The Text :
Leisure
What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
No time to stand beneath the boughs,
And stare as long as sheep or cows.
No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.
No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night.
No time to turn at Beauty’s glance,
And watch her mouth can,
No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began.
A poor life this if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
- William Henry Davies
215
13.3 Self – Check Exercises
A) Choose the correct alternative from the ones given below each of the
following:
1.
The life is full of ____________, according to the poet.
a)
2.
d) worries
admire nature b) enjoy life c) look after our family d) look after self.
boughs b) nature’s simple beauty c) life
d) man.
The squirrels hide their nuts in __________.
a)
5.
c) care
Sheep or caws stare at____________.
a)
4.
b) unhappiness
We have no time to __________.
a)
3.
Joy
a hole
b) the grass
c) the buses
d) the tree.
We don’t have time to see how beauty _________.
a)
sings
b) moves
c) dances
d) passes
B) Answer the following questions in one sentence each.
1.
Why cannot we enjoy nature?
2.
What does the squirrel do in the grass?
3.
Whom does the poet compare with?
4.
Whom does the part compare the streams full of stars?
5.
Who according to the poet, stands and stares at nature?
13.4 Notes and Glossary:
leisure (n) - free time, time sprit on non-compulsory activities
stare (v) - to look fixedly
boughs (n) - branches of tree
woods (n) - forests
pass (v) - to go forward
216
hide (v) - put or keep out of sight
glance (n) - brief look, flash
13.5 Key to Self – Check Exercises:13.3 A)
1.
care
2.
admire nature
3.
nature’s simple beauty
4.
the grass
5.
dances
B)
1.
We have no time to stand & stare
2.
The squirrel hides nuts in grass
3.
The beauty
4.
Skies at night
5.
Sheep and cows stand and stare at nature
13.6 Summary:The poem is about the availability of time for enjoying various delights of life.
In fact, life is simple but we have made it perplex through our hectic routines. The
poet brings our attention towards the beauty of our surroundings that we miss just
because of our hastiness. The poet says that, we are living poor life because of not
having leisure.
Life is full of beauty but man has no time to look at the simplest things in
nature. He is in hurry and shows little interest in those things. The poet enumerates
many things for which there is no time. He compares human condition to that of
sheep and cows because these animals can stand and stare as long as they can.
A man travels by the wood. He has no time to see where squirrels hide their nuts
in the grass. The speaker mourns that man has no time to see in broad day light
217
streams full of stars, like skies at night. He has no time to watch the beautiful dance
of a maiden and admire the skill of her dancing feet. Moreover, he can’t spare time to
see beautiful smile playing at her face.
The poet expresses his grief at the fact that modern rush of life has deprived man
of many commonplace pleasures. Man runs around after material comforts. So,
crazily that he gets no time to spend in a relaxed manner. The poet warns if man’s
life remains full of worries and problems with no opportunity to enjoy its simple
pleasures, it will be very miserable life.
Human beings can’t enjoy natural and beautiful things because they are bogged
down with responsibilities and worries.
13.7 Exercises:A) Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences each:
1.
What does the poet mean by “full of care”? Why do we not stand and stare?
2.
What according to the poet are the beauties of nature that we miss out?
3.
How do the streams appear by broad daylight? When do we normally see
skies full of stars?
4.
How does the city life affect on the life of human being?
5.
What are the simplest pleasures of nature that man can’t enjoy? Why?
B) Write short notes on:
1.
The central idea of the poem ‘Leisure’.
2.
Description of nature in the poem ‘Leisure’.
3.
Contrast between city life and village life described in the poem.
13.8 Writing activities:
1.
Describe the changes in nature in any beautiful morning.
2.
Write a paragraph about the man’s life in the city.
218
Unit-14
One Thousand Dollars
O. Henry (1862-1910)
Index :
14.0
Objectives
14.1
Introduction
14.2
Check your Progress
14.3
Text : One Thousand Dollars
14.4
Check your Progress
14.5
Notes and Glossary
14.6
Key to check your progress
14.7
Summary
14.8
Theme of the Story
14.9
Characters in the Story
14.10
Exercises
14.11
Writing Activities
14.12
Recommended Reading
14.0
Objectives :
After reading this unit, you will be able to :
Study human tendency
Define true love
Judge an act of sacrifice
Learn the twisted ending
Learn that money is never an end
Examine what people do and should do for love
219
14.1 Introduction :
O. Henry is an American short story writer. He was born in Greensboro, North
Carolina on September 11,1862. He was christened William Sideny Porter. Later he
took a pen name O. Henry and published hundreds of short stories. He was,
however, a voracious reader. He had to live a hard life. He worked as a shepherd, a
mail carrier and a salesman in drugstore.
O. Henry’s varied life is reflected in his stories. Most of them describe the life
in the city of New York. He loved to depict with compassion and tenderness, the
dull lives of those ordinary people in his short stories. His short stories are known for
their wit, warm characterization and clever twist endings. His stories have been
telecasted on T. V. and are very famous for the perfection of the technique of the
unexpected or twisted ending. The tragedy of his own life taught him a chivalrous
tenderness for the unlucky. O. Henry died in New York city on June 5,1910.
‘One Thousand Dollars’ is a modern short story of Mr. Gillian who gives up his
claim for the fortune left by his uncle late Mr. Old Gillian for Miss Hayden in whose
love he falls. Though she refused his love proposal, he tried to make her happy. It
has an unexpected ending.
14.2 Check your Progress
A) Fill in the blanks :
1
------------------------ better known by his pen name O. Henry.
2
O. Henry was an ------------------------- writer.
3
O. Henry was born in --------------------- , North Carolina.
4
O. Henry died in ------------------------- City.
14.3 Text : One thousands Dollars
“One thousand dollars," repeated Lawyer Tolman, solemnly and severely, "and
here is the money.''
Young Gillian gave a decidedly amused laugh as he fingered the thin package of
new fifty-dollar notes.
220
"It's such a confoundedly awkward amount," he explained, genially, to the
lawyer. "If it had been ten thousand a fellow might wind up with a lot of fireworks
and do himself credit. Even $50 would have been less trouble."
"You heard the reading of your uncle's will," continued Lawyer Tolman,
professionally dry in his tones. "I do not know if you paid much attention to its
details. I must remind you of one. You are required to render to us an account of the
manner of expenditure of this $l,000 as soon as you have disposed of it. The will
stipulates that. I trust that you will so far comply with the late Mr. Gillian's wishes."
"You may depend upon it,'' said the young man, politely, “in spite of the extra
expense it will entail. I may have to engage a secretary. I was never good at
accounts.''
Gillian thrust the package of notes into his coat pocket and went to his club.
There he hunted out one whom he called Old Bryson.
Old Bryson was calm and forty and sequestered. He was in a corner reading a
book, and when he saw Gillian approaching he sighed, laid down his book and took
off his glasses.
"Old Bryson, wake up," said Gillian. "I've a funny story to tell you."
"I wish you would tell it to someone in the billiard-room," said old Bryson.
"You know how 1 hate your stories."
"This is a better one than usual,'' said Gillian, rolling a cigarette; "and I'm going
to tell it to you. It's too sad any funny to go wish the rattling of billiard balls. I’ve just
come from my late uncle's firm of legal corsairs. He leaves me an even thousand
dollars. Now, what can a man possibly do with a thousand dollars?"
"I thought," said Old Bryson, showing as much interest as a bee shows in a
vinegar cruet, "that the late Septimas Gillian was worth something like half a
million."
"He was," assented Gillian, joyously, "and that's where the joke ,.comes in. He's
left his whole cargo of doubloons to a microbe. That is, part of it goes to the man
who invents a new bacillus and the rest to establish a hospital for doing away with it
again. There are one or two trifling bequests on the side. The butler and the
housekeeper get a seal ring and $10 each. His nephew gets $1,000."
221
"You've always had plenty of money to spend," observed Old Bryson.
'Tons,'' said Gillian. “Uncle was the fairy godmother as far as an allowance was
concerned."
"Any other heirs?'' asked Old Bryson.
"None." Gillian frowned at his cigarette and kicked the upholstered leather of a
divan uneasily. "There is a Miss Hayden, a ward of my uncle, who lived in his house.
She's a quiet thing – musical - the daughter of somebody who was unlucky enough to
be his friend. I forgot to say that she was in on the seal ring and $10 joke, too. I wish
I had been. Then I could have had two bottles of brut, tipped the waiter with the ring
and had the whole business off my hands. Don't be superior and insulting. Old
Bryson- tell me what a fellow can do with a thousand dollars."
Old Bryson rubbed his glasses and smiled. And when Old Bryson smiled Gillian
knew that he intended to be more offensive than ever.
"A thousand dollars," he said, "means much or little. One man may buy happy
home with it and laugh at Rockefeller. Another could send his wife South with it and
save her life. A thousand dollars would buy pure milk for one hundred babies during
June, July, and August and save fifty of their lives. You could count upon a half
hour's diversion with it at faro in one of the fortified art galleries. It would furnish an
education to an ambitious boy. I am told that a genuine Corot was secured for that
amount in an auction room yesterday. You could move to a New Hampshire town
and live respectably for two years on it.
"You could rent Madison Square Garden for one evening with it, and lecture
your audience, if you should have one, on the precariousness of the profession of heir
presumptive."
"People might like you, Old Bryson," said Gillian, always unruffled, "if you
wouldn't moralize. Tasked you to tell me what I could do with a thousand dollars.''
"You?' said Bryson, with a gentle laugh, "Why, Bobby Gillian, there's only one
logical thing you could do. You can go buy Miss Lotta Lauriere a diamond pendant
with the money, and then take yourself off to Idaho and inflict your presence upon a
ranch. 1 advise a sheep ranch, as I have a particular dislike for sheep."
222
"Thanks," said Gillian, rising. "I thought I could depend on you, Old Bryson.
You've hit on the very scheme. I wanted to chuck the money in a lump, for I've got to
turn in an account for it, and I hate itemizing."
Gillian phoned for a cab and said to the driver : "The stage entrance of the
Columbine Theatre.”
Miss Lotta Lauriere was assisting nature with a powder puff, almost ready for
her call at a crowded matinee, when her dresser mentioned the name of Mr. Gillian.
"Let it in," said Miss Lauriere. "Now, what is it, Bobby? I'm going on in two
minutes.''
“Rabbit-foot your right ear a little," suggested Gillian, critically. "That's better.
It won't take two minutes for me. What do you say to a little thing in the pendant
line. I can stand three ciphers with a figure in front of ’ em.”
"Oh, just as you say," carolled Miss Lauriere. "My right glove, Adams. Say,
Bobby, did you see that necklace Delia Stacey had on the other night? Two thousand
two hundred dollars it cost at Tiffany's. But, of course pull my sash a little to the left,
Adams."
"Miss Laurier for the opening chorus!" cried the call boy without.
Gillian strolled out to where his cab was waiting.
"What would you do with a thousand dollars if you had it?" he asked the driver.
"Open a s'loon." said the cabby promptly and huskily. "I know as place I could
take money in with both hands. It's a four- story brick on a comer. I' ve got it figured
out. Second story- Chinks and chop suey; third floor- manicures and foreign
missions; fourth floor-pool-room. If you was thinking of putting up; the cap.”"Oh, no," said Gillian, "1 merely asked from curiosity. I take you by the hot'.
Drive till I tell you to stop."
Eight blocks down Broadway Gillian poked up the trap with his cane and got
out. A blind man sat upon a stool on the sidewalk selling pencils. Gillian went out
and stood before him.
"Excuse me," he said, "but would you mind telling me what you would do if you
had a thousand dollars?"
223
'' You got out of that cab that just drove up, didn't you?" asked the blind man.
"I did," said Gillian.
"I guess you are all right," said the pencil dealer,' 'to ride in a cab by daylight.
Take a look at that, if you like."
He drew a small book from his coat pocket and held it out. Gillian opened it and
saw that it was a bank deposit book. It showed a balance of $1,735 to the blind
man's credit.
Gillian returned the book and got into the cab.
"I forgot something," he said. "You may drive to the law offices of Tolman &
Sharp, at-, Broadway.''
Lawyer Tolman looked at him hostilely and inquiringly through his goldrimmed glasses.
"I beg your pardon," said Gillian cheerfully, "but may I ask you a question? It is
not an impertinent one, I am sure. Was Miss Hayden left anything by my uncle's will
besides the ring and the $10?”
"Nothing," said Mr. Tolman.
"I thank you very much, sir." said Gillian, and out he went to his Cab. He gave
the driver the address of his late uncle's home.
Miss Hayden was writing letters in the library. She was small and slender and
clothed in black. But you would have noticed her eyes. Gillian drifted in with his air
of regarding the world as inconsequent.
"I've just come from old Tolman's," he explained. "They've been going over the
papers down there. They found a- “Gillian searched his memory for a legal termthey found an amendment or a postscript or something to the will. It seems that the
old boy loosened up a little on second thoughts and willed you a thousand dollars. I
was driving up this way and Tolman asked me to bring you the money. Here it is.
You'd better count it to see if it's right." Gillian laid the money beside her hand on
the desk.
Miss Hayden turned white. "Oh!" she said, and again "Oh!" Gillian half turned
and looked out the window.
224
"I suppose, of course," he said, in a low voice, "that you know I love you."
"I am sorry," said Miss Hayden, taking up her money. "There is no use?" asked
Gillian, almost light-heartedly.
"I am sorry," she said again.
"May I write a note?" asked Gillian, with a smile. He seated himself at the big
library table. She supplied him with paper and pen, and then went back to her
secretaire.
Gillian made out his account of his expenditure of the thousand dollars in these
words:
"Paid by the black sheep, Robert Gillian, $1,000 on the account of eternal
happiness, owed by Heaven to the best and dearest woman on earth."
Gillian slipped his writing into an envelope, bowed and went his way.
His cab stopped again at the office of Tolman & Sharp.
"I have expended the thousand dollars," he said, cheerily, to p Tolman of the
gold glasses,' “and I have come to render account of it, as I agreed. There is quite a
feeling of summer in the air-do you not think so, Mr. Tolman?" He tossed a white
envelope on the lawyer's table. "You will find there a memorandum, sir, of the
modus operandi of the vanished dollars."
Without touching the envelope, Mr. Tolman went to a door and called his
partner, Sharp. Together they explored the caverns of the immense safe. Forth they
dragged as trophy of their search a big envelop sealed with wax. This they forcibly
invaded and wagged their venerable heads together over its contents. Then Tolman
became spokesman.
"Mr. Gillian," he said, formally, "there was a codicil to your uncle's will. It was
instructed to us privately, with instructions that it be /not opened until you furnished
us with a full account of your handling of the $1,000 bequest in the will. As you have
fulfilled the conditions my partner and I have read the codicil. I do not wish to
encumber your understanding with its legal phraseology, but I will acquaint you with
the spirit of its contents.
"The codicil promises that in the event that your disposition of the $1,000
demonstrates that you posses any of the qualifications that deserve reward, much
225
benefit will accrue to you. Mr. Sharp and I are named as the judges, and I assure you
that we will do our duty strictly according to justice - with liberality. We are not at
all unfavorably disposed toward you, Mr. Gillian. But let us return the letter of the
codicil. If your disposal of the money in question has been prudent, wise, or
unselfish, it is in our power to hand you over bonds to the value of $50,000 which
have been placed in our hands for that purpose. But if- as our client, the late Mr.
Gillian, explicitly provides- you have used this money as you have used money in the
past - I quote the late Mr. Gillian- in reprehensible dissipation among disreputable
associates - the $50,000 is to be paid to Miriam Hayden, ward of the late Mr. Gillian,
without delay. Now, Mr. Gillian, Mr. Sharp and I will examine your account in
regard to the $1,000. You submit it in writing, I believe. I hope you will repose
confidence in our decision."
Mr. Tolman reached out for the envelope. Gillian was a little the quicker in
taking it up. He tore the account and its cover leisurely into strips and dropped them
into his pocket.
"It's all right," he said, smiling. "There isn't a bit of need to bother you with this.
I don't suppose you'd understand these itemized bets, anyway, I lost the thousand
dollars on the races. Good-day to you, gentlemen."
Tolman & Sharp shook their heads mournfully at each other when Gillian left,
for they heard him whistling gayly in the hallway as he waited for the elevator.
14.4 Check your progress
A) Answer the following questions in one word, phrase or sentence each:
1)
Who is Mr. Gillian ?
2)
Who is Tolman?
3)
What is the name of Tolman’s firm?
4)
What will a cab-driver do with 1000 dollars?
5)
What did the uncle leave for Gillian in his will ?
6)
What did the uncle leave for Miss Hayden in his will?
7)
What is the climax of the story?
226
B) Complete the following sentences by choosing the correct alternative :
1)
Mr. Tolman was a ---------------------------a) Teacher
2)
c) Cab-driver
d) Narrator
Gillian’s uncle wrote a-------------------------a) book
3)
b) Lawyer
b) note
c) will
d) poem
Gillian’s uncle leaves him --------------------and he had to write an account
on how he spent them
a) a real estate b) 1000 dollars
c) a house
d) a diamond pendant
4)
Gillian’s uncle leaves Miss Miriam Hayden ……………………………
a) 10 dollars and a seal ring
b) a diamond pendant
c) a house
d) nothing
5)
As per the will & his uncle, if Gillian spent the money wisely he would get
…………
a) 1000 dollars b) 50000 dollars c) 20000 dollars
d) 30000 dollars
6)
Old Bryson suggested Gillian that he could buy Miss. Lotta Lauriere, a
showgirl-------------a) a gold pendant
b) a silver pendant
c) a diamond pendant
d) a bronze pendant
7)
The blind man has also an amount of --------------------------- in his bank
account
a) $ 785
b) $ 1,785
c) $ 1,285
d) $ 85
C) Say true or false :
1)
The blind man was selling pens.
-
2)
The blind man has also an amount of $ 1,785 in his bank account.
3)
The story takes place in Washington.
4)
A codicil about the legacy left for old Bryson.
5)
Gillian sacrifices his love and happiness for Mirium’s satisfaction.
6)
O. Henry died on June 5, 1910.
227
14.5 Notes and Glossary:
rend (V) - to tear, to split, to disturb violently
solemnly (adv.) - seriously, not happily
severely (adv.) - extremely bad or serious
confound (V) - to confuse or surprise
genially (adv.) - kindly
sequester (V) - to remove from public view, to separate
rattle (V) - to produce a series of short, sharp, rapid sounds
billiard (N) - a game for two people played with cues & three balls on a long
table covered with green fabric.
crue (N) – Small glass bottle containing oil or vinegar for use at meals.
microbe (N) - an extremely small living thing that you can only see under a
microscope & that may cause disease.
bacillus (N) - Straight rod-shaped bacterium
bequest (N) - something left by will
upholstered (V) - usually passive, to cover a chair etc. with soft material
offensive (adj) – upsetting or annoying
fortify (V) - to strengthen
auction (N) – a public event at which things are sold to the person who offers
the most money for them.
presumptive (adj) - based on likelihood
unreffled (adj) - calm, unperturbed
moralize (V) - to tell other people what is right & wrong in order to emphasize
that your opinions are correct
carolled (V) - to sing in a cheerful way.
ciphers (N) - a secret way of writing especially one in which a set of letters or
symbols is used to represent others importance.
228
stroll (V) - to walk leisurely along, to go from place to place.
manicure (N) - the care & treatment of a person’s hands & nails
cab (N) - a hired carriage
impertinent (adj) - rude & not showing respect who is older or more important.
inconsequential (adj) - not important or worth considering
amendment (N) - a small change or improvement that is made to a law or
document
memorandum (N) - a record of a legal agreement which has not yet been
formally prepared & signed /a report on a particular subject.
immense (adj) - extremely large or great
wag (V) - to shake your finger or your head from side to side often as a sign of
disapproval.
encumber (V) - to make it difficult for to do or to happen
client (n) - a person who employs a lawyer, a customer at a shop.
codicil (n) - a short note added at the end of a will.
reprehensible (adj) - a deserving blame
dissipation (n) – wasting, worthless
disreputable (adj) - causing a lack of repute
bet (n) - an arrangement to risk money, etc. on the result of a particular event.
mournfully (adv) - very sad.
gayily (adv) - in cheerful manner
to whistle (v) - to make a shrill sound by blowing through the teeth or lips.
stipulate (v) - to make an express condition of agreement.
corsair (n) - Pirate or pirate ship attacking ships of European countries.
assent (v) - to agree to
heir (N) - a person having a right to property of another after his death
frown (v) - to look displeased, a stern look.
229
14.6 Key to check your progress
14.2 A) 1)
William Sydney Porter
2)
American
3)
Greensboro
4)
New York
14.4 A) 1) a clumsy young man, rich heir to his late uncle who spends his money
wastefully
2)
Tolman is a lawyer
3)
Tolman & sharp
4)
Open a salon
5)
$ 1000
6)
10 dollars and a seal ring
7)
When Tolman told Gillian that a codicil of his uncle’s will is found and it is
not to be opened unless he submits the account of the expenditure of $ 1000
B) 1
b
-
lawyer
2
c
-
will
3
b
-
1000 dollars
4
a
-
10 dollars & a seal ring
5
b
-
50,000 dollars
6
c
-
a diamond pendant
7
b
-
$ 1,785
C) 1
False
2
True
3
False
4
False
5
True
6
True
230
14.7 Summary
This is a typical modern humorous short story about love and human decency.
It is a story about what people do and should do for love. The story opens with a
brief and polite conversation between a young man and a lawyer. The lawyer offers
the young man one thousands dollars, his apparent inheritance from a recently
deceased uncle. Mr. Gillian, the young man in question, chuckles at the peculiar and
specific amount of his inheritance. He marvels that, had his uncle bestowed a much
larger or a much smaller amount of money upon him, he would better understand the
bequest. As it stands, however, he is puzzled and stunned by the legacy of one
thousand dollars exactly.
Mr. Gillian gives up his claim for the fortune left by his uncle late Mr. Old
Gillian for Miss. Miriam Heydan in whose love he falls, not even leaving behind a
single clue as to why he did so. The only reason for this act is obviously to be found
in his intense love for the girl who had served for a long period as a ward to Mr. old
Gillian.
We come to the conclusion that how people change themselves, become
unselfish to make someone happy whom they love a lot. Gillian through his
behavior proved his true love for Miss. Hayden. Though she refused his love
proposal, he tried to make her happy.
14. 8 Theme of the story ‘One Thousand Dollars’
Sacrification for True Love:
O. Henrys short stories frequently have surprise endings. His stories are also
known for witty narration. In majority of his stories dealing with both the rich and
poor, he doesn’t give too much importance to money. Money is never an end. The
present story ‘One Thousand Dollars’ depicts young millionaire Mr. Gillian who has
sacrificed his status and claim for the fulfillment of his heart’s desire. Mr. Gillian
gives up his claim for the fortune left by his uncle Late Mr. Old Gillian for Miss
Miriam Heyden, in whose love he falls, not even leaving behind a single clue as to
why he did so. The only reason for this act is obviously to be found in his intense
love for the girl who had served for a long period as a ward to Mr. Old Gillian.
The theme of the story is quite clearly love and human decency as well as
sacrification for love. It is a story like many of O. Henry’s stories about what people
231
do and should do for love. Young Gillian is characterized as something of a playboy.
He clearly wastes money at clubs and on showgirls. His uncle has not liked this
about him and has left him $ 1000. His uncle, old Gillian in his will writes the only
sum of $ 1000 to him out of his huge fortune and a meagre $ 10 to Miss. Heyden.
She is an unfortunate girl who had been working as his ward and staying in the
family for a long time.
The story begins with the exposition in which important background is revealed.
Lawyer Tolman hands over $ 1000 to young Gillian as a legacy left to him by his late
uncle Old Gillian. His uncle was familiar with young Gillian’s behaviour and hence
he had mentioned in his will that Gillian must provide an account of the manner of
expenditure of $ 1000. Young Gillian gets confused and asks for suggestions about
how to spend $ 1000 from whomsoever he meets. He seeks the ways of spending $
1000 from his friend old Bryson. Bryson suggests him many tricks to spend them in
good ways. Following the suggestions of Bryson, Gillian meets Miss Lauriere in
order to offer her a diamond pendant. But her expectations were too high that could
not be fulfilled. Gillian asks even to his driver and the blind man who was selling
pencils. But the blind man has also an amount of $1,785 in his bank account.
Finally, Gillian turns towards Miss. Heyden, a ward of Gillian’s late uncle. He
confesses his love for her eventhough she denies it. He writes an account of
expenditure and seals it in the envelop.
The climax of the story comes when Tolman, one of the lawyers told Gillian that
a codicil of his uncle’s will is found and it is not to be opened unless he submits the
account of the expenditure of $1000. Gillian understands the implications of the
codicil and feels sorry for the kind of disbelief his uncle had in his mind about his
nature and behaviour. To the best of his conscience he has spent the money for the
right cause. He has paid the money to the girl not out of sympathy but because she
deserves to be rewarded, for the services she has rendered to family. He has the note
of expenditure and is about to show and submit it to the judges. But the moment he
listens to the statement that if he spends $1000 in reprehensible dissipation among
disreputable associates, the $50000 is to be paid to Miriam Hayden, ward of the late
Mr. Gillian without delay. He tears the envelop containing the statement of account
of the expenditure of $1000 into strips and drops them into his pocket. He declares
that he lost $1000 in races. As a result of this and as per the will of his uncle late
Gillian, the money would go to Miss Hayden whom he loves. So we come to the
232
conclusion that how people change themselves, become unselfish to make someone
happy whom they love a lot. Gillian through his behaviour proved his true love for
Miss. Haydan. Though she refused his love proposal, he tried to make her happy.
The end of the story seems to be unexpected. O. Henry has given a perfect
example of true love. It shows what people can do for their love. Gillian shows the
best side of love here. He knows that Miriam will not love him no matter how rich
he is. So he sacrifices his happiness for her. It is true that the theme of this story is
pure love. He knows best that she is not going to love him back. Nevertheless, he
wants to make her happy. He will double her happiness by a white lie at the end of
the story, by telling that he had spent the money on gambling. So he simply kisses
good-bye to that amount, just because of his love.
14. 9 Characters in the story :
Young Gillian :
Mr. Gillian is the young rich heir to his late uncle old Gillian. He is
characterized as a clumsy young man who spends his money wastefully. His uncle
leaves him $ 1000 and he had to write an account on how he spend them. The late
Mr. Gillian leaves the butler, the housekeeper and Miss Miriam Hayden who was the
daughter of an old friend of Mr. Gillian - $10 and a seal ring. Young Gillian loves
Miss Hayden but she doesn’t return this love. Gillian doesn’t know how to spend $
1000 properly. He goes to an old friend, old Bryson to ask him for advice. Old
Bryson suggested that he could buy a house, gamble, buy paintings, rent Madison
Square Garden, move to New Hampshire, or he could buy Miss Lotta Lauriere, a
showgirl - a diamond pendant. A cabbie said that if had this amount of money he
would open a salon.
Young Gillian decides to give the money to Miss. Hayden and went back to the
lawyers. He found out that, if he spent the money wisely he would get the dollars
$50000 but if he didn’t Miss. Hayden would taken them. He decided that Miss.
Hayden would never love him no matter how rich he is. So he decided to give her all
the money. So, he didn’t tell the truth of expenditure to the lawyer and torn the
envelop in which it was written that he had handedover that money to Miss. Hayden.
Instead, he told that he lost that money in races. As a result of this and as per the will
of his uncle late Gillian, the money would go to the Miss. Hayden.
233
Here, Gillian shows the best side of love here. He knows that Miriam will not love
him no matter how rich he is. So he sacrifices his happiness for her. We come to the
conclusion that ‘people can give value to their life by not being greedy’. People can
also give value to their lives by making change for what that person finds to be the
better. Young Gillian was proud of his decision to stop using money selfishly and
start being wiser.
14.10 EXERCISES
A) Answer the following questions in two or three sentences each.
1.
What did old Bryson suggest to Gillian about spending money?
2.
What is the end of the story? Is it twisted or unexpected end? Why?
3.
Who was Miss. Mariam Hayden? What was the amount mentioned in the
will for Hayden?
4.
Comment on the moral of the story?
5.
Write a brief note on the significance of the title?
6.
Describe in brief Young Gillian - Miss. Hayden relationship?
B) Write short notes
1.
Young Gillian.
2.
Various suggestions given to Young Gillian by people.
3.
Theme of sacrification for true love.
4.
Miss. Miriam Hayden.
5.
Will of late uncle, old Gillian.
C) Match the words from group A with their meanings in group B
A
B
bequest
taxi
offensive
legacy
heir
angry
cab
person with the legal right to receive
property
frown
insulting
234
D) Complete the following table :
Sr. No.
Noun
Verb
Adjective
1
Proposal
--
--
2
---
Suggested
---
3
Happiness
----
----
4
------
laugh
-------
5
------
-----
Presumptive
14.11 Writing Activities
1. Write a summary of any short story which is about a scarification for true
love.
2.
Try to collect the list of short stories on the scarification for true love.
14.12 Recommended Reading
1
K. A. Abbas : The Sparrows
2
R. K. Narayan : The Guide
235
Unit-15
Beautiful Mandakini
Ruskin Bond
Index :
15.0 Objectives
15.1 Introduction
15.2 Text: Beautiful Mandakini
15.2.1
Part – I
Check your progress I
15.2.2
Part – II
Check your progress II
15.2.3
Part – III
Check your progress III
15.3 Notes and Glossary:
15.4 Summary:
15.5 Key to check your progress
15.6 Exercises
15.7 Writing Activity
15.0 Objectives
After reading this unit, you will be able to learn about:
the beauty of natural objects around you
the visual style of writing
the importance of ancient structures in and around your area
236
15.1 Introduction:
Ruskin Bond, born 19 May 1934, is a well known Indian writer of British
descent. Ruskin’s father was with the Royal Air Force in India. He was born in
Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh. He has dedicated himself to writing as a full time
occupation at the age of 20.Since then he has been writing novels, poetry, essays
and short stories for almost half a century now. He worked for some years as a
journalist in Delhi and Dehradun. Since 1963 he has lived as a freelance writer in
Mussoorie, a town in the Himalayan foothills. His famous fictional works include the
Neighbour’s Wife and other Stories, My First Love and other Stories, Angry River,
The Blue Umbrella, The Man- eater of Manjari and other Stories . His interest in the
paranormal led him to write popular titles such as Ghost Stories from the Raj, A
Season of Ghosts, A Face in the Dark and other Hauntings. Moreover, he has
expertly compiled and edited a number of anthologies over the years. He has been
awarded the John Llewellyn Rhys Memorial Prize in 1957 for his first novel The
Room on the Roof’, the Sahitya Akademi Award for his short story collection, Our
Trees Still Grow in Dehra , and the Padma Shri in 1999 for his contributions to
children’s literature. Several of his short stories have been made into popular films
like ‘Junoon’ directed by Shyam Benegal. Ruskin Bond is internationally known as
one of India’s most prolific writers in English for children, youths and adults alike.
The present passage ‘Beautiful Mandakini’ is taken from The Best of Ruskin
Bond: Delhi is not Far published in 1994.It is a fantastic narration about the writer’s
visit to the Mandakini river valley where the two rivers, Alakananda and Mandakini,
have their splendid confluence. He delineates the beauty, memories and myths
prevalent in Rudraprayag and encircling villages. As a true raveler, he visits
number of temples mainly dedicated to the various forms of god Shiva. Ruskin
Bond, a nature lover, unable to forget the place that has captured his mind and heart.
The narrative style has a potential to make us relive the enchanting experience writer
has enjoyed.
15.2 Text : Beautiful Mandakini
15.2.1 Part – I
To see a river for the first time at its confluence with another great river is, for
me, a special moment in time. And so it was with the Mandakini at Rudraprayag,
237
where its waters were joined with the waters of the Alaknanda, the one having come
from the glacial snows above Kedarnath, the other from the Himalayan heights
beyond Badrinath. Both sacred rivers, both destined to become the holy Ganga
further downstream.
I fell in love with the Mandakini at first sight. Or was it the valley that I fell in
love with? I am not sure, and it doesn’t really matter. The valley is the river.
While the Alaknanda valley, especially in its higher reaches, is a deep and
narrow gorge where precipitous outcrops of rock hang threateningly over the
raveler, the Mandakini valley is broader, gentler, the terraced fields wider, the
banks of the river a green sward in many places.
Rudraprayag is hot. It is probably a pleasant spot in winter, but at the end of
June it is decidedly hot. Perhaps its chief claim to fame is that it gave its name to the
dreaded man-eating leopard of Rudraprayag who, in the course of seven years (l9l825), accounted for more than 300 victims. It was finally shot by the fifty-one-yearold Jim Corbett, who recounted the saga of his long hunt for the killer in his fine
book, The Man-eating Leopard of Rudraprayag.
The place at which the leopard was shot was the village of Gulabrai, two miles
south of Rudraprayag. Under a large mango tree stands a memorial raised to Jim
Corbett by officers and men of the Border Roads Organisation. It is a happy gesture
to one who loved Garhwal and India. Unfortunately several buffaloes are gathered
close by, and one has to wade through slush and buffalo- dung to get to the
memorial-stone. A board tacked on to the mango tree attracts the attention of
motorists who might pass without noticing the memorial, which is off to one side.
The killer—leopard was noted for its direct method of attack on humans; and, in
spite of being poisoned, trapped in a cave, and shot at innumerable times, it did not
lose its contempt for man. Two English sportsmen covering both ends of the old
suspension bridge over the Alaknanda fired several times at the man-eater but to little
effect.
It was not long before the leopard acquired a reputation among the hill folk for
being an evil spirit. A sadhu was suspected of turning into the leopard by night, and
was only saved from being lynched by the ingenuity of Philip Mason, then Deputy
Commissioner of Garhwal. Mason kept the sadhu in custody until the leopard made
his next attack, thus proving the man innocent. Years later, when Mason turned
238
novelist and (using the pen-name Philip Woodruff) wrote The Wild Sweet Witch, he
had as his main character, a beautiful young woman who turns into a man-eating
leopard by night.
Corbett’s host at Gulabrai was one of the few who survived an encounter with
the leopard. It left him with a hole in his throat.
Apart from being a superb story-teller, Corbett displayed great compassion for
people from all walks of life and is still a legend in Garhwal and Kumaon amongst
people who have never read his books.
Check your progress I
A) Complete the following sentences by choosing the correct alternative.
1.
The river Mandakini has its confluence with the river............
a. Godawari
b. Alaknanda
c. Yamuna
d. Bhagirathi
2.
The man-eating leopard of Rudraprayag was finally shot by the well-known
hunter..........
a. Jim Corbett b. John Corbett c. Atkinson
d. Philip Mason
3.
........... was suspected of turning into the leopard by night.
a. a villager
b. a sadhu
c. an evil spirit
d. the deputy Commissioner of Garhwal
4.
Mandakini and Alaknanda rivers become one with the holy ………..
a.Kashi
b. Narmada
c. Ganga
d.Yamuna
B) Say whether the following statements are true or false:
1.
The narrator, at first sight, fell in love with the valley as well as the river
Mandakini.
2.
At the end of June, Rudraprayg remains very cold.
3.
It was the ‘sadhu’ who turned into leopard by night.
4.
Mandakini comes from the glacial snows above Kedarnath.
5.
Alaknanda comes from the Himalayan heights beyond Badrinath.
239
15.2.2 Part – II
In June, one does not linger long in the steamy heat of Rudraprayag. But as one
travels up the river, making a gradual ascent of the Mandakini valley, there is a cool
breeze coming down from the snows, and the smell of rain is in the air.
The thriving little township of Agastmuni spreads itself along the wide
riverbanks, and further upstream, near a little place called Chanderpuri, we cannot
resist breaking our journey to sprawl on the tender green grass that slopes gently
down to the swiftly flowing river. A small rest-house is in the making. Around it,
banana fronds sway and poplar leaves dance in the breeze.
This is no sluggish river of the plains, but a fast moving current, tumbling over
rocks, turning and twisting in its efforts to discover the easiest way for its frothy
snowfed waters to escape the mountains. Escape is the word! For the constant plaint
of many a Garhwali is that, while his hills abound in rivers the water runs down, and
away and little if any reaches the fields and villages above it. Cultivation must
depend on the rain and not on the river.
The road climbs gradually, still keeping to the river. Just outside Guptkashi my
attention is drawn to a clump of huge trees sheltering a small but ancient temple. We
stop here and enter the shade of the trees.
The temple is deserted. It is a temple dedicated to Shiva, and in the courtyard are
several river-rounded stone lingams on which leaves and blossoms have fallen. No
one seems to come here, which is strange, since it is on the pilgrim route. Two boys
from a neighbouring field leave their yoked bullocks to come and talk to me, but they
cannot tell me much about the temple except to confirm that it is seldom visited ‘The
buses do not stop here.’ That seems explanation enough. For where the buses go, the
pilgrims go, and where the pilgrims go, other pilgrims will follow. Thus far and no
further.
The trees seem to be magnolias, judging by the scent and shape of the flowers,
and the boys call them Champa, Hindi for magnolia blossom. But I have never seen
magnolia trees grow to such huge proportions. Perhaps they are something else.
Never mind; let them remain a sweet-scented mystery.
240
Check your progress II
A) Complete the following sentences by choosing the correct alternative
1.
The deserted temple outside Guptkashi was dedicated to .......
a. Sadashiva b. Kedarnath
2.
c. Shiva
d. Vishnu
There is a little town named …………..along the wide riverbanks.
a. Agastmuni b. Chaderpuri
c. Gulabrai
d. Gharwal
B) Say whether the following statements are true or false:
1.
The village Guptkashi has still maintained its traditional appearance
compared to some other growing hill towns.
2.
According to the writer; the cultivation in the villages around Rudraprayag
depends on the river and not on the rain.
3.
The beauty of tender green grass and a fast moving current of river attract
the travelers.
15.2.3 Part–III
Guptkashi in the evening is all a bustle. A coach-load of pilgrims (headed for
Kedarnath) has just arrived, and the tea-shops near the bus-stand are doing brisk
business. Then the ‘local’ bus- from Okhimath, across the river-arrives, and many of
the passengers head for a tea-shop famed for its samosas. The local bus is called the
bhook-hartal-‘hunger strike’ bus.
‘How did it get that name?’ I ask one of the samosa-eaters.
‘Well, it’s an interesting story. For a long time we had been asking the
authorities to provide a bus service for the local people and for the villagers who live
off the roads. All the buses came from Srinagar or Rishikesh, and were taken up by
pilgrims. The locals couldn’t find room in them. But our pleas went unheard until the
whole town — or most of it, anyway- decided to go on hunger- strike. That worked.
And so the bus is named after our successful hunger-strike.’
‘They nearly put me out of business too,’ said the tea-shop owner cheerfully.
‘Nobody ate any samosas for two days!’
241
There is no cinema or public place of entertainment at Guptkashi, and the town
goes to sleep early. And wakes early.
At six, the hillside, green from recent rain, sparkles in the morning sunshine.
Snow-capped Chaukhamba (23,400 ft.) is dazzling.The air is clear, no smoke or dust
up here. The climate, I am told, is mild all the year round, Okhimath, on the other
side of the river, lies in the shadow. It gets the sun at nine. In winter it must wait till
afternoon. And yet it seems a bigger place, and by tradition the temple priest from
Kedamath passes winter there when the snows cover that distant shrine.
Guptkashi has not yet been rendered ugly by the barrack-type architecture that
has come up in some growing hill towns. The old double-storeyed houses are built of
stone, with grey slate roofs.They blend well with the hillside. Cobbled paths meander
through the old bazaar.
One of these takes us to the famed Guptkashi temple, tucked away above the old
part of the town. Here, as in Benares, Shiva is worshipped as Vishwanath, and two
underground streams representing the sacred Yamuna and Bhagirathi rivers feed the
pool sacred to the god. This temple gives the town its name-Guptkashi, the ‘Invisible
Benares’ just as Uttarkashi on the Bhagirathi is ‘Upper Banares.’
Guptkashi and its environs have so many lingams that the saying ravel kankar
itne Sankar —‘As many stones, so many Shivas’—has become a proverb to describe
its holiness.
From Guptkashi, pilgrims proceed north to Kedarnath, and the last stage of their
journey—about a day’s march—must be covered on foot or horseback. The temple
of Kedarnath, situated at a height of 11,753 feet, is encircled by snowcapped peaks,
and Atkinson has conjectured that ‘the symbol of the linga may have arisen from the
pointed peaks around his (God Shiva’s) original home’.
The temple is dedicated to Sadashiva, the subterranean form of the god, who,
‘fleeing from the Pandavas took refuge here in the form of a he-buffalo.
‘We leave the Mandakini to visit Tungnath on the Chandrashila range. But I will
return to this river. It has captured my mind and heart.
242
15.3 Notes and Glossary:
confluence (n): the meeting of two rivers
glacial (adj) : of ice and glaciers
destine (v) : to settle the future of
gorge (n) : narrow steep-sided valley
precipitous (adj) : very steep
outcrop (n) : projecting part of an underlying layer of rock
terrace (n) : a raised level place
sward(n) : land covered with short grass
dread (n) : great fear
saga (n) : old heroic story
wade (v) : walking laboriously
slush (n) : melting snow or mud
to tack (v) : to join
contempt (n) : scorn
lynch (v) : put to death without trial
ingenuity (n) : cleverness
ascent (n) : upward slope
upstream (adj) : against the current
to sprawl on: to sit or lie spreading arms and legs
sway (v): to move from side to side
poplar (n): a tall straight tree
sluggish (adj) : slow
to tumble over: to fall rapidly
frothy (adj) :covered with a foam of fluid
plaint (n) : complaint
243
clump (n) : a close group
yoke (n) : a device for joining a pair of animals together
bustle (v) : an exciting activity
shrine (n) : a place of worship
meander (v) : to follow winding course
environ (v) : to surround
conjecture (v): imagine
subterranean (adj) : underground
refuge (n) : a shelter
Check your progress III
A) Complete the following sentences by choosing the correct alternative
1.
2.
Lord Shiva is worshipped as……… at Guptkashi.
a. Vishwanath.
B. Sadashiva
c. Kedarnath
d. Kashinath
According the ancient belief Sadashiva, the god, took refuge in the form
of.......
a. he-buffalo
b. she-buffalo
c. a lion
d. a lioness
B) Say whether the following statements are true or false:
1.
The village Guptkashi has still maintained its traditional appearance
compared to some other growing hill towns.
2.
The local bus is called the bhook-hartal-‘hunger strike’ bus.
3.
There are two underground streams representing the sacred rivers Yamuna
and Ganga.
COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS:
I)
Answer the following questions in one or two sentences each.
1.
Which was the river Mandakini joined with?
2.
How does the writer describe the Mandakini valley?
244
3.
How is the atmosphere of Rudraprayag?
4.
What, according to the writer, is the chief claim to the fame of
Rudraprayag?
5.
What is the name of the village where the leopard was shot?
6.
What was the leopard noted for?
7.
What was the ‘sadhu’ suspected for?
8.
Why, according to Ruskin Bond, the tourists did not visit the temple of
Shiva?
II) Match the words from group A with their meanings in group B.
A
B
1.
confluence
a. slow to act / respond
2.
bustle
b. guess
3.
sluggish
c. energetic activity
4.
meander
d. underground
5.
conjectured
e. union
6.
subterranean
f. wander aimlessly
III) Write short notes on the following.
1.
Beauty of the river Mandakini
2.
The man-eating leopard of Rudraprayag
3.
Guptkashi
15.4 Summary:
This beautiful passage is divided into two parts. The first part is a portrayal of
eye-catching scenery of the two rivers Alakananda and Mandakini and his homage
to the well known hunter Jim Corbett. The second part deals with writers visit to
some interesting places at Rudraprayag and encircling villages.
Ruskin bond visits Rudraprayag where the two rivers Mandakini and
Alaknanda have joined together. Mandakini comes from the glacial snows above
Kedarnath, and Alaknanda from the Himalayan heights beyond Badrinath.
245
Afterwards both of these rivers meet the holy Ganga. Writer falls in love at first
sight with the river Mandakini and the valley in which it flows. While the Alaknanda
valley is full of terror; the the Mandakini valley is broader and gentler.
Here, at Rudraprayag writer reminds the dreadful account of man-eating leopard
which killed more than 300 people; in the course of seven years during the years l9l8
to 25. Finally, it was shot by Jim Corbett who has given an account of his long hunt
in his fine book, The Man-eating Leopard of Rudraprayag.
The place at which the leopard was shot was the village of Gulabrai, two miles
from Rudraprayag. There is a memorial-stone but it is neglected and just a board
nailed on to the mango tree reminds us the event.
The killer-leopard was noted for its direct method of attack on humans; and in
spite of being poisoned, trapped in a cave, and shot at innumerable times could not
be killed. As a result the leopard acquired a reputation among the people for being an
evil spirit. Writer tells us an event in which a sadhu was suspected of turning into the
leopard by night. People were about to kill him but was saved from Philip Mason, the
then Deputy Commissioner of Garhwal. Mason kept the sadhu in custody until the
leopard made his next attack, thus proving the man innocent. Corbett displayed great
compassion for people from all walks of life and is still a legend in Garhwal and
Kumaon amongst people who have never read his books.
*
There is a little town named Agastmuni along the wide riverbanks, and further a
little place called Chanderpuri is situated. The beauty of tender green grass and a fast
moving current of river attract the ravelers. Writer observes that there is little use
of this water to the fields and villages above it and cultivation must depend on the
rain.
The road climbs gradually towards Guptkashi where writer’s attention is drawn
to huge trees sheltering a small but ancient temple. It was a temple of Shiva but no
one seems to come here even it is on the pilgrim route. Probably because ‘The buses
do not stop here.’
Here at Guptkashi Bond hears an interesting account about the ‘local’ bus from
the nearby village Okhimath; which is strangely called as the bhook-hartal- ‘hunger
246
strike’ bus. When writer asked; he learns the history that the local people of
Guptkashi had been asking the authorities to provide a bus service; for a long time.
All the buses came from Srinagar or Rishikesh, and were taken up by pilgrims
and the locals couldn’t find room in them. But their request was ignored. In that case
the whole town decided to go on hunger- strike which was continued for two days. It
was that hunger- strike the bus was named after.
The village Guptkashi has still maintained its traditional appearance as
compared to some other growing hill towns. There is no barrack-type architecture.
The old double-storeyed houses are built of stone, with grey slate roofs and stone
paved paths run through the old bazaar.
One of these paths goes to the famous Guptkashi temple. Here Lord Shiva is
worshipped as Vishwanath, and two underground streams representing the sacred
Yamuna and Bhagirathi rivers feed the pool sacred to the god. This temple gives the
town its name-Guptkashi, the ‘Invisible Benares’ just as Uttarkashi on the Bhagirathi
is ‘Upper Banares.’ Guptkashi and its surrounding area have so many holy
Lingams.From Guptkashi, pilgrims proceed to Kedarnath where the temple is
dedicated to lord Sadashiva.
This beautiful place of river Mandakini has captured the mind and heart of the
writer.
15.5 Key to check your progress
I.
A) 1.
b Alaknanda
2.
a Jim Corbett
3.
a sadhu
4.
c Ganga
B) 1.
true
2.
false
3.
true
4.
true
5.
true
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II) A) 1.
2.
B) 1.
a) Agastmuni
true
2.
false
3.
true
III) A) 1.
2.
I)
c) Shiva
a) Vishwanath
a) he-buffalo
B) 1.
true
2.
true
3.
false
1.
The river Mandakini was joined with the waters of the Alaknanda.
2.
The Mandakini valley comes from the glacial snows above Kedarnath .
3.
The atmosphere of Rudraprayag is hot.
4.
According to the writer, the chief claim to the fame of Rudraprayag is that
it gave its name to the dreaded man-eating leopard of Rudraprayag.
5.
Gulabrai is The name of the village where the leopard was shot. It is two
miles at south of Rudraprayag.
6.
The leopard was noted for its direct method of attack on humans.
7.
The sadhu was suspected of turning into the leopard by night.
8.
According to Ruskin Bond, the tourists did not visit the temple of Shiva
because the buses did not stop there.
II) 1.
e) union
2.
c) energetic activity
3.
a) slow to act / respond
4.
f) wander aimlessly
5.
b) guess
6.
d) underground
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III)
1.
Beauty of the River Mandakini
On the way towards Rudraprayag Ruskin bond comes across the beautiful river
Mandakini. It is a special moment in the life of writer to see meeting spot of the
rivers Mandakini and Alaknanda. Mandakini comes from the glacial snows above
Kedarnath, and Alaknanda from the Himalayan heights beyond Badrinath.
Afterwards both of these sacred rivers become one with the holy Ganga. Writer got
impressed with this beautiful sight at once. In his intense feelings he could not decide
whether it was valley or the river that he fell in love with. But he observes that the
valley itself is the river. Another thing the writer observes that the Alaknanda valley
in its higher reaches has a deep and narrow space. Here steep outcrops of rock hang
threateningly over the travellers that must be very frightening experience. But it is
not the case with Mandakini. The Mandakini valley is broader and gentler. Its
terraced fields are wider and banks are full of green grassy surface. Another
observation writer shares with us is that; in June the town Rudraprayag remains
steamy hot. But as one travels up the river through Mandakini valley, refreshing cool
breeze comes down from the snows with the smell of rain. Ruskin Bond is so much
astonished by its captive beauty that no wonder when he says,’ I will return to this
river. It has captured my mind and heart.’
Thus, the arresting scenery of Mandakini and its valley proves to be an
unforgettable pleasant experience for travellers.
2. The Man-Eating Leopard of Rudraprayag
In this passage Ruskin bond tells us an exciting story of the dreaded man-eating
leopard of Rudraprayag who took more than 300 lives in the course of seven years;
between l9l8 to 25.
The killer-leopard was noted for its direct method of attack on humans. In spite
of many attempts of poisoning, trapping in a cave, and shooting at numerous times, it
could not be killed. The hill folk took it to be, not leopard but, an evil spirit .Even
they suspected a sadhu thinking that he turns into the leopard by night and attacks the
people. In their fury they were about to hang him but was only saved by Philip
Mason, then Deputy Commissioner of Garhwal. Mason kept the sadhu in custody
until the leopard made his next attack, thus proving the man innocent. Years later
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Mason uses this experience in his novel in which his main character, a beautiful
young woman, turns into a man-eating leopard by night.
Finally it was shot by the well-known hunter Jim Corbett. He narrated the saga
of his long hunt for the killer in his fine book, The Man-eating Leopard of
Rudraprayag. At Gulabrai, there stands a memorial raised at the place where the
leopard was shot; reminding us the great hunter Jim Corbett and the dreadful leopard.
3.
Guptkashi
Guptkashi is small town near Rudraprayag however in the evening is full of
activity of pilgrims and local passengers gathering at the tea-shops near the busstand. There is no cinema or public place of entertainment at Guptkashi, as a result
the town goes to sleep early and wakes early.
At six in the morning the hillside, green from recent rain, sparkles in sunshine.
The sight of Snow-capped Chaukhamba is amazing. The air is clear, no smoke or
dust up here. The climate, I am told, is mild all the year round; Guptkashi has still
maintained its traditional appearance. There is no barrack-type architecture. The old
double-storeyed houses are built of stone, with grey slate roofs and stone paved paths
run through the town.
One of these paths takes us to the famous Guptkashi temple where Lord Shiva is
worshipped as Vishwanath. There are two underground streams representing the
sacred rivers Yamuna and Bhagirathi which supply the pool sacred to the god. It is
due to this temple the town is known as Guptkashi that means the ‘Invisible
Benares’; just as Uttarkashi on the Bhagirathi is ‘Upper Banares.’ There are so many
holy Lingams in the surrounding area of Guptkashi. Therefore, the saying ‘jitne
kankar itne Sankar’ -‘As many stones, so many Shivas'- has become a proverb to
describe its holiness.
Thus Guptkashi is striking in its impression, humble in its appearance and
religious in its spirit.
15.6 Exercises
I)
Answer the following questions in four/ five sentences each.
1.
What does the writer say about the sacred rivers Mandakini and
Alaknanda?
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2.
What does the writer say about the man eating leopard of Rudraprayag?
3.
Why was the ‘sadhu’ kept in custody?
4.
What does the writer say about the deserted Shiva temple?
5.
How was the local bus named as the hunger strike bus?
II) Find out as many adjectives as you can from the article and give their noun
forms:
for e.g. great-greatness, steamy-steam
III) Give synonyms for the following words:
pleasant, contempt, dedicate, mystery, innumerable
IV) Give antonyms for the following words:mild, sacred, attract, gradual, recent
15.7 Writing Activity :
1.
Ruskin Bond says, “I will return to this river. It has captured my mind and
heart”. Has any such place captured your mind? Describe the place of your
attraction in about 100 words. Consider the historical significance, geographical
attraction, cultural or religious relevance etc. of that place.
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Unit-16
First, They Said
Alice Walker
Index :
16.0
Objectives
16.1
Introduction
16.2
The Text
16.3
Self-Check Exercises
16.4
Summary
16.5
Key to Check Your Progress
16.6
Exercises
16.0 Objectives :
After studying this poem you will be able to:
learn about racial discrimination
know a binary opposition between the oppressor & the oppressed
know how the white oppressor community employs language
16.1 Introduction :
Alice Walker, an African-American writer, was born on February 9, 1944, in
Eatonton, Georgia. She is the eighth and last child of sharecroppers Willie Lee and
Minnie Lou Grant Walker. She attended Spelman College and received a B.A. from
Sarah Lawrence College. She is a voluminous writer having many collections of
poems, novels and essays to her credit.
Her books of poetry include Hard Times Require Furious Dancing (New World
Library, 2010); A Poem Traveled Down My Arm: Poems And Drawings (Random
252
House, 2003); Absolute Trust in the Goodness of the Earth (2003); Her Blue Body
Everything We Know: Earthling Poems, 1965-1990 Complete (Harcourt, 1991);
Horses Make the Landscape More Beautiful (1984); Goodnight, Willie Lee, I'll See
You in the Morning (1979); Revolutionary Petunias and Other Poems (1973); and
Once: Poems (1968).
She is also a well-known fiction writer. Among her novels and short story
collections are Possessing the Secret of Joy: A Novel (New Press, 2008); The Way
Forward is with a Broken Heart (Random House, 2000); By the Light of My Father's
Smile (1998); Possessing the Secret of Joy (1992); The Temple of My Familiar
(1989); To Hell With Dying (1988); The Color Purple (1982), which won the Pulitzer
Prize and American Book Award; and You Can't Keep a Good Woman Down (1981).
Her collections of essays include Dreads: Sacred Rites of the Natural Hair
Revolution (Artisan, 1999. With Francesco Mastalia and Alfonse Pagano); Anything
We Love Can Be Saved: A Writer's Activism (1997); The Same River Twice:
Honoring the Difficult; Living by the Word: Selected Writings, 1973-87 (1988); and
In Search of Our Mother's Gardens: Womanist Prose (1983). She has also written a
memoir, The Chicken Chronicles (The New Press, 2011).
Walker has won numerous awards and honors, including the Lillian Smith
Award from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Rosenthal Award from the
National Institute of Arts and Letters, and fellowships from the Radcliffe Institute, a
Merrill Fellowship, and a Guggenheim Fellowship. She lives in Mendocino,
California.
The present poem is concerned with the way language has been employed to
maintain a binary opposition between the oppressor and the oppressed. This is a
political act deliberately committed to safeguard the superiority of the oppressor. The
poet shows that the oppressor and the oppressed are on talking terms. This provides
an opportunity to her to refute the age-old charges levied against the oppressed. In a
way, with the help of this poem, Walker has tried to reveal how the white oppressor
community employs language to continue their superiority and the practice of racial
discrimination.
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16.2 The Text
First, They Said
First, they said we were savages.
But we knew how well we had treated them
and knew we were not savages.
Then, they said we were immoral.
But we knew minimal clothing
did not equal immoral.
Next, they said our race was inferior.
But we knew our mothers
and we knew that our race
was not inferior.
After that, they said we were
a backward people.
But we knew our fathers
and knew we were not backward.
So, then they said we were
Obstructing Progress.
But we knew the rhythm of our days
and knew that we were not obstructing Progress.
Eventually, they said the truth is that you eat
too much and your village take up too much
of the land. But we knew we and our children
were starving and our villages were burned
to the ground. So we knew we were not eating
too much or taking up too much of the land.
Finally, they had to agree with us.
They said: You are right. It is not your savagery
254
or your immorality or your racial inferiority or
your people’s backwardness or your obstructing of
Progress or your appetite or your infestation of the land
that is at fault. No. What is at fault
is your existence itself.
Here is money, they said, raise an army
among your people, and exterminate
yourselves.
In our inferior backwardness
we took the money. Raised an army
among our people.
And now, the people protected, we wait
for the next insulting word
coming out of that mouth.
16.3 Check Your Progress:
Answer the following questions in one word/phrase/sentence each:
1.
What makes the narrator of the poem to say that ‘we’ are not savages?
2.
What, according to the narrator of the poem, cannot be equated with
‘immorality’?
3.
What is the charge against the oppressed regarding their food and land?
4.
What is the final assessment of ‘they’ regarding the ‘we’?
5.
Why do the oppressors give money to the oppressed?
6.
What makes the oppressed to accept money from the oppressor?
7.
What does the oppressed wait for?
16.4 Summary
The poem vividly presents the imaginative interaction between two parties –
‘they’ and ‘we’. It seems that ‘we’ stands for the oppressed black people, whereas
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‘they’ stands for the oppressor, colonizer, white people. In the poem Alice Walker
has clearly presented the attitude of the white colonizer towards the black. The
oppressor – ‘they’ - accuses the oppressed – ‘we’ – with various phrases like
‘savage’, ‘immoral’, ‘of inferior race’, ‘backward people’, ‘as obstructing progress’,
‘eat too much’, ‘taking too much land’, etc. However, after each accusation, ‘we’
refutes and challenges the idea expressed earlier in the stanza. The last stanzas
present a dramatic change where after ‘raising an army’ the oppressed would not
tolerate a single future accusation.
Critical Commentary
In order to understand the poem and what Walker says, it is essential to get
acquainted with certain facts and ideas. Alice Walker is a black writer living in
America. Presently such writers are called African-American writers. These writers
present the experiences of the black community in America. Originally the blacks are
from Africa, but they were brought to America as slaves by the white landlords. That
is to say, these people worked as slaves of the white. The white did not treat the
black as normal human beings, and deprived them of their natural rights. Therefore,
the terms ‘oppressor’ and ‘colonizer’ are used to refer to the white, whereas the
blacks are always called ‘oppressed’, ‘colonized’. The oppressor denied any right to
the black by arguing that they are not like the white. The very identity of the white is
considered to be the norm and that which does not match to the norm are denied
rights. The terms used by ‘they’ in the poem are the qualities that separate the blacks
from the white. This difference of the black from the white is responsible for the
accusation. Such difference is deliberately created and maintained by the white. This
makes the white superior to the blacks. But in the poem, Walker has uncovered this
politics of the white. Let us see what Walker has said in the poem:
The poem consists of nine stanzas. The first seven stanzas present the
accusation made by the oppressor. In stanza eight, the oppressor gives money to raise
an army to the oppressed in order that they kill each other. But in the last stanza,
Walker presents the dramatic change and shows how the oppressed are equipped
with the same ‘money’ given by the oppressor and are ready to fight for themselves.
Thus Walker has not only refuted and denied those charges but also warned the
oppressor to stop doing the same in future. Thus the poem begins with the imposition
of an identity on the oppressed and ends with the assertion of the self identity by the
256
oppressed. The poem thus shows that the negative image of the oppressed as
‘savage’, ‘immoral’ has been deliberately framed by the oppressor. In this formation
of the image language plays a very crucial role in that deliberately a binary
opposition (as civilized / savage, moral / immoral, etc.) has been created. Such image
formation creates an inferiority complex in the oppressed which leads to their
acceptance of the oppressor as superior. However, by changing the scenario at the
end of the poem, Walker shows that the blacks have stopped accepting the image
created by the white and are themselves capable of creating their own identity.
16.5 Key to Check Your Progress:
1.
Because they have treated the oppressor in a good manner
2.
Minimal clothing
3.
That they eat too much and have taken up too land
4.
That the basic fault with the oppressed is their existence itself
5.
To raise an army to kill themselves
6.
Their inferior backwardness
7.
They wait for the next insulting word from the oppressor
16.6 Exercises
A) Answer the following questions in one to two sentences each:
1.
Who are ‘they’ and ‘we’ in the poem?
2.
What are the charges against the ‘we’ by ‘they’?
3.
What happens to the children and villages of ‘we’?
4.
What advice do ‘they’ give to ‘we’?
5.
Do the ‘we’ accept the charges labeled against them?
B) Answer the following question in 2-3 sentences each:
1.
How does the narrator refute the charges of ‘savages’ labeled against ‘we’?
2.
How does the narrator communicate disapproval of the charges labeled
against ‘we’?
257
3.
How according to ‘they’, the ‘we’ have exploited the land?
4.
What remedy do ‘they’ propose for the ‘faulty’ existence of ‘we’?
5.
Why does the narrator say ‘we wait for the next insulting word’?
C) Write Short notes on the followings:
1.
Theme of Racial Discrimination in the poem
2.
Encounter between the ‘we’ and ‘they’
3.
Language of politics
258