SHORT SUMMARY OF PROSE
1. The Three L's of Empowerment
It is a speech on women empowerment (സ്ത്രീ ശാക്തീകരണം) by Christine Lagarde.
Women face many problems. There is no equal opportunity (തുല്യ അവസരം). There are Three L's of women's empowerment. They are Learning, Labour, and Leadership.
Education is very important. It is the foundation (അടിസ്ഥാനം) of everything. A job is a must for women because it empowers them. Leadership is also important. Women should be ready to take risks. Then only they can succeed in their lives.2. Matchbox
It is a story by Ashapurna Debi.Matchbox is about the life of Nomita. She is a typical village woman in India. She quarrels (വഴക്കിടുന്നു) over a letter with her husband, Ajit.Ajit is rich and unkind (ക്രൂരമായ). He opens the letter addressed to Nomita without her permission. It was a letter from her poor widowed (വിധവ) mother.Nomita becomes angry. She loses her self-control (ആത്മനിയന്ത്രണം). Ajit insults (നിന്ദിക്കുന്നു) her. At last, she burns her sari. Then only he becomes calm.Nomita is innocent and bold. She is a helpless victim (പീഡിത വ്യക്തി).3. Horegallu
It is an anecdote (രസകരമായ സംഭവകഥ) by Sudha Murty.At first, she speaks about her grandfather. He was a retired school teacher and a good listener. He listened silently to the problems of others. People shared their worries with him. It relaxed them and eased their problems.She also speaks about Ratna, her colleague (സഹപ്രവർത്തക). Ratna was smart. She listened to others' problems with love and kept them secret.Both of them did great social service.
4. Amigo Brothers
It is the story of two teenagers, Felix Vargas and Antonio Cruz, by Piri Thomas.They were close friends and had a dream of becoming world boxing champions. They worked hard to fulfil their dream. One day, they had to fight each other in a boxing match.It was a fierce fight with three deadly rounds. Neither of them won the match. They left the ring arm in arm without waiting for the referee's announcement. They became champions in the world of friendship.
5. The Hour of Truth
It is a one-act play (ഏകാങ്ക നാടകം) by Percival Wilde.The main character is Robert Baldwin. The other characters are Martha, John, Evie, and Gresham.
Robert Baldwin is an honest and bold man. He refuses to accept the bribe (കൈക്കൂലി) offered by Gresham. His family asks him to accept the bribe money, but he stands for truth and justice.He is even ready to speak against Gresham in the court. He never supports Gresham in the bank wreck (ബാങ്ക് തകർച്ച) case.
At last, Marshall offers him a good job. It is a reward for his honesty (സത്യസന്ധത).
6. A Three-Wheeled Revolution
It is an interview with Irfan Alam.He is one of the top thirty youth icons of India. He tried to empower the rickshaw pullers of the country. He is the founder of the SammaaN Foundation.The rickshaw pullers started making profit (ലാഭം) by selling products to their customers. The sides of the rickshaws were used for advertisements. Each driver received an identity card, a uniform, and bank loans.The rickshaw pullers began to feel proud of their work. Their families could attend evening classes.Irfan Alam is a successful entrepreneur (സംരംഭകൻ).
It is the story of two teenagers, Felix Vargas and Antonio Cruz, by Piri Thomas.They were close friends and had a dream of becoming world boxing champions. They worked hard to fulfil their dream. One day, they had to fight each other in a boxing match.It was a fierce fight with three deadly rounds. Neither of them won the match. They left the ring arm in arm without waiting for the referee's announcement. They became champions in the world of friendship.
5. The Hour of Truth
It is a one-act play (ഏകാങ്ക നാടകം) by Percival Wilde.The main character is Robert Baldwin. The other characters are Martha, John, Evie, and Gresham.
Robert Baldwin is an honest and bold man. He refuses to accept the bribe (കൈക്കൂലി) offered by Gresham. His family asks him to accept the bribe money, but he stands for truth and justice.He is even ready to speak against Gresham in the court. He never supports Gresham in the bank wreck (ബാങ്ക് തകർച്ച) case.
At last, Marshall offers him a good job. It is a reward for his honesty (സത്യസന്ധത).
6. A Three-Wheeled Revolution
It is an interview with Irfan Alam.He is one of the top thirty youth icons of India. He tried to empower the rickshaw pullers of the country. He is the founder of the SammaaN Foundation.The rickshaw pullers started making profit (ലാഭം) by selling products to their customers. The sides of the rickshaws were used for advertisements. Each driver received an identity card, a uniform, and bank loans.The rickshaw pullers began to feel proud of their work. Their families could attend evening classes.Irfan Alam is a successful entrepreneur (സംരംഭകൻ).
7. Didi
It is about the life story of Shaheen Mistri.She worked hard to fulfil (നിർവഹിക്കുക) her dreams. She founded the Akanksha Foundation for the poor children of India.Her childhood visit to an orphanage (അനാഥാലയം) changed her life. She decided to work for the welfare (ക്ഷേമം) of children. She quit (നിറുത്തിക്കളയുക) her studies in the U.S. and joined St. Xavier's College, Mumbai.Shaheen walked around the city to meet low-income people. She started her first class in the house of a poor girl named Sandhya. Later, the first Akanksha Centre was started in 1991.Today, Akanksha has grown to 58 centres and serves over 3,500 children.
8. When a Sapling is Planted
When a Sapling is Planted is Wangari Maathai's Nobel Prize acceptance (സ്വീകരണ) speech.Wangari Maathai was the first African woman to receive this award. She speaks about the importance of protecting the environment (പരിസ്ഥിതി).The clearing of forests leads to the destruction of biodiversity (ജൈവവൈവിധ്യത്തിന്റെ നാശം). Commercial farming (വാണിജ്യ കൃഷി) did not help women meet their basic needs.Tree planting is the best solution to many such problems. Wangari started the Green Belt Movement in 1977. Trees became a symbol of democracy (ജനാധിപത്യം) and peace in Kenya.She encourages young people to achieve (നേടിയെടുക്കുക) their dreams. She reminds us that we should give back to our children a world full of beauty and wonder.
8. When a Sapling is Planted
When a Sapling is Planted is Wangari Maathai's Nobel Prize acceptance (സ്വീകരണ) speech.Wangari Maathai was the first African woman to receive this award. She speaks about the importance of protecting the environment (പരിസ്ഥിതി).The clearing of forests leads to the destruction of biodiversity (ജൈവവൈവിധ്യത്തിന്റെ നാശം). Commercial farming (വാണിജ്യ കൃഷി) did not help women meet their basic needs.Tree planting is the best solution to many such problems. Wangari started the Green Belt Movement in 1977. Trees became a symbol of democracy (ജനാധിപത്യം) and peace in Kenya.She encourages young people to achieve (നേടിയെടുക്കുക) their dreams. She reminds us that we should give back to our children a world full of beauty and wonder.
9. Dangers of Drug Abuse
Dangers of Drug Abuse (മയക്കുമരുന്ന് ദുരുപയോഗത്തിന്റെ അപകടങ്ങൾ) is an essay by Dr. Hardin B. Jones. Medicines are very important in our lives. Drug abuse is the repeated use of illegal drugs. Some people use drugs to forget their problems.Medicines and sensual drugs (ഇന്ദ്രിയ മരുന്നുകൾ) are different. Sensual drugs give only a temporary feeling of pleasure. They seriously affect the functions of the brain.A drug addict suffers from physical discomfort and fails to respond properly to life. Drug abuse also leads to liver disease, venereal diseases, and kidney problems. The most dangerous effect is damage to the brain.
10. Post Early for Christmas
It is a one-act play by R. H. Wood.The play is set in a village post office. Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Jones are the first customers. A deaf old gentleman, a fussy old lady, a farmer, Mrs. Higgins, and her son Bertie also arrive.The farmer speaks about a time bomb found in a London post office. A foreign tourist enters with a large parcel but forgets his gloves after leaving.Bertie hears a strange sound coming from the parcel. He calls a police constable, who examines it. The postal assistant brings a bucket of water, and the constable puts the parcel into it.The tourist returns and is shocked to see his parcel in the water. The play ends with the tourist threatening legal action.
11. Crime and Punishment
It is a story by R. K. Narayan.The story is a satire on over-parenting in nuclear families. The child develops a blackmailing attitude.A teacher comes to give the boy a Maths lesson. The boy is not interested in studying and deliberately gives wrong answers. This makes the teacher angry.Unable to control his temper, the teacher slaps the boy. The boy threatens to complain to his parents. The teacher becomes frightened and is forced to act in different roles to satisfy the child.The child is a representative (പ്രതിനിധി) of the new generation. The slap becomes the "crime", and the teacher undergoes the "punishment."
Any Woman is a meaningful poem written by Katharine Tynan.
The poet says that a woman is the pillar and keystone of a home. Children receive love and affection from their mother. She holds the family together. A mother is the foundation, protection, and decoration of the house.
The poem ends with a prayer to God. It is rich in metaphors, which make the poem beautiful and effective.
2. Mending Wall – Robert Frost
Mending Wall is a symbolic (പ്രതീകാത്മകമായ) poem written by Robert Frost.
The poet says that Nature is against the wall, and so is the poet. However, the neighbour supports the wall and believes that "Good fences make good neighbours."
The poet is modern, whereas the neighbour is conservative (യാഥാസ്ഥിതികൻ). He blindly follows his father's words.
The poem conveys a meaningful message and uses figures of speech such as personification and metaphor.
3. Stammer – Satchidanandan
Stammer is a poem written by Satchidanandan.
The poet says that stammer is not a handicap (വൈകല്യം) but a mode of speech. It is also a language.
If everyone stammers, it becomes their mother tongue. According to the poet, everybody stammers in one way or another. He even imagines that God might have stammered while creating human beings.
The poem gives a meaningful message about accepting differences.
Dangers of Drug Abuse (മയക്കുമരുന്ന് ദുരുപയോഗത്തിന്റെ അപകടങ്ങൾ) is an essay by Dr. Hardin B. Jones. Medicines are very important in our lives. Drug abuse is the repeated use of illegal drugs. Some people use drugs to forget their problems.Medicines and sensual drugs (ഇന്ദ്രിയ മരുന്നുകൾ) are different. Sensual drugs give only a temporary feeling of pleasure. They seriously affect the functions of the brain.A drug addict suffers from physical discomfort and fails to respond properly to life. Drug abuse also leads to liver disease, venereal diseases, and kidney problems. The most dangerous effect is damage to the brain.
10. Post Early for Christmas
It is a one-act play by R. H. Wood.The play is set in a village post office. Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Jones are the first customers. A deaf old gentleman, a fussy old lady, a farmer, Mrs. Higgins, and her son Bertie also arrive.The farmer speaks about a time bomb found in a London post office. A foreign tourist enters with a large parcel but forgets his gloves after leaving.Bertie hears a strange sound coming from the parcel. He calls a police constable, who examines it. The postal assistant brings a bucket of water, and the constable puts the parcel into it.The tourist returns and is shocked to see his parcel in the water. The play ends with the tourist threatening legal action.
11. Crime and Punishment
It is a story by R. K. Narayan.The story is a satire on over-parenting in nuclear families. The child develops a blackmailing attitude.A teacher comes to give the boy a Maths lesson. The boy is not interested in studying and deliberately gives wrong answers. This makes the teacher angry.Unable to control his temper, the teacher slaps the boy. The boy threatens to complain to his parents. The teacher becomes frightened and is forced to act in different roles to satisfy the child.The child is a representative (പ്രതിനിധി) of the new generation. The slap becomes the "crime", and the teacher undergoes the "punishment."
SHORT SUMMARY OF POEMS
1. Any Woman – Katharine TynanAny Woman is a meaningful poem written by Katharine Tynan.
The poet says that a woman is the pillar and keystone of a home. Children receive love and affection from their mother. She holds the family together. A mother is the foundation, protection, and decoration of the house.
The poem ends with a prayer to God. It is rich in metaphors, which make the poem beautiful and effective.
2. Mending Wall – Robert Frost
Mending Wall is a symbolic (പ്രതീകാത്മകമായ) poem written by Robert Frost.
The poet says that Nature is against the wall, and so is the poet. However, the neighbour supports the wall and believes that "Good fences make good neighbours."
The poet is modern, whereas the neighbour is conservative (യാഥാസ്ഥിതികൻ). He blindly follows his father's words.
The poem conveys a meaningful message and uses figures of speech such as personification and metaphor.
3. Stammer – Satchidanandan
Stammer is a poem written by Satchidanandan.
The poet says that stammer is not a handicap (വൈകല്യം) but a mode of speech. It is also a language.
If everyone stammers, it becomes their mother tongue. According to the poet, everybody stammers in one way or another. He even imagines that God might have stammered while creating human beings.
The poem gives a meaningful message about accepting differences.
4. Rice – Chemmanam Chacko
(Translated by Prof. K. Ayyappa Paniker)
Rice is a beautiful poem written by Chemmanam Chacko.
The poet says that the farmers of Kerala are no longer interested in growing food crops (ഭക്ഷ്യവിളകൾ). Instead, they cultivate rubber and arecanut (അടയ്ക്ക) palms because they are more profitable.
The poet longs to eat a meal made of 'Athikira' rice, but his brother returns from the ration shop carrying wheat. The poem is a satire on the changing farming practices in Kerala.
The poem conveys a strong message and uses many figures of speech. "Ship of the sky" is an example of a metaphor.
5. This Is Going to Hurt Just a Little Bit – Ogden Nash
This Is Going to Hurt Just a Little Bit is an interesting poem written by Ogden Nash.
The poem describes a visit to the dentist. Sitting in the dentist's chair is a painful experience that causes both physical and mental discomfort.
The dentist says he is polishing the teeth, but the speaker feels that he is demolishing (നശിപ്പിക്കുക) them. The patient loses self-control and cannot act smart before the dentist.
The poet uses many figures of speech. The mouth is compared to a section of road. The poem contains simile, metaphor, and paradox, making it humorous and enjoyable.
CHARACTER SKETCHES
1. Nomita
Nomita is the central character in the short story "Matchbox." She is the wife of Ajit and comes from a poor family. She is bold and courageous. Ajit always reads the letters sent by her mother without her permission and insults her. Nomita questions her husband's behaviour and protests against his attitude. When he mistreats her, she even tries to set fire to the anchol of her sari. She represents the typical Indian woman who stands up against injustice.
2. Ratna
Ratna is an important character in "Horegallu." She is a colleague of Sudha Murty and is a living Horegallu. She patiently listens to the problems of her colleagues but never offers solutions. She also keeps their secrets and never shares them with anyone. Ratna is bold, polite, humble, and compassionate.
3. Sudha Murty's Grandfather
Sudha Murty's grandfather was a retired school teacher. He spent his leisure time under a banyan tree in the village. He listened patiently to the worries and problems of the villagers. Like Ratna, he was a living Horegallu. Though he never gave solutions, he comforted people by listening to them. He was kind, helpful, and caring.
4. Antonio Cruz
Antonio Cruz was a seventeen-year-old boy born and brought up in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Felix Vargas was his close friend. Antonio was fair, lean, and lanky, with hair always falling over his eyes. His ambition was to become the world lightweight boxing champion. He worked hard and practised sincerely to achieve his dream. He was determined, optimistic, and highly competitive. Though he fought against Felix in the boxing ring, both of them emerged as winners in the true spirit of friendship.
5. Felix Vargas
Felix Vargas was a seventeen-year-old boy born and brought up in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Antonio Cruz was his close friend. Felix was dark, short, and husky, with black hair in a natural Afro style. Like Antonio, he dreamed of becoming the world lightweight boxing champion. He was hardworking, determined, and optimistic. Above all, he valued friendship. He remained a true Amigo Brother even while competing against Antonio.
6. Robert Baldwin
Robert Baldwin is the central character in the play "The Hour of Truth." He worked as an employee in a bank and was a man of honesty and integrity. He refused to accept the bribe offered by his friend Gresham and agreed to speak the truth in court. Even when his family urged him to accept the money, he remained firm in his principles. His honesty was finally rewarded when Marshal offered him a respectable position in the Third National Bank.