XII English – Unit II
Heights of Harmony
MENDING WALL
●1. Paragraph Writing / Elaboration
Elaborate the idea contained in the statement: “Good fences make good neighbours.”
Good Fences Make Good Neighbours
The statement “Good fences make good neighbours” suggests that clear boundaries can sometimes help people maintain peaceful relationships.
In Robert Frost's “Mending Wall”, the neighbour strongly believes in this traditional idea. He feels that a wall clearly separates one person's property from another and prevents unnecessary disputes.
However, the speaker questions whether such a wall is really needed. He has an apple orchard while his neighbour has pine trees. There are no cattle that may cross the boundary and cause trouble. The speaker humorously points out that his apple trees will never cross the wall and eat the cones under his neighbour's pines.
The speaker believes that there should be a good reason for building a wall. He wants to know what he is keeping in or keeping out and whom the wall may offend.
The poem therefore makes us think about the boundaries that people create in human relationships. Some limits may be necessary to protect privacy and avoid conflict. But unnecessary barriers can create distance and misunderstanding.
Thus, good relationships depend not merely on walls and boundaries but on mutual respect, trust and understanding.
●2. Poem Appreciation
Prepare an appreciation of Robert Frost's poem “Mending Wall.”
Appreciation of Mending Wall
“Mending Wall” is a thought-provoking poem by the celebrated American poet Robert Frost. The poem explores the need for barriers in human relationships and presents two contrasting attitudes towards tradition.
Every spring, the speaker and his neighbour meet to repair the stone wall separating their properties. The speaker questions the need for the wall because there are no cattle to be kept apart. He owns an apple orchard while his neighbour grows pine trees.
The neighbour, however, strongly believes in the saying, “Good fences make good neighbours.” He follows this traditional belief without questioning whether the wall is actually necessary.
The speaker has a different attitude. He questions unnecessary barriers. The opening statement, “Something there is that doesn't love a wall,” suggests that even nature seems to oppose walls. The frozen ground causes stones to fall and creates gaps in the wall.
The wall is the central symbol of the poem. It represents not only a physical boundary but also the emotional, social and psychological barriers that separate people.
The speaker represents a questioning and progressive outlook. The neighbour represents a person who follows tradition without examining its relevance.
Frost uses symbolism, imagery, repetition, metaphor and humour effectively. The expression “old-stone savage armed” presents the neighbour as someone strongly attached to old customs.
The language of the poem is simple and conversational, but the ideas are deep and universal.
“Mending Wall” is therefore a powerful poem about human relationships, boundaries, tradition and openness. It encourages us to question the unnecessary walls that separate human beings.
●3. Comparison of Poems
Compare Robert Frost's “Mending Wall” with the given lines from Rabindranath Tagore's “Gitanjali”, focusing on the idea of walls and barriers.
Walls and Human Relationships
Robert Frost's “Mending Wall” and the selected lines from Rabindranath Tagore's “Gitanjali” deal with the idea of walls and barriers in human life. Both poets use the wall as a symbol, but they present it in different ways.
In Robert Frost's “Mending Wall”, there is a real stone wall between the properties of two neighbours. Every spring, the speaker and his neighbour meet to repair it.
However, the speaker does not understand why the wall is necessary. He has an apple orchard and his neighbour has pine trees. There are no cattle that may cross the boundary and cause trouble. The speaker humorously says that his apple trees will never cross the wall and eat the cones under his neighbour's pines.
The neighbour strongly believes in the old saying, “Good fences make good neighbours.” He does not question the tradition handed down to him by his father. For him, maintaining a clear boundary is necessary for maintaining a good relationship.
The speaker has a different attitude. He feels that there should be a good reason for building a wall. Before constructing one, he wants to know what he is keeping in or keeping out and whom the wall may offend.
Thus, the wall in Frost's poem becomes more than a boundary between two pieces of land. It represents the social and emotional barriers that people create between themselves.
The speaker also observes that nature itself seems to dislike walls. The frozen ground causes stones to fall from the wall and creates gaps. The opening statement, “Something there is that doesn't love a wall,” suggests a natural desire to remove unnecessary barriers.
In the lines from “Gitanjali”, Rabindranath Tagore uses the image of a wall in a more personal and spiritual sense. The speaker says that he is continuously building a wall around himself. He builds it higher and higher, but in the process he gradually loses sight of his true self.
Tagore's wall can therefore be understood as a symbol of ego, pride, selfishness and self-centredness. When a person becomes too concerned about his own identity and importance, he may become separated from others and even from his true nature.
There are important similarities between the two works. Both Frost and Tagore use the wall as a symbol of separation. Both make us think about the barriers human beings create.
There is also a difference. Frost mainly deals with a physical and social wall between two neighbours, whereas Tagore deals with an inner wall created within an individual. Frost's style is conversational and questioning, while Tagore's treatment is philosophical and spiritual.
Thus, “Mending Wall” and “Gitanjali” teach us not to build unnecessary walls around ourselves. Openness, love, mutual understanding and respect can bring people closer and create a more harmonious world.
AMIGO BROTHERS
●4. Write-up
Prepare a write-up on the friendship portrayed in Piri Thomas's “Amigo Brothers.”
Friendship Beyond Competition
Piri Thomas's “Amigo Brothers” is a beautiful story about friendship, competition and sportsmanship. It tells the story of two seventeen-year-old boys, Antonio Cruz and Felix Vargas, who are best friends as well as talented boxers.
Antonio and Felix have been friends since childhood. They have grown up together in the same neighbourhood on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. They spend most of their time together and share the same interests.
They train together at the Boys' Club and dream of becoming lightweight boxing champions. Their friendship is so strong that they feel like brothers. That is why they are called the “Amigo Brothers.”
Both boys are excellent boxers, though their fighting styles are different. Antonio is lean and uses his long reach and boxing skills effectively. Felix is shorter and stronger and is known for his powerful punches. Though they are competitors in boxing, there is no jealousy between them.
Their friendship faces a serious test when they are selected to fight against each other in the division finals of the Golden Gloves Championship Tournament. Only one of them can win and move forward in the tournament.
Antonio and Felix openly discuss the problem. They decide that when they enter the ring, they should fight as if they were strangers. Friendship should not prevent either of them from giving his best.
They also decide to stay away from each other until the day of the fight so that they can prepare themselves mentally.
On the day of the contest, Tompkins Square Park is filled with spectators. When the fight begins, Antonio and Felix forget their friendship for the moment and fight with all their strength. Each tries his best to defeat the other.
The most touching moment comes at the end of the fight. Even after the final bell rings, they are so involved in the contest that they continue fighting for a few moments. When they finally realise that the fight is over, they rush towards each other and embrace.
The announcer is ready to declare the winner, but Antonio and Felix do not wait to hear the result. They leave the ring together, arm in arm.
The story shows that true friendship can survive even the toughest competition. Antonio and Felix try their best to win, but they never allow competition to destroy their affection for each other.
Thus, “Amigo Brothers” presents an inspiring picture of true friendship and sportsmanship. It teaches us that winning and losing are temporary, but genuine friendship can last a lifetime.
●5. Announcement
Imagine that you are the announcer at the boxing competition between Antonio Cruz and Felix Vargas. Prepare the announcement introducing the contestants.
Model Answer
Ladies and gentlemen,
May I have your attention, please?
Welcome to Tompkins Square Park for the most eagerly awaited event of the day—the division final of the Golden Gloves Championship Tournament.
We are about to witness an exciting boxing contest between two talented young fighters, Antonio Cruz and Felix Vargas. Both are seventeen years old and have trained hard at the Boys' Club to reach this important stage of the tournament.
In one corner, weighing 134 pounds, we have Felix Vargas. Felix is a powerful fighter known for his strong punches and determination.
And in the opposite corner, weighing 133 pounds, we have Antonio Cruz. Antonio is a skilful boxer with a longer reach and quick movements.
Antonio and Felix are not only talented boxers but also lifelong friends. They have grown up together, trained together and shared the same dream of becoming lightweight champions. But today, inside the ring, they will face each other as opponents.
Both contestants have agreed to fight fairly and give their best. There will be no draw in today's contest. The winner will represent the Boys' Club in the Golden Gloves Tournament of Champions.
So, ladies and gentlemen, get ready for a thrilling contest between two determined young boxers.
Let us encourage Antonio Cruz and Felix Vargas with a big round of applause.
We wish both contestants the very best.
May friendship remain outside the ring, may sportsmanship rule inside it, and may the best boxer win!
Thank you, and let the contest begin!
●6. Newspaper Report
Imagine that you are a newspaper reporter who witnessed the boxing contest between Antonio Cruz and Felix Vargas. Prepare a newspaper report.
FRIENDSHIP TRIUMPHS OVER BOXING TITLE
New York, 7 August:
An exciting boxing contest between two close friends, Antonio Cruz and Felix Vargas, was held at Tompkins Square Park yesterday. The match was the division final of the Golden Gloves Championship Tournament.
A large crowd had gathered at the park long before the main event began. The spectators were eagerly waiting to see the two talented young boxers in action. Antonio and Felix were not only skilled fighters but also lifelong friends who had grown up and trained together.
When the two boxers entered the ring, the crowd welcomed them with loud cheers. Felix weighed 134 pounds, while Antonio weighed 133 pounds.
As soon as the bell rang, both fighters entered the contest with full determination. Antonio used his quick movements and long reach, while Felix depended on his strength and powerful punches.
Though they were close friends outside the ring, neither showed any softness towards the other during the fight.
The first round was fast and exciting. Both boxers exchanged several powerful blows. In the second round, the fight became even more intense. The spectators cheered loudly as the two young fighters displayed their boxing skills.
The final round was the most thrilling. Both were tired and injured, but neither was ready to give up. When the final bell rang, they were so involved in the fight that they continued exchanging blows for a few more moments. The referee and their trainers had to separate them.
Then came the most touching moment of the contest. Antonio and Felix looked at each other, rushed forward and embraced warmly.
The announcer was ready to declare the winner, but the two friends did not wait for the result. They left the ring together, arm in arm.
The memorable contest showed that Antonio and Felix valued their friendship more than a championship title. Their conduct was a wonderful example of true friendship and sportsmanship.
Staff Reporter
●7. Debate
Prepare a debate speech on the topic:
“The real spirit of competition is more important than winning.”
Model Answer
Respected judges, teachers and my dear friends,
Good morning to all.
I stand before you to speak in favour of the statement, “The real spirit of competition is more important than winning.”
We all like to win. Winning gives us happiness, confidence and a sense of achievement. But is winning the only purpose of a competition? Certainly not.
A competition is valuable when it teaches us to work hard, improve our abilities, respect our opponents and accept results in the right spirit.
The real spirit of competition lies in giving our best. A good competitor does not try to win through unfair means. He or she follows the rules, respects the opponent and accepts both victory and defeat with dignity.
Piri Thomas's story “Amigo Brothers” gives us a wonderful example. Antonio Cruz and Felix Vargas are close friends who share the same dream of becoming boxing champions. Unfortunately, they have to fight against each other in the division finals.
Both boys want to win. They do not expect any favour from each other simply because they are friends. Before the contest, they agree to fight as if they were strangers.
When they enter the ring, both fight with all their strength and skill. Neither allows friendship to weaken his performance.
But what happens after the fight is even more important. When the final bell rings, Antonio and Felix forget about the result. They rush towards each other and embrace. They do not even wait for the announcer to declare the winner. They leave the ring together, arm in arm.
This proves that their friendship is more valuable to them than the championship title.
Winning and losing are temporary. Today's winner may become tomorrow's loser. But qualities such as friendship, honesty, respect and sportsmanship remain with us throughout our lives.
A true winner is not simply the person who receives a medal or trophy. A true winner competes honestly, respects others and accepts the result gracefully.
Therefore, I strongly believe that the real spirit of competition is more important than winning.
Winning may give us a prize, but sportsmanship gives us character.
Thank you.
●8. Book Review
Prepare a review of “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes” by Arthur Conan Doyle.
Book Review – The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
Title: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
Author: Arthur Conan Doyle
Genre: Detective Fiction
Major Characters: Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson
“The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes” is a famous collection of twelve detective stories written by the Scottish writer Arthur Conan Doyle. The book introduces us to Sherlock Holmes, one of the most popular detectives in English literature, and his close friend and companion, Dr Watson.
The stories deal with different crimes, mysteries and unusual incidents that come before Sherlock Holmes for investigation. Each case appears difficult and confusing in the beginning. But Holmes studies the facts carefully, notices small details that others fail to see, and finally solves the mystery.
Sherlock Holmes is the most attractive character in the book. He is highly intelligent, observant and logical. He has an extraordinary ability to understand people and situations from apparently unimportant details.
He does not simply make guesses. He collects evidence, studies it carefully and arrives at conclusions through logical reasoning.
Dr Watson is Holmes's faithful friend and companion. Most of the stories are narrated from Watson's point of view. Watson does not always understand how Holmes reaches his conclusions, and this creates curiosity in the reader.
The friendship between Holmes and Watson is another interesting feature of the book. Watson admires Holmes's intelligence and assists him in his investigations.
The stories are full of mystery, suspense and unexpected developments. The reader is encouraged to observe the clues and guess the solution.
Arthur Conan Doyle's language is clear and engaging. The descriptions of characters, places and mysterious situations create a suitable atmosphere for detective fiction.
The book also teaches us the importance of observation, logical thinking, patience and careful investigation.
Overall, “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes” is an entertaining and fascinating collection of detective stories. It is an excellent choice for readers who enjoy mystery, suspense and intelligent problem-solving.
THE HOUR OF TRUTH
●9. Character Sketch
Prepare a character sketch of Robert Baldwin.
Robert Baldwin – A Man of Integrity
Robert Baldwin is the central character of Percival Wilde's play “The Hour of Truth”. He is a man of honesty, integrity, loyalty and strong moral principles. Through Baldwin, the playwright shows that a person's real character is revealed when he faces temptation.
Baldwin has been working for John Gresham for many years. Gresham is not only his employer but also an old and trusted friend. Baldwin has always been loyal to him. But Baldwin's loyalty to his friend does not make him support dishonesty.
When Baldwin discovers that Gresham has misappropriated the bank's money, he advises him to close the bank. He understands the seriousness of the crime and refuses to become a part of it. This shows that, for Baldwin, truth and duty are more important than personal friendship.
Baldwin becomes the most important witness in the case against Gresham. Gresham knows that Baldwin's evidence can send him to prison. Therefore, he tries to influence Baldwin. He does not directly ask Baldwin to tell a lie. Instead, he asks him to say, “I don't remember,” when certain questions are asked in court.
Gresham offers Baldwin one hundred thousand dollars in return for his silence. It is a huge amount of money, but Baldwin refuses the offer. He is not ready to sell his honesty for money.
His words, “I'll go to my grave clean,” clearly reveal his character. Baldwin values a clear conscience more than wealth. He wants to live and die as an honest man.
However, the greatest test of Baldwin's character comes from his own family. At first, his wife Martha and his children John and Evie are proud that he has refused Gresham's offer. But when they learn that the amount offered is one hundred thousand dollars, their attitude begins to change.
They slowly find reasons to justify accepting the money. Their words deeply hurt Baldwin. He is shocked to realise that even his own family is being attracted by the money.
Baldwin loves his family and understands their financial difficulties. Their arguments put him under great emotional pressure. Yet he does not agree to betray his conscience. This makes his honesty even more admirable.
Another important quality of Baldwin is the reputation he has built through a lifetime of honest living. Even Gresham finally realises that Baldwin cannot be bought. He knows that Baldwin will tell the truth in court. As a result, Gresham decides to confess his crime.
At the end of the play, Baldwin's honesty receives recognition. Mr Marshall offers him an important position in the Third National Bank.
Thus, Robert Baldwin is a remarkable example of a man who refuses to sacrifice his principles for money, friendship or family pressure. He stands as a symbol of truth, integrity and moral courage.
His character teaches us that wealth can be lost or gained, but a good name and a clear conscience are priceless.
●10. Write-up
Prepare a write-up comparing the opening and ending of “The Hour of Truth”.
Opening and Ending of The Hour of Truth
The opening and ending of Percival Wilde's “The Hour of Truth” are closely connected with the main theme of the play.
The play opens on a hot and sultry Sunday afternoon. Dark clouds gather in the sky, suggesting an approaching storm. Inside the Baldwin home, Martha and Evie anxiously wait for Robert Baldwin to return.
The uncomfortable weather reflects the tension and uncertainty within the family. They are worried about the bank scandal and Baldwin's role as the principal witness against John Gresham.
As the play progresses, the real conflict becomes clear. Gresham has offered Baldwin one hundred thousand dollars if he will say, “I don't remember,” while giving evidence.
The offer creates a moral conflict not only for Baldwin but also for his family. At first, his family supports his honesty. Later, when they realise how large the amount is, their attitude begins to change.
The ending brings an unexpected turn. Mr Marshall arrives at Baldwin's house and announces that Gresham has confessed.
Gresham knows that Baldwin is an honest man and cannot be bribed. He therefore understands that Baldwin will tell the truth in court.
Mr Marshall also offers Baldwin an important position in the Third National Bank. Thus, Baldwin's honesty is recognised and rewarded.
The play therefore moves from tension, uncertainty and temptation in the beginning to truth, recognition and hope at the end.
The ending establishes the central message of the play—that honesty and integrity ultimately triumph.
●11. Group Discussion
Prepare points for a group discussion on:
“Corruption Curtails the Development of a Country.”
Model Answer
Moderator: Good morning everyone. Our topic for today's discussion is “Corruption Curtails the Development of a Country.”
Participant 1: Corruption is one of the greatest obstacles to the development of a nation. It causes misuse of public money and prevents resources from reaching the people who genuinely need them.
Participant 2: I agree. Corruption also affects public services. People may be forced to pay bribes even for services to which they are legally entitled.
Participant 3: Another serious problem is that corruption destroys people's trust in institutions and governments. When dishonest practices become common, citizens lose confidence in the system.
Participant 4: Corruption also increases inequality. Wealthy and powerful people may gain unfair advantages, while ordinary citizens suffer.
Participant 1: It can also slow down development projects. Money intended for roads, schools, hospitals and other public facilities may be misused.
Participant 2: Strict laws and effective punishment are therefore necessary to control corruption.
Participant 3: Transparency in administration can also help. Digital services can reduce unnecessary human interference and make government procedures more transparent.
Participant 4: Citizens also have an important role. People should refuse to participate in corrupt practices and report wrongdoing whenever possible.
Moderator: To conclude, corruption affects economic growth, social justice and public trust. A country can achieve real development only when its institutions are transparent, responsible and accountable.
●12. Compering
Your school stages “The Hour of Truth”. Prepare a compering script introducing the play and its major characters.
Model Answer
Good evening everyone.
Respected Principal, teachers, parents and dear friends, welcome to this special theatrical presentation.
Today, our students bring before you Percival Wilde's one-act play “The Hour of Truth”.
The play presents a powerful moral conflict involving honesty, temptation, money and conscience.
At the centre of the story is Robert Baldwin, an honest employee who faces a difficult choice when his old friend and employer, John Gresham, offers him a huge amount of money to conceal the truth.
The other important characters include Martha, Baldwin's wife; John, his son; Evie, his daughter; and Mr Marshall, whose arrival brings an important change towards the end of the play.
The play asks some important questions. Can honesty survive when a person is offered a fortune? Can money change our values? What happens when even our loved ones begin to question our principles?
Will Robert Baldwin remain faithful to his conscience?
Let us find out.
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome our young performers as they present Percival Wilde's “The Hour of Truth”.
Sit back and enjoy the performance.
Let the curtain rise!
●13. Readers' Theatre
Prepare a short Readers' Theatre presentation based on the crucial moment when Baldwin reveals Gresham's offer.
Model Answer
Narrator: Robert Baldwin has returned home after meeting his old friend and employer, John Gresham. His family is anxious to know what happened.
Baldwin: Today Gresham sent for me. The trial begins tomorrow. I am the only witness against him.
John: What did he want you to do?
Baldwin: He wanted me to forget a few important things when I give evidence.
Evie: You mean he wanted you to lie?
Baldwin: Not exactly. He wanted me simply to say, “I don't remember.”
Martha: How could he ask such a thing from you after all these years?
John: And what did you tell him?
Baldwin: I refused.
Narrator: The family feels relieved. But Baldwin has something more to tell them.
Baldwin: He offered me money.
John: Money? How much?
Baldwin: One hundred thousand dollars.
Evie: One hundred thousand dollars!
Martha: Are you sure, Robert?
Baldwin: Yes. One hundred thousand dollars just to say, “I don't remember.”
Narrator: Suddenly silence fills the room. The enormous amount begins to test not only Baldwin's honesty but also the values of his family.
●14. Formal Letter
Imagine that the winner of the Golden Gloves Championship receives a show-cause notice for leaving without receiving the medal. Prepare a formal reply explaining the action.
Model Answer
102 W, 7th Avenue
East Manhattan, New York
15 August 2005
The Secretary
Sports Authority
845, 3rd Avenue
New York
Sir,
Subject: Explanation regarding absence from the prize distribution ceremony
With reference to the show-cause notice dated 8 August 2005, I sincerely regret my absence from the prize distribution ceremony of the Golden Gloves Championship Tournament.
I did not intend to violate the rules or show disrespect to the organisers. My opponent in the final bout was not merely another contestant but my closest friend. We have grown up and trained together and have always considered ourselves brothers.
After the final round, emotions overwhelmed both of us. We embraced and left the ring together without waiting for the announcement of the winner.
I firmly believe that the true spirit of sport lies in fair competition, mutual respect and friendship. My action was spontaneous and was never intended to dishonour the tournament or its organisers.
I therefore request you to kindly consider the circumstances and excuse me from disciplinary action.
Thank you.
Yours faithfully,
Antonio Cruz / Felix Vargas
Quick Revision – Unit II Discourses
Mending Wall
● 1. Paragraph Writing / Elaboration – Page 39
● 2. Poem Appreciation – Page 39
● 3. Comparison of Poems – Page 39
Amigo Brothers
● 4. Write-up – Page 46
● 5. Announcement – Page 46
● 6. Newspaper Report – Pages 46–47
● 7. Debate – Page 47
● 8. Book Review – Page 48
● 14. Formal Letter / Editing – Pages 72–73
The Hour of Truth
● 9. Character Sketch – Pages 66–67
● 10. Write-up – Page 66
● 11. Group Discussion – Page 67
● 12. Compering – Page 68
● 13. Readers' Theatre – Page 68