Two Gentlemen
of Verona
The story is set in Verona. The writer and his
friend were driving through lower hills of the Alps happen to
meet two boys. The boys were Nicola and Jacopo. They were
brothers and were selling wild strawberries. They proudly told the writer that
they did many jobs like polishing shoes, selling newspapers, and sometimes
acting as guides to the tourists. One midnight, the writer saw the boys resting
on the stone of a footpath. Nicola sat with a bundle of unsold newspapers.
His brother was sleeping by putting his head on Nicola‘s shoulder. The
writer was fascinated by the boy’s nature and wanted to help them.
Before leaving Verona, the writer asked if they needed any help. To which Jacopo answered to drop them by his car. The writer agreed and the next afternoon, they all drove to the tiny village, near a hill. The author was surprised to stop in front of a villa. The boys asked the author to pick them up from the same place, after an hour. The author was curious to know and went inside the villa. Soon he was greeted by a nurse; the author saw the boys seated beside a girl aged 20, who appeared to be their sister. The nurse told the author that the boys' parents were killed in a war, and a bomb had destroyed their house and made them homeless. The boys brought Lucia there, and every week, they sent enough money for her treatment.
The author was proud of the boys and they drove back to the city. The boys did not speak anything on the way, and the author also decided to remain quiet, because he respected their privacy. The author was filled with admiration for relentless efforts of two young boys who remained determined despite the setbacks of the war. The writer‘s heart was touched with their selfless action, nobility and devotion.
The story is set in Verona. When the writer and his friend were driving through lower hills of the Alps happen to meet two boys. The boys were Nicola and Jacopo. They were brothers and were selling wild strawberries. They proudly told the writer that they did many jobs like polishing shoes, selling newspapers, and sometimes acting as guides to the tourists. One midnight, the writer saw the boys resting on the stone of a footpath. Nicola sat with a bundle of unsold newspapers. His brother was sleeping by putting his head on Nicola‘s shoulder. The writer was fascinated by the boy’s nature and wanted to help them.
Before leaving Verona, the writer asked if they needed any help. To which Jacopo answered to drop them by his car. The writer agreed and the next afternoon, they all drove to the tiny village, near a hill. The author was surprised to stop in front of a villa. The boys asked the author to pick them up from the same place, after an hour. The author was curious to know and went inside the villa. Soon he was greeted by a nurse; the author saw the boys seated beside a girl aged 20, who appeared to be their sister. The nurse told the author that the boys' parents were killed in a war, and a bomb had destroyed their house and made them homeless. The boys brought Lucia there, and every week, they sent enough money for her treatment.
The author was proud of the boys and they drove back to the city. The boys did not speak anything on the way, and the author also decided to remain quiet, because he respected their privacy. The author was filled with admiration for relentless efforts of two young boys who remained determined despite the setbacks of the war. The writer‘s heart was touched with their selfless action, nobility and devotion.
Before leaving Verona, the writer asked if they needed any help. To which Jacopo answered to drop them by his car. The writer agreed and the next afternoon, they all drove to the tiny village, near a hill. The author was surprised to stop in front of a villa. The boys asked the author to pick them up from the same place, after an hour. The author was curious to know and went inside the villa. Soon he was greeted by a nurse; the author saw the boys seated beside a girl aged 20, who appeared to be their sister. The nurse told the author that the boys' parents were killed in a war, and a bomb had destroyed their house and made them homeless. The boys brought Lucia there, and every week, they sent enough money for her treatment.
The author was proud of the boys and they drove back to the city. The boys did not speak anything on the way, and the author also decided to remain quiet, because he respected their privacy. The author was filled with admiration for relentless efforts of two young boys who remained determined despite the setbacks of the war. The writer‘s heart was touched with their selfless action, nobility and devotion.
The story is set in Verona. When the writer and his friend were driving through lower hills of the Alps happen to meet two boys. The boys were Nicola and Jacopo. They were brothers and were selling wild strawberries. They proudly told the writer that they did many jobs like polishing shoes, selling newspapers, and sometimes acting as guides to the tourists. One midnight, the writer saw the boys resting on the stone of a footpath. Nicola sat with a bundle of unsold newspapers. His brother was sleeping by putting his head on Nicola‘s shoulder. The writer was fascinated by the boy’s nature and wanted to help them.
Before leaving Verona, the writer asked if they needed any help. To which Jacopo answered to drop them by his car. The writer agreed and the next afternoon, they all drove to the tiny village, near a hill. The author was surprised to stop in front of a villa. The boys asked the author to pick them up from the same place, after an hour. The author was curious to know and went inside the villa. Soon he was greeted by a nurse; the author saw the boys seated beside a girl aged 20, who appeared to be their sister. The nurse told the author that the boys' parents were killed in a war, and a bomb had destroyed their house and made them homeless. The boys brought Lucia there, and every week, they sent enough money for her treatment.
The author was proud of the boys and they drove back to the city. The boys did not speak anything on the way, and the author also decided to remain quiet, because he respected their privacy. The author was filled with admiration for relentless efforts of two young boys who remained determined despite the setbacks of the war. The writer‘s heart was touched with their selfless action, nobility and devotion.
Mrs. Packletide's Tiger
Mrs. Packletide’s Tiger is a humorous story.
The author makes fun of almost all the characters. Mrs. Packletide is an
important character who wanted to outshine Loona, a boastful lady. Loona had a
joy- ride in an Algerian aviator. Mrs. Packletide was jealous of Loona's
adventurous trip. She planned to kill a tiger to do something more
exciting and adventurous than Loona.
Mrs. Packletide offered a thousand rupees to villagers for arranging an Opportunity to shot a tiger without much risk or exertion. An old tiger that had given up hunting and confined himself to eating domestic animal was chosen for this purpose. They posted children at the outskirt of the jungle to keep a watch on the tiger in case he wanders off to new hunting grounds. Goats were scattered to keep him satisfied and to prevent him from straying. Mothers with babies walked quietly through the jungle so as to not o disturb its sleep.
Miss Mebin was a paid companion was acquired in order to witness the shooting of the tiger. Mrs. Packletide did manage to shot an animal although it was only the goat. The tiger merely died of a heart-failure caused by the sound of the gun shot. Miss Mebin intended to blackmail Mrs. Packletide with this piece of information.
Louisa Mebin blackmailed Mrs. Packletide into buying her the weekend cottage or else she would tell Loona Bimberton that it was not he tiger but a mere goat that Mrs. Packletide had shot. Finally, she buys a weekend cottage for Louisa Mebin to prevent her from telling anybody that it was not he tiger but a goat she had shot because the tiger merely died of a heart attack. The story ends with a note by Mrs. Packletide, "The incidental expenses are so heavy,"
Mrs. Packletide offered a thousand rupees to villagers for arranging an Opportunity to shot a tiger without much risk or exertion. An old tiger that had given up hunting and confined himself to eating domestic animal was chosen for this purpose. They posted children at the outskirt of the jungle to keep a watch on the tiger in case he wanders off to new hunting grounds. Goats were scattered to keep him satisfied and to prevent him from straying. Mothers with babies walked quietly through the jungle so as to not o disturb its sleep.
Miss Mebin was a paid companion was acquired in order to witness the shooting of the tiger. Mrs. Packletide did manage to shot an animal although it was only the goat. The tiger merely died of a heart-failure caused by the sound of the gun shot. Miss Mebin intended to blackmail Mrs. Packletide with this piece of information.
Louisa Mebin blackmailed Mrs. Packletide into buying her the weekend cottage or else she would tell Loona Bimberton that it was not he tiger but a mere goat that Mrs. Packletide had shot. Finally, she buys a weekend cottage for Louisa Mebin to prevent her from telling anybody that it was not he tiger but a goat she had shot because the tiger merely died of a heart attack. The story ends with a note by Mrs. Packletide, "The incidental expenses are so heavy,"
The Letter
"The Letter" is a touching story of
Ali who is all alone and waits for his only daughter's letter for five long
years. He receives that letter only at his grave.
Ali was a brilliant hunter who derived pleasure from the terror of the dying birds. But his daughter hated his merciless hunting desire. After his daughter’s marriage, he was left alone. His daughter, Miriam left home with her husband, a soldier in a regiment in Punjab. Having understood the meaning of love and separation, he could no longer enjoy the screams of dying birds. Therefore, he stopped hunting.
Since then, he had been regularly visiting post office in the early morning expecting a letter from his daughter Miriam. However, it did come and he returned home disappointed. The post office staffs often made fun of him. The clerk even called out his name; jokingly even there was no letter for him. Suddenly, for several days, Ali did not come to the post office. Everyone was curious to know the reason behind this.
At last, he did come. But now it was difficult for him even to breathe and there were clear signs of his nearing death. Finally, he met the post master and asked him for Miriam’s letter. The post master scolded Ali because he was very busy. Consequently, Ali called a clerk and gave him five golden guineas and asked him to deliver his letter, if it would come, to his grave. Then he slowly left him and was not seen by any one after that.
One day, the post master’s daughter fell ill and he was anxious to hear from her. He searched for the letter from his daughter from the pile of letters and picked up a letter of the name he expected. It was addressed to “Coachman Ali”. Now he realized about his mistake. He called Lakshmi Das, a clerk and asked him to find out Ali. That day he did not receive his letter and decided that he would hand over Ali’s letter by himself.
In the post office, the next morning he opened the door and saw Ali leaning on a stick with tears in his eyes. His eyes had a light so unearthly that the post master was scared. But, suddenly he disappeared. Lakshmi Das, the clerk was shocked to hear the postmaster call out the name of Coachman Ali who had now been dead for three months. The letter was found near the door. Lakshmi Das tells him about his last meeting with Ali to convince him.
That evening both of them went to place the letter on Ali‘s grave. The post master repented for his attitude and thought that he should have been more sympathetic and helpful towards Ali. He was no longer ill-tempered as he was in the beginning.
Ali was a brilliant hunter who derived pleasure from the terror of the dying birds. But his daughter hated his merciless hunting desire. After his daughter’s marriage, he was left alone. His daughter, Miriam left home with her husband, a soldier in a regiment in Punjab. Having understood the meaning of love and separation, he could no longer enjoy the screams of dying birds. Therefore, he stopped hunting.
Since then, he had been regularly visiting post office in the early morning expecting a letter from his daughter Miriam. However, it did come and he returned home disappointed. The post office staffs often made fun of him. The clerk even called out his name; jokingly even there was no letter for him. Suddenly, for several days, Ali did not come to the post office. Everyone was curious to know the reason behind this.
At last, he did come. But now it was difficult for him even to breathe and there were clear signs of his nearing death. Finally, he met the post master and asked him for Miriam’s letter. The post master scolded Ali because he was very busy. Consequently, Ali called a clerk and gave him five golden guineas and asked him to deliver his letter, if it would come, to his grave. Then he slowly left him and was not seen by any one after that.
One day, the post master’s daughter fell ill and he was anxious to hear from her. He searched for the letter from his daughter from the pile of letters and picked up a letter of the name he expected. It was addressed to “Coachman Ali”. Now he realized about his mistake. He called Lakshmi Das, a clerk and asked him to find out Ali. That day he did not receive his letter and decided that he would hand over Ali’s letter by himself.
In the post office, the next morning he opened the door and saw Ali leaning on a stick with tears in his eyes. His eyes had a light so unearthly that the post master was scared. But, suddenly he disappeared. Lakshmi Das, the clerk was shocked to hear the postmaster call out the name of Coachman Ali who had now been dead for three months. The letter was found near the door. Lakshmi Das tells him about his last meeting with Ali to convince him.
That evening both of them went to place the letter on Ali‘s grave. The post master repented for his attitude and thought that he should have been more sympathetic and helpful towards Ali. He was no longer ill-tempered as he was in the beginning.
The Shady Plot
A Shady Plot is a short ghost story by Elsie
Brown. The story deals with the appearance of supernatural and spiritual
things.
The writer, John Hallock was urged by Jerkins to write a new ghost story for his magazine. Usually John was full of ideas but that day he could not make a start. He started talking to himself. Then, suddenly he heard the ghost ‘Helen’s voice. He was surprised. She spoke on behalf of all the people who had turned to ghosts and warned the writer to stop from calling them often. She said they were all going to call for a strike. This strike was to not to appear or provide ideas to people for writing ghost stories. Thus, Helen warned the author not to involve himself in Ouija Board's activity or any other which would mean calling the spirits.
At noon, while he was still trying to work on a story, his wife Lavinia brought a Ouija Board home and announced her party with the women from her Book Club. The writer tried to convince Lavinia, his wife, to drop the idea. However, his wife made him a partner of Laura Hinkle to work on one of the Ouija boards.
When the spirit visited, Laura asked it to tell something, the pointer started moving towards the letters to point out the word 'TRAITOR '. Bewildered, the writer had nothing to say so his partner asked the spirit to explain itself more fully. In response, the spirit spelled 'ASK HIM '. This was when the wrter realized that it is actually Helen who was trying to interact with them. They all asked Hallock if he knew anyone by name ‘Helen’ but he refused. After sometime the party came to an end. Lavinia had all the reasons to suspect that John was a traitor and he had an affair with a woman called Helen. She decided to get separated, packed her baggage and entered to bid him bye.
Meanwhile, Helen blamed John for having played Ouija with the ladies instead of stopping them from playing it. John could not think of letting his wife see a ghost and faint or go mad. He asked Lavinia to leave if she couldn’t help.
After some time, there was a knock and Lavinia entered again. Suddenly, she saw the spirit who informed her that she was Helen of New York and now she was going. Hearing the words of Helen, Lavinia doubt on her husband is cleared. Lavinia decided to stay back. The story ends well with the writer throwing the Ouija board in fire and Helen being glad. The writer was very happy because he had got a plot for a ghost story.
The writer, John Hallock was urged by Jerkins to write a new ghost story for his magazine. Usually John was full of ideas but that day he could not make a start. He started talking to himself. Then, suddenly he heard the ghost ‘Helen’s voice. He was surprised. She spoke on behalf of all the people who had turned to ghosts and warned the writer to stop from calling them often. She said they were all going to call for a strike. This strike was to not to appear or provide ideas to people for writing ghost stories. Thus, Helen warned the author not to involve himself in Ouija Board's activity or any other which would mean calling the spirits.
At noon, while he was still trying to work on a story, his wife Lavinia brought a Ouija Board home and announced her party with the women from her Book Club. The writer tried to convince Lavinia, his wife, to drop the idea. However, his wife made him a partner of Laura Hinkle to work on one of the Ouija boards.
When the spirit visited, Laura asked it to tell something, the pointer started moving towards the letters to point out the word 'TRAITOR '. Bewildered, the writer had nothing to say so his partner asked the spirit to explain itself more fully. In response, the spirit spelled 'ASK HIM '. This was when the wrter realized that it is actually Helen who was trying to interact with them. They all asked Hallock if he knew anyone by name ‘Helen’ but he refused. After sometime the party came to an end. Lavinia had all the reasons to suspect that John was a traitor and he had an affair with a woman called Helen. She decided to get separated, packed her baggage and entered to bid him bye.
Meanwhile, Helen blamed John for having played Ouija with the ladies instead of stopping them from playing it. John could not think of letting his wife see a ghost and faint or go mad. He asked Lavinia to leave if she couldn’t help.
After some time, there was a knock and Lavinia entered again. Suddenly, she saw the spirit who informed her that she was Helen of New York and now she was going. Hearing the words of Helen, Lavinia doubt on her husband is cleared. Lavinia decided to stay back. The story ends well with the writer throwing the Ouija board in fire and Helen being glad. The writer was very happy because he had got a plot for a ghost story.
Patol Babu, Film Star
Patol Babu lived in Kanchrapara and worked in
the railway factory. However, due to the war he lost his nine years old job.
Then he tried many jobs he started variety shop but he failed then worked in a
Bengali film but faced some problem with the director. So he left that film
then his cousin offered him to join scrap iron business. Once when Nishikanto
Babu came to Patol Babu, he told him that his brother-in-law Naresh Dutt who
works in film business needed a short, bald-headed man of the age fifty for his
film. And Nishikanto Babu suggested the name of Patol Babu.
He accepted the offer of Naresh Dutt, as a role of a pedestrian. Next morning he reached at the FARADAY HOUSE, his heart was trembling with happiness. But the problem was that he was not still given the lines of the dialogue. He asked about his lines of the dialogue to the Naresh Dutt. And Naresh Dutt told Sosanko and Jyoti to give the lines to the Patol Babu. Jyoti tore off a page and wrote something and give it to the Patol Babu. The word "oh" is written on that page. Patol Babu became very sad to see his dialogue to just speak the word "Oh" as the line of his dialogue.
Then a faint memory was stirred up in Patol Babu's mind. It was Mr. Pakrashi, Patol Babu’s mentor who said "Remember one thing Patol, however small part you are offered never consider it beneath your dignity to accept it”. He made rehearsals on his dialogue, and speak the word "Oh" in different pitches from high to low. And finally he performed well. Patol Babu left the place without taking money. He would get fifteen to twenty rupees for his small job but he was satisfied so much with his perfection and dedication that he didn't find any need to get money. The central idea of the story is personal satisfaction is more important than financial rewards and accomplishing tasks to perfection gives one a sense of pride and self esteem.
He accepted the offer of Naresh Dutt, as a role of a pedestrian. Next morning he reached at the FARADAY HOUSE, his heart was trembling with happiness. But the problem was that he was not still given the lines of the dialogue. He asked about his lines of the dialogue to the Naresh Dutt. And Naresh Dutt told Sosanko and Jyoti to give the lines to the Patol Babu. Jyoti tore off a page and wrote something and give it to the Patol Babu. The word "oh" is written on that page. Patol Babu became very sad to see his dialogue to just speak the word "Oh" as the line of his dialogue.
Then a faint memory was stirred up in Patol Babu's mind. It was Mr. Pakrashi, Patol Babu’s mentor who said "Remember one thing Patol, however small part you are offered never consider it beneath your dignity to accept it”. He made rehearsals on his dialogue, and speak the word "Oh" in different pitches from high to low. And finally he performed well. Patol Babu left the place without taking money. He would get fifteen to twenty rupees for his small job but he was satisfied so much with his perfection and dedication that he didn't find any need to get money. The central idea of the story is personal satisfaction is more important than financial rewards and accomplishing tasks to perfection gives one a sense of pride and self esteem.
Virtually True
Virtually True’ is a science fiction. The
story is based on interactive psycho-driven games. One day Michael, the
narrator of the story, read an article in the newspaper about "Miracle
Recovery”. It states, “A boy whose condition was critical but stable had been
recovered from coma.”Michael remembered that the boy who he had read in the
news paper was none other than SEBASTIAN SHULTZ whom he met about weeks ago in
the computer Games.
Michael’s father who was a fan of computers bought him a new computer from the computer fair in which latest technology Games were preloaded. When he played the games, he entered Sebastian’s memory. In the first game named WILD WEST, Michael met a Second Sheriff whom he had to save, but the Second Sheriff got shot by the villains. Later On, he got a printout saying I 'm Sebastian Shultz try playing Dragon Quest.
In Dragon Quest he should save the Princess Aurora and he had the help of the second knight whom he knew was Sebastian. Though later he was killed by the Dragon. Then the Printout came saying that play Jail Break give a last try. The narrator played again. This time his mission was to escape with the prisoner and he knew it was Sebastian. He was not successful. Later On, he played the game many times but the print out did not come.
Then one day, the Printout said that Helicopter was a better choice, try playing War Zone. It further said that it would not bother him again if he was unable to save to save him. In the game Michael pulled Sebastian up into the helicopter which soared into the sky. This time the game was over and he succeeded. He checked his mail and found a message from Sebastian thanking him for saving his life.
Michael releases that in an accident Sebastian head banged against the computer and he went into coma. The computer saved his memory and kept sending messages. The games were stolen when they were coming from hospital.
Michael’s father who was a fan of computers bought him a new computer from the computer fair in which latest technology Games were preloaded. When he played the games, he entered Sebastian’s memory. In the first game named WILD WEST, Michael met a Second Sheriff whom he had to save, but the Second Sheriff got shot by the villains. Later On, he got a printout saying I 'm Sebastian Shultz try playing Dragon Quest.
In Dragon Quest he should save the Princess Aurora and he had the help of the second knight whom he knew was Sebastian. Though later he was killed by the Dragon. Then the Printout came saying that play Jail Break give a last try. The narrator played again. This time his mission was to escape with the prisoner and he knew it was Sebastian. He was not successful. Later On, he played the game many times but the print out did not come.
Then one day, the Printout said that Helicopter was a better choice, try playing War Zone. It further said that it would not bother him again if he was unable to save to save him. In the game Michael pulled Sebastian up into the helicopter which soared into the sky. This time the game was over and he succeeded. He checked his mail and found a message from Sebastian thanking him for saving his life.
Michael releases that in an accident Sebastian head banged against the computer and he went into coma. The computer saved his memory and kept sending messages. The games were stolen when they were coming from hospital.
The Frog and the Nightingale
The frog and the nightingale is poetic fable
with a satire on the human behavior. The poem starts with the frog that sat
under a Sumac tree and croaked all night in a loud and unpleasant voice right
from dusk to dawn. All the creatures hated his voice. Their complaints, insults
and brickbats couldn't stop him from croaking stubbornly. Nothing could shatter
his determination.
Then, one night a nightingale came flying and sat on the branch of Sumac tree. She started singing in her melodious voice. They all got completely engrossed in the nightingales’ song and kept on looking at the sumac tree where the nightingale was sitting. Ducks and herons swam towards the Sumac tree to hear the nightingale serenade. Some lonely creature even wept hearing her song.
The entire event left the frog very jealous and he decided to get rid of this new rival, the nightingale. The next night, when the modest bird prepared to sing, the plotting frog interrupted. He posed as a music critic and said that the technique was fine, of course, but it lacked a certain force. The dominating frog told the nightingale she must not boast about her talent. He also said that he could give her training to make her winner else she would always remain a beginner.
The nightingale said the frog that she could not believe her luck. The frog said that she would train her and also charge her nominal fee. That night the nightingale sang melodiously and the frog charged admission fee from all the animals that came to hear the song.
The next morning there was a heavy downpour. Despite the bad weather the frog forced the nightingale to sing though she was unwilling. Probably, the nightingale was not feeling well. The frog and the nightingale sang continuously six hours still she was shivering and her voice had become rough and unclear. Meanwhile, the frog made the nightingale rehearse hard and constantly criticized and abused her, with an intention to break her spirit. The disappointed nightingale sings, burst her veins and dies. The unsympathetic frog dismissed her off - calling her 'stupid'. He summed up the nightingale was too nervous and prone to influence, hence bringing her own downfall. Now, the frog once again sings at night in his bog.
The poet Vikram Seth, very cleverly gives us a message of the importance of self-confidence and moral courage in his poem,” The 'Frog and the Nightingale'
Then, one night a nightingale came flying and sat on the branch of Sumac tree. She started singing in her melodious voice. They all got completely engrossed in the nightingales’ song and kept on looking at the sumac tree where the nightingale was sitting. Ducks and herons swam towards the Sumac tree to hear the nightingale serenade. Some lonely creature even wept hearing her song.
The entire event left the frog very jealous and he decided to get rid of this new rival, the nightingale. The next night, when the modest bird prepared to sing, the plotting frog interrupted. He posed as a music critic and said that the technique was fine, of course, but it lacked a certain force. The dominating frog told the nightingale she must not boast about her talent. He also said that he could give her training to make her winner else she would always remain a beginner.
The nightingale said the frog that she could not believe her luck. The frog said that she would train her and also charge her nominal fee. That night the nightingale sang melodiously and the frog charged admission fee from all the animals that came to hear the song.
The next morning there was a heavy downpour. Despite the bad weather the frog forced the nightingale to sing though she was unwilling. Probably, the nightingale was not feeling well. The frog and the nightingale sang continuously six hours still she was shivering and her voice had become rough and unclear. Meanwhile, the frog made the nightingale rehearse hard and constantly criticized and abused her, with an intention to break her spirit. The disappointed nightingale sings, burst her veins and dies. The unsympathetic frog dismissed her off - calling her 'stupid'. He summed up the nightingale was too nervous and prone to influence, hence bringing her own downfall. Now, the frog once again sings at night in his bog.
The poet Vikram Seth, very cleverly gives us a message of the importance of self-confidence and moral courage in his poem,” The 'Frog and the Nightingale'
Mirror
In this poem the poet, Sylvia Plath explains
how the mirror is our true reflection and can be our best critic. She
personifies the mirror by making the mirror the narrator of the poem. The
mirror asserts that it is silver in colour and exact in appearance. It holds no
opinion about the objects that come before it.
In comparison to human the mirror does not have any emotions like love or hatred. The mirror insists that it is not cruel but only truthful. It is proud that it reflects nothing but the reality. The mirror claims to be God’s eye that sees an object from all the angles. When there is no one looking at the mirror, it usually mediates looking at the opposite wall which is pink and worn out. The mirror explains that it has looked at the opposite wall for so long that it now feels that the wall is the part of its heart. The mirror also compares itself to a lake which may not be silver but has the quality to reflect the object as a mirror does. When a woman bends over the lake and looks her real appearance in it, she is dissatisfied with the reflection seen.
The mirror considers the candles and the moonlight as liars because their dim light deceives her by concealing her flaws and her age. Mirror asserts the fact that it reflects faithfully what it sees without hiding anything. But the women does not like what the mirror and starts crying. She finds it hard to believe that she is aging and losing her beauty from the mirror’s reflection. Despite being hurt by the harsh truth, the mirror is important to the women and that’s why she comes again and again to look herself in the mirror.
The mirror that sits in darkness finds every morning the woman comes to check herself in the mirror. The woman has been looking herself in the mirror since she was a young girl. It appears that she has drowned (lost) her youth in the mirror. The mirror is also synonyms for the passage of time. As the days progress along with her (age) she now compares herself with a terrible fish out of water that struggles for its existence. The terrible fish represents old age and death drawing closer to her. Thus in this poem Sylvia Plath has personified the mirror as God, as a lake, even as terrible fish.
In comparison to human the mirror does not have any emotions like love or hatred. The mirror insists that it is not cruel but only truthful. It is proud that it reflects nothing but the reality. The mirror claims to be God’s eye that sees an object from all the angles. When there is no one looking at the mirror, it usually mediates looking at the opposite wall which is pink and worn out. The mirror explains that it has looked at the opposite wall for so long that it now feels that the wall is the part of its heart. The mirror also compares itself to a lake which may not be silver but has the quality to reflect the object as a mirror does. When a woman bends over the lake and looks her real appearance in it, she is dissatisfied with the reflection seen.
The mirror considers the candles and the moonlight as liars because their dim light deceives her by concealing her flaws and her age. Mirror asserts the fact that it reflects faithfully what it sees without hiding anything. But the women does not like what the mirror and starts crying. She finds it hard to believe that she is aging and losing her beauty from the mirror’s reflection. Despite being hurt by the harsh truth, the mirror is important to the women and that’s why she comes again and again to look herself in the mirror.
The mirror that sits in darkness finds every morning the woman comes to check herself in the mirror. The woman has been looking herself in the mirror since she was a young girl. It appears that she has drowned (lost) her youth in the mirror. The mirror is also synonyms for the passage of time. As the days progress along with her (age) she now compares herself with a terrible fish out of water that struggles for its existence. The terrible fish represents old age and death drawing closer to her. Thus in this poem Sylvia Plath has personified the mirror as God, as a lake, even as terrible fish.
Not Marble nor the Guilded Monuments
The poet conveys that his loved one will get
immortalized through the words of his poems, 'Not marbles nor the gilded
monuments.' He tells his beloved that his powerful poem would out live the
marble and the gold plated monuments constructed by the king and other Royal
people. He believes his beloved will shine brighter in his verse than the
stones of monuments on which time will leave its indelible marks. These
monuments will wear out, blacken and appear unclean as time progresses. He
explains how his love will stand the test of time even when every other manmade
structure crumbles down He then says that few tiles over below overturns
statues which were erected for the resemblance of great rulers and would
devastate buildings which were a living example of fine masonry.
Furthermore, the poet says that nothing will be able to wipe out his beloved memory who will forever continue to live. He also says that despite death, jealousy and blind hatred from others his loved one will strive forward in life and will be praised and all the future generations will find his beloved worthy of praises which will last till doom’s day. The poet says till the day of last judgment his beloved will continue to live in his poem and in the eyes of admirers.
Furthermore, the poet says that nothing will be able to wipe out his beloved memory who will forever continue to live. He also says that despite death, jealousy and blind hatred from others his loved one will strive forward in life and will be praised and all the future generations will find his beloved worthy of praises which will last till doom’s day. The poet says till the day of last judgment his beloved will continue to live in his poem and in the eyes of admirers.
Snake
One hot afternoon the poet went to the water
trough to fill water in a pitcher. Suddenly, he noticed a snake there. He
waited for the snake to quench his thirst since the poet thought that he was a
second comer. The snake kept his throat upon the stone bottom sipped the water
into his slack long body. After drinking water, he raised his head just like cattle
do and flashed his forked tongue, thought for a moment and then bent down to
drink some more water.
The voice of his education said that the golden brown snakes are poisonous and must be killed. However, the poet instinctively liked the snake, treated him like a guest and felt honored that it had come to drink at his water trough. The voices of education inside the poet told him not daring to kill the snake proved that he was a coward.
After drinking enough water, the snake raised its head and started to move away from water trough. As the snake put his head into a crack to retreat into the earth, the poet was filled with a protest against the idea of the snake withdrawing into his hole. The poet put down his pitcher, picked up a log and hurled it at the snake. The snake twisted violently and vanished into the hole in the wall like a lightening.
The poet felt guilty of his mean act. The poet instantly felt sorry for his unrefined act and cursed the voices of education that urged him to kill the snake. The poet compared himself with the ancient mariner who had killed the albatross without any reason. He wished that the snake would come back. He treats the snake as a king in exile to be crowned again. Finally, the poet regrets having missed his opportunity with the lords of life.
The voice of his education said that the golden brown snakes are poisonous and must be killed. However, the poet instinctively liked the snake, treated him like a guest and felt honored that it had come to drink at his water trough. The voices of education inside the poet told him not daring to kill the snake proved that he was a coward.
After drinking enough water, the snake raised its head and started to move away from water trough. As the snake put his head into a crack to retreat into the earth, the poet was filled with a protest against the idea of the snake withdrawing into his hole. The poet put down his pitcher, picked up a log and hurled it at the snake. The snake twisted violently and vanished into the hole in the wall like a lightening.
The poet felt guilty of his mean act. The poet instantly felt sorry for his unrefined act and cursed the voices of education that urged him to kill the snake. The poet compared himself with the ancient mariner who had killed the albatross without any reason. He wished that the snake would come back. He treats the snake as a king in exile to be crowned again. Finally, the poet regrets having missed his opportunity with the lords of life.
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
The poem starts with three young men walking
together to a wedding. An elderly mariner with a grey beard and a glittering
eye stopped one of the three young men. One of young men is transfixed by the
ancient Mariner’s “glittering eye” and sat on a stone to listen to his strange
tale.
He started narrating the story. The mariner said that they were given a warm send-off when they started their journey. The weather was clear and they sailed south for many days. The Mariner recalled that the voyage quickly darkened, as a giant storm rose up in the sea and chased the ship southward. It was extremely gold with ice everywhere. The wind also stopped.
But then there came an Albatross, a great sea bird. As it flew around the ship, the ice cracked and split and a wind from the south propelled the ship out of the frigid regions, into a foggy stretch of water. The Albatross was a symbol of good luck to the sailors. However one day a sailor killed the Albatross with his crossbow.
At first, the other sailors were angry with the Mariner for having killed the bird that made the breezes blow. But when the fog lifted soon afterward, the sailors decided that the bird had actually brought not the breeze but the fog. The other mariners said that he had done a good thing by killing the Albatross that brought mist and snow. Then, the breeze stopped blowing and the ocean thickened. The men had no water to drink now. The sailors blamed the Mariner for their plight and hung the dead Albatross around his neck like a cross.
He started narrating the story. The mariner said that they were given a warm send-off when they started their journey. The weather was clear and they sailed south for many days. The Mariner recalled that the voyage quickly darkened, as a giant storm rose up in the sea and chased the ship southward. It was extremely gold with ice everywhere. The wind also stopped.
But then there came an Albatross, a great sea bird. As it flew around the ship, the ice cracked and split and a wind from the south propelled the ship out of the frigid regions, into a foggy stretch of water. The Albatross was a symbol of good luck to the sailors. However one day a sailor killed the Albatross with his crossbow.
At first, the other sailors were angry with the Mariner for having killed the bird that made the breezes blow. But when the fog lifted soon afterward, the sailors decided that the bird had actually brought not the breeze but the fog. The other mariners said that he had done a good thing by killing the Albatross that brought mist and snow. Then, the breeze stopped blowing and the ocean thickened. The men had no water to drink now. The sailors blamed the Mariner for their plight and hung the dead Albatross around his neck like a cross.
Julius Caesar - I
Julius Caesar, an able General and a
conqueror, returns Rome amidst immense popularity after a victory in Spain. He
defeated the sons of his old enemy, Pompey the Great. The people celebrate his
return and he is offered the crown by close friend and military commander Mark
Antony which he refuses.
Jealous with Caesar’s growing power and afraid that he may one day become an authoritarian king, Cassius instigates a conspiracy to murder Caesar. He involves Marcus Brutus who is the very close friend of Caesar and a trusted Roman Senator in the plot. Cassius convinces Brutus that Caesar is too ambitious and should be killed before being allowed to rule the Roman Empire. Brutus is convinced by Cassius that it is for the good of Rome that Caesar should be killed.
Caesar is worried as his wife Calphurnia tells him the horrible dream she had about his death and that the strange occurrences the night before are a prelude of his death. Caesar dismisses the doubts of Calphurinia considers the prediction very general. Caesar sends a servant to a priest to offer a sacrifice and ask him to come back and tell him the results. The servant returns and reports that the Soothe Sayers have recommended Caesar to stay at home.
Then Decius, a conspirator, comes to fetch Caesar to the senate. Caesar expresses his inability to come citing Calphurnia dream as the reason. Decius tells him her dreams were not of his death, but of him saving Rome. Decius Brutus tells Caesar that the senate have decided to offer a crown to him that day, and if he does not attend the meeting of the senate, they may change their mind. Thus Caesar dcides to leave for the Senate despite his wife's pleas. Attempts are made to warn Caesar of the plot to kill him, but none are successful. Soon other Senators and conspirators including Marcus Brutus, Metellus arrive at Caesar’s palace. Caesar invites the senators and says them to come in and have some wine be like friends and will go to the senate together straightaway.
Jealous with Caesar’s growing power and afraid that he may one day become an authoritarian king, Cassius instigates a conspiracy to murder Caesar. He involves Marcus Brutus who is the very close friend of Caesar and a trusted Roman Senator in the plot. Cassius convinces Brutus that Caesar is too ambitious and should be killed before being allowed to rule the Roman Empire. Brutus is convinced by Cassius that it is for the good of Rome that Caesar should be killed.
Caesar is worried as his wife Calphurnia tells him the horrible dream she had about his death and that the strange occurrences the night before are a prelude of his death. Caesar dismisses the doubts of Calphurinia considers the prediction very general. Caesar sends a servant to a priest to offer a sacrifice and ask him to come back and tell him the results. The servant returns and reports that the Soothe Sayers have recommended Caesar to stay at home.
Then Decius, a conspirator, comes to fetch Caesar to the senate. Caesar expresses his inability to come citing Calphurnia dream as the reason. Decius tells him her dreams were not of his death, but of him saving Rome. Decius Brutus tells Caesar that the senate have decided to offer a crown to him that day, and if he does not attend the meeting of the senate, they may change their mind. Thus Caesar dcides to leave for the Senate despite his wife's pleas. Attempts are made to warn Caesar of the plot to kill him, but none are successful. Soon other Senators and conspirators including Marcus Brutus, Metellus arrive at Caesar’s palace. Caesar invites the senators and says them to come in and have some wine be like friends and will go to the senate together straightaway.
Julius Caesar - II
At the senate Metellus gives a petition
requesting Caesar to recall his brother, Publius who had been banished from
Rome. Caesar answers that since Publius had been banished by lawful decree;
there is no just cause for absolving his guilt. Brutus and Cassius kneel at
Caesar’s feet and repeat Metellus’s plea. Caesar answers that he will not
change his mind, declaring himself to be as ‘constant as the Northern Star’.
Caesar is murdered in the Senate House by the conspirators. Recognizing that
the Brutus, too, has joined with the conspirators, Caesar speaks his last
word:”Ettu, Brute?”-Then falls Caesar.
Antony enters and pretends that he agrees with the conspirators actions. Addressing Caesar’s departed spirit; Antony asks to be pardoned for making peace with the conspirators over his dead body.
However, Antony is granted permission to speak at Caesar's funeral. Brutus and Cassius enter the Forum with a Crowd of Plebeians. Brutus speaks first at the funeral to explain their reasons for killing Caesar. He feared that the Romans would live as slave under Caesar’s leadership. The people seem to accept his explanation.
Antony enters and pretends that he agrees with the conspirators actions. Addressing Caesar’s departed spirit; Antony asks to be pardoned for making peace with the conspirators over his dead body.
However, Antony is granted permission to speak at Caesar's funeral. Brutus and Cassius enter the Forum with a Crowd of Plebeians. Brutus speaks first at the funeral to explain their reasons for killing Caesar. He feared that the Romans would live as slave under Caesar’s leadership. The people seem to accept his explanation.
Brutus explains to the crowd that Antony had
no part in the conspiracy. And then Antony enters with Caesar’s body. Antony
says that he has come to bury Caesar, not to praise him. Throughout his speech,
Antony never really says anything bad about Brutus and the others, but he talks
about Caesar being such a great and noble man willing to sacrifice all for his
people. He reminds the plebeians of the day when he offered the crown to Caesar
three times, Caesar refused and three times. He insists that as they all loved
Caesar once, they should mourn for him.
The Plebeians are touched. They become angry and a mob runs through the streets in search of the conspirators. Battle plans are made as well as a list of people supportive of Brutus and the conspirators to be killed. There is a battle between the armies of Octavius Caesar and Antony Clash with those of Brutus and Cassius at Philippi and Sardis. Finally Brutus and Cassius are defeated and both commit suicide.
The Plebeians are touched. They become angry and a mob runs through the streets in search of the conspirators. Battle plans are made as well as a list of people supportive of Brutus and the conspirators to be killed. There is a battle between the armies of Octavius Caesar and Antony Clash with those of Brutus and Cassius at Philippi and Sardis. Finally Brutus and Cassius are defeated and both commit suicide.
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