Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Descriptive questions from Prose Section for Intermediate 2 (with quotations)

CONTENTS OF THE SET:

* Descriptive Questions from Prose Section” from papers 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 & 2008 (Science, Commerce, Arts & Humanities)

* Summaries of “Prose Section”


Science 2008

Q.1: Mrs. Oakentubb got the punishment she deserved comments. 10

Ans. “Twenty Minutes with Mrs. Oakentubb” is an effective, sensational and extremely absorbing little piece of melo – drama. It is basically a story of revenge and punishment. The cunning lady, Mrs. Oakentubb, the evildoer of the pay kills two innocent pedestrians when she drives unlawfully fast to accomplish her bet. For her act of brutality, she the sense of revenge and punishment comes into picture as the lady did not receive the adequate punishment as she deserved. The head of the family, who is out of the city, at the time of accident. No sooner does he get himself freed from army, he returns to the country to avenge the lady as he assumes the punishment as contrary to justice.

“Punishment should be appropriate to the crime.”

The man strictly believes in true justice and wants fairness in decisions. Years ago, when his wife and daughter were killed, he was in engaged in the Korean war and could not get himself freed even to take part in the their funeral. His wish being alive has diminished since their death. But the chance meeting with the Korean girl, who looks him as her daughter who was killed by the bloodless lady. The meeting inflates avenge in him and he comes back to the country and starts interrogating the accident after years.

During his investigation, he finds out that it was not an accident but rather a murder as the lady herself admitted to her council that she had the victims before the smash. He takes out the necessary information such as the address and details about the lady and finds her newspaper file photograph. As years have passed, the lady is bound to be apparently different from the file photo.

During his chase, he finds her in the waiting room of the country railway junction. Both are in wait of the express train scheduled to arrive at 2100 hours. They are twenty minutes in the arrival of the express train. First the man fails to identity the lady as Mrs. Oakentubb but the label on the lady’s suitcase makes him believe that the lady may be the same or at least has some relation with her. There starts a cat-rat game between them. The successfully plays part and pretends herself as another lady who is familiar with Mrs. Oakentubb. But her attitude towards him; avoiding him at many points and her being scared needlessly make him think that she is the lady he is looking for.

As the lady has deliberately killed his wife and daughter, therefore, she deserves the same punishment. In addition to that despite knowing that she has intentionally killed them, she veils it as accident and clearly escapes from a capital punishment she deserved for.

Keeping in view the above points, it is clear that the lady, Mrs. Oakentubb was by nature a cunning lady who threw dust into the eyes of the court of law. She deserves to be hanged if not killed by the man.

Q.2: Write a comparison between Hans and the Miller friendship. 10

Ans. The rich Miller like his name could mill the others in his floor mill. He was highly self-centered, cunning and shrewd. His each and every action proved that he was NOT the true friend of the little Hans except his oily tongue. It was his oily and sweet tongue, which always spoke kind words to Hans and kept spreading a net of feigned friendship around him. The Miller always exploited his true and innocent friend Hans who believed him to be the devoted of all and in no practically helped him.

The Miller’s concept and philosophy of friendship was very strange and curious. It was not based on equal and justified footing. He impressed simple Hans by his queer philosophy on friends and friendship. He tempted the Little Hans that he could have the same philosophy and perceptions provided he followed the path and the steps marked by him, the Miller.

Following are the few incidents of the story which explain that the Miller was none but an exploiter of the simplicity and innocence of the little Hans.

Once it so happened that the Miller went to see Hans after the winter season. Hans was very much pleased to se the Miller. The Miller inquired after Hans told him that he had a very hard time during the winter season and that he had to sells his silver buttons, silver chain and the wheelbarrow. Now he hoped to buy them back after selling the flowers.

The Miller as usual wanted to have a basket full of flowers. But this time Hans felt sorry for that. The Miller promised to give him his wheel – barrow, although it was out of order. At this, Hans felt much pleased. Hans told him that he had a plank with which he would be able to repair the wheelbarrow. Hearing this, the Miller decided to take advantage of the situation. He said that there was a hole in the roof of his barn, and that he himself was in need of a plank to mend it. Hans gave him the plank and the Miller got his roof repaired on the pretext of giving Hans his wheel – barrow.

The Miller also used Hans as a porter. He made him carry a sack of flour to the market under the pressure of his promised kindness of handing a wheelbarrow to him. Hans obeyed him silently. He also asked him to work as a goatherd and even took him to his mill as a laborer if one of them of was absent or he needed extra work to be done.

Finally, one night the cruel Miller came to Hans and told him that his son had fallen from a ladder. He sent Hans to call the doctor. It was a stormy night and it rained heavily when Hans went to call the doctor. He reached the Doctor’s house and asked him to rush to the house of the Miller to help his son. But while coming back, Hans drowned in a pool of water, and his dead body was taken out of the pool in the morning.

The miserable end of the little Hans reminds us:

“A friend in need is a friend indeed.”

Science 2007

Q.3: “Twenty Minutes with Mrs. Oakentubb” is basically as story of revenge Elucidate. 10

Ans. “Twenty Minutes with Mrs. Oakentubb” is an effective, sensational and extremely absorbing little piece of melo-drama. It is basically a story of revenge and punishment. The cunning lady, Mrs. Oakentubb, the evildoer of the play kills two innocent pedestrians when she drives unlawfully fast to accomplish her bet. For her act of brutally, she receives a light sentence of 18 months imprisonment, as there was no eyewitness. Here the sense of revenge and punishment comes into picture as the lady did not receive the adequate punishment as she deserved. The head of the family, who is out of the city, all the time of accident. No sooner does he get himself freed from army he returns to the country to avenge the lady as he assumed the punishment as contrary to justice.

“Punishment should be appropriate to the crime.”

The man strictly believes in true justice and wants fairness in decisions. Years ago, when his wife and daughter were killed, he was in engaged in the Korean war and could not get himself freed even to take part in the their funeral. His wish being alive has diminished since their death. But the chance meeting with the Korean girl, who looks him as her daughter who was killed by the bloodless lady. The meting inflates avenge in him and he comes back to the country and starts interrogating the accident after years.

During his investigation, he finds out that it was not an accident but rather a murder as the lady herself admitted to her council that she had the victims before the smash. He takes out the necessary information such as the address and details about the lady and finds her newspaper file photograph. As years have passed, the lady is bound to be apparently different from the file photo.

During his chase, he finds her in the waiting room of the country railway junction. Both are in wait of the express train scheduled to arrive at 2100 Hours. There are twenty minutes in the arrival of the express train scheduled to arrive at 2100 Hours. There are twenty minutes in the arrival of the express train. First the man fails to identify the lady as Mrs. Oakentubb but the label on the lady’s suitcase makes him believe that the lady may be the same or at least has some relation with her. There starts a cat-rat game between them. The successfully plays part and pretends herself as another lady who is familiar with Mrs. Oakentubb. But her attitude towards him; avoiding him at many points and her being scared needlessly make him think that she is the lady he is looking for.

As the lady has deliberately killed his wife and daughter, therefore, she deserves the same punishment. In addition to that despite knowing that she has intentionally killed them, she veils it as an accident and clearly escapes from a capital punishment. She deserved for.

Keeping in view the above points, it is clear that the lady, Mrs. Oakentubb was by nature a cunning lady who threw dust into the eyes of the court of law. She deserves to be hanged if not killed by the man.

Q.4: Name in your own words the events of the “Afternoon of the Great Run” on described by James Thurber.

Ans. The Day the Dam Broke is an amusing, entertaining but condemnable story reflecting the mob mentality, which blindly and insensibly follows what is going around.

“The mob has many heads but no brains.”

(Rivarol)

The author in the story depicts a real incident of his childhood when the people of his town reacted insensible on hearing an alarming rumour of the breaking of the Ohio River dam. The rumour brings a panie to the entire town and the normal living gots disturbed adjacent to the Obio river and is in sleep. The public common perception was that as the western side was in sleep that was why it was totally unsafe being there. So rushed towards the eastern side which being at the higher side could be a saler option. Their running in the form of streams, taking refuge at the higher places at the eastern side, shouting and, screaming was all, what which gave birth to a wild panie.

“Panic is the stampede of our self possession.”

Following are the some interesting incidents form the story:

  • The author was at home with his family when people started streaming his street shouting go east and finding refuge. When the author’s mother realized the situation, she immediately thought of fleeing from the home but the grandfather became an obstacle in the escape as his opinion about the panic was truly based upon a deep misconception. Finding no way to go out they had to make their grandfather unconscious by striking an iron board on his heard. This how they remained successful in fleeing the house ands saving their lives.
  • People were gathering in the stream from every corner of the city and the stream was getting thicker and thicker gradually. Mixing of army and other law enforcement agencies produced colours in the streams as they were in uniforms of different colours.
  • When the author’s aunt was in a movie theatre, there happened a strange incident. It so happened that an elderly man sitting near the aunt mumbled something and went up to the aisle like a dog trout. This started everybody and people in-groups rose from their seats to watch the amazing scene. Meanwhile a small lady taking the situation as a panic shouted for ‘fire”. This made the situation extremely chaotic in theatre.

Commerce (Regular & Private) 2006

Q.5: Comment of the British Court’s decision in the light of “Act II of the Silver Box”.

Ans. In the drama The Silver Box, there are two families: one is a rich family whose had is Mr. Barthwick who is a member of parliament whereas the other is a poor family that of whose is Mr. James Jones. He is a society – smitten man as he has been out of work for the last couple of months and no contribution is offered to him from any of his associates to help him to survive with his family comprising of his three children and a wife. He search for the job is on but for the survival of the family his wife. Jane Jones, takes the responsibility on her shoulders and starts to work as a maid. She is employed at the House of the MP, Mr. Barthwick. This is the beginning of their bad luck, which lass for the rest of their life.

“Misfortunes always come in by a door that has been left open for them.”

Junior Barthwick, the son of the MP, has been out late for his daily activities and under the influence of wine he steals a lady’s purse and returns to his home at late night. When he comes back and tries to open the lock of his door, he is so intoxicated that he is hardly able to open it. Jones, who is in the vicinity, seeing this comes forward to help him. The junior in order to compensate for his curtsey takes him into his house and offers him wine and smoke. He further offers him to take anything whatever pleases him. Jones after drinking a lot leaves the house under liquor and takes with the silver box and the purse stolen by the junior. Upon inquiry of the stealing the silver box, Mrs. Jones is supposed to be responsible for all the mishap. When the police raid her house, box is found from there.

Here the author says that crimes of both the junior and Jones are same but their social position is different. The junior’s father, an MP, when comes to know that his son has been involved in a theft incidents, makes his best to take his son out of the trial. He advises his counsed, Roper to present the story in such a way all the consequences are directed towards Jones and he should be the one to face music and be victimized. The junior, on the advice of his advocate, is compelled to change his statement.

The Junior refuses to identity Jones and a mere theft case turns into robbery against Jones. On the Jones pleads and says:

“Well, I do, and my words as good as yours.”

Jones tries to make the Justice know about the stealing of the lady’s purse but the judge turns his plea down:

“You ask him wot made him take the lad’s (purse).”

Despite being innocent, Mrs. Jones is accused of stealing the box and in the end she is fired from her job. A maid accused of stealing is hard to be employed anywhere. This is the tragic end of the story where the head of the family is imprisoned and the money earner of the family is fired whereas the rich, Junior Barthwick is freed with esteem.

“He who commits injustice is ever more wretched than he who suffers it.”

This end shows that the judgment was unfair because having committed the same crime, Junior Barthwick is freed on the other hand the poor fellow, Jones is sentenced for one month imprisonment as he is from the lower class of the Society. It is also a clear indication that to British Courts rich and poor are two entirely different domains and their sympathies lies more onto the part of the rich. They show biased behaviour for the two communities despite their crimes are of same nature.

“Law grinds the poor and rich man rule the world”

Q.6: Write a comparison between Hans and the Miller’s friendship. 10

Ans. The rich Miller like his name could mill the others in his flour mill. He was highly self-centered, cunning and shrewd. His each and every action proved that he was NOT the true friend of the little Hans, except her oily longer. It was his oily and sweet tongue, which always, spoke kind words to Hans and kept spreadup a net to lergned friendship around him. The Miller always exploited his true and innocent friend Hans who believed him to be the devoted of all and in no practically helped him.

The Miller’s concept and philosophy of friendship was very strange and curious. It was not based on equal and justified footing. He impressed simple Hans by his queer philosophy on friends and friendship. He tempted the Little Hans that he could have the same philosophy and perceptions provided he followed the path and the steps marked by him, the Miller.

Following are the few incidents of the story which explain that the Miller was none but an exploiter of the simplicity and innocence of the little Hans:

Once it so happened that the Miller went to see Hans after the winter season. Hans was very much pleased to see the Miller. The Miller inquired after Hans told him that he had a very hard time during the winter season and that he had to sell his silver buttons, silver chain and the wheelbarrow. Now he hoped to buy them back after selling the flowers.

The Miller as usual wanted to have a basket full of flowers. But this time Hans felt sorry for that. The Miller promised to give him his wheel – barrow, although it was out of order. At this, Hans felt much pleased. Hans told him that he had a plank with which he would be able to repair the wheelbarrow. Hearing this, the Miller decided to take advantage of the situation. He said that there was a hole in the roof of his barn, and that he himself was in need of a plank to mend it. Hans gave him the plank and the Miller got his roof repaired on the pretext of giving Hans his wheel – barrow.

The Miller also used Hans as a proper. He made him carry a sack of flour to the market under the pressure of his promised kindness of handing a wheelbarrow to him. Hans obeyed him silently. He also asked him to work as a goatherd and even took him to his mill as a laborer if one of them of was absent or he needed extra work to be done.

Finally, one night the cruel Miller came to Hans and told him that his son fallen from a ladder. He sent Hans to call the doctor. It was a stormy night and it rained heavily when Hans went to call the doctor. He reached the Doctor’s house and asked him to rush to the house of the Miller to help his son. But while coming back, Hans drowned in a pool of water, and his dead body was taken out of the pool in the morning.

The miserable end of the little Hans reminds us:

“A friend in need is a friend indeed.”

Arts (Regular & Private) 2007

Q.7: Mrs. Oakentubb got the punishment she deserved. Discuss.

Ans. “Twenty Minutes with Mrs. Oakentubb” is an effective, sensational and extremely absorbing little piece of melo-drama. It may be noted that melo-drama is a kind of drama whose end is sweet along with the murder of the evildoer. The cunning lady, Mrs. Oakentubb, is the evildoer of the play who has killed two innocent pedestrians when she drives unlawfully fast to accomplish her bet. For her act of brutality, she receives a light sentence of 18 months imprisonment, as there was no eyewitness. The head of the family, who is out of the city, when the lady kills his wife and little daughter in the road accident. No sooner does he get himself freed from army, returns to the country to avenge the lady as he assumes the punishment as contrary to justice.

“Punishment should be appropriate to the crime.”

The man strictly believes in true justice and wants fairness in decisions. Years ago, when his wife and daughter were killed, he was in engaged in the Korean war and could not get himself freed even to take part in the their funeral. His wish being alive has diminished since their death. But the chance meeting with the Korean girl, who looks him as her daughter who was killed by the bloodless lady. The meeting inflates avenge in him and he comes back to the country and starts interrogating the accident after years.

During his investigation, he finds out that it was not an accident but rather a murder as the lady herself admitted to her council that she had the victims before the smash. He takes out the necessary information such as the address and details about the lady and finds her newspaper file photograph. As years have passed, the lady is bound to be apparently different from the file photo.

During his chase, he finds her in the waiting room of the country railway junction. Both are in wait of the express train scheduled to arrive at 2100 hours. There are twenty minutes in the arrival of the express train. First the man fails to identify the lady as Mrs. Oakentubb but the label on the lady’s suitcase makes him believe that the today may be the same or at least has some relation with her. There starts as cat-rat game between them. The successfully plays part and pretends herself as another lady who is familiar with Mrs. Oakentubb. But the attitude towards him; avoiding him at many points and her being scared needlessly make him think that she is the lady he is looking for.

As the lady has deliberately killed his wife and daughter, therefore, she deserves the same punishment. In addition to that despite knowing that she has internationally killed them, she veils it as an accident and clearly escapes from a capital punishment – she deserved for.

Keeping in view the above points, it is clear that the lady, Mrs. Oakentubb was by nature a cunning lady who threw dust into the eyes of the court of law. She deserves to be hanged if not killed by the man.

Q.8: Is the “Miller” a truly devoted friend or not? Discuss with reference to the lesson “The Devoted Friend”.

Ans. “The Devoted Friend” is a true example one-sided friendship. The two characters of the story are rich Miller and the little Hans. The rich Miller like his name could mill the others in his floor mill. He was highly self-centered, cunning and shrewd. His each and every action proved that he was NOT the true friend of the little Hans except his only tongue. It was his only and sweet tongue, which always spoke kind words to Hans and kept spreading a net of feigned friendship around him. The Miller always exploited his true and innocent friend Hans who believed him to be the devoted of all and in no practically helped him.

The Miller’s concept and philosophy of friendship was very strange and curious. It was not based on equal and justified footing, He impressed simple Hans by his queer philosophy on friends and friendship. He tempted the Little Hans that he could have the same philosophy and perceptions provided he followed the path and the steps marked by him, the Miller.

Following are the few incidents of the story which explain that the Miller was none but an exploiter of the simplicity and innocence of the little Hans:

Once it so happened that the Miller went to see Hans after the winter season. Hans was very much pleased to see the Miller. The Miller enquired after Hans told him that he had a very hard time during the winter season and that he had to sell his silver buttons, silver chain and the wheelbarrow. Now he hoped to buy them back after selling the flowers.

The Miller as usual wanted to have a basket full of flowers. But this time Hans felt sorry for that. The Miller promised to give him his wheel – barrow, although it was out of order. At this, Hans felt much pleased. Hans told him that he had a plank with which he would be able to repair the wheelbarrow. Hearing this, the Miller decided to take advantage of the situation. He said that there was a hole in the roof of his barn, and that he himself was in need of a plank to mend it. Hans gave him the plank and the Miller got his roof repaired on the pretext of giving Hans his wheel – barrow.

The Miller also used Hans as a porter. He made him carry a sack of flour to the market under the pressure of his promised kindness of handing a wheelbarrow to him. Hans obeyed him silently. He also him to work as a goathered and even took him to his mill as a laborer if one of them of was absent or he needed extra work to be done.

Finally, one night the cruel Miller came to Hans and told him that his son had fallen from a ladder. He send Hans to call the doctor. It was a stormy night and it rained heavily when Hans went to call the doctor. He reached the Doctor’s house and asked him to rush to the house of the Miller to help his son. But while coming back, Hans drowned in a pool of water, and his dead body was taken out of the pool in the morning.

The miserable end of the little Hans reminds us:

“A friend in need is a friend indeed.”

Science 2006

Q.9: What were the main reasons given by Liaquat Ali Khan for the Muslims’ desire not to continue living in united India?

Ans. The lesson “Pakistan and the modern world” basically surrounds three or four main ideas that are the justification of the creation and demand of Pakistan; removing the prevailing misconceptions about Pakistan; its importance with respect to Asia and the entire world. The justification of Pakistan moves solely around the Hindu Muslim difference which for far more deep than considered.

Following are the priority wise main reasons and differences for which the Muslims did not desire not to continue living in united India and they eventually led to the creation of Pakistan:

  • The first and foremost difference between the two peoples was based upon religious beliefs and core values. The Muslims were believers in one God, monotheists, whereas the Hindus believed in a number of gods, polytheists, numbering
  • The other differences sprouted from the core beliefs or simply they were the derivates of religious beliefs. The most important one was that the Hindus believed in caste system consisting of four different castes. The different between the upper caste and the lowest caste was truly inhuman and even disgusting. The Muslims were on contrary had neither such hierarchy levels nor superior and inferior castes. They considered all the Muslims as brothers.
  • The Hindus economical infrastructure was totally different than that of the Muslims. It rested upon interest (Riba) strictly prohibited (haram) in the Muslims core calues.
  • The Muslims had strong belief in the right of private ownership whether man or woman. The Hindus had no such system. In addition to this, there were perfect quantitative laws of inheritance whereas the Hindu community was devoid of them.
  • The Hindus believed in the multiplication and augmentation of money with the money itself. Whereas multiplication of money with the help of money was considered as strictly forbidden.

Q.10: What motive has the man for murdering Mrs. Judy Oakentubb? 10

Ans. “Twenty Minutes with Mrs. Oakentubb” is an effective, sensational and extremely absorbing little piece of melo-drama. It may be noted that melo-drama is a kind of drama whose end is sweet along with the murder of the evildoer. The cunning lady, Mrs. Oakentubb, is the evildoer of the play who has killed who innocent pedestrians when she drives unlawfully fast to accomplish her bet. For he act of brutality, she receives a light sentence of 18 months imprisonment, as there was no eyewitness. The head of the family, who is out of the city, when the lady kills his wife and little daughter in the road accident. No sooner does he get himself freed from army, returns to the country to avenge the lady as he assumes the punishment as contrary to justice.

“Punishment should be appropriate to the crime.”

The man strictly believes in true justice and wants fairness in decisions. Years ago when his wife and daughter were killed, he was in engaged in the Korean war and could not get himself freed even to take part in the their funeral. His wish being alive has diminished since their death. But the chance meeting with the Korean girl, who looks him as her daughter who was killed by the bloodless lady. The meeting inflates avenge in him and he comes back to the country and starts interrogating the accident after years.

During his investigation, he finds out that it was not an accident but rather a murder as the lady herself admitted to her council that she had the victims before the smash. He takes out the necessary information such as the address and details about the lady and finds her newspaper file photograph. As years have passed, the lady is bound to be apparently different from the file photo.

During his chase, he finds her in the waiting room of the country railway junction. Both are in wait of the express train scheduled to arrive at 2100 hours. There are twenty minutes in the arrival of the express train. First the man fails to identify the lady as Mrs. Oakentubb but the label on the lady’s suitcase makes him believe that the lady may be the same or at least has some relation with her. There starts a car-rat game between them. The successfully plays part and pretends herself as another lady who is familiar with Mrs. Oakentubb. But her attitude towards him; avoiding him at many points and her being scared needlessly make him think that she is the lady he is looking for.

As the lady has deliberately killed his wife and daughter, therefore, she deserves the same punishment. In addition to that despite knowing that she has intentionally killed them, she veils it as an accident and clearly escapes from a capital punishment – she deserved for.

Keeping in view the above points, it is clear that the lady, Mrs. Oakentubb was by nature a cunning lady who threw dust into the eyes of the court of law. She deserves to be hanged if not killed by the man.

Q.11: How does the panic in “The Day the Dam Broke” appear to have started? 10

Ans. The Day the Dam Broke is an amusing, entertaining but condemnable story reflecting the mob mentality, which blindly and insensibly follows what is going around.

“The mob has many heads but no brains”

The author in the story depicts a real incident of his childhood when the people of his town reacted insensibly on hearing an alarming rumour of the breaing of the Ohio River dam. The rumour brings a panic to the entire town and the normal living gets disturbed completely. The geographical location of the author’s city is such that its western side is adjacent to the Ohio River and is in deep steep. The public common perception was that as the western side was in steep that was why it was totally unsafe being there. So rushed towards the eastern side which being at the higher side could be a safer option. Their running in the form of streams, taking refuge at the higher places at the eastern side, shouting and, screaming was all, what which gave birth to a wild panic.

“Panic is the stampede of our self possession”

The author recalls the incident as an incident that he readily wants to forget at any rate. He says though it was a two-hour-incident yet its effects lasted for more than twenty years. The experience exposed the moral and demoralizing features prevailed in the society there.

The restoration of the normal situation was a hard task as the panic had spread to the every corner of the town. As the people were thinking it their responsibility to warn the others of the danger of the flood that was why it kept increasing like a grassfire. When the situation was tried to be controlled by the army, it first worsened it; as the people misunderstood their announcement of “The dam has not broken” to be as “The dam has NOW broken”.

In addition to this it was hard for them to believe that the breaking of the dam news was merely a rumour and they thought it as a joke. But continuous announcement from the law enforcing agencies and seeing so signs of the on coming water helped restore the situation but not more than two hours before.

“How much have cost the evils that never happened”

Humanities (Regular & Private) 2006

Q.12: “The Silver Box” is a play about justice which is not the same for the rich and the poor. Comment.

Ans. In the drama The Silver Box, there are two families, one is a rich family whose head is Mr. Barthwick who is a member of parliament whereas the other is a poor family that of whose is Mr. James Jones. He is a society – smitten man as he has been out of work for the last couple of months and non contribution is offered to him from any of his associations to help him to survive with his family comprising of his three children and a wife. He search for the job is on but for the survival of the family his wife, Jane Jones, takes the responsibility on her shoulders and starts to work as a maid. She is employed at the House of the MP, Mr. Barthwick. This is the beginning of their bad luck, which lasts for the rest of their life.

“Misfortunes always come in by a door that has been left open for them.”

Junior Barthwick, the son of the MP, has been out late for his daily activities and under the influence of wine he steals a lady’s purse and returns to his home at late night. When he comes back and tries to open the lock of his door, he is so intoxicated that he is hardly able to open it. Jones, who is in the vicinity, seeing this comes forward to help him. The junior in order to compensate for his curtsey takes him into his house and offers him wine and smoke. He further offers him to take anything whatever pleases him. Jone after drinking a lot leaves the house under liquor and takes with the silver box and the purse stolen by the junior. Upon inquiry of the stealing the silver box, Mrs. Jones is supposed to be responsible for all the mishap. When the police raid her house, box is found from there.

Here the author says that crimes of both the junior and Jones are same but their social position is different. The Junior’s father, an MP, when comes to know that his son has been involved in a theft incidents, makes his best to take his son out of the trial. He advises his counsel, Roper, to present the story in such a way all the consequences are directed towards Jones and he should be the one to face music and be victimized. The junior, on the advice of his advocate, is compelled to change his statement.

The junior refuses to identify Jones and a mere theft case turns into robbery against Jones. On this Jones pleads and says:

“Well, I do, and my words as good as yours.”

Jones tries to make the Justice know about the stealing of the lady’s purse but the judge turns his plea down:

“You ask him wot made him take the lad’s (Purse).”

Despite being innocent, Mrs. Jones is accused of stealing the box and in the end she is fired from her job. A maid accused of stealing is hard to be employed anywhere. This is the tragic end of the story where the head of the family is imprisoned and the money earner of the family is fired whereas the rich, Junior Barthwick is freed with esteem.

“He who commits in justice is ever more wretched than he who suffers it.”

This ends shows that the judgment was unfair because having committed the same crime. Junior Barthwick is freed on the other hand the poor fellow, Jones is sentenced for one month imprisonment as he is from the lower class of the Society.

“Law grinds the poor and rich man rule the world”

Q.13: “The Devoted Friend” is a story of one-sided friendship. Comment.

Ans. “The Devoted Friend” is a true example one-sided friendship. The two characters of the story are rich Miller and the little Hans. The rich Miller like his name could mill the other in his floor mill. He was highly self-centered, cunning and shrewd. His each and every action proved that he was NOT the true friend of the little Hans except his oily tongue. It was his oily and sweet tongue, which always spoke kind words to Hans and kept spreading a net of feigned friendship around him. The Miller always exploited his true and innocent friend Hans who believed him to be the devoted of all an din no practically helped him.

The Miller’s concept and philosophy of friendship was very strange and curious. It was not based on equal and justified footing. He impressed simple Hans by his queer philosophy on friends and friendship. He tempted the little Hans that he could have the same philosophy and perceptions provided he followed the path and the steps marked by hi, the Miller.

Following are the few incidents of the story which explain that the Miller was none but an exploiter of the simplicity and innocence of the little Hans:

Once it so happened that the Miller went to see Hans after the winter season. Hans was very much pleased to see the Miller. The Miller enquired after Hans told him that he had a very hard time during the winter season and that he had so sell his silver buttons, silver chain and the wheelbarrow. Now he hoped to buy them back after selling the flowers.

The Miller as usual wanted to have a basket full of flowers. But this time Hans felt sorry for that. The Miller promised to give him his wheel – barrow, although it was out of order. At this, Hans felt much pleased. Hans told him that he had a plank with which he would be able to repair the wheelbarrow. Hearing this, the Miller decided to take advantage of the situation. He said that there was a hole in the roof of his barn, and that he himself was in need of a plank to mend it. Hans gave him the plank and the Miller got his roof repaired on the pretext of giving Hans his wheel-barrow.

The Miller also used Hans as a porter. He made him carry a sack of flour to the market under the pressure of his promised kindness of handing a wheelbarrow to him. Hans obeyed him silently. He also asked him to work as a goatherd and even took him to his mill as a laborer if one of them of was absent or he needed extra work to be done.

Finally, one night the cruel Miller came to Hans and told him that his son had fallen from a ladder. He sent Hans to call the doctor. It was a stormy night and it rained heavily when Hans went to call the doctor. He reached the Doctor’s house and asked him to rush to the house of the Miller to help his son. But while coming back, Hans drowned in a pool of water, and his dead body was taken out of the pool in the morning.

The miserable end of the little Hans reminds us:

“A friend in need is a friend indeed”.

Commerce (Regular & Private) 2006

Q.14: “The Silver Box” is a play about justice which is not the same for the rich and the poor. Comment. 10

Ans. In the drama The Silver Box, there are two families: one is a rich family whose head is Mr. Barthwick who is a member of parliament whereas the other is a poor family that of whose is Mr. James Jones. He is a society – smitten man as he has been out of work for the last couple of months and no contribution is offered to him from any of his associates to help him to survive with his family comprising of his three children and a wife. He search for the job is on but for the survival of the family his wife. Jane Jones, takes the responsibility on her shoulders and starts to work as a maid. She is employed at the House of the MP, Mr. Barthwick. The is the beginning of their bad luck, which lasts for the rest of their life.

“Misfortunes always come in by a door that has been left open for them.”

Junior barthwick, the son of the MP, has been out lat for his daily activities and under the influence of wine he steals a lady’s purse and returns to his home at late night. When he comes back and tries to open the lock of his door, he is so intoxicated tat he is hardly able to open it. Jones, who is in the vicinity, seeing this comes forward to help him. The junior in order to compensate for his curtsey takes him into his house and offers him wine and smoke. He further offers him to take anything whatever pleases him. Jones after drinking a lot leaves the house under liquor and takes with the silver box and the purse stolen by the junior. Upon inquiry of the stealing the silver box, Mrs. Jones is supposed to be responsible for the mishap. When the police raid her house, box is found from there.

Here the author says that crimes of both the junior and Jones are same but their social position is different. The junior’s father, an MP, when comes to know that his son has been involved in a theft incidents, makes his best to take his son out of the trial. He advises his counsel, Roper, to present the story in such a way all the consequences are directed towards Jones and he should be the one to face music and be victimized. The junior, on the advice of his advocate, is compelled to change his statement.

The junior refuses to identify Jones and a mere theft case turns into robbery against Jones. On this Jones pleads and says:

“Well, I do, and my words as good as yours.”

Jones tries to make the Justice know about the stealing of the lady’s purse but the judge turns his plea down:

“You ask him wot made him take the lad’s (purse)”

Despite being innocent, Mrs. Jones is accused of stealing the box and in the end she is fired from her job. A maid accused of stealing is hard to be employed anywhere. This is the tragic end of the story where the head of the family is imprisoned and the money earner of the family is fired whereas the rich, Junior Barthwich is freed with esteem.

“He who commits injustice is ever more wretched than he who suffers it.”

This end shows that the judgment was unfair because having committed the same crime, Junior barthwich if freed on the other hand the poor fellow, Jones is sentenced for one month imprisonment as he is from the lower class of the society.

“Law grinds the poor and rich man rule the world.”

Q.15: What does Ernestine think about property, outward success, luxury and war?

Ans. Albert Einstein in the opening lines of the lesson discussed the cause, which is behind the creation and the actual purpose of mankind. He stressed that everyone should be aware of the social responsibilities and should do something in return for the society. He stresses on the life with an object and highly condemns a life without any object. Money, ease and luxury – ordinary objects of human endeavour – are worthless to him.

Einstein believed in democracy and in the freedom of the individual. He pleads to “Let every man be respected as an individual and no one idolized”. Though he himself has been idolized in his own life – time, yet he has never appreciated it. The reason why some people become idolized as leaders is to be found in man’s desire to follow. Self abasement is as strong an impulse in man as ‘self-assertion. Of course, it is quite necessary for the success of every plan that one man should do the thinking and directing, and in general, bear the responsibility. But the led must not be compelled. They should be given freedom, to choose their leaders without any external pressure. A system afforded leadership is bound to fail after some time, and hence, to end. The reason is that force always attracts men of low morality, and Einstein believes, that fools always succeed tyrants. Thus, Einstein that the thing, that has brought discredit to the prevailing form of democracy in Europe, is not to be laid at the democratic idea as such, but to the lack of stability on the part of leaders and their governments. Thus, unless provisions are made for a free choice, the democratic system is sure to change into autocracy. Einstein believes that the interest of the individual should be respected, and that it should not be sacrificed for the interest of the state. To him the really valuable thing in human life seems to be not the state but the creative individual, the personality. It alone creates the noble and the sublime. While the herd as such remains dull in thought and in feelings’. Einstein regards class differences as contrary to justice, and, in the last resort, based on force. He believes that human nature is always against wars, and that had the sound sense of nations not been spoiled though schools and the pres, this curse would heave disappeared from the world long ago. Einstein blames the commercial and political motives of interested nations for the propaganda in favour of war. In this view the greatest agencies working for this propaganda have been the educational institution and the press, which are controlled by warmongers.

According to Einstein, the since of wonder forms the first experience of man’s life. Those who are attracted by the mysteries of life are no better than dead. The experience of mystery is the basis of all arts, sciences and religious in the world. Einstein says that he is deeply aware of the hidden forces in the universe and is always trying to understand them. It is only in this sense that he calls himself a religious man. He dose not believe in a God who rewards or punishes; nor dose he believe in life after death. He thinks that such views can satisfy only those people who have a week will power.

“Science 2005?

Q.16: Why did the man kill Mrs. Oakentubb? Was he right or wrong? Give reasons for your answers. 10

Ans. “Twenty Minutes with Mrs. Oakentubb” is an effective, sensational and extremely absorbing little piece of melo-drama. It may be noted that melo-drama is a kind of drama whose end is sweet along with the murder of the evildoer. The cunning lady, Mrs. Oakentubb, is the evildoer of the play, who has killed two innocent pedestrians when she drives unlawfully fast to accomplish her bet. For her act of brutality, she receives a light sentence of 18 months imprisonment, as there was no eyewitness. The head of the family, who is out of the city, when the lady kills his wife and little daughter in the road accident. No sooner does he get himself freed from army, returns to the country to avenge the lady as he assumes the punishment as contrary to justice.

“Punishment should be appropriate to the crime”

The man strictly believes in true justice and wants fairness in decisions. Years ago, when his wife and daughter were killed, he was in engaged in the Korean war and could not get himself freed even to take part in the their funeral. His wish being alive has diminished since their death. But the chance meeting with the Korean girl, who looks him as her daughter who was killed by the bloodless lady. The meeting inflates avenge in him and he comes back to the country and starts interrogating the accident after years.

During his investigation, he finds out that it was not an accident but rather a murder as the lady herself admitted to her council that she had the victims before the smash. He takes out the necessary information such as the address and details about the lady and finds her newspaper file photograph. As years have passed, the lady is bound to be apparently different from the file photo.

During his chase, in finds her in the waiting room of the country railway junction. Both are in wait of the express train scheduled to arrive at 2100 hours. There are twenty minutes in the arrival of the express train. First the man fails to identify the lady as Mrs. Oaketubb but the label on the lady’s suitcase makes him believe that the lady may be the same or at least has some relation with her. There starts a cat rat game between then. The successfully plays part and pretends herself as another lady who is familiar with Mrs. Oakentubb. But her attitude towards him: avoiding him at many points and her being scared needlessly make him think that she is the lady he is looking for.

As the lady has deliberately killed his wife and daughter, therefore, she deserves the same punishment. In addition to that despite knowing that she has intentionally killed them, she veils it as an accident and clearly escapes from a capital punishment – she deserved for.

Keeping in view the above points, it is clear that the lady, Mrs. Oakentubb was by nature a cunning lady who threw dust into the eyes of the court of law. She deserves to be hanged if not killed by the man.

Q.17: “The Day the Dam Broke” is a good example of thurber’s sardonie but affectionate view of human behaviour. Comment. 10

Ans. The Day the Dam Broke is an amusing, entertaining but condemnable story reflecting the mob mentality, which blindly and insensibly follows what is going around.

“The mob has many heads but no brains”.

(Rivarol)

The author in the story depicts a real incident of his childhood when the people of his town reacted insensibly on hearing an alarming rumour of the breaking of the Ohio River dam. The rumour brings a panic to he entire town and the normal living gets disturbed completely. The geographical location of the author’s city is such that its western side is adjacent to the Ohio river and is in deep steep. The public common perception was that as the western side was in steep that was why it was totally unsafe being there. So rushed towards the eastern side which being at the higher side could be a safer option. Their running in the form of streams, taking refuge at the higher places at the eastern side, shouting and, screaming was all, what which gave birth to a wild panic.

“Panic is the stampede of our self possession”.

The author recalls the incident as an incident that he readily wants to forget at any rate. He says though it was a two-hour-incident yet its effects lasted for more than twenty years. The experience exposed the moral and demoralizing features prevailed in the society there.

The restoration of the normal situation was a hard task as the panic had spread to the every corner of the town. As the people were thinking it their responsibility to warn the others of the danger o f the flood that was why it kept increasing like a grassfire. When the situation was tried to be controlled by the army, it first worsened it; as the people misunderstood their announcement of “The dam has not broken” to be as “The dam has NOW broken”.

In addition to this it was hard for them to believe that the breaking of the dam news was merely a rumour and they thought it as a joke. But continuous announcement from the law enforcing agencies and seeing no signs of the on coming water helped restore the situation but not more than two hours before.

“How much have cost the evils that never happened”.

Commerce (Regular & Private) 2004

Q.18: Pakistan and the Modern World” is an admirable exposition of the creation of Pakistan. Discuss to bring out the wisdom contained in the
lesson. 10

Ans. The lesson “Pakistan and the modern world” basically surrounds three or four main ideas that are the justification of the creation and demand of Pakistan; removing the prevailing misconceptions about Pakistan; its importance with respect to Asia and the entire world. The justification of Pakistan moves solely around the Hindu Muslim differences which for far more deep than considered.

The sole idea of his all speeches was to make the American realize of the ideology of Pakistan, justification of the creation of Pakistan, its importance in the Asian and the world’s affairs and finally its role as a peace friendly nation for the whole world around.

During his discussion on all the above points, he gives his ideas on freedom. He says that common perception of freedom is that when there is no foreign power ruling over the country; the country is said to be free and this phenomenon is called freedom. Whereas according to him, the same is idea an obsolete one and it is contradictory to the sole concept underlying freedom. He says that as long as the nation is found sunk in illiteracy and ignorance and away from education, it cannot be said free despite the nation is considered free in the international circle. It is something what which glitters but not gold.

“Better be unborn than untaught, for ignorance is the root of is fortune”.

(Plato)

The other important feature, according to Liaquat Ali Khan, if misses, deprives the nation of being free despite called free. It is the in-completion and non-fulfilling of their desires, basic needs such as bread, shelter, protection, an honorable service and status and their little hopes. Without these the life of the common man and woman seems dull and empty and it cannot be assumed as a free life.

If the nation is found struggling with wide spread diseases with either no or insufficient support from the government, the nation is supposed to be enslaved and it cannot be accepted as a free nation as the basis human rights violation is there.

The above proves that he was the true speaker for Pakistan whose services are simply unforgettable for the nation.

Q.19: How does the one-sided friendship between Hans and the Miller and in tragedy?

Ans. “The Devoted Friend” is a true example one-sided friendship. The two characters of the story are rich Miller and the little Hans. The rich Miller like his name could mill the others in his floor mill. He was highly self-centered, cunning and shrewd. His each and every action proved that he was NOT the true friend of the little. Hans except his oily tongue. It was his oily and sweet tongue, which always spoke kind words to Hans and kept spreading a net of feigned friendship around him. The miller always exploited his true and innocent friend Hans who believed him to be the devoted of all and in no practically helped him.

The Miller’s concept and philosophy of friendship was very strange and curious. It was not based on equal and justified footings. He impressed simple Hans by his queer philosophy on friends and friendship. He tempted the Little Hans that he could have the same philosophy and perceptions provided he followed the path and the steps marked by him, the Miller.

Following are the few incidents of the story which explain that the Miller was none but an exploiter of the simplicity and innocence of the little Hans:

Once it so happened that the Miller went to see Hans after the winter season. Hans was very much pleased to see the Miller. The Miller enquired after hans told him that he had a very hard time during the winter season and that he had to sell his silver buttons, silver chain and the wheelbarrow. No he hoped to buy them back after selling the flowers.

The Miller as usual wanted to have a basket full of flowers. But this time Hans felt sorry for that. The Miller promised to give him his wheel barrow, although it was out of order. At this, Hans felt much pleased. Hans told him that he had a plank with which he would be able to repair the wheelbarrow. Hearing this, the Miller decided to take advantage of the situation. He said that there was a hole in the roof of his barn, and that he himself was in need of a plank to mend it. Hans gave him the plank and the Miller got his roof repaired on the pretext of giving Hans his wheel-barrow directed towards Jones and he should be the one to face music and be victimized. The junior, on the advice of his advocate, is compelled to change his statement.

The junior refuses to identify Jones and a mere theft case turns, into robbery against Jones. On this Jones pleads and says:

“Well, I do, and my words as good as yours”.

Jones tries to make the Justice know about the stealing of the lady’s purse but the judge turns his plea down:

“You ask him wot made him take the lad’s (purse)”.

Despite being innocent, Mrs. Jones is accused of stealing the box and in the end she is fired from her job. A maid accused of stealing is hard to be employed anywhere. This is the tragic end of the story where the head of the family is imprisoned and the money earner of the family is fired whereas the rich, Junior Barthwick is freed with esteem.

“He who commits injustice is ever more wretched than he who suffers it”.

This end shows that the judgment was unfair because having committed the same crime, Junior barthwick is freed on the other hand the poor fellow. Jones is sentenced for one month imprisonment as he is from the lower class of the Society.

“Law grinds the poor and rich man rule the world”.

Q.21: What reasons do we have to say the Miller was a selfish person and was the worst the example of his selfish nature? 10

Ans. The rich Miller like his name could mill the others in his floor mill. He was highly self-centered, cunning and shrewd. His each and every action proved that he was NOT the true friend of the little Hans except his oily tongue. It was his oily and sweet tongue, which always spoke kind words to Hans and kept spreading a net of feigned friendship around him. The Miller always exploited his true and innocent friend Hans who believed him to be the devoted of all and in no practically helped him.

The Miller’s concept and philosophy of friendship was very strange and curious. It was not based on equal and justified footing. He impressed simple Hans by his queer philosophy on friends and friendship. He tempted the Little Hans that he could have the same philosophy and perceptions provided he followed the path and the steps marked by him, the Miller.

Following are the few incidents of the story. Which explain that the Miller was a selfish person and was the worst the example of his selfish nature:

Once it so happened that the Miller went to see Hans after the winter season. Hans was very much pleased to see the Miller. The Miller inquired after Hans told him that he had a very hard time during the winter season and that he had to sell his silver buttons, silver chain and the wheelbarrow. Now he hoped to buy them back after selling the flowers.

The miller as usual wanted to have a basket full of flowers. But this time Hans felt sorry for that. The Miller promised to give him his wheel – barrow, although it was out of order. At this, hans felt much pleased. Hans told him that he had a plank with which he would be able to repair the wheelbarrow. Hearing this, the Miller decided to take advantage of the situation. He said that there was a hole in the roof of his barn, and that he himself was in need of a plank to mend it. Hans gave him the plank and the Miller got his roof repaired on the pretext of giving Hans his wheel – barrow.

The Miller also used Hans as a porter. He made him carry a sack of flour to the market under the pressure of his promised kindness of handing a wheelbarrow to him. Hans obeyed him silently. He also asked him to work as a goatherd and even took him to his mill as a laborer if one of them of was absent or he needed extra work to be done.

Finally, one night the cruel Miller came to Hans and told him that his son had fallen from a ladder. He sent Hans to call the doctor. It was a stormy night and it rained heavily when Hans went to call the doctor. He reached the Doctor’s house and asked him to rush to the house of the Miller to help his son. But while coming back. Hans drowned in a pool of water, and his dead body was taken out of the pool in the morning.

The misearable end of the little hans reminds us:

“A friend in need is a friend indeed”.

Q.22. What were the differences between the Hindus and the Muslims that led to the creation of Pakistan? 10

Ans. The lesson “Pakistan and the modern world” basically surrounds three of four main ideas tat are the justification of the creation and demand of Pakistan; removing the prevailing misconceptions about Pakistan; it importance with respect to Asia and the entire world. The justification of Pakistan moves solely around the Hindu Muslim differences which for far more deep than considered.

Following are the priority wise differences, which led to the creation of Pakistan:

* The first and foremost difference between the two peoples was based upon religious beliefs and core values. The Muslims were believers in one God. Monotheists, whereas the Hindua believed in a number of gods, polytheists, numbering up to seven different gods. The Hindus didn’t have any belief in the Old Testament nor the Prophet of Arabia, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.W).

* The other differences sprouted from the core beliefs or simply they were the derivatives of religious beliefs. The most important one was that the Hindus believed in caste system consisting of four different castes. The difference between the upper caste and the lowest caste was truly inhuman and even disgusting. The Muslims were on contrary had neither such hierarchy levels nor superior and inferior castes. They considered all the Muslims as brothers.

* The Hindus’ economical infrastructure was totally different than that of the Muslims. It rested upon interest (Riba) strictly prohibited (haram) in the Muslims core values.

* The Muslims had strong belief in the right of private ownership whether man or woman. The Hindus had no such system. In addition to this, there were perfect quantitative laws of inheritance whereas the Hindus community was devoid of them.

* The Hindus believed in the multiplication and augmentation of money with the money itself. Whereas multiplication of money with the help of money was considered as strictly forbidden.

Commerce (Regular & Private) 2004

Q.23: Show that Hugh the Miller was a selfish person by giving examples from the story of “The Devoted Friend”. 10

Ans. The rich Miller like his name could mill the others in his floor mill. He was highly self-centered, cunning and shrewd. His each and very acton proved that he was NOT the true friend of the little Hans except his oily tongue. It was his oily and sweet tongue, which always spoke kind words to hans and kept spreading a net of feigned friendship around him. The Miller always exploited his true and innocent friend Hans who believed him to be the devoted of all and in no practically helped him.

The Miller’s concept and philosophy of friendship was very strange and curious. It was not based on equal and justified footing. He impressed simple Hans by his queer philosophy on friends and friendship. He tempted the Little Hans that he could have the same philosophy and perceptions provided he followed the path and the steps marked by him, the Miller.

Once it so happened that the Miller went to see Hans after the winter season. Hans was very much pleased to see the Miller. The Miller inquired after Hans told him that he had a very hard time during the winter season and that he had to sell his silver buttons, silver chain and the wheelbarrow. Now he hoped to buy them back after selling the flowers.

The Miller as usual wanted to have a basket full of flowers. But this time Hans felt sorry for that. The Miller promised to give him his wheel – barrow, although it was out of order. At this, Hans felt much pleased. Hans told him that he had a plank with which he would be able to repair the wheelbarrow. Hearing this, the Miller decided to take advantage of the situation. He said that there was a hole in the roof of his barn, and that his himself was in need of a plank to mend it. Hans gave him the plank and the Miller got his roof repaired on the pretext of giving Hans his wheel – barrow.

The Miller also used Hans as a porter. He made him carry a sack of flour to the market under the pressure of his promised kindness of handing a wheelbarrow to him. Hans obeyed him silently. He also asked him to work as a goatherd and even took him to his mill as a laborer if one of them of was absent or he needed extra work to be done.

Finally, one night the cruel Miller came to Hans and told him that his son had fallen from a ladder. He sent Hans to call the doctor. It was a stormy night and it rained heavily when Hans went to call the doctor. He reached the Doctor’s house and asked him to rush to the house of the Miller to help his son. But while coming back, Hans drowned in a pool of water, and his dead body was taken out of the pool in the morning.

The miserable end of the little Hans reminds us:

“A friend in need is a friend indeed”.

Q.24: Act III of the Silver Box, exposes the British System of justice. Which only punishes the poor. Do you agree? Give reason for your opinion. 10

Ans. In the drama The Silver Box, there are two families: one is a rich family whose head is Mr. Barthwick who is a member of parliament whereas the other is a poor family that of whose is Mr. James Jones. He is a society smitten man as he has been out of work for the last couple of months and no contribution is offered to him from any of his associates to help him to survive with his family comprising of his three children and a wife. He search for the job is on but for the survival of the family his wife. Jane Jones, takes the responsibility on her shoulders and starts to work as a maid. She is employed at the House of the MP, Mr. Barthwick. This is the beginning of their bad luck; which lasts for the rest of their life.

“Misfortunes always come in by a door that has been left open for them”.

Junior barthwick, the son of the MP, has been out late for his daily activities and under the influence of wine he steals a lady’ purse and returns to his home at late night. When he comes back and tries to open the lock of his door, he is so intoxicated that he is hardly able to open it. Jones, who is in the vicinity, seeing this comes forward to help him. The junior in order to compensate for his curtsey takes him into his house and offers him wine and smoke. He further offers him to take anything whatever please him. Jones after drinking a lot leaves the house under liquor and takes with the silver box and the purse stolen by the junior. Upon inquiry of the stealing the silver box, Mrs. Jones is supposed to be responsible for all the mishap. When the police radi her house, box is found from there.

Here the author says that crimes of both the junior and Jones are same but their social position is different. The Junior’s father an MP, when comes to know that his son has been involved in a theft incidents, makes his best to take his son out of the trail. He advises his counsel, Roper, to present the story in such a way all the consequences are directed towards Jones and he should be the one to face music and be victimized. The junior, on the advice of his advocate, is compelled to change his statement.

The junior refuses to identify Jones and a mere theft case turns into robbery against Jones. On this Jones pleads and says:

“Well, I do, and my words as good as yours”.

Jones tries to make the Justice know about eh stealing of the lady’s purse but the judge turns his plea down:

“You ask him wot made him take the lad’s (purse)”.

Despite being innocent, Mrs. Jones is accused of stealing the box and in the end she is fired from her job. A maid accused of stealing is hard to be employed anywhere. This is the tragic end of the story where the head of the family is imprisoned and the money earner of the family is fired whereas the rich, Junior Barthwick is freed with esteem.

“He who commits injustice is ever more wretched that he who suffers it”.

This end shows that the judgment was unfair because having committed the same crime. Junior Barthwick is freed on the other hand the poor fellow, Jones is sentenced for one month imprisonment as he is from the lower clas of the society.

“Law grinds the poor and rich man rule the world”

Q.25: Narrate some interesting events of “The Day the Dam Broke”. 10

Ans. The Day the Dam Broke is an amusing, entertaining but condemnable story reflecting the mob mentality, which blindly and insensibly follows what is going around.

“The mob has many heads but no brains”.

(Rivarol)

The author in the story depict a real incident of his childhood when the people of his town reacted insensibly on hearing an alarming rumour of the breaking of the Ohio River dam. The rumour brings a panic to the entire town and the normal living gets disturbed completely. The geographical location of the author’s city is such that its western side is adjacent to the Ohio River and is in deep steep. The public common perception was that as the western side was in steep that was why it was totally unsafe being there. So rushed towards the eastern side which bring at the higher side could be a safer option. Their running in the form of streams, taking refuge at the higher places at the eastern side, shouting and, screaming was all, what which gave birth to a wild panic.

“Panic is the stampede of our self possession”.

Following are the some interesting incidents form the story:

* The author was at home with his family when people started streaming his street shouting go east and finding refuge. When the author’s mother realized the situation. She immediately thought of fleeing from the home but the grandfather became an obstacle in the escape as his opinion about the panic was truly based upon a deep misconception. Finding no way to got out they had toe make their grandfather unconscious by striking an iron board on his head. This how they remained successful in fleeing the house and saving their lives.

* People were gathering in the stream from every corner of the city and the stream was getting thicker and thicker gradually. Mixing of army and other law enforcement agencies produced colours in the streams as they were in uniforms of different colours.

* When the author’s aunt was in a movie theatre, there happened a strange incident. It so happened that an early man sitting near the aunt mumbled something and went upto the aisle like a dog trout. This startled everybody and people in-groups raised from their seats to watch the amazing scene. Meanwhile a small lady taking the situation as a panic shouted for “fire”. This made the situation extremely chaotic in theatre.

Arts (Regular & Private) 2004

Q.26: Liaqat Ali Khan was a true representative of our country. Prove this statement by referring to the lesson “Pakistan and the Modern World”.

Ans. The first prime minister of Pakistan, Liaquat Ali Khan, on his visit to the USA, makes speeches before the highly qualified and educated American nation. The sole idea of his all speeches was to make the American realize of the ideology of Pakistan justification of his all speeches was to make the American realize of the ideology of Pakistan, justification of the creation of Pakistan, its importance in the Asian and the World’s affairs and finally its role as a peace friendly nation for the whole world around.

During his discussion on all the above points, he gives his ideas on freedom. He says that common perception of freedom is that when there is no foreign power ruling over the country; the country is said to be free and this phenomenon is called freedom. Whereas according to him, the same is idea an obsolete one and it is contradictory to the sole concept underlying freedom. He says that as long as the nation is cfuond sunk in illiteracy and ignorance and away from education, it cannot be said free despite the nation is considered free in the international circle. It is something what which glitters but not gold.

“Better be unborn than untaught, for ignorance is the root of is fortune”.

(Plato)

The other important feature, according to Liaquat Ali Khan, if misses, deprives the nation of being free despite being called free. It is the in-completion and non-fulfilling of their desires, basic needs such as bread, shelter, protection, an honorable service an status and their little hopes. Without these the life of the common man and woman seems dull and empty and it cannot be assumed as a free life.

If the nation is found struggling with wide spread diseases with either no or insufficient support fro the government, the nation is supposed to be enslaved and it cannot be accepted as a free nation as the basis human rights violation is there.

The above proves that he was the true speaker for Pakistan whose services are simply unforgettable for the nation.

Q.27: Compare Hugh with the Hans in the story “The Devoted Friend”.

Ans. The rich Miller like his name could mill the other sin his floor mill. He was highly self-centered, cunning and shrewd. His each and every action proved that he was NOT the true, friend of the little Hans except his only tongue. It was his only and sweet tongue, which always spoke kind words to Hans and kept spreading a net of leigned friendship around him. The Miller always exploited his true and innocent friend Hans who believed him to be the devoted of all and in no practically helped him.

The Miller’s concept and philosophy of friendship was very strange and curious. It was not based on equal and justified footing. He impressed simple Hans by his queer philosophy on friends and friendship. He tempted the Little Hans that he could have the same philosophy and perceptions provided he followed the path and the steps marked by him, the Miller.

Following are the few incidents of the story which explain that the Miller was none but an exploiter of the simplicity and innocence of the little Hans:

Once it so happened that the Miller went to see Hans after the winter season. Hans was very much pleased to see the Miller. The miller inquired after hans told him that he had a very hard time during the winter season and that he had to sell his silver buttons, silver chain and the wheelbarrow. Now he hoped to buy them back after selling the flowers.

The Miller as usual wanted to have a basket full of flowers. But this time Hans felt sorry for that. The miller promised to give him his wheel – barrow, although it was out of order. At this, Hans felt much pleased. Hans told him that he had a plank with which he would be able to repair the wheelbarrow. Hearing this, the Miller decided to take advantage of the situation. He said that there was a hole in the roof of his barn, and that he himself was in need of a plank to mend it. Hans gave him the plank and the Miller got his roof repaired on the pretext of giving Hans his wheel – barrow.

The Miller also used Hans as a porter. He made him carry a sack of flour to the market under the pressure of his promised kindness of handing a wheelbarrow to him. Hans obeyed him silently. He also asked him to work as a goatherd and even took him to his mill as a laborer if one of them of was absent or he needed extra work to be done.

Finally, one night the cruel Miller came to Hans and told him that his son had fallen from a ladder. He sent hans to call the doctor. It was a stormy night and it rained heavily when Hans went to call the doctor. He reached the Doctro’s house and asked him to rush to the house of the Miller to help his son. But while coming back, Hans drowned in a pool of water, and his dead body was taken out of the pool in the morning.

The miserable end of the little Hans reminds us:

“A friend in need is a friend indeed”.

Pre-Engineering 2003

Q.28: Hugh, the rich Miller, was the true friend of the Little Hans. Yes or No? Give reasons.

Ans. The rich Miller like his name could mill the others in his floor mill. He was highly self-centered, cunning and shrewd. His each and every action proved that he was NOT the true friend of the little Hans except his oily tongue. It was his oily and sweet tongue, which always spoke kind words to Hans and kept spreading a net of feigned friendship around him. The Miller always exploited his true and innocent friend Hans who believed him to be the devoted of all and in no practically helped him.

The Miller’s concept and philosophy of friendship was very strange and curious. It was not based on equal and justified footing. He impressed simple Hans by his queer philosophy on friends and friendship. He tempted the Little Hans that he could have the same philosophy and perceptions provided he followed the path and the steps marked by him, the Miller.

Following are the few incidents of the story which explain that the Miller was none but an exploiter of the simplicity and innocence of the little Hans:

Once it so happened that the Miller went to see Hans after the winter season. Hans was very much pleased to see the Miller. The Miller enquired after Hans told him that he had a very hard time during the winter season and that he had to sell his silver buttons, silver chain and the wheelbarrow. Now he hoped to buy them back after selling the flowers.

The Miller as usual wanted to have a basket full of flowers. But this time Hans felt sorry for that. The Miller promised to give him his wheel – barrow, although it was out of order. At this, Hans felt much pleased. Hans told him that he had a plank with which he would be able to repair the wheelbarrow. Hearing this, the Miller decided to take advantage of the situation. He said that there was a hole in the roof of his barn, and that he himself was in need of a plank to mend it. Hans gave him the plank and the Miller got his roof repaird on the pretext of giving Hans his wheel-barrow.

The Miller also used Hans as a porter. He made him carry a sack of flour to the market under the pressure of his promised kindness of handing a wheelbarrow to him. Hans obeyed him silently. He also asked him to work as a goatherd and even took him to his mill as a laborer if one of them of was absent or he needed extra work to be done.

Finally, one night the cruel Miller came to Hans and told him that his son had fallen from a ladder. He sent Hans to call the doctor it was a stormy night and it rained heavily when Hans went to call the doctor. He reached the Doctor’s house an asked him to rush to the water, and his dead body was taken out of the pool in the morning.

The miserable end of the little Hans reminds us:

“A friend in need is a friend indeed.”

Q.29: Bertrand Russell thinks that the nations of Asia will not find it hard to 1 protect their independence. Do you agree? Give reasons for your answers.

Ans. The outstanding thinker and matchless writer of his time, Bertrand Russell – a philanthropist – had deep sympathics & high regards for the reawaking nations of Asia. After the Second World War, the two new blocs emerged in the world: the American & Russian Bloc. There was bitter hostility between these two blocs and this hostility led the way towards disastrous. The second world war (1939 – 1945) had made the world weak and vulnerable. People were afraid of the outbreak of a new World War and the world could not sustain of the same. The only hope remained there was the new influence of uprising and reawakening nations who were destined to play a decisive role in the international scenario.

But subjection of the past four to five hundred years had outdistanced the east and the Asian countries and they were bound to follow the footsteps of the West in the name of science & Technology. The author believes that in order to place themselves at an elevated position and be independent, the reawakening nations of the East’ should not blindly follow the footsteps of the West. They need to understand the value of their ancient and glorious culture and should not allow themselves to copy the western culture. Despite being a European, he admits that the culture of the East is ancient and glorious whereas that of the same for the Western world is not so inspiring. He says it is the potential capacity of their inherited culture, which can save and make them withstand against the worst form of Western Culture. Adhering to cultural and moral values is the only way, which can save them from another domination of the western world.

“The foundation of culture is at the moral sentiment”.

(Emerson)

He advises the reawakening nations of Asia that independence for the sake of mere independence should not be the aim and objective. And according to him independence from a foreign domination is an outworn idea as no action can truly be free and independent of its cultural values are ceased. He admonishes the Eastern countries that they could preserve their independence, solidarity and integrity provided they don’t become the part neither American nor Russian bloc. As in this way, they may not experience the cumulative interest of the bloc and will gang their own gate.

He advises them they should be optimistic and should see the bright side of the Western conquests but they need not follow the blunders the West has committed. The West has attained the heights of the progress and prosperity in all walks of life but on the other hand its tendency towards the mass destructive weapons is an open secret and the love of power over other human beings. The author assumes that the downfall of the West is mainly because of the same. In connection of the same, the author refrains the Eastern nations to avoid such temptations and advises them to adopt the way of peace along with the struggle towards prosperity.

Q.30: In what ways the Act III of “The Silver Box” criticizes the British Society? Discuss in detail.

Ans. John Galsworthy, the author of the story “The Silver Box” is known as one of the greatest philosophers and advocates of socialism. His most of the dramas like The Silver Box present the real and true picture of the cultured British Society which looks to claim of having balanced rights for every individual belonging to any status of the society. He unveils a very delicate issued of the society that like every society; British Society follows the principal of “might is right” and has its sympathies with those who are might and influential but not those who are right.

“Law grinds the poor and rich man rule the world”.

In the drama The Silver Box, there are two families: one is a rich family whose head is Mr. Barthwick who is a member of parliament whereas the other is a poor family that of whose is Mr. James Jones. He is a society – smitten man as he has been out of work for the last couple of months and no contribution is offered to him from any of his associates to help him to survive with his family comprising of his three children and a wife. He search for the job is on but for the survival of the family his wife, Jane, Jones, takes the responsibility on her shoulders and starts to work as a maid. She is employed at the House of the MP, Mr. Barwick. This is the beginning of their bad luck, which lasts for the rest of their life.

“Misfortunes always come in by a door that has been left open for them”.

Junior Barthwick, the son of the MP, has been out late for his daily activities and under the influence of wine he steals a lady’s purse and returns to his home at late night. When he comes back and tries to open the lock of his door, he is so intoxicated that he is hardly able to open it. Jones, who is the vicinity, seeing this comes forward to help him. The junior in order to compensate for his curtsey takes him into his house and offers him wine and smoke. He further offers him to take anything whatever pleases him. Jones after drinking a lot leaves the house under liquor and takes with the silver box and the purse stolen by the junior. Upon inquiry of the stealing the silver box, Mrs. Jones is supposed to be responsible for all the mishap. When the police raid her house, box is found from there.

Here the author says that crimes of both the junior and Jones are same but there social position is different. The junior’s father, an MP, when comes to know that his son has been involved in a theft incidents, makes his best to take his son out of the trial. He advises his counsel, Roper, to present the story in such a way all the consequences are directed towards Jones and he should be the one to face music and be victimized. The junior, on the advice of his advocate, is compelled to change his statement.

The junior refuses to identify Jones and a mere theft case turns into robbery against Jones. On this Jones pleads and says:

“Well, I do, and my words as good as yours”.

Jones tries to make the Justice know about he stealing of the lady’s purse but the judge turns his plea down:

“You ask him wot made him take the lad’s (purse)”.

Despite being innocent, Mrs. Jones is accused of stealing the box and in the end she is fired from her job. A maid accused of stealing is hard to be employed anywhere. This is the tragic end of the story where the head of the family is imprisoned and the money earner of the family is fired whereas the rich, Junior Barthwick, is freed with esteem.

“He who commits injustice is ever more wretched than he whos suffers it.”.

Pre-Medical / Commerce 2003

Q.31: Describe the moments of tension and suspense in the story “Twenty Minutes with Mrs. Oakentubb”.

Ans. “Twenty Minutes with Mrs. Oakentubb” is an effective, sensational and extremely absorbing little pieice of melo-drama. It may be noted that melo-drama is a kind of drama whose end is sweet along with the murder of the evildoer. The cunning lady, Mrs. Oakentubb, is the evildoer of the play who has killed two innocent pedestrians when she drives unlawfully fast to accomplish her bet. For her act of brutality, she receives a light sentence of 18 months imprisonment, as there was no eyewitness. The head of the family, who is out of the city, when the lady kills his wife and little daughter in the road accident. No sooner does he get himself freed from army, returns to the country to avenge the lady as he assumes the punishment as contrary to justice.

“Punishment should be appropriate to the crime”.

He finds her in the waiting room of the country railway junction. Both are in wait of the express train scheduled to arrive at 2100 Hours. There are twenty minutes in the arrival of the express train. First the man fails to identify the lady as Mrs. Oakentubb but the label on the lady’s suitcase makes him believe that the lady may be the same or at least has some relation with her. There starts a cat-rat game between them. The successfully plays part and pretends herself as another lady who is familiar with Mrs. Oakentubb. But her attitude towards him; avoiding him at many points and her being scared needlessly make him think that she is the lady he is looking for.

As the lady, Mrs. Oakentubb, has taken the life of his innocent wife and daughter in order to accomplish her bet only. That is why the man wants to kill her in the most painful way. Following are the moments of where both the tension and the suspense are at zenith:

When the man throws his coat and hat at the table, against the back wall, his glance falls over the label of the lady’s suitcase. This makes him doubtful that the lady either be herself the same lady or has some association with her. In order to ensure it, he asks her about the lady, Mrs. Judy Oakentubb, living at Satinthrope. He notices her reactions when he asks her about the same. Her starling indicates that there is something to smell rat.

When in the connecting speeches, he disclosed that he has been in hunt of the lady as he aims at avenging her the innocence death of his wife and daughter. His disclosing this brings a wave of turmoil and fear to her, as she is herself aware that it is unjust on her part. She tries her best to hide the tage at her earliest without bringing it into his notice. This is the peak of her tension and fear needlessly.

When the discussion goes on between them, he informs the lady that he aims at killing Mrs. Oakentubb soon. On her asking he conforms that this is an execution of justice for him and he wants it be done by the same night. This makes the lady extremely scared, as she is alone with him at a stormy night, with no one is in the vicinity. A slight mistake from her could make her identity unveil to him. Now she has to play a double role. At one end she tries to hide herself and the same time she persuades him to make her leave the aim of punishing and taking avenge of the lady. She tries to cool down his temper whenever it shoots. But when he advances towards her malevolently, her all acting stops and she is about to scream. But his saying that whatever he has been telling her was merely a story releases the tension.

This is how the fluctuating tension and suspense keep going on together till the evildoer meets her miserable end she derives for.

“No one can escape the consequences of his deeds”.

Q.32: Why was Jones punished and Jack was left off Scot-free in “The Silver Box”?

Ans. John Galsworthy, the author of the story “The Silver Box” is known as one of the greatest philosophers and advocates of socialism. His most of the most of the drama like The Silver Box present the real and true picture of the cultured British Society which looks to claim of having balanced rights for every individual belonging to any status of the society. He unveils a very delicate issue of the society that like every society; British Society follows the principle of “might is right” and has its sympathies with those who are mighty and influential but not those who are right.

“Law grinds the poor and rich man rules the world”.

In the drama The Silver Box, there are two families: one is a rich family whose head is Mr. Barthwick who is a member of parliament whereas the other is poor family whose head is Mr. James Jones. He is a society – smitten man as he has been out of work for the last couple of months and no contribution is offered to him from any of his associates to help him to survive with his family comprising of his three children and a wife. He search for the job is on but for the survival of the family his wife, Jane Jones, takes the responsibility on her shoulders and starts to work a maid. She is employed at the House to the MP, Mr. Barwick. This is the beginning of their bad luck, which lasts for the rest of their life.

“Misfortunes always come in by a door that has been left open for them”.

Junior Barthwich, the son of the MP, has been out late for his daily activities and under the influence of wine he steals a lady’s purse and returns home. The liquor taken in excessive quantity hampers him to unlock the door and Jones who is nearby the door helps him open the door. On account of his help, the junior takes, him into the house and offers him both smoking and drinking and falls asleep. Jones makes the most of the offer and on his way home, takes with him not only the silver box but also the lady’s pursue stolen by the junior.

Here, the author emphasizes that the nature of both the crimes is same. It means both offense based on stealing under intoxication. The junior’s father an MP, when comes to know that his son has been involved in a theft incidents, makes his best to take his son out of the trial. He advises his counsel, Roper, to present the story in such a way all the consequences are directed towards Jones and he should be the one to face music and be victimized. The junior, on the advice of his advocate and father, is compelled to change his statement.

The junior refuses to identify Jones and a mere theft case turns into robbery against Jones. On this Jone pleads and says:

“Well, I do, and my words as good as yours”.

Jones tries to make the Justice know about the stealing of the lady’s purse bu the judge turns his plea down:

“You ask him wot made him take the lad’s (purse)”.

Despite being innocent, Mrs. Jones is accused of stealing the box and in the end she is fired from her job. A maid accused of stealing is hard to be employed anywhere. This the tragic end of the story where the head of the family is fired whereas the rich, Junior Barthwick, is freed with esteem.

“He who commits injustice is ever more wretched than who suffers it”.

Humanities Group (Regular) 2003

Q.31: Why do the European historians term the centuries after the fall of the Roman Empire as “The Dark Ages” Discuss in the light of the lesson “Reflections on the Reawakening East”.

Ans. The progression of the alternation of power between the East and the West has been the part of the history since its beginning and even before. The domination of the East was unparallel since the beginning of the history but it was the non-stop conquests of Alexander The Great, which brought forward Greece as a might nation with all the flourishing features a developed nation dreams of. This domination lasted for the next seven to eight hundred years. The advent of Islam in the Arab and the wise leadership of the Muslim Caliphs provided enormous breakthroughs to them, this turned the table into the East favour. China and other countries, in the same period were rich in culture; power and tradition. Especially the T’and Dynasty provided China a flourishing platform and in the beginning of the same dynasty and its following empires kept giving China a successful status in the affairs of the World.

On the other hand, the sun of Roman Empire’s glory was about to set. The immature and unwise leadership of the Roman Empire proved to be as striking the last nail in the coffin. They got away from their religion and sank into wine and prime of the woman’s youth. The uprising Islam was an absolute menace to them and the way of their living; they tried their hardest to cope with it but their over confidence in their power and strength made them drown. Very large part of what had been the Roman ones were conquered by Islam. Their domination was clear and the missionary forces had to surrender.

Apart from Islam another menace was fast approaching to it the menace of barbarians. In those days, Christian Church had a deep influence over the people and its decision was ultimate. The abbots of the churches had the dual responsibility to educate and literate the masses. The barbarians killed almost all the abbots and thus spreading of knowledge and education stopped. Due to the massive killings of the abbots and further grooming of new ones to replace them, Europeans term the period as “The Dark Ages”. And they look justified in their statement.

But the author, Bertrand Russell, who himself was a European, totally rejects the idea and treats it as not more than a lame excuse. He says that if it were a period of darkness, there should have been darkness in the world not in Europe only. All over the world, in those areas, which were either in the control of the Muslims or the other Eastern nations, no such darkness existed there. Particularly in those parts of the Europe, which were under the missionary rules, were dark whereas the rest of the parts like Spain had a brilliant culture at the same time.

The author fully condemns calling the period as “The Dark Ages” and terms it as an unpardonable insularity of the Europeans.

Q.32: What does the James Thruber mean when he says “We were both ennobled and demoralized by the experience? Elaborate.

Ans. The Day the Dam Broke is an amusing, entertaining but condemnable story reflecting the mob mentality, which blindly and insensibly follows what is going around.

“The mob has many heads but no brains”.

(Rivarol)

The author in the story depicts a real incident of his childhood when the people of his town reacted insensibly on hearing an alarming rumour of the breaking of the Ohio River dam. The rumour brings a panic to the entire town and the normal living gets disturbed completely. The geographical location of the author’s city is such that its western side is adjacent to the Ohio River and is in deep steep. The public common perception was that as the western side was in steep that was why it was totally unsafe being there. So they rushed towards the eastern side which being at the higher side could be a safer option. Their running in the form of streams, taking refuge at the higher places at the eastern side, shouting and, screaming was all, what which gave birth to a wild panic.

“Panic is the stampede of our self possession”.

The author recalls the incident as an incident that he readily wants to forget at any rate. He says though it was a two-hour-incident yet its effects lasted on him for more than twenty years. The experience exposed the moral and demoralizing features prevailed in the society there.

He says that they were ennoble in such a way that people were seen helping, warning others to the danger and cooperating in any way. But the sense of responsibility and the daring features exhibited by his grandfather have occupied a permanent place in his memory and their splendor can never be lost. It so happened that he, the grandfather, who mistook the panic as an invasion of the Nathan Bedford Forrest Cavalry who was a rebellion group lived in the western side. He forbade all the home members of going out and escaping the home unless his sons came back brandishing his old army saber. This shows his responsibility as despite being old and weak he determined to stand up to the rebellion forces.

In the similar way they were demoralized by the experience in such a way that considering the delicacy of the incident most of the people gave in and surrendered. They lost their courage and didn’t look into the authenticity of the news and fearing lest the roaring water should sweep them where they could not come from forever burnt their remaining courage and fortitude.

Commerce & Arts Private 2003

Q.33: Is the Miller a truly devoted friend or not? Discuss with reference to the lesson “The Devoted Friend.”

Ans. The rich Miller like his name could mill the other in his floor mill. He was highly self-centered, cunning and shrewd. His each and every action proved that he was NOT the true friend of the little Hans except his oily tongue. It was his oily and sweet tongue, which always spoke kind words to Hans and kept spreading a net of feigned friendship around him. The Miller always exploited his true and innocent friend Hans who believed him to be the devoted of all and in no practically helped him.

The Miller’s concept and philosophy of friendship was very strange and curious. It was not based on equal and justified footing. He impressed simple Hans by his queer philosophy on friends and friendship. He tempted the Little Hans that he could have the same philosophy and perceptions provided he followed the path and the steps marked by him, the Miller.

Following are the few incidents of the story which explain that the Miller was none but an exploiter of the simplicity and innocence of the little Hans:

Once it is happened that he Miller went to see Hans after the winter season. Hans was very much pleased to see the Miller. The Miller enquired after Hans told him that he had a very hard time during the winter season and that he had to sell his silver buttons, silver chain and the wheelbarrow. Now he hoped to buy them back after selling the flowers.

The Miller as usual wanted to have a basket full of flowers. But this time Hans felt sorry for that. The Miller promised to give him his wheel – barrow, although it was out of order. At this, Hans felt much pleased. Hans told him that he had a plank with which he would be able to repair the wheelbarrow. Hearing this, the Miller decided to take advantage of the situation. He said that there was a hole in the roof of his barn, and that he himself was in need of a plank to mend it. Hans gave him the plank and the Miller got his roof repaired on the pretext of giving Hans his wheel – barrow.

The Miller also used Hans as a porter. He made him carry a sack of flour to the market under the pressure of his promised kindness of handing a wheelbarrow to him. Hans obeyed him silently. He also asked him to work a goatherd and even took him to his mill as a laborer if one of them of was absent or he needed extra work to be done.

Finally, one night the cruel Miller came to Hans and told him that his son had fallen from a ladder. He sent Hans to call the doctor. It was a stormy night and it rained heavily when Hans went to call the doctor. He reached the Doctor’s house and asked him to rush to the house of the Miller to help his son. But while coming back, Hans drowned in a pool of water, and his dead body was taken out of the pool in the morning.

The miserable end of the little Hans reminds us:

“A friend in need is a friend indeed”.


Q.34: How did the panic last and how was

Ans. The Day the Dam Broke is an amusing, entertaining but condemnable story reflecting the mob mentality, which blindly and insensibly follows what is going around.

“The mob has many heads but no brains”.

The author in the story depicts a real incident of his childhood when the people of his town reacted insensibly on hearing an alarming rumour of the breaking of the Ohio River dam. The rumour brings a panic to the entire town and the normal living gets disturbed completely. The geographical location of the author’s city is such that its western side is adjacent to the Ohio River and is in deep steep. The public common perception was that as the western side was in steep that was why it was totally unsafe being there. So rushed towards the eastern side which being at the higher side could be a safer option. Their running in the form of streams, taking refuge at the higher places at the eastern side, shouting and, screaming was all, what which gave birth to a wild panic.

“Panic is the stampede of our self possession”.

The author recalls the incident as an incident that he readily wants to forget at any rate. He says though it was a two-hour-incident yet its effects lasted for more than twenty years. The experience exposed the moral and demoralizing features prevailed in the society there.

The restoration of the normal situation was a hard task as the panic had spread to the every corner of the town. As the people were thinking it their responsibility to warn the others of the danger of the flood that was why it kep increasing like a grassfire. When the situation was tried to be controlled by the army, it first worsened it; as the people misunderstood their announcement of “The dam has not broken” to be as “The dam has NOW broken”.

In addition to this it was hard for them to believe that the breaking of the dam news was merely a rumour and they thought it as a joke. But continues announcement from the law enforcing agencies and seeing no signs of the on coming water helped restore the situation but not more than two hours before.

Pre-Engineering 2002

Q.35: What is the concept of freedom with Mr. Liaquat Ali Khan and how can that freedom be achieved?

Ans. The first Prime Minister of Pakistan, Liaquat Ali Khan, on his visit to the USA, makes speeches before the highly qualified and educated American nation. The sole idea of his all his speeches was to make the American realize of the ideology of Pakistan, justification of the creation of Pakistan, its importance in the Asian and the World’s affairs and finally its role as a peace friendly nation for the whole world around.

During his discussion on all the above points, he gives his ideas on freedom. He says that common perception of freedom is that when there is no foreign power ruling over the country; the country is said to be free and this phenomenon is called freedom. Whereas according to him, the same is idea an obsolete one and it is contradictory to the sole concept underlying freedom. He says that as long as the nation is found sunk in illiteracy and ignorance and away from education, it cannot be said free despite the nation is considered free in the international circle. It is something what which glitters but not gold.

“Better be unborn than untaught, for ignorance is the root of is fortune”.

(Plato)

The other important feature, according to Liaquat Ali Khan, if misses, deprives the nation of being free despite being called free. It is the incompletion and non-fulfilling of their desires, basic needs such as bread, shelter, protection, an honorable service and status and their little hopes. Without these the life of the common man and woman seems dull and empty and it cannot be assumed as a free life.

If the nation is found struggling with wide spread disease with either no or insufficient support from the government, the nation is supposed to be enslaved and it cannot be accepted as a free nation as the basis human rights violation is there.

Q.36: Discuss the author’s attitude towards human behaviour in “The Day the Dam Broke”.

Ans. The Day the Dam Broke is an amusing, entertaining but condemnable story reflecting the mob mentality, which blindly and insensibly follows what is going around.

“The mob has many heads but no brains”.

(Rivarol)

The author in the story depicts a real incident of his childhood when the people of his town reacted insensibly on hearing an alarming rumour of the breaking of the Ohio River dam. The rumour brings a panic to the entire town and the normal living gets disturbed completely. The geographical location of the author’s city is such that its western side is adjacent to the Ohio River and is in deep steep. The public common perception was that as the wester side was in steep that was why it was totally unsafe being there. So rushed towards the eastern side which being at the higher side could be a safer option. Their running in the form of streams, taking refuge at the higher plaes at the eastern side, shouting and, screaming was all, what which gave birth to a wild panic.

“Panic is the stampede of our self possession”.

The author recalls the incident as an incident that he readily wants to forget at any rate. He says though it was a two-hour-incident yet its effect lasted for more than twenty years. The experience exposed the moral and demoralizing features prevailed in the society there.

The restoration of the normal situation was a hard task as the panic had spread to the every corner of the town. As the people were thinking it their responsibility to warn the others of the danger of the flood that was why it kept increasing like a grassfire. When the situation was tried to be controlled by the army, it first worsened it; as the people misunderstood their announcement of “The dam has not broken” to be as “The dam has NOW broken”.

In addition to this it was hard for them to believe that the breaking of the dam news was merely a rumour and they thought it as a joke. But continuous announcement from the lay enforcing agencies and seeing no signs of the on coming water helped restore the situation but not more than two hours before.

“How much have cost the evils that never happened”.

(Jefferson)

Q.37: Act III of the silver Box is a powerful and bitter play which criticizes English courts. Elucidate.

Ans. John Galssworthy, the author of the story “The Silver Box” is known as one of the greatest philosophers and advocates of socialism. His most of the most of the most of the drama like. The Silver Box present the real and true picture of the cultured British Society which looks to claim of having balanced rights for every individual belonging to any status of the society. He unveils a very delicate issue of the society that like every society; British Society follows the principle of “might is right” and has its sympathies with those who are mighty and influential but not those who are right.

“Law grinds the poor and rich man rules the world”.

In the drama The Silver Box, there are two families: one is a rich family whose head is Mr. Barthwick who is a member of parliament whereas the other is a poor family whose head is Mr. James Jones. He is society – smitten man as he has been out of work for the last couple of months and no contribution is offered to him from any of his associates to help him to survive with his family comprising of his three children and a wife. He search for the job is on but for the survival of the family his wife, Jane Jones, takes the responsibility on her shoulders and starts to work a maid. She is employed at the House of the MP, Mr. Barthwick. This is the beginning of their bad luck, which lasts for the rest of their life.

“Misfortunes always come in by a door that has been left open for them”.

Junior Barthwick, the son of the MP, has been our late for his daily activities and under the influence of wine he steals a lady’s purse and returns home. The liquor taken in excessive quantity hampers him to unlock the door and Jones who is nearby the door helps him open the door. On account of his help, the junior takes him into the house and offers him both smoking and drinking and falls asleep. Jones makes the most of the offer and on his way home, takes with him not only the silver box but also the lady’s purse stolen by the junior.

Here, the author emphasizes that the nature of both the crimes is same. It means both offences based on stealing under intoxication. The junior’s father, an MP, when comes to know that his son has been involved in a theft incidents, makes his best to take his son out of the trial. He advises his counsel, Roper, to present the story in such a way all the consequences are directed towards Jones and he should be the one to face music and be victimized. The junior, on the advice of his advocate and father, is compelled to change his statement.

The junior refuses to identify Jones and a mere theft case turns into robbery against Jones. On this Jones pleads and says:

“Well, I do, and my words as good as yours”.

Jones tries to make the Justice know about the stealing of the lady’s purse but the judge turns his plea down:

“You ask him wot made him take the lad’s (purse)”.

Despite being innocent, Mrs. Jones is accused of stealing the box and in the end she is fired from her job. A main accused of stealing is hard to be employed anywhere. This the tragic end of the story where the head of the family is imprisoned and the money-earner of the family is fired whereas the rich, Junior Barthwick, is freed with esteem.

“He who commits injustice is ever more wretched than who suffers it”.

Q.38: The Devoted Friend is a story of one-sided friendship. Comment.

Ans. The rich Miller like his name could mill the others in his floor mill. He was highly self-centered, cunning and shrewd. His each and every action proved that he was NOT the true friend of the little Hans except his oily tongue. It was his oily and sweet tongue, which always spoke kind words to Hans and kept spreading a net of feigned friendship around him. The Miller always exploited his true and innocent friend Hans who believed him to be the devoted of all and in no practically helped him.

The Miller’s concept and philosophy of friendship was very strange and curious. It was not based on equal and justified footing. He impressed simple Hans by his queer philosophy on friends and friendship. He tempted the Little Hans that he could have the same philosophy and perceptions provided he followed the path and the steps marked by him, the Miller.

Following are the few incidents of the story which explain that the Miller was none but an exploiter of the simplicity and innocent of the little Hans.

Once it so happened that the Miller went to see Hans after the winter season. Hans was very much pleased to see the Miller. The Miller enquired after Hans told him that he had a very hard time during the winter season and that he had to sell his silver buttons, silver chain and the wheelbarrow. Now he hoped to buy them back after selling the flowers.

The Miller again wanted to have a basket full of flowers. But this time Hans felt sorry for that. The Miller promised to give him his wheel – barrow, although it was out of order. At this, Hans felt much pleased. Hans told him that he had a plank with which he would be able to repair the wheelbarrow. Hearing this, the Miller decided to take advantage of the situation. He said that there was a hole in the roof of his barn, and that he himself was in need of a plank to mend it. Hans gave him the plank and the Miller got his roof repaired on the pretext of giving Hans his wheel – barrow.

The Miller also used Hans as a porter. He made him carry a sack of flour to the market under the pressure of his promised kindness. Hans obeyed him silently. He also asked him to work as a goatherd and even took him to his mill as a laborer if one of them of was absent or he needed extra work to be done.

Finally, one night the cruel Miller came to Hans and told him that his son had fallen from a ladder. He sent Hans to call the doctor. It was a stormy night and it rained heavily when Hans went to call the doctor. He reached the Doctor’s house and asked him to rush to the house of the Miller to help his son. But while coming back, Hans drowned in a pool of water, and his dead body was taken out of the pool in the morning.

Q.39: In the lesson “Twenty Minutes with Mrs. Oakentubb”, the author first takes the tension and suspense at peak and then releases it. Discuss.

Ans. “Twenty Minutes with Mrs. Oakenubb” is an effective, sensational and extremely absorbing little piece of melo-drama. It may be noted that melo-drama is a kind of drama whose end is sweet along with the murder of the evildoer. The cunning lady, Mrs. Oakentubb, is the evildoer of the play who has killed two innocent pedestrians when she drives unlawfully fast to accomplish her bet. For her act of brutality, she receives a light sentence of 18 months imprisonment, as there was no eyewitness. The head of the family is out of the city, when the lady kills his wife and little daughter in the road accident. No sooner does he get himself freed from army returns to the country to avenge the lady as he assumes the punishment as contrary to justice.

“Punishment should be appropriate to the crime”.

He finds her in the waiting room of the country railway junction. Both are in wait of the express train scheduled to arrive at 2100 Hours. There are twenty minutes in the arrival of the express train. First the man fails to identify the lady as Mrs. Oakentubb but the label on the lady’s suitcase makes him believe that the lady may be the same or at least has some relation with her. There starts a cat-rat game between them. The successfully plays part and pretends herself as another lady who is familiar with Mrs. Oakentubb. But her attitude towards him; avoiding him at many points and her being scared needlessly make him think that she is the lady he is looking for.

As the lady, Mrs. Oakentubb, has taken the life of his innocent wife and daughter in order to accomplish her bet only. That is why the man wants to kill her in the most painful way. Following are the moments of where both the tension and the suspense are at zenith:

When the man throws his coat and hat at the table, against the back wall, hi glance falls over the label of the lady’s suitcase. This makes him doubtful that the lady either be herself the same lady or has some association with her. In order to ensure it, he asks her about the lady, Mrs. Judy Oakentubb, living at Satinthrope. He notices her reactions when he asks her about the same. Her starting indicates that there is something to smell rat.

When in the connecting speeches, he disclose that he has been in hunt of the lady as he aims at avenging her of the innocence death of his wife and daughter. His disclosing this brings a wave of turmoil and fear to her, as she is herself aware that it is unjust on her part. She tries her best to hide the tag at her earliest without brining it into his notice. This is the peak of her tension and fear needlessly.

When the discussion goes on between them, he informs the lady that he aims at killing Mrs. Oakentubb soon. On her asking he conforms that this is an execution of justice for him and he wants it be done by the same night. This makes the lady extremely scared, as she is alone with him at a stormy night with no one is in the vicinity. A slight mistake from her could make her identity unveil to him. Now she has to play a double role. At one end she tries to hide herself and the same time she persuades him to make her leave the aim of punishing and taking avenge of the lady. She tries to cool down his temper whenever it shoots. But when he advances towards her malevolently, her all acting stops and she is about to scream. But his saying that whatever he has been telling her was merely a story releases the tension.

This is how the fluctuating tension and suspense keep going on together till the evildoer meets her miserable end she derives for.

“No one can escape the consequences of his deeds”.

Q.40: What arguments does late Liquate Ali Khan give to justify the creation and existence of Pakistan?

OR

Give the summary of the speech made by Liquate Ali Khan before the Americans.

The matchless leader immediately after taking the charge as the First PM of Pakistan received an invitation from the USSR followed by America’s . He took the decision of going America and regretted from the USSR. During his visit to America he visited to Kansa City University where he addressed the Americans. He played a prominent role there in justifying the position of Pakistan in every aspect.

He told the people of America how and why the demand for Pakistan was made. He told that the demand was made safeguard the Muslims living in this sub-continent. Previously the Bruises rules India and there lived one hundred million Muslims in it. The Hindus formed a majority as they were three hundred millions. When India was going to win freedom, Muslims realized that even after getting their freedom they would have to live as a political minority. They knew that in united India they would be ruled by a Hindu majority; and therefore, freedom from the British would mean for them only a change of masters.

It was not only the difference of religion that made the Muslims a separate nation but also there were some other differences which separated the Muslims from the Hindus. The Hindus believed in the caste system, while the Muslims believed in the equality of all men. Their economic views were also very different. Besides, as the Hindus were much larger in number, the Muslims were very backward and the Hindu majority was sure to make them still poorer. It was crystal clear for them that their rights were going to be freezed and their social status would grow even worse.

It was for these reasons that Muslims demanded for a country of their own. The demand was a just one. There were vast areas where Muslims were in majority. They were in great number and could from a bigger than many nations of the world. There fore a separate homeland for them meant freedom and self-government. The demand for Pakistan also promised for the Hindus freedom from a big minority. It was under these circumstances that Pakistan came into bringing. If it were not so, differences between the Hindus and the Muslims would have led to un-imaginable troubles.

Q.41: What, in brief, is Einstein’s attitude to leader-ship? On what grounds does he put the individual above the state? What are his views on war and religion?

OR

Give the summary of the ideas presented by Albert Einstein in the lesson The World As I See it.

Albert Einstein in the opening lines of the lesson discussed the cause, which is behind the creation and the actual purpose of mankind. He stressed that everyone should be aware of the social responsibilities and should be something in return for the society. He stresses on the life with an object and highly condemns a life without any object. Money, ease and luxury – ordinary objects of human endeavour – are worthless to him.

Einstein believed in democracy and in the freedom of the individual. He pleads to “Let every man be respected as an individual and no one be idolized”. Though he himself has been idolized in his own life – time, yet he has never appreciated it. The reason why some people become idolized as leaders is to be found in man’s desire to follow. Self abasement it as strong an impulse in man as “self-assertion. Of Course it is quite necessary for the success of every plan that one man should do the thrinking and directing, and in general, bear the responsibility. But the led must not be compelled. They should be given freedom, to choose their leaders without any external pressure. A system afforded leadership is bound to fail after some time, and hence, to end. The reason is that force always attracts men of low morality, and Einstein believes, that fools always succeed tyrants. Thus, Einstein that the thing, that has brought discredit to the prevailing form of democracy in Europe, is not be laid at the democratic idea as such, but to the lack of stability on the part of leaders and their government. Thus, unless provisions are made for a free choice, the democratic system is sure to change into autocracy. Einstein believes that the interest of the individual should be respected, and that it should not be sacrificed for the interest of the state. To him the really valuable thing in human life seems to be not the state but the creative individual, the personality. “It alone creates the noble and the sublime. While the herd as such remain dull in though and in feelings”. Einstein regards class differences as contrary to justice, and, in the last resort, based on forced. He believes that plain living is good for every body, both physically and mentally.

Einstein believes that war is the meanest thing. He would rather be cut into a number of pieces than take part in such an evil activity. He believes that human nature is always against wars, and that had the should sense of nations not been spoiled though schools and the press, this curse would have disappeared from the world long ago. Einstein blames the commercial and political motives of interested nations for the propaganda in favour of war. In this view the greatest agencies working for this propaganda have been the educational institution and the press, which are controlled by warmongers.

According to Einstein, the since of wonder forms the first experience of man’s life. Those who are attracted by the mysteries of life are no better than dead. The experience of mystery is the basis of all arts, sciences and religious in the world. Einstein says that he is deeply aware of the hidden forces in the universe and is always trying to understand them. It is only in this sense that he calls himself a religious man. He does not believe in a God who rewards or punishes; nor dose he believe in life after death. He thinks that such views can satisfy only those people who have a weel; will power.

Q.42: What story did the Linnet tell in the lesson “The Devoted Friend”? Does the story contain any moral?

The story as told by the linnet runs briefly thus. Once upon a time there was a Miller named Hugh. He had a devoted friend, named Hans. His profession was gardening. He was a simple fellow and was always ready to help other. Hung used to take a basket full of flowers from Hans’ garden every day, while sometimes-poor Hans had to go without food. During winter Hans used to face a great deal of trouble. There were no flowers in his garden in winter. Therefore, the Miller avoided Hans, lest he should ask him for some flour on credit. This shows that the Miller was a very selfish man and simply befooled poor Hans.

Once it so happened that the Miller went to see Hans after the winder season. Hans was very much pleased to see the Miller. The Miller enquired after Hans told him that he had a very hard time during the winter season and that he had to sell his silver buttons, silver chain and the wheelbarrow. Now he hoped to buy them back after selling the flowers.

The Miller again wanted to have a basket full of flowers. But this time Hans felt sorry for that. The Miller promised to give him his wheel – barrow, although it was out of order. At this, Hans felt much pleased. Hans told him that he had a plank with which he would be able to repair the wheelbarrow. Hearing this, the Miller decided to take advantage of the situation. He said that there was a hole in the roof of his barn, and that he himself was in need of a plank to mend it. Hans gave him the plank and the Miller got his roof repaired on the pretext of giving Hans his wheel – barrow later on, the Miller also used Hans as a porter. He made him carry a sack of flour to the market under the pressure of his promised kindness. Hans obeyed him silently.

Finally, one night the cruel Miller came to Hans and told him that his son had fallen from a ladder. He sent Hans to call the doctor. It was a stormy night and Ur rained heavily when Hans went to call the doctor. He reached the Doctor’s house and asked him to rush to the house of the Miller to help his son. But while coming back, Hans was drowned in a pool of water, and his dead body was taken out of the pool in the morning.

The Moral:

The moral of the story is that it is simply inhumane to be selfish or to look after only one’s own interests at the cost of others.

Q.43: Who is the Hero of the Play “”The Devote Friend”? Write salient features of his character?


Character Sketch of Hans:

The Devoted Friend is a fine piece of satire on the one sided friendship which exists between the Miller and the little Hans. The little Hans is supposed to be the hero of the play following are the salient features of his character.

As a Kind Hearted Man:

The little Hans was indeed a kind-hearted man and he was simply incapable of seeing anyone is in distress and suffering with problems. He says:

“I can never be unfriendly for the whole world.”

Infact it is his kindness of heart that makes him popular among the reaches.

“A Kind heart is more than a coronet”.

As an Innocent Man:

The little Hans was really such an innocent fellow that the limits of innocence seem to end upon him. It was his innocence nature and blind trust on the friendship of the Miller that he never thought of getting anything in return from the Miller, as he knew that he was moving on the path of goodness and it breeds kindness and goodness.

“True innocence is ashamed of nothing.”

As a Sincere Friend:

His sincerity and faithfulness about his friendship and friend was beyond any shadow flaw and blemish. He remained true to his friendship and never betrayed till the last breath of his life and even put his life at stake when he went back to home from he doctor’s home on the land, which was full of deep holes and ditches and where he lost his life.

“Sincerity and truth are the basis of every virtue”

As a Hard Working Man:

He was indeed a hardworking man as he did everything in his garden by himself and never sought fir anyone’s help. It was his hardworking nature that Miller took an advantage and employed him even and odd jobs of his interest and fully exploited him by just putting the temptation of wheelbarrow before him.

He never said NO to Miller for any work and did patiently whatever he asked him. Once he carried a large sack of flour on his shoulder to the market almost 6 miles away.

As a Man of Patience:

He patiently tolerated whatever the Miller asked and hardly did make any complaint. He took the vehicle of friendship solely on his shoulders and never expected anything in return. He made every effort to please the Miller not for this that he would give him his wheelbarrow but merely for the sake of friendship.

“Patience is bitter; but its fruit is sweet.”

As a Man of Honour:

He was really a man of honour. Though he used to pass through great hardships in the winter season but he never went to the Miller or to anyone for help and assistance. He led the life from hand to mouth but never spread his hand for any kind of assistance whether financial or moral.

Conclusion:

In the light of the above depiction, it may be clearly inferred that the little Hans was an extremely sensitive man who has crossed the zenith of the devoted friendship even at the cost of his life. His approach towards friendship was really beyond and apart from materialistic one and the readers feel deep mourning over his miserable death with tears rolling down the cheeks.

TWENTY MINUTES WITH MRS. OAKENTUBB

By FRANK ARTHUR

Introduction:

“Twenty Minutes with Mrs. Oakentubb” is an effective, sensational and extremely absorbing little piece of melo-drama, notable for its skillful manipulation of suspense and thrill. The main theme of the poem is based on the idea of offence and revenge. The flow of suspense is maintained by the author right from the beginning of the play to the end. The play has two major characters of a lady, Mrs. Judy Oakentubb and an ex-army man.

Summary:

In the waiting room of a small railway junction, the two characters of Judy Oakentubb and “He” come across each other just by chance. The night was dark and stormy and rain remained continued throughout in action and the station presented a deserted look.

Mrs. Oakentubb had a suitcase that she had kept on the bench against the back wall. When the gentleman. “He” arrived in the room, his glance fell on the label of lady’s suitcase that bore her name. the gentlemen, “H”, who was actually in search of the killer of his wife and daughter i.e. Mr. Oakentubb, didn’t let her know that he had identified her instead he started to communicate with her to pass the twenty minutes left in the arrival of express train.

During the conversation they discussed on many topics. He also told her about the misfortune fell upon that his wife and daughter were little in a road mishap by a selfish lady, Mr. Oakentubb when she was driving fast to win a bet. He showed her his determination that the brutal act of Judy Oakentubb had persuaded him to take an avenge in this regard.

“Revenge is a kind of wild justice”

Mrs. Oakentubb got fascinated when came to know the determination of the gentleman, He, but she kept herself under control and didn’t reveal her identity to him. But afterwards the ex-soldier disclosed that she was Mrs. Oakentubb and aimed at killing her.

“Punishment should be appropriate to crime.”

Observing herself in a crucial state, the cunning lady, Mrs. Oakentubb, tried to convince him that his wife and daughter were not killed intentionally but accidentally. She started to wind a net of fine piece of acting around him and pretended herself as a conscience-smitten lady who was plainly suffering from her offence. She produced such as environment by weeping and imploring that made “He” realize that she had been suffering internally and deeply from her heartless act and couldn’t escape from the memories of that mishap. She instead of asking for her life, implored for death that according to her was a means of escaping from the mental torture.

He, observing her miserable situation, at once, decided to leave her and giving her no punishment as living with a sense of self-rapprochement was an ideal punishment for the lady.

He says,

“Yes! You are right, It would be a greater punishment to live”.

So, he left the room believing that to compel to live, her with a sense of mental torture would be a greater punishment to him. She, realizing that he had gone stopped her acting and stood as she was making fun of him. He who came to pick up his left suitcase, fired at her. She with all her cleverness fell dead.

Her cunning piece of acting remind the readers Shakespeare’s line:

“Treachery, they name is woman!”

THE DAY THE DAM BROKE

By JAMES THURBER

Introduction:

“The Day the Dam Broke’ is an amusing, interesting and entertaining short story in which writer, JAMES THURBER depicts the mob mentality with great dexterity. This short story is a good example of Thurber’s sardonic but affectionate view of human behaviour. It presents an amazing and very realistic picture of people’s unreasonable behavior on hearing an alarming rumour.

“Stuffing the ear with false report ---- (William Shakespeare)”

Summary:

The author recalls an interesting incident of his early childhood. When in 1913, he lived in the city of Columbus, situated near the Ohio river in the USA with his parents.

He states that on March 12, 1913, High Street, main trade centre, was buzzing with people, who were busy in business affairs. Then suddenly someone started to run towards Broad Street, perhaps he remembered about his meeting with the wife. Also a newsboy started running in high spirit and so on. Soon, everybody on High Street, from the Union Depot to the court house was running. Suddenly a loud mumble of ‘dam’ was heard which further turned in “The dam has broken”, this created a maladjustment in Columbus city, an alarming rumour came into existence that Ohio river had given way and the water was running towards Columbia city. Now a great confusion prevailed in the city.

The eastern side of the city is higher than the western side. Therefore, all the people began to run towards the eastern side. They were much worried and eager to leave their houses, offices and factories etc., as soon as possible and run towards east.

Many of them left car, offices and shops. Women left their children and houses with doors wide open and fire burning in kitchen. About two thousand people were abruptly in full flight, “Go east” was clarion cry, being heard everywhere.

“The mob has many heads but no brains”. ---- (Rivarol)

When the rumour began writer’s ascent was in a movie theatre. She wrote,

“When I reached grant Avenue, I was spent that Dr. H.P. Mullory passed me, there was a boy behind him on roller skates and R. Mallory mistook the swishing of the skates for some of the people covered a distance of 12 miles in order to save their lives and some climbed in trees in Franklin Park. At last the militiamen riding through the city in motor lorries announced that the news about the flood was false and that the dam had not broken. At first it was thought that the militiamen were announcing.

“The dam has now broken” thus setting an official seal of authentication on calamity. But after repeated announcements misunderstanding was removed and order was restored. The people took a sigh of relief when they heard “dam has not broken”. The people returned to their houses and started their normal business. They didn’t joke about the happenings of the day before as everyone was involved in this foolishness.

“How much have cost us the evils that never happened”. ---- (Jeferson)

THE SILVER BOX

By JOHN GALSWORTHY

Introduction:

The play “Silver Box” is written by JOHN GALSWORTHY. As a writer his greatest contribution to the philosophy of his period is his advocacy of socialism. In plays and short stories he has advocated an equitable distribution of wealth. The dramas such as “Strife” and “The Silver Box” are an effort on the part of the writer to warn the English nation that if the condition of the poor was not bettered there were every danger of civil maladjustment.

Summary:

As the third act of the play starts, the scene of a British Police Court is before us. First of all the case of two small girls is presented before the justice. On inquiry it was found that their father was out of job and their mother had broken the house, and gone away with a man in her husband’s

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