English Notes Latest Questions

  1. The play Final Solutions, written by Mahesh K. Dattani discusses the theme of communal riots, hatred and bitterness of Hindus and Muslims against each other. The plot is set in Gujarat (after the 2002 Riots). The communal hatred is at peak. It can be seen when we find Hindu mob chasing Javed and BobRead more

    The play Final Solutions, written by Mahesh K. Dattani discusses the theme of communal riots, hatred and bitterness of Hindus and Muslims against each other. The plot is set in Gujarat (after the 2002 Riots). The communal hatred is at peak. It can be seen when we find Hindu mob chasing Javed and Bobby after knowing that they are Muslims.

    Next, we also come to know other complex stories like love affair of Smita (who is a Hindu) and Bobby, Javed’s story of adopting extremist way, Ramanik’s grabbing of Javed’s land (after burning his shop) etc.

    We find that Ramanik blames Javed and his community and vice versa. But deep inside, Ramanik’s conscience does not allow him to live in peace because of the sin which he committed in the past.

    There is another issue which is discussed in the play. It is the orthodoxy which is inherited among the believers of every religion. They consider people from other communities as untouchables. Aruna’s denying Bobby and Javed from spending night at their home depicts this.

    So, throughout the play, we find ample of problems and the playwright has not given any solution. Instead, he has let the audience to decide. Hence, the final solutions are, in real, no solutions to these communal problems. We people need to know what makes us hate others.

    Read summary of this play.

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  1. Lucifer
    Best Answer
    Lucifer better to reign in hell than to serve in heaven

    The main character of the story, Rani lives in a house with her mother. She lives in a small room which is very close to the outside. She is in love with a man named Nagamandala. She is a typical Indian girl who believes in arranged marriages. She wants to get married to Nagamandala but her parentsRead more

    The main character of the story, Rani lives in a house with her mother. She lives in a small room which is very close to the outside. She is in love with a man named Nagamandala. She is a typical Indian girl who believes in arranged marriages. She wants to get married to Nagamandala but her parents do not agree to it as they fear the gossip and scandal.

    After being married to Nagamandala for some time, she finds out that he was previously married. Her parents agree to send her back to her husband however, after Rani gives birth to a baby girl, she decides to run away from her husband and leave her daughter with her parents. In the end, she meets Nagamandala again in a temple and they are married.

    The character of Rani represents the typical Indian woman who is completely dependent on her husband. The story highlights the idea that a woman should not be submissive to her husband. In this story, Rani leaves her husband because she does not want to be treated like a “slave”.

    Read summary of Nagamandala

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  1. Lucifer
    Lucifer better to reign in hell than to serve in heaven

    The poem The Thought Fox by Ted Hughes is about the journey of an idea in the mind to the verses on the paper. The poet imagines the idea in the form of a creature which is a fox, a thought fox. The thought fox starts getting closer to the poet or his imaginations. In the beginning only its nose isRead more

    The poem The Thought Fox by Ted Hughes is about the journey of an idea in the mind to the verses on the paper. The poet imagines the idea in the form of a creature which is a fox, a thought fox. The thought fox starts getting closer to the poet or his imaginations.

    In the beginning only its nose is visible, then its two eyes can be seen. As the fox moves towards the poet or in other word as the creative idea gets closer to the poet’s mind, it gets wider and deeper. The two eyes of the thought fox become one.

    Ultimately, the fox or the idea enters the dark hole of the head i.e. it comes to the mind of the poet which he writes on the paper. This type of poem is known as Metafiction.

    Read the summary of the poem here.

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  1. "Final Solutions" by Mahesh K. Dattani explores several themes that shed light on the complexities of Indian society and the impact of communal tensions. Some of the prominent themes in the play include: Communalism: The play delves into the theme of communalism, highlighting the deep-rooted prejudiRead more

    “Final Solutions” by Mahesh K. Dattani explores several themes that shed light on the complexities of Indian society and the impact of communal tensions. Some of the prominent themes in the play include:

    1. Communalism: The play delves into the theme of communalism, highlighting the deep-rooted prejudices and biases that exist between different religious communities. It explores the destructive consequences of communal tensions and the urgent need for communal harmony.
    2. Identity and Belonging: The characters in the play grapple with questions of identity and belonging, particularly in the context of their religious backgrounds. They struggle to reconcile their individual identities with the larger communal identities imposed upon them by society.
    3. Prejudice and Stereotypes: Dattani addresses the issue of prejudice and stereotypes prevalent in society. The play challenges these stereotypes by presenting complex and multi-dimensional characters who defy the narrow expectations associated with their religious backgrounds.
    4. Intergenerational Trauma: The play explores the lasting impact of historical events, such as the partition of India, on individuals and communities. It examines how the trauma of the past is transmitted across generations and shapes the present.
    5. Empathy and Understanding: Dattani emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding in overcoming communal tensions. The play suggests that true resolution can only be achieved through acceptance and a willingness to understand the perspectives of others.
    6. Power Dynamics: The play also touches upon power dynamics within communities and the manipulation of communal tensions for personal or political gain. It exposes the ways in which individuals and groups exploit communal divisions for their own interests.
    7. Memory and History: “Final Solutions” explores the role of memory and history in shaping individual and collective identities. It highlights the need to confront and acknowledge the past in order to move towards a more harmonious future.
    These themes collectively contribute to a nuanced exploration of communal tensions and the complexities of Indian society. Dattani’s play encourages introspection and calls for a more inclusive and empathetic approach to address the challenges of communalism.
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  1. Lucifer
    Lucifer better to reign in hell than to serve in heaven

    The poem uses a number of poetic devices in the poem which I will discuss briefly. Metaphor: Rose Plant in the poem is a metaphor which symbolically refers to a person who dreams to succeed. Alliteration: “the rose that”, “crack in the concrete”, “walk without”, “feet funny”, “Long live”, “when no oRead more

    The poem uses a number of poetic devices in the poem which I will discuss briefly.

    Metaphor: Rose Plant in the poem is a metaphor which symbolically refers to a person who dreams to succeed.

    Alliterationthe rose that”, “crack in the concrete”, “walk without”, “feet funny”, “Long live”, “when no one“.

    Personification: “it learned to walk without having feet”, “it learned to breathe”

    Read the summary of the poem here.

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  1. Hardika, along with Javed, is the most important characters for us to understand the psychology of people who have stereotypical notions and prejudiced thoughts about. It is also important to note that it is because of stereotypes and prejudices that people persuade themselves to commit inhumane actRead more

    Hardika, along with Javed, is the most important characters for us to understand the psychology of people who have stereotypical notions and prejudiced thoughts about. It is also important to note that it is because of stereotypes and prejudices that people persuade themselves to commit inhumane acts such as murders and riots

    Hardika has the scare of the loss that she suffered in Hussainabad by the hands of Muslims which made her prejudiced against Muslims and because of this prejudice Hardika cannot like Javed but has a favourable opinion for Bobby. The reason for her having no problem with Bobby is that she thinks Bobby is Hindu as the name suggests. Hardika and Javed are both against each other; they have no connection to each other’s problem. They suggest the common human psyche in such situations.

    Hardika and Javed are the products of a discourse in which the image of a targeted community is projected as being ‘other’, which fills people with hatred for each other. This hatred further leads to the next step of releasing the frustration caused by the toxic of hate leading to riots,–because of which they are prejudiced and have forgotten human values.

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  1. Lucifer
    Lucifer better to reign in hell than to serve in heaven

    The poem “In the Bazaars of Hyderabad” was written by Sarojini Naidu in the appreciation of her country during the time of freedom struggle of India. Sarojini Naidu was the first woman President of Indian National Congress and hence most of her poems reflect the theme of nationalism. In the poem “InRead more

    The poem “In the Bazaars of Hyderabad” was written by Sarojini Naidu in the appreciation of her country during the time of freedom struggle of India. Sarojini Naidu was the first woman President of Indian National Congress and hence most of her poems reflect the theme of nationalism.

    In the poem “In the Bazaars of Hyderabad“, which is in the form of questions and answers, the poet visits a number of sellers and asks them what they are selling and they, in turn, tell her about their products. Following are the main themes in this poem:

    India is a Rich Country

    The poet visits a number of shops and tells the readers how rich India and her culture is. From decoration items to the shroud, everything is available in India. Thus Indians should respect the richness of their country and feel proud of it. There is no such thing that they lack.

    Boycott the Use of Foreign Goods

    Another prominent theme in the poem is the emphasis on the use of native things and stop using foreign goods. During the phase of Indian Struggle against the British, the National Leaders encouraged the Indians to give up all types of foreign products so that the Indian economy may not depend on the British. Sarojini Naidu used poetry as a medium to convey and spread this message.

    Hyderabad; the Place of Her Birth

    Sarojini Naidu was born in Hyderabad and hence this poem is in the appreciation of that city.

    Read the summary of this poem here.

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  1. Lucifer
    Lucifer better to reign in hell than to serve in heaven

    One theme is about women's independence. Women should not be dependent on their husbands. They should not follow what their husbands want them to do. Women should not be treated like slaves. This story shows how a woman can live on her own and be independent. Another theme is the love between a husbRead more

    One theme is about women’s independence. Women should not be dependent on their husbands. They should not follow what their husbands want them to do. Women should not be treated like slaves. This story shows how a woman can live on her own and be independent.

    Another theme is the love between a husband and a wife. Rani is very attached to Nagamandala. He is the only one who is able to understand her feelings. He is very attached to her and his love for her never dies. But Rani’s love for him is different from Nagamandala’s love for him.

    The way Nagamandala loves Rani is by being the only one who can understand her feelings. Nagamandala does not love Rani because of any physical beauty or charm of hers. In the beginning of the film, Rani was a very beautiful girl.

    As time passes by, her beauty starts fading away. But Rani does not accept it. She says that she has always been beautiful and will always be beautiful. Her beauty is not due to any external factors. It is her inner beauty that is reflected on her face.

    Read summary of Nagamandala

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  1. Lucifer
    Lucifer better to reign in hell than to serve in heaven

    Peripeteia according to Aristotle is the moment when the fortunes of the tragic hero turns for the worse and spell the beginning of is eventual doom. In Othello, this happens in Act III. Scene III, when Othello decides to believe the lies of Iago regarding an affair between his wife Desdemona and trRead more

    Peripeteia according to Aristotle is the moment when the fortunes of the tragic hero turns for the worse and spell the beginning of is eventual doom. In Othello, this happens in Act III.

    Scene III, when Othello decides to believe the lies of Iago regarding an affair between his wife Desdemona and trusted friend Cassio, Consumed with jealousy, he chooses to trust Iago over his beloved Desdemona and her pleas of innocence.

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  1. Lucifer
    Lucifer better to reign in hell than to serve in heaven

    The tragic flaw in King Lear is Lear’s pride and arrogance. His pride forces him to make a terrible judgment call in disinheriting Cordelia, only because she finds hard to enamour him with lavish praise. He misjudges her inability to her lack of love and this sets into motion Lear’s tragic end. He iRead more

    The tragic flaw in King Lear is Lear’s pride and arrogance. His pride forces him to make a terrible judgment call in disinheriting Cordelia, only because she finds hard to enamour him with lavish praise.

    He misjudges her inability to her lack of love and this sets into motion Lear’s tragic end. He is rebuffed by his other daughters and loses his power.

    He is forced to wander the heath in terrible weather and suffers from mental breakdown. Eventually, he dies a lonesome death.

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