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Robert Browning Soliloquy of the Spanish Cloister as a Dramatic Monologue

Robert Browning is one of the important Victorian poets contemporary to Lord Alfred Tennyson. The poem Soliloquy of the Spanish Cloister is a dramatic monologue that explores the speaker’s inner conflicts of insecurities who protrudes towards Brother Lawrence. It is quite similar to Browning Fra Lippo Lippi, about a Florentine monk evident in the initial picture of him in a brother night. The poem is enriched with everyday life’s experiences where hatred, dislikes and a contempt for another individual is often a mirror of oneself. The poem acts as a mirror that reflects the reality of such life experiences and the bitter truth of the dark side of human nature. Browning explores this psychological reality of truth through his poetic verse, dramatic monologue to explode the narratives of the speaker and to establish the innocence of Brother Lawrence.

The basic characteristic of a dramatic monologue is having a speaker. The speaker in the poem is a monk who is vilifying another monk named Brother Lawrence. The dramatic monologue always gives a discourse on many range of topics through the speaker and the speaker who is a monk gives a subjective remark on Brother Lawrence’a character. The speaker’s position as a monk and his contempt for another monk shows the Victorian spirit of religious turmoil pointing out the hypocrisy that exist within religious leaders.

As a dramatic monologue, it opens with an intense action or a statement. The intensity is evident with the statement of violence and a serious contempt for Brother Lawrence. The speaker points out to him as “my heart’s abhorrence” meaning his disliked foe. The opening of the poem shows the intense atmosphere of human hatred and its emotions for Brother Lawrence. The speaker scorns Brother Lawrence who is minding his own business catering the flowers in the garden. The speaker disdainfully states that if hatred can kill a person then “ would not mine kill you”. He further curses that Brother Lawrence should burn in hell “with its flames”. The phrases in the poem highlights the magnitude of bitter emotions for Brother Lawrence magnifying the verses of a dramatic monologue.

The other characteristic feature of a dramatic monologue exhibited in the poem is the inner conflict of the speaker. The speaker’s psychological conflict is evident in his vitriol criticism towards Brother Lawrence. As he protrudes his subjective opinions against Brother Lawrence, he is indirectly mirroring his own inner demons within him. The inner conflict is a battle between the evil and the virtuous in the poem where the evil tries to masquerade himself to look religious and an embodiment of good opposing the righteousness of Brother Lawrence.

For instance, the inner conflict is evident when he dislikes Lawrence’s presence at dinner and his vitriolic reaction towards Lawrence’s “Wise talk of the kind of weather”. It shows that the speaker is projecting his own inner insecurities to demean Lawrence’s wisdom. The statement shows that the wisdom of Lawrence infuriates the speaker and he is finding ways to put it down in a negative manner. The another instance of inner conflict shows the conflict between pride and humility. Though the speaker sketches Lawrence as having pride in his personality yet is is a reflection of his own personal character. He accuses Lawrence of having his “platter burnished” to ministrant in “our own shelf” along with “fire new spoon” that he washes like it’s a religious chalice that needs to touch “our chaps” later. This accusation shows that the speaker has a pride in himself perhaps because of his status as a monk and he is indirectly projecting his prideful image onto Brother Lawrence to demean his values.

Furthermore, the inner battle between righteous and wicked is evident in the poem. The dramatic monologue brings forth the inner struggles of the speaker who is wicked and his standards of being religious is questionable. The speaker accuses Lawrence of having a wanton desires for “Dolores” and “Sanchicha” whenever they are washing their hair on the “Convent Bank”. It is evident that he is mirroring his own wanton image in the poem when he compares the hair of the woman being “lustrous, thick like horsehairs” magnifying his psychological state. It also reflects the societal observations of Victorian Age where woman are objectified easily and one observes the objectification of woman whose physical appearance is only for a male gaze. Instead of blaming on himself, he falsely accuses the wanton character into Brother Lawrence vilify his image.

There are also many instance of inner conflict in the poem where he accuses Brother Lawrence of disregarding the rules of religious ethics. He also accuses him of being selfish and heretic. These accusations falsely paints an image towards Brother Lawrence shows the speaker’s mentality and his ignorance towards religious doctrine. It shows his own arrogance, hypocrisy and jealousy towards Brother Lawrence mirroring his own character while trying to demean Lawrence.

As a dramatic monologue, it always gives a character assessment of the speaker and the speaker’s discourse on the other character. The character assessment of the speaker is based on his inner conflict who tries to demean Brother Lawrence. He accuses him of a range of reckless images that unfits the standard of being a monk. His strong distaste and a contempt towards Brother Lawrence shows the speaker’s superiority complex over Lawrence as well as his own inner insecurities. Browning has managed to show the idea of self in the poem where the speaker has created a persona of superiority complex to others yet his repressed desires or shadow floats in his infuriation and vitriol hatred towards Brother Lawrence.

Additionally, the speaker is wicked as he does not live up to the standards of being a monk. When he accuses Brother Lawrence of objectify “Dolores” and “Sanchicha”, he is indirectly mirroring his wanton character. The speaker is heretic in a sense that he does not practice the religious doctrine well. Though he accuses Lawrence of gulping down the orange juice in one go yet he is protruding himself as the wicked one who does not adhere to religious practice. The speaker is also selfish in a sense that though he accuses Lawrence of having all melons to himself while giving a portion of it to others reflects the character of the speaker himself who has done the same behaviour and action in the past.

Futhermore, the speaker has a Machiavellian personality. It is evident in the last stanza when he ironically states that he can offer his own soul to the devil but he can cunningly get out of the deal with the devil as well without the devil being realise that he has destroyed the beautiful flower “rose -acacia” that is dearest to Brother Lawrence. It clearly shows the Machiavellian traits of the speaker who ironically even talks about deceiving the devil and selling his soul to him that goes against the standards of the religious ethics.

Browning dramatic monologues also reveals the Victorian temperament in his poems. The poem Soliloquy of the Spanish Cloister reveals the Victorian era of religious conflict with the materialistic world. The poem shows how the materialistic world has engulfed in the minds of the religious leaders whose actions and behaviour goes against the religious ethics and doctrines. The religious battles and the unethical behaviour of the religious leaders reveals the Victorian age where there is an absence of religious values in the society. The objectification of a woman is also evident in the poem throwing light into the Victorian society where woman are clearly viewed as an object of desire for a male vision.

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Critical Analysis of Edgar Guest Don’t Quit Poem

Edgar Guest was one of the most celebrated British American poets. He is also accoladed as People’s Poet who wrote motivational and encouraging poems on human life experiences. The poem “Don’t Quit” explores the individual resilience towards life’s various obstacles and challenges. The poem motivates an individual to stay focused and not to yield despite the challenges thrown at one in life. The theme of the poem includes resilience and determination, positivity, optimism and perseverance as well as the path of success.

The theme of resilience echoes throughout the poetic verses to fight against the darkness of human life. The speaker acknowledges that life in general is tough and the “road you’re trudging seems all uphill” meaning that the path an individual takes in life can be a herculean task yet the speaker urges an individual to not yield while progressing towards the “uphill”. The resilience is also evident when the speaker tells an individual that the financial crisis or “funds are low” or the “debts are high” can have an impact on a person yet the person should take rest a bit, put a smile on their faces reflecting a positive attitude towards life in the face of turbulences. This whole segment of encouraging analogies reflects the speaker’s willingness to share human resilience and determination against the challenges of human life.

The theme of perseverance and determination towards success in life is also encapsulated in the poem. In the second stanza, the speaker suggest that life is “queer with its twists and turns” highlighting the ups and downs of human life. Human life is not so smooth as a plain paper. There are many challenges and difficulties that one undergoes in life that develops the human spirit and progress. The speaker emphasises that certain unanticipated events may strike in one’s life causing a person to yield and lose a ray of hope. The social message is clear in the second stanza of the poem where the speaker is addressing to persevere in human life to not “give up” in the face of life’s predicament. The speaker suggest that the progress “though the pace seems slow” yet the person shall succeed if a person continues to move forward.

The poem gives insight into life’s experiences where success and inconveniences does not exist in the same zip code. The speaker portrays vividly that sometimes the ambition of a person is just near to a person amidst the feeling to yield in life. The speaker emphasise the importance of keeping up optimism and perseverance in life because of the regrets some “struggler” could have achieved “the victor’s cup”. It is important to note that the speaker is describing the life’s experiences where one needs to comprehend the inconveniences of life that can shatter the human spirit but it is the feeling of regret that one consumes inside bitterly when one yields before reaching his ambitions.

The poem also expounds on human experiences of bitter regret in life. The poem emphasises that giving up is the birth of regret. In the poem, it is clearly mention when the person gives up before he even achieves his victory cup, he soon finds out that he “learned too late” that he was near to “the golden crown”. The “golden crown” is the success itself in the poem and the speaker is suggesting that one is uncertain of time when success is achieved and it is just around the corner waiting for the struggler to take it but some yields in the middle of the path because of the life’s predicament and problems that ultimately gives birth to regret in later stages of life.

The poem captures the definition of success where success comes with failures and doubt. Being unsuccessful and having a doubt is one of the significant challenges one undergoes while pursuing their dreams. The speaker also states that success comes when one is able to experience failures and doubt and it is a necessity to strengthen human spirit and enlightenment for human progress and development. The speaker states that even if a person is unable to tell “how close you are” to achieving success, it could be so close when “it seems afar” meaning that that success is around the corner even if looks distant. Hence, the speaker tells any individual to stick themselves to their ambition without giving up despite challenges and obstacles in life and one should continue their journey learning from their failures and doubts.

The poem also has a beautiful expression which can be opted for life’s aphorism. For instance, the line “Life is queer with its twists and turns” which is a beautiful, short and a witty expression on life. It is aphoristic in nature because it describes life having many unforeseen circumstances which makes human life a state of constant struggle. The another beautiful aphoristic expression in the poem is “ Success is failure turned inside out” and the aphoristic expression suggest that definition of success which is undergoing life’s failure and uncertainties while pursuing one’s goal in life. If one undergoes such experiences of human life, success is the result. As much as success is the joy and abundance of life, it is as much as inconvenient and uncomfortable to achieve it.

The language and the style of the poem is simple. The poet has simplified and translated the philosophy of success in life in a simple manner. There are many playful words and imageries of “road” and “uphill” as well as the aphoristic phrases that add a meaningful metaphor to understand the abstract experience of life. The most important part of the poem is the social message of regret and yielding in life. This aspect of social message highlights that giving up has given birth to a later regrets in life which is the truth and the speaker uses this truth to express the reason why one should not yield in life. It serves as a reminder that having the qualities of perseverance, optimism and determination gets one ahead in life.

Critically, considering the overall poetic composition and the thematic concerns, the speaker negates acquiring worldly knowledge and books. The speakers has stressed on human quality and personalities where perseverance, ambition, determination and commitment cannot be acquired through books but it is a personal development of a character of a person which emerges while trying to achieve their dreams.

Robert Browning Soliloquy of the Spanish Cloister as a Dramatic Monologue

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Ismat Chughtai Roots Summary

Introduction to the Short Story

The story “Roots” takes place during the time of Indian Partition. It navigates on the issues of nationalism, sense of belonging and a communal sentimentality. The tale follows the compelling stories of a Hindu and a Muslim family. It delves deeper into the intimate relationships spanning up to third generations. Having different political opinions, the two families supports each other throughout the independent country.

Summary

The story begins with a stressful temperament because of the Muslim refugees and the fear associated with religious fundamentalism. The children are troublesome in the house causing the adults to be miserable in their lives. The colonisers have departed from India but their imperialist attitudes have damaged the country horribly. The Muslim minorities are living under a siege of military operations where their houses being padlocked patrolled by police officers outside. It is a tough situation for the Muslims entering outside from Marwar state. They faces heavy discrimination and they are effortlessly identified by others.

Some Muslims are enticed to go back to Pakistan because of the rumours about inexpensive food but they realises the herculean task of making a capital for one’s survival. There are also intentions of the people to kick out many of the Minority communities but some ménages refuse to do so specifically those in employment by the Maharaja. Barre Bhai refuses to enticed his family to leave and displace to Pakistan causing a family conflict amongst the children and Roopchandji’s children. The police officers makes an intervention by sending the Muslim kids home and their mothers shows compassion to them. The partition has disturbed and affected the everlasting friendships and relationships between families.

The story then narrates the political dynamics having a debate coming from different ménages. The supporters of Congress always have the power in disputation while the other political parties such as the communist and the socialists sides with the Congress. The Muslim League and the Hindu Mahasabha are two opponents would unite to begin an assault on Congress as the support for the Muslim League and Hindu Mahasabha has escalated while the Congress has faced many inner challenges within. The families despite having political distinctions maintains an intimate connection. They have a discourse on topics such as spices and a dowry irrelevant to politics. Doctor Saheb who is also a family ménages gives medical ministrations to everyone but his wife apprises him to reject having a meal their homes to be paid a fee. Doctor Saheb light heartedly mocks Amma whenever she gets ill. The other family ménages would seldom line up to also check on their health whenever Doctor Saheb visits.

There is a sudden enthusiastic decorum regarding the birth of a child. Doctor Saheb complains about the population of children being born but when the labor hits he becomes restive to aid. The women hates men during their childbirth and Doctor Saheb as well as Abba leaves the room after the child is born as usual because of the wrath of the women. After Abba’s demise, Roopchandji starts to cater the family ministration. It is evident in his decision making process from school fees to the construction plans. He also interfere in family issues and matters such as helping to solve the choice of Fajan’s education and aiding Farida with her nuptial issues.

Sheela arrives as a midwife that brings a sense of relief. The family connections changed during the times of battle with Amma’s who remains silent speaking a weight of turmoil. The coming of the refugees widens the split between the family and the external world. In between the health issues and a state to leave, Amma hesitate to leave and her words as sharp reveals her inner state of distress.

Khala Bi packs her things such as material things like gold and silver, bone powder, dry fenugreek and Multani mitti. Barre Bhai tries to discard her bundles but she refuses to let of her things having a strong sense of belief that it is essential for the economy of Pakistan. The house is being destroyed and there are many packed bundles and boxes while Amma’s trunk is remained unhandled. Amma remains unconscious of the pain inflicted on her by kafirs. The family leaves their home to a new place to find security and keep themselves safe and sound.Amma inquires the idea of “our land” and she calls out to be tired in quest of a new place. However, Amma’s children and grandchildren leaves in a caravan under the security of the police officers making Amma to feel distress. She starts to recall her children’s birth and the all the memories linking to her home. Roopchandji becomes angry and he curses everything and all including the void home across the roadside. His wife privately brings food to Amma and they talk quietly through their visions.

Amma spends a restive night concerned about the security of her family during their odyssey and the obstacles they may endure in the new place. Amma has worrying ephialtes about the violence and the pain her family ménages may experience. She is alarmed by a noise at the door scared of her life but it is her family who has returned. She is happy to see her family back and she feels a sense of peace. Roopchandji tells that he brought back her children from the train station and he asks for his remuneration. Amma becomes teary with a sense of obligation and she sits up feeling optimistic and the bond with her family.

Joseph Addison Remarks on English by the Indian Kings Summary

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The Distant Window Chapter 13-17

Chapter 13

Parvati becomes so anxious that she goes to Nando’s office. She inquires everyone about them and Sahab as well as Nando went to the border. The border is not far away so the workers in the office decides to aid Parvati. They see a truck going to the border and they put Parvati in the truck heading to the border. Sahab was assigned to resolve the border conflicts to survey and it was the reason why he went to the border. A small mistake can also lead to a big communal riot. Parvati thinks of Nando and Sahab throughout the journey.

Nando and Sahab searches for an isolated place to work. They finds a poles uprooted where some have pulled the poles from the border. Sahab wears a hat but Nando still held an umbrella over him despite his denial. Sahab starts to examine the holes from the poles taken out and doing his survey. Sahab starts questioning Nando’s origin and he tells his family history whose father was Bengali and he has become a Bengali after living in Bengal. Amidst the conversation, Nando gets an opportunity to initiate his plan.

Nando indirectly tells that it is his onus to provide good service to Sahab and Memsahab who comes to Dak Bungalow. Sahab acknowledges his statement. He further states that he can find him an open field for him instead of grazing on other’s hay. Sahab is confused. Nando is quite nervous but he tells Sahab that he need not to look at other married women and if he needs so , Nando will supply him a woman at cheap rates. Sahab becomes very angry at his statement while Nando becomes scared, makes an excuse that other Sahab’s ask for it before.

Nando becomes silent. Sahab asks Nando suddenly and inquires if he abuses Parvati. Nando becomes shocked and he tells Sahab that Parvati is lying and she says it to receive a favour from him. Sahab tells him that Parvati didn’t tell him but he heard it from others. Nando suspects Dashrath. Then Nando tells him that Dashrath is also a liar and not to trust him either. He sees a woman at a long distance, and it is Parvati running towards them in full mess. She then falls down on Sahab’s feet admitting Nando’s abuse on her. She requests Sahab to take her to Calcutta and give her a maid job and she threatens him that she will kill herself in Sahab’s car.

Sahab tells her that he is trying to make him understand but Parvati tells him that Nando doesn’t understand anything. She exposes the conversation between her and Nando about Sahab’s murder. She tells Sahab that instead of protecting her dignity, he is offering other woman and a favour for himself. Sahab feels sympathy for Parvati. Nando tries to defend himself against the accusations and he calls Parvati a mad woman.

Chapter 14

The chapter shift to Calcutta. Ramola is introduced. She realises that she has to reach the office in half an hour. She has a small child to look after. She has not made any breakfast and hasn’t eaten anything yet. She stays in the flat all alone so she is bound to do all the household chores and work as well. To save her time, she eat boil rice, vegetables, egg and water all together sprinkles some salt and chilli powder. She eat this same meal everyday. She gets wearied of everyday work working like a machine with no rest. Even on Sundays, her relatives and friends visit her and she gets busy catering them. Ramola’s mother offers to sent their helper Sachin to stay with her but she denied the help. Since she lives alone, the society does not approve of a man and a woman living together having no relationship.

Ramola publishes an advertisement asking for an unmarried young female maid. She is willing to give free food and accommodation with ₹50 salary per month. She even asks her parents to contact any maid as she stays in office whole day. Ramola thought that nobody is available and everyone has become rich then suddenly, Sachin arrives with a neatly dressed young woman who was willing to take the job. She is getting late for work so questions her mother’s sense of timing. Sachin gives her reason that he would be unavailable for two days with her father. Ramola welcomes her and she is bounded to take a leave from office that day.

Ramola starts questioning her about her origin. The maid comes from Dhalbham village and she gets to know the job offer from her advertisement. Ramola asked her to read the advertisement and the maid reads its slowly and clearly. Then Ramola inquires her about the work she is capable to do and the maid replies with a cross question. Ramola gives her a list of work to do and the maid starts to work immediately. The maid tells her to go to work and she can arrange things for herself. The maid can also skip a meal but Ramola denies it. Ramola is suspicious that she can steal things from her but she regrets it later. She thinks that she has lost her maid but she tells Ramola that she can leave at any desire she wants with the material things.

Ramola thinks of rejecting the outspoken woman but she then discards it. She can fire her whenever she feels disappointed with her work. Ramola asks the woman to call her didimoni instead of Memsaheb. Ramola feels embarrassed to eat before the maid so she informs her about the kitchen and other rooms. The maid cooks some fried potatoes for Ramola which Ramola eats it and she is delighted surprisingly. Ramola asks the name of the woman and her family. The maid’s name is Pahari and she is actually Parvati. Ramola sees a red vermillion on her forehead if she is married. Pahari directly tells her directly that she is unmarried.

Ramola leaves for the office and Pahari tells her to lock the door from outside. The flat is Pahari’s only workplace and she could work with no disturbance from outside. She said it jokingly that she would not be able to run away with the material things as well since she will be locked inside. Ramola said that one can run away through the pipe as well. So she decides to explain her the housework after returning from office. While locking the door outside, Ramola wonders why Pahari lied about her marital life. She thinks whether it is right option to put a strange woman to look after her house.

Chapter 15

Ramola returns back home and knocked the door out of suspicion. She is relieved that Pahari didn’t runaway and steal anything. The house is neat and tidy. Pahari offers her some hot water for washing. She serves Ramola hot tea and freshly prepares Nimki. Ramola becomes happy after seeing a different dish. She praises the dish Nimki to give Pahari the satisfaction of her work. Pahari didn’t bring any clothes with her as she didn’t think while leaving the house. Ramola however offers her own old Saree for her but she demands for a torn one, Ramola didn’t have any inexpensive saree.

She wear the saree and they become very comfortable with each other. Ramola is happy as she is relieved from her lonely, boring and meaningless life after Pahari. Ramola asks her about her husband after pointing at a vermillion on her forehead. Pahari left her husband and she hated herself because the man treated her as a maid and abused her. Ramola stops her queries. Though Ramola’s family were against Ramola’s departure from her husband yet they had not deserted her. Ramola’s sister visits her and she is impressed with Pahari works. She asks Ramola where did she get Pahari from and Ramola consider her as god given. Her sister taunts Ramola indirectly.

Ramola’s mother visits and the door is not locked outside any longer. On her arrival, Pahari serves her. The mother observes Pahari about her behaviour and personal questions. Pahari is a bit irritated but she calmly responds to all inquiries. Ramola returns and her mother reasons the closeness between her and Pahari as both of them has deserted their husbands. Ramola’s mother consider Pahari cunning and warned Romola that she was opening the suitcase. Ramola’s mother tells her that one day she may take everything and run away. Ramola accepts that if she takes everything away then it is her own stupidity and foolishness. Ramola’s mother taunts her for playing a game of lessening the pain. She embraces her mother and showed her happiness.

Her mother thinks that her sister had jokingly praised her. Ramola also consider that life itself is a joke. Her mother thinks that she has a made a joke of her own life. Her mother tells her that the wife had to stay at home if the husband got a transfer and she had to take care of the family. At present, the times have changed and a wife can settle and go along with husband but she left her husband for a job. Ramola tells her mother that why there’s a difference in societal customs between her time and Ramola. Her mother tells her that it was same custom and it is different now. Ramola considers the traditional life of woman seems a funny life to her.

Ramola’s mother is traditional and she believes in traditional woman but everything seems abnormal in Ramola’s case. Ramola denies the immemorial times when woman used to pacify the gods when their husbands were away and they consider themselves fortunate once they get to see their husbands once in a while. The wives had always took care of the home and family than their husbands. Her mother gets very angry with her ego. She tells Ramola that she has hurt a good son in law of hers. Ramola’s mother warns her that Pahari’s intentions didn’t seem to belong from working class.

Ramola is unable to sleep that night as the image of a good man revolves in her mind. She imagines him putting his hand on her shoulders that she is ready to leave him but not her job. Ramola argues that he also left her by going to America but he states that she lives with his family at that time. Ramola revealed that she left him because she was bored staying inside the house without any work to do. The work was always done by the maids and servants and since he was not present at home, she became idle and she started to apply for jobs. She blamed his parents who failed to take responsibility for a working woman. His parents wanted her to stay with her parents but her parents wanted her to stay in her laws and she decided to stay all by herself.

Ramola decided to be independent of anyone. She spends her luxurious life for five years in her in law’s house and she was surrounded with maids. She started to send applications for a job and she received one. She starts talking to the image where she argues if a woman cannot exist for herself and the image replies that she has to pay a price in return. She expected her husband to write letters for her and meet her whenever he comes to Calcutta but he didn’t. As time passes, Ramola becomes strong and harsh. Even Pahari becomes significant in her life. Pahari herself is unable to sleep for two nights and the image who is an old man wearing a diet lungi and a torn out underlip, squatting on the floor is disturbing her. He eats only boiled vegetables and he washes dishes and brings water from the well. He sits idly on the charpoy smoking a cigarettes making it dirty.

The next morning Pahari and Ramola behaves as usual. Ramola is pleased to see variety of foods on the table and she teases Pahari that she will become like pumpkin after having distinct breakfast everyday. Pahari shows a photo album to Ramola which she has been noticing from some days. Pahari also desires to have this kind of love and romance. Pahari tells her that she has seen the man in the photo album and Ramola is shocked. Pahari tells that he is in Dhalbham but Ramola lies to her that he is England for some office work. Pahari suddenly becomes quiet and knows that Ramola does not want to say anything regarding Sahab. Pahari tells her that the man he met is identical to the man in the album. Ramola cunningly tries to get information about Sahab and Pahari has met Sahab in Ghatshilla at Dak Bungalow as he visited there to resolve border conflicts. She starts praising him and Ramola wonders if Sahab (Ramola’s husband) and Pahari had any illicit affairs or he literally just helped the poor Pahari.

Ramola decides that she will not let Pahari know about her relationship with Sahab. Pahari already knows about their relationship after meeting Ramola’s mother and photo album. Sahab at Dak Bungalow decides to leave early morning to a new place, starts to pack his clothes. Then Nando fell down on Sahab’s feet and he begs him to give Parvati’s address. Nando is unable to sleep, eat and work after her departure. He realises his guilt and thrashes himself about his wrongdoings. He vows to respect her and pleads him to ask her forgiveness and stop abusing her. Sahab tells him that he can have an affair with Parvati but Nando tells him that it is impossible. Sahab tells him about the incident at border where Nando called her a mad person and Sahab is unable to trust his words. Nando actually hold her hair and threw a stone on her head bleeding admitting in an hospital after Sahab left. Sahab aided her for treatment at the hospital but Nando requests him to her whereabouts.

Sahab tells him why Parvati hates him and he calls out Nando’s selfish behaviour and his character. Sahab tells Nando to take address from Dashrath as Dashrath’s friend had escorted Parvati. Nando then goes to Dashrath immediately and Sahab is reminded of Ramola who also pleaded her to stay back then. Sahab only wanted to provide for her and do his duty yet she left him for a job to leave everyone behind. He doesn’t understand the old customs and consider it to be beyond his comprehension. Sahab feels happy as Ramola has received help and Parvati also has a job in which she is efficient.

Ramola’s brother in law writes a letter to Sahab where his wife is happy and enjoying her life. The maid is a good companion and his wife i.e. Ramola’s sister is starting to get jealous of her. He thanks God that his wife doesn’t have a degree so she won’t leave him for a job. He also mentions the competitive environment where woman are taking up jobs and then deserting their husbands realizing the significance of old customs. Ramola becomes disappointed after knowing Pahari has met her. Ramola wonders why she has brought the album with her and not the clothes. She regrets the fact that she should have shown disappointed while showing off the album photos. Their relationship starts to degrade as Ramola is unable to express it.

One day at the market, Khuku who is Sahab’s sister come across each other but Khuku behaves as if she doesn’t know Ramola at all. Khuku warns her that the distance between her and Sahab’s relationship would increase with times. Ramola returns from office and she sees an elderly man trying to look inside her house from the holes she screams at him asking his identity which scared the man. Ramola asks him what he wants to see and he kneels down on her introducing himself ans Nandolal Raut and he has no wrong intentions. He only wants to see Parvati but Ramola denies any Parvati living in the flat. Nando denies returning and he tells her that she may call him ayah. Ramola threatens to call police on him and she presses on the calling bell. Pahari or Parvati opens the door and she sees Nando. Ramola enters the house. Parvati gets angry at Nando and Nando is happy to see her. She asks a lot of questions on her and he apologises to Parvati for his wrongdoings. Parvati asks him if he didn’t find any rope to commit suicide and she thought he may have died by now.

Chapter 16

Nando continues to weep. Parvati tells Ramola that she has to go. Ramola feels betrayed by her as she is suddenly leaving for the man who abuses her but Parvati pleads her to let her go as she needs to catch a train after 2 hours. Ramola threatens to file a case against her for using false name and without proper name. Parvati perhaps believe that since he has come for her weeping and crying for her absence, she thinks that he has learned a lesson so far. She also considers it as a fate if he continues to abuse her even after returning with him. Ramola gives an ultimatum that her husband has to find a servant for her before they leave. Parvati tells her that it will be difficult to find a new servant for her and she is willing to stay with her for some days but it will be difficult for Nando who has nowhere to go. She apologises and she gives a valid reason to leave Ramola.

Parvati argues that numerous woman had left their homes and family for a lesser man and this is what woman do. Nando tells her that she should not speak to memsahab in such a manner. Nando tells Ramola that he doesn’t deserve to be her husband and her absence is a punishment for him. Parvati pleads Ramola to leave while Nando tells Ramola that Ramola can come and live with Sahab and Parvati will work for them for a lifetime. Ramola gets angry and she slams the door. Ramola realises that she has not given any salary for her work but she lets her pride and ego slip to follow them to give the money.

Chapter 17

Parvati and Nando boards the train. Nando asked Parvati to convince Sahab to bring back Memsahab. Parvati argues but Nando tells her that Sahab listens to her. Parvati tells him that Sahab will never give up his pride like Nando to bring back Memsahab. Nando tells him that they don’t love each other anymore but Parvati tells him that they do love each other but they shall keep longing for a little gesture from each other but it will go on drifting because of the ego in between. They watches from the window longing for each other but they both don’t want to step in and break the distance. The novel thus give the title “The Distant Window” where the human relationships between man and woman drifts apart due to the inability of both to step in to break the chains of ego and bring each other closer.

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Geoffrey Chaucer Truth Ballad of Good Counsel Summary

The speaker counsels Sir Philip to steer clear of the general public and instead pursue honesty in the opening stanza. Even though his possessions are more modest than those of his colleagues, he should admit that they are sufficient. After all, trying to go up the social ladder forces one to constantly switch allegiances and feelings, and hoarding wealth makes people despise you. The speaker goes on in this manner, emphasizing that Philip will become oblivious to the outside world if he receives accolades, which will only make people envious of him. He should so be content with what he has and focus only on “ruling” himself. Philip is assured at the end of the stanza that if he follows these steps, the truth will rescue him from the erratic opinions of the throng.

The speaker shifts his focus from Philip’s ambitions to amass fortune and rank to his attempts to improve the world in the second stanza. He claims that because the world is a corrupt and untrustworthy place, Philip will feel better if he stays away from being “busy,” or overcommitting to too many obligations. Ultimately, attempting to alter the world is as pointless as hurling dishes against a sturdy wall or kicking an awl. Rather, once more, he should focus entirely on self-control since truth will ultimately save him from the unstable world.

Though the counsel is still given in the third stanza, the tone has changed to one of aggression and assertiveness. The speaker makes it clear that Philip views the globe as a “wilderness” that he travels through like a pilgrim rather than as his actual home. He ought to make an effort to put everything behind him and focus on heaven above, which is his true “country.” Truth will relieve his pain if he allows his spirit to lead him on the path to salvation.

There is a “envoy” in the last stanza. In French poetry, the envoy served as a customary epilogue, summarizing the poem or dedicating it to a specific individual. Here, Chaucer directly addresses Sir Philip with the message of “Truth.” He tells him not to be depressed at his diminished power, implying that depressive thoughts subjugate him to the unfair world. Rather, he ought to plead with God for forgiveness, concentrating once more on his redemption following his demise. The poem concludes by restating its refrain, “Truth shall deliver you, have no fear,” and promising to save Philip if he heeds it.

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Oscar Wilde The Young King Summary

The story describes the young King on the eve of his coronation, reflecting on his past and his future as he prepares to take the throne. He was raised in the forest by a goatherd, unaware of his royal lineage until he was brought to the palace.

The King has a deep appreciation for beauty and art, often seeking out rare and exquisite materials for his coronation attire. He dreams of standing in a weaver’s attic, where he learns of the struggles of the poor and oppressed.

This dream shakes him to his core, making him question the inequality and suffering in his kingdom. The young King’s dreams reveal his inner conflict between the opulence of his royal life and the harsh realities faced by his subjects.

The story then describes a scene of slaves on a galley, forced to dive for pearls under dangerous conditions. The master of the galley values the pearls above all else, even at the cost of the slaves’ lives. The young King in the story has vivid dreams that reflect themes of suffering, death, and the consequences of greed.

When he wakes, he rejects the symbols of wealth and power, recognizing the darkness behind them. The courtiers dismiss his dreams as mere fantasies, highlighting a disconnect between the ruling class and the reality of those who labor for them. The young King’s refusal to wear the crown and scepter symbolizes a rejection of material wealth tainted by suffering and death.

The Chamberlain advises the young King to dress and look like a king to be recognized as one by the people. The young King refuses to wear the royal attire and chooses to wear his old shepherd’s clothes instead. The nobles mock and criticize the young King for his appearance, but he remains steadfast.

The young King encounters a man who criticizes the luxury of the rich and the suffering of the poor. The young King enters the cathedral in his goatherd’s dress and is questioned by the soldiers guarding the entrance. The Bishop questions the young King’s attire and advises him to embrace his role as a king and forget his dreams.

The young King ignores the Bishop’s advice and kneels before the image of Christ. The nobles enter the cathedral and threaten to kill the young King for his appearance. As the young King prays, sunlight streams through the painted windows, transforming his appearance and surroundings.

The people and nobles kneel before the young King, recognizing his true majesty. The Bishop acknowledges the young King’s greatness and kneels before him. The young King leaves the cathedral, and people are in awe of his angelic appearance.

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The Distant Window Chapter 7-12 Summary

Chapter 7

When Parvati returns back to Dak Bungalow, she calls him out through the window to meet Sahab. He is surprised and asks her what happened. She warns him about the curry that Mali bought and tells him not to eat as it is poison, possibly may affect his health. Sahab doubts her. She explains herself that she comes back halfway just to warn him about the food. Sahab immediately thinks that perhaps she just wants a favour from him to make money. He tells her that she may have a problem with Mali and she is turning him against Mali. Then Parvati gets angry but she tells him that he can do whatever he likes, the curry is made from a rat and he can it.

Sahab is shocked after her statement. Parvati tells him that she has seen people catching a rat to cook and the villagers eat it with relish, comes easily with low price and the one who cooks also makes it good. Dashrath has no intention of killing him but since it will take time to cook mutton curry, he bought this rat curry from outside which is already available. He is shocked after the statement and he asks if the entire villagers eats the rat curry. He tells her that he is also a human being and he can eat the rat curry. Parvati is shocked as he is the first one not to deny the food while Memsahib and others complain about the rice and invoke their upper class status to justify their excuses.

Parvati tells him that he can eat but Sahab tells her that he isn’t going to eat the curry Dashrath will give him. He is thankful of her but Parvati tells him not to tell Dashrath about it as Dashrath will fight with her. Sahab starts to think about her kindness that generally people from lower class do anything to get money but Parvati is different as she cares for others life as well.

Chapter 8

Parvati returns back home and she sees Nando boiling a rice. Nando tries to ignore Parvati despite knowing she has come. He thinks of punishing Parvati by closing the door and making her knock the door before she has returned. He thinks that she is speaking confidently so there is nothing really happened to her. She decides to handle the food from Nando and Nando sits back telling her that he could have managed even if she comes late. Parvati taunts him about his inability to manage cooking but his ability to serve the officers. Nando addresses her as the queen and not the maid.

Nando asks her question about what happened at Dak Bungalow to show false concern towards his. She knew he didn’t have any concern for her so she asks him why he didn’t come see her at Dak Bungalow. Nando makes an excuse angrily that he didn’t have time to see her there. She taunts him that his stomach is more important than her safety. Parvati tells Nando that Dashrath was not there and she was entertaining Sahab by answering his queries just to tease Nando. She starts praising Sahab about his physical appearance which made Nando to envy him. She taunts him that it is better for her sell herself to Sahab and giver him the love than the man who has no concern for her and eats the food of a cheating wife.

After hearing it, Nando becomes angry and am he throws a spoon at Parvati missing the target. She picks up the spoon and taunt him again that he still has humanity left in him even after boot licking the officers that may have turned his blood to water. He threatens her if she continues to utter such statements. She tells him that the world is growing in social and economic spheres and her audacity is growing as she has received a favour from Sahab. Nando tell her to keep quiet but she insists on teasing him. All of a sudden, he loses his temper and goes out.

As he walks to the office, he thinks the he is a fool and it is Parvati’s nature to tease him. Nando though gets angry at Parvati’s flirtatious nature but he likes her personality and a habit. He thinks that since they don’t have a child, there is no responsibility for her. If the child arrives, she will have the responsibility and she will not look at other Sahab giving peace to Nando.

Chapter 9

Nando sleeps on a charpoy outside the house during the summer due to humidity. He comes late as usual due to overtime at work and if he comes early then he will smoke as well as order Parvati for tea, fritters and sometimes a massage. As usual, Parvati engages in embroidery work if Nando comes late. On evening, she was sitting on the charpoy sewing buttons, wearied physically and mentally. As usual she watches the people and the vehicles passing by from the front road near her home.

People thinks that Parvati is a lovelorn because she looks depressing. She thinks about her past life when she was still unmarried. She used to be a Tom boy busy in fishing and climbing trees, having the characteristics of a male gender. She played with boys back then and she was chided by her mother for not helping in the household chores. Her father loved her very much and supported her back then, having closer affection to her father than her mother. This bond made Parvati to marry Nando to repay his debt despite having no feelings for him.

Some make a critical comments on Parvati sitting all by herself while others show pity as she is childless and married to an alcoholic who arrives late at night. Sahab arrives in a red car and calls her out. He thanks her for saving his life as he didn’t eat the curry Dashrath made. Sahab comes out of the car and she insists him to take her advice. She demands him to bring Memsaheb quickly. He asks her if she is asking to get a job but it is not the case and she becomes angry for she looses her dignity.

She asks Sahab if he has ever encountered anyone having a talk without any intention. She tells him that he hasn’t met any worthy person to talk. He apologises for his behaviour and he is amused after meeting her as he wonders that she may belong to a poor class yet she has a human dignity and self respect. He notices a difference between her civilised behaviour and her social status.

Parvati mentions about the general perception of poor class mindset but Sahab is of the opinion that there are high class who also have a poor mindset. Suddenly, I’m Parvati sees some shadow behind a tree. She sees an anger in a shadow and she knows. She laughs suddenly which Sahab find it weird. She tells him that anyone else would have invited her to Dak Bungalow at night and Sahab loses his temper at Parvati. She apologizes and clears the misunderstanding that some will offer cheap beautiful woman for him in absence of Memsaheb. There are also gang whose leader is Nando Raut. He leaves to the car and he vividly remembers the name of Nando Raut but is unsure.

He suddenly realises Parvati introduces her name along with Raut before and she also mentions the leader of the gang as Nando Raut. He becomes suspicious that Nando is her husband and he doubts that Nando may have kidnapped her or bought her.

Chapter 10

Nando comes out from behind the tree. She is still standing here and he pulls her hair. Nando accuses her of flirting with Sahab and doubts her. He orders her to go inside the house. She goes inside the house and she pulls the shawl while Nando starts beating her. He asks her what she was talking about with Sahab but Parvati keeps it confidential between her and Sahab. He threatens her that he will kill her. She tells him that she is already dead. She starts to tease Nando by creating false information and using the situation of Memsaheb’s absence. He feels that they were talking dirty things and asks many queries. She threatens him to leave the house.

Parvati tells him why he is still inquiring her since he was standing beside the tree. He didn’t hear it properly. Nando tells that he will get angry if Sahab is having a conversation with his wife under his presence but Parvati tells him that if it is so then why he felt the need to hide beside the tree. She blames him for coming late at night giving opportunity to his wife to cheat on him. She teases him that since he comes early today, he has caught her red handed trying to cheat on him.

She teases her so to make her husband comes home early out of jealousy. He becomes jealous of his wife creating a different meaning out of it. He tells her that he has water inside his body and it is the reason why he has the government job, money and the house. She still teases him that if she is in his place then she would have gouge out the eyeballs with a stone of Sahab. He tells her not to say anything harsh against Sahab but Parvati sees Sahab as just an ordinary person despite his status.

Nando tells her that he is always tortured by his suspicions and tensions and she tells him that he is insecure as well as nobody is going to her husband. Nando realises his guilt for not respecting her feelings before marriage and he feels helpless since they are married. She tells him that times have changed and even marriages can break apart. Nando tells her that she is planning to get rid of him. Parvati tells him that it is better for her to leave than live a life with an abusive husband. Nando tells her that she only sees his bad side and not his good side. She gives rice to him and he keeps it aside to see her reaction but she doesn’t. He taunts her that he doesn’t even get a chappati at home and only rice but she tells him that he didn’t give her an answer back then about the food. They have an argument about the food and it continues.

Chapter 11

The chapter exposes Dashrath’s past experiences with Memsahab. She scolded him whenever they were dissatisfied with his cooking. Memsahab also chided Sahab for not scolding his servants. Sahab never engaged himself in a conversation with his servants but only commands or order in the presence of Sahab. Mukherjee Sahab never complain about Dashrath’s cooking and eats whatever is being served to him. He denies eating meat anytime anywhere as an excuse since Parvati had told him what Dashrath was going to serve him before. Dashrath didn’t know that Sahab didn’t eat meat so he didn’t suspect anything about the curry in relation to Parvati.

Suddenly, Sahab keeps his book on the table and he asks Dashrath about Nando Raut. He tells him the every villagers knows him and he is the husband of Parvati. He questions Nando Raut and his marriage to Parvati since Parvati is young but Nando is physically fragile and old. Then Dashrath tells him that it is Parvati’s unfortunate luck. Sahab becomes curious to know about their marriage. Dashrath tells him everything how she is an honest woman who do her duty well but her husband abuses her constantly. Then he continues to tell him the history of their marriage.

Sahab continues to eat his food while Dashrath continues to expose Nando Raut and his relationship with Parvati without asking Sahab if he wants to know. Dashrath dislikes Nando because Dashrath cannot even have a conversation with Parvati as Nando glares at him and starts abusing her. Nando doubts her that she could be cheating on him. Dashrath tells him of one incident when Memsahab came here to Dak Bungalow with her baby and she needed Parvati’s help. Parvati catered the child and she needed to stay at Dak Bungalow for four nights with them. So Nando brings his portable bed to Dak Bungalow and slept near Dashrath to check upon him and Parvati every night. Memsahab on the other hand became happy with Parvati’s work and she wanted to take Parvati to the city. Memsahab even promised to give her allowances and a salary of ₹ 100 per month with accommodation and timely vacation. Nando denied the promises of Memsahab because he didn’t want her to go and there would be no one to cater his needs.

So Parvati denies a request or Memesahab since her husband values and respected her. Nando accuses Dashrath that he is the one who provoked Memesahab to take Parvati to the city and she shall be safely away from Nando. Sahab didn’t respond but he continues to read the book. Dashrath finds an excuse to meet Parvati. He pleads her to come to Dak Bungalow regularly and cook for Sahab as Sahab doesn’t like his cooking. Then Parvati informs Nando that Sahab’s wife had divorced him because he is busy travelling here and there and she works in a city which is also important. Nando reasons that Sahab has a loose character and he may have done something wrong and he tells Parvati not to go to Dak Bungalow anymore. He threatens her to cremate her alive if she goes there.

Parvati tells him that Nando can stop her from going to Dak Bungalow but she tells him if Sahab comes here to their house.then Nando tells her that Sahab cannot come to the house as he will murder him and he wants to see how she can cross the limits of visiting Sahab. She tells him that Nando has no emotional sympathy for Sahab whom she kept praising but Nando tells her that she has a lot of emotions of Sahab. He assures her that he will surely kill Sahab. Parvati tells him that he will be hanged if he kills Sahab that provokes Nando as she has no concern for him. Nando reminds her of Ganesh Das who was killed in an accident and her wife was bought by Sahab. Parvati tells him that his wife had to go with Sahab because she didn’t have a choice. She also reminds him that Nando is the one who took Ganesh’s wife to Sahab. Nando becomes angry because he believes it is a lie and he didn’t participate in selling Ganesh’s wife to Sahab.

Nando assures her that he will not give any reason for her to cross her limits to get to Sahab as he is going to murder him. She tells him to kill Sahab secretly. Nando tells her that he will go as an assistant and he will make sure that Sahab dies in a car accident. She asks her about Nando’s plan to kill Sahab. He denies telling his plan to Parvati because he believes that she will tell Sahab and try to save him from the tragedy.

Chapter 12

Parvati becomes anxious to what Nando has said earlier about the car accident. The next morning, she asked Nando not to act like a fool. Nando is surprised and Parvati tells him that he made a plan to kill Sahab at the car accident but Nando assures her that he just said it out of anger. After Nando sees Parvati’s concern for Sahab, he becomes provoke and he wants to kill Sahab now. She felt that she has put Sahab’s life in jeopardy. After Nando leaves, she sees a red blood and a dead body in her mind which is of Sahab, shocked and she sits down on the ground.

The Distant Window Chapter 13-17 Summary

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Mark Twain Science Vs Luck Summary

The story describes a legal case in Kentucky where boys were caught playing “seven-up” for money, which was considered a game of chance.

Jim Sturgis, the defense attorney, cleverly argued that “old sledge” was a game of science, not chance, to defend his clients.

Despite initial skepticism, Sturgis presented overwhelming evidence to support his claim, leading to a unique solution proposed by the judge.

A jury of six “chance” and six “science” individuals was impaneled to determine the nature of the game. After a night of playing, the jury unanimously declared that “old sledge” was a game of science, not chance, based on their observations.

This verdict led to the game being classified as a game of science in Kentucky law, showcasing the clever legal maneuvering by Sturgis to secure a favorable outcome for his clients.

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Guy de Maupassant Tombstones Summary

The five friends, mature and wealthy, meet monthly to reminisce about their youth and have pleasant evenings together. Joseph de Bardon, one of the friends, is known for his wit and storytelling abilities. Joseph shares a story about visiting a cemetery in Montmartre, where he goes to visit the grave of a former lover.

While at the cemetery, Joseph encounters a woman in mourning who is deeply saddened by the loss of her husband. Joseph comforts the woman and they leave the cemetery together. They go to a restaurant and have a conversation about loneliness and the desire for companionship.

Joseph accompanies the woman to her home and they sit together on a sofa. Tempted by her beauty, Joseph kisses her, but she pushes him away and tells him to stop. The narrator kisses a woman who does not resist, and they share a glance that reassures him.

The narrator invites the woman to dine with him, and she initially hesitates but eventually agrees. They have an enjoyable dinner, and the woman becomes livelier after drinking champagne. Their friendship lasts for about three weeks before the narrator leaves on a journey.

The narrator thinks about the woman after a month and decides to visit the Montmartre Cemetery. While wandering in the cemetery, the narrator sees the woman in deep mourning with another man.

The woman discreetly signals the narrator not to recognize her and hints at meeting again. The man accompanying the woman is a distinguished officer of the Legion of Honor.

The narrator is amazed and wonders about the woman’s motives and whether there are others like her. The narrator is curious to know whose widow the woman was on that particular day.

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Guy de Maupassant Timbuctoo Summary

The story describes a vibrant scene on a boulevard in Paris during sunset, where a diverse crowd is illuminated by the golden light. An enormous, exuberant negro named Timbuctoo approaches two officers, one a commander and the other a colonel, and reminisces about their time together during the war of 1870.

Timbuctoo, a former prince from Timbuctoo, had a unique influence over a group of undisciplined soldiers, leading them on mysterious expeditions. The officers discover that Timbuctoo’s source of alcohol was a nearby vineyard, where he and his companions would consume grapes until they were intoxicated.

Despite his eccentric behavior, Timbuctoo’s infectious joy and larger-than-life personality leave a lasting impression on those around him. The narrator is called to witness a strange caravan approaching his location, led by Timbuctoo and his comrades. They are carrying severed heads and have adorned animals with similar heads.

The Africans had encountered a detachment of Prussians and instead of fleeing, they attacked and killed several officers. Timbuctoo’s motivation for fighting was not glory, but personal gain.

Timbuctoo has a large pocket called his “profonde” where he collects valuable items, especially those that glisten. He plans to take these items back to his homeland. The general, upon hearing of Timbuctoo’s act of valor, buries the headless bodies to hide the decapitation. In retaliation, the Prussians execute the mayor and seven other villagers.

As winter arrives, the narrator’s troops are exhausted and desperate. Timbuctoo brings the narrator meat, but the narrator suspects it may be human flesh and declines future presents.

Timbuctoo shows his devotion to the narrator by giving him his cape to keep warm. When the narrator tries to return it, Timbuctoo threatens to cut it with his sharpened sword.

Eventually, the troops surrender to the Germans. The narrator encounters Timbuctoo, who has opened a restaurant called “Restaurant Timbuctoo” and proudly serves food made from captured Prussians.

Despite the despair of losing their town to the Germans, the narrator finds humor in Timbuctoo’s new enterprise and considers it a form of retaliation.

Guy de Maupassant Tombstones Summary