Lit.Guruji

Summary of “The Dead” by James Joyce (the final story in Dubliners) The story takes place in Dublin during a Christmas party hosted by the Misses Morkan, two elderly sisters, and their niece Mary Jane. The gathering is filled with music, dancing, food, and polite conversation, showing Irish middle-class social life. The main character is Gabriel Conroy, the nephew of the Morkan sisters. Gabriel is well-educated, self-conscious, and sometimes awkward in social interactions. At the party, he worries about whether his speech will be well received, clashes lightly with some guests, and shows both pride and insecurity. Later in the evening, Gabriel delivers a heartfelt toast about hospitality, Irish tradition, and the importance of cherishing the dead as well as the living. His words impress the guests. After the party, Gabriel and his wife Gretta prepare to go home. Gabriel feels a deep attraction to her, noticing her beauty and becoming filled with romantic desire. But when th...

Summary of “Sonny’s Blues” by James Baldwin  The story is about two brothers living in Harlem. The narrator is a school teacher who leads a quiet life. One day, he reads in the newspaper that his younger brother, Sonny, has been arrested for using heroin. This news shocks him, and he begins to think about Sonny and his own life. The narrator feels sadness for Sonny and worries about the struggles he faces in the world. The narrator remembers their childhood in Harlem. He recalls how their parents suffered, how their father died, and how hard life was for black families. He also remembers the death of his young daughter, Grace. These memories make him understand the pain that people carry inside them, often in silence. After the narrator meets Sonny in prison and later at his home, they start to talk openly. Sonny explains why he uses drugs and how music is a way for him to express his feelings. He talks about the suffering of black people in Harlem, the limitations soci...

Summary of A Piece of Yellow Soap by Frank Sargeson  The story is set in a small town in New Zealand and is told in a conversational way, giving it a realistic feel. It revolves around ordinary people and simple acts of kindness. The narrator is a man who observes life in his neighborhood. One day, he goes to a local shop and notices his neighbor, Tom, struggling to pay for his purchases. Tom is poor and works hard, but he does not have enough money for everything he needs. Seeing this, the narrator decides to help him by giving him a piece of yellow soap. This small act of generosity highlights the importance of kindness and compassion in everyday life. The story focuses on the ordinary lives of people and shows that even simple gestures can have a meaningful impact. It emphasizes human connection and the goodness that exists in everyday interactions. Through simple language and realistic situations, Sargeson captures the struggles and small joys of common people, show...

Araby – by James Joyce Summary  Setting The story takes place in Dublin, Ireland, in the early 20th century. It is told through the eyes of a young unnamed boy who lives with his uncle and aunt. The Boy’s Feelings The boy is infatuated with his friend Mangan’s sister. He secretly watches her, follows her in the street, and thinks about her all the time. His feelings are innocent but intense, mixing childish imagination with the first stirrings of love. The Bazaar Dream One day, Mangan’s sister talks to him about a bazaar (market) called Araby, which she cannot attend because she has to go to a convent retreat. The boy sees this as a chance to impress her. He promises to go to the bazaar and bring her something as a gift. From that moment, the idea of Araby becomes almost magical to him—he imagines it as an exotic, romantic place far from dull Dublin. The Delay On the evening of the bazaar, the boy waits anxiously for his uncle to return home with money. His uncle forget...

The Open Window – Summary Framton Nuttel, a nervous man, visits the countryside for rest. He carries letters of introduction to meet people, one of whom is Mrs. Sappleton. When he arrives at her house, her 15-year-old niece, Vera, receives him. While waiting, Vera tells him a tragic story. She says that three years ago, Mrs. Sappleton’s husband and two brothers went out hunting through the fields and never returned, as they were swallowed by a dog. Since then, Mrs. Sappleton has kept the  window in the room wide open , hoping that they might come back one day. When Mrs. Sappleton enters, she casually talks about expecting her husband and brothers to return through the window soon. Framton feels uncomfortable, thinking she is mentally disturbed because she still hopes for the impossible. Suddenly, he sees three men and a dog walking toward the open window—exactly as Vera had described. Believing they are  ghosts , Framton panics and runs away without a word. In the ...

Summary of “The Necklace” Introduction The story is set in Paris in the late 19th century. It tells of Madame Mathilde Loisel, a young, beautiful woman who dreams of wealth, luxury, and a glamorous life. However, she is married to a simple clerk, Monsieur Loisel, who works in the Ministry of Education. They live a modest life, which makes Mathilde feel dissatisfied and unfortunate. The Invitation One day, her husband brings home an invitation to a grand ball at the Ministry. He hopes to please her, but Mathilde is upset because she has nothing elegant to wear. To make her happy, her husband sacrifices his savings (which he planned to use for a hunting gun) and gives her money to buy a beautiful dress. Still unhappy, Mathilde complains that she lacks fine jewelry. To solve this, her husband suggests borrowing some. She visits her wealthy friend, Madame Forestier, and borrows a stunning diamond necklace. The Ball At the ball, Mathilde is the most admired woman—graceful...

John Ruskin’s essay “Of Queens’ Gardens”  (1865) John Ruskin, in his essay Of Queens’ Gardens (part of Sesame and Lilies), speaks about the role of women in society. Complementary Roles of Men and Women Ruskin believed that men and women are not the same, but equal in importance. Men’s role : strength, courage, leadership in the outside world. Women’s role: love, wisdom, moral strength, guiding family and society. The “Queenship” of Women He compares women to queens—not rulers of nations, but rulers of homes and hearts. A true woman governs through gentleness and influence, not through power. Women as Moral Guides Women’s duty is to guide men toward truth, purity, and goodness. Ruskin emphasizes that women must be educated, but their education should focus on developing virtues, not competition with men. Education for Women He argues that women should be taught to read, think, and judge wisely. Their learning is meant to inspire, comfort, and elevate others, especially...

“ Queen of the Air” by Ruskin Bond – Summary Ruskin Bond’s Queen of the Air is a short, tender, and nostalgic piece that captures his love for nature and the simple joys of life. In this story, Bond personifies a butterfly, calling her the “Queen of the Air.” The butterfly is described in delicate, almost regal terms. She is free, graceful, and beautiful, moving effortlessly through the air. To Bond, she represents freedom and the fleeting nature of beauty. He admires her lightness and the way she seems untouched by the worries and burdens of the world. The essay is not just about a butterfly—it is about Bond’s deep affection for small creatures, his childlike wonder at the world, and his ability to find magic in ordinary things. The butterfly becomes a symbol of: Freedom – she can go wherever she pleases. Beauty – fragile yet captivating. Ephemerality – reminding us that life, like her short existence, is brief but beautiful. Bond writes with a sense of quiet admiration...

Summary of The Night Train at Deoli by Ruskin Bond  The Night Train at Deoli is one of Ruskin Bond’s most loved short stories. It is written in the first person and reflects his simple yet profound style of storytelling. The narrator, a young college student, takes a train journey every summer to visit his grandmother in Dehra. On this route, the train always halts for a short while at a small, lonely, and almost forgotten station called Deoli , where nothing much happens and hardly anyone boards or gets off. One summer morning, as the train stops at Deoli, the narrator notices a young girl of about sixteen sitting on the platform. She is dressed in simple clothes and is selling hand-woven cane baskets. Something about her quiet beauty and her lonely presence instantly captures his attention. Unlike the usual noisy vendors, she seems shy, withdrawn, and mysterious. The narrator feels a sudden desire to talk to her, but their conversation remains brief. He asks he...

Spouse : The Truth About Marriage by Shobhaa De   Spouse is a non-fiction book that explores the realities, myths, and challenges of marriage, particularly within the context of modern Indian society. The book draws on De's own experiences as a twice-married mother of six, as well as her observations of other couples, to offer a pragmatic and candid look at relationships.  Key aspects of the book Breaks down stereotypes:  De challenges traditional expectations and societal rules about marriage. She addresses common dilemmas, such as the "saas-bahu" (mother-in-law and daughter-in-law) dynamic, the importance of romance, and the need for honesty within a partnership. Offers modern, non-preachy advice: While some of the advice has been compared to a grandmother's wisdom, De presents it with a modern, practical edge. She discusses topics like sex, careers, finances, and balancing family life in a way that resonates with contemporary couples. A mix of traditio...

Summary of "Socialite Evenings" by Shobhaa De Plot Overview The novel is about Karuna, a prominent Bombay socialite, who is trying to flee the nightmare of the present by escaping into the past. An unhappy divorce and a succession of sordid affairs have left her bruised and battered and, in an effort to forget, Karuna begins writing her memoirs.  Main Character's Journey Karuna, the main protagonist and narrator, seeks a more glamorous wealthy lifestyle than that of her traditional, middle-class background. She pursues a career as a model, through which she meets the socialite Anjali. Following Anjali's model, Karuna marries a wealthy man.  However, she finds that she is not satisfied living with her husband, who has little consideration for her. She has an affair with her husband's friend. Karuna befriends Anjali, a glamorous socialite, who offers her the opportunity to be everything she ever wanted to be, and eventually she becomes a social celebrit...

The Glass Palace by Amitav Ghosh - Detailed Summary * The Glass Palace* (2000) is an epic historical novel by Indian author Amitav Ghosh that spans over a century, following three interconnected families across Burma (Myanmar), India, and Malaya from the 1880s through the post-World War II era. The novel explores themes of colonialism, identity, displacement, love, and the profound impact of historical forces on individual lives. Part One: The Fall of Mandalay (1885) The story begins in 1885 with the Third Anglo-Burmese War and the British conquest of Mandalay. Eleven-year-old Rajkumar, an orphaned Indian boy working at a food stall, witnesses the dramatic fall of the Burmese royal family. King Thebaw and Queen Supayalat are forced into exile by the British, along with their young daughters and the royal household. During the chaos of the royal family's departure, Rajkumar encounters Dolly, a young woman who serves as a companion to one of the princesses. This brief me...

The Dead by James Joyce  The Dead" is the final short story in Dubliners and centers around a middle-aged professor named Gabriel Conroy who attends a dinner party with his wife Gretta at his aunts' estate.  It's widely considered one of Joyce's masterpieces and was described by T. S. Eliot as one of the greatest English-language short stories ever written . The story unfolds at Gabriel's aunts' annual Christmas party, where Gabriel arrives late and blames his wife Gretta for taking too long to get ready . Throughout the evening, Gabriel navigates various social interactions that reveal his insecurities and his complex relationship with Irish identity. The climax occurs after the party when Gabriel and Gretta return to their hotel room. Gretta becomes emotional upon hearing a song that reminds her of a young man from her past named Michael Furey. She reveals that Michael was employed in the gasworks, and that he died from visiting her in the rain wh...

The Portrait of a Lady by Henry James  The Portrait of a Lady by Henry James (1881) tells the story of Isabel Archer, a young American woman who travels to Europe after her father’s death. Taken abroad by her aunt, Isabel meets her cousin Ralph, her uncle Mr. Touchett, and Lord Warburton, who quickly proposes to her. Isabel, however, values freedom and independence. She refuses two proposals, wanting to live life on her own terms. Later, she inherits a fortune, but this wealth makes her a target of manipulation by two scheming American expatriates. The novel explores themes of freedom, choice, marriage, and the clash between American and European values. Isabel begins as a symbol of independence, but her choices gradually trap her in a difficult marriage. James is praised for his psychological realism, showing the inner struggles of his characters. Isabel Archer was partly inspired by his cousin Minny Temple, who died young. The book is considered a masterpiece of American literatu...

The School for Sympathy" by E.V. Lucas   Summary “The School for Sympathy” is a story about a very special school run by Miss Beam. The aim of this school is not only to teach subjects like spelling, writing, and arithmetic, but more importantly to teach kindness, sympathy, and responsibility. When the narrator visits the school, he sees some children who look disabled. For example, one girl has a bandage over her eyes and is being guided by a boy, while another girl uses a crutch. The narrator is surprised. Miss Beam explains the school’s unique teaching method. Each child has to spend one day pretending to have a disability. For example, they may spend a day as blind, lame, deaf, or dumb. This helps them understand how difficult life is for people with such problems. The children also learn to help and take care of each other. The narrator talks with a girl on her “blind day.” She shares how hard it is to live without sight and how scary it feels, but she follows the...

Essay on Freedom by Jayanta Mahapatra   Introduction Jayanta Mahapatra wrote a poem called "Freedom" to mark 50 years of India's independence. In this poem, he questions whether people in India are truly free, even though the country gained independence from British rule. The poet shows that while India became a free nation, many of its people still suffer from poverty and other problems. What the Poem Says About Freedom The poem talks about different types of freedom that people want: Old People's Freedom : Old widows and dying men pray for freedom from their pain and suffering. They hope to find peace through prayer. Children's Freedom: Young children dream of changing the world and making it better. But they don't really understand how difficult this is. The Poet's Freedom : The writer wants to be left alone, away from all the sadness and problems he sees around him. Problems with India's Leaders Mahapatra criticizes India's governme...

“Homecoming” by R. Parthasarathy The poem “Homecoming” is about the poet’s return to Tamil Nadu after living abroad. Instead of feeling happy, he feels like a stranger in his own land. The main problem is with language. Because he used English for a long time, he lost his fluency in Tamil. He feels trapped by “English chains” and cut off from his mother tongue. When he comes back, he also feels disappointed with the state of Tamil language and culture. What should have felt like “home” now feels distant and unfamiliar. The darkness in the poem reflects his sadness and loss of identity. For Parthasarathy, Tamil is not just a language—it is part of his culture and heritage. Losing it makes him feel rootless and guilty. The poem shows themes of loss, identity crisis, displacement, and cultural confusion. In the end, “Homecoming” says that once someone crosses into another culture and language, returning home is never simple. Home itself becomes strange.

Hachiko: The Eternal Symbol of Loyalty Hachiko’s story is one of the most touching examples of loyalty in history. He was a golden-brown Akita puppy, born in 1923 in Ōdate, Japan, and given the name Hachi after the lucky number eight. Hachiko belonged to Professor Hidesaburō Ueno of Tokyo Imperial University. Every day, Hachiko walked with his master to Shibuya Station in the morning and returned in the evening to greet him. This routine showed the deep bond between them. Tragically, in May 1925, Professor Ueno died suddenly from a cerebral hemorrhage while teaching. Though his master never came back, Hachiko kept waiting at Shibuya Station every single day for nearly ten years, until his own death in 1935. At first, people treated Hachiko poorly, but his story gained attention when Hirokichi Saito, a dog preservation advocate, wrote about him in a newspaper. Soon, the public admired Hachiko’s devotion, and the respectful suffix “-ko” was added to his name. In 1934, while H...

Summary "The Magic Brocade"    The Magic Brocade is a Chinese folktale about a talented widow and her devoted son, Chen, who live in a small village. The widow spends years weaving a magnificent brocade depicting the legendary Sun Palace.  One day, a magical wind sweeps the brocade away, leaving the widow heartbroken and ill. Recognizing the depth of his mother’s despair, Chen bravely sets off on a perilous journey to recover the lost brocade. Chen faces many magical challenges, including crossing fiery mountains and icy seas, and meets the fairy Li-en in the Sun Palace, where the brocade is being admired by fairies. With Li-en’s help, he retrieves the brocade and returns home, restoring his mother’s health.  In some versions, the adventure ends with Chen and Li-en marrying and the widow teaching her weaving skills to the fairies at the Sun Palace, where they all live happily and continue creating beautiful brocades. This folktale highlights themes...