Lit.Guruji

Title: The Drover’s Wife Author: Henry Lawson Published: 1892 Genre: Realist short story / Australian bush fiction Summary The story portrays the lonely and difficult life of a woman living with her children in the Australian bush while her husband, the drover, is away for long periods working with livestock. The drover’s wife lives in a small, rough house surrounded by the wild and harsh landscape. She has to raise her children alone, care for the animals, and protect the home from natural dangers like floods, bushfires, and snakes. The Snake Incident One night, a snake enters the house. The woman immediately becomes alert and sends her children to bed on the kitchen table for safety. She stays awake all night, watching and waiting with her dog, Alligator, to kill the snake when it appears. During the long, tense night, she remembers the hardships she has faced: Losing a baby once, Fighting bushfires alone, Protecting her children from floods and illness, Her husband being...

Title: Death by Landscape Author: Margaret Atwood Setting: Canada — mainly at a summer girls’ camp in Northern Ontario and later in Lois’s apartment in Toronto Summary: The story follows Lois, an elderly woman who lives alone in her apartment filled with landscape paintings. Each painting shows wild Canadian scenery — forests, lakes, cliffs — but Lois finds them unsettling rather than peaceful. They remind her of a mysterious and tragic event from her youth. As a teenager, Lois attended Camp Manitou, a summer camp for girls in the Canadian wilderness. There, she became close friends with Lucy, a lively, confident girl from a wealthy American family. The two girls shared everything and often went canoeing and hiking together. One day, during a camping trip on a cliff overlooking a lake, Lucy disappears. The girls had climbed to the top of a steep hill, and Lois heard Lucy go behind some trees — then suddenly, she was gone. Despite hours of searching, no one ever found Lucy’s...

Title: Borders Author: Thomas King Setting: The Canada–United States border, mainly at the border crossing near Coutts, Alberta, and Sweetgrass, Montana Summary: The story is told from the point of view of a young boy who travels with his mother from their home in a Blackfoot reserve in Canada to visit his sister Laetitia, who lives in Salt Lake City, USA. When they arrive at the border, the American border guard asks the mother for her citizenship — expecting her to say “Canadian” or “American.” But the mother proudly replies, “Blackfoot.” The guard becomes confused, saying that “Blackfoot” is not a recognized nationality and that she must choose between “Canadian” or “American.” The mother refuses, standing firm in her identity as Blackfoot, which represents her Indigenous nation — a people whose land existed long before these borders were created. Because she won’t give an acceptable answer, the border officials won’t let them enter the U.S. They are sent back to the Can...

Title: The Painted Door Author: Sinclair Ross Setting: A lonely farmhouse on the Canadian prairies during a severe winter snowstorm Summary: The story centers on Ann and John, a married couple living in isolation on the prairies. John is a hardworking farmer, kind but quiet, and completely devoted to Ann. However, Ann feels lonely and emotionally neglected because their life is dull and routine. She wishes for more excitement, company, and affection. One bitterly cold winter morning, John tells Ann he must go to visit his sick father, who lives miles away. He promises to return that night even though a blizzard is coming. Ann asks him to stay, but John insists on going because he feels it is his duty. After John leaves, the snowstorm worsens, and Ann is left alone in the house. To occupy herself, she begins painting the door, trying to distract her mind and brighten her surroundings — a symbol of her desire to renew her dull life. As night falls, the storm grows fierce. Ann...

Title: The Loons Author: Margaret Laurence Setting: Canada, mainly at Lake Wakikimi and the town of Manawaka Summary: The story is told by Vanessa MacLeod, a young girl from a middle-class white family. One summer, her family invites Piquette Tonnerre, a Métis girl (of mixed Indigenous and European heritage), to stay with them at their summer cottage on Lake Wakikimi. Vanessa’s father, Dr. MacLeod, is a kind man who feels sympathy for the Métis people, who are often poor and looked down upon by others. He hopes that by inviting Piquette to the lake, she might enjoy the clean air and beautiful surroundings — and perhaps become friends with Vanessa. At first, Vanessa is excited about having a companion her age. But she quickly finds that Piquette is quiet, withdrawn, and uncomfortable. She doesn’t seem to enjoy swimming, boating, or talking. Vanessa realizes that Piquette feels out of place in their world — she belongs neither to white society nor fully to her Indigenous root...

Title: Stone Mattress  Author: Margaret Atwood Published: 2014   Genre: Psychological fiction / Gothic revenge tale The story follows Verna, a seventy year - a widow who is going on an Arctic cruise for older travelers. Outwardly, she seems like a refined, polite lady — but as the story unfolds, we learn she has a dark secret and a thirst for revenge. Past and Present During the cruise, Verna meets Bob, a man who introduces himself as “Bob Goreham.” Hearing his name shocks her — because he is the same man who raped her when she was only fourteen. Back then, he was a popular young man who ruined her reputation by lying that she “wanted it.” The trauma changed her life completely: her education ended, her parents’ trust was broken, and her life took a hard turn. Now, decades later, fate has brought them together again in this isolated, icy world. The Setting The cruise stops at various Arctic locations, including places with ancient rocks and fossils called stromatol...

The Signal-Man” by Charles Dickens (1866): Summary The story is narrated by an unnamed traveler who encounters a railway signalman working in a lonely, isolated post near a railway cutting. The narrator calls out to him, but the signalman responds nervously, almost as if expecting something dreadful. The narrator approaches and strikes up a conversation. The signalman is an intelligent and conscientious man, but he seems troubled and fearful. Over the course of their meetings, he confides in the narrator that he has been experiencing strange, supernatural visions. Each time, he sees a mysterious figure near the railway tunnel, waving one arm as if to warn him and covering its face with the other. Whenever the figure appears, a terrible accident soon follows: The first time, there was a catastrophic train crash. The second time, a young woman died suddenly on a passing train. Now, the figure has appeared again, and the signalman is tormented, certain that another disaster is...

 “Anxiety Monster” by Rhona McFerran: Detailed Summary The poem “Anxiety Monster” presents anxiety as if it were a real monster—an ugly, sneaky, and tormenting creature. The poet directly addresses this monster, describing how it lurks like something hidden under the bed, creeping into the speaker’s life without invitation. It feeds on fear, insecurities, and doubts. Even when the speaker tries to ignore or starve it, the monster strikes back by planting fresh worries and stabbing with “a blade of doubt.” The speaker explains how the anxiety monster drains happiness and leaves them feeling glum, restless, and powerless. It clings like a shadow, haunting both day and night, never giving rest. The monster taunts, mocks, and dangles dangers in front of the speaker, causing trembling and fear. Anxiety is shown as ever-present, always whispering negativity, stealing joy, and making life heavy. Yet, as the poem develops, the speaker grows more defiant. Instead of surrendering...

Summary of “Of Friendship” By Francis Bacon The story of “Of Friendship” begins with the words of Aristotle, “Whosoever is delighted in solitude is either a wild beast or a God”. It means the person who believes that he is happy alone is either a wild beast or god. It is true that we need friends to spend life.  There is a Latin Saying, ” Magna Civitas, Magna Solitudo” which means ( A Great town is a great Solitude.).   Bacon says, there are three fruits of friendship. First principle, there are diseases in bodies which Doctors can be cure by opening them like lungs, liver and mind. But no doctor in the world can cure your heart pain. Only a true friends can open your heart and cure its pain.  It is strange thing that Great Kings have also tasted the fruit of friendship. The First fruit of friendship is sharing our heart feelings with our friends as it gives happiness and cure our pain.   The second fruit of friendship is giving advice. Sometimes ...

What is an adjective? An adjective describes or modifies a noun or pronoun. Example She is tall. It’s a beautiful garden.

Bessie Head’s The Collector of Treasures Detailed Summary Setting and Opening The story is set in a rural Botswana village. It begins with Dikeledi Mokopi, who is serving a prison sentence for murder. Through her backstory, the narrator reveals how her life unfolded and what led her to commit such a violent act. Dikeledi’s Life and Marriage Dikeledi married Garesego when she was still young. At first, she had hopes of a good family life. But Garesego turned out to be irresponsible, selfish, and unfaithful. He abandoned Dikeledi and their three children, leaving her to raise them without support. Unlike many women who collapse under such abandonment, Dikeledi worked hard to feed and educate her children. She became respected in her community for her resilience and dignity. The Ideal Couple – Thebolos During her struggles, Dikeledi found emotional support in her neighbors, Paul and Kenalepe Thebolo. Paul was a loving, responsible husband who respected and cared for his wife. ...

Summary of The Beckoning Fair One by Oliver Onions: 1. Introduction of the Protagonist The story revolves around Paul Oleron, a middle-aged, somewhat lonely writer struggling with creative stagnation. He is dissatisfied with his life in London and seeks a quiet, inspiring place to focus on his writing. 2. Moving into the House Oleron rents an old, deserted house with a history of previous occupants. He is particularly drawn to a spacious, unused upper room. This room seems to call to him, and he senses an unseen presence that he later names “the Fair One.” 3. Initial Inspiration At first, the presence appears to be a source of creative energy. Oleron feels inspired and motivated to work on his writing. He begins spending most of his time alone in the house, particularly in the upper room. The spirit seems gentle at first, almost like a muse encouraging him. 4 . Isolation and Obsession As time passes, Oleron becomes incrqeasingly obsessed with the Fair One. He gradually with...

George Saunders’ Pastoralia – Simple Summary The story is about a man who works in a strange theme park. His job is to live inside a fake cave and pretend to be a caveman. He wears animal skins, eats strange food, and must grunt instead of talking. He has to stay in character all the time, even when no visitors are watching. His co-worker, Janice, also plays a caveman, but she sometimes talks or complains instead of grunting. The managers send daily memos telling workers to report on each other if they break the rules. They pressure the narrator to write a bad report about Janice so she can be fired. The narrator feels torn. He knows Janice has a difficult life outside the park—her husband mistreats her, and her son is in trouble. He feels sorry for her and doesn’t want to betray her. But at the same time, he is afraid of losing his job because he needs money to support his own family. In the end, nothing really changes. The theme park continues, and the narrator is stuck i...

Summary of A White Heron by Sarah Orne Jewett  Detailed Summary The story begins with Sylvia, a nine-year-old country girl, walking through the woods in the evening with her cow. Sylvia lives with her grandmother, Mrs. Tilley, in rural Maine. She is shy, quiet, and happiest when she is wandering alone in the forest, surrounded by birds, trees, and animals. While returning home one evening, Sylvia meets a young hunter who is lost. She guides him back to her grandmother’s home. The grandmother welcomes him and offers him food and a place to stay. The next day, the hunter reveals that he is searching for a rare white heron to add to his collection. He even offers ten dollars to anyone who can show him where the bird lives. For Sylvia and her grandmother, ten dollars is a large sum of money. The hunter charms Sylvia with his kindness and enthusiasm. For the first time, Sylvia feels drawn to someone from the outside world. She admires him, wants to please him, and feels a ne...

Summary of “The Bet” by Anton Chekov The story begins at a party where guests are debating which punishment is more humane: death penalty or life imprisonment. A young lawyer argues that life in prison is better than death, while a wealthy banker insists that death is kinder. To settle the argument, they make a bet: The lawyer agrees to spend 15 years in solitary confinement. If he succeeds, the banker will pay him two million rubles. During the long years of imprisonment, the lawyer studies many subjects—languages, philosophy, literature, science, religion—trying to gain wisdom. As the 15 years near an end, the banker is nearly ruined financially and realizes he cannot afford to pay the lawyer. Desperate, he plans to secretly kill the lawyer before the bet ends. But when he sneaks into the lawyer’s cell, he finds a letter. In it, the lawyer declares that he has come to despise material wealth and worldly pleasures. He renounces the two million rubles and says he will leave...

Rikki-Tikki-Tavi” by Rudyard Kipling The story begins after a flood washes a young mongoose named Rikki-Tikki out of his burrow. He is rescued by a British family in India—Teddy, his mother, and father. They nurse him back to health, and Rikki quickly becomes part of the household, curious and energetic, as all mongooses are. While exploring the garden, Rikki meets two tailorbirds, Darzee and his wife, who warn him about the cobras living there. The garden is home to two deadly snakes, Nag and Nagaina, who consider themselves rulers of the garden. They see the humans and Rikki as threats to their power. Rikki’s first act of bravery is killing a small but dangerous snake, Karait, who tries to bite Teddy. This proves his loyalty to the family. That night, Rikki overhears Nag and Nagaina plotting. They plan to kill the humans so that Rikki will leave and they can rule the garden freely. Nag decides to hide in the bathroom to attack Teddy’s father. Rikki waits for the right mom...

A Detailed Summary of “Cat Person” by Kristen Roupenian  The story is about Margot, a 20-year-old college student, who works part-time at a movie theater. One day, she meets Robert, a man in his mid-thirties, who comes to buy snacks. They have a brief but interesting conversation, and Margot feels attracted to him. After that, they start texting each other frequently, and the playful and witty messages make Margot feel special and excited. Over time, however, she notices that Robert seems awkward and hard to read in real life, though he is much more confident over text. Still, she agrees to go on a date with him. They go to a bar and later end up at his house. When things turn physical, Margot suddenly feels very uncomfortable and disconnected. She is no longer attracted to Robert and finds the situation unpleasant, but she goes along with it because she doesn’t want to hurt his feelings or create conflict. The encounter leaves her feeling uneasy and powerless. Afterwar...

Detailed Summary of The Landlady by Roald Dahl The story begins with Billy Weaver, a young man of seventeen, who arrives in the city of Bath for business. He is new to the place and looking for somewhere cheap to stay the night. His boss has told him to find a boarding house, as it is more homely and affordable than a hotel. As Billy wanders through the streets, he notices a signboard that reads “Bed and Breakfast.” Something about the place attracts him strangely, almost as if he is being drawn toward it. Curious, he rings the bell. The door opens instantly, as though someone had been waiting for him. A middle-aged woman stands there—the landlady. She is friendly, polite, and seems very kind. She tells Billy that she has a room available. Her manner is motherly, and Billy, though slightly uneasy, feels comforted and decides to stay. When Billy signs the guest book, he notices only two other names in it: Christopher Mulholland and Gregory W. Temple. Both names seem oddly fa...

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...