Notes

Compulsory English
1. The Phantom Luncheon – by saki
Saki, the pen name of British author Hector Hugh Munro (1870-1916), was a
renowned master of short stories and satirical wit during the Edwardian era. His
works, often set in the English countryside, are characterized by clever humor,
social commentary, and a penchant for skewering the upper classes. Saki's writing,
including famous stories like "The Open Window" and "The Hounds of Fate,"
remains celebrated for its sharp, incisive style and timeless exploration of human
folly. His untimely death in World War I tragically cut short a promising literary
career.
"The Phantom Luncheon" by Saki (Hector Hugh Munro) is a humorous short story
that satirizes the absurdity of social conventions and the lengths to which people
will go to maintain appearances.
The story revolves around two characters, Octavian Ruttle and his sister, Vera.
Octavian is notorious for his elaborate and imaginative lies, while Vera is skeptical
of his tales. Octavian claims to have been invited to a prestigious luncheon hosted
by the Duchess of Dulverton. However, Vera is highly skeptical of this invitation,
given Octavian's history of exaggeration.
Octavian insists on attending the luncheon, even though Vera warns him that his
invitation is most likely a figment of his imagination. He arrives at the Duchess's
residence, but upon ringing the doorbell, he is informed that the luncheon is
canceled due to the sudden death of the Duchess.
Octavian, determined not to admit defeat, concocts an elaborate story about having
attended the luncheon in a phantom-like form, unseen by the other guests. He
regales Vera with tales of the luncheon, describing the eccentric guests and their
conversations in great detail.
The story humorously highlights the absurdity of social pretensions and the lengths
to which some individuals will go to save face. Octavian's vivid imagination and
refusal to admit defeat make for an entertaining and satirical exploration of human
behavior, revealing the frivolous nature of society's conventions.
 2. Function of Education

Jiddu Krishnamurti (1895-1986) was an influential Indian philosopher, speaker, and

writer known for his profound spiritual teachings. Raised by Theosophists who
believed he was the chosen World Teacher, Krishnamurti later rejected this role and
embarked on a lifelong journey of promoting self-discovery and individual freedom.
His teachings emphasized the importance of personal insight, meditation, and a non-
dogmatic approach to spirituality. Krishnamurti's ideas on inner transformation and
breaking free from societal conditioning continue to inspire seekers of truth and
spiritual growth worldwide.

Jiddu Krishnamurti's essay "The Function of Education" delves into his philosophy
on education and its purpose in fostering true human growth and understanding.
Krishnamurti posits that education should go beyond the mere acquisition of
knowledge and the preparation for a career. Instead, he advocates for an education
that nurtures the holistic development of individuals, focusing on self-awareness,
emotional intelligence, and the cultivation of a deep sense of responsibility for
oneself and society.

Krishnamurti argues that education should aim at fostering the ability to think
critically, independently, and creatively. It should encourage students to question
authority, challenge established norms, and explore the fundamental nature of
human existence. He believes that true education is a lifelong process that doesn't
end with formal schooling but continues throughout one's life.

Furthermore, Krishnamurti emphasizes the importance of teachers being guides

rather than authorities, helping students discover their own potential and passions
rather than imposing a rigid curriculum upon them. He believes that a truly educated
person is one who understands the interconnectedness of all life and approaches the
world with compassion and empathy.

In summary, Krishnamurti's view on education centers on the idea that its primary
function is to help individuals become self-aware, compassionate, and critical
thinkers, thereby enabling them to lead fulfilling lives and contribute positively to
the betterment of society. His philosophy calls for a transformation in the way we
approach education, shifting the focus from rote learning to self-discovery and the
development of a well-rounded, thoughtful individual.
 3. God Sees the Truth, But Waits

Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) was a renowned Russian writer and philosopher, best
known for his epic novels "War and Peace" and "Anna Karenina." His literary works
are celebrated for their intricate character development and profound exploration of
themes such as love, morality, and the human condition. Tolstoy's later writings
focused on his spiritual and philosophical beliefs, advocating for nonviolent
resistance and simple living. His influence on literature and philosophy remains
significant, making him a towering figure in Russian and world literature.
"God Sees the Truth, But Waits" by Leo Tolstoy is a poignant short story that
explores themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the inexorable workings of fate.

The story revolves around a man named Ivan Dmitrievich Aksionov, a merchant
who lives a peaceful and content life with his family. One fateful day, he decides to
attend a fair in a nearby town, leaving his wife and children behind. On the way, he
encounters a fellow merchant named Makar Semyonich who insists on traveling
together. Despite his initial reservations, Aksionov agrees.

At the fair, while drinking with Makar, Aksionov suddenly realizes that his money
has gone missing, and he suspects his companion. He reports the theft to the
authorities, but his pleas of innocence fall on deaf ears. He is wrongly convicted of
murder and theft and sentenced to hard labor in Siberia.

In Siberia, Aksionov spends 26 years imprisoned, never losing hope and maintaining
his innocence. Eventually, he crosses paths with the real murderer, Makar, who
confesses to the crime on his deathbed. However, it is too late for Aksionov, as he
has already endured a lifetime of suffering.

The story ends with Aksionov's release from prison, but the toll of the years of
imprisonment and injustice have left their mark, and he dies shortly after. The title,
"God Sees the Truth, But Waits," suggests that justice may be slow, but it ultimately
prevails.

Tolstoy's tale is a powerful exploration of the human capacity for forgiveness and
the consequences of pride and vengeance. It also highlights the idea that, in the end,
truth and justice will prevail, even if delayed, and that faith and patience in the face
of adversity are noble virtues.
 4. Neutral Tones
Thomas Hardy (1840-1928) was an English novelist and poet known for his literary
contributions in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His novels, including "Tess of
the d'Urbervilles," "Far from the Madding Crowd," and "The Mayor of
Casterbridge," often depicted rural life in England and explored themes of fate, love,
and social injustice. Hardy's works were notable for their realistic portrayal of
human struggles and their impact on individuals' lives. His writing style and themes
have made him a significant figure in English literature.
"Neutral Tones" by Thomas Hardy is a melancholic and reflective poem that
explores themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. The poem is structured as a
first-person recollection of a past encounter, and it paints a picture of a disenchanted
and failed relationship.

The speaker reminisces about a winter day when he and his lover met by a pond,
and their parting moment is described as "the smile on your mouth was the deadest
thing." The poem's title, "Neutral Tones," implies a sense of emotional detachment
and a lack of warmth or passion in the relationship.

The speaker reflects on the image of the withered leaves, the gray sky, and the
"grin" of the sun as they observed the decaying surroundings. These descriptions
symbolize the emotional emptiness and the inevitable end of their love.

The final stanza reveals the bitterness and disillusionment the speaker feels, as they
recognize that their relationship was, in hindsight, marked by indifference and a lack
of genuine feeling. The poem's stark and detached language conveys a sense of
emotional numbness and resignation.

"Neutral Tones" is a powerful commentary on the disillusionment that can come

with failed love and the stark realization that what once seemed beautiful and
promising has now turned cold and lifeless. It captures the universal experience of
heartbreak and the enduring impact of failed relationships on memory and emotion.
 5. Strange Meeting
Wilfred Owen (1893-1918) was a renowned English poet known for his powerful
and poignant war poetry during World War I. His works, such as "Dulce et Decorum
Est" and "Anthem for Doomed Youth," vividly depicted the brutal realities of
warfare, challenging the glorified perceptions of combat prevalent at the time.
Owen's poetry is marked by its anti-war sentiment and its emphasis on the suffering
and sacrifice of soldiers. His writings continue to be studied and revered for their
emotional impact and critical examination of the human cost of war.
"Strange Meeting" by Wilfred Owen is a poignant and profound war poem that
explores the futility and tragic consequences of conflict. The poem is narrated by a
soldier who has died in battle and finds himself in a surreal, dreamlike afterlife.

The soldier describes meeting another soul in this otherworldly realm, whom he
initially perceives as the enemy. However, as they converse, they realize that they
are both victims of war, regardless of their nationalities. They speak of the horrors
they have witnessed and the deep sorrow they feel for the lives lost in battle.

The poem delves into the idea that the true enemy is not the soldiers on the opposing
side but rather the forces and leaders that perpetuate war. The soldier laments the
waste of human life and the pointlessness of the conflict. He expresses a sense of
guilt for participating in the violence and for the suffering he has caused.

The meeting between these two soldiers in the afterlife becomes a moment of
profound understanding and empathy. They find solace in each other's company, and
the poem ends with the notion that there is hope for forgiveness and reconciliation
beyond the horrors of war.

"Strange Meeting" is a powerful anti-war poem that challenges the glorification of

battle and highlights the universal human tragedy that war inflicts on both sides.
Owen's poem is a moving testament to the senselessness of war and the shared
humanity that transcends national boundaries.
 6. Have you got a Brook in your little heart
Emily Dickinson (1830-1886) was an American poet known for her distinctive and
unconventional style. She lived a reclusive life in Amherst, Massachusetts, rarely
leaving her family home. Dickinson's poetry is characterized by its brevity, unique
punctuation, and exploration of themes such as death, nature, love, and spirituality.
During her lifetime, she published only a few poems, but after her death, her vast
body of work was discovered and has since earned her recognition as one of
America's greatest poets. Her enigmatic and deeply introspective poems continue to
resonate with readers worldwide.
"Have You Got a Brook in Your Little Heart" by Emily Dickinson is a short yet
evocative poem that explores the nature of emotion, the heart, and the human
experience. In just eight lines, Dickinson creates a metaphorical landscape to
convey complex emotional states.

The poem begins with the question, "Have you got a Brook in your little heart?"
This question immediately draws the reader's attention to the idea of a "brook" or a
small stream, a classic symbol of the natural world and the flow of emotions.
Dickinson often uses nature as a metaphor to explore the human psyche and
emotions.

The second line, "Where bashful flowers blow," introduces the image of shy or
timid flowers. These flowers represent delicate, perhaps hidden emotions that are
not readily expressed. The choice of the word "bashful" suggests that these
emotions are modest and not openly displayed.

In the third and fourth lines, Dickinson asks whether there are "And nobody
knows," emphasizing the secrecy or privacy of these emotions. They are concealed,
known only to the speaker, and perhaps not even fully understood by the speaker.

The fifth and sixth lines introduce the idea of a "silent brook" that "nobody knows."
Here, Dickinson is emphasizing the depth of the emotions, suggesting that they run
so quietly and deeply within the heart that they are essentially hidden from view.

The final two lines, "And a little bird—did sit," introduce a bird as an observer of
this inner landscape. The bird may represent the poet herself, or it could symbolize
an external perspective on the emotions. The bird's presence suggests a sense of
solitude and contemplation.
In summary, "Have You Got a Brook in Your Little Heart" is a concise yet rich
exploration of the hidden, private emotions that reside within the human heart.
Through the use of nature imagery and metaphor, Emily Dickinson invites readers
to contemplate the complexity and secrecy of inner emotional experiences. The
poem prompts reflection on the depths of feeling that often remain concealed from
others, even as they quietly shape our inner lives.1y