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A Wedding in Brownsville By Isaac Bashevis Singer

A Wedding in Brownsville By Isaac Bashevis Singer Isaac Bashevis Singer (1903-1991) was a Polish-American writer and Nobel Prize-winning author known for his Yiddish-language stories that explore Jewish life, folklore, and themes of spirituality, identity, and morality. His works often delve into the complexities of human nature, blending realism with mysticism. In his story, “A Wedding in Brownsville,” Singer tells the tale of a man named Dr. Margolin, who returns to Brooklyn’s Brownsville neighborhood for a wedding after many years. As he reconnects with familiar faces, he is haunted by memories of his past, including lost love and the horrors of the Holocaust. The story explores themes of memory, guilt, and the enduring impact of trauma on personal identity and relationships. Q: Who were the Senciminers? Ans. Sencimineers were Jewish villagers from the town of Sencimin, where Dr. Margolin once lived. They are now dispersed due to the devastation of WW II, and some of them attend th

Eveline By James Joyce

                                                                                            Eveline By James Joyce     James Joyce (1882-1941) was an Irish novelist, short story writer, and poet, widely regarded as one of the most influential writers of the 20th century. Known for his innovative narrative techniques and complex use of language, Joyce’s works, such as “Dubliners,” “A Portrait of the Artist as Young Man,” “Ulysses,” and “Finnegans Wake,” revolutionized modernist literature. His writing often explores themes of identity, consciousness, and the struggles of ordinary life in early 20th-century Dublin. Joyce’s work has had a profound impact on both literary theory and the development of the modern novel. “Eveline” is a part of his collection “Dubliners” (1914). The story centers around a young woman named Eveline who is torn between her sense of duty to her family in Dublin and her desire for a new life with her lover, Frank, in Argentina. As she contemplates leavi

I Sell My Dreams By Gabriel Garcia Marquez

                                                                                I Sell My Dreams By Gabriel Garcia Marquez   Gabriel Garcia Marquez (1927-2014) was a Colombian novelist, short story writer, journalist, and one of the most significant authors of the 20th century. He is best known for his masterful use of magical realism, blending fantastical elements with everyday life. His most famous works include “One Hundred Years of Solitude” and “Love in the Time of Cholera.” Marquez received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1982, recognized for his vivid storytelling and imaginative narratives that explore themes of love, politics, and human nature. “I Sell My Dreams” is a short story that explores themes of superstition, belief, and survival through the character of Frau Frieda, a woman who claims to have the ability to predict the future through her dreams. Set against a backdrop of magical realism, the story narrates how she uses her supposed gift to navigate and thrive

Going Places By A.R. Barton

  Going Places By A.R. Barton   Q: Where was it most likely that the two girls would find work after school?   Ans. It was most likely that Sophie and Jansie would find work in a biscuit factory after school. This was a common expectation for girls of their socio-economic background, as it was one of the few job opportunities available to them.   Q: What were the options that Sophie was dreaming of? Why does Jansie discourage her from having such dreams?   Ans. Sophie dreamt of becoming a boutique owner, an actress, or even a fashion designer. Jansie discourages her from having such dreams because she is more practical and realistic. She understands that they come from a working-class background and that such ambitions are unattainable for them due to their financial constraints and lack of opportunities.   Q: Why did Sophie wriggle when Geoff told her father that she had met Danny Casey?   Ans. Sophie wriggled when Geoff told her father about meeting Danny Ca

The Interview By Christopher Silvester

                                                                         The Interview By Christopher Silvester   Q: What are some of the positive views on interviews?   Ans. Interviews are considered to be a useful tool for obtaining firsthand information about people’s thoughts, opinions, and personal experiences. They provide insight into the personalities of public figures and can help humanize them. They are seen as a means of truth-seeking and are highly regarded for their ability to bring out a person’s true character.   Q: Why do most celebrity writers despise being interviewed? Ans. Many celebrity writers dislike being interviewed because they find it intrusive and an invasion of their privacy. They feel that interviews often focus on sensationalism rather than genuine conversation. Moreover, interviews can distort the intended message, and the interviewees might not like the way their words are interpreted or edited. Q: What is the belief in some primitive c

Poets and Pancakes By Asokamitran

Poets and Pancakes By Asokamitran   Q: What does the writer mean by ‘the fiery misery’ of those subjected to make-up?   Ans. The phrase “fiery misery” refers to the discomfort and pain that actors and actresses had to endure while being subjected to the heavy and uncomfortable make-up process at Gemini Studios. The term “fiery” alludes to the burning sensation caused by the harsh and thick pancake make-up used, which was often applied in a stifling environment.   Q: What is the example of national integration that the author refers to?   Ans. The example of national integration at Gemini Studios is the diverse makeup of the staff who came from various parts of India, representing different regions, languages, and cultures. Despite their differences, they worked together harmoniously, providing a microcosm of India’s multicultural society.   Q: What work did the ‘office boy’ do in the Gemini Studios? Why did he join the studios? Why was he disappointed?   Ans.