11 SNAPSHOTS 3 MARKS

1. What makes the story ‘The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse’ interesting?
The story is interesting because it shows both honesty and adventure together. The Garoghlanian tribe was known for honesty, yet two boys, Mourad and Aram, secretly kept a white horse. They were not thieves, but they wanted to enjoy riding. Their love for the horse, Mourad’s special understanding with animals, and Aram’s innocence make the story lively. The suspense grows when John Byro sees the horse but does not accuse them, because he trusted their family’s name. The boys then feel guilty and return the horse. The story becomes interesting because of humor, childhood adventure, and a strong moral about honesty. It is full of warmth, mischief, and values that leave a lasting impression.

2. Did the boys return the horse because they were conscience-stricken or because they were afraid?
The boys returned the horse because they were conscience-stricken, not because of fear. Their tribe, the Garoghlanians, was famous for honesty and trust. When John Byro told them he trusted their family’s honesty even after recognizing the horse, they felt very guilty. They realized they were bringing shame to their family’s good name. Although they loved the horse very much, their strong sense of right and wrong was more important. Their conscience told them to do the correct thing. So, they returned the horse secretly. This shows how values taught in childhood guide people to act with honesty, even when temptation is strong.

3. ‘Have you come back?’ said the woman. ‘I thought that no one had come back.’ Does this statement give some clue about the story? If yes, what is it?
Yes, this statement is a big clue in the story The Address. It shows that the story is set after a war, when many people died or never returned home. The narrator’s mother had left her belongings with Mrs. Dorling for safety. When the narrator came back after the war, Mrs. Dorling was surprised, as she thought the family would not survive. This sentence gives us a feeling of loss and sadness caused by the war. It also shows Mrs. Dorling’s selfish nature because she wanted to keep those belongings as her own. The line prepares the reader for the story’s theme of war, loss, and human greed.

4. The story ‘The Address’ is divided into pre-War and post-War times. What hardships do you think the girl underwent during these times?
Before the war, the narrator lived happily with her mother and their belongings. But during the war, her mother had to give valuable things to Mrs. Dorling for safety. The family lived in fear, danger, and struggle. After the war, life was harder. Her mother had died, and the narrator returned alone. She hoped to get back her things but was treated coldly by Mrs. Dorling. When she saw her mother’s belongings in another house, they felt strange and painful. Instead of comfort, they brought back memories of loss. The girl’s hardship was not only physical but also emotional. She suffered because war had taken away both her loved ones and her peace of mind.

5. ‘The Address’ is a story of human predicament that follows war. Comment.
Yes, The Address clearly shows human problems after war. War does not only kill people but also breaks trust and relationships. The narrator’s mother gave her things to Mrs. Dorling for safety, but after the war, Mrs. Dorling behaved selfishly. She did not want to return them. Even when the narrator saw her mother’s things, they gave her no joy, only pain, because her mother was dead. This shows how material things lose meaning when loved ones are gone. The story reflects greed, mistrust, and suffering caused by war. It teaches us that human values, memories, and relationships are more important than property.

6. The play Mother’s Day is a humorous and satirical depiction of the status of the mother in the family. What are the issues it raises? How does the play resolve the issues?
The play shows how mothers are often ignored, overworked, and treated like servants in their own homes. Mrs. Pearson’s husband and children did not respect her. They always expected her to serve them and never cared for her feelings. With Mrs. Fitzgerald’s help, she exchanges personalities and starts behaving strictly. She refuses to serve tea, speaks firmly, and makes them realize their mistakes. At first, they are shocked, but later they understand that they had been unfair. In the end, they promise to change and treat her better. The play resolves the issue by teaching that mothers deserve love, respect, and equality in the family.

7. How does the play Mother’s Day end? Describe.
The play ends on a happy and positive note. After Mrs. Pearson speaks strictly in Mrs. Fitzgerald’s personality, her husband George and children Cyril and Doris feel ashamed. They realize how badly they had treated her. They agree to share work, respect her, and spend more time together. Then Mrs. Fitzgerald and Mrs. Pearson change back to their real personalities. The family decides to enjoy the evening together, showing that they have understood their mistake. The ending is funny but also meaningful. It teaches that mothers should not be taken for granted. They deserve dignity, care, and appreciation for everything they do.

8. How does the play “Mother’s Day” end? Describe.
The play Mother’s Day ends on a happy and meaningful note. After Mrs. Pearson, in Mrs. Fitzgerald’s personality, speaks firmly to her husband George and her children Doris and Cyril, they feel shocked and ashamed. They realize they have been selfish and unfair, always depending on her for everything without respecting her feelings. Slowly, they agree to change and help in household work. They also promise to spend more time with her. At the end, Mrs. Fitzgerald changes their personalities back, and Mrs. Pearson becomes herself again. The family decides to enjoy the evening together. The ending is both humorous and thoughtful, teaching that mothers deserve love, dignity, and equal respect in the family.

9. “I have done something; oh, God! I’ve done something real at last.” Why does Andrew say this? What does it mean?
Andrew said these words after saving a stillborn child’s life. At first, the baby looked dead, and everyone thought it could not be saved. Andrew worked very hard, using hot and cold water, and finally the baby cried. This gave new hope to the family. Andrew felt proud and emotional because he had achieved something truly meaningful as a doctor. He had not only applied medical knowledge but also his willpower and determination. For him, this was not just routine medicine, but a real miracle. It showed that saving a life gives more satisfaction than anything else. His words show his joy in doing something noble and valuable for others.

10. There lies a great difference between textbook medicine and the world of a practising physician. Discuss.
Yes, there is a clear difference. Textbook medicine is about theories, facts, and medical rules. It teaches doctors how diseases work and how to treat them in ideal conditions. But in real life, a practising physician faces unexpected situations. In the story Birth, Andrew faced such a moment when a baby was born lifeless. No book could guide him exactly on what to do. He had to use his presence of mind, judgment, and courage. Real practice requires not only medical knowledge but also patience, determination, and emotional strength. Textbook medicine gives the base, but practical situations test the real ability of a doctor to save lives.

11. Narrate the tale of melon city in your own words.
Once there was a king who believed in complete justice. He ordered an arch to be built. But when he saw it, he was not pleased and started blaming people. The workers blamed the chief, and the chief blamed the king. Finally, the king said he himself must be punished. According to tradition, the people chose the new ruler by asking them their wish. They all said they wanted a king who looked like a melon. So, a melon was crowned king. The people were happy because they wanted freedom. They believed in “laissez faire” or “let the people live as they like.” That is why the city was called the Melon City.

12. What impression would you form of a state where the king was ‘just’ and ‘placid’?
A state with such a king seems unusual. The king always wanted fairness, but he was too simple-minded. He punished people without proper thought, and finally even punished himself. This shows he was foolish though he called it justice. A placid king means he did not interfere in people’s lives. The people of his state were happy because they loved peace and freedom. They did not care if the king was wise or foolish as long as he left them free. So, the impression of such a state is strange but peaceful. People lived happily in their own way without interference.

13. How according to you, can peace and liberty be maintained in a state?
Peace and liberty can be maintained when rulers are fair, people respect each other, and no one misuses power. A just system of law, equal rights, and freedom of choice keep harmony in society. People should live with honesty, tolerance, and responsibility. Governments should not interfere unnecessarily in personal life but must protect the weak and maintain justice. Citizens too must follow rules and respect others’ freedom. If both rulers and people work together with understanding, then peace, liberty, and happiness can last in a state. Freedom with responsibility and justice is the best way to create a peaceful society.