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CONFLATIONS-IIIGeneral English Course Book & ComprehensionIII Semester B./BCA (Other Courses under the Faculty of Science)Prasaranga BANGALORE UNIVERSITY Bengaluru - 560 056.FOREWORDConflations-III, the General English Text book for III Semester B./BCA (other courses coming under the Faculty of ...

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CONFLATIONS-III General English Course Book & Comprehension

III Semester B.Sc./BCA (Other Courses under the Faculty of Science)

Prasaranga BANGALORE UNIVERSITY Bengaluru - 560 056.

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CONFLATIONS-III: General English Course Book & Comprehension for III Semester B.Sc./BCA and other courses under Faculty of Science, Degree Course, prepared by the Members of the Text Book Committee, Bangalore University, Bangalore; Published by Prasaranga, Bangalore University, Bangalore. Pp:

© Bangalore University First Edition 2019 Price :

Published by: Dr. B. Gangadhar Director Prasaranga and Printing Press Bangalore University, Bengaluru - 560 056.

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FOREWORD Conflations-III, the General English Text book for III Semester B.Sc./BCA (other courses coming under the Faculty of Science), has been designed with the dual-objective of inducing literary sensibility and developing linguistic skills in students. Both of these have been combined in a single text instead of two separate texts. This may prove a little economical to students. I congratulate the Textbook Committee on its efforts in the selection of the literary pieces and preparation of the material for grammar and usage. I thank the Director of Prasaranga and Printing Press, the Assistant Director of Prasaranga and their personnel for bringing out the textbook neatly and on time. I hope the text will motivate the teachers and the students to make the best use of it and develop literary sensibility as well as linguistic skills.

Dr.Venugopal K.R Vice-Chancellor Bangalore University.

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Members of the BOS Dr. K. S. Vaishali Chairperson Board of Studies in English-UG Bangalore University Bengaluru 1. Prof. Muralikrishna L Associate Professor Department of English G F G C, Vijayanagar, Bengaluru 2. Dr. Umarani M.C. Associate Professor Department of English B N M Degree College BSK 2nd Stage, Bengaluru 3. Dr. L.N.Seshagiri Associate Professor Department of English G F G C, Yediyur, Jayanagar, Bengaluru 4. Dr. Thammaiah R.B. Associate Professor & Head, Department of English Padmashree Institute of Management and Sciences, Kengeri, Bengaluru 5. Prof. Chetana P. Associate Professor & Head, Department of English Maharani Women Arts & Commerce College Sheshadri Road, Bengaluru

6. Dr. Rekha Kowshik P.R. Assistant Professor, BES College, Jayanagar, Bengaluru 7. Dr. N.S.Gundur Professor, Department of English Tumkur University, Tumkur 5

8. Prof. Kannan Professor & Chairperson Department of English Akkamahadevi Women’s University Vijayapura Co-opted Member 9. Prof. D.YoganandaRao Associate Professor Post Graduate Dept of English Jain University, Bengaluru

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Text Book Committee Chairperson Dr. L.N.Seshagiri Associate Professor G F G C, Yediyur, Jayanagar, Bengaluru

1. Prof. Muralikrishna L G F G C, Vijayanagar, Bengaluru 2. Prof. Amala C B M S College for Women Basavanagudi, Bengaluru 3. Dr. Sartaj Khan Al-Ameen Arts, Science and Commerce College Bengaluru 4. Dr. Jayashree C. Kambar KLE S Nijalingappa College Rajajinagar, Bengaluru 5. Prof. Narasimhan N.G Vijaya Evening College Bengaluru 6. Dr. Harish M.G GFGC, Channapatna 7. Dr. Deepthi. S GFGCW, Ramanagar 8. Prof. Santoshi B.R MLA Academy of Higher Learning Malleshwaram, Bengaluru Co-opted Members 9. Prof. Manjushree M LBS GFGC, Dinnur Main Road, RT Nagar, Bengaluru 10. Prof. Govindappa S Maharani Arts, Commerce and Management College for Women, Bengaluru 7

PREFACE Conflations-III, the Course Book of General English for III Semester B.Sc./BCA, ushers the learners into a pleasant literary world that presents an array of stories, poems and prose pieces written by masters of literature from various parts of the world. The texts envelope relevant issues haunting the present world. They involve pieces on gender, human relationship, caste, class, classic literature and a one-act play too. The texts come with brainstorming, comprehension, suggested reading and language activity. Hope the texts motivate the students and propel them to pinnacle of success. Well-chosen texts also play a vital role in exposing the students to various nuances of the English language. Moreover, a committed learning of these may help enrich culture and literary sensibility in students. So is the case with grammar and usage and the entailing exercises which are intended to strengthen the linguistic skills of students and make them confident to use English, the significance of which in a student's career can hardly be over emphasized. The Textbook Committee has spared no efforts in selecting the suitable literary pieces, giving a brief introduction as a brainstorm, preparing the required glossary, suggesting further reading and setting exhaustive questions on the selected pieces. The Committee has left no stone unturned to introduce useful topics of grammar and comprehension which will, when properly used, enhance the student's linguistic skills. I hope that students will make use of this text through the able guidance of their teachers and equip themselves better for their career challenges.

Dr. K. S. Vaishali Editor & Chairperson Department of English Bangalore University

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NOTE TO THE TEACHER 'Conflations-III', the text on hand, is, evidently for III Semester B.Sc./BCA. The text comprises 8 literary pieces of different genres , English grammar and usage and extended reading. The text consists of literary pieces from English Classic Literature and Indian Writing in English. A pattern of the question paper has also been provided at the end as a pointer to paper setters and teachers while focusing on the examination. The teachers and the students can make use of a Model Question Paper too. The literary pieces are from an assortment of poetry, prose and fiction and a one-act play. Every lesson begins with a pre-reading section called brainstorming, followed by a brief introduction to the author of the piece. Glossary has been provided for difficult words and this is not exhaustive. The teacher concerned may have to prepare it according to the needs of the class. The questions given at the end can be considered as 'Short answer', 'Paragraph' and 'Essay Type' based on the scope of the question and the length of the expected answer and the pattern of the question paper. The suggested reading is on broad similarity between the themes and may not be very close. However, they do add to the perception and may be handy in explaining the dimensions. Instead of a separate text for grammar, the topics have been integrated into the text itself. The topics have been graded on their complexity and the nature of dealing with them. The note given here, the brainstorming section, the glossary or suggested reading are all merely indicative by nature and their use depends on the teacher's potential and preparation. This has been an outcome of the collective effort of all the Members of the Committee who have toiled day and night, have spared even their weekends and holidays to bring it out. They deserve our acknowledgement, while thanking all the authorities of the University, BoS and the officials concerned. We are thankful to Dr. S. Harish, Principal, Vijaya Evening College, R.V.Road, Basavanagudi, Bengaluru, and their Staff for their hospitality shown during the meetings of the committee to frame text books for second and third Semesters. We wish to thank Dr. K. S. Vaishali, Chairperson, English Department, Bangalore University for her support and co-operation. We are equally grateful to Prof. Gangadhar of Prasaranga for printing the texts. Text book Committee 9

Publisher’s Note The General English Text Book CONFLATIONS-III for III Semester Degree B.Sc. / BCA and other courses coming under the Faculty of Science has a diverse collection of stories, poems, essays and a one-act play from the literary giants. They address different themes and core issues of today’s world. Specific texts have been selected to cultivate reading and writing habits among the learners. They also aim at developing critical and creative thinking. These texts provide ample space for the learner to explore linguistic competence and literary sensibilities. They also instil human values. I thank the members of the BoS, Chairperson and the members of the Text Book Committee and the Chief Editor who have made commendable efforts in creating such a textbook. I thank the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor for his guidance and practical support in bringing out this book. I am extremely thankful to the Registrar, Bangalore University for extending his wholehearted co-operation and support. I also thank the Staff of Prasaranga and Printing Press for the support in bringing out the book so neatly within the stipulated time.

Dr. B. Gangadhar Director, Prasaranga and Printing Press

Contents 10

1. As a Son, My Daughter

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Sampurna Chattarji

2. The Roman Image

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R. K. Narayan

3. The Escape

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Narayan Shyam

4. Tightrope

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Kanu Acharya

5. My Daughters

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Chinua Achebe

6. Death, Be Not Proud

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John Donne

7. Mirror of Innocence

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Perumal Murugan

8. The Proposal

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Anton Chekhov

9. From Bumps to Handwriting

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Martin Gardner (Extended Reading)

10. Question Paper Pattern 11. Model Question Paper Grammar and Composition 1. Remedial Grammar 2. Note taking (Listening) 3. Presentation skills (Speaking) 4. Note making (Reading) 5. Report Writing (Writing) 6. Information Transfer (Writing)

1. AS A SON, MY DAUGHTER 11

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Sampurna Chattarji

Brainstorming:   

Do parents have different ways of bringing up sons and daughters? What are gender roles? What are the traits associated with a particular gender? Are girls in the globalised world breaking the gender roles and becoming fiercely independent? Discuss.

About the Poet:

Sampurna Chattarji writes poetry and fiction. She also translates from Bangla. She was awarded the second prize in the All-India Poetry Competition (2005) organised by the Poetry Society of India and The British Council. Her publications include Abol Tabol: The Nonsense World of Sukumar Ray. Sampurna Chattarji’s poems are contemporary in their setting and tone. In this poem, she wants her daughter to be all that she is/was not. Having brought her up as a son, the poet finds the daughter now “too fierce, too strong, too free” and that frightens her.

When you grow up, you will be a healer loved for your smile and your sorceress skill. You will be a composer of concrete dreams, songs of towering glass.

You will be the one to split the gene and shed light on every last particle of doubt. 12

You will know numbers so well that you will reject them all save two for they will be enough to keep you engaged endlessly in running the world, efficient and remorseless. A network of binary combinations.

When you grow up, you will be all that I am not. Wise, patient, with shiny long hair and good teeth, radiant skin to go with your razor intellect, as brilliant as you are beautiful.

You will be a wife and a mother, your children will be brilliant and beautiful, exactly as I see them, perfect miniature of all that I am not.

I brought you up as a son,

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my daughter, fierce and strong and free. But now, now that you are, have become, all that I am not, you are too fierce, too strong, too free. Your hair is too short. Your absences too long. You fear nothing. You frighten me.

Glossary Sorceress: A woman who practices magic. Remorseless: Relentless, continuing in a way that does not end or that seems impossible to stop. Binary Combinations: A number system based only on the numerals 0 and 1 (Computer language) Razor intellect: A sharp mind and intelligence. Miniature: Very small of its kind, represented on a smaller scale. Comprehension: I. Answer the following questions in one or two sentences: 1. The poem is addressed to the: a. Daughter b. Son c. Mother d. Father 2. What is the ‘healer’ loved for? 3. The daughter will be a composer of___________. 4. Which mysteries does the daughter unravel? 5. Why does the daughter reject all the numbers except the binaries? 6. The Mother/ poet wants to see in her daughter the attributes which she lacks – (True/ false) 7. How will the grandchildren of the poet be? 8. How has the poet/mother brought her daughter up? 9. Why is the poet/ mother frightened? 14

II.

Answer the following questions in 80-100 words: 1. What are the dreams and aspirations of the mother for her daughter? 2. Why does the speaker want her daughter to be all that she is not? 3. Explain the reasons for bringing up a daughter like a son? 4. Having brought the daughter up as a son, the poet finds her now “too fierce, too strong, too free.” Is her fear justified? Explain.

III.

Answer the following questions in 200-250 words:

1. There is a noticeable difference between the mother and the daughter. Are they brought up in two different milieus? Comment. 2. The Poet wants her daughter to be all that she was not. Is she right in thinking so? Discuss. Suggested Reading: 1. Watch the movie “My Left Foot.” 2. Read Jyothi Lanjewar’s poem “Mother.” Source: Chattarji, Sampurna. “As a Son, My Daughter.”We Speak in Changing Languages: Indian Women Poets 1900-2007. Edited by E V Ramakrishna and Anju Makhija, SahityaAkademi 2009, PP 81-82.

2. THE ROMAN IMAGE R.K.Narayan 15

Brainstorming   

Discuss the popularity of the Indian short story in English. What is ‘willing suspension of disbelief’? Explore productive hobbies for college students.

About the author Rasipuram Krishnaswami Iyer Narayanaswami better known as R.K.Narayan was born on October 10 1906 in Chennai. He is one of the three leading figures of early Indian literature in English, along with MulkrajAnand and Raja Rao. The setting for most of his stories is the fictional town of Malgudi, first introduced in Swami and Friends. In a writing career that spanned over sixty years, he received many awards and honours. This short story taken from Under the Banyan Tree and Other Stories is about an ambitious Talkative man. He discovers an image on the banks of the Sarayu river, supposedly a statue of the Roman Emperor Tiberius II. The story captures incidents and situations without a hint of contrivance and losing out on the elements of a story.

The Talkative Man said: Once I was an archaeologist’s assistant. I wandered up and down the country probing, exploring, and digging, in search of antiquities, a most interesting occupation, although cynics sometimes called us “grave-diggers”. I enjoyed the work immensely. I had a master who was famous archaeologist called Doctor something or other. He was a superb, timeless being, who lived a thousand years behind the times, and who wanted neither food nor roof nor riches if only he was allowed to gaze on undisturbed at an old coin or chip of a burial urn. He had torn up the earth in almost all parts of India and had brought to light very valuable information concerning the history and outlook of people of remote centuries. His monographs on each of his excavations filled several shelves in all the important libraries. And then, as our good fortune would have it, he received an inspiration that Malgudi district was eminently diggable. I am not competent to explain how he got this idea, but there it was. Word was brought to me that the great man was staying in the dak bungalow and was in need of assistant. Within an hour of hearing it I stood before the great man. He was sitting on the floor with the craziest collection of articles in front of him -pots and beads and useless coins and palm leaves, all of them rusty and decaying. He had a lens by his side, through which he looked at these articles and made notes. He asked me: “What do you know about archaeological factors of your district?” I blinked. Honestly I didn’t know there was any archaeology in our place. He looked at me through his spectacles, and I realized 16

that my leaving depended upon my answer. I mustered up all the knowledge of elementary history I had acquired in my boyhood and replied: “Well, nothing has so far been done in any methodical manner, although now and then we come across some ignorant villagers ploughing up old un-usual bits of pottery and metal.” “Really,” he asked, pricking up his ears. “And what do they do with them?” “They simply throw them away or give them to children to play with,” I replied. “Oh, too bad,” he muttered. “Why couldn’t you have collected these things in one place?” “I will take care to do that hereafter, Sir”, I said; and that settled it. He engaged me on the spot at fifty rupees per month, and my main business was to follow him about and help him. I had my wits alive, and within a month I was in a position to lead him by the hand. Not the slightest object escaped my notice I picked everything I saw, cleaned and polished it, and held it up for his opinion. Most times, I am sorry to confess, they were useless bits of stuff of known origin –namely, our own times. But I am glad to say that once I scored a hit. We camped one week-end at Siral –a village sixty miles from the town. It is a lovely ancient place, consisting of a hundred houses, Sarayu River winds its way along the northern boundary of the village. The river here is broader than its anywhere else in district. On the other bank of the river we have the beginnings of a magnificent jungle of bamboo and teak. The most modern structure in the place was a small two-roomed inspection lodge. The doctor occupied one room and I the other. We were scouting the surroundings for a mound under which was supposed to be a buried city. This discovery was going to push the earliest known civilization three centuries farther back and rival Mohenjadaro in antiquity. We might be pardoned if we sent about our business with some intensity. Our doctor somehow seemed to possess an inexplicable feeling of rivalry with the discoverers of Mohenjadaro and such other places. His greatest desire was to have a monopoly of the earliest known civilization and place it where he chose. This seemed to me a slight weakness in his nature, but pardonable in a great man, who had done so much else in life. This is all beside the point. Let me get on with the story. One day I had gone to the river to bathe. It was an exhilarating evening; I had done a good day’s work, assisting doctor to clean up and study a piece of stained glass picked up in a field outside the village. The doctor kept gazing at this glass all day. He constantly shook his head and said: “This is easily the most important piece of work which has come under my notice. This bit of glass you see is not ordinary archaeological stuff, but a very important link. This piece of glass is really Florentian, which went out of vogue in A.D.5. How did this come here? It is not found anywhere else in the world. If the identity of this is established properly, we may ultimately have a great deal to say about the early Roman Empire and this part of India. This will revolutionize our whole knowledge of history.” He talked of nothing but that whole day. He trembled with excitement and acquired and lost all taste for food. He kept on muttering: “We must tread warily and not overlook the slightest evidence. Keep your eyes open. We are on the eve of the greatest discoveries…” And I caught this excitement and acquired a permanently searching look. I was on this state when I plunged into the waters of Sarayu that evening. I am a good diver. As I Went down, my hand struck against a hard object in the sandy bed. Feeling the surface again I came up bearing that image 17

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