"The Necklace" by Guy de Maupassant- Summary

The Necklace

Guy de Maupassant

Guy De Maupassant is a famous French writer. “The Necklace” is known for its twist, which was a hallmark of de Maupassant's style. The theme of the story is the contrast of reality and appearance.

Mathilde, the protagonist of the story, is a charming woman. She always feels upset about born in a poor family and desires to be rich. Due to her economical condition, she marries a poor clerk in the Ministry of Education. He is able to provide her only with a modest lifestyle. Mathilde feels the burden of her poverty. She regrets about her life condition and imagines a more wealthy life. While her husband expresses his pleasure at the simple food she has prepared for him, she dreams of an elaborate feast served on fancy china in the company of wealthy friends. She does not possess any fancy jewels or clothing and she longs for that. She has one wealthy friend, Madame Forestier, but refuses to visit her because of her poor condition.

One night, her husband returns home bringing an invitation to a party hosted by the Ministry of Education. He hopes that Mathilde will be happy to attend that function, but she feels angry and begins to cry. She tells him that she has nothing to wear and he has to give the invitation to others. Her husband is upset by her reaction and decides to buy a new dress for her. Later she starts to behave oddly. She confesses that the reason for her behavior is lack of jewels.  He pleads her to visit Madame Forestier and borrow something from her. Madame Forestier agrees to lend Mathilde her jewels, and Mathilde selects a diamond necklace. She feels happy at Madame Forestier’s generosity.

At the party, Mathilde looks very beautiful, and everyone notices her. She feels happy about others attention on her. Finally she looks for Monsieur Loisel, who has been sleeping for hours in a deserted room and leave from the party.  He covers her bare shoulders in a wrap and asks her to wait inside, while he fetches a cab. But she is ashamed of her cheap wrap and follows her husband outside.

When they finally return home, Mathilde is saddened that the night has ended. As she removes her wrap, she discovers that her necklace is missing.  Monsieur Loisel goes outside and searches but could not find it. He instructs her to write to Madame Forestier and say that the clasp of the necklace is broken and she will get it mended. They decide to replace it. They visit many jewelers, searching for a similar necklace, and finally find one. It costs 40,000 francs, although the jeweler says he will give it to them for 36,000. The Loisels spend a week to collect money from all kinds of sources. After three days, she purchases the necklace and returns it to her.

The Loisels begin to live a poor life. They dismiss their servant and move into a smaller apartment. Monsieur Loisel works three jobs, and Mathilde does the heavy housework. After ten years they cleared their debts. Mathilde’s beauty is now gone: she looks just likes the other women of poor households. They are both tired from these years of hardship.

One Sunday, while she is out for a walk, Mathilde sees Madame Forestier. She approaches her and offers greetings. Madame Forestier does not recognize her first and says that she looks different. Mathilde says that the change was on her account and explains to her about the loss of the necklace, replacing it, and working for ten years to repay the debts. At the end of her story, Madame Forestier replies that the necklace was made of fake diamonds not more than 500 francs. The story ends with a twist.

"The Lion’s Share" by Arnold Bennett- Summary

The Lion’s Share

Arnold Bennett

Arnold Bennett’s “The Lion’s Share” is a humorous short story. Most of his stories are located in Five Towns. This story also takes place in Five Towns. Arnold Bennett begins the story by stating that this particular incident was very famous among the people of Five Towns. Everyone including the narrator consider that incident as a comedy. But when he wanted to write it as a story, he felt it as a tragedy. Bennett says that he leaves it to the judgement of the readers to decide whether it as a comedy or tragedy.

Mrs. Carpole, a widow lived with her stepson Horace and her son Sidney at Bleak ridge. Horace was nineteen years old who was seen as a model boy due to his commitment in business and interest in learning new things. He took care for his step brother as like an uncle. Might be due to his perfect nature, he did not have any friends. Sidney was contradictory to his brother. He was eight years old; with very attractive personality he received everyone’s love. But he was affected with slight deafness and weak physic with frequent fever. At that time, after getting cured from a disease, Sidney started to walk slowly. Horace thought that he should be brought downstairs for fresh air. He decided to carry him down in spite of disapproval from Sidney and Mrs. Carpole. Horace was determined with his mission and carried him down. Unfortunately Horace fell down with Sidney. Sidney was affected by it and Horace spent his savings to treat Sidney.

Later Horace arranged school education for Sidney. Unfortunately the same evening Sidney was affected severely with attacks. Hence his schooling was stopped and the neighbours started blaming Horace for dropping him in the staircase.  Horace tried spending huge amount to a great brain specialist at Manchester. Even then there was no development. As Sidney started having the attacks regularly, Horace sent him every year for six weeks to some sea side resorts. Horace spent huge amount for it and people said that he should feel happy to have money to spend on his brother. The agony of Sidney’s tragic condition and his deafness slowly killed his mother. Later Horace inherited property of his maternal grandfather and Sidney did not have any. People advised that he should share his fortune with his half brother. Accepting their views he bought a house and started living with his brother. Moreover he started a business. Sidney started working in Horace office but due to his ill health not regular to work. Even then Horace paid him three pounds a week as salary.

            Horace met a girl named Ella whom he thought as a nice girl, who was a guest to Mrs. Penkethman’s house. That time Sidney went to foreign country for refreshment. Horace invited Ella and Mrs. Penkethman to his house for an evening.  Surprisingly Sidney returned from his trip when they entered. Sidney was so handsome and Ella was attracted towards him. They both spent time together and later they fell in love with each other. Horace spent a lot of money for their marriage. He arranged a house and furnished things for the married couple to live happily. He spent huge amount for their happiness which resulted in loss in business. Ella and Sidney went to Llandudno for some period. Meanwhile Horace settled all his debts, and went to meet Sidney and Ella. Even there he hid his bankrupt condition instead said that he was going to Germany.

            A few months later when Sidney and Ella returned Bursley, the house of Horace was about to be auctioned. They decided to buy as it is their family property. They bought it and lived in the house. They named their child Horace. After several years Horace returned to Bursley to meet his brother’s family and was expecting to narrate his adventure in Germany. But they invited him casually as if he left the previous day. When they were going down for tea, little Horace asked his uncle to carry him down. The matured Horace answered immediately that he cannot; otherwise he has to loss all his money.

            The title “The Lion’s share” means big/huge share. In the story though Horace inherited huge money and in business made money, he did not enjoy his money, Whereas Sidney enjoyed the money. Hence Sidney got the lion’s share in the story.

"The Open Window" by H.H. Munro- Summary

The Open Window

H.H. Munro

Saki is the pen name of H.H. Munro. He is a famous short story writer from England. His stories are known for its satire, wit and humour. The short story “The open Window” by Saki is famous for its twist in the climax and humour. The story is about Frampton Nuttel’s, the protagonist of the story, visit to the house of one of his neighbours, Mrs. Sappleton.

Nuttel suffers from a nervous condition. He has come to a village on the doctor’s recommendation to spend some time alone. Earlier his sister has lived in the area. His sister, by considering that he may not talk to his neighbours, has given him letters of introduction to his new neighbours. With her letter Nuttel starts to visit his neighbours. Nuttel visits the Sappleton family first, where he meets a fifteen-year-old girl named Vera, the niece of Mrs. Sappleton. Vera gives company to Nuttel while he waits. By knowing that Nuttel has not met the Sappletons, Vera tells Nuttel some information about the family. Vera says that three years ago to the date, Mrs. Sappleton's husband and two younger brothers went for hunting. On an October those three went through a large French window. They never returned. Vera gives descriptions about the clothes they were wearing, the dog that accompanied them, and the song that Mrs. Sappleton's younger brother sang on their way. Vera says that her grief-stricken aunt keeps the window open and watches out the window expecting their return.

Meanwhile Mrs. Sappleton enters apologising for her delay to meet him. She asks whether he mind to open the window in the afternoon. She adds that she opens it as she expects her husband and brothers to return at any moment. Nuttel listens, thinking that Mrs. Sappleton has gone crazy. He feels sorry to meet her at such a tragic condition and tells about his nervous disorder to her. Suddenly, Mrs. Sappleton brightens as she tells Nuttel that her husband and brothers are arriving. Veera looks at that direction in a horrified way. The frightened Nuttel runs away from that place.  Mrs. Sappleton thinks his nervous breakdown as a reason for Nuttel's strange behaviour. But Vera replies that he is afraid of dogs.

The last line of the story: "Romance at short notice was her [Vera's] specialty." reveals the theme of the story, and unveils the character of Vera.  Veera perfectly victimized Nuttel by narrating about her aunt's family through her imagination. Bored Vera took her chance to deceive Nuttel and later the same trick she used to her aunt about Nuttel. The climax shows that Veera played intelligently to wile her time.

"The Message of Visva Bharati"- Summary

The Message of Visva Bharati

Indira Gandhi

Indira Gandhi, the former prime minister of India delivered this speech at an annual convocation at Visva-Bharati. She begins her speech by stating her happiness to be there. She remembers that place as where her mind and spirit unfolded. The prime minister of the country is called as Acharya of that University; hence she wears the scarf of Acharya. She recollects her presence to that university along with her mother around 30 years ago.

Visva-Bharati was founder on 22 Dec. 1921 by Rabindranath Tagore. He was fondly called as Gurudev, who did not want to follow the British system of education and who desired to preserve culture through education. His aim in starting this university was to give freedom and interest to the students. It is a place where students and teachers live together as a community to learn. Here Degree is not awarded based on the finishing of a course by merely writing exams where as it is based on the development of knowledge. Indira Gandhi says that Tagore molded the mind of modern India. He was called as Sentinel of India, means the Guardian of culture by Mahatma Gandhi. He was also known as sage, great poet and teacher.

Visva –Bharati is unique in its nature. It is based on the old concept of ‘ashram’ (hermitage) where teachers and students have good relationship. It is close to nature. The university integrates humanities and science with art and music. For Tagore Visva Bharati was not just a university. He saw it as a meeting place for great individuals from all over the world. He encouraged the education system which cherished the values of Indian culture and life. He was also concerned about the creative role of education. He thought that educated society only can present civilized and democratic life without violence. It enables people to handle public life carefully that results in private happiness.

Indira Gandhi gives the role of universities as torchbearers of the societal progress. So all the universities should self-study how far they have created a new direction of thought and action to the younger generation in order to prepare them for new age. Development in education leads to national progress. The quality of education should not be measured through the statistical report of pass percentage but it should reflect on the quality of life, value culture and technological and intellectual competence. In many universities teachers and students are not together. University should be a place where higher values and idealism exists.

The purpose of education is to provide good workers and managers to a nation. It also should provide good thinkers. Education is not merely to get a job whereas it should pave for educational endeavour. Education is a continuous process that happens from birth to death. When one stops learning, he/she stops living. One’s whole life process and experience is education.

Indira Gandhi concludes her speech by quoting Gurudev. He said that he has faith upon the students of the nation. They will wipe off the colonial shame of this country through their devotion and achievement. Never think about doing things in an easy way or in short cut. You will do things in disciplined way. Visva- Bharati does not live with its past reputation but it moves in forward as it has constant touch with the changing world.

"Dimensions of Creativity"- Summary

Dimensions of Creativity

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

Dr. Abdul Kalam’s “Dimensions of Creativity” was a speech addressed to children at Bal Yoga Mitra Mandal, Munger on Feb.14, 2004. In his motivational speech to the children, he spoke about the importance of creativity and the achievement of great thinkers through their creativity and field knowledge.

He begins his speech by stating that learning develops creativity and it leads to thinking and thinking results in knowledge. In the past 60 years in the field of aeronautics, space technology, electronic and computer science impossible things have become possible. The bio research has transformed into technology that produced agricultural products. In future with the help of creative minds one can see the integration of gravitational forces, electromagnetic forces, relativity theory, space and time. Humans may setup their habitat or industry in one of the planets. In the next 50 to 100 years fuel from fossils will become rare instead humans get it from solar power satellites.

Kalam illustrates about the past achievements by the scientist. Farnbraun, a famous rocket designer, who completed Moon Mission in 1961 and built Saturn V in 1975 made impossible as possible. Ptolemaic astronomy was used in the ancient time to calculate stars and planets. People assumed the earth as flat. But great astronomers like Copernicus, Galileo and Kepler had given new dimension and proved that the earth is spherical and it orbits around the sun. This paved way to new findings. The present technological advancements are the outcome of the scientific explorations of the scientist in the past.

Kalam mentions how humans can change impossible as possible by quoting achievers. Lord Kelvin, the president of Royal Society of London in 1890s, said that the particles heavier than air cannot fly. This impossibility was possible by the Wright Brothers two decades later. Kalam talks in detail about the creativity of Indians which led to many innovations. Dr.Vikram Sarabhai in 1960s asked the Indians to develop large satellite launch for communication satellite, remote sensing satellite. Many thought it was impossible. But this vision of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai ignited many scientists and later those impossible things have become possible.

In 1960s the scarcity of food grains affected India. Americans brought wheat in ships to India to help the Indians. This pitiable condition of India changed the thinking and implementing of green revolution by two thinkers Shri.C. Subramanian, a political thinker, and Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, an agricultural scientist. Now India harvests million tonnes of grains which are exported to foreign too.

In 1980s I.T and creative thoughts were limited in India and now it also has developed. Similarly Pharma industry too has developed much. Hillary and Tenzing made impossible as possible by reaching the Mount Everest. Sir.C.V.Raman found the molecular scattering and gives it as a reason for the blueness of the sea. Chandrasekar Subramaniam proved ‘Chandrasekar Limit’ that all the stars will not shine and discovered the black hole. Homi Bhabha’s invention of electric energy to treat thyroid disorder and cancer was considered as impossible in 1960s.

He concludes his speech by giving the result of empowerment to various set of people. The child becomes a responsible citizen when it is empowered to various set of people. The empowerment of the teachers leads youngsters with value system. The empowerment of a leader results in birth of many leaders. Women’s empowerment makes society as a stable one. The empowerment of students leads the country with development mission. Hence he asks the students to have a powerful mind for the development of the nation and he asks the children to take ten-point oath.

"Polluting the Earth"- Summary

Polluting the Earth

Edger I. Baker

The prose piece “Polluting the Earth” by Edger I. Baker illustrates about the major pollution and its impact on the earth. He creates awareness about the four major pollution that damage the world and present the duty of humans to keep their environment clean. Through this essay he rings alarm to present the dangerous situation in which humans left the world.

            Technological developments and growth in population leads to the increase of pollution in the world. The former secretary general of U.N, U Thant warns the humans that if the environment is not protected from contaminating, the earth will be endangered. In the case of sea, oil spill in sea not only kill fish but also affect humans. Different types of pollution which damage our earth are derelict landscape due to mine, effluent from industries, dumping of garbage, poisonous gases from factories. It poisons the air, food, water and its impact is not only on humans but also on all living things. This essay concentrates on four different types of pollution in detail. The writer gives example from his observations of different pollution in Europe.

Farmland Waste:

Modern agriculture needs fertilizers and insecticides in order to feed the growing population. Though it feeds many, it damages the earth as well as the food products. Rain water carries the fertilizers used in the land to river. Thus water becomes de-oxygenated which affects fish and humans. Ironically the fertilizers from the chemical industries are costlier than from the animals.

In the case of insecticides, they leave the soil toxin for several years. This poison will be preserved in food and animals and humans who eat that will carry the poison in their bodies. Similarly the poisoned fish due to fertilisation and insecticides carry the poison in its body. The birds which eat those fish get poisoned too. Consequently many animals are termed as endangered.  To avoid such danger America has banned such insecticides.

Industrial Waste:

Industrialisation has led lots of pollution to the world. The emission of toxic gas results in the pollution of air and water. Due to it acid rain becomes a common one in the modern world which affects the growth of trees. It also leads to the rise in temperature which results in the melting of ice and rise in the water level of the ocean.

Wastes in Sea:

Humans use sea as a place to dump waste products. The Baltic Sea is the most polluted one which lacks oxygen at the bottom due to sever pollution. 7000 tones of arsenic are crumbled at the bottom of the Baltic Sea and no one knows the consequences if once the acid is released. Sea is dumped with industry waste, atomic waste which will endanger the sea lives.

Military Waste:

Though nuclear test treaty was signed by many countries in 1963 even the permitted underground testing leads to pollution. China and France did not sign the treaty and exploded nuclear bombs and increase radioactive particles in the air. It leads to the rise of leukemia and bone cancer. Chemical and biological warfare will destroy the livings in the earth. They penetrate into soil and results in permanent hazards to the humans.

Baker concludes the essay by requesting responsible behaviour from the humans to preserve our earth. Steps like taking measures to control scientific waste by the scientists, IMCO (Inter-Government Marine Consultative Organisation) who take initiatives to keep the ocean unpolluted, Clean Air Act to reduce air pollution are showing humans interest to save earth. If public too care about the earth and take necessary steps to protect earth, humans can keep the earth clean for the future generations.

"The Sky is the Limit"- Summary

The Sky is the Limit

 Kalpana Chawla

“Sky is the Limit’’ is about Kalpana Chawla, an Indo-American astronaut. Kalpana Chawla was the first Indian women to travel to space. She was born in a middle class family a small town Karnal in Haryana, India on 1^st July 1961. From her childhood she was dreaming about flying in the sky and touching the stars. Even at the small age she sketches airplanes than dolls. Her ambition at the age was to travel to Mars. Determined to pursue a career in aeronautics, she joined aeronautical engineering at the Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh. She got admission in the University of Texas for a Masters in Aeronautical Science in 1982. As her father was not willing to send her abroad, she somehow convinced him to go to the US. Her father permitted her on one condition that Kalpana’s brother had to accompany her.

Kalpana’s brother joined the flight school and when Chawla wanted to join the authorities wanted a written consent from the guardian. But her father refused. Her brother’s words, “Everyone fights their own battles,” motivated her to get the pilot’s license for airplane and glider.

She was determined about her goal and refused to accept ‘no’ for an answer. This strong attitude she inherited from her father Banarsi Dass Chawla. He fled empty handed from Pakistan to India during partition. He stated his business from scratch and supported his family well. She wanted to be an astronaut.  She joined NASA Ames Research Center in 1988. She was selected to go to the Milky Way. For it she has undergone rigorous training that required immense level of fitness.  Because the pull of gravity will increase the pulse rate from 72 to 102 within seconds. In 1996, she started off on her path to the ‘Milky way.’ Hence she became the first Indian woman to travel in space.

Her second space flight came to her in 2000. “Doing it again is like living a dream – a good dream once again” said Chawla. Unfortunately on 1st February 2003, the space shuttle exploded with Kalpana and other six crew members. Kaplana created a place for herself. She serves as a source of inspiration to many young women to think beyond horizons and reach for the stars. She conveyed her message in an interview as not to restrict oneself with small location. The whole world is ours. Decide your goal and your journey towards the goal is also equally important.

"Women, Not the Weaker Sex"- Summary

Women, Not the Weaker Sex

M.K. Gandhi

M.K Gandhi’s “Women, Not the Weaker Sex” is an extract from The Mind of Mahatma Gandhi. In this prose piece Gandhi who considered all as equal, speaks about the equality of men and women. He talks about the ill-treatment faced by women and the noble behaviours of women. He advises women to come out of gender discrimination.  He begins the speech that if he were a woman, he would rebel against the men who consider women as a toy. Husbands should treat their wives differently in order to get their wives love. Gandhi says that he treated his wife differently in order to restore her rights to herself.  He withdrew his rights as a husband which enabled her to live her life. Due to such freedom she leads a simple life. Women’s importance towards external beautification to attract men is unnecessary. They should attract humanity through their inner beauty. He advises women not to be a slave of men. Women should know their position as men are born through them.

Women should stop considering themselves as an object for men’s lust. They should consider themselves as equal to men and simultaneously should make men to realise it. Men’s brutal abuse of women is the most degrading act. Women are not the weaker sex but they are nobler as they are the embodiment of pure qualities such as ‘sacrifice, silent suffering, humility, faith and knowledge’. Women can be seen as a personification of self-sacrifice but as Tolstoy says they are badly influenced by men. When the women understand the strength of non-violence, they will oppose to be called as the weaker sex.

Calling women community as weaker sex is a false statement. It is an injustice done by men to women. Men misunderstand brutal behaviours as strength. Whereas strength is moral power in which women are superior to men. Men have crushed women’s happiness due to their selfish attitude. When women are given equality the world will become wonderful. Gandhi sees women as special custodians of pure and religious life who will not give up nobleness in life. About women’s rights, Gandhi feels that both sons and daughters should be treated equally. He believes that women’s education will empower them. At the same time he advises women not to mimic men in order to be equal to them. Mere mimicking will not lead women to achieve heights instead they can be the complement of men.

"On Saying Please"- Summary

On Saying Please

A.G. Gardner

A.G. Gardner’s essay "On Saying Please", deals with the importance of the expressions ‘Please', or thank you', in daily social life. It settles many bitter arguments and softens harsh tempers. In this essay the writer talks about the value of good manner in the society. To strengthen his views A.G. Gardner gives example from his own experience. Once, a lift man throws a passenger out of the lift because the passenger did not say "Top please". This act of the lift man is wrong because one cannot punish impoliteness with physical violence. Hence the action of the lift man is not legally justified.

Impoliteness is not a legal offence and it cannot be treated by violence. If that can be done, the city will run with blood all day due to violence. Though, incivility and impoliteness are not legally wrong, they are extremely dangerous and it will affect the course of life. Bad manners are like infections. They actually do more damage to the general life than all crime in the world. The pain caused by bodily injuries passes away soon, but the wound caused by bad manners remains even green. Bad manners make life hellish where as good manner make life happy and cheerful. Therefore one should use good manners and politeness in social behaviour. The first requirement of good manners is that when one requires a service he/she should say 'Please’. When the service is made, one should gratefully say `thank you'. 'Please and 'thank you' are the courtesies by which humans can keep the machine of life oiled and graceful. These courtesies make life happy.

The writer narrates another personal incident. One day the writer boarded a bus. He felt that he had no money in his pocket. The conductor did not insult him but, recognizing him a gentleman, issued him a ticket. The writer found some money in his pocket and paid the fare. He was much impresses by the courtesy and politeness of this conductor. A few days later the same bus conductor trawled the writer's toe. He felt pain but the manner of the bus conductor was so pleasing that he forgot it. The writer recognised that the conductor was a model of good manners. He had a knack of making his passengers comfortable. He was extremely kind and considerate. With old people he was as considerate as a son, and with children as caring as a father. He created an atmosphere of good temper and kindliness. Hence a journey with him was a lesson in natural courtesy and good manners. He got through his work with ease and courtesy to others.

The writer says that war has badly affected our manner. War has made people uncivil and boorish. He advises to restore good manners to make life a happy one. One should teach moral lesson to those who are guilty of bad manners. In this connection people should follow the example of Lord Chesterfield. During that time London streets were without pavement. Once, Lord Chesterfield met a person in the way who said. "I never give the wall to a scoundrel". But Lord Chesterfield replied, "I always do". This victory of Lord Chesterfield was more lasting. He concludes the essay by stating that the lift man also might have followed the foot of Lord Chesterfield instead of punishing the man.

Summary of "The Cop and the Anthem"

The Cop and the Anthem

O’Henry

O’ Henry is the pen name of William Sydney Porter. As he is an American, most of his stories are located in New York. His stories end with a surprise element. The story “The Cop and the Anthem” too takes place in New York in the yearly 1900s. The story is about the incidents that takes place at one night and one morning in the life of Soapy, the protagonist of the story.

Soapy is homeless and stays at Madison Square Park. When winter comes he has to move somewhere else as the park will be too cold.  He wants to spend the winter in the prison on the Island to avoid the cold. So, Soapy decides to do what he has done for several winters: get himself arrested so he can spend the winter in jail. He does not like to take charity because when people give him things, they try to invade his privacy. In jail, they lock one up, but they do not mind about others personal. Now he decides to get imprisoned. In order to get arrested he decides to eat in a fancy restaurant without paying money. But the waiter figures out by looking at his clothes. He does not allow Soapy to enter the restaurant.

Next, Soapy breaks a display window of a shop with a rock. A policeman instantly appears and asks Soapy who broke the window. Soapy says that he broke the window, but the policeman does not believe him. Since he does not run away, the policeman could not believe Soapy as responsible. After that, Soapy finds a cheaper restaurant to try his initial plan on. He gets in and eats there. When Soapy reveals that he cannot pay for the meal, the waiters refuse to call the Police, and toss Soapy out on his ear instead.

Later Soapy sees a pretty lady and decides to hit the lady in front of a Police. She happens to be an immoral woman who asks him to buy some drinks. Soapy runs away from her and tries to get arrested by yelling and dancing like a maniac on the street in front of a policeman. This policeman thinks Soapy is a drunken college guy, and he too leaves Soapy alone. Finally, Soapy steals a man's umbrella, claiming it as his. The man confesses that he actually found the umbrella and that it could be Soapy's. So, he does not call over the policeman watching them.

Disappointed Soapy gives up trying to get arrested for the night, and heads back to his park bench. On the way, he comes to a quiet street with a church on it. He hears a beautiful anthem (religious hymn) being played in a church. Soapy knows the anthem and it reminds him of past days when he had family and friends and church.

The anthem creates a huge change in Soapy. He realizes that he can have a better life than this and plans for the future. Soapy's thoughts are interrupted by a policeman. He arrests Soapy for wandering and for not having a place to live. The next morning, a judge sentences Soapy to three months in jail.

The irony of the story or the surprise element of the story is when Soapy wanted to be arrested he was left free by the police and when he decided to lead a decent life, he was arrested by the police.

Summary of "The Sparrows"

The Sparrow

K.Ahmed Abbas

K.A. Abbas is a famous Indian short story writer. His stories reflect the feelings of the down trodden and the poor. His short story “The Sparrow” tells the importance of love and affection to the fellow human beings.

Rahirn Khan is a fifty-year old peasant. Everybody in the village hates him for his harsh and cruel behaviour. He is unkind even to children and animals. No one dares to talk to him. The children use to run away from their play if they see him. But he was a very different man when he was young. He wanted to join circus and was in love with a Hindu girl, Radha. But his Parents had other plans for him and got him to marry a girl of their community. He once heard his father boasting to his mother how well he succeeded in getting his
son to accept his words obediently. Rahim Khan then decided to avenge his defeat at the hands of his parents, his family and society.
Having decided to take revenge, Rahirn Khan’s first and immediate target was his wife. He saw her as the scapegoat for all his misadventures. His kind soul suddenly became as hard as iron. For nearly thirty years, he ill treated his wife, his two sons and his two bullocks. He quarrelled with everyone in the village. Subsequently the entire village started to hate him. Six years earlier his elder son Bundu ran away from home after an unusually severe beating. Three years later his second son Nuru also joined his brother.

One day when Rahirn Khan returns home from the fields an old lady from the neighbourhood tells him that his wife has gone to her brother's place and that she would be back shortly. Rahim Khan knows that she will never come back. He suddenly begins to feel lonely not because he loves his family but because he has no one now to display his anger. Nobody is there to wash his feet; to give him food and other eatables. His wife’s absence makes him feel uncomfortable as if a piece of furniture has been removed from his house.

Later as Rahirn Khan cleans the roof, he spots a small nest of sparrows in a corner. Immediately he desires to exert his might on them. But good sense prevails upon him after long gap and he leaves them undisturbed. He tries to have better look at them. But the parent sparrows do not allow him to by hovering around him and fluttering their wings hard at his face. He is amused at the little bird’s heroic efforts to save the young ones. He realizes their love and care for the family. Soon the young ones grow well and begin to move around inside his house. He starts feeding them with breadcrumb’s and other grains. He calls them as Bundu and Nuru after his two sons. Now there is total transformation in his temperament and outlook on life. The villagers too observe the change in him. But they continued their enmity against him. He even stopped shouting at the children.

On a rainy day Rahirn Khan notices that the roof has begun to leak near the sparrows nest. He immediately climbs his roof to close the gap. He gets fully drenched in the rain. He starts sneezing and fails to take care at once. He wakes up the next day with high fever. His only companions now are the two sparrows. At that moment he worries about the condition of the two birds after his death. Couple of days passed. As there is no sign of Rahim Khan walking out, the villagers become suspicious. They send for his wife who arrived with her sons. When they come in they could see his body lying still and heard the fluttering of the birds.