The Last Lesson by Alphonse Daudet

 The last lesson is an interesting memory of a little boy Franz when the Prussian occupation of Alsace and Lorraine led to the imposition of German language in these parts.

The diction employed by the author and the revelation of the childish thoughts of the protagonist weave a memorable kaleidoscope of life in a sleepy village. It is shaken up by the war and all the changes slapped on due to change in governance. Though the village elders realise what is happening, the changes, the surreptitious snatching away of the identity of the people and their inability to resist is sensitively portrayed through the point of view of the narrator, merely a boy then.

The characterisation of the carefree village boy Franz, happy to collect bird's eggs, go for a swim in the river or just watch the Prussians at their drill juxtaposed with that of the experienced old French teacher M. Hamel brings out the innocencet as Franz wonders if the pigeons would be forced to coo in German. 

The transition in the attitude of the student who is scared of the teacher's wrath to admiration and understanding, simultaneously the change in the stern teacher to one of soft unconditional love is emotionally stirring.

 The English Project - Researching, scripting and performing a One Act Play

The English Project chosen for the year was to write, produce and perform a One Act play. The students worked hard to understand the different elements of Drama, as they brainstormed what they would like to present to the rest of their school. It was tough deciding on any one theme. Lots of disagreements, debates and arguments later the teams settled on their themes and went about scripting their play.

They had to bear in mind characterisation, their message to their peer group as well as be creative in connecting with their audience. 

Being online had its own limitations and challenges. The students did their best to meet online after school. 

Till the very end they were not able to find time to practice physically as coordination was difficult. 

But the final day, everyone's commitment and dedication towards their team bore fruits. It was interesting to watch the shy and reticent students speak confidently and impress the audience. 

A very engaging and enriching experience for all. The highest attribute of  the Bloom's Taxonomy was hence achieved through collaborative means.

Indigo

 Indigo

A touching excerpt, throwing light on the pathetic state of share croppers during the British regime, 'Indigo' highlights the humble beginnings of  the fight for self governance. 

The role played by Gandhiji and other educated people, like lawyers, who stood up for the rights of the peasants, challenging the authority of the landlords and became a force to reckon with, is clearly etched.

The fact is that it was a person like Gandhiji who could visualise the need to free the minds, of the simple peasants, (who had a hand to mouth existence) from oppression by the landlords. 

The peasants won their case and the landlords lost face, though they had to pay merely 25% compensation, the moral and emotional victory was unsurmountable in the nondescript town of Champaran, and India.

An Elementary School Classroom in a slum - a reflection

 Stephen Spender touched my heart and forced me to reflect on what the haves do for the have-nots in the name of charity. The very name itself has a pun on 'elementary' questioning what is the elementary, basic requirement of a person, others not in their shoes may not be able to even perceive. 

The dowdiness of the run down school room is amply displayed through the use of 'sour cream walls' and the windows painted with fog depicting the oppressive lives and future cloaking the very neighbourhood, clearly portrayed through, 'street sealed in with a lead sky'. The sibilance serves its purpose of creating a sinister tone.

The pointless donations of classroom paraphernalia in terms of  Shakespeare's picture and a map of the world, encouraging the poor children to a dream world through means of crime as they would be easily misled, in trying to achieve it.

The children themselves merit empathy as they have inherited poverty and disease. The powers that be are focused on feeding their minds and providing a formal education, when their starving bodies need to be nourished. They need to be in open, pollution free environments, in the laps of nature so they become robust children, who are healthy in body and mind. 

The diction  evokes sympathy for the poor children whose fate seems to be doomed right from the outset. Its not completely true we know, but the poet's perspective does make us wonder if everyone should be measured by the same yardstick. The similes and metaphors pack meaning into this short poem of 4 octet verses.

My Mother at Sixty-six by Kamala Das : A synopsis

 Kamala Das is well known for her bold style of expressing herself through her poems and stories. This short poem of a single verse is remarkable in consisting of one complex sentence from beginning to end.

The love for one's parent has been encapsulated through use of similes like: 'a late winter's moon' while dealing with the childhood fear of losing one's parent simultaneously. Kinesthetic imagery of 'Young trees sprinting' and 'merry children spilling' refer to the childhood of the persona while she comments on her dozing mother- 'her face ashen like that of a corpse'. It comes as a shock to the readers as they come to terms with the mortality of each one of us. The apostrophe at the end where she addresses her 'Amma' promising to see her soon is comforting for she smiles continuously more to reassure herself, rather than her mother. 

In just a few lines Kamala Das forces us to reflect on the impermanence of life and our loved ones, specially our parents, particularly our mothers with whom each individual has a distinct bond. 

Moving away from home is not easy, but as time passes, not knowing if we will see our mother on our next visit can be brutal.

 Tokyo Olympics : faster stronger higher together, united by emotion!

The biggest game on the planet which draws the fastest, strongest, highest...together, is also surrounded with controversies, debates and heartstoppers. India sent its largest contingent ever to these games yet most of the medal contenders bit the dust in their initial rounds itself.

The solid few who clinched their medals and proved their mettle remained strong game after game, round after round. It was heartening to see many wind up in the final few confirming the confidence reposed in them.

Its not just the athlete, but their family, their coach, their team and all their well wishers who together boost the sportsperson and are the wind beneath their wings.

It was fascinating to see the women in the squad shining bright from the first silver medal clinched by Meerabai Chanu, in weightlifting to boxer Lovlina Boroghain and shuttler PV Sindhu inching towards the podium. Many others sparkled as they edged towards the finals and were counted among the top few.

The immense mental pressure faced by the athletes can be very demanding and Simone Biles (US Gymnast) won everyone's appreciation as she put her own mental health first, withdrawing from the finals of the competition. A subject which was considered taboo and shoved under the carpet has finally been put out in the open, with complete support from her team and country. Way to go Simone... you have conquered many more hearts with this bold move. 

The Enemy by Pearl S. Buck- a synopsis

 Pearl S. Buck a Nobel laureate who had spent her childhood and youth in China and the east has sensitively crafted the characters in this story. The difference in the cultures and traditions of Japan and America has been juxtaposed, while establishing the effect of the liberal American views on the strictly traditional views of the protagonist Dr. Sadao Hoki.

The characterisation of the fugitive, the runaway American prisoner of war, has been crafted as a gullible, trusting and friendly youth.

The warmth and hospitality extended by the doctor and his wife Hanna towards the enemy though much against their wishes to harbour an enemy condone their humane approach.  

The dilemma and inner turmoil of the doctor doesn't stop him from giving Tom the best medical help that could have been provided under any circumstance. Leading up to his safe get away in the end.