Pranshu's English Classroom (CBSE)

 Class 12: Chapter 5: Indigo by Louis Fischer Background of the Story “Indigo” is an excerpt from The Life of Mahatma Gandhi by Louis Fischer . The chapter describes Mahatma Gandhi’s struggle for the poor peasants of Champaran, Bihar . The peasants were exploited by British landlords/planters , who forced them to grow indigo. Under the tinkathia system , peasants had to cultivate indigo on 15% of their land and surrender the entire indigo harvest to the landlords. When synthetic indigo reduced the demand for natural indigo, the landlords tried to make the peasants pay compensation for being released from the agreement. Rajkumar Shukla , a poor but determined peasant, persuaded Gandhi to visit Champaran. Gandhi investigated the peasants' problems and refused to leave Champaran despite official orders. His peaceful resistance became a major victory for the peasants and an important example of Satyagraha . The landlords eventually agreed to refund 25% of the ...

Chapter- 5: Aunt Jennifer's Tiger by Adrienne Rich Word Meanings Prance : walk or move around with high springy steps. Topaz : a bright yellow coloured stone. Denizens : here, an animal that lives or is found in a particular place. Sleek : elegant. Chivalric : being courteous esp. to women, an act of a gentleman. Ordeals: extremely severe tests or experiences. Prancing : to move around proudly. Fluttering : to move in quick, irregular motions as if being agitated Background of the Poem The poem deals with the oppression of women in a male-dominated society . Aunt Jennifer is a married woman who suffers from fear, pressure, and lack of freedom . She expresses her hidden desire for freedom and confidence through the tigers she creates in her embroidery. The poem contrasts Aunt Jennifer’s helpless life with the bold and fearless tigers in her artwork.  Summary  Introduction to Aunt Jennifer Aunt Jennifer is a married woman who appears to be living under pressure ...

Background of the Poem Poet: Robert Frost The poem was written during a period when industrialization and urbanization were growing rapidly. It highlights the economic struggles of poor rural people . Frost criticizes the neglect of villages by the rich and the government . The poem reflects the widening gap between urban prosperity and rural poverty . It conveys the poet's sympathy for the villagers and questions society's idea of development. Detailed Summary of The Roadside Stand   The poem begins with the description of a small roadside stand built by poor villagers beside a busy highway. The villagers display fresh fruits, vegetables, berries, and homemade products for sale. They hope that travellers from the cities will stop and buy their goods, bringing them some much-needed income. The stand represents the villagers' dream of improving their financial condition through honest hard work. However, most city people pass by without stopping because the...