2. Write short answers to the following questions in about 75 words each. [5×2=10] a) How does the young man express regret at the end of the story ? (Neighbours) [2] b) Describe the environment of…

a) How does the young man express regret at the end of the story Neighbours?

In Neighbours, the young man’s regret at the end is expressed through his silent, sorrowful realization of the irreversible consequences of his actions. After the tragic death of his wife, he understands that his jealousy and possessiveness led to her drowning. His regret is conveyed through his tearful confession to the police and his guilt-ridden silence when he realizes that his wife’s death was entirely his fault. He blames himself for not trusting her and for pushing her to a point where she felt trapped. His broken voice and remorseful tone when he says, “I killed her… I didn’t mean to…” highlight his deep sorrow and acknowledgment of his mistake. The story ends with him locked in grief, unable to escape the weight of his guilt, showing that his regret is both emotional and irreversible.

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b) Describe the environment of celebration on Rakesh’s success.

The celebration of Rakesh’s success in The Devoted Son is filled with joy, warmth, and communal happiness. The entire village gathers in his father’s courtyard, where loud cheers, clapping, and laughter fill the air. Traditional dhol (drums) and music play, and people dance in circles, creating a festive atmosphere. The smell of delicious food—like sel roti, yomari, and sweet rice—floats around, and children run about excitedly. Elders offer blessings and congratulations, while women sing folk songs. The glowing lanterns and oil lamps add to the festive glow, symbolizing prosperity. Even the animals in the village seem to celebrate, as if the entire community is united in Rakesh’s triumph. The celebration is not just about Rakesh’s achievement but also about shared happiness and village pride.

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c) Why does the poet focus on the god on his pray and not other creatures? Give a reason.

In Every Morning I Wake, the poet focuses on God in prayer rather than other creatures because God represents ultimate power, guidance, and divine protection. Unlike ordinary beings, God is eternal, all-knowing, and merciful, capable of providing true solace and strength. The poet seeks spiritual connection and moral support, which only a higher power can offer. Other creatures, though beautiful, are limited by their own struggles and weaknesses, whereas God is beyond human suffering and capable of granting peace. The poem emphasizes that prayer is an act of surrender and trust, and only God can fulfill that role. Thus, the poet’s devotion is directed toward God as the source of wisdom, love, and salvation.

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d) What do the Chinese nationalists assert about the origin of human civilization?

The Chinese nationalists, as discussed in Humility, assert that China is the cradle of human civilization, claiming that all major advancements in human history originated from China. They argue that Chinese inventions, philosophy, and culture laid the foundation for global progress. Their perspective emphasizes Chinese superiority in science, technology, and governance, suggesting that other civilizations borrowed from China rather than innovating independently. This viewpoint reflects a nationalistic pride that seeks to elevate China’s historical and cultural significance above other nations. However, this claim is often controversial, as many historians argue that civilizations developed interdependently rather than in isolation.

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e) Do you think an ordinary man or woman is different from an actor or actress?

Yes, an ordinary man or woman is fundamentally different from an actor or actress in several key ways:

1. Lifestyle & Public Exposure

   • Ordinary people live private, everyday lives, while actors/actresses are constantly under public scrutiny, facing media attention and fan expectations.
   • Actors often travel frequently for shoots, while ordinary individuals maintain stable routines.

2. Personality & Behavior

   • Ordinary people express authentic emotions without performance, whereas actors portray characters and control their expressions for dramatic effect.
   • Actors may adopt different personas for roles, while ordinary individuals remain consistent in their real identities.

3. Social Interactions

   • Ordinary people interact naturally without rehearsed dialogue, while actors practice lines, body language, and stage presence.
   • Actors often network professionally, while ordinary individuals build personal relationships without performance pressure.

4. Emotional & Psychological Impact

   • Actors experience performance anxiety, criticism, and role-related stress, whereas ordinary people face everyday challenges like work, family, and personal growth.
   • Ordinary individuals have less pressure to maintain an image, while actors must balance fame with personal life.

5. Public Perception vs. Reality

   • Actors are often judged by their roles, leading to misconceptions about their real personalities.
   • Ordinary people are known for who they truly are, without the glamour or drama of acting.

In A Matter of Husbands, the contrast between Mrs. White’s ordinary life and her husband’s secret acting career highlights how performance shapes identity, making actors distinct from ordinary individuals in public perception, lifestyle, and emotional expression.