Woamn on a Roof

 (e-content developed by Prof. (Dr) N A Jaranadikar

‘अ वूमन ऑन अ रुफ’ ही कथा डोरिस लेसिंग या लेखिकेने लिहिली आहे. स्त्रीकडे पाहण्याचा पुरुषी समाजाचा दृष्टीकोन यावर ही कथा भाष्य करते. ही कथा लंडन शहरामध्ये घडते. साधारणपणे सहा दिवसांचा काळ या कथेत मांडला आहे. स्टॅनले, टॉम आणि हॅरी ही कथेतील मुख्य पात्रे आहेत. हे तिघेही कामगार आहेत.  हॅरी हा ४५ वर्षांचा असून तिघांमध्ये सर्वात वयाने मोठा आहे. टॉम हा १७ वर्षांचा आहे. स्टॅनलेचे नुकतेच ३ महिन्यांपूर्वी लग्न झाले आहे. या कथेमध्ये जून महिन्यातील शेवटच्या आठवड्याचे वर्णन केले आहे. यावेळी लंडनमध्ये उष्णतेची लाट आली आहे, आणि हे तिघेही एका रुफवर (रुफ – छत) प्लंबिंग दुरुस्तीचे काम करत आहेत. प्रचंड उन्हामुळे हे काम करणे त्यांना कठीण जात आहे. याचवेळी त्यांना दुसऱ्या एका रुफवर एक मध्यमवयीन स्त्री तोकड्या कपड्यात उन्हात पुस्तक वाचत पडलेली दिसते. इथून सगळ्या नाट्याला सुरुवात होते. त्यांचे आपल्या कामावरून लक्ष हटते. तिच्याकडे पहात ते ओरडू लागतात. ती स्त्री यांच्याकडे फारसे लक्ष देत नाही. दुसऱ्या दिवशी हाच प्रकार घडतो. हळूहळू या तिघांची भीड चेपत जाते. ते स्त्रीच्या अगदी जवळ जाऊन शेरेबाजी करू लागतात. तरीही ती तिकडे दुर्लक्ष करते. पुढच्या दिवशी ती त्यांना रुफवर दिसत नाही. ते तिघेही अस्वस्थ होऊन आपले काम करत राहतात. संध्याकाळी त्यांच्या लक्षात येते की त्या स्त्रीने आपली जागा बदलली आहे आणि रुफच्या दुसऱ्या टोकाला जाऊन ती सूर्यप्रकाशात पहुडली आहे. पुन्हा एकदा शिट्ट्या मारणे, किंचाळणे असा प्रकार हे तिघे सुरु करतात. पण आताही ती स्त्री त्यांच्याकडे फारसे लक्ष देत नाही. इकडे प्रचंड उन्हामुळे या तिघांचे काम अपूर्णच राहते. ऊन असह्य झाल्यामुळे एके दिवशी स्टॅनले आणि  हॅरी लवकर घरी जातात आणि  टॉम धाडस करून समोरच्या रुफवर जातो. तो त्या स्त्रीला तुम्ही मला आवडत असल्याचे सांगतो. पण स्त्रीकडे चोरून पाहणे, तिच्याकडे पाहून शेरेबाजी करणे, तिच्या कपड्याबद्दल भाष्य करणे या तिघांच्या कृत्याचा त्या स्त्रीला प्रचंड राग आलेला असल्याने, ती टॉमला खडे बोल सुनावते आणि तिथून निघून जाण्यास सांगते.

दुसरे दिवशी हे तिघेही पुन्हा कामाला येतात. पण आता उष्णतेची लाट निघून गेलेली असल्याने आणि थोडाफार पाऊस पडायला सुरुवात झालेली असल्याने रुफवर त्यांना कोणीच दिसत नाही, अगदी ती स्त्रीदेखील नाही.

अशा प्रकारे समाजामध्ये स्त्रीने कसे वागावे, काय कपडे घालावेत, कसे बोलावे याचे स्वातंत्र्य तिला मिळाले पाहिजे या भूमिकेचा या कथेद्वारे लेखिकेने जोरदारपणे पुरस्कार केला आहे.

 

MCQ type questions:

1.      The story ‘Woman on a Roof’ is written by _____. (Doriss Lessing)

2.      The story takes place in the city of _____. (London)

3.      Stanley, Harry and Tom are on the roof _____. (to replace gutters)

4.      _____ is recently married. (Stanley)

5.      Stanley, Harry and Tom find it difficult to work on the rooftop because _____. (there is a heat wave in London)

6.      _____ is 17 years old. (Tom)

7.      To protect from sunlight, Harry brings _____ from a friendly woman living downstairs. (a blanket)

8.      Due to the heatwave, the temperature in London has risen up to _____ degrees Fahrenheit. (70-80)

9.        _____ suffers from sunstroke. (Stanley)

10.  _____ goes to meet the woman lying on a roof.  (Tom)

Comedy of Errors_Short Notes

 (e-content developed by Prof. (Dr) N A Jarandikar)

Egeon

Egeon is an important character from the play ‘The Comedy of Errors’. He is a merchant of Syracuse. Ephesus and Syracuse are the two rival cities. People of these cities are not allowed to cross the boundaries. If someone breaks the law, he is charged with death sentence. In Act I of the play, it is seen that Egeon is arrested by the soldiers of Ephesus because he has broken the law. The Duke Solinus asks him to submit one thousand marks or be ready for a death sentence. So, Egeon narrates his life story and explains his reason to come to Ephesus.

Few years ago, Egeon had been to Epidamium in connection with the business. There Emilia, his wife gave birth to two identical twins. They were named as Antipholus. Coincidently, in the same city, one poor woman gave birth to another twins. As she was unable to look after them, Egeon adopted them. They were named as Dromio. However, while returning to Syracuse, his ship was wrecked, and Emilia, along with one pair of Antipholus – Dromio was separated from him. He returned Syracuse along with one pair of Antipholus and Dromio. When Antipholus and Dromio of Syracuse grew old, they decided to search for their lost brothers. So, with due permission of Egeon, they departed. As they did not return, Egeon decided to search for them. He searched for his departed Son and Dromio at many places. Finally, he has come to Ephesus, though he knows the rule of Ephesus.

The Duke is moved by this story. Out of sympathy, he gives a time limit of one day to raise the needed money. However, Egeon is helpless because he knows no one in the city who could help him. In reality, his departed son, the lost son, two Dromios and even the wife – all are there in the same city. But no one knows about each other. It is only towards the end of the play, the suspense is disclosed. Egeon regains his lost family, and all ends well.

In this way, Egeon is portrayed as a noble, patient, and dignified character. He accepts his fate with a calm, philosophical outlook. He is a symbol of devoted family man.

 

Antipholus

Antipholus is an important character from the play ‘The Comedy of Errors’. In fact, there are two Antipholus in the play. Both of them are the identical twins. One Antipholus belongs to Ephesus, and the other belongs to Syracuse. Both of them have servants, and they too are the identical twins. Their name is Dromio. These twins were separated when they were babies. They were separated because of a shipwreck.

After the shipwreck, one Antipholus and Dromio was forcefully taken by a fisherman. He sold them to the uncle of Solinus. This is how they came to Ephesus. Antipholus of Ephesus has been married to Adriana. His servant Dromio is engaged with the kitchen maid Nell.

Egeon, the father of Antipholus returns Syracuse along with another pair of Antipholus and Dromio. When Antipholus and Dromio of Syracuse grow old the seek permission from Egeon and go in search of their lost brothers. While searching coincidently, they come to Ephesus. Both of them are unaware of their brothers being in the same city. Their identical identity creates confusion. Not only Antipholus – Dromio but also Adriana, Luciana, Nell, the goldsmith, the merchant, the concubine – all are confused due to the mistaken identity. All confusions are resolved only at the end of the play when all brothers come together and Emilia clarifies everything.

Antipholus of Syracuse is adventurous and philosophic. He is seen thinking about the larger issues of life. His journey is a symbol of self-discovery.  He is adaptable and romantic in nature. In the house of Adriana, he understands that something is wrong, and yet he proposes Luciana.

Antipholus of Ephesus is a successful merchant. He is very practical by nature. He is hot-tempered. When Adriana keeps him outside the home, he decides to break the door. If Antipholus of Syracuse is a composed character, Antipholus of Syracuse is frustrated and angered character.

In short, through the character of Antipholus, Shakespeare explores the themes of identity, confusion, and the human desire for connection.

Dromio

Dromio is an important character from the play ‘The Comedy of Errors’. In fact, there are two Dromios in the play. Both of them are the identical twins. One Dromio belongs to Ephesus, and the other belongs to Syracuse. Both of them have masters, and they too are the identical twins. Their name is Antipholus. These twins were separated when they were babies. They were separated because of a shipwreck.

Dromio of Ephesus is engaged with Nell, the kitchen maid of Antipholus of Ephesus. Dromio of Syracuse is not yet engaged with anyone. Both the Dromios are portrayed as the timid fellows. They are beaten by their masters frequently. They play very crucial role in crating humour through the word play. For example, Antipholus of Syracuse asks Dromio of Ephesus about his one thousand marks, Dromio of Ephesus tells him about the beaten marks. Or when Antipholus of Syracuse asks Dromio of Syracuse about Nell, he talks about ‘fat marriage’. He describes her as “spherical like globe”, and goes on describing different countries that can be located in her body.

In Shakespeare’s plays, there are ample of timid characters. These characters mainly create comic world. But very often they are wiser than the main characters. In ‘The Comedy of Errors’ too, Dromio often makes very wise comments. For example, Dromio of Syracuse talks philosophically about nature of time. He tells Adriana and Luciana, ‘Time is bankrupt. Time is thief and comes stealing on by night and day’.

Both the Dromios are faithful to their masters. They are witty and having sense of humour. They play a central role in ‘The Comedy of Errors’. Their misadventures, witty temperament and verbal humour make the play a classic Shakespearean comedy.   

 

Angoor_Short Notes

 (e-content developed by Prof. (Dr) N A Jarandikar)

Ashok

Ashok is a major character in the cinema ‘Angoor’. In fact, there are two Ashoks in the cinema. Both of them are the identical twin. One Ashok is from Shikarpur, and the other Ashok is from Dinkapur. Both of them were separated when they were babies. They were separated in a shipwreck. Before dying, the father of elder Ashok, Raj Tilak hands over him to one merchant from Shikarpur. When Ashok grows up, he marries the daughter of that merchant. Ashok from Shikarpur is a rich person. Bahadur is his assistant. Sudha is Ashok’s wife, and Tanu is his sister-in-law.

The separated Ashok is living with his mother at Dinkapur. Bahadur’s twin brother also lives with him. However, neither Ashoks nor Bahadurs know about the story of identical twins.

One day Ashok from Dinkapur along with Bahadur comes to Shikarpur. Ashok comes to Shikarpur to purchase a grape yard. He is carrying the amount of rupees one lakh. Ashok is fond of reading detective novels. When he comes to Shikarpur, he and Bahadur, both are surprised because everyone in the city recognizes them by their names. Ashok assumes that there must be ‘a gang’ involved in this.

There is a quarrel between Ashok from Shikarpur and his wife Sudha. She is demanding a necklace from Ashok for many days. Irritated Ashok tells her that he will not return home until he brings the necklace. Ashok of Shikarpur leaves the home, and Ashok from Dinkapur comes to the city – these two things happen simultaneously. The Bahadurs fail to identify their masters and so the others, and the situation becomes complicated. All the complications are resolved only at the end when both the Ashoks and Bahadurs confront each other.

In the cinema, Sanjeev Kumar has played a double role of the Ashoks, and Deven Verma has played a double role of the Bahadurs.

 

Bahadur

Bahadur is a major character in the cinema ‘Angoor’. In fact, there are two Bahadurs in the cinema. Both of them are the identical twin. One Bahadur is from Shikarpur, and the other Bahadur is from Dinkapur. A merchant named Raj Tilak is having an identical twin. Once while travelling, he gets one more pair of identical twins. He decides to adopt them. He thinks the newly found twin will be servants to his sons when they grow up. The names of his sons are Ashoks. According to him the eyes of the newly found babies are like a Nepali. So, he names them as Bahadurs. Unfortunately, while travelling, his ship is wrecked. Both of the pairs of twins were separated. One pair of Ashok-Bahadur comes to Shikarpur. The other pair of Asho-Bahadur comes to Dinkapur. All of them are unaware of the fact that their identical twins are growing in different spaces. Both the Ashoks assume their servants Bahadurs are timid. Bahadur from Shikarpur is married with Prema. Bahadur from Dinkapur is unmarried.

One day Ashok from Dinkapur along with Bahadur comes to Shikarpur. Ashok comes to Shikarpur to purchase a grape yard. He is carrying the amount of rupees one lakh. When he comes to Shikarpur, he and Bahadur, both are surprised because everyone in the city recognizes them by their names.

There is a quarrel between Ashok from Shikarpur and his wife Sudha. She is demanding a necklace from Ashok for many days. Irritated Ashok tells her that he will not return home until he brings the necklace. Ashok of Shikarpur leaves the home, and Ashok from Dinkapur comes to the city – these two things happen simultaneously. The Bahadurs fail to identify their masters and so the others, and the situation becomes complicated. All the complications are resolved only at the end when both the Ashoks and Bahadurs confront each other.

In the cinema, Sanjeev Kumar has played a double role of the Ashoks, and Deven Verma has played a double role of the Bahadurs.

 

Open class/closed class (Short notes)

 

Q. 5 A) Write short notes:

1.   Open class words:

Traditionally words were divided into eight types. They were known as the parts of speech. The modern grammar divides the words into open class words and closed class words.

Open class of words includes:

1.   Nouns

2.   Verbs

3.   Adjectives and

4.   Adverbs

This group is considered as the open class words because new words can be added to this class. For example, with new technology, emerge new words. With mobile phones, computers and social media a number of new words are emerged recently.

1)   I emailed the university.

2)   I will whatsapp you.

3)   I need a PD.

4)   I am available on an FB.

5)   The prime minister tweeted on the issue.

In these examples emailed (V), whatsapp (V), PD (N), FB (N), tweeted (V) are the new additions to word class.

 

2.   Closed class words:

Traditionally words were divided into eight types. They were known as the parts of speech. The modern grammar divides the words into open class words and closed class words.

Closed class of words includes:

1.   Pronouns

2.   Prepositions

3.   Conjunctions

4.   Interjections

5.   Operator verbs

6.   Determiners

7.   Enumerators

This group is considered as the closed class words because new words cannot be added to this class. There is a limited set of words in this class. For example, articles namely a, an, the come under determiners. But it is not possible to create new articles. 

3.   Nouns:

Noun is a part of open class category. It is a very rich class of words. It includes indefinite number of words. Noun is a name given to a person, object or thing. The main features of a noun are as follows:

i.             Nouns can be singular or plural. For example, boy – boys, pen – pens, bench – benches

ii.           Nouns take gender such masculine (पुल्लिंग), feminine (स्त्रीलिंग), neuter (नपुसकलिंग). All living things take masculine or feminine gender. Such nouns are replaced by pronouns he and she. For example, brother (he) – sister (she), tiger (he) – tigress (she), poet (he) – poetess (she).

All non-living things take neuter gender.  Such nouns are replaced by pronoun ‘it. For example, pen, bench, table.

iii.          Nouns take articles a/an, the. For example, a boy, an ant, the sun

There are several types of nouns. These types are formed on the basis of meaning and use. Some of the types are as follows:

a.    Proper nouns and common nouns:

Proper nouns are names of people, places, etc. for example, Satish, Seema, Radhanagari, India

Common nouns are general names given to objects. For example, boy, ant, chair, teacher, doctor

b.    Concrete nouns and abstract nouns:

Concrete nouns are objects that can be felt by five senses (पंचेंद्रिये). For example, apple, dog, music

Abstract nouns are related to ideas or qualities that cannot be touched or seen. For example, love, happiness, joy

c.    Countable and uncountable nouns:

Countable nouns can be counted. They have singular and plural forms. For example, boy, chair, apple

Uncountable nouns cannot be counted directly. They do not have plural forms. For example, water, air, sugar

 

4.   Verbs:

Verb is an important part in a sentence. A sentence is incomplete without a verb. Verb tells about the tense. Verb is divided into two types. They are: Full verbs and Operator verb

i.             Full verb:

—   It is a part of open category. It is possible to new verbs. For example, ‘to Google’ is a newly formed verb. A full verb indicates an action.

—   A full verb takes three forms: V1 (base verb), V2 (Past tense) and V3 (Past participle). V1 verb is used for present tense and V2 verb is used for past tense. V3 form is used for perfect tense aspect and passive voice. For example, paly-played-played; go-went-gone

—   A full verb is divided into regular verb and irregular verb. In regular verb, its V2 and V3 forms end with -ed. For example, play-played-played. In case of irregular verbs, V2 and V3 forms do not end with -ed forms. For example, go-went-gone

ii.           Operator verb:

—   Operator verb is also known as helping verb. These verbs come before a full verb. These are divided into auxiliary verb and modal verb.

—   Auxiliary verb: It includes: to be, to do and to have. The verbs such as am, is, are, was, were are termed as ‘to be’ verbs. The verbs do/does/did are ‘to do’ verbs. The verbs have/has/had are ‘to have’ verbs.

—   Modal verb: It includes the following verbs:

Can/could, shall/should, will/would, may/might etc.

 

5.   Adjectives:

—   An adjective is a word that gives additional information about a noun. For example, green shirt. Here, ‘shirt’ is a noun and ‘green’ is an adjective.

—   A noun can have one or more adjectives. For example, tall, dark and handsome man

—   An adjective can come either before a noun or after a noun. For example, (i) green shirt: here adjective comes before a noun; (ii) His shirt is green. Here adjective has come after a noun.

—   Adjectives can be formed from nouns. For example, nation (N)—national (Aj); gold (N)—gplden (Aj)

—   Comparative and superlative adjectives: These adjectives are used in comparative and superlative degree. These adjectives can be formed by adding suffix. For example, tall—taller—tallest; small—smaller—smallest

—   Some adjectives can be formed with the help of a verb. For example, eat (V)—eatable (Aj); walk (V)—walkable (Aj)

 

 

Open-closed words

Open—Closed class words with examples

Sl. No.	Parts of speech	Examples
1.	Noun	boys, mother, father, table, chair, tiger, etc
	Proper noun	Shivaji, Gandhiji, Radhanagari, India
	Common noun	boys, mother, father, table, chair, tiger, etc
	Concrete noun	boys, mother, father, table, chair, tiger, etc
	Abstract noun	joy, happiness, love
	Countable noun	boys, mother, father, table, chair, tiger, etc
	Mass/uncountable noun	milk, water, hair, knowledge
	Collective noun	Team, committee, crowd, family
2.	Verb	run, walk, talk, play
	Regular verb	play (played), walk (walked), talk (talked)
	Irregular Verb	run (ran), go (went), come (came)
3.	Adjective	red, yellow, green, tall, fat
4.	Adverb	quickly, swiftly, plainly, smoothly
5.	Determiners	a/an, the, this/that, these/those
6.	Pronouns	I, we, you, he, she, it, they, my, his/her
7.	Enumerators	one, two, three, first, second, third
8.	Prepositions	In, on, to, from, under, above, near, far
9.	Conjunctions	And, but, or, so, because
10.	Interjections	Oh! Ah! Ouch! My God!
11.	Operator verb	am, is, are, was, were
	Auxiliary verb	am, is, are, was, were
	Modal verb	can, could, may, might, shall, should