ENGLISH: REFERENCE TO CONTEXT FROM PROSE.

(1) Twenty Minutes with Mrs. Oakentubb

Reference to Context Prose Chapter 1
Reference
The lines given for contextual explanation are an extract from the play entitled
Twenty Minutes with Mrs Oakentubb, written by Frank Arthur.
About the Playwright
In English literature, Frank Arthur is known as a novelist and a playwright. He
has the quality to present suspense skillfully. The readers remain captivated ti
ll the end, while reading his novels.
About the Story
Twenty Minutes with Mrs. Oakentubb is a powerful drama based on the traditional
theme of revenge. It is notable for its skilful manipulation of plot compact wit
h suspense and thrill culminating into a sensational gruesome murder.
A certain Mrs. Judy Oakentubb, a reckless woman corrupted by the evils of high s
ociety, to avoid a head on collision with a lorry, drives her car onto the pavem
ent killing two pedestrians. She lies before the magistrate and saves her neck w
ith only eighteen months in a comfortable jail. But she is hunted out by a certa
in man in the waiting room of a country railway station. He is the husband of th
e woman and father of the child mercilessly killed by the lady. During the cours
e of a twenty-minutes conversation, the man tries and succeeds in proving his po
int that what Mrs. Oakentubb did was not any chance or accident but a deliberate
heartless murder. He kills her and takes his revenge.
Revenge is a kind of wild justice. - Francis Bacon
Lines
You and I are there ------------------------- and I go mine.
Explanation
Here in these lines, Mrs Oakentubb is exchanging her views with the man in the w
aiting room. She is reflecting upon chance and casual meetings. According to her
, we meet thousands of people by chance in our lifetime. They are all strangers
to us. They come into our life for a short while and disappear forever once agai
n. We meet people walking in the street, standing behind in the queues and sitti
ng to the theatre. But we forget them the next day and never see them again.
The man agree with the lady but he points out that sometimes one of these chance
and casual meetings may prove very important and may even change our life compl
etely. The lady does not agree with the man because she never had such an experi
ence in life. The man proves it by describing one of his own half a minute brief
meeting with a Korean girl which changed his life completely.
But man never violates the laws without suffering the consequences sooner or late
r.
- Lydia Child
Lines
I had been wounded --------- I wanted to die any way. or
The pain was much worse --------- and the courage to live.
Explanation
Here, in these lines, the man is describing one of his own experiences to the la
dy in the waiting room. He is trying to prove that sometimes one of the chance a
nd casual meetings with strangers may prove very significant to a man and may ev
en change his life completely.
He describes one of his experiences during the Korean-American war. He was serio
usly injured. He was aching with unbearable pains. He was lying on a stretcher w
aiting for an ambulance to go to hospital. But he wanted to die because he had n
o interest and no purpose left in life. His wife and daughter had been killed in
a road accident, and he was fed up with his miserable lonely life. Due to sever
e pain, the wounded soldier fainted. After a few moments, he regained consciousn
ess, he found a little Korean girl bending over him and watching him with sympat
hy. She did not utter a single word. She simply gave a kind smile and the man re
sponded with a grateful smile. This brief and speechless and silent meeting last
ed for a few moments only but it changed his life completely. After the meeting,
he wanted to live, he had got an aim and purpose. He had got the strength and c
ourage to live. In fact, the Korean girl had reminded him of his own daughter an
d he had made up his mind to take revenge from the lady who had crushed his wife
and daughter under the wheels of her car.
Lines
She had a choice ----------- and she is living today. or
You know the road ------------ it wasn t deliberate murder.
Explanation
Here, in these lines, the man character called He in the story is describing to
Mrs. Oakentubb the situation in which she killed his wife and daughter. He says
that Mrs. Oakentubb was coming from a cocktail party and she was over drunk. She
had a bet with her vicious friends. She had wagered five pounds that she could
drive from Stainthorpe Cross to the coast in less than fifteen minutes a distance
that could not be covered in less than half an hour. More over, it was a built up
area. The road was very busy and had many bends and blind corners. It was very h
azardous and criminal to drive so fast for such a trifling matter.
The man is trying to prove that what Mrs. Oakentubb did was in no way an acciden
t but it was a clear case of deliberate murder. In a accident there is an elemen
t of chance and things are beyond one s control. She had a choice, she could kill
herself or she could drive her on the footpath and kill two innocent pedestrians
. The lady argues in her defense but the man talks her down. In the end, she tri
es to play a trick, which fails, and the man kills her and avenges the death of
his wife and daughter.
Lines
I call it murder! -------------- and never seeing them again.
Explanation
Here, in these lines, the man called He in the story is trying to establish the
charge of murder upon the lady. He reminds her that she saved here life at the c
ost of the life to two innocent people. She avoided a head-on-collision with the
lorry by driving her car onto the footpath and upon two innocent pedestrians. I
t was not an accident because she could save them if she wanted to. But she did
not try to save them because they were nothing to her. He also reminds her of no
tion that chance meetings have no significance. Therefore also, his wife and dau
ghter did not attract her interest and attention. The man keeps on repeating tha
t his wife and daughter were brutally murdered. Because in an accident, there is
always the probability of a chance but htheway Mrs. Oakentubb killed his wife a
nd daughter could not be considered as an accident. Also, his wife and daughter
had not seen her before the accident took place, if so, they could not make an e
ffort to save their lives.
These lines are significant because here the man tries to arouse the conscience
of the lady and force her to admit her guilt.
Lines
I have t -------------------- painful way. or
She has had her punishment ----------------But she has had her punishment. or
To execute justice -----------------------Tonight.
Explanation
Here, in these lines, Mrs. Oakentubb is trying to defend herself and redeem her
crime by stating that she had already been punished for what she had done. She r
epeatedly admits that it was criminal on he part to drive so fast in a build-up
area. It was also foolish of her to do so far a trifling matter- a small bet. Bu
t she insistently says that she got her due punishment. She served a sentence of
eighteen months in a jail.
But the man does not agree with her and says that she did not get the punishment
she deserved. According to him only eighteen months in the comfortable prison c
an not be adequate punishment for taking two lives. What she had done was a clea
r deliberate cruel murder and she deserved a capital punishment for this. He say
s that he is certain that if she is allowed to live in this world, she will once
again start attending cocktail parties.. He tells her that he is going to rende
r real justice by giving her the punishment for her crimes. He will not wait for
a long time to render justice. He will kill that heartless woman that very nigh
t. He will take his revenge by killing her in the most painful manner.
Lines
Our meeting is almost over -------- to keep you amused. or
Confess to me that you loved it -------- your spine all the time.
Explanation
Here, in these lines, the male protagonist of the play is trying to give to the
lady some moments of relief from the ordeal of nervous tension she was in when s
he realized that the man had founded her out.
The man tells her that it was just a chance that they were meeting each other, g
oing to the same place and waiting for the same train. Their meeting, which last
ed for twenty minutes was over as the train had been signaled. He pretends that
to pass these twenty minutes, he told her a story about a certain lady, Mrs. Oak
entubb. He asks her if she enjoyed the story because he told the story to amuse
and entertain her. He says that he could have spent this time in looking at her
but it might not have been a source of pleasure for her. He says that in order t
o keeps her interest alive, he has told her an interesting and significant story
because he knows that women are generally interested in pleasant stories. The i
mportant task for men is to please women.
Later, he hardens his attitude and forces her to admit that she enjoyed the stor
y as he marked little twinkles of joys on her face. But the lady declines having
enjoyed it. On the contrary she felt horrified because the story was partly tru
e.
Lines
All the time ---------------- what ever I am doing. or
I can see it now ------------what I have done. or
Kill me--------------I cannot endure.
Explanation
Here, in these, lines, Mrs. Oakentubb is describing what she call the ordeal of
her punishment as having before her eyes the picture of what she had done.
The man has by this time made it clear to the lady that she is the same woman, M
rs. Oakentubb and he is the husband of the woman and father of the child she cru
shed under the wheels of her car. He has already proved to the lady that what sh
e did was not an accident but a deliberate heartless murder. The lady has become
sure that her life is in the balance and there is no way out. In a desperate co
ndition, she tries to play a trick, she pretends before the man that she has bee
n suffereing from a painful ordeal. She always has before her eyes he scene of t
hat event his wife and daughter lying in a pool of blood. The scene runs before
her eyes what ever she is doing and wherever she is going. She can see it more c
learly that she can see any thing else. She also pretends that she is fed-up wit
h it and she cannot suffer it any more. She begs him to kill her and remove that
picture form before her eyes. The man for a moment believes her and decides to
let her live because to kill her would be merciful, as he wanted to kill her in
the most merciless manner. But the next moment he discovers her cleverness and h
is own folly and shoots her to death. Pakistan and the Modern World

(2) Pakistan and The Modern World

Reference to Context Prose Chapter 2

Reference
The given lines have been extracted from Pakistan and the Modern World, a fine e
xample of oratory and a true chronicle of history. It is in fact a marvelous pie
ce of speech delivered by the Quaid-e-Millat, Liaquat Ali Khan, the first Prime
Minister of Pakistan, at the Kansas University in 1950 when the beloved leader p
aid a state visit to the U.S.A.
About the Speaker
Liaquat Ali Khan supported Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah during the crucial y
ears of Muslim struggle for the birth of Pakistan. In 1947, he became the first
Prime Minister of the Muslim homeland. He was a great patriot, who had deep comp
assion for human sufferings. He was awarded an honorary degree at the University
of Kansas, USA for his remarkable services to his nation and to the cause of fr
eedom and democracy.
About the Speach
According to the people and government of the United States, Liaquat Ali Khan, i
n this speech wants to acknowledge and thank them for the conferment of an honor
ary degree upon him. Since Pakistan was then not yet three years old, he thought
it proper to introduce Pakistan to them. Befitting the occasion, he also though
t it fit to describe the causes and the benefits of the division of vast sub con
tinent and the creation of Pakistan. He describes the religious, social and econ
omic differences with the Hindus, which forced the Muslims to demand a separate
homeland for themselves. Finally he exhorts the West to held in the economic fre
edom and political stability of Asia. He also inspires the people of Pakistan to
work harder at the double pace in order to catch up with the advance nation saf
eguard their independence and achieve their rightful and honorable place the4 th
e world.
Progress and freedom, far from consisting in change, depends on memory. Those who
can not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.
____________ George Santayana
Lines
As the day -------------- minority. or
Long experience -------------change of masters. or
But since --------------------- Eclipsed.
Explanation
Here, in these historical lines, our veteran leader, Liaquat Ali Khan, is advoca
ting the cause of the Muslims minority against the dominating majority of the Hi
ndus in the undivided India on the eve of independence from the British rule.
He says that when the time of freedom from the British rule drew at hand, it bec
ame more and more crystal clear that the Muslims were not going to enjoy the rea
l fruits of freedom. On the contrary, they were afraid that they would be forced
to live as a permanent group of defeated and subjected minority. Thus, freedom
from the foreign rule would mean to the Muslims not freedom but only a change of
the ruling hand. He draws this conclusion on the basis of their age-old experie
nce testified by history since Muslims had been living with the Hindus for many
centuries.
Liaquat Ali Khan also points out the fact that difference of religion between th
e two nations was not the only cause of division of India. The Muslims had a num
ber of very serious differences with the Hindus nation such as difference of cul
ture, ideology of life, social system, economic system and so on. The Muslims we
re monotheists and the Hindus believed in more than one God. They believed in ca
ste system while the Muslims believed in equality of all men. The Muslims rightl
y feared that the Hindus majority would deny then basic human rights and treat t
hem like slaves. They would have to live in the undivided India as a perpetual po
litical minority having no hope, no respect and no future.
Liaquat Ali Khan is here trying to give vent to the genuine doubts and apprehens
ions. Muslims had about their political and economic future had they lived with
the Hindus in the undivided India particularly after independence from the Briti
sh rule.
Those who deny freedom to others, deserve it not for themselves.
Lines
It was for these reasons ------------------- at that time.
Explanations
Here in these pithy and powerful lines, our veteran leader, Liaquat Ali Khan, is
trying to apprise the American people of the reasons for and exigencies behind
the Muslims s demand for a separate home of their own.
We wanted a home,
Home, home, sweet, sweet home!
There is no place like home
All must have a home of their own.
- J.H. Payne
He describes the differences of religion, culture and economic institutions, whi
ch had made it difficult for the Muslims to continue to live with the Hindus. Ab
ove everything, it was the fear of being reduced into a perpetual political mino
rity that forced the Muslims to demand a separate homeland for themselves. Accor
ding to him this demand was very genuine and reasonable as it was in the interes
t of both the Muslims and the Hindus. Above all, it was in the interest of the W
orld peace. But Liaquat Ali Khan regrets that the Hindus leaders apposed this be
cause it was against their dream of a greater India.
How does it feel
To be without a home
Like a complete unknown
Like a rolling stone?
- R.A. Zimmerman
The beloved leader is here leading the case of the Muslims and is justifying the
ir demand on both human and geo-political grounds. Liaquat Ali Khan says:
We believed then and we believe now that the demand of the Muslims in British Ind
ia to have a separate state of their own was, both on human and geo-political gr
ounds, a very reasonable demand.
Lines
For us to be undemocratic ---------- Demand for Pakistan.
Explanation
Here in these searching lines, our beloved leader is trying to visualize the eth
ical basis and ideological grounds, which inspired the foundation of the new sta
te of Pakistan. He says that Pakistan is based upon the belief in God, democracy
, justice and peace. Muslims of South Asia demanded a separate homeland for them
selves because they wanted to practice their faith and their believe.
Man is by his constitution a religious animal.
- Edmund Burk
Mr. Khan emphasizes that our people did not have to learn or acquire these belie
fs, as they were latent in the very ideology. They demanded a new state because
they wanted to practice these beliefs free from the close competition of dominat
ing Hindu majority.
According to Mr. Khan Muslims cannot think of overlooking democracy and ignoring
 human rights. Similarly, they cannot submit to tyranny or aggression because th
is will mean denying the very ideals of Pakistan. The father of the nation also
said:
You are free, you are free to go to your mosques and to your temples, or to any p
lace of worship in this state of Pakistan.
- Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah
Lines
What are the demands ---------------- Great purpose.
Explanation
Here in these pithy and powerful lines, the political pedagogue and stateman, Li
aquat Ali Khan is trying to visualize the duties and responsibilities of a free
people who have achieved their freedom after a great deal of struggle and sacrif
ice.
Liberty means responsibility. That is why most people dread it.
- G.B Shaw
He asserts that it is the duty of all the free people in the World to maintain a
nd safeguard their won feedom first. This according to hims is not selfishness o
r narrow-mindedness. He adds that if they fail in this duty, they desecrate and
disgrace the piety of freedom. He exhorts the Muslims to be alert and watchful i
n order to keep their hard-earned freedom safe and secure. He also urges them to
work hard at the double pace to achieve prosperity and strengthen the foundatio
n of freedom. He emphasizes that today freedom has no real significance for the
common people if it does not also mean freedom from want, ignorance and disease.
Liaquat Ali has here tried to give a new meaning and a new interpretation to the
concept of freedom as viewed in the context of the fast changing conditions of
the present day World.
The Condition upon which God has given liberty is eternal vigilance.
- I.P. Curran
Lines
Our ancient steadfast faith ------------- world peace itself.
Explanation
Here in these powerful pithy lines, the veteran leader, Liaquat Ali Khan, is des
cribing the political, ideological and economic position of Pakistan as a newly
independent state of Asia and is prescribing the formula of a happy marriage of
faith and technology for rapid progress.
Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind.
- Albert Einstein
He asserts that our old and firm faith is a source of great strength in this tro
ubled period of human history. But he emphasizes that faith alone is not enough
if we want to claim our rightful and honorable place in the World. We must also
acquire the valuable knowledge of science and technology. He says that only a ha
ppy combination of science with the leading powers of scientific knowledge and m
odern World. This is the dictate of phase of progress and we can not hold the cl
ock back. Liaquat Ali Khan, a true Muslim and a die hard patriot is trying to se
t the Muslims on the rails of modern science, the only way to progress and honor
able existence in the World.
Science without conscience is the death of the soul and leads to greed and pride.
- Francois Rabelais
Lines
We conceive the role ----------------- if at all.
Explanation
Here in these prophetic lines, the veteran leader and stateman, Liaquat Ali Khan
is trying to define and determine the role of the Western World in the present
day political situation of the World.
According to him the West should demonstrate their broadminded approach and assi
st the newly independent states of Asia and Africa in their political stability
and economic progress. It is the moral and the human duty of the rich and advanc
ed nations to hold in the development of the poor and backward people. This is n
ecessary because they themselves can not enjoy the fullest fruits of their own p
rogress when more that half the World remains backward. The World can not be cal
led truly civilized unless the light of modern knowledge of science reaches the
door of every house in the World.
The purpose of human existence is not ease or comfort but to kindle a light of jo
y in the dark World.
- C.J. Jung
Liaquat Ali Khan is here exhorting the people of America and Europe to realize t
heir duty and help the poor people in the name of humanity and for the sake of t
he world peace.
Heal the sick, cleans the lepers, raise the fallen, cast out devil, freely you ha
ve received, freely you give to others.
- The Bible

(3) Reflections from the Re-Awakening East

Reference to Context Prose Chapter 3
Reference
These lines have been extracted from a thought provoking lesson of our prose tex
t Reflections from the Re-Awakening East, written by Bertrand Russelll.
About the Author
Bertrand Russelll was an outstanding mathematician, writer and thinker of our ti
me. He is best known for introducing scientific attitude in politics and sociolo
gy. He was a sincere advocate of technical aid to Asia.
About the Essay
In this lesson Russelll has tried to present a historical study and analysis of
the reemergence of the East as a powerful influence in the World after centuries
of subjugation and exploitation by the Western Imperialism. He praises the peop
le of the East and criticizes the people of West. He admires the Muslims of Spai
n, who had a brilliant culture, at that time when the Christian Europe was sunk
in barbarism. He has expressed his hopes and apprehensions as regards to what As
ia should and what it will do after it has achieved both its political and econo
mic independence. He also desires that the East will use its power to promote pe
ace, justice and happiness in the World.
Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves.
- Abraham Lincoln
Lines
The supermacy of the East -------------- a brilliant culture.
Explanation
Here in these lines, Russelll is presenting the invariable process of history in
which power has been changing hands between the East and West. After the down f
all of the Roman Empire and the destruction of the German Empire, leadership in
power and the culture passed into the hands of the East which came to be ruled b
y the Muslims and Chinese between 7 and 10 century A.D.
Progress depends on memory. Those who can not learn from their past (history) are
condemned to repeat it.
- George Santayana
The author states that the Muslims established their superiority to the European
s not in warfare but also in the field of science, philosophy, poetry and the ar
ts. Both the Muslims and the Chinese were enjoying a glorious period of culture
and civilization during this period. This was the time when the Europeans were l
iving a totally barbarous life. Russelll deplores that Europeans out of heir she
er narrow mindedness call this period The Dark Age. But actually it was only Chris
tian Europe that was sunk in darkness because the Mohammadan World including Spain
flourished with a glorious culture.
Study the past, if you want to devine the future.
- Confucius
Lines
There are somethings ---------- growth of industrialism. or
It is useless ---------------------independence.
Explanation
The above lines have been taken from that part of the chapter where the author h
as discussed the part played by science and technology in the rapid progress of
the nations of the world. At the same time he extremely opposes the unfair use o
f science and adulation and monopoly of mechanization in human society.
While he disapproves of science and machinery as bad and undesirable on account
of being cruel to man and hostile to beauty, he at the same time belie4ves that
they are vital for progress and survival in the modern world. This is evident fr
om the fact that those who lag behind in industrial progress are left poor and b
ackward and thus have difficulty in preserving their independence at home and fa
il to enjoy and honorable position in the world. He refers to the amazing advanc
ement of Great Britain in the early 19th century and that of the U.S.A. and Russ
ia in the present century. These states enjoyed supremacy by virtue of their com
plete and virtual control over industrial production.
He that will not apply new remedies must expect new evils: for time is the greate
st innovator.
- Francis Bacon
Lines
The most sinister --------------- on the side of peace?
Explanation
Here, in these lines, Russell is giving his opinion about the potential and prob
able use of scientific technique by the newly independent state of Asia. He warn
s the people of Asia that the worst and the most evil use of scientific knowledg
e has been in inventing horrible and destructive weapons of war. But he hopes th
at Asians will learn from the mistakes of the West and will use their new power
of science and technology for peaceful purposes.
The most persistent sound that reverberates through men s history is the heating of
the war drums.
- Arthur Koestler
He realizes that it is difficult to predict what Asia will do when it rises as a
powerful influence in the world but he is definite as to what Asia should do to
fulfil its responsibilities in the community of nations torn with wars and conf
licts. This is in tune with the author s belief that:
Wars should belong to the past, it should find no place on humanity s agenda for th
e future.
- John Paul II
Lines
Modern cosmopolitanism --------------- Culture of the past.
Explanation
Here in these lines, Russell is commenting on the evil aspect of science and mac
hinery. Being an enlightened thinker, her appreciates science and machinery beca
use they have given rise to a new culture, which is universal in quality as the
life-style of the whole world, is conditioned by the modern inventions of scienc
e and technology.
But the author laments that these two new elements of modern culture are being f
orced upon older cultures. By nature they prove cruelly more powerful since they
have a tendency to destroy not only what is bad but also what is good and valua
ble in the culture of the past.
The greatest tragedy of science and technology is the slaying of the beauteous na
ture by an ugly machine.
- T.H. Huxley
The result is that due to the decay of the older values of life, man has become
selfish, materialistic and parochial. So Russelll admonishes the nations of the
East against the harms and perils of misuse of science. He says that mechanizati
on itself is not limit and its sole purpose should be nothing except provoking a
nd enhancing human happiness, minimizing their suffering and creating a sound at
mosphere for living. Lord Russelll devices a strongly condemns the undue importa
nce and usage of scientific inventions that are likely to make life dull and col
ourless. Russelll also believes:
Science without conscience is the death of the soul and leads to greed and pride.
- Francois Rabelais
Lines
If human life ------------------ the simple joys of life.
Explanation
Ill fares the land to hastening ills a prey, where wealth accumulates, and men de
cay.
- Oliver Goldsmith
Here, in these lines, Russell criticizing science and technology as cruelly powe
rful elements of modern scientific culture is suggesting ways and means to make
modern life more pleasant and enjoyble.
He advises that if we want our life to remain tolerable, we should not allow sci
ence and technology to dominate over all the departments of our life. According
to him poetry, music, arts, love and simple joys of life were the important elem
ents of our older culture. We must preserve them in our modern life at every cos
t because with them, our life is dull, dark and intolerable. The author believes
that:
The purpose of human existence is not ease but to kindle a light of joy.
- Albert Einstein
Lines
Your independence --------------- Mistakes of the West.
Explanation
The love of liberty is the love of others; the love of power is the love of ourse
lves.
- William Hazlitt
Here, in these lines, Russell is directly addressing the newly independent peopl
e of Asia and is giving them a valuable piece of advice also their future course
of life. He points out that now when the world is divided into two rival blocks
filled with bitter enmity, it is certain that the big powers are not going to i
nterfere in the political stability and economic progress of the Asian countries
. Thus the Asians would find it easy to safeguard their freedom. But it is also
feared that once they rise as a great power they can develop a desire to exploit
the backward people and threaten the independence of Europe. The Author believe
s that:
Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves.
- Abraham Lincoln
Lines
Here, in these lines, Russell like a broad-minded pedagogue and a moral preacher
is giving to the new democracies of Asia a valuable piece of advice also how th
ey should use their power of science and technology.
He desires that after becoming free, Asians have to play a positive role. They h
ave to use their power to contribute to he happiness and promote the cause of ju
stice in the world. The author hopes that the East will learn from the mistakes
of the West and will help the poor and the backward in their freedom and progres
s rather than exploit them for their selfish purposes.
Russell also hopes that Asia will prove this through their own examples that unl
ess nations, rich and poor, learn to respect each other, there can be no peace a
nd happiness in the world. The author believes that:
To keep a lamp burning we have to keep putting oil in it.
- Mother Teresa

(4) The World As I See It

Reference to Context Prose Chapter 4
Reference
The passage given for contextual explanation is extracted from the lesson The Wo
rld as I See It, written by Albert Einstein.
About the Author
Albert Einstein is generally regarded as the greatest mathematical physicist of
the current century and one of the greatest scientists of all times. He was awar
ded the Noble Prize for Physics in 1921. He is bold and straightforward man and
expresses his views freely and unhesitatingly. His work rests very little on lab
oratory work but more on theories and philosophies. His writings for the layman
are few, but they include an introduction to the general theory of relativity. H
is writings demonstrate his admirable capability.
About the Essay
The World as I See It is an interesting essay in which Albert Einstein has expre
ssed his personal views about the purpose and ideals of life; democracy and dict
atorship; war and peace; mystery and religion.
Lines
What an extraordinay ------------------- Tie of sympathy.
Explanation
In this particular passage Albert Einstein says that our position in this world
is unusual. Man is mortal. We have come into this world for leading a very short
life. What is the purpose of man s creation? When we deliberate over this fundame
ntal question we come to the conclusion that life is not purposeless. There is a
purpose in life. As far as the practical life is concerned we live for our fell
owmen. In the first place we live for those who are known to us personally and o
ur happiness depends on their smiles and welfare. In the second place we live fo
r those who are not known to us personally but a tie of sympathy binds us with t
hem.
Lines
I am strongly drawn -------------- Physically and mentally.
Explanation
In this thought-provoking passage Albert Einstein expresses his personal views o
n simple life. He strongly believes that one should lead a simple life as limple
life is conducive to health and happiness. Plain life keeps a person fit physic
ally and mentally. If a man leads a luxurious life, he has to run after worldly
wealth and remains worried because he always thinks of earning more and more mon
ey by fair means or foul. Thus he has no peace of mind and peace of heart. His h
ealth deteriorates due to worries and cares. But if a man leads a simple life, h
e has no worries and cares and leads a pleasant, peaceful and contented life.
Einstein also expresses his views on class differences which, he thinks, are con
trary to justice and are based on force and compulsion. Thus we can say that he
is strongly opposed to class differences and perhaps he wants to say that he is
strongly opposed to class differences and perhaps he wants to say that these cla
ss differences must not exist in any human society. He really believes in equali
ty and fraternity.
Lines
The ideals which have -------- Seemed to me contemptible.
Explanation
In this particular passage Einstein has expressed his views on the ideals of his
life. His ideals have been Truth, Goodness and beauty which have brightened up
his ways of life and have given him a new courage to face the problems, difficul
ties and hardships of life with a smile.
Beauty is truth, truth beauty __ that is all
ye know on earth, and all ye need to know
Thus we see that the ideals which Einstein cherishes, are high ideals of life. H
e loves these ideals because they give him spiritual pleasure. In other words th
ese ideals give spiritual pleasure to every person who loves these ideals.
He, then, talks about the sense of fellowship with man of like mind. He wants to
say that life is colourless and meaningless if a man does not enjoy the company
and fellowship of like minded people and if a person is not preoccupied with th
e objective, which is not attainable in the field of art and scientific research
. We are really startled when Einstein says that property, outward success and l
uxury are the ordinary objects of human endeavor. We are at a loss to understand
when he finally says than these objects have always seemed to him contemptible.
But we are deliberate over the philosophical ideas; we come to the conclusion t
hat Albert Einstein is right.
Lines
An autocratic system ------------- Succeeded by scoundrels.
Explanation
In this passage Albert Einstein, expresses his views with reference to democracy
and dictatorship. Condemning the autocratic system he says that it soon degener
ates as it is always based on cruelty, oppression and force. It is an undeniable
fact that people of low morality believe in force and in autocratic system crue
l rulers, rule over the people with high-handedness. They do not care for the mo
ral values and give no importance to the welfare of the people. Einstein believe
s that it is an invariable rule that intelligent cruel rulers are succeeded by p
eople of low morality.
In other words Einstein means to say that an autocratic system of government is
not beneficial to the people because of the values. It is very difficult for peo
ple to breathe freely in dictatorship, as the people do not enjoy any kind of fr
eedom.
Einstein loves democracy and hates dictatorship. He is a humanist and wants to s
ee each and every individual happy. So he wants that the rulers must rule the co
untry with love so that the people may breathe freely and live happily.
Lines
War seems to me a mean-------- the schools and the press.
Explanation
In this passage Albert Einstein expresses his views on war and peace. He says th
at war seems to him a mean and hateful thing. He would rather die than take part
in such a hateful business. He hates war because he is humanist. He is fully aw
are of the fact that thousands of innocent people are killed mercilessly and pur
poselessly in the war. No doubt he hates war but does not hate human beings. He
thinks that man is not blood-thirsty and the curse of war would have disappeared
long ago if the sound sense of the nations had not been corrupted by political
and commercial interests. He means to say that war break out because the commerc
ial and political interest of various nations are involved.
Einstein is a great lover of humanity. He believes that the highest purpose of a
man s life if to serve humanity and people must live in peace and tranquality. He
wants to say that if nations ignore their commercial and political interests an
d if mankind learns a degree of mutual respect, this world will become a place o
f happiness and nations will not think of waging wars against each other. No dou
bt Einstein is a noble man and has noble ideas. He is not only a humanist but al
so a pacifist.
Lines
The fairest thing --------------- that engendered religion.
Explanation
In this philosophical and thought-provoking passage Albert Einstein says that th
e experience of the mysterious objects given birth to art and science. Curiosity
is the emotion, which is found in almost all persons but if there is a person w
ho is devoid of curiosity and mystery, is just like a dead wood and a snuffed-ou
t candle. It means that such a person can t do any thing in the world. A snuffed-o
ut candle is useless as it cannot brighten up the ways of the world and it canno
t guide anyone. Similarly a person devoid of curiosity and mystery is of no help
to any one. Einstein further says that it was the experience of mystery that ga
ve birth of religion.
In this passage Albert Einstein has expressed his views on religion and mystery
without any mental reservation. He is a straightforward man and whatever he has
experienced he has described it unhesitatingly. He rightly says that curiosity o
f man has led to the birth and growth of true art and true science. He has delib
erated almost on every aspect of human life and has drawn certain conclusions wi
th which he has acquainted us. We are greatly impressed by profound and philosop
hical thoughts, which he has expressed in this passage and we spontaneously utte
r that Einstein is a learned broad-minded, sagacious and straightforward man.
Mystery is Beautiful. It becomes more Beautiful when mixed with fear.
- Jesica Adams

(5) The Devoted Friend

Reference to Context Prose Chapter 5
Reference
The lines given for contextual explanation are an extract from the story entitle
d The Devoted Friend written by Oscar Wilde.
About the Writer
Oscar Wilde was one of the most elegant writers of the late nineteenth century.
He argued that artistic considerations should be given first place in English Li
terature. He has worked on plays, novels and light comedies in English Drama.
About the Story
This story revolves around two friends Hugh and Hans. It brings to light the gre
ed, selfishness and hypocrisy of Hugh, the miller and the devotion, innocence an
d integrity of little Hans. The miller keeps on focussing to the duties and resp
onsibilities of a true and devoted friend, but his actions are contrary to his s
ayings. On the other hand, little Hans sacrifices his life for the sake of his f
riend. The moral behind the story is the dominantly repeated saying:
A friend in need is a friend indeed.
Lines
When people are in trouble ----------I shall pay him a visit.
Explanation
The above lines given for elucidation were spoken by the miller Hugh to his wife
. It brings to light the theories of the miller about friendship, which he keeps
on focussing to. This is one of those theories which enables him to act accordi
ng to his own will and at the same time fulfil the duties of a so called friend.
The saying also points out to the selfishness and hypocrisy of the miller. His
hypothesis says that when some of your friend is facing hard times and is in dif
ficulty, you should not bother him by visiting him. He says that such an act inc
reases the distress and difficulty and keeping away is indeed a deed of sincere
friendship. The situation in the story resembles to this very much. His friend L
ittle Hans was in difficult times and needed help from sincere and good friends.
Hans believed that the miller was his best friend and would certainly fulfill h
is responsibility. Instead, the miller escapes from his liability by proposing h
is theory about his sincere friendship.
Reference
The lines given for contextual explanation are an extract from the play entitled
The Silver Box, written by John Galsworthy.
About the PlayWright
John Galsworthy was one of the most outstanding and distinguished playwrights wh
ose work reflects full sympathy for the hapless lower class. He was conscious of
the sufferings and misfortunes of the poor working class. The writer often brin
gs to light the social vices of injustice and exploitation in his literature.
About the Play
This play contains a bitter but realistic criticism on the decline of moral valu
es in the British society. In this play, John Galsworthy has pointed out that we
alth and high social status can buy every thing, even justice and equity. The pl
aywright not only reveals the hidden scars on the face of society, but also brin
gs to light the utter despair and degradation of common man.
Lines
Jones: (Stopping and twisting around.) Call this justice?---im off justice!
Explanation
The lines given for elucidation sheds light on the anger of Mr. Jones, which was
flamed up by the biased attitude of the Magistrate. Jones shouts and demands th
e court to give him a fair trial. He says that he was being sent behind bars sim
ply because of his poverty. He says that law must not discriminate between the r
ich and poor. The criminal act of Jack Barthwick should not be overlooked on acc
ount of his social status. To his surprise, the Magistrate takes no notice of hi
s demand at all. The Magistrate certainly seems to be partial and influenced by
Mr. Barthwick, MP. He did not even ask Jack Barthwick as to why he had stolen th
e purse of the lady. This saying of Jones reflects the opinionated approach of t
he Magistrate. It brings to knowledge the fact that the social rights of the poo
r working class were denied to them and court of law usually favored the rich.
Law grinds the poor rich men rule the law.
- Oliver Goldsmith