Walter de la Mare’s "The Listeners": Delving into Themes of Mystery and the Supernatural

Walter de la Mare’s poem "The Listeners" is a compelling exploration of mystery and the supernatural. The title itself is significant as it hints at the central theme of the poem: the presence of unseen listeners in an empty house. This sense of being overheard or observed by an invisible audience adds to the eerie atmosphere.

The poem is a narrative ballad, a form that tells a story with a musical and rhythmic quality. It is structured in quatrains with a regular rhyme scheme of ABCB, which contributes to its lyrical and haunting effect. The consistent rhythm and rhyme enhance the sense of suspense and anticipation throughout the poem.

In summary, the poem describes a lone traveler who arrives at a dark, deserted house in the woods. He knocks on the door and announces himself, but there is no response. The silence around him becomes increasingly intense as he waits. The traveler feels the presence of unseen listeners within the house, yet they never reveal themselves. Eventually, he leaves, but the sense of mystery and the presence of the listeners linger.

The poem’s structure, with its rhythmic quatrains and vivid imagery, helps create a sense of eerie solitude. The use of phrases like "the moonlight" and "the lonely house" deepens the haunting atmosphere. 

The message of "The Listeners" revolves around isolation and the unknown. It reflects the feeling of being out of place and encountering something beyond human understanding. The empty house symbolizes the mysterious and supernatural, and the listeners represent the unseen forces that remain a mystery.

Overall, "The Listeners" effectively captures a profound sense of unease and wonder. Through its rhythmic structure, evocative imagery, and mysterious tone, the poem leaves readers with lingering questions and a heightened sense of the unknown.

A Debate on Social Media Boon or a Ban?

Chairperson: Good evening, everyone. Welcome to today’s debate on the topic, "Social Media: Boon or Ban?" Our first speaker is Riya, who will argue that social media is a boon. Riya, please share your thoughts.

Riya (Pro – Social Media is a Boon):

Thank you. Social media is a boon for many reasons. First, it connects people worldwide. Friends and family can stay in touch no matter where they are. It also provides a platform for people to share their ideas and talents. Many businesses use social media to reach new customers and grow. Social media helps raise awareness about important issues and can be a powerful tool for social change. It also offers access to a wealth of information and learning resources.

Chairperson: Thank you, Riya. Now, let’s hear from our second speaker, Raj, who will argue that social media should be banned. Raj, please present your views.

Raj (Con – Social Media Should be Banned):

Thanks. I believe social media should be banned due to its negative impacts. First, it can be addictive and lead to time-wasting. People often spend hours scrolling, which affects productivity. Social media also spreads misinformation and fake news, which can be harmful. It can lead to privacy issues, with personal information being misused. Additionally, it can contribute to mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. The negative aspects of social media outweigh its benefits.

Chairperson: Thank you, Riya and Raj, for your perspectives. The judges will now review the arguments and provide their verdict. Thank you all for participating.

A Debate on "Education kills creativity"

Chairperson: Good evening, everyone. Welcome to today’s debate on the topic, "Education Kills Creativity." Our first speaker is Priya, who will argue that education does kill creativity. Priya, please share your thoughts.

Priya (Pro – Education Kills Creativity):

Thank you. Education often focuses too much on memorizing facts. Students are tested on what they know rather than on their own creative ideas. This emphasis can limit creativity. Standardized tests demand right answers and don’t encourage new ways of thinking. Schools have strict curriculums, which leaves little room for creative activities. This pressure to fit in can prevent students from exploring their creative potential.

Chairperson: Thank you, Priya. Now, let’s hear from our second speaker, Arjun, who will argue that education does not kill creativity. Arjun, please present your views.

Arjun (Con – Education Does Not Kill Creativity):

Thanks. I believe education does not kill creativity. Instead, it provides essential knowledge and skills that help with creative thinking. It teaches students how to think critically, which supports creativity. Many schools now include arts and other creative subjects. Teachers encourage innovation and new ideas in their classes. Education also exposes students to diverse concepts, which can inspire creativity. With the right balance, a structured approach can actually foster creativity.

Chairperson: Thank you, Priya and Arjun, for your insights. The judges will now review the arguments and provide their verdict. Thank you all for participating.

An Expository Speech on What CPR is and How it Should be Performed

Respected Principal Sir, Esteemed Professors, and Dear Students,

Good morning.

Today, I want to talk about CPR and how to do it. CPR stands for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. It is a method used to help someone whose heart has stopped beating or who is not breathing.

Here’s how you perform CPR:

1. Check the Person: Gently shake the person and ask, “Are you okay?” If there is no answer, call for emergency help right away.

2. Check Breathing: Look and listen for breathing. If the person is not breathing, start CPR.

3. Chest Compressions:

   - Place your hands, one on top of the other, in the middle of the chest.

   - Press down hard and fast, about 100 to 120 times per minute.

   - Let the chest rise fully between compressions.

4. Rescue Breaths (if you are trained):

   - After 30 compressions, give 2 breaths.

   - Tilt the person’s head back a little, pinch their nose, and cover their mouth with yours.

   - Give a breath that lasts about 1 second. Watch for the chest to rise. Repeat twice.

5. Keep Going: Continue with chest compressions and rescue breaths until help arrives or the person starts breathing again.

Stay calm and act quickly. If you can’t do rescue breaths, just focus on chest compressions. They are very helpful too.

Learning CPR is important. It’s a simple skill that can save lives.

Thank you.

An Argumentative Speech in Favour of Banning Smoking in Public Places

Respected Principal Sir, Esteemed Professors, and Dear Students,

Good evening.

Today, I want to talk about why smoking should be banned in public places. This is an important issue that affects everyone’s health and well-being.

First, smoking in public places harms non-smokers. People who are near smokers breathe in harmful chemicals. This is known as secondhand smoke, and it can cause serious health problems, including cancer and heart disease. 

Second, smoking in public places is unfair to those who do not smoke. Non-smokers should not have to suffer because of someone else’s habit. Everyone deserves to breathe clean air.

Third, smoking in public places can be especially dangerous for children and pregnant women. Their bodies are more sensitive to the effects of smoke. Protecting them should be a priority.

Finally, banning smoking in public places can help reduce smoking rates overall. When smoking is restricted, people are less likely to smoke in the first place. This leads to better public health.

In conclusion, banning smoking in public places is a sensible step towards protecting everyone’s health. It prevents harm to non-smokers, especially vulnerable groups, and promotes a healthier environment for all.

Thank you.

Introducing the Chief Guest of the Annual Function of My College

Respected Principal Sir, Esteemed Professors, and Dear Students,

Good evening.

It is my great pleasure to introduce our Chief Guest for this year’s Annual Function.

Today, we are honored to welcome Dr. Mohan Bhargav, a retired Professor of English. Dr. Bhargav has had a long and distinguished career in teaching. He is well-known for his deep understanding of English literature and his enthusiasm for teaching.

Throughout his career, Dr. Bhargav has inspired many students with his engaging lectures and insightful discussions. His dedication to education has left a lasting impact on everyone he has taught.

Dr. Bhargav has also been involved in various literary activities and has contributed significantly to the field of literature. His work continues to influence and inspire others.

We are very fortunate to have Dr. Bhargav with us today. His presence adds great value to our event, and we eagerly look forward to hearing his thoughts and experiences.

Please join me in giving a warm and heartfelt welcome to Dr. Mohan Bhargav.

Thank you.

Welcome Speech for Celebration of Gandhi Jayanti at Our College

Respected principal sir, professors, and students,

Good morning and a warm welcome to all of you.

Today, we come together at our college to celebrate Gandhi Jayanti. This day is dedicated to remembering Mahatma Gandhi, the father of our nation. He played a key role in India’s fight for independence through his principles of non-violence and truth.

Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings are still very relevant. He believed in peace, justice, and unity. His life showed us that we can make a difference through kindness and understanding, not violence.

As we celebrate today, let’s reflect on Gandhi’s values. Think about how we can apply his lessons in our own lives. Whether it’s by being kind to others, standing up for what is right, or promoting harmony, we can all honor his legacy.

Thank you for joining us on this important day. Your presence here shows our shared commitment to keeping Gandhi’s spirit alive.

Let’s make this celebration meaningful by embracing his ideals. May we all be inspired to live by his example.

Have a wonderful and inspiring day.

Thank you.