Balancing Professional Skills and Friendship in O. Henry's 'After Twenty Years'

In O. Henry's story "After Twenty Years," a policeman patrols a quiet street on a chilly night. He encounters a man named Bob waiting in the doorway of a hardware store. Bob explains he is waiting for his old friend Jimmy Wells, with whom he made a promise to meet exactly twenty years after their last dinner together at "Big Joe" Brady's restaurant.

As they talk, Bob shares that he has done well in the West, while Jimmy, he believes, would still be in New York. The policeman, intrigued, wishes Bob luck and continues his patrol. After twenty minutes, a tall man approaches, and Bob eagerly thinks he is Jimmy. However, as they talk, Bob realizes this man is not his friend, but a police officer who has come to arrest him.

The officer reveals that he is actually Jimmy Wells and has been watching Bob. He shows Bob a note he wrote, explaining that he recognized Bob’s face when he struck a match. Although Bob was his old friend, Jimmy could not bring himself to arrest him directly. Instead, he got another officer to take him in.

The story illustrates themes of friendship, loyalty, and the impact of time on relationships. It highlights the tension between personal loyalty and moral duty, showcasing how circumstances can change people profoundly over the years.

Thinking about professional skills:

1. What do you understand by the word professionalism?

Ans: Professionalism means behaving well and being responsible in a job. It includes being reliable, respectful, and skilled. It’s about doing your best and treating others right.

2. Whom would you call professionals? Give at least five examples.

Ans: Professionals are individuals with specialized skills or knowledge in a particular field. Examples include:

1. Doctors

2. Teachers

3. Engineers

4. Lawyers

5. Accountants

3. Whom would you classify as being non-professionals? Give at least five examples.

Ans: Non-professionals are individuals who may not have specialized training or certification in a specific field. Examples include:

1. Retail workers

2. Waitstaff

3. Janitors

4. Delivery drivers

5. Construction laborers

4. Why do some professionals behave unprofessionally sometimes?

Ans: Some professionals act unprofessionally because of stress or burnout. Personal problems and a bad work environment can also play a role. Sometimes they just forget their responsibilities or values.

Beyond Action: Cultivating Empathy in the Workplace with Special Reference to the story "Action Will Be Taken" by Heinrich Böll

In Heinrich Böll’s story "Action Will Be Taken," the narrator finds himself working in a factory owned by Alfred Wunsiedel. Although he prefers pensiveness and inactivity, financial struggles push him to accept the job. The factory has a cheerful atmosphere, but the narrator feels something is off. 

During an aptitude test, he answers absurd questions with sarcasm, revealing his disdain for the overzealous productivity culture. Wunsiedel embodies this mindset, constantly calling for "action" and expecting everyone to follow suit. The employees, like Broschek, are overwhelmed yet caught up in their routines, often sharing exaggerated tales of their lives. 

One day, as Wunsiedel rushes in calling for action, he suddenly collapses and dies. The narrator feels a strange tenderness for him, realizing he never truly hated him despite the chaos Wunsiedel brought. He gently closes Wunsiedel’s eyes, showing a moment of empathy amidst the absurdity.

Broschek, initially in denial about Wunsiedel’s death, eventually acknowledges it. Together, they take action to deal with the situation, highlighting how the relentless push for productivity blinds them to deeper emotions. After Wunsiedel’s funeral, the narrator discovers his true calling as a professional mourner, where he finds meaning in his pensiveness and inactivity.

The story underscores the importance of empathy and recognizing the humanity behind actions. While Wunsiedel’s factory culture promotes constant activity, the narrator learns that true fulfillment comes from understanding emotions and connecting with others. Ultimately, he reflects on how he never even knew what the factory produced, emphasizing the disconnect between action and genuine human experience.

Thinking about empathy skills:

1. What exactly is empathy?

Ans: Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It involves recognizing emotions and responding with care and compassion.

2. How is empathy is different from sympathy?

Ans: Empathy means understanding and feeling others' emotions. Sympathy means feeling pity for someone without really understanding them.

3. Do you think having empathy is important for human beings? Why?

Ans: Yes, empathy is important because it helps build strong relationships and fosters understanding. It promotes compassion and cooperation in communities.

A Case Study on How One Can Turn Hardships into Triumph

 My friend Aditi faced many challenges in her career. She started in a tough job market and struggled to find a steady position. After several rejections, she did not give up. Instead, Aditi took on freelance work to build her skills. Each project taught her something new. When she faced criticism, she listened and improved. Her positive attitude was inspiring. Aditi always smiled and encouraged others around her. She attended workshops and networked with professionals. Slowly, she gained confidence and experience. Eventually, a company recognized her hard work and hired her full-time. Aditi turned her setbacks into stepping stones. She now helps others who are struggling, sharing her story of resilience. Her journey shows that a positive mindset can change everything. Despite the hardships, Aditi proved that persistence and optimism can lead to success. Her determination is a reminder that we can rise above challenges.

The Journey of Life in Christina Rossetti's 'Up-Hill'

The title "Up-Hill" aptly reflects the poem's central metaphor of life's journey. The "up-hill" journey symbolizes the challenges and struggles one faces in life. It suggests a sense of effort and perseverance needed to reach one's goals or spiritual fulfillment.

"Up-Hill" is written in a dialogue format between two speakers: the traveler and the guide. The poem consists of ten stanzas with a regular rhyme scheme, creating a rhythmic flow. This structured form contrasts with the uncertainty and difficulties described in the content, enhancing the theme of a challenging journey.

The central message of the poem revolves around the idea of life as a journey filled with questions and uncertainties. The traveler seeks assurance about what lies ahead, representing human concerns about life, death, and the afterlife. The guide's responses offer comfort and hope, emphasizing that although the journey is tough, there is rest and peace at the end.

Rossetti employs vivid imagery to illustrate the journey. The "up-hill" path signifies struggle, while the idea of "rest" at the end represents solace and fulfillment. The imagery evokes feelings of weariness but also hope. Phrases like "Is there a holiday?" suggest a desire for respite, reinforcing the idea that life's challenges can lead to a rewarding conclusion.

The poem highlights several themes. The journey of life emphasizes the struggles and uncertainties inherent in existence. It also explores the spiritual quest for meaning, as the traveler seeks understanding about life and death. Additionally, the guide symbolizes comfort, suggesting that despite difficulties, there is hope for peace.

In "Up-Hill," Christina Rossetti masterfully captures the essence of the human experience. Through a structured dialogue, rich imagery, and profound themes, the poem resonates with readers, encouraging reflection on their own journeys. It serves as a reminder that while the path may be arduous, there is always hope for rest and fulfillment at the end.

The Theme of Universal Brotherhood in the Poem 'No men are foreign' by James Kirkup

The poem "No Men Are Foreign" by James Kirkup strongly conveys the theme of universal brotherhood. The title itself suggests that no person is truly foreign; everyone belongs to the same human family. This idea sets the stage for the poem's exploration of our shared humanity.

Kirkup uses vivid imagery to illustrate the connections between people. He describes how all men share the same physical features, such as hands and eyes. These images highlight that regardless of where we come from, we experience similar emotions—love, pain, and joy. This shared experience serves as a reminder that we are more alike than different.

The structure of the poem is straightforward, with short stanzas that make it easy to understand. Each stanza reinforces the idea of unity, leading the reader to recognize that divisions created by nationality or culture are superficial. The simplicity of the structure mirrors the poem's message: that understanding and compassion should be natural and accessible.

Kirkup's message is clear: war and conflict only lead to suffering for everyone. When he describes how the blood of soldiers stains the earth, he emphasizes that all lives are valuable, and the pain of one affects us all. The poem urges readers to see past their differences and recognize their common humanity.

In conclusion, "No Men Are Foreign" powerfully promotes universal brotherhood. Through its imagery and simple structure, the poem invites us to embrace our shared connections and treat each other with kindness. It reminds us that in a world often divided by borders, we are ultimately united as human beings.

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.