English For Today chapter 13: Reading for Pleasure - Short Stories

Sultana’s Dream

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(1905)

Glossary

Bustling: Full of energetic and noisy activity; busy and lively.

Boudoir: A woman’s private sitting room or bedroom.

Conveyances: Means of transporting people or goods; vehicles.

Ejaculate: Say something quickly and suddenly.

Sagacious: Having keen mental discernment and good judgment; wise.

Covet: To desire something very strongly, often something that belongs to someone else.

Study Questions

1. Write a short note on the main theme of the story.

2. What are the scientific achievements this story is based upon? Do you think they are accurate enough? Why do you think so?

3. Explain these two concepts: [COPYRIGHTED EXCERPT OMITTED: quoted sentences from "Sultana's Dream" by Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain, printed page 255]

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Langston Hughes

Thank You, Ma’am

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(1958)

Vocabulary

Frail: Physically weak or delicate, often due to age or lack of strength.

Nelson: A wrestling hold in which one arm is passed around the neck of an opponent, usually to control or restrain them.

Cocoa: A beverage made from cocoa powder, usually mixed with milk and sugar, often served hot.

Study Questions

1. Examine the theme of trust and its importance in human relationships as portrayed in the story.
2. How does Mrs. Jones’ reaction to Roger’s attempted theft challenge conventional response to crime?
3. How does the story suggest about the impact of Mrs. Jones action on Roger’s future behaviour?

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Figure

Description: Outline map of India showing internal state boundaries; no labels.

Saadat Hasan Manto

Toba Tek Singh

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(1955)

--Translated by Khalid Hasan

Glossary

Inmates: People confined to an institution like a prison or asylum.

Asylum: A place offering protection or shelter, often referring to an institution for the mentally ill.

Enthusiasm: Intense and eager enjoyment or interest.

Eavesdropping: Secretly listening to someone else's conversation.

Rigmarole: A long, complicated, or confusing procedure.

Vantage point: A position that gives a good view or understanding of something.

Communal: Related to a group of people, often involving a community or shared culture; can also refer to conflicts between different religious or ethnic groups.

Limbo: An uncertain state or condition.

Atrophy: To waste away or deteriorate, typically through lack of use.

Fettered: Restrained or bound, usually with chains.

Atrophied: Weakened or shrunk because it hasn't been used.

Colossus - A person or thing of enormous size, importance, or power.

Study Questions

1. How does the lack of clear communication among the inmates reflect the broader confusion caused by the partition?

2. What does Toba Tek Singh represent in the story, and why is it significant for understanding the impact of partition?

3. How does Bishan Singh's refusal represent a form of resistance against the imposed national identities of being an Indian or a Pakistani ?