Invitation to English - Study Notes

Invitation to English - 2 (New Edition)

Page 1: Invitation and Approval

• Approved by the Council of Higher Secondary Education, Odisha for +2 Examinations.
• Published by Odisha State Bureau of Textbook Preparation and Production, Pustak Bhavan, Bhubaneswar.

Page 2: Contents

1. Three Questions - Leo Tolstoy (pp. 1-6)
2. After Twenty Years - O’ Henry (pp. 7-13)
3. The Open Window - Saki (pp. 14-19)
4. The Doctor's Word - R.K. Narayan (pp. 20-28)
5. The Nightingale and the Rose - Oscar Wilde (pp. 29-37)
6. Mystery of the Missing Cap - Manoj Das (pp. 38-50)
7. The One and Only Houdini - Robert Lado (pp. 51-60)
8. The Monkey's Paw - W.W. Jacobs (pp. 61-71)
9. Childhood - Jawaharlal Nehru (pp. 72-83)
10. Marriage - Rajendra Prasad (pp. 84-88)
11. My Mother - Charlie Chaplin (pp. 89-95)
12. Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish - Steve Jobs (pp. 96-105)
13. Syllabus for Higher Secondary Education in English (pp. 106-112)

Page 3: Introducing the Author (Manoj Das)

• Manoj Das is a prolific author, writing in Odiya and English.
• Professor of English at Sri Aurobindo International University, Pondicherry.
• Insight into human nature, blending realism, fantasy, satire, compassion, humor, and pathos in his fiction.

Page 3: Unit I - Warm Up

• Questions:
  • Does the title suggest a crime thriller?
  • Does it imply humor?
• Read the story noticing the author's treatment of human nature and humor.
• The two leading characters: a Minister and a village patriot in post-independent India.
• Observe how the writer portrays them.

Page 4: The Text

• Narrator's Perspective:
  • Not intended to laugh at Sri Moharana or Babu Virkishore; aim is to share sympathy for both.
  • Sri Moharana is described as well-to-do with a significant reputation.
• Sri Moharana's house was a tourist attraction, symbolizing post-independence India.

Page 5: Context of the Narrative

• Sri Moharana's transition to a patriot post-1947 independence.
• A reception planned for Babu Virkishore with Sri Moharana as the Chairman of the Reception Committee.
• Cultural elements involved in the preparations, including a welcome song composed by a previously inactive head pundit.

Page 6: Glossary

• Episode: Event
• Nurtured: Developed
• Well-to-do: Wealthy
• Symbolism: Representation of independence
• Reputation: Fame; Conscientious: Guided by duty; Generous: Ready to give freely; Exemplary: Serving as a model; Boost: To increase; Sponsor: Person proposing an event; Debut: First appearance.

Page 6: Think It Out

1. Impression of Sri Moharana.
2. Description of Babu Virkishore by the narrator.
3. Narrator’s perspective on events.
4. Description of minister's reception preparations.

Page 7: Unit II - Warm Up

• Noticed excitement in minister’s meeting preparation?
• Enjoyment observed in organizing a VIP meeting?
• Read about the minister's welcome in the village.
• Event Description:
  • The minister's arrival and public reception.
  • Ecstatic reactions of Sri Moharana and villagers.

Page 8: Event Dynamics

• Description of the feast arranged at Sri Moharana's home.
• Minister's nervously uncertain demeanor despite the celebration.

Page 8: Glossary

• Applauded: Praised via clapping
• Plodded: Walked heavily
• Embarrassment: Awkwardness
• Contented: Happy
• Entourage: Associates of an important person
• Repose: Rest

Page 9: Unit III - Warm Up

• Narrator’s curiosity about the minister's true nature?

Page 9: The Text

• A sudden shocking revelation during the minister's private time; the cap goes missing.
• The internal struggle faced by the narrator about revealing knowledge to the minister.
• Jhandoo, a mischievous character, involved in the disappearance of the cap.

Page 10: Glossary

• Witless: Clueless
• Dilemma: Difficult situation
• Stupefaction: Astonishment
• Pensive: Sad

Page 10: Think It Out

1. How did the cap disappear?
2. Minister’s officials' reactions.
3. Sri Moharana's feelings regarding the cap loss.
4. Effect on celebration.
5. Reactions of narrator’s friends.

Page 11: Unit IV - Warm Up

• Sri Moharana’s smart handling of the cap crisis explained.

Page 11: The Text

• Minister and Sri Moharana conceal the cap's loss creatively.
• The minister displays a martyr-like demeanor with an aura of dignity.

Page 12: The Speech Event

• Sri Moharana gives a chronological speech on the minister’s achievements.
• Includes a fabricated explanation regarding the cap’s disappearance presented cleverly.

Page 13: Glossary

• Crescendo: Gradual increase in volume
• Memento: Keepsake
• Hurricane: Violent disturbance
• Undaunted: Fearless

Page 13: Think It Out

1. Description of the ceremony's opening.
2. Sri Moharana’s explanation about the cap’s disappearance.
3. Impression of Sri Moharana based on this narrative.

Page 14: The Climax and Departure

• The minister’s humorous response upon departure; remarks on potential loss of clothing to adoration.
• Background character Jhandoo creates unexpected humor as the story concludes with emotional tones.

Page 15: Final Glossary of Concepts

• Compensate: To make amends
• Christened: Named
• Genial: Friendly

Page 16: Transition to "The Monkey's Paw" by W.W. Jacobs

• Introducing Williams Wymark Jacobs and the tone of horror within humor.
• First impressions of characters and setting established in the context of a chilling story.

Page 17: Scene Setting

• Scene Description: A dark, stormy night with the White family engaged, providing tension through dialogue and weather.

Page 17: Character Introduction

• Mr. White, Mrs. White, Herbert White, and Sergeant Major Morris introduced with distinct characteristics.
• Highlighting their reactions to the setting and each other, framing the story’s tension.

Page 34: Charlie Chaplin's Perspective on his Mother

• Complex reflections on familial relationships showcased through Chaplin's lens.

Page 42: Steve Jobs' Personal Journey

• Inspiring elements of Jobs’s life story and his approach to facing adversity and embracing creativity.