The Gardener

 The Gardener - P Lankesh 

1.How did the owner's lifestyle change after the arrival of the old man ?

After the arrival of the old man, the lifestyle of the plantation owner changed drastically. The garden began to prosper as thefts stopped, agricultural practices improved, and the income increased. The plantation, which was once just ten acres, expanded far beyond their imagination. With the old man managing everything efficiently, the owner gradually became lethargic and avoided hard work. Wealth and social prestige rose, and he gained many new friends both in his village and in the nearby town. His life, though free of real responsibilities, became crowded with colourful events and pleasures. However, this change also brought negative effects, as his wife grew worried about his indulgence in adultery and other vices, which made their life seem unstable.

2.A note on the old man.

The old man was a tall and striking figure with several distinct physical features. His eyes were suffused with strange memories. He had a long, beak-like nose and strong muscular arms.His hair had turned grey with age, but it only enhanced his commanding presence. He often carried a spade in his hand, used to tend coconut trees, showing his connection to agriculture and hard work. A newspaper tucked under his arm. He was a labourer, overseer and philosopher, all rolled into one.

3.Suggestions given by Tammanna's supporters .

Tammanna’s supporters gave him several suggestions to get back his land from Basavaiah. They told him that he could approach the court of law and file a legal case to reclaim his property. They also suggested that he could take recourse to the police for help in resolving the dispute. Apart from these legal ways, they pointed out that there were a number of people ready to attack Basavaiah and forcibly recover the land.

4.Tammanna's reaction to Basavaiah's encroachment of land .

Tammanna did not react in any direct way to Basavaiah’s encroachment of his land. Instead of fighting back or trying to reclaim it, he completely ignored Basavaiah’s actions. For Tammanna, art had become the very purpose of his life. He channelled his energy into composing ballads that highlighted Basavaiah’s cruelty and meanness. These songs brought him fame and recognition, as scholars of folklore collected his works, critics analysed and translated them, and his reputation spread far and wide. Tammanna was even felicitated as the best poet of his times. While Basavaiah was consumed by anger and kept grabbing more land, Tammanna rose above material possessions and found fulfilment in his creativity and poetic expression.

5.Basavaiah tried to overcome his humiliation.

Basavaiah, who was shrunk in humiliation, tried to fill the emptiness in his life with material wealth. He built a grand mansion and adorned himself with gold, diamonds, and other precious stones. To boost his ego, he even employed people solely to praise him. Yet, despite all this, his house felt lifeless and dull. Visitors pointed out that the absence of Tammanna's books made the place feel empty and devoid of meaning. Realizing this, Basavaiah shifted his focus from mere wealth to culture and knowledge. He began inviting scholars, poets, and musicians to his home, enriching it with learning, art, and meaningful interactions. 

     

When You Are Old

 When You Are Old - W.B Yeats

The poem “When You Are Old” by W.B. Yeats highlights the contrast between the temporary nature of beauty and the permanence of true love. The poet imagines his beloved in her old age, grey and weary, recalling her youthful days. He wishes her to read the poems he wrote and remember the admiration she once received for her beauty. Yet, above all, she should recall the man who loved her deeply—not just for her outward charm, but for her “pilgrim soul” and the sincerity of her heart. His love was constant, undying, and unshaken by the changes of time. Yeats suggests that only when she grows old will she realize the value of true love, but by then it would be too late. If she neglects him, she will end in regret, realizing his love had departed, hidden “amid the crowd of stars,” leaving her with a sense of loss.

Sunny Morning

 A Sunny Morning

1. Dona Laura considers Don Gonzalo as an ill- natured man.

In the play “A Sunny Morning” by Quinter brothers, Dona Laura considers Don Gonzalo an ill-natured man because of his rude and selfish conduct when they first meet in the park. Doña Laura is quietly enjoying her morning, feeding the birds, when Don Gonzalo enters and disturbs the peaceful atmosphere. Instead of showing courtesy, he impatiently drives the birds away and irritates Dona Laura. His constant grumbling about the priests occupying benches and his complaints against the authorities for not providing enough seats further display his unpleasant nature. Don Gonzalo is unwilling to share space politely, insisting on comfort only for himself, without considering others. His arrogance and harsh manner of speaking offend Dona Laura, who finds him selfish, ill-mannered, and disagreeable. These discourteous actions convince her that Don Gonzalo is an ill-natured man, lacking the gentleness and respect expected in social behavior.

2.What were the circumstances that led Gonzalo to flee Valencia?

Don Gonzalo explained to Dona Laura that Gonzalo and Laura were the two lovers of Maricela. They loved each other deeply and exchanged bouquets of flowers every day. However, Laura’s parents planned to marry her to a wealthy merchant from their locality.

One night, while Gonzalo was waiting under Laura’s window to hear her sing, the merchant unexpectedly arrived. A fight broke out between Gonzalo and the merchant, and the latter was badly wounded. Since the merchant was a highly respected person in the community, Gonzalo feared the serious consequences of the incident. To avoid punishment, he fled from Valencia, went to Seville, and later to Madrid. He wrote many letters but were intercepted by her parents. In despair, believing his love lost, he joined the army, and during battle he died a glorious death, grasping the flag of Spain and whispering Laura’s name.

3.A note on Silver Maiden 

Laura Llorente was known as Silver Maiden in her locality. She lived in a beautiful villa named Maricela, which was near the sea, hidden away among lemon and orange trees. She was a beautiful woman, fair as lilly. She had jet hair and black eyes, with an uncommonly sweet expression. She seemed to cast radiance wherever she was. Her figure was beautiful and perfect as a form of sovereign beauty in human clay.