KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

  The Bishop’s Candlesticks Norman McKinnel Norman McKinnel was a Scottish stage and film actor and playwright, active from the 1890s until his death. He appeared in many stage roles in the UK and overseas as well as featuring in a number of films, the best known of which is Alfred Hitchcock's 1927 production Downhill. Norman Mckinnel was a Scottish engineer. But he joined the stage and won fame as an actor. He was born on February 10, 1870. His birth place is Maxwelltown of Scotland. He had his education at Edinburg and then at Leipzig University of Germany. His father was also an engineer. He (Norman’s father) wished him to be an engineer. But Norman had altogether a different liking. Attracted to the stage, he left his engineering training and joined the Otho Stuart’s Company and acted on the stage at the age of 24 only. As an actor, Mckinnel had a successful career for more than 30 years. He appeared in a number of celebrated roles such as King Lear in Shakespeare’s ...

  Uncle Podger Hangs a Picture Jerome K Jerome About the author Jerome Klapka Jerome Jerome K. Jerome was a renowned English writer, playwright, and humorist who lived from 1859 to 1927. He was born in Walsall, Staffordshire, England, and spent his childhood in poverty after his father died when he was just a toddler. Despite these challenges, Jerome became an accomplished author, best known for his humorous novels and plays. Jerome began his career in literature as a journalist and editor for various newspapers, including The Idler and The Speaker. He gained widespread popularity for his comic novel "Three Men in a Boat (To Say Nothing of the Dog)," published in 1889. The book, based on Jerome's own boating experiences on the Thames, was a huge success and has since become a classic of English literature. Jerome went on to write many more novels, plays, and essays, including "Idle Thoughts of an Idle Fellow" and "Three Men on the Bummel." Hi...

"Us and Them" David Sedaris Introduction "Us and Them" is a reflective essay written by humorist David Sedaris, featured in his collection of essays titled "Holidays on Ice," published in 1997. In this essay, Sedaris delves into the themes of conformity, judgment, and the dynamics of belonging and alienation through the lens of his family's modest Halloween celebrations juxtaposed with the extravagant festivities of their neighbors, the Tomkeys. Summary: Setting the Scene: The Sedaris Family The essay begins by introducing the Sedaris family and their unconventional approach to celebrating Halloween. In the Sedaris household, Halloween is a low-key affair. They do not invest much effort in decorating their home or carving pumpkins. Instead, they take a minimalist approach, carving simple jack-o'-lanterns and handing out minimalistic treats. Their approach to the holiday can be described as practical and frugal. Introducing the Tomkey...

 Anita Desai Introduction: - Born Anita Mazumdar on June 24, 1937, in India. - Renowned Indian novelist and Emerita John E. Burchard Professor of Humanities at MIT. - Fluent in multiple languages due to her diverse upbringing. - Shortlisted for the Booker Prize three times. - Received Sahitya Akademi Award in 1978 for "Fire on the Mountain" and British Guardian Prize for "The Village by the Sea." Family Life: - Married Ashvin Desai in 1958, director of a computer software company. - Mother of four children, including Booker Prize-winning novelist Kiran Desai. Education: - Attended Queen Mary’s Higher Secondary School in Delhi. - Earned Bachelor of Arts Degree from Miranda House, Delhi University, in 1957. Her Novels: - "Fasting, Feasting" (1999) - "In Custody" (1984) - "The Village by the Sea" (1982) - "Clear Light of Day" (1980) - "Fire on the Mountain" (1977) - "Cry, The Peacock" (1963) Awards: - Winifred...

"The Gold Frame" R K Laxman Introduction "The Gold Frame" by R.K. Laxman is a humorous story that explores themes of false prestige, dishonesty, and society's quirks. The story revolves around Datta, the owner of Modern Frame Works, a framing store. Datta finds himself in a predicament after accidentally splattering paint on a customer's treasured photograph. In his attempt to rectify the situation, he resorts to deception, setting the stage for a comical series of events. Interpretation Datta: The Unassuming Framer The story takes place in Modern Frame Works, a small store sandwiched between two others. Datta, the owner, is described as a slender man with silver-rimmed glasses and a seasoned wood-like complexion. He is a quiet and diligent individual who prefers solitude over casual friendships and meaningless conversations. The Unintentional Mishap Datta's life takes an unexpected turn when a customer approaches him with an old photogra...

  Literary Movements Periods and Ages of English Literature Literary Movements 1. Cavalier Poets 2. Metaphysical Poets 3. Amatory Fiction 4. The Augustans 5. Romanticism 6. Dark Romanticism 7. American Romanticism 8. Gothic Novels 9. Lake Poets 10. Pre-Raphaelitism 11. Transcendentalism 12. Realism 13. Naturalism 14. Verismo 15. Magical Realism 16. Decadent Movement 17. Symbolism 18. Futurism 19. Stream of Consciousness 20. Modernism 21. Expressionism 22. Imagism 23. War Poets   🔺Cavalier Poets: 17 th Century Supporters of King Charles Mostly poets belong to Court Love, Loyalty. These poets take impression from Ben Jonson’s Lyric Poem These poets are known as Son of Ben   🔺Metaphysical Poets: This term was coined by Samuel Johnson Father and Founder of Metaphysical Poet – John Donne Meta – Beyond Physical – the physical World Metaphysical - “Beyond the Physical World” These poets are lear...