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Procedure:

(a) In this asana one lies flat on the stomach with the legs straight, feet together and the soles of the feet facing upward. 

(b) All the muscles are completely relaxed. 

(c) Palms of the hands are placed flat on the floor, below the respective shoulders. 

(d) The head and the upper position of the body is raised slowly after inhaling, just as a cobra raises its hood. 

(e) The trunk is raised further, the hack arched and the head bent gently backward. 

(f) Let the body from the navel downward to the toes remain in contact with floor. 

(g) The arms may or may not be straight, depending on one's comfort level. 

(h) After exhaling slowly return to the starting position. 

(i) Repeat the asana 4-5 times.

Contraindication: 

(a) Keep the palms close to your body, fingers together and elbows bent and stretched towards the spine. 

(b) Use hands for minimum support 

(c) Trunk should be lifted upto navel only, if lift beyond push back down. 

(d) The whole process of raising the chest and curving the back must be gradual 

(e) Do not raise the feet from the ground when raising the head. 

(f) Do the asana slowly and smoothly. 

(g) If the spine is stiff, proceed cautiously, jerk may be painful or even harmful.

Sports nutrition is the study and practice of nutrition and diet as it relates to performance in the field of games and sports. It has a direct relationship with the type and quantity of fluid and food intake by a sportsperson. In fact, it deals with the nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and water etc.

Trikonasana 'The triangle' pose is one of the important asanas in Hatha Yoga. It provides a long stretch to many muscles in the body. 

Steps to perform/technique 

(a) In this asana one stands erect with the feet about three feet apart. 

(b) The right foot is turned to the right side. 

(c) Arms are stretched sideways and raised to the shoulder level so that they are in one straight line. 

(d) Bend to the right taking care not to bring the trunk forward. 

(e) Simultaneously, the right knee is bent slightly. 

(f) The right hand is placed on the right foot, keeping the two arms in line with each other. The left palm is turned forward. 

(g) Turn to the upright position with the arms on the sides in a straight line. 

Benefits: 

(a) It tones up the body. 

(b) It affects the muscles on the sides of the trunk, the waist and the back of the legs. 

(c) It stimulates the nervous system and alleviates depression. 

(d) It reduces obesity. 

(e) It also strengthens the pelvic area and tones up the reproductive organs. 

(f) It helps in reducing body fat around waist.

Importance of calcium for children: Children are in growing stage so it is important for them to have proper intake of calcium. It is needed for formation of strong bones and teeth and also for clotting of blood. It is found in milk and milk products. Daily recommended allowance for calcium is 800 mg.

Nutrition is a branch of science which refers to all the processes by which an individual gets his food. Nutrition is defined as the science of food and its relationship to health.

Eating for Weight Control: Our diet should consist of adequate amount of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, minerals, vitamins and water. A normal person needs around 2100-2800 calories per day. This calorie requirement differs from person to person as per his/her nature of work/age/sex. The primary aim of the person should be to attain healthy weight with light exercises of 30-40 minutes a day. This healthy weight along with fitness contributes to better performance of a person. This also reduces the risk of diseases like asthma, heart problems and hypertension. Keep checking your weight at regular intervals. This will make you keep your weight under control. Eat your meal at the right time. Eating disorder also causes a lot of problems. Do not exceed your calorie requirement as recommended.

Nutrition is a science of food and its body use. Food supplies the energy for even action. Food also provides material that our body needs to build up and repair its tissues and to regulate the functions of its organs and systems. The chemicals in food, which our body needs, are called nutrients. The word 'nutrient' is used for specific dietary constituents such as proteins, fats carbohydrates. vitamins and minerals. A proper diet helps in the prevention of certain illnesses and recovery from injury/diseases. Maintaining a nutritional status enables us to grow well and enjoy good health. An inadequate or improper diet increases the risk of diseases.

(ii) substitution reaction

(iii) treatment with pyridinium chlorochromate

3-pentanol immediately gives turbidity with Lucas reagent but 2-pentanol gives turbidity in around five minutes.

Antiseptics do not harm living tissues whereas disinfectant harms living tissues . 0.2% solution of phenol is antiseptic while its 1% solution is disinfectant .

(i) Glycosidic bond (C-N-C) 

(ii) Phospho-ester bond 

(iii) Phospho-diester bond 

(iv) Hydrogen bond [Double hydrogen bond between A & T (A=T) & Triple hydrogen gas bond between C & G (C=C)]

a.  Reason : Male Honey bee (Drones) is develop from unfertilized egg so they are called as parthenogenetic animals.

b. Reason : 

1. A male honey bee – Develop from unfertilized eggs 

2. Female honey bee - Develop from fertilized eggs

Appearance of an old man : The Prince was very happy to see the beautiful scenes of the city during his first visit. It was the order of the king that no painful sight should come before the Prince. But all of a sudden an old man came out on the road before the Prince. His clothes were dirty and torn. His skin was dry and burnt brown by the sun. He had no flesh on his bones and no teeth in the mouth. He balanced himself on an old stick with great difficulty. He was feeling a great trouble in breathing also. He was begging alms. Although he could not speak due to cough yet he continued begging and spreading his hand. He was winking his eyes. His condition was so pitiable that it melted the heart of the Prince.

Channa’s statement about his condition: The Prince asked Channa about that man. Channa replied that he was an old man of 80 years of age. In his young age he was quite handsome and healthy. But the old age has made his life miserable. He is about to die now. He also advised the Prince not to look at him.

Condervation between the Prince and Channa: The Prince was very much disturbed again. He asked Channa, “Does it happen to all ?” Channa replied that th people who live long meet the same end. Again the Prince said, “If I and Yashodhara live long, shall we also meet the same end?” Channa said, “It is a must.” At this the Prince was so much disturbed that he asked Channa to return as he had never thought to see such things.

Effect of king’s dream: The Prince had no interest in wordly life. The king had dreamt that the Prince would renounce the world and he would become a preacher. So the king ordered that the city should be decorated so that it might look gay and happy. In doing this the aim of the king was that the Prince should be attracted towards the world. 

Cleanliness and decoration in the city : The whole of the city was cleaned and decorated. The water carriers sprinkled water on the streets. The house-wives scattered fresh red powder before their houses. The flower garlands were hanging on the doors. There were beautiful paintings on the walls. The sun was shining and the sunlight was making the crossings very beautiful. The city looked like an enchanted city. 

Warm welcome of the Prince in the city: There was no evil sight on the street. No blind, sick, weak or old man was allowed to walk on the road. Many people were beating drums. They were welcoming the Prince in different ways. Some people offered rice, cake, etc. to the Prince at different places. They were crying “Jai ! Jai! for our noble Prince.” Thus whole of the way was full of pleasant scenes. The Prince was very glad to see all this.

Effect of king’s dream: The Prince had no interest in wordly life. The king had dreamt that the Prince would renounce the world and he would become a preacher. So the king ordered that the city should be decorated so that it might look gay and happy. In doing this the aim of the king was that the Prince should be attracted towards the world. 

Cleanliness and decoration in the city : The whole of the city was cleaned and decorated. The water carriers sprinkled water on the streets. The house-wives scattered fresh red powder before their houses. The flower garlands were hanging on the doors. There were beautiful paintings on the walls. The sun was shining and the sunlight was making the crossings very beautiful. The city looked like an enchanted city. 

Warm welcome of the Prince in the city: There was no evil sight on the street. No blind, sick, weak or old man was allowed to walk on the road. Many people were beating drums. They were welcoming the Prince in different ways. Some people offered rice, cake, etc. to the Prince at different places. They were crying “Jai ! Jai! for our noble Prince.” Thus whole of the way was full of pleasant scenes. The Prince was very glad to see all this.

The dream was very fearful. So the king was much worried. Nobody in his kingdom could tell him the meaning of the visions. Then an unknown old man came to the king. He was clad in robes of deer skin. He told him the clear meanings of the seven visions. First vision of flag means that the old faith will change and new faiths will take their place.

The second vision of ten elephants means that the Prince would gain ten gifts of * wisdom. He will shake the world. The four horses of the third vision signify four fearless virtues. These virtues will help the Prince to gain knowledge. This knowledge will make the Prince wise and happy. The wheel of the fourth vision was the wheel of perfect law. The Prince would turn this wheel. Thus he would save the humanity from sorrow.

The stormy sound of the drum in fifth vision means that the Prince would teach his principles in a loud voice. 

The tower of the sixth vision means that his principles will grow like the tower. The Prince would scatter the treasure of the perfect law. The people of the world would accept them and follow them.

Lastly there were six men. The Prince would show them the follies of man’s life and would give them knowledge. Thus these six disciples of the Prince will become the teachers. They will preach to the man.

In the end the hermit told the king that all of it would happen in seven days and nights. The Prince would be greater than a king. He would be a great hermit.

Prince Siddhartha said these words when he saw the dead body burning on the pyre. In a very short time it was burnt to ashes. This scene moved the Prince deeply. He asked Channa if that was the fate of every living being. Channa told him that this is the fate of every man. None is immortal in the world.

He further told the Prince that the flesh of a dead body is useless. Even the hungry crows do not eat it. The life of a man is very short. He lives, eats, drinks, laughs, loves and likes life well. Then death comes to him in any form and makes him dead. After death man feels nothing. He has no sense of smell, taste, hearing, sight or touch. His near and dear ones cry for him but there is no reply. Even his dearest ones hate to touch his dead body. It becomes impious for everybody. So this is the fate of every human being.

Hearing this, the eyes of Siddhartha were full of tears. He saw towards the sky and thought for a while. Then he said, “The world is caught in the net of woes and death. The pleasures of life are false. They end into sorrow. In our life youth is delightful, old age is painful and then the end is death.” Then he said to Channa, “I have seen more than enough. Now take me home.”

King’s efforts to make the Prince interested in worldly life : The king Shuddhodana loved the Prince very much because his mother had died when he was only seven days old. He was the only son of his father. The Prince was a born thinker. He had no interest in worldly life since his childhood. The king tried his best that the Prince should become interested in worldly life. The dream readers also had predicted him that the Prince would be either the king of kings or a great preacher and he would renounce the world. 

Desire of the Prince to see the outside world: One day the Prince heard the music on Veena.. In reality it was the message of gods for him. So he desired to go to the city. He sought permission of the king to go round the city and see the outside world. The king gave him permission to see for himself the kingdom and its subjects. He made proper arrangements and ordered his charioteer Channa to go with the Prince. 

Precautions made by the king : The king remembered of dream readers and he was doubtful of the Prince. So he ordered that the city should be decorated. There should be no painful sight on the way of the Prince. No ailing man or old man should come on his way. The aim of the king in doing so was that the Prince should be away from the pain and sufferings of the world.

The dream was very fearful. So the king was much worried. Nobody in his kingdom could tell him the meaning of the visions. Then an unknown old man came to the king. He was clad in robes of deer skin. He told him the clear meanings of the seven visions. First vision of flag means that the old faith will change and new faiths will take their place.

The second vision of ten elephants means that the Prince would gain ten gifts of * wisdom. He will shake the world. The four horses of the third vision signify four fearless virtues. These virtues will help the Prince to gain knowledge. This knowledge will make the Prince wise and happy. The wheel of the fourth vision was the wheel of perfect law. The Prince would turn this wheel. Thus he would save the humanity from sorrow.

The stormy sound of the drum in fifth vision means that the Prince would teach his principles in a loud voice. 

The tower of the sixth vision means that his principles will grow like the tower. The Prince would scatter the treasure of the perfect law. The people of the world would accept them and follow them.

Lastly there were six men. The Prince would show them the follies of man’s life and would give them knowledge. Thus these six disciples of the Prince will become the teachers. They will preach to the man.

In the end the hermit told the king that all of it would happen in seven days and nights. The Prince would be greater than a king. He would be a great hermit.

The dream was very fearful. So the king was much worried. Nobody in his kingdom could tell him the meaning of the visions. Then an unknown old man came to the king. He was clad in robes of deer skin. He told him the clear meanings of the seven visions. First vision of flag means that the old faith will change and new faiths will take their place.

The second vision of ten elephants means that the Prince would gain ten gifts of * wisdom. He will shake the world. The four horses of the third vision signify four fearless virtues. These virtues will help the Prince to gain knowledge. This knowledge will make the Prince wise and happy. The wheel of the fourth vision was the wheel of perfect law. The Prince would turn this wheel. Thus he would save the humanity from sorrow.

The stormy sound of the drum in fifth vision means that the Prince would teach his principles in a loud voice. 

The tower of the sixth vision means that his principles will grow like the tower. The Prince would scatter the treasure of the perfect law. The people of the world would accept them and follow them.

Lastly there were six men. The Prince would show them the follies of man’s life and would give them knowledge. Thus these six disciples of the Prince will become the teachers. They will preach to the man.

In the end the hermit told the king that all of it would happen in seven days and nights. The Prince would be greater than a king. He would be a great hermit.

The C₄ plants are more efficient in picking up CO₄ even when it is found in low concentration because of the high affinity of PEP.

At the end of his second visit, the Prince saw some people carrying a dead body on a bier. They were saying ‘Ram, Ram, O Ram.’ They put it on a heap of wood and burnt it to ashes.

In a very short time all was burnt to ashes. This scene moved the Prince deeply. He asked Channa about it. Channa told him that this is the fate of every man. Every man has to meet this fate again and again.

The eyes of Siddhartha were full of tears. He saw towards the sky and thought for a while. Then he said, “The world is caught in the net of woes and death. The pleasures of life are false. They end into sorrow. In our life youth is delightful, old age is painful and then the end is death.” 

Then he said to Channa, “I have seen more than enough. Now take me home.”

1. Mission of his life: The Prince was a born thinker. He was sent in this world to save the mankind from pains and sufferings. It was the mission of his life to see the world as it was and to know its miseries. So he was very sensitive, pitiful and sympathetic. 

2. Disturbed to see the old man : The Prince was passing a life of luxuries in the palace. During his first visit the Prince saw the city very beautiful and decorated. The king had ordered that no painful sight should come on the way of the Prince. But by chance a very old and weak man came before the Prince. When the Prince asked. Channa told him, “Old age has made the life of this man miserable. He is about to die now. All people will meet the same end.” At this the Prince was so much disturbed that he asked Channa to return home. 

3. Moved to see the sick man : During his second visit the Prince saw a sick man. Channa told him that he was suffering from an infectious disease. He had lost all his strength. Channa told him, “Disease may come to anybody at any time.” On seeing this sight the Prince’s heart was filled with sorrow and despair. 

4. Moved to see the funeral of a dead body: Then the Prince saw a procession of a dead body and its funeral. This was the most pitiable and miserable condition of man. The Prince realized that all the pleasures of life end into miseries. Death is the end of our life. Thus the sight of the old, the sick and the dead man moved the Prince deeply.

1. Mission of his life: The Prince was a born thinker. He was sent in this world to save the mankind from pains and sufferings. It was the mission of his life to see the world as it was and to know its miseries. So he was very sensitive, pitiful and sympathetic. 

2. Disturbed to see the old man : The Prince was passing a life of luxuries in the palace. During his first visit the Prince saw the city very beautiful and decorated. The king had ordered that no painful sight should come on the way of the Prince. But by chance a very old and weak man came before the Prince. When the Prince asked. Channa told him, “Old age has made the life of this man miserable. He is about to die now. All people will meet the same end.” At this the Prince was so much disturbed that he asked Channa to return home. 

3. Moved to see the sick man : During his second visit the Prince saw a sick man. Channa told him that he was suffering from an infectious disease. He had lost all his strength. Channa told him, “Disease may come to anybody at any time.” On seeing this sight the Prince’s heart was filled with sorrow and despair. 

4. Moved to see the funeral of a dead body: Then the Prince saw a procession of a dead body and its funeral. This was the most pitiable and miserable condition of man. The Prince realized that all the pleasures of life end into miseries. Death is the end of our life. Thus the sight of the old, the sick and the dead man moved the Prince deeply.

1. Mission of his life: The Prince was a born thinker. He was sent in this world to save the mankind from pains and sufferings. It was the mission of his life to see the world as it was and to know its miseries. So he was very sensitive, pitiful and sympathetic. 

2. Disturbed to see the old man : The Prince was passing a life of luxuries in the palace. During his first visit the Prince saw the city very beautiful and decorated. The king had ordered that no painful sight should come on the way of the Prince. But by chance a very old and weak man came before the Prince. When the Prince asked. Channa told him, “Old age has made the life of this man miserable. He is about to die now. All people will meet the same end.” At this the Prince was so much disturbed that he asked Channa to return home. 

3. Moved to see the sick man : During his second visit the Prince saw a sick man. Channa told him that he was suffering from an infectious disease. He had lost all his strength. Channa told him, “Disease may come to anybody at any time.” On seeing this sight the Prince’s heart was filled with sorrow and despair. 

4. Moved to see the funeral of a dead body: Then the Prince saw a procession of a dead body and its funeral. This was the most pitiable and miserable condition of man. The Prince realized that all the pleasures of life end into miseries. Death is the end of our life. Thus the sight of the old, the sick and the dead man moved the Prince deeply.

1. Introduction: The Light of Asia’ is an epic on the life of Lord Buddha. The book is divided into eight cantos. The poet has described the life and teachings of Lord Buddha. The eighth canto of this book gives the message of Lord Buddha. Arnold himself says about this poem, “I have sought to depict the life and character and indicate the philosophy of that noble hero and reformer Prince Gautam of India, the founder of Buddhism.” 

2. Language and style : The poem is written in blank verse which is most suited for epic poetry. The style of the poem is interesting and charming. The language of the poem is not very simple but it is dignified. The poet has used here and there some Hindi words also which give grace to the poem. The poet has aptly used similes and metaphors. 

3. Theme : The theme of the poem is very noble. It is the life of a great Prince who sacrifices his own luxuries for the cause of mankind. He looks the realities of worldly life with his own eyes. He is moved by pitiable sights. He resolves to relieve mankind from these sufferings. 

4. Description : The description of the poem is real and living. When we read the poem, we feel as if all incidents are taking place before our own eyes. The description of the palace, city, conversation between Prince and King, Prince and Channa, Prince and his wife, etc. are also real and interesting. Our interest from the beginning up to the end continues. 

5. Lesson which we learn : From the poem we learn that all the pleasures of life are vain and temporary. They end into misery. We should love all the mankind. These are the reasons why I like this poem The Light of Asia’.

1. Mission of his life: The Prince was a born thinker. He was sent in this world to save the mankind from pains and sufferings. It was the mission of his life to see the world as it was and to know its miseries. So he was very sensitive, pitiful and sympathetic. 

2. Disturbed to see the old man : The Prince was passing a life of luxuries in the palace. During his first visit the Prince saw the city very beautiful and decorated. The king had ordered that no painful sight should come on the way of the Prince. But by chance a very old and weak man came before the Prince. When the Prince asked. Channa told him, “Old age has made the life of this man miserable. He is about to die now. All people will meet the same end.” At this the Prince was so much disturbed that he asked Channa to return home. 

3. Moved to see the sick man : During his second visit the Prince saw a sick man. Channa told him that he was suffering from an infectious disease. He had lost all his strength. Channa told him, “Disease may come to anybody at any time.” On seeing this sight the Prince’s heart was filled with sorrow and despair. 

4. Moved to see the funeral of a dead body: Then the Prince saw a procession of a dead body and its funeral. This was the most pitiable and miserable condition of man. The Prince realized that all the pleasures of life end into miseries. Death is the end of our life. Thus the sight of the old, the sick and the dead man moved the Prince deeply.

Character of Yashodhara : Yashodhara is the wife of Prince Siddhartha. She is young and beautiful. She is very tender-hearted. We see her in this poem only in the beginning. This is the reason that much about her character is not known.

She is a faithful wife. She loves her husband most. She becomes restless to see her husband worrying and thinking. She makes him sleep in her lap and fans him. She gives him as much comfort as she can. So she is an ideal Hindu lady.

Character of Shuddhodana : Shuddhodana is the king of Kapilvastu. He has only one son named Siddhartha. The king is a very important character of this poem.

The king dreamt seven visions. So he was very much afraid. He wanted to know the meaning of these visions. An old man told him the true meaning of the dream. The king was very much worried. So this thing shows that the king was superstitious.” The king is a loving father. He cannot bear that his only son should renounce home and become a hermit. So he provides all the comforts and luxuries to the Prince. He .. does not want that the Prince should know about the worldly pains. So he arranges guards at the gate.

But the king is very liberal also. When the Prince desired to visit the city, he agreed. But he announced that no evil sight should come on his way.

The king had a great respect for the hermits and his ministers. When the old hermit told him the meaning of his dream, he sent him gifts. From time to time he consults his ministers also.

Introduction : The Prince Siddhartha was passing a life of kingly pleasures and luxuries. He was living in an atmosphere of perfect bliss. One day the veena was placed on the window still. The wind touched its strings and it produced random wild music. The people around it heard only this music but could not understand it. It was the message of Devas (Gods) to the Prince’s ear. So only Siddhartha could understand it. 

About Devos, this world and life: The gods said, “O Prince, we wander on the whole earth. We see pains and sufferings everywhere. Nobody is happy. Life is a struggle. It is like the wind. Man does not know from where he has come. Why has he come here and where will he go ?” 

About worldly love : They again said, “Leave all your personal love and attachment. You have a spiritual mission to fulfil in your life. This worldly love is not for you but for the ordinary people. Love is not lasting and life is only an empty show. You are surrounded with pleasures. But these are all false and they end into sufferings.”

About the mission of his life: In the end, the gods again said to the Prince, “You are not an ordinary man. You have been sent into this world with a special purpose. It is your duty to save the mankind from sufferings. Now the proper time has come. So stand up and see the sufferings of mankind with your own eyes. Then find the ways to make them free from these sufferings.”

Oxaloacetic acid (OAA)

Siddhartha’s life in the palace with his wife: Prince Siddhartha was the son of king Suddhodana, the ruler of a mighty empire. The Prince passed a life of kingly pleasures and luxuries. He was living in an atmosphere of perfect bliss. He knew nothing about pains, sufferings, diseases, old age, death, etc. because he never went out of the palace. His wife Yashodhara was very beautiful and gentle. She always shared his pains and sufferings. 

Message of Gods: But Siddhartha was a very thoughtful man. So he had no mental peace, He often used to cry, “My world! Oh world! I hear! I hear! I knew ! I come !” Once he heard a message of gods on Veena. The gods told him, “Leave your personal love and attachments. Life is but an empty show. It is full of miseries. This worldly love is for the ordinary people. You have some higher spiritual mission to fulfil in life. You have to save the entire humanity from the miseries of life. You have to be the saviour of mankind.”. 

Conclusion : So Prince Siddhartha was always restless. Whenever he thought of this message, he desired to see the miseries of the world with his own eyes. He wanted to see the sufferings of mankind. Thus the message of the wind about the miseries of the world disturbed the calm of Siddhartha’s mind. The kingly pleasures were of no use for him. 

Siddhartha’s life in the palace with his wife: Prince Siddhartha was the son of king Suddhodana, the ruler of a mighty empire. The Prince passed a life of kingly pleasures and luxuries. He was living in an atmosphere of perfect bliss. He knew nothing about pains, sufferings, diseases, old age, death, etc. because he never went out of the palace. His wife Yashodhara was very beautiful and gentle. She always shared his pains and sufferings. 

Message of Gods: But Siddhartha was a very thoughtful man. So he had no mental peace, He often used to cry, “My world! Oh world! I hear! I hear! I knew ! I come !” Once he heard a message of gods on Veena. The gods told him, “Leave your personal love and attachments. Life is but an empty show. It is full of miseries. This worldly love is for the ordinary people. You have some higher spiritual mission to fulfil in life. You have to save the entire humanity from the miseries of life. You have to be the saviour of mankind.”. 

Conclusion : So Prince Siddhartha was always restless. Whenever he thought of this message, he desired to see the miseries of the world with his own eyes. He wanted to see the sufferings of mankind. Thus the message of the wind about the miseries of the world disturbed the calm of Siddhartha’s mind. The kingly pleasures were of no use for him. 

Siddhartha’s life in the palace with his wife: Prince Siddhartha was the son of king Suddhodana, the ruler of a mighty empire. The Prince passed a life of kingly pleasures and luxuries. He was living in an atmosphere of perfect bliss. He knew nothing about pains, sufferings, diseases, old age, death, etc. because he never went out of the palace. His wife Yashodhara was very beautiful and gentle. She always shared his pains and sufferings. 

Message of Gods: But Siddhartha was a very thoughtful man. So he had no mental peace, He often used to cry, “My world! Oh world! I hear! I hear! I knew ! I come !” Once he heard a message of gods on Veena. The gods told him, “Leave your personal love and attachments. Life is but an empty show. It is full of miseries. This worldly love is for the ordinary people. You have some higher spiritual mission to fulfil in life. You have to save the entire humanity from the miseries of life. You have to be the saviour of mankind.”. 

Conclusion : So Prince Siddhartha was always restless. Whenever he thought of this message, he desired to see the miseries of the world with his own eyes. He wanted to see the sufferings of mankind. Thus the message of the wind about the miseries of the world disturbed the calm of Siddhartha’s mind. The kingly pleasures were of no use for him. 

‘The Dear Departed’ brings out children’s greed; they are more interested in what they will inherit and try to grab a lion’s share. The play shows how children sometimes care more for what they will receive from their parents than for their welfare and happiness.

Victoria, the granddaughter, has been depicted as a compassionate and loving character who loved her grandfather and was very upset at the materialistic behaviour of the elders after the so-called death of her grandfather.

One day Peter’s mother asked him to give cakes to his blind friend. He crossed the dikes that 1 guarded Holland from the great sea. After he spent some time with his friend, he decided to leave early to his house. On his way, he noticed that he heard a noise of a stream through a hole in the dike. He felt the danger behind the hole. He wanted to save Holland. So he used his finger to close the hole and the water stopped leaking.

He stayed outside in the cold night without sleeping. His mother thought he was spending his night with his friend and would scold him, when he returned in the morning. But Peter suffered a lot in the biting cold weather. He shouted for help, no one heard.

Next morning a passer-by, who was going to work, heard his groan and found Peter clinging to the side of the dike. He immediately tried to save him and spread the alarm in the village about the hole in the dike. The villagers came running with shovels and mended the dike. Thus Peter became a great hero who saved Holland from the great sea.

Thursday

27 April, 2014

9:30 p.m.

Dear Diary,

I am very upset and disappointed today. I was informed by my parents in the morning that my grandfather was dead. It was terrible news. I was shocked as it was unexpected news. But more shocking was the behaviour of my parents especially my mother. She turned out to be a materialistic lady who was more concerned about the bureau and the clock in grandfather’s room rather than my dead grandfather. I had never thought that my parents, uncle and aunt could be so greedy. Today I found that each one of them was only interested in the benefits that they could get after grandfather’s death rather than the old man himself. I am disillusioned by their materialistic attitude. Why don’t they realise the importance of fatherly affection and love ? I love my grandfather and thank God that he is not dead. I always look towards him whenever I’m troubled. His experience and knowledge always help me to come out smoothly from my problems. I hope ma, pa and others will soon understand the value of parents’ love and give grandpa his due regard and respect in the future.

Victoria

The two sisters in the play lived by double standards. Each of them tried to surpass the other. Amelia tried to steal the bureau before Elizabeth’s arrival whereas, Elizabeth was late because she wanted to reach there in mourning dress. She was in no hurry to reach her father’s house even after hearing the news of his death. Both of them laid more stress on getting materialistic gains from Abel’s death as Amelia wanted to steal the clock whereas Elizabeth wanted grandfather’s watch. Their hypocrisy reached its height when at tea, they discussed about the newspaper announcement even before confirming his death. But when Abel came down, both of them were shocked. Further they got a terrible blow when their father announced his marriage to Mrs. Shorrocks and the change in his will.

Both the sisters, being calculative and selfish, did not want to be in any loss. Hence, Elizabeth wanted all the things to be listed so as to be able to get more than her share of inheritance.

(a) ‘I’ stands for Mrs. Slater.

(b) Mrs. Jordan.

(c) They quarrel over Elizabeth’s attempt not to keep the old man with her at any price. 1 

(d) Mrs. Slater and Henry.

(a) Victoria is asking this question.

(b) She is asking her parents this question.  

(c) The parents have brought down the bureau from the grandfather’s room.

(d) The girl understands that her parents are stealing the bureau.

The three things that the father plans to do on Monday next are: 

1. At first, he wants to go to the lawyer and alter his will. 

2. Then he wants to go to the insurance office and pay his premium. 

3. Finally he wants to go to St. Philip’s Church and get married.

If Mr. Abel does all these three things, the daughters will lose the chance of getting their share in their father’s assets.

a) Greedy (✓) 

b) Overpowering (✓) 

c) Honest d) Sensitive 

e) Dominating (✓)

f) Blunt (✓) 

g) Straight talking (✓) 

h) Humble i) Impolite (✓) 

j) Insensitive (✓) 

The traits that describe Mrs. Slater’s  character are:

Greedy: Mrs. Slater’s pinching her father’s bureau and clock before the arrival of her sister Elizabeth Jordan and her husband; her asking Henry to wear her father’s slippers. 

Overpowering: Mrs. Slater’s asking Victoria to close the door if her aunt Elizabeth and uncle Ben come. 

Dominating: Her dominating attitude towards her husband Henry. 

Blunt: Her saying to her sister, “Be quiet, Elizabeth”; her asking Victoria to change her dress. 

Straight talking: When Victoria says that perhaps grandpa didn’t go to pay his insurance premium, Mrs. Slater snubs her saying “He went out”. 

Impolite: 

i) Mrs. Slater’s talking to Henry, “Henry, why shouldn’t we bring that bureau down here now ? We can do it before they come, 

ii) When Henry says to her, “I wouldn’t care to,” she says to him, “Don’t look so daft. Why not ?”  

Insensitive: 

i) When Victoria says to her, “That’s grandpa’s clock,” she replies, “Be quiet! It’s ours now.” 

ii) When Mrs. Jordan says to her, “I’ll tell you what’s been going on in this house, father. Nothing short of robbery,” she says, “Be quiet, Elizabeth”.

(a) It refers to the bureau here. Henry tells Victoria that he and his wife are going to bring grandfather’s bureau down.

(b) Victoria Slater.

(c) Victoria concludes that because they want to bring it down before Aunt Elizabeth comes.

(d) She tells them that she has always wanted to have the bureau after grandfather’s death. She tells them that ‘Elizabeth is sharp and will drive a hard bargain.’ 

The one-act play “The Dear Departed” by William Stanley Houghton is a satirical play that explores family relationships and the falsehood and hypocrisy and greed that often lie beneath it. The story exposes the sad fact that human beings often become dehumanized in the face of greed and minor material gains. This play satirizes the degradation of moral values in respect and care within the members of the family itself. This story clearly reveals how elderly people are mistreated. Stanley Houghton uses various literary devices to criticize basic human characteristics in his play. He uses irony, sarcasm, humour and a twist in the plot to criticize human traits. He tries to bring out the qualities of the two daughters called Mrs. Slater and Mrs. Jordan towards their father. He tries to show how the sisters are interested in the property of their father rather than to show true care and affection towards their father.

The story begins with Mrs. Slater telling her daughter, Victoria to change her dress before the arrival of her sister (Slater’s sister) Elizabeth and Elizabeth’s husband, Ben. Mrs. Slater’s husband, Henry has sent them a telegram with the message of the death of his father-in-law and Elizabeth and Ben are coming to talk over the old man’s affairs. Henry wonders if they would come at all because Elizabeth has said that she would never set foot in their house again. But Mrs. Slater says that her sister will come fast enough after her share of what their father has left. Mrs. Slater asks her husband to wear the new slippers of her father. She also suggests that they should replace their shabby old chest of drawers with the valuable bureau of her father which is in his bedroom. He agrees to do it after some hesitation. Mrs. Slater wants to do it before their arrival.

Mrs. Slater fastens the door and she and her husband carry the old chest of drawers upstairs. Henry is shocked when Victoria asks him if they are pinching grandpa’s bureau. He replies that grandpa has given it to her mother before his death. Mrs. Slater carries a handsome clock and puts it on the mantelpiece. Mrs. Slater and her husband carry the pretty old-fashioned bureau downstairs and put it in the place of the chest of drawers. At the same time Victoria ushers in Mrs. Jordan and Ben. Mrs. Jordan goes straight to Mrs. Slater and kisses her and the men shake hands. Mrs. Jordan remarks that their father has gone at last. Mrs. Slater replies that he is seventy-two a fortnight the previous Sunday. She tells them that the old man has been merry that morning and has gone out to pay his insurance. Ben and Mrs. Jordan remark that it is a good thing on his part.

According to Mrs. Slater, their father is found dead when she takes up a bit of something for him on tray. 

Ben and Mrs. Jordan don’t want to look at the old man ; they prefer to have tea and so Mrs. Slater gets tea ready. They think of publishing the announcement of the death of the old man in the papers. Then they decide to look through the old man’s things and make a list of them. Mrs. Jordan tells that the old man has promised his gold watch to their Jimmy. Then Victoria tells them that grandpa hasn’t paid his insurance. Ben calls him “the drunken old beggar”. Both the sisters complain that they have to put up with their father for all those years. Then Mrs. Slater asks Victoria to go and bring the bunch of keys from grandpa’s room. Victoria is afraid to go but she does. After some time, she gets back very scared and tells them that grandpa is getting up. They are transfixed with amazement. The vigorous and well coloured old man Abel Merry weather comes in.

1. get one’s own way: persuade other people to allow you to do what you want 

e.g.: Parents want to get their children into their own way. 

2. for ages: for a long time 

e.g.: I haven’t seen you for ages. 

3. set foot: to enter some place 

e.g.: I would not like to set foot in your house. 

4. drive a hard bargain : work hard to negotiate agreements in one’s own favour 

e.g.: Although he has driven a hard bargain, he couldn’t get what he wants. 

5. get rid of: to throw away or destroy something you do not want any more 

e.g.: Finally, Sekhar got rid of his old shoes.

6. give way: to stop agreeing or fighting against someone or something ; to abandon oneself. 

e.g.: Don’t give way to your fears. 

7. at length: in detail 

e.g.: At length, they have discussed the matter. 

8. on purpose: intentionally 

e.g.: He entered the sitting room on purpose. 

9. took by surprise: to surprise someone (took someone by surprise)- 

e.g.: I took my friend by surprise presenting a gold watch to him. 

10. at a loss: unable to speak, unable to know how to act or what to do. 

e.g.: When Rahul faced the interviewers, he felt totally at a loss.

1. put on 

2. tire out 

3. work out 

4. keep up 

5. bum off out 

6. warms up 

7. buildup 

8. stretch

The sequential order is: 

1. One day Mrs. Slater felt that Abel Merry weather had died. 

8. The Slaters sent a telegram to the Jordans about the death of Abel Merry weather. 

5. Before the arrival of the Jordans, the Slaters had pinched Abel’s bureau and clock. 

3. The Slaters and the Jordans wanted to ascertain if Abel Merry weather had paid his insurance premium. 

6. Victoria was sent to Abel Merry weather’s room to bring the key bunch of the bureau. 

2. Suddenly Victoria came into the room telling that grandfather was moving. 

4. Abel Merry weather found fault with the two daughters and wanted to change his will. 

7. Abel Merry weather informed that he was going to marry Mrs. John Shorrocks. 

The narrative: 

One day Mrs. Slater felt that Abel Merry weather had died. The Slaters sent a telegram to the Jordans about the death of Abel Merry weather. The Slaters wanted to steal the old man’s things before the arrival of the Jordans. So, they had pinched Abel’s bureau and wall clock before their arrival. The Jordans arrived soon and they all thought about the announcement of the old man’s death in the papers. Then the Slaters and the Jordans wanted to ascertain if Abel Merry weather had paid his insurance premium. Victoria was sent to Abel Merry weathers room to bring the key bunch of the bureau. Victoria went into’ the old man’s room and saw him moving and getting up. Being frightened, Victoria came into the room telling that grandfather was moving. Abel Merry weather came into the sitting room and both the sisters and their husbands were shocked. He found fault with the two daughters and wanted to change his will. He informed them that he was going to change his will leaving all bits of his things to whoever he was living with when he would die. He also declared that he was going to marry Mrs. John Shorrocks.

a. thousand

b. tribal

c. mosquitoes

d. primary

e. lovely