English Notes For You

  Neighbours [The Writer : Tim Winton] Introduction of the story  : Tim Winton is an Australian writer. This particular story was first published in 1985, in his collection 'Scission'. As a part of Australian literature here the writer is presenting the problems and prejudices of living in a multicultural and multilingual society, and how to overcome such problems. It is a story of interaction of a newly married couple who have come to live in a multicultural society. In the beginning neither do they understand each other's language, nor do they like them.  But by the end all the prejudices melt away because of the love and  a sense of belongingness of the neighbours and the newly wed couple. This story proves that linguistic and cultural barriers can never stop people from loving and being compassionate (feeling or showing concern for others/ caring) to each other. ---------------------------------------------- Summary : This story is about a young ne...

A Devoted Son [By : Anita Desai] [A Devoted Son] Introduction : This story is based on 'father-son relationship' in an Indian family. Dr. Rakesh, the devoted son of Mr. Varma, did every thing to keep his parents happy and satisfied. But as the story progresses, situations change, and change the father-son relationship. After his mother's death the relationship between him and his father grew tensed. Their perceptions (the way something is regarded, understood or interpreted) changed. Mr. Varma mistook his son's efforts of treating him. He misinterpreted Rakesh's efforts to be only exercising power over him.  There remained no warmth of love between the two. The old man didn't find any joy in his life. Gradually he developed a death instinct. And, sadly one evening the old man left the world rejecting to take any more medicine. The title is ironic because Rakesh was so overtly devoted and loyal to his father that he wouldn't let his father do what he wanted...