Soupçon MCQ Series 28

 Now that the NET exam is looming large, let us have an assortment of all sorts of MCQ types. 

1)Complete this quotation:                                        "The year is at the spring/And day's at the morn;/ Morning's at seven;/ The hill-side's dew-pearled;//   ...../....../... All's right with the world!// "

The quote is from Robert Browning's "Pippa's Song", a reflection in a way on the self-satisfied smug feel of the Victorian era. The three missing lines are:

      "The lark's on the wing;/The snail's on the thorn;/God's in his heaven"  

and hence this famous stanza ends with "All's right with the world!" 

2) Who wrote the following lines? 

"And not by eastern windows only,/When daylight comes, comes in the light,/In front, the sun climbs slowly, /But, westward, look, the land is bright." 

The options are: a) Rudyard Kipling b) W. H. Davies c) Walter de la Mare d) A. C. Clough

The correct option is (d). Clough was a brilliant poet. Often quoted by Churchill during World War II, he was Matthew Arnold's close friend.

3) " And we are here as as on a darkling plain/swept with confused alarms of struggle and flight,/Where ignorant armies clash by night." 

Thus ends Mathew Arnold's " Dover Beach." The figures of speech in these lines are: 1) simile 2) metaphor 3) imagery 4) symbolism

The choices are: a) 1 and 2 b) 1 and 4 c) 1 and 3 d) 2 and 3.

The correct option is (c). The lines are one of the best examples of simile, that is, two dissimilar notions obviously compared. The simile here is extensively stated as well, with traces thus of an "extended simile." There is also a clear indication of a visual-aural image. 

Pratima Agnihotri                                                       Pune 

Mesmerising Music

 Truly the zenith of the glory of Indian classical music was the finale of the first-ever-in-Pune Swar Samrat Festival, organised by Shreeranjani Trust, in association with Mitra Foundation, and supported by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.

The first half of this evening, dedicated to the best and the unique in the classical music world, was devoted to a tabla jugalbandi. The way Yogesh Samsiji and the young maestro, Yashwant Vaishnavji, presented this percussion instrument, often associated as a mere accompaniment, was genuinely incredible. 

Both of them proved that a jugalbandi is a communion. They were together exploring the subtle artistry of the different 'taals' whose very 'bols' would be tough to the uninitiated. Both of them presented the 'bols' as a 'duo-logue.' Honestly, at times, the perfect rhythm was so soulfully intense that one could unmistakably hear a melody blooming out of the 'bols', and beyond the lyrical lehra that Yashwant Thittejj's harmonium adroitly offered.

If Samsiji  and Vaishnavji were 'tabla tapasvi' devoted to their art without even a single beat playing to the gallery, Padma Vibhushan Parveen Sultanaji, who performed in the second half, had the grandeur and elegance of a crown jeweller proudly displaying the priceless pearls and incomparable diamonds, the exclusive heirlooms royalty alone could own.

Unbelievable it was that a lady in her mid-seventies could present in an hour or so such a peak performance which consisted of  an assortment of evening raag's, a bhajan, a bhav geet (in Marathi!), a thumri and a bhairavi. So young was her voice in its 'firat', its taan's, its 'layakari' that her masterful artistry effortlessly defeated ageism. 

Equally interesting was her youthful attitude, a mix of nostalgia and endearing naughtiness, as if she was chatting through 'notes' with long lost friends. What a wonderful tribute the enrapt three hours were to classical music in the present times of rappers rupturing sense, beats, rhythm and harmony every possible way! The Puneites would surely look forward annually to such tremendous tributes by the sarod maestro, Padmashree Tejinder Narayan Majumdar to his guru, Padma Vibhushan Ustad Ali Akbar Khan.

Pratima@ The audience, too, was an asset to the mehfil. In an auditorium packed to capacity, mobiles mostly were out to film the priceless performances. Quite some tribute to the power of these masterful performers! 

Quote of the day:                                                        "Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent," insists Victor Hugo.

Word of the day: ageism                                           Ageism is a type of discrimination based on one's age, generally used to refer to age-based discrimination against the elderly. The term was coined in 1969 by Robert Neil Butler to describe this discrimination, building on different types of "-isms." 

Pratima Agnihotri                                                      Pune

Memories

 June 13! Exactly a year ago, began the journey that still lingers in every mo(ve)ment even now. Yes, that was the day, rather the early morning, when started my Chardham Yatra. 

Well, a decade earlier, I had trekked up to the Vaishno Devi Mandir, including the ramrod straight climb up to the Bhairav Nath temple. I liked each 'minute' (in all senses of this term) vision of that pilgrimage, and it made me madly fall in love with the Himalayas. 

Actually, I had then promised myself and the Himalayas that i would return there every year. I could manage to fulfill that promise last year, beginning the early hours of June 13. No, I did not even notice the date 'thirteen' that happy n excited I was. Anyways, number thirteen is positivity itself in the Indian iconography. 

On June 12, at about 9 p.m., it started to rain, and as if the skies wanted to drown Pune. There was terrible thunder and lightning as if the skies wanted to part. I was a little worried about the auto hired. 

The nicest and warmest feel of the evening was Raju calling up  to find out if I was ready and raring to go. Luckily, the auto fellow, in a way a distant neighbour, actually turned up. Thus I was safe and sound at the airport where I had to wait n wait.

 Apparently, someone stumbled n tripped against my bag which was carried away! Though many such "accidents"(!?!) took place throughout the journey, they could not take away the sheen of those days when i, absolutely literally, was in the seventh heaven, absolutely truly was on n among cloud(s) nine, and more. 

What lovely vistas! Etched they are forever in my 'vision', every nano second literally. And, oh, yes, they 'raise'(d) me spiritually, as high and serene and 'love'ly as the grandeur of the Himalayas themselves. 

Anyways, our blog has these days depicted in detail, not to forget the photographs and videos I could manage. A year after, my feelings still remain the same, ah, to be with(in) the Himalayas! That is a forever summer! 

N.B : Every possible difficulty that one might have to face in the Himalayas happened during those fourteen days n nights, but only after the "spell" I spent at each place was through! Honestly, I felt blest, and the feel is forever! 

Pratima@ Some evenings  are special. They promise you that talent, sincerity, commitment continue, and gloriously, in this world of "influencers" and their 'scripted' silly comedies. 

Yes, this evening, I could attend the Sur Samrat Festival, though only up to 8 p. m., as the venue is some eight kilometers away from my place. 

Yet the part of the programme that I could listen to was fabulous, with this word in font size seventy two, and bolded. The sarod that Anupam Joshi and Nitish Purohit played was unbelievable. The 'tabla saath' by Mahesh Salunke was out of this world. 

Absolutely genuine and, hence heartening, is the commitment of these artists. No wonder, the "lat bikhari" that Manjusha Kulkarni-Patilji described keeps flirting with your auditory abilities. 

I am flattered that Gokhale Madam invited me to this beautifully mounted music festival that "Mitra Foundation", in association with Ministry of Culture (the GOI), has put up for us, Puneites. Looking forward to the evening tomorrow! 

Quote of the day: 

"For oft, when on my couch I lie/In vacant or in pensive mood,/They flash upon that inward eye/Which is the bliss of solitude;/And then my heart with pleasure fills," 

and rises sky high with the heavenly Himalayas.

William Wordsworth would surely forgive me this last line! Wish he could have been there! The Romantic Poetry would then truly have reached immeasurable heights!

Word of the day: divine                                                The term "divine" generally means relating to, coming from, or being like God or a deity. It encompasses concepts of sacredness, holiness, and the transcendent, while also acting as an everyday adjective for something exceptionally wonderful or a verb for intuitive foresight. 

Soupçon MCQ Series 27

 1) Which of the following books do not deal with the Spanish Civil War? 1) A Moment of War 2) Homage to Catalonia 3) For Whom the Bell Tolls 4) A Long Petal of the Sea 5) All is Quiet on the Western Front 6) The Sun Also Rises

The options are :a) 1, 5, 6 b) 2, 3,4 c) 5, 6 d) 3, 5, 6

The correct option is (c). No.5 deals with World War I . No.6 is about the "Lost Generation" and its wanderings through Europe, including Spain. All the other texts deal with the Spanish Civil War.

2) Which of the following poems are not written by Sarojini Naidu? 1) Palaquin Bearers 2) Baugmaree 3) The Sunshine Cat 4) Bangle Sellers 5) Indian Weavers

The options are: a) 1, 4, 5 b) 2, 3, 4 c) 2, 3 d) 1, 2, 3

The correct option is (c). "Baugmaree" is a sonnet by Toru Dutt, while "The Sunshine Cat" is written by Kamala Das. 

Pratima Agnihotri                                                       Pune 

N.B.:                                                                                *I must clarify that the Soupçon MCQ Series is a sheer and pure academic exercise. I do NOT run any "coaching"  classes. Nor am I affiliated in any way to any "teaching" institution/institute, et al. I have NO contacts whatsoever with anybody in the UGC/in the NET/SET exam committee.  I am NOT associated with anybody in  the publication industry, online and/or offline. I will NOT be responsible for any misuse of these publically and honourably shared bits of literary/intellectual awareness.*                               Pratima Agnihotri

Home study, anybody?

 These days, everything, except the actual home, of course, is "home", right? You have home cooked food as the yummiest, the most gourmand stuff. You have home stays as the best alternative (even according to the Ministry, please note) to swanky hotels. Why, no make up (really!?!) look actresses become national heartthrobs, spewing all along the most politically correct monologues cum interviews. 

In such a "home-ly" ambience, can education be left far behind? True, home education has all along been there. Yet, now, suddenly it is the talk of the town. Undoubtedly, home education is the best education. First and foremost, parents know their kid(s) in and out. They can thus support him/her the best, without exposing the small one to the vagaries of the merciless world out there. 

Surely, the premise here is that parents are absolutely aware of  the contemporary contexts. They know both, the NEP and the constructivist critique of  the traditional definitions of education. Sure, they have the required resources, especially time wise, and, to be realistic, funds wise. 

Studies then can the best bond, both between the child(ren) and parents, and equally importantly, between the kid(s) and the studies. With no imposed compulsions of "finishing" off the syllabus, life can be togetherness, fun, growing up literally by the day with purpose, and kindness n love as the glue. Shantiniketan at home, in brief!

Without the horrible competitiveness ingrained in the school system (even when 'class' n 'divisions' are now named after flowers!), a child can comfortably acquire an in depth analysis of each subject, get hands on experience, and grow up to be wise. No tuitions needed, no tension of tests and tutorials either! Oh, yes, the parent(s), too, would grow by the day.

Why is this utopia not often tried then? Instead of subjecting the little one to a long distance ride stuffed in an auto dangerously full of kids dozing off or harassing each other and the passers-by quite nastily, why do not parents go for home schooling? 

Well, the flippant answer would be that most parents are thankful that home can be a peaceful sanctuary with the little one(s) safely out, off the bounds! Most parents look forward to June 7/15 each year, when, ah, the summer vacation finally ends!

The serious response would be that most parents would not have the resources, of either the academic, intellectual, time or money variety, right? Better to be responsible enough to attend the PTA, and hear the 'trained' Miss or Sir identify the Junior's positive points, right? Why 'school' the home, in brief!?!

Pratima@ The traditional 'gurukul' system was a kind of structured home education, right? The result was brilliant disciples, too. Yet, to think of it, a kid does need socialisation, too. Can home education provide it? Would it get monotonous? Difficult to decide!

Quote of the day:                                                           "The purpose of education is to turn mirrors in to windows." Yes, indeed! Touché, Sydney3.Harris.

Word of the day: Unschooling                                   Unschooling is a type of interest driven, self respecting mode of education. Rather than following a set curriculum or forcing students to sit through lessons, children learn organically through everyday life experiences, hobbies, and personal curiosities. Parents act as facilitators who provide resources and support rather than acting as traditional teachers.

Whither(ed) comedy!?!

 What is up with the comic scene in India? First it was Himanshu Jangra whose awful remarks are unbelievable. That entire video is not merely in extreme bad taste. It, moreover, normalises misogyny under the garb of fun and humour. That "man" (!?!) provides lurid details which reek of every vice against which women have for ages struggled! 

He speaks 'frankly' (Lord save us from such honesty!) of the ugliest details about a living 'body'!!! Much worse is Dr. Sejal Pawar talking of cadavers! Her ridiculousness violates very many ethical principles of medicine as a profession! Much worse, it could have an impact on organ and cadaver donation. 

How could people, the audience in Pranit More's show, laugh at such sensitive issues? Pranit More himself is funny! The contest he won, too, vitiates the mindscape in very many vicious ways. No wonder, such crass crudities pass as jokes in his "laughter" show! 

Stand-up comedians must maintain certain standards of decency!  Do you remember the podcaster and YouTuber Ranveer Alahbadia, widely known by his channel name 'Beer biceps'?  Remember his "would you rather" joke he made on the YouTube comedy roast show 'India's Got Latent' (hosted by comedian Samay Raina)?

What are these creeps up to? Upfront honesty does not mean sashaying the most insensitive ridicule most shamelessly! And this is Gen Z! Unfortunately, all the youngsters, given the media glamour, think that this is the "done" thing which is the saddest impact!

Remember Ravi Shastri vrooming in a racing car, and providing a rather sick n silly reaction? The very fact that such a non-issue goes hugely viral is itself a big joke! People indeed need any number of repeat courses in good laughter! Whither humour indeed? Better that such humour is fastest withered!!!

Pratima@ As if "class " wars of the Bihar variety and the "leak masters'' of Maharashtra are not enough, there is some Abhinaw Sir who has raked up a question about actresses' heights in a Kerala staff selection commission exam in 2014! His video is now proliferating on wapp groups as if the SSC board exam is responsible for such a question, and now! 

Honestly, how ludicrous can propaganda get! We should thank our stars that some caste war has not yet erupted, based on the 'i'dentities of all the involved, though political warfare is very much on, and not so subtly!

Quote of the day:                                                           "Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe,” asserted Albert Einstein. Sir, yes, Sir! 

Word of the day: crudity                                              Crudity means an impolite matter in equally tasteless manner that is vulgar and lacks tact or refinement.

Soupçon MCQ Series 26

 1) Who amongst the following are not Romantic poets?

1) Charlotte Smith  2) Charles Swinburne 3) Goethe 4) William Morris 5) Baudelaire

The options are: a) 1, 2 and 5 b) 1 and 4 c) 1, 3 and 5 d) 2, 4 and 5

The correct option is (d).                                         Swinburne and Morris are Pre-Raphaelite poets, while Baudelaire belongs to the 'symboliste', 'fin de siècle " movement. 

2) Currer Bell did not write 1) Shirley 2)Villette 3)The  Professor 4)Agnes Grey 5) Felix Holt

The options are: a) 1, 4 and 5 b) 2, 4 and 5 c) 1, 2 and 5 d) 4 and 5

The correct option is (d).                                            Currer Bell is Charlotte Bronte's pen name.  She wrote the first three novels listed here. "Agnes Grey" is written by her sister, Anne Bronte. "Felix Holt" is authored by George Eliot. 

Pratima Agnihotri                                                   Pune