Poetry of Dr. Shankar D Mishra: December 2021

Thursday 30 December 2021

CHANGE THE VOICE H.F

CHANGE THE VOICE

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MORE COMMONLY CONFUSED WORDS

abhorrent / aberrantaccept / exceptado / adieuadopt / adapt

adverse / averseaffect / effectafflict / inflictaggravate / irritate

allude / eludeallusion / illusion / delusionalternate / alternativeambiguous / ambivalent

amicable / amiableamoral / immoralamuse / bemuseanecdote / antidote

appraise / appriseascent / assentassume / presumeassure / ensure / insure

aural / oral / verbalaver / avowbare / bearbazaar / bizarre

breach / breechbridal / bridlebroach / broochcallus / callous

capital / capitolcensor / censurechord / cordcite / site / sight

climactic / climaticcomplement / complimentcompose / compriseconcurrent / consecutive

confident / confidant(e)connotation / denotationconnote / denoteconscious / conscience

contemptible / contemptuouscontinual / continuouscorrelation / corollarycouncil / counsel

decent / descent / dissentdefinitely / definitivelydemur / demuredesert / dessert

didactic / pedanticdisassemble / dissemblediscomfit / discomfortdiscreet / discrete

disillusion / dissolutiondisinterested / uninteresteddisperse / disbursedual / duel

economic / economicalelusive / illusiveemigrate / immigrate / migrateeminent / imminent

eminent / imminent / immanentempathy / sympathyendemic / epidemicentitle / title

entomology / etymologyenvelop / envelopeenvy / jealousyepidemic / pandemic

epigram / epigraphepitaph / epithetespecially / speciallyexalt / exult

exercise / exorciseexpedient / expeditiousextant / extentfacetious / factious / fatuous

faint / feintfarther / furtherfaze / phaseferment / foment

fictional / fictitious / fictivefiguratively / literallyflair / flareflaunt / flout

flounder / founderformerly / formallyformidable / formativefortunate / fortuitous

gambit / gamutgibe / jibegig / jiggorilla / guerrilla

grisly / gristly / grizzlyhale / hailhealthful / healthyhero / protagonist

historic / historicalhoard / hordehomonym / homophone / homographhone / home

imply / inferincredible / incredulousindeterminate / indeterminableindict / indite

inflammable / inflammatoryingenious / ingenuousinsidious / invidiousinstant / instance

intense / intensive / intentintrovert / extrovertirony / satire / sarcasmit's / its

laudable / laudatorylay / lieloath / loathelose / loose

luxuriant / luxuriousmarital / martialmean / median / averagemedal / meddle / mettle

metaphor / similemoral / moralemorbid / moribundnauseated / nauseous

naval / navelobjective / subjectiveoptimistic / pessimisticoverdue / overdo

palate / palette / palletparadox / oxymoronparameter / perimeterparody / parity

peak / peek / piquepeddle / pedal / petalpersecute / prosecutepersonal / personnel

pitiable / pitiful / piteous / pitilesspore / pourpractical / practicablepragmatic / dogmatic

precede / proceedprecedent / presidentpredominate / predominantpremier / premiere

prescribe / proscribepretentious / portentousprincipal / principleprophecy / prophesy

prostate / prostratequote / quotationrebut / refuteregrettably / regretfully

reluctant / reticentrespectfully / respectivelysac / sackscrimp / skimp

sensor / censor / censersensual / sensuoussimple / simplisticslight / sleight

stationary / stationerystatue / statutethan / thenthat / which

their / there / they'retortuous / torturoustroop / troupeturbid / turgid

unconscionable / unconsciousundo / undueunexceptional / unexceptionablevenal / venial

veracious / voraciouswave / waiveweather / whether / wetherwho / whom

who's / whosewreck / wreak / reekyour / you're

Courtesy: Google

HOW TO WIN THE GAME OF LIFE?

A child's ignorant, innocent and obstinate mind,

Falls flat to sense an unseen soreness, and visualise a fatal future, and find

An acute bitterness of its sweetest chocolates' irresistible sweetness,

Until its decaying and gnawing teeth are forced, a dental drill, scaler or excavator to face!

A student's playful, frolicking and sportive disposition,

And constant avoidance of studies, falls flat to realise and perceive,

How much he hoodwinks himself, and how much he does deceive,

Until his classmates skip to the upper grades, and he tastes a shameful detention!

An arrogant young man's wild, wanton and licentious caprice,

Falls flat to discern, deliberate and abide by,

The noble behest of continence, and the celestial joy of Celibacy,

Until his unruly indulgence drowns him in a sea of repentance, until his grief does suffice!

An agressive, alcoholic and contemptible man's commonsense,

Falls flat to foresee perils of depravity, and indecency's consequence,

Until his hired lawyer's wit is outwitted by Time, and he is badly defeated by God's Logic,

And is sentenced to hell to spend the rest of his life behind the bars terrible and tragic!

Thus, one must obey the calls of Conscience, and keep one's mind under control,

One must follow the useful injunctions inscribed by the wise and the prudent,

One must strive heart and soul to vanquish temptations to reach one ultimate goal,

Then only can one win the game of life, and one shall be called a Yogi or a Saint!

My dear, revered friends, please search on Google "Poetry of Dr. Shankar D Mishra" to enjoy many more new poems of different tastes. U can save my Whatsapp number (08270604524) to receive my new poems. Please share this poem to all of your friends. Thank you.

USAGE OF SLOW/SLOWLY

1. TOPIC: PROPER USAGE OF SLOW & SLOWLY low, Slowly, AND FLAT/PLAIN ADVERBS:

Question

Is slow an adjective and slowly an adverb? — Maryam, Iran

Answer

Usually slow is used as an adjective and slowly is used as an adverb, but slow can also be used as an adverb. When an adverb does not have the usual -ly ending it is called a flat adverb or plain adverb and it looks the same as its adjective form.

English teachers will tell you to use slow as an adjective and add -ly when making it an adverb, but in casual speech, informal writing (such as text messages or e-mails to a friend), and even some formal writing slow is often used as an adverb. (Note: Slowly is never used as an adjective.)

Not all flat adverbs have an -ly form (for example, soon is both an adjective and an adverb, and soonly is not a word), but when they do have an -ly form, that is what is preferred by English teachers in formal writing. Below are some example sentences showing how slow and slowly are used.

Slow as an Adjective:

Snails are slow movers.

Learning a new language can be a slow process.

He had a slow horse that never won a race.

They took a slow walk through the park.

Slow and Slowly as Adverbs:

The cars on the road are all moving slow/slowly.

She stood up slow/slowly after falling off her bike.

Her son ate so slow/slowly that it was bedtime when he was finally finished.

The computer was running so slow/slowly that he didn't finish his homework on time.

Notice that in the above sentences, the adverb comes after the verb. Slow and slowly are usually interchangeable when they come after the verb. However, when the adverb comes before the verb, it only sounds natural to use slowly. Below are some example sentences showing this. In each one, slow would never be used.

The snail slowly climbed the wall.

We slowly realized what was happening.

The cashier slowly counted the money.

Slowly, over many years, the boys became friends.

2. TOPIC: PROPER USAGE OF IT & THIS

Difference Between It And This | Grammar, Meaning & Usage | Explained With Important Examples – WABS TALK

November 15, 2018 admin

Teacher: Look at this question.

Student: It is one of the most difficult.I tried to solve but couldn’t.I need your help.

In the above dialogues It & This have been used differently and leaving you with a question when to use this and it because the usage seems to be indistinguishable but these pronouns are different from each other in many ways.

Main Difference – It vs This

It and this are another two words that confuse many English learners. Although both these words can be considered as pronouns, there is a difference in their grammar. The main difference between it and this is that it is a third person singular personal pronoun whereas this is a demonstrative adjective and pronoun. The functions and meaning of these two words also change due to the differences in their grammatical categories. In addition, it is mainly used with animals, and non-living things whereas this can be used to refer to people as well.

This article explains,

It – Grammar, Meaning and Usage

It is the third person singular personal pronoun. It is often used to refer to animals or non-living things. It can be used as a subject and an object.

Example: The dog was taken to the vet since it looked ill.

Example: The waiter brought a tray with two glasses on it.

It is also used as the subject of sentences about time, weather, and distance.

Example: It’s half past nine.

Example: It rained last night.

It is also used as the subject when there is no identifiable doer or actor.

Example: It is important to learn about history.

Example: It is impossible to enter the castle without being seen.

It can also emphasize a part of a sentence.

Example: It is the course which helped me to improve my soft skills.

Example: It is the institute which organise indoor competitions, survey sessions and weekend workshops.

This – Grammar, Meaning and Usage

This is a demonstrative adjective and a pronoun. Since it and this is mostly confused due to their functions as pronouns, we’d specifically look at this as a pronoun in this article.

This is used to identify a specific person or thing close by or being indicated or experienced

Example: This is the Spoken English Institute I told you about.

Example: Is this Public Speaking Session taking place?

This is used to introduce someone or something

Example: This is my mentor Mr.Reuben Singh.

Example: This is the best Institute to learn soft skills.

It vs This – Confusion in Usage

It’s my mother

This is my mother

Most people are confused about the difference between sentences like the above examples. What is the exact difference between them? The main difference between them is that it identifies the person, and this introduces the person.

If you are introducing your mother to your friends, you can say “this is my mother.” But, if you get a call from your mother when you are with your friends, and you want to identify the caller, you’ll say ‘it’s my mother.’

Gender

It is used with non-living things and animals. (neuter gender)

This can be used with female, male and neuter genders.

Identify vs Introduce

It is used to identify a person.

This is used to introduce a person.

Time, weather and distance

It can be used as the subject in statements about time, weather, and distance.

This cannot be used in statements about time, weather, and distance.

Courtesy: Google

Wednesday 29 December 2021

QUESTION ANSWERS, MOV, ACT IV, SCENE 1

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4. Who are the Turks and Tartars, and what is said about them in this extract?

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Question 1.

What does Antonio now say? Does he approve of any more pleading with the Jew?

Answer:

Antonio knows enough about Shylock’s obduracy and revengeful spirit. So he realises that arguing with the Jew is futile. The suspense of the trial is unbearable to him, and he prefers to hear the verdict.

Question 2.

Explain the following

making “the ewe bleat for the lamb”.

forbidding “the mountain pines’ To wag their high tops.”

“bid the main flood bate his usual height”

Answer:

Antonio makes several comparisons to explain the stubbornness of the Jew. It is futile to argue with him.

it is as futile as arguing with the wolf and asking him why he has devoured the lamb and thus

made the mother- sheep cry in distress.

It is as futile as ordering the pine-trees growing on the mountain-tops not to shake their top most branches and not produce any sound when they-are agitated by the assaults made by the winds blowing over them.

It is as futile as going and standing on the sea-shore and calling upon the high tide to remain lower than its usual level.

Question 3.

Does Antonio speak in a mood of calm resignation? Is he afraid of consequences?

Answer:

Antonio speaks in a mood of philosophic resignation. He does not seem to be afraid of the consequences. He is ready to hear the judgement to let the Jew have what he wants. He knows that the Jew’s revenge is volcanic and sweeping in its motion and range. He, therefore, resigns before his fate.

Question 4.

Why does Shylock say that the pound of flesh “is dearly bought”?

Answer:

Shylock had given Antonio a loan of three thousand ducats which Antonio has failed to repay within the prescribed period of time. As Antonio has forfeited the bond which he had signed, Shylock is now entitled to a pound of Antonio’s flesh. In other words, having lost an amount of three thousand ducats, Shylock can demand a pound of Antonio’s flesh as the penalty specified in the bond. Three thousand ducats is a large amount of money; and therefore Shylock says that he has paid a heavy price for the pound of flesh which he is demanding. He would not now accept any amount of money in lieu of the flesh to which he is entitled; and so the price, which he is now paying for that flesh, is even higher than before because Bassanio is now willing to pay the Jew any amount of money in order to save Antonio.

Question 5.

What answer does the Duke give to Shylock’s question?

Answer:

Shylock’s question is whether or not the Duke is willing to enforce the law and let him cut off a pound of Antonio’s flesh. To this question, the Duke replies that he would use his authority to dismiss the court and to resume the proceedings only when a learned doctor of laws by the name of Bellario arrives here. The Duke says that he has sent for that learned lawyer to decide Shylock’s claim against Antonio.

Question 6.

To what extent does Shylock’s comparison of the pound of flesh with asses, dogs, and mules seem to you to be appropriate?

Answer:

Shylock’s comparison of a pound of Antonio’s flesh with asses, dogs, and mules owned by the Duke and by other persons in Venice is perfectly sound. The owners of asses, dogs and mules have full authority over their animals, and have a right to use them for any purpose they like. Shylock, having become legally entitled to cut off a pound of Antonio’s flesh, has now acquired similar authority over that flesh. The owners of those animals had paid a price to buy them and then to use them to carry goods from one place to another or for any other purpose, according to their requirements. Shylock too had purchased a pound of Antonio’s flesh at a certain price. He had given Antonio an amount of three thousand ducats which he had not got back; and, therefore, according to the terms of the bond, he has acquired a right over a pound of Antonio’s flesh which he can then use in any way he likes.

Question 7.

Why is Antonio willing to die?

Answer:

Antonio thinks himself to be a useless man now when he has become a bankrupt, and has completely lost his flourishing business. He compares himself to a sheep which becomes infected with some disease dangerous to the other sheep as well. It would be better if an infected sheep, and the continued presence of which in a flock of sheep can prove dangerous to the other sheep as well. It would be better if an infected sheep dies than that it should infect the other sheep as well. In the same way, Antonio would like to die instead of continuing to live and cause endless anxiety to his friends like Bassanio.

Question 8.

Explain the following expressions:

(a) a tainted wether of the flock

(b) Meetest for death

Answer:

(a) A tainted wether of the flock- an infected male sheep of a flock of sheep; a sheep which has caught some disease and which is likely to infect the other sheep as well, by its contact with the others. Actually the word “wether” means a male sheep which has been castrated and thus rendered incapable of impregnating the female sheep.

(b) Meetest for death- most fit to die. The word “meet” in this sense means “proper” or “appropriate”. “Meetest” is the superlative degree of the word “meet” which is here an adjective. “Meetest” therefore means “most proper” or “most appropriate”.

(c) And write mine epitaph- and compose the epitaph to be inscribed on my tomb. “Epitaph” means the words (in prose or in verse) which are inscribed on a tombstone. An epitaph is generally a tribute paid to a dead man or woman by his or her relatives or admirers.

Question 9.

What feelings does this piece of dialogue arouse in your heart?

Answer:

This piece of dialogue arouses our sympathy for Antonio and our admiration for Bassanio. We are filled with deep pity at the fate which Antonio is on the verge of meeting; and we certainly admire Bassanio for his sincerity towards his friend who is in deep trouble.

Question 10.

What is the difference between “sole” and “soul” as used by Gratiano? In what sense has the word “keen” been used?

Answer:

The word “sole” means the bottom side of a shoe, and the word “soul ” means the spirit of a man. A sole is made of leather (and, in some causes, of rubber), while a soul is the spirit which dwells inside a body and which is immortal. The words “sole” and “soul” have an identical pronunciation though they have different meanings. Thus we have a pun here. The word “keen” as used here means “sharp.”

Question 11.

In what way is Shylock making his knife keen on his soul?

Answer:

Gratiano means to say that Shylock’s knife has been made sharp by the cruelty of his spirit, and not as a result of his rubbing the knife against the leather sole of a shoe.

Question 12.

Explain the line : “And for thy life let justice be accus’d”.

Answer:

Justice itself would deserve to be condemned and denounced if it allows a revengeful and savage man like Shylock to continue to live in this world. Gratiano means to say that the law should take ‘‘cognizance of Shylock’s inhumanity and savagery, and should condemn him to death instead of allowing him to cut off another man’s flesh and killing the other man.

Question 13.

Who was Pythagoras?

Answer:

Pythagoras was an ancient Greek Philosopher who believed in the transmigration of the soul. According to him, the soul of a man might, after his death, enter the body of an animal, and vice versa. (That is the belief that many Hindus also hold even in these scientific times).

Question 1.

Why does Gratiano use an abusive language for Shylock? What has exactly provoked him so much?

Answer:

All appeals to Shylock to have mercy on Antonio, have failed. The Jew is bent upon inflicting penalty on his enemy by cutting off a pound of flesh from his body. Gratiano reminds Shylock that he is bringing damnation to his soul by persisting in his blood-thirsty course.

When Gratiano asks Shylock if any prayers can influence the Jew, Shylock curtly answers that no words can soften his heart. In sheer desperation, Gratiano bursts into a language of abuse. He calls Shylock a merciless dog.

Question 2.

Why does Gratiano blame justice?

Answer:

Gratiano blames justice for allowing a person like Shylock to live and enjoy human rights. This blood-thirsty fellow is less like a human being and more like a beast.

Question 3.

What makes him “waver” in his faith? What is his faith?

Answer:

Gratiano is a Christian, but on seeing a man like Shylock, his faith in Christianity is shaken. He begins to believe in the doctrine of the ancient Greek philosopher, Pythagoras. This doctrine is known as the doctrine of transmigration of souls.This meant that the souls of animals often entered the bodies of men.

Question 4.

In what respect does he seem to agree with Phytha- goras?’

Answer:

Accounting thus for Shylock’s behaviour, Gratiano says his spirit was earlier in a wolf who was hanged for killing human beings. Then this spirit fled from the body of wolf, and entered Shylock’s mother’s womb. This is the reason that Shylock has his insatiable wolfish desires. In this respect Gratiano seems to agree with Phythagoras.

Question 5.

How does Shylock respond to Gratiano’s outburst?

Answer:

Shylock responds to Gratiano’s angry outburst in a calm and assured manner. He knows the futility of all curses uttered against him. So long as Gratiano’s curses cannot erase Antonio’s seal from his bond, he (Gratiano) is only injuring his lungs to curse the Jew so loudly.

In a malevolently patronising attitude, Shylock advises Gratiano to look to his wit or it will be ruined past all repair. Shylock stands for law, and abusing or cursing him is altogether foojustice.

(i) Why does Portia speak about mercy in the extract?

Answer : Portia knew that the laws favoured Shylock. It was true that the bond had no logical reasoning behind it but it had been signed by Antonio upon consent. The law stated that its terms must be followed. Therefore, she tried to persuade Shylock to show some mercy on Antonio and be noble.

(ii) Give the meaning of the following.

But mercy is above this sceptred sway;

It is enthroned in the hearts of kings,

Answer : Portia appeals to Shylock to have mercy on Antonio. She says that the king’s scepter represents his earthly power, the symbol of majesty, the focus of royal authority. But mercy is higher than the scepter. It’s enthroned in the hearts of kings, a quality of God himself.

(iii) Who else had appealed for mercy earlier? What was the outcome of the appeal?

Answer : Earlier, Bassanio had requested Shylock to show mercy on Antonio. He tried to reason with him and told him that just because we hate someone, we don’t try to take their lives. However, Shylock was unmoved. Even Bassanio’s curses could not deter him.

(iv) When Shylock refuses to show mercy, what legal tactics does Portia use to free Antonio?

Answer : Shylock wanted revenge and there was no saving Antonio from his malice. Then Portia asked Shylock to produce the bond. She was able to find a loophole in it. The bond talked about only one pound of flesh of Antonio. It said nothing about blood being spilled or consequent death. She used the tactic and warned Shylock that if these two things happened, the bond would become void. Shylock got perplexed and ultimately, Antonio was saved.

(v) One should stand for justice. Referring only to the extract, state why, according to Portia, mercy should temper justice.

Answer : Portia says that no one shows mercy because he has to. It just happens, the way gentle rain drops on the ground. Mercy is a double blessing. It blesses the one who gives it and the one who receives it. It is strongest in the strongest people. It looks better in a king that his own crown looks on him.

The king’s scepter represents his earthly power, but mercy is higher than the scepter. It is enthroned in the hearts of kings, a quality of God himself. Kingly power seems most like God’s power when the king tempers mercy with justice. Therefore, mercy should temper justice.

[1/25, 10:00 PM] Papa Jio: What is ultimately suggested by the Bassanio?

Answer:

Bassanio suggests that in these extraordinary circumstances the law for once may be made inoperative. He argues that a little wrong, i.e. suspending the operation of the law, may be allowed to do a great right, i.e. saving Antonio’s life. By doing this, it will be possible to prevent the devilish Jew from getting what he wishes to have, i.e. a pound of Antonio’s flesh.

Bassanio implores the judge to twist the law a little in order to save the life of an honest man like Antonio. Shylock could not be prevented from mischief by following a strictly legal procedure.

Question 5.

What is Portia’s opinion on the question of Venetian law?

Answer:

Portia rejects Bassanio’s suggestion. She asserts that there is no power in Venice which change law. It will set a bad precedent and this example will be quoted in future to do wrong things. If this is allowed, other mistakes will find their way into the administration of the state.

Question 6.

How does Shylock respond to Portia’s interpretation of law?

Answer:

Shylock is delighted to Portia’s argument while rejecting Bassanio’s appeal to interfere with law. He thinks that Portia is pleading in such a manner that he must win the case. So he praises her skill and sense of justice. Shylock compares Portia with Daniel, a young Jewish prophet who in case had exposed the falsity of certain witnesses by cleverly cross-examining them.

[1/25, 10:05 PM] Papa Jio: Why does Shylock refuse an offer of money?

Answer:

Shylock refuses the offer of money because he wants to put an end to the life of a man whom he regards as his enemy and whom he hates fiercely.

Question 3.

What makes Portio say: be merciful, Take thrice thy money, bid me tear the bond.

Answer:

Portia in these words makes a two fold appeal to Shylock. Originally she had suggested that Shylock should accept the money and spare Antonio’s flesh. She had then appealed to Shylock to show mercy to Antonio and spare his life. Now she combines both those appeals into one. She first asks him to show mercy and then, in the same breath, she appeals to his greed, suggesting that he should accept three times the amount which he had given to Antonio as a loan. Thus she tries her utmost to induce Shylock to soften or relent. She would like to put an end to the dispute in this way, and to tear the bond on the basis of which Shylock is demanding a pound of Antonio’s flesh in order to kill him.

Question 4.

Why does Antonio beseech the court to proceed to judgment instead or wanting the judgment to be delayed?

Answer:

Antonio is feeling impatient because Shylock has refused to budge from his position in spite of many appeals which have been made to him. Antonio does not want that any more appeals should be made to the Jew because he knows that the Jew is not going to relent. He sees no point in the proceedings of the court being prolonged because he feels certain that no purpose would be served by delaying them. Being a serious-minded and stoical kind of man, he wants that the proceedings should be expedited, and the judgment be delivered without any further appeals being made to the Jew.

Question 5.

What causes a turn in the course of events as depicted here?

Answer:

The turn in the events is caused by Portia’s sudden announcement that the Jew can have a pound of Antonio’s flesh but that the Jew must not shed a single drop of Antonio’s blood in the course of his cutting off the flesh.

[1/25, 10:07 PM] Papa Jio: Why does the speaker think that fortune is kinder to him?

Answer:

He thinks fate is kinder to him because it is always the customs of fate to let the wretched man live even when he is absolutely penniless. He is being allowed by fate to die. Thus he would not live a life of poverty.

Question 4.

What does Antonio want Bassanio to do?

Answer:

Antonio wants Bassanio to convey his greetings to his (Bassanio’s) honourable wife. He also wants him to tell her the manner of his death.

[1/25, 10:09 PM] Papa Jio: Who is ‘you’ referred by Nerissa in the first line of extract? What is the offer made and why would it make an unquiet house?

Answer:

The person referred to as ‘you’ is Gratiano. He has made an offer that is likely to make an unquiet house. He has declared that he loves his wife, but he wishes that she were in heaven, so that she could request some heavenly power to change the mind of the villainous Jew.

Nerissa remarks that it is better for Gratiano to make this offer in the absence of his wife. If she heard this, she would be annoyed with her husband. This would make an unquiet house. There is dramatic irony in Nerissa’s remark. She herself is his wife and she is listening to what he has said. This fact is not known to Gratiano because Nerissa is dressed as the lawyer’s clerk.

Question 2.

Name two husbands who have said something which makes Shylock exclaim “These be the Christian husbands”. What have they said about their wives?

Answer:

The two husbands are Bassanio who is Portia’s husband, and Gratiano, who is Nerissa’s husband. Both these husbands have offered to sacrifice their wives to save Antonio from the cluthes of the cruel Jew.

Shylock, to whom everything no Jewish is inferior and mean, here sneers at what he considers the lightness of these two Christian husbands in offering to sacrifice their wives. Shylock says that he would prefer his daughter to marry a Jew.

Question 3.

Give two reasons-one financial, the other emotional- which made Shylock annoyed with his daughter.

Answer:

Shylock is annoyed with his daughter for two reasons. One is financial. She stole her father’s ? ducats and precious stones before leaving his house. Secondly, she gave Shylock emotional pain by eloping with a Christian. Elopement of a daughter is always scandalous for a father. But Shylock is twice pained because she ran away with the member of a community whom he hates

[1/25, 10:10 PM] Papa Jio: Who is Barrabas? Why is he preferred in comparison to a Christian? Briefly state why Shylock hates Christians?

Answer:

Barrabas was a murderer whose story figures in the Bible. He was set free while Jesus Christ. was sentenced to be crucified, Murder is a sin which is particularly rare and highly contemptible r act amongst the Jews. Yet Shylock says that he would have preferred to see Jessica married to a descendant of Barrabas rather than to a, Christian.

Shylock has his cogent reasons to hate Christians. The first reason is that the Christians hate him y just because he is a Jew. They hate him because he does the business of money-lending. He earns his profit by charging interest on the loans he gives to people. The Christians disapprove . this business of money-lending for profit. Shylock has been insulted by Christians often at the stock exchange where merchants gather to do business. One of the Christians, Antonio, lends money to people and his loans are interest-free. This harms the business interests of the Jew. Thus, these are the many reasons why Shylock hates Christians.

Question 5.

What quarrel does Nerissa have with her husband towards the end of the play? What is humorous in that incident?

Answer:

Towards the end of the play, Nerissa has quarrel with her husband. They are back to Belmont. When she finds that Gratiano’s marriage ring is missing, she charges him with infidelity. She blames hirb for making a gift of her ring to some other woman.

It is a humorous incident. Gratiano does not know that he gave his ring to Nerissa herself when she was dressed as the’ lawyer’s clerk. Later he finds it difficult to defend himself before his wife, who enjoyed the fun at his cost.

Question 6.

What is meant by “We trifle time”? ‘What sentence does Portia pursue? What is the outcome of her sentence?

Answer:

Shylock is in a hurry. He does not want the court to waste any more time. He wants to hear the final judgement. He is itching to take his revenge by cutting off a pound of flesh from Antonio’s body. He requests the court to pass the sentence without delay.

Portia has accepted the Jew’s claim. She declares that a pound of Antonio’s flesh is Shylocks. The court awards it and the law allows it. Thus, Portia passes the judgement that the court gives Shylock the right to get a pound of Antonio’s flesh according to the provisions of the law. However, when Shylock jubilantly proceeds forward with a knife in his hand, tables are turned against him. Portia who gave the hope, finally demolishes the fine structure of the Jew’s success. Shylock is defeated and Antonio honourably acquitted

[1/25, 10:18 PM] Papa Jio: Whom does Shylock call a “learned judge”? Why does he give such a praise to anyone?

Answer:

Shylock praises Portia as a learned judge. She is disguised as a young lawyer. She has interpreted the Venetian law. She has upheld the claim made by the Jew. She has declared that the bond’s forfeiture cannot be denied because Antonio has failed to repay the loan within the time limit. Shylock is delighted to hear a verdict favourable to him.

Question 2.

Shylock talks of a “sentence”. What is this sentence? Whom does he ask, “come, prepare”?

Answer:

Shylock talks of the sentence which gives to the Jew the right to cut off a pound of flesh from Antonio’s body. The court has awarded it according to the provisions of the law. He now victoriously turns Antonio to prepare himself for a deadly stab from his enemy.

Question 3.

“Tarry a little, there is something else,” What has been said already, to which something need be added?

Answer:

Portia interrupts Shylock as he moves towards Antonio. She asks him to wait a bit to consider some very important legal point. She has already awarded to the Jew a pound of flesh claimed by him. That was the simple meaning of the bond. But the young lawyer has a very fine point to make now. This will hinder the unqualified execution of the sentence.

Question 4.

What does the bond give the Jew ? What is it that it does not give him?

Answer:

Portia agrees that the bond entitles the Jew to receive his pound of flesh. But the words expressly mention only a pound of flesh and no more. It does not give him a single drop of blood.

Question 5.

What is the warning given to the Jew?

Answer:

Portia warns the Jew that he may cut off a pound of flesh but he should not shed a drop of blood. If he sheds one drop of Christian blood, his lands, hjs goods shall be confiscated by the state of Venice. This is the law of Venice.

Question 6.

Does Shylock continue to claim a pound of flesh from the merchant’s body? Does he change his stand at any stage? What is the consequence?

Answer:

When Shylock finds that he has been defeated on his own ground, he changes his stand. He; . agrees to receive three times the original sum. Bassanio is willing to make this payment But the r young lawyer pushes the Jew into a tight corner by telling him that he would be given no payment. He must have his bond. As a consequence, the Jew loses all his money. He also receives punishment for conspiring to take a citizen’s life.

[1/25, 10:18 PM] Papa Jio: Explain the line : “Now infidel I have you on the hip.”

Answer:

Gratiano describes Shylock as a misbeliever, and says that now he has the misbeliever in his grip. As a Christian, Gratiano regards a Jew as an infidel (or a non-believer in Christ and in the faith which Christ preached). To have somebody on the hip means to have him in one’s hold or in one’s grip.

Question 5.

What are your feelings as you go through this dialogue?

Answer:

We at this time feel greatly relieved because Portia has been able to rescue Antonio from the Jew’s clutches; and we also enjoy the manner in which Gratiano ridicules and mocks at Shylock who has been thwarted in his purpose. Gratiano shows an exceptional talent for making sarcastic remarks which are most appropriate at this time, and which the audience in a theatre would greatly relish. The tables have been turned upon Shylock; and Gratiano is now repeating Shylock’s own words in order to mock at him. We have here to remember that previously Shylock had used these words for the judge: “An upright judge, a learned judge! A second Daniel,” etc.

[1/25, 10:19 PM] Papa Jio: What has been laid down in the laws of Venice?

Answer:

The law of Venice say that if a foreigner has tried directly or indirectly to take the life of any native citizen of Venice, the victim shall be entitled to get one half of the property of the defaulter. The other half will be attached by the state treasury. The life of the defaulter would be at the mercy of the Duke.

Why does the speaker think that fortune is kinder to him?

Answer:

Tuesday 28 December 2021

LOVE WITHOUT TRUST

Oh! Love is a hollow bubble without Trust,

It floats in the uncertain and insecure confluence of rivers only to burst!

It is, like a Tower, built on the plinth firm, loyal, spontaneous and intrinsic,

Else It may tumble at any moment for want of strength indispensable and basic!

Love without Trust is a rootless tree;

That can never grow straight and erect to receive air fresh, hygienic and free,

That gets too stunted and dwarfed to reach the Sun for sufficient light of joy,

In life's sky the clipped wings of ecstasy fail to fly as those of a handmade toy!

Love, without Trust, is a mountain of iron;

That is eroded by the salty winds of narcissism, possessiveness and suspicion!

Even the most fertile lands turn worse than deserts devoid of greenery and bliss,

Let alone heydays, life becomes a curse, being deprived of an ounce of peace!

Let's, thus, all of us, to relish in life heavenly Ambrosia, love with Trust,

What has already been tasted by Gangadhar Meher, Wordsworth and Robert Frost!

Tuesday 21 December 2021

SOME DIVINE SERMONS

Do stretch a hand of help to the destitute and poor,

Do sweeten those lives deprived, tortured and sour!

Do fulfill, without resentment, the needs of the needy,

Do give up fast, the company of the lecherous and greedy!

Be a blissful vision and the brightest ray of light for the blind,

Be a guiding beacon for the shipwrecked and misguided mankind!

Be a sweetiful cause for someone's long awaited and sought after smile,

Do remember Frost, "You have to march alone, before you sleep, many a mile!

Be forever a rock strong prop of the crippled and the lame,

Do relinquish all that invites showers of disgrace and shame!

Do quit the queue that hankers after nefarious name and fulsome fame,

Do fight life's battle like a lion, and play like Dhyan Chand your life's game!

Be a wiping kerchief to soak someone's genuine and valuable tears,

Do try to be a replica of Lord Ram's squirrel to render your service with cheers!

Be as generous as the King Harishchandra, an epitome of action Preacher,

Dig not a ditch for others; be for the thirsty a cool and quenching pitcher!

Do flow, like the ever bounteous Ganga, your laudable munificence,

Do possess inside, like the sane coconut shell, all the invaluable essence!

Be unperturbed and unbudging, like the tolerant and resistant mountain,

Do rejoice and dance joyously in others' success and happiness like a fountain!

Be softer than the Shiuli flowers, and fresher than the monsoon showers,

Be sweeter than the sweetest sugarcanes with the blessings of the Spiritual Powers!

Don't follow the foul means to earn 'The bad master and a good servant' called money,

Be loyal and devoted in your duty, to keep forever your life's firmament sunny!

Do refresh and refine your aura with the fragrance of noble deeds,

Do sow in the fallow lands of life, to be blessed with my Grace, the Virtue Seeds!

Do bury the corpse of your hateful and heinous habits at the earliest,

Or else, you shall be divested of precious peace, solace and eternal Rest!

Neither be a pestering pest nor have eyes to find only others' fault and defect,

In all weathers have faith in God, the finest Creator and the greatest Architect!

Be sincere like Time, broad like the Sky and merciful like the Sea, to all,

Then only can you, without fail, beat the grave, and shall remain immortal!

Image Courtesy: Google

My dear, revered friends, please search on Google "Poetry of Dr. Shankar D Mishra"/ sdmpoetry.blogspot.com to enjoy many more new poems of different tastes. To receive my poems, you can save my Whatsapp number 08270604524. Thank you.

Saturday 18 December 2021

A KITE OF NEOPHYTE IN THE SKY OF LITERATURE

Oh! Still too minute an algae in the Sea of literature I am,

In its boundless sagacity, fathomless depth and limitless wit!

Multitudes of its votaries triumphantly in the past in it swam,

Deadly daredevilry indeed, and pretty impudence must be mine,

Should I ever impertinently speak I could swim and float an inch on it,

For, Eons to wait to reach to stand steadily only on its Shore's perfection line!

Yes, I am a staggering and stumbling kite of of a sheer neophyte,

So, the less I soar, the more I fall!

Hence, to embark on a stiff, steep and flabbergasting flight,

Mine is too raw and soft a mind to acquire and assimilate the poetic acumen all;

All the same, propels the rudder of this pilot, inept and dull a sharp sanguineness,

Filling the fuel tank of confidence, picking the key of Divine Light,

He hones his insight, and harnesses his unceasing inquisitiveness,

To hit the target for the literary world's delight, before falls his life's night!

*All the same - however

Image Courtesy: Google

Friday 17 December 2021

YES, YOU CAN CALL ME A HOLLOW MAN OR A MODERN COLOSSAL NOUGHT.

Yes, you can call me a Hollow Man or a modern colossal nought,

For, you can find naught in me magnanimous or magnificent.

I am merely a parasitic entity or existence in favour of the bounty Divine,

I am seldom a man, sometimes in the company of the swampy swine,

At other times, in the disgusting role of a wild, pernicious porcupine,

And every evening I am an elite sponge of a brothel fully wet with wine!

Sometimes on my sham and simulated lips I do grin a great deal and smile,

At other times, I do store sins, and accumulate money ill gotten and vile,

Very often I am rampantly thirsty of sowing suspicious and savage breed,

All the time, I am raptly hungry of reaping the grains of malice, envy and greed!

However, sometimes I live on the forbidden and sordid food,

At other times, I culture and nurture nothing noble, useful, worthwhile or good,

Very often I lie, loot, rip and rape without any pinch of compunction or pity,

And forever, I construct the castles of reveries to live and reign for eternity!

My dear, revered friends, please search on Google "Poetry of Dr. Shankar D Mishra" to enjoy many more new poems of different tastes. To receive my poems on Whatsapp, u can save my Whatsapp number: 08270604524. Thank you.

Thursday 16 December 2021

FLATTERY

Oh! The sweet-bitter kisses of fictitious and malicious flattery,

Cut faster than the sharpest guillotines, and pierce deeper;

Albeit so alluring to the ears, as honey to the tongue, they beat, at length, chilli's flavour,

When the susceptible flattered feel their real pinch, it's too late for ' No thanks and sorry'!

Oh! The delicious-deadly smooches of the malevolent flattery,

Seem more appetizing than the scrumptious and mouth watering reasoned curry;

Notwithstanding they seduce the gullible flattered to come to their hook's grip,

Alas! It's always to late for remorse and repentance once after a merry go trip!

Oh! The flucky- fatal hugs of the venomous flattery,

Guarantee at first sight of sumptuousness, warmth and luxury,

Entrap the flattered enticing first with a sham show of a coveted lottery,

Alas! It's always too late realize and try to restore one's much squandered treasury!

Thus, let's all bid 'Flattery' in any form an early and cautious adieu,

Else, we will face the fates of the foolish, greedy bees lethal, sugary glue!

ସମ୍ପର୍କ ସୃଷ୍ଟି ହୁଏ ସ୍ନେହରୁ,

ଜୀବିତ ରୁହେ ବ୍ୟବହାରରୁ,

ଅନୁଭବ ହୁଏ ଯତ୍ନରେ

ଅନୁଭୂତି ବସା ବାନ୍ଧେ ହୃଦୟରୁ

ମଉଳି ଯାଏ ସନ୍ଧେହ ରେ

ଭାଙ୍ଗିଯାଇ ଅହଂକାର ରେ।

Wednesday 15 December 2021

SEEKING GOD'S GRACE AND BLESSINGS FOR VISHNU

O God! May You be kind enough to shower with profuse generosity,

Your Grace on Vishnu, on this auspicious day of his Sacred Thread Ceremony,

So that he leads a life of simplicity, humility, integrity, sanity and serenity,

And the Sky of his life remains ever clear, cloudless, bright and sunny!

O God! May You be pleased enough to pour with abundant magnanimity,

Your Blessings on Vishnu, on this auspicious day of his Sacred Thread Ceremony,

So that he loves truth, transparency, peace, duty, diligence and impartiality,

He saves Virtue wealth for the rainy days instead of gold, insurance or money!

O God! May You be compassionate enough to bestow with lavish benevolence,

Your favours on Vishnu, on this auspicious day of his Sacred Thread Ceremony,

So that he ever chooses in life nothing else but Abou Ben Adhem's noble company,

He loves humanity, lives for the mankind and makes out Immortality's Essence!

O God! These are the boons we seek from You for Vishnu with total submission,

And hope with obeisance that You will take them into Your kind Consideration!

N. B. A prayer from Papa and Mama

Vishnu is the son of the poet. This poem was composed on his Sacred Tread Ceremony held on 3rd February, 2022.

O MY DEAR! DON'T FORGET THIS.

O my Dear! "Even an ape is more charming and and alluring in its sparky youth!"

As you know the common adage in Sanskrit; then how can we ignore the truth,

That your features are blessed with a blooming blossom's grace, tenderness and vivacity?

But, the Keatsian Beauty, that adorns your heart, shines to me more than the purest gold's purity!

O my Dear! The petal like softness of your tone stirs me more than a sweetest song,

The rare humility, that you symbolise, hums to my ears eager, enchanted and far flung,

Your honey bee's generosity generates an enviable and illuminating aura around you,

The most vital facet of your character is, like the modern multitude, you never change your hue!

O my Dear! Due to all these most fertile factors you are ever glued to my Soul so near:

My selfless love for you is never soiled by any evil motives of a promiscuous liar,

My eternal love for you will ever shine more steadily than a beacon in the wildest tempest,

And joyously you will recite the refrain of my love, "I alone could pass your Love's litmus test!"

O MY DEAR.! DON'T FORGET THIS.