Joys of Motherhood by Buchi Emecheta

 

      Buchi Emecheta (1944-2017) was a Nigerian-born British author known for her novels exploring themes of gender, race, and identity, particularly within the context of Nigerian and African diasporic experiences. Her works often depict the struggles of African women in patriarchal societies and the challenges they face in navigating cultural expectations and personal aspirations. Some of her notable novels include "The Joys of Motherhood," "Second-Class Citizen," and "The Bride Price." Emecheta's writing style is characterized by its straightforwardness and emotional depth, making her an influential voice in African and feminist literature.

Joys of Motherhood

Summary

Nnu Ego, the protagonist, stumbles across the Yaba compound, almost delusional with grief. She makes her way to the waterfront, heading to Carter Bridge, intent on throwing herself off.

The action shifts to twenty-five years previous to this moment, in the village of Ogboli in the Ibuza homeland. Agbadi, the esteemed local chief, is enamored by the one woman he cannot possess, the beautiful and strong-willed Ona. During a hunting trip, Agbadi is gored by an injured elephant and not expected to live long. Ona slowly nurses him back to health. As he heals, he humiliates her in the compound by loudly forcing his sexual attentions on her. She becomes pregnant as the result of this union. If it is a boy, the child will belong to Ona’s father, but if it is a girl, Agbadi will accept responsibility. When Nnu Ego is born, a medicine man concludes that her chi, or guiding spirit, is the slave girl who was forcibly killed and buried with one of Agbadi’s wives. Within the year, Ona dies during childbirth.

Sixteen years later, Nnu Ego is of marrying age. She is first betrothed to Amatokwu. When she does not become pregnant, relations cool between her and Amatokwu, and she is soon moved to another hut to make room for a new wife. Nnu Ego is relegated to working in the fields and taking care of the new wife’s infant son. When Amatokwu catches Nnu Ego breast-feeding the hungry child, he beats her. Nnu Ego returns to her father to rest and recover, and the marriage ties are severed. Dedicated to finding his daughter a better match, Agbadi arranges a marriage between Nnu Ego and Nnaife, who lives in faraway Lagos. Nnaife’s older brother escorts Nnu Ego to the city and her new life with Nnaife.

Nnaife and Nnu Ego live in the Yaba compound, where Nnaife does laundry for the Meers, a British couple. Happy in her marriage, Nnu Ego becomes pregnant and gives birth to a son, Ngozi. She also starts her own business selling cigarettes and matches beside the road. One morning, she discovers Ngozi dead in their one-room home. Distraught and devoid of hope, she rushes to the waterfront to throw herself off Carter Bridge. Nwakusor, an Ibo man coming off his shift at work, prevents her with the help of the crowd that has gathered.

Recovering from Ngozi’s death is a slow and painful process. Eventually, Nnu Ego becomes pregnant again and gives birth to Oshia. She decides to focus solely on raising the child instead of making extra income at her market stall. But economic pressures set in when the Meers return to England and Nnaife is suddenly out of a job. Nnu Ego resumes her local trade in cigarettes. Nnaife eventually secures a position that takes him far from home, working for a group of Englishmen. While he is away, British soldiers enter the abandoned compound and tell Nnu Ego that she and Oshia must vacate the premises. Nnu Ego takes a rented room in another part of town, where she gives birth to another son, Adim. Left on their own, the family slowly succumbs to malnutrition. Neighbors step in to help. Nnu Ego returns from her search for more contraband cigarettes to find that her husband has returned, flush with money. Nnu Ego secures a permanent stall in the marketplace and pressures Nnaife to find his next job.

One evening, Nnaife’s friends arrive with the news that his brother has died in Ibuza. Nnaife has inherited all of his brother’s wives, but only one will come to live with them in Lagos. Adaku arrives with her daughter, setting off tensions and rivalry between the two women. As Nnu Ego tries to sleep nearby, Nnaife invokes his rights as a husband and has sexual relations with Adaku. Nnaife starts a new job cutting grass for the railroad. With less space and more mouths to feed, Nnu Ego and Adaku become pregnant around the same time. Nnu Ego gives birth to twin girls, while Adaku’s son dies shortly after he is born. Feeling they are not being given enough money to support the household, the women go on strike. Nnu Ego’s firm resolve eventually wavers, and she cooks a large conciliatory meal. But Nnaife does not come home to enjoy it. He has been forced to join the army and is shipped off to India and then Burma to fight in World War II.

With Nnaife away and his pay partially secure in a savings account, Nnu Ego, again pregnant, takes her family to Ibuza and to the deathbed of her father. After his two funerals, Nnu Ego is unwilling to return to Lagos. However, Adankwo, the eldest wife of Nnaife’s older brother, urges her to return to the city to keep an eye on Adako. Nnu Ego returns to find that Nnaife had been home for a brief visit and had left some money for her that she failed to receive. Relations between Nnu Ego and Adako grow increasingly strained, culminating in Nnu Ego’s rude and brusque treatment of one of Adako’s visiting cousins. When Nnaife’s friends step in to resolve the conflict, Adako decides that she and her daughters will move out on their own. Impoverished once again, Nnu Ego spends the last of her savings before learning she had not been receiving her husband’s yearly stipends due to an institutional error. Nnaife returns and spends most of this windfall. Though Nnu Ego is pregnant again, Nnaife decides to return to Ibuza, where he impregnates Adankwo and returns with a teenage bride, Okpo. Nnu Ego gives birth to twin girls.

The family moves to a mud house in another part of town. First Oshia and then Adim announce their intentions of furthering their educations. When Oshia tells Nnaife he has won a scholarship to study in the United States, Nnaife denounces him for his dereliction of his filial duty. Taiwo’s marriage is arranged to an Ibo clerk, but Kehinde runs away to marry a Yoruba. Hearing the news, Nnaife flies into a rage and attempts to murder Kehinde’s father-in-law with his cutlass. Nnaife is put in jail, tried, and sentenced to five years, a stint that is reduced provided he return to Ibuza after his release. Nnu Ego has also returned to her homeland, where she dies several years later, alone by the roadside. Oshia returns to honor Nnu Ego with a costly funeral, befitting her sacrifices as a mother.

Characters :

In "The Joys of Motherhood" by Buchi Emecheta, some characters play more prominent roles in the narrative, distinguishing them as major characters, while others have more peripheral roles, categorizing them as minor characters.

Major Characters:

1. Nnu Ego: The central protagonist whose life experiences anchor the novel.

2. Nnaife: Nnu Ego's husband, a key figure in her life and the unfolding of the story.

3. Amatokwu: Nnu Ego's first husband, whose marriage with her sets significant events in motion.

4. Ngozi: Nnu Ego and Nnaife's firstborn son, whose death deeply affects Nnu Ego's journey.

5. Oshia:  Surviving son of Nnu Ego and Nnaife, symbolizing the next generation's challenges.

6. Adaku: The widow whose arrival influences the dynamics within Nnu Ego's family.

Minor Characters:

1. Taiwo and Kehinde: Nnu Ego's twin daughters, with less central roles compared to their brothers.

2. Adankwo: Eldest wife of Nnaife's brother, contributing to the story's development.

3. Neighbors, Friends, and Acquaintances: Various characters who impact Nnu Ego's life but play more supporting roles.

The major characters drive the central themes and conflicts in the novel, while the minor characters contribute to the broader portrayal of Nigerian society and its complexities.

Themes :

"The Joys of Motherhood" by Buchi Emecheta explores several themes that resonate throughout the narrative. Here are some key themes in the novel:

1. Motherhood: The central theme revolves around the challenges and joys of motherhood, depicting the sacrifices and struggles faced by Nnu Ego as she navigates societal expectations and personal aspirations.

2. Gender Roles: The novel delves into traditional gender roles and the expectations placed on women in Nigerian society. It highlights the limitations and pressures women face in a patriarchal culture.

3. Cultural Change:Emecheta examines the impact of cultural shifts and colonialism on traditional Nigerian values and lifestyles. The characters grapple with changing societal norms and the clash between tradition and modernity.

4. Identity and Belonging: The characters, particularly Nnu Ego, struggle with questions of identity and a sense of belonging as they navigate the complex intersections of tradition, colonial influence, and evolving societal expectations.

5. Economic Struggles: The novel portrays the economic challenges faced by Nnu Ego and her family, reflecting broader issues of poverty and inequality within Nigerian society.

6. Generational Conflict: The tension between generations is explored, especially through the experiences of Nnu Ego's children, who face a different world and set of challenges compared to their parents.

7. Colonial Impact: The narrative touches on the consequences of colonialism, portraying how external forces disrupt traditional ways of life and contribute to societal changes.

8. Sacrifice: Nnu Ego's life is marked by numerous sacrifices for her family and children, reflecting the broader theme of sacrifice in the pursuit of societal and familial expectations.

These themes collectively contribute to the rich tapestry of the novel, providing a nuanced exploration of the complexities of life in Nigeria during a period of significant cultural and social transformation.

Symbols :

"The Joys of Motherhood" by Buchi Emecheta incorporates various symbols that deepen the narrative and convey underlying themes. Here are some notable symbols in the novel:

1. Carter Bridge and the Waterfront: The bridge represents a threshold between life and death. Nnu Ego contemplates suicide at the waterfront, symbolizing the immense struggles and despair she faces as a mother.

2. Ngozi's Death:The death of Nnu Ego's firstborn, Ngozi, symbolizes the harsh realities of life, the fragility of existence, and the sacrifices demanded by societal expectations.

3. The Chi:Nnu Ego's chi, or guiding spirit, represents the influence of ancestral spirits and the interconnectedness of past and present. The chi is identified as the spirit of a slave girl, highlighting the historical and cultural complexities faced by the characters.

4. The City of Lagos: Lagos serves as a symbol of modernity and change. It represents the clash between traditional Nigerian values and the disruptive impact of colonialism, reflecting the broader societal transformation.

5. The Mud House: The move to a mud house signifies the characters' descent into poverty and the challenges they face in a rapidly changing urban landscape.

6. The Twins (Taiwo and Kehinde):The birth of twins to Nnu Ego symbolizes the ongoing struggle between tradition and modernity. The twins, with their unique paths and choices, represent the changing roles of women and the challenges faced by the next generation.

7. The British Meers: The British couple for whom Nnaife works symbolize the colonial influence and the economic disparities between the colonizers and the colonized.

8. The Railroad and Grass Cutting: Nnaife's job cutting grass for the railroad symbolizes the exploitation and harsh working conditions faced by the native population under colonial rule.

These symbols contribute to the novel's rich tapestry, adding layers of meaning and depth to the exploration of motherhood, tradition, and societal  change in Nigeria.

My Scuba Diving Experience

            Once upon a sunny day, I set out on a scuba diving adventure, eager to unravel the secrets hidden beneath the ocean's surface. In the beginning, strapping on the scuba gear felt like gearing up for a grand expedition, and with a mix of excitement and nervousness, I took my first underwater breaths.

  As the boat sailed into the vastness of the sea, the underwater world revealed itself like a magical kingdom. Schools of fish darted around me, and the coral reefs were like an underwater garden. It was a bit like Alice stepping into Wonderland, where every finned creature seemed to have a story of its own

       The ocean's mysteries called out to me, and I couldn't help but think of the words of Jacques Yves Cousteau, who said, "The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever." I felt entangled in that net of wonder, and the prospect of future dives seemed like opening a new chapter in a captivating novel.

I just did two dives but I must say Every dive was like turning a page, revealing new characters in the form of exotic fish and intricate coral formations. Sylvia Earle's words echoed in my mind, "With every drop of water you drink, every breath you take, you're connected to the sea. No matter where on Earth you live." It was a reminder of the profound connection we share with the ocean, an invisible thread weaving through each underwater adventure.

Emerging from the water, I couldn't help but feel like I had unlocked a treasure trove of memories. John Dyer captured the essence perfectly, saying, "Water is the driver of nature." Indeed, the underwater world had driven me to appreciate the beauty and diversity of nature in a way I hadn't before.

In the end, my scuba diving experience wasn't just about exploring the depths; it was about embracing the enchantment of the ocean, one dive at a time.

The Ron Clark Story

 Last month we lost a millennial Star. Matthew Perry. Most likely he is always remembered by playing the character of Chandler Bing in famous TV show Friends. But after his death people came to know about his other shows and movies,such as  The Ron Clark Story (2006), Sunset Strip (2006–2007).  Fools Rush In (1997), Almost Heroes (1998), Three to Tango (1999), The Whole Nine Yards (2000), Serving Sara (2002), The Whole Ten Yards (2004), and 17 Again (2009).But apart from all this works I highly recommend all the Teachers weather school, college to must watch one movies of Matthew that is The Ron Clark story. 

           The Ron Clark story is based on a real story about a teacher, Ron Clark, who tries to turn around the toughest, naughtiest sixth grade class in New York. It is a story about pursuing dreams, overcoming challenges, and building relationships. 

               We being a Teacher or a parent always neglect our students. We simply say that, he or she is like this. But there's a reason behind their behavior, how often we talk to them about it? how often we listen to them? how often we try to understand them? how often we treat them with kindness and respect? Very few teachers are there and Mr. Clark is such one teacher. Who understands his student but makes them better human beings. 

           In the realm of education, where the focus often leans heavily on curriculum and academic achievement, the essential aspect of understanding and nurturing a student's emotional and behavioral well-being can sometimes be overlooked. Teachers and parents may inadvertently label a student based on observable behavior without delving into the underlying reasons. It's not uncommon to hear phrases like "he or she is like this," which oversimplifies the complexity of a student's character. Amidst the rush of daily routines, it becomes crucial to pause and ask ourselves: how often do we engage in genuine conversations with our students about their feelings and concerns?

        Listening is a powerful tool that is not always given the attention it deserves in educational settings. Understanding a student's perspective, motivations, and challenges requires active and empathetic listening. Mr. Clark stands out as an exemplary teacher who recognizes the profound impact of truly comprehending his students. He goes beyond the surface, acknowledging that every behavior has a reason, and instead of making assumptions, he engages in open conversations with his students. This approach creates an environment where students feel heard and understood, fostering a positive relationship between teacher and student.

        Moreover, Mr. Clark goes beyond merely understanding his students; he actively works towards making them better human beings. By treating them with kindness and respect, he sets an example of the values he wishes to instill. The act of acknowledging a student's worth and potential can be transformative. Mr. Clark's approach serves as a reminder that education is not solely about transferring knowledge but also about shaping individuals who are compassionate, resilient, and capable of navigating life's challenges. In his classroom, students not only learn academic subjects but also essential life skills that contribute to their holistic development.

                We teach our students four basic skills. 

L - Listening 

S - Speaking 

R - Reading 

W  - Writing 

      After watching this movie I want to ask all the Teachers / Educators out there, You are teaching this four basic skills but. Do You LISTEN to Them? Or Do you Tell them the Importance of the Art of Listening? You teach them Speaking skills but do you speaks nicely to them or Do you teach them how to speak, what to speak and where to speak? You are teaching them Reading skills but how often do you read, what kind of literature you read other than text books or study resources, Do You inspire your students to read? Do you conduct fun reading sessions with them? You teach them writing skills but rather than just teaching them how to write good answers so that they can score good marks and win gold medals, Do you teach them to write journals, about their dreams?  The answer is mostly NO.  

This movie don't teach us how to become a great teacher but it simply teaches us how to TEACH. And if one will teach like this he or she automatically become a Great Educator. 

                     

The Divide

     

     Recently I came across this documentary by #paytm. This documentary is the biggest eye opener for all. It's about Financial Literacy among Men and women. 

                The story is so simple, in one hall men and women from different areas such as Business, Film Industry, Writers, House Makers family Businesses Owners gathered to be part of a survey. One person is asking the questions and if one answers correctly he or she has to take a step forward. In the beginning the questions were so simple but the moment they started asking questions about Economy, Tax, Mutual Funds women were way behind men. This shows the lack of Financial Literacy in women.

         In contemporary India, women are just as ambitious and capable as men when it comes to financial matters. However, it's quite surprising that many women still lack confidence in this area. This lack of confidence often stems from a deeply ingrained societal belief that men are inherently better at managing finances and should take the lead in financial decision-making.

       This traditional gender role has been perpetuated for generations, influencing how women perceive their own financial capabilities. Consequently, even when women possess the skills and knowledge required for financial conversations, they may hesitate to take the initiative or assert themselves in such discussions.

       This issue highlights the importance of challenging these preconceived notions and promoting financial education and empowerment for women, so they can become more self-assured and active participants in financial matters. Breaking free from these stereotypes is essential to ensure that both men and women can contribute equally to their financial well-being and make informed decisions for their families and themselves.

Jude the Obscure

 Jude Fawley, an eleven-year-old boy, wants to follow the example of his teacher Mr. Phillotson, who leaves Marygreen for Christminster to take a university degree and to be ordained. Jude is being raised by his great-aunt, whom he helps in her bakery. He studies very hard on his own to prepare for the move, and to provide a means by which he can support himself at the university, he learns the trade of ecclesiastical stonework. He meets, desires, and marries Arabella Donn, who deceives him into marriage by making him think he has got her pregnant. They do not get along at all, and eventually Arabella leaves him to go with her family to Australia.

Though delayed, Jude does get to Christminster, partly because of his aspirations but also partly because of the presence there of his cousin Sue Bridehead. 

 He meets and falls in love with her, though the fact of his being married causes him to feel guilty. Sue will not return his love, and when he realizes that Phillotson, under whom she is now teaching, is interested in Sue, Jude is in despair. This plus the fact that he has made no headway on getting into the university and realizes he never will causes him to give up that part of his dream and leave Christminster.

At Melchester he intends to pursue theological study and eventually enter the church at a lower level. Sue is there at a training college and is to marry Phillotson when she finishes, but she flees the school when punished for staying out all night with Jude. Jude is puzzled by Sue because her ideas are different from his and she will not return the feeling he has for her.

Shortly after he tells her he is married, she announces her marriage to Phillotson and asks Jude to give her away. He sees Arabella again, who is back from abroad, spends the night with her, and learns that she married in Australia. When he next encounters Sue, she tells him perhaps she shouldn't have married, and Jude vows to go on seeing her in spite of his aim to discipline himself to get into the church.

When Jude's aunt dies, Sue comes to Marygreen for the funeral, and there she admits to him she is unhappy and can't give herself to Phillotson. The kiss Jude and Sue exchange when she leaves for Shaston causes him to think he has reached the point where he is no longer fit for the church; therefore, he burns his theological books and will profess nothing.

Sue asks Phillotson to let her live apart from him, preferably with Jude, but he only allows her to live apart in the house until an instance of her repugnance to him causes him to decide to let her go. Sue goes to Jude and they travel to Aldbrickham, but she will not yet allow intimacy. Phillotson is dismissed from his job at Shaston when Sue never returns, and after seeing her later and not being able to get her back he decides to divorce her to give her complete freedom.

After living together a year at Aldbrickham Jude and Sue have still not consummated their relationship, and though they repeatedly plan to be married they never go through with it. Only when Arabella appears and seems to threaten her hold on Jude does Sue allow intimacy. Arabella marries Cartlett, her Australian husband, again and sends to Jude her and Jude's son, Little Father Time.

When opinion turns against Jude and Sue and he loses a job because of their reputation, they decide to leave Aldbrickham, and they live in many places as Jude works where he can find employment in anything other than ecclesiastical work, which he decides to give up. They now have two children of their own and another on the way. Having seen Sue in Kennetbridge, Arabella, whose husband has died, revives her interest in Jude, and when she encounters Phillotson, who is now in Marygreen, she tells him he was wrong to let Sue go. Jude, now ill and not working regularly, wants to return to Christminster.

They do return to Christminster, arriving on a holiday, and Jude is upset by his return to the city that has meant so much to him and gives a speech to a street crowd in an attempt to explain what his life has meant. Despairing talk by Sue triggers off a reaction in Little Father Time, and he hangs the other two children and himself. And the child Sue is carrying is born dead. Jude and Sue have reached the point where their views of life have about reversed, Jude becoming secular and Sue religious; and when Phillotson writes to ask Sue to come back to him, she agrees, thinking of it as a penance.

Sue returns to Phillotson at Marygreen and marries him again, though she still finds him repugnant. Arabella comes to Jude, and by persistent scheming she gets him to marry her once more. They get along about as before, and though ill Jude goes to see Sue and they declare their love for each other. As a further penance, Sue then gives herself to Phillotson. Jude learns of this, and on the holiday the following year, while Arabella is out enjoying the festivities, Jude dies. Only Arabella and Mrs. Edlin are present to stand watch by  his coffin.

Teachers Day

📚🍎 "Teachers plant the seeds of knowledge that grow forever." 🌱✨

         On this special occasion of #teachersday I had the incredible privilege of watching my girls step onto the world's stage, playing my role with grace and brilliance. Shakespeare once said, "All the world's a stage," and today, I witnessed the truth in those words as my students shone in their performances.

       I must confess, they played their parts exceptionally well, reminding me once again of the profound impact teachers can have on their students.

With B. A. Semester 3 Professors

With B. A. Semester 5 Professors 

With B. A. Semester 1 Professors 

Pallavi Rathod , in her lecture for B.A. Semester 3, Paper No. 7, delved into the fascinating topic of "Understanding Tragedy: An Exploration of Tragic Elements." Her depth of knowledge and engaging presentation style left a lasting impression.

Aarchita Sakariya, in her 4th lecture for the 3rd semester of Compulsory English, presented an engaging discussion on the classic tale, "The Monkey's Paw." Her enthusiasm and expertise undoubtedly made the subject matter come alive for her students, promising and a meaningful exploration of this literary work.

In the third lecture of Semester 3, we had the privilege of learning from Krupali Baraiya. She delved into the intriguing subject of "Characteristics of the Anglo Saxon Period/Age" within the realm of History (Paper No. 5). Krupali's teaching left an indelible mark, with her deep insights and passionate delivery making the topic truly come to life.

We had the privilege of experiencing the first lecture of the semester in S.Y.B.A. English, delivered by the accomplished Bansi Khamal. The topic, "Prayer Before Birth," from the course "A Study of Drama and Poetry" (Paper No. 6), was brilliantly introduced by Bansi. Her lecture, set a high standard for the semester, showcasing her expertise and dedication to the subject.

We had Bhatti Janvi  for the 4th lecture of Indian English Literature. Her expertise and teaching style added immense value to our learning experience.

Sakshi Nishad from B. A. Semester 5, delivered a lecture on Computer Ethics through an article. In addition to the lecture, two engaging activities were conducted:

1. Thinking Activity: Students were required to pick a chit containing a number and a corresponding question posed by the professor. They were then tasked with providing answers to these questions. This activity encouraged critical thinking and active participation among the students.

2. Doodle Art Activity: The second activity involved creating doodle art based on the entire syllabus. This creative exercise allowed students to visually represent and explore the syllabus content in a unique and engaging way.

Sakshi Nishad's lecture and these interactive activities enriched the learning experience for the students, fostering both intellectual engagement and creativity in the classroom.

Lecturer: Hitisha Dudharejiya
Lecture Number: 3
Topic: "Heart Of Darkness"
Course: Study Of English Literature (11)

Activities:

1. Thinking Activity Students engaged in defining the concept of "DARKNESS" in their own words, exploring its various interpretations.

2. Doodle Art: Students created artwork illustrating the themes of adventure and the darkness within the human soul and society, as inspired by the content of "Heart Of Darkness."

Hitisha Dudharejiya's lecture, along with these thought-provoking activities, contributed to a deeper understanding of the literary work and encouraged creative expression among the students.

Jayshree Harkat, delivered a captivating lecture on the timeless classic, "Death of a Salesman." Her expertise and passion for the subject shone brightly, making the complex themes and characters of the play come to life for her students.

God of Small Things Quotes

 And the air was full of Thoughts and Things to Say. But at times like these, only the Small Things are ever said. Big Things lurk unsaid inside.

If you're happy in a dream, does that count?.

She wore flowers in her hair and carried magic secrets in her eyes. She spoke to no one. She spent hours on the riverbank. She smoked cigarettes and had midnight swims…

This was the trouble with families. Like invidious doctors, they knew just where it hurt.

But what was there to say?

Only that there were tears. Only that Quietness and Emptiness fitted together like stacked spoons. Only that there was a snuffling in the hollows at the base of a lovely throat. Only that a hard honey-colored shoulder had a semicircle of teethmarks on it. Only that they held each other close, long after it was over. Only that what they shared that night was not happiness, but hideous grief.

Only that once again they broke the Love Laws. That lay down who should be loved. And how. And how much.

The way her body existed only where he touched her. The rest of her was smoke.

He folded his fear into a perfect rose. He held it out in the palm of his hand. She took it from him and put it in her hair.

It is after all so easy to shatter a story. To break a chain of thought. To ruin a fragment of a dream being carried around carefully like a piece of porcelain. To let it be, to travel with it, as Velutha did, is much the harder thing to do.

Ammu said that human beings were creatures of habit, and it was amazing the kind of things one could get used to.

If he touched her, he couldn't talk to her, if he loved her he couldn't leave, if he spoke he couldn't listen, if he fought he couldn't win.

D’you know what happens when you hurt people?’ Ammu said. ‘When you hurt people, they begin to love you less. That’s what careless words do. They make people love you a little less.

As Estha stirred the thick jam he thought Two Thoughts and the Two Thoughts he thought were these:

a) Anything can happen to anyone.

and

b) It is best to be prepared.

Nothing mattered much. Nothing much mattered. And the less it mattered the less it mattered. It was never important enough. Because Worse Things had happened. In the country that she came from poised forever between the terror of war and the horror of peace Worse Things kept happening.

Being with him made her feel as though her soul had escaped from the narrow confines of her island country into the vast, extravagant spaces of his. He made her feel as though the world belonged to them- as though it lay before them like an opened frog on a dissecting table, begging to be examined.

There are things that you can't do - like writing letters to a part of yourself. To your feet or hair. Or heart.

Little events, ordinary things, smashed and reconstituted. Suddenly, they become the bleached bones of a story.

She was perhaps too young to realize that what she assumed was her love for [him] was actually a tentative, timorous, acceptance of herself.

By then Esthappen and Rahel had learned that the world had other ways of breaking men. They were already familiar with the smell. Sicksweet. Like old roses on a breeze.

Ammu loved her children (of course), but their wide-eyed vulnerability and their willingness to love people who didn't really love them exasperated her and sometimes made her want to hurt them-- just as an education, a precaution.

With the certitude of a true believer, Vellya Paapen had assured the twins that there was no such thing in the world as a black cat. He said that there were only black cat chaped holes in the universe.

Importance of Exam

Importance of examinations in student’s life:

Exams have an important role in the process of learning and in the whole educational institution.” Exams and tests are a great way to assess what the students have learned with regards to particular subjects. … Strengths and weaknesses can also be assessed through exams.

Why Exam Is Necessary? 

Many of the students get irritated when they heard the words of an exam because their exam mentality is very poor, maybe they don’t know about the importance of exams.

Generally, students give oral and written exams in their schools/colleges. They have a wrong belief like an exam is not necessary but if they try to think in a detailed positive manner at that time they able to understand the benefits of exams.

Confidence:

The exam develops confidence which increases a student’s personality in a hard-working manner.

At exam time, students become conscious about their exam performance and they do hard work and try to give the best performance.When they get good marks they feel happy and their marks help to increase confidence level.

Enthusiasm for competition:

An exam is just like a type of healthy competition for proving more knowledge and skill.

       Every student prepares themselves as they participate in the competition and most of them to prove themselves better than other students, they try to get more score and also built a new strategy for reading, they improve their writing skills for better marks.

Self-analysis of own skill:

The exam evaluates the student’s ability of learning. It is an effective way to analyze the knowledge of students. It is a measurement of how much they learn and constraint in the study. An exam is for self-improvement.

Achievements:

Often, students take an exam as a career at that time they are very serious about the exams and they prove themselves for their goal and they get the achievement.

Some schools/colleges enhance the student’s knowledge by giving them awards and certificates and motivate students to increase their intelligence which is the proud moments of hardworking not for individuals but also it is all about the support of their parents and teachers.

Learning:

Each and every step of life, we face new situations and learn from them.

An exam is a major factor in learning. students learn the lesson of patience, discipline, and leadership through exams.

Exam help to introduce own skill. Exam develops thinking, logic and makes quick decision-making.

Scholarship:

Sometimes, not each parent are capable to provide the best knowledge for their children at that time scholarship is one of the options for students to study.

An exam is one of the gateways to achieve scholarship and study for further higher education.

Easy judgment for teaching:

Exams is an analysis of the student’s understanding and grasping power. It is the judgment of how students are capable of their study. Parents and teachers analyze the potential of the study.

After Reading the Blog write your own Thoughts about Exam.

Happy Learning,

Literature Bless you.

Thinking Activity by B.A. Semester 3 Students

 Recently I taught Thomas Nashes's poem A Litany in  Time of Plague. The principle theme of Nashe's “A Litany in Time of Plague” is that Death and Suffering are inevitable. When you are studying Literature it becomes necessary to Enhance and Polish  Ones Creative Insights as well as Critical Insights . To bring out the Critical as well as Creative thinking and writing Insights of Students, I assigned a task to Create "Quotes on Death" After understanding the poem,And I must say that the end results are Pretty Amazing.

  

P& P Quotes

 Pride and Prejudice Quotes

Quotes by Elizabeth Bennet :

“Is not general incivility the very essence of love?”

“There are few people whom I really love, and still fewer of whom I think well. The more I see of the world, the more am I dissatisfied with it; and every day confirms my belief of the inconsistency of all human characters, and of the little dependence that can be placed on the appearance of merit or sense.”

“One cannot be always laughing at a man without now and then stumbling on something witty.”

“The distance is nothing when one has motive.”

“Think only of the past as its remembrance gives you pleasure.”

“I am only resolved to act in that manner, which will, in my own opinion, constitute my happiness, without reference to you, or to any person so wholly unconnected with me.”

“Follies and nonsense, whims and inconsistencies, do divert me, I own, and I laugh at them whenever I can.”

“What are men to rocks and mountains?”

“There is a stubbornness about me that never can bear to be frightened at the will of others. My courage always rises at every attempt to intimidate me.”

 “Do not consider me now as an elegant female, intending to play you, but as a rational creature, speaking the truth from her heart.”

“I could easily forgive his pride, if he had not mortified mine.”

“Till this moment I never knew myself.”

“Your defect is a propensity to hate everybody.” “And yours,” he replied with a smile, “is willfully to misunderstand them.”

“You have bewitched me body and soul. And I love…I love…I love you. I never wish to be parted from you from this day on.”

-Mr. Darcy.