A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings by Gabriel García Márquez summary, A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings by Gabriel García Márquez essay, A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings by Gabriel García Márquez

A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings 

 Gabriel García Márquez 

Short Essay 

Introduction:

          Gabriel García Márquez’s “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings” presents a world where the magical appears in everyday life. The story focuses on how common people respond to something divine. Instead of faith, kindness, or respect, the characters show fear, curiosity, and greed. Through this, the author exposes human selfishness and moral weakness.

The Mysterious Arrival:

          After continuous rain, Pelayo discovers an old man with huge wings lying helplessly in his muddy courtyard. The man looks weak, dirty, and speaks an unknown language. Though his wings suggest he may be an angel, he appears ordinary and miserable. Pelayo and Elisenda, confused and afraid, lock him in a chicken coop. A neighbour claims he is an angel who came for their sick child. When the child suddenly recovers, people begin to believe in the old man’s supernatural power.

Human Curiosity and Exploitation:

          Villagers gather in large numbers to see the winged man. Instead of treating him with respect, they behave cruelly, throwing food and poking him. Father Gonzaga doubts that the old man is a real angel. Elisenda fences the yard and charges money, becoming rich. Many people come hoping for miracles, but the angel’s miracles are strange and disappointing. Later, a spider-woman becomes more popular because her story is clear and entertaining. As a result, the angel is ignored.

Suffering, Survival, and Freedom:

          The angel slowly becomes a burden in Pelayo’s house. He grows weak, sick, and almost loses his wings. Still, he survives harsh weather and neglect. Over time, his wings grow back. One day, he finally flies away clumsily but freely.

Conclusion:

          The story highlights human cruelty, greed, and lack of compassion. Márquez shows that people often fail to recognize true miracles when they do not serve personal interest.

Your children are not your children by Khalil Gibran Essay, Your children are not your children by Khalil Gibran summary, Your children are not your children by Khalil Gibran

Your children are not your children 

Khalil Gibran 

Short Essay 

Introduction:

          Khalil Gibran’s poem “Your Children Are Not Your Children” presents a thoughtful view on the relationship between parents and children. The poet explains that children are independent individuals. Parents play an important role in raising them, but they do not own their lives or future.

Children Belong to Life:

         Gibran says that children are born through parents, but they belong to Life itself. This means parents are only a medium for their birth. Children come into the world with their own purpose and identity, which cannot be controlled by parents.

Freedom of Thought and Soul:

          Parents can give love, care, and a home to their children. However, they cannot force their thoughts or ideas on them. Children have their own thinking and feelings. Their future lies ahead in a world that parents may not fully understand.

Role of Parents in a Child’s Growth:

         The poet explains that parents should support and guide their children. They should help them move forward in life without trying to shape them according to their own past experiences. Children must be allowed to grow in their own way.

Conclusion:

          The poem teaches that true parenting is based on love, guidance, and understanding. Parents should respect their children’s individuality and allow them to grow freely.

M.K. Gandhi - Autobiography - Inspection Episode Examination from Part I 'Childhood, M.K. Gandhi - Autobiography - Inspection Episode Examination from Part I 'Childhood in Tamil

Inspection Episode - Examination

 from Part I 'Childhood

Autobiography by M.K. Gandhi

Short Essay 

Introduction:

          The Story of My Experiments with Truth is the autobiography of Mahatma Gandhi. In this book, Gandhi honestly describes his life experiences and moral development. In Part I, Chapter 2 – Childhood, he narrates an important incident from his school life known as the Inspection Episode. This episode clearly shows how Gandhi’s belief in truth and honesty was formed at a very young age.

Gandhi as a Student:

          Gandhi describes himself as a shy and average student. He was not brilliant in studies and avoided mingling with other children. His books were his only companions. He followed rules strictly, reached school on time, and returned home immediately after classes. He feared being mocked and therefore lived a disciplined and quiet life.

The Examination Incident:

          During his first year in high school, an educational inspector named Mr. Giles conducted a spelling test. Gandhi misspelt the word “kettle.” His teacher tried to prompt him to copy from a neighbour, but Gandhi refused. He believed copying was wrong. As a result, all students passed except Gandhi.

Truth and Moral Courage:

          This incident shows Gandhi’s moral courage and honesty. He chose truth over success and marks. Even failure did not shake his values.

Conclusion:

          The Inspection Episode proves that Gandhi’s commitment to truth was natural and deep-rooted. This childhood incident later became the foundation of his life philosophy.

F.T.Wood - Linguistic Changes - English Language Varieties - Idiolect, Dialect, Pidgin & Creole, ASPECTS OF LANGUAGE & LINGUISTICS

ASPECTS OF LANGUAGE & LINGUISTICS

Unit 5

F.T.Wood - Linguistic Changes - English Language Varieties - Idiolect, Dialect, Pidgin & Creole

Introduction

          According to F. T. Wood, language is a living system that keeps changing with time. English did not develop suddenly but evolved slowly through history because of social, cultural, and historical changes. Linguistic change and language varieties help us understand how English adapts to human needs and social situations.

Linguistic Change

          Linguistic change refers to the natural changes that take place in a language over time. F. T. Wood explains that language changes because people, society, and technology change. English Changes because New technology creates new words, Social trends change how people speak, English borrows words from other languages, Pronunciation changes over time, Economy of effort, Contact between different dialects and Social prestige and fashion in speech. Wood clearly shows that English survives and grows because it is flexible and open to change.

English Language Varieties

          According to F. T. Wood, English does not exist in a single fixed form. It changes according to the speaker, region, social group, and situation. These differences create varieties of English such as idiolect, dialect, pidgin, and creole.

Idiolect

           An idiolect is the unique way a single person speaks. Every individual has their own idiolect, like a personal language fingerprint that no one else has exactly the same. Idiolect is influenced by: Family language habits, Education level, Social background, Region, Personality style, Favourite vocabulary, Pronunciation pattern, Emotional expressions, Repeated phrases.

Idiolect examples:

• Lexical Choice: A person who always says “y’all” instead of “you all” in conversations.

• Vocabulary Preference: Someone who prefers using “fridge” instead of “refrigerator” regularly.

• Pronunciation Variation: A speaker who pronounces “water” as “wader” unique to their speech. One person says “ree-search,” another says “re-sirch.”

• Personal grammar habits: Someone always says, “I doesn’t know” by mistake.

• Unique tone and rhythm: Some speak fast; some speak softly; some use long pauses.

Dialect

          A dialect is a form of a language spoken by a particular group of people, often in a specific region or community. Dialects differ from one another in vocabulary, pronunciation, cultural expressions and grammar but still belong to the same language family. Dialects can also show social or ethnic identity and cultural history. People within dialect groups understand each other but might sound quite different to outsiders.

Two types of dialects.

• Regional dialects are related to geographical areas, and they change from place to place; for example, Bengali English, Cockney spoken in London.

• Social dialects are related to social groups such as class, caste, or occupation, and they show differences in speech based on social status; for example, working-class English and upper-class British English.

Dialect examples:

• British English uses “flat” for apartment; American English uses “apartment.”

• Australian English uses “arvo” for afternoon; not common in other English dialects.

• Indian English includes unique words like “prepone” meaning to bring something earlier.

Pidgin

          A pidgin is a simplified form of language created when speakers of different native languages need to communicate, usually for trade or work. They cannot speak each other’s languages. They mix simple vocabulary from different languages. It has limited vocabulary and simple grammar because it only serves basic communication needs. They develop quickly out of necessity and are practical tools rather than full languages.

Pidgin Examples

• Tok Pisin in Papua New Guinea: Traders say “mi go” for “I go” mixing English and local words

• Chinese Pidgin English is used in old trading ports. Example: “You no pay, I no give.”

• Nigerian Pidgin English – Example: “How you dey?” (How are you?)

Creole

          A creole language develops from a pidgin once it becomes the first language of a community. Creoles have more complex grammar and vocabulary than pidgins. They often emerge in communities where multiple languages came into contact. Creoles are complete languages used for all aspects of daily life. It develops when Families settle in one place. Children grow up learning the pidgin. Creoles evolve naturally over generations and reflect the culture and identity of their speakers.

Creole example

• Tok Pisin is an official language of Papua New Guinea, and it clearly shows an English-based creole structure. Examples: “Mi go long skul.” – I am going to school; “Yu kam long we?” – Where are you coming from?

• Jamaican Creole (Patois): “Mi waan go” (I want to go), “She fraid” (She is afraid).

• Nigerian Pidgin: “Where you going?”, “Waata” (Water).

Conclusion

           F. T. Wood presents English as a dynamic and evolving language. Linguistic change shows how language grows with society. Varieties like idiolect, dialect, pidgin, and creole clearly explain how individuals and communities shape language. According to Wood, the strength of English lies in its ability to adapt and change with human life.

The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe summary, The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe essay, The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe, The Raven Summary, The Raven Essay

The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe

Short Essay

Introduction

        Edgar Allan Poe’s The Raven is a dark poem about grief, fear, and the human mind. The story shows one night in the life of a lonely man who is mourning the death of his beloved Lenore. A mysterious raven enters his room and speaks only one word — “Nevermore,” slowly destroying his hope.

A Sad Midnight and a Strange Knocking

          The poem begins at midnight on a cold December. The speaker is tired, weak, and trying to distract himself by reading old books. He is grieving for Lenore, who has died. Suddenly he hears a soft knocking at his door. To stay calm, he keeps telling himself it is only a late visitor. But when he opens the door, he finds nothing except deep darkness. The empty hallway makes him more frightened and emotional.

The Raven Enters the Room

          The knocking returns, this time from the window. When he opens it, a black raven flies in and sits on a statue of Pallas above the door. The bird looks serious and ancient. When the speaker asks for its name, the raven replies, “Nevermore.” Even though the answer does not match the question, the speaker is shocked that a bird can speak.

Losing Hope and Emotional Collapse

          The speaker begins asking deeper questions about peace, healing, and meeting Lenore again. Each time the raven answers “Nevermore.” The word crushes his remaining hope. He orders the raven to leave, but it refuses.

Conclusion

          The raven stays on the statue, casting a dark shadow. The speaker feels his soul trapped in that shadow forever, symbolising grief that will never end.

Crow Testament by Sherman Alexie, Crow Testament by Sherman Alexie summary, Crow Testament by Sherman Alexie essay, Crow Testament Summary, Crow Testament Essay

 Crow Testament by Sherman Alexie

Short Essay 

Introduction

          Sherman Alexie’s poem “Crow Testament” uses Crow as a symbol of Native American people and their long history of suffering. The poem mixes humour, Bible stories, and real Native issues to show how their struggles continue from old times to the present. Crow’s repeated word “Damn” expresses shock, frustration, and tired acceptance.

Violence and Early Suffering

            The poem begins with the story of Cain and Abel, the first murder in the Bible. Alexie places Crow inside this scene to show that violence has existed since the beginning of human history. Crow watches the killing and understands that this is only the start of a long chain of pain. This early picture sets the tone for the rest of the poem.

Colonisation and Loss

           Alexie then shows how the white man, represented as a falcon, steals Crow’s salmon, which stands for Native resources and culture. This reflects how Native people repeatedly lost their land and traditions. Crow’s complaint that he would escape if he could shows deep frustration and helplessness.

Identity and Modern Problems

              The poem also discusses religious confusion, internal fights, poverty, and alcoholism. Crow collecting bottles for little money shows how reservation life is full of hardship. Crow riding a pale horse into a powwow shows that Native people are no longer shocked by suffering.

Conclusion

            Crow Testament highlights survival, pain, and humour. Alexie shows that despite constant challenges, Native Americans continue to endure.

When I consider how my light is spent On his blindness - Sonnet 19 John Milton Summary, When I consider how my light is spent On his blindness - Sonnet 19 John Milton essay, When I consider how my light is spent On his blindness - Sonnet 19 John Milton

 When I consider how my light is spent 

On his blindness - Sonnet 19

John Milton

Introduction

          John Milton’s Sonnet 19, often called “When I consider how my light is spent,” captures the poet’s internal struggle after losing his eyesight. The poem evaluates his fear of failing in his God-given purpose and then shifts toward a strategic understanding of divine expectations.

Milton’s Realisation of His Blindness

          The speaker reflects on how he became blind in the middle stage of his life. He sees the world as a dark place and feels that his most valuable talent—writing—has become useless. This creates anxiety, because he believes that hiding his talent would be a serious mistake.

Conflict About Serving God

          He worries that he cannot complete the work God expects from him. He questions whether God would still demand tasks that require sight after taking away that sight. This doubt reflects his fear of being judged for not using his abilities.

Patience Provides the Answer

          His inner voice, symbolised as Patience, counters this fear. It states that God does not depend on human labour or special talents. Obedience matters more than action. Even those who quietly wait for God’s direction serve Him effectively.

Conclusion

          The poem finally communicates that service to God is not measured by physical work but by sincere faith and willingness to obey.