5. Poets and Pancakes

Poets and Pancakes 

(by Asokamitran)

Think as You Read (Page 59)

Q1. What is ‘fiery misery’?

Answer:
“Fiery misery” means the strong heat and discomfort in the make-up room. There were many bright lights around the mirrors which produced a lot of heat. Artists had to sit under these lights for a long time. This made them feel very uncomfortable and tired.

Q2. Example of national integration

Answer:
The make-up department had people from different parts of India. They belonged to different states, languages, and religions. Even then, they worked together peacefully as one team. This shows unity in diversity.

Q3. What did the office boy do? Why was he sad?

Answer:
The office boy worked in the make-up department and applied make-up to junior artists. He had joined the studio with big dreams of becoming an actor or writer. But he remained in a small job for many years. This made him feel disappointed and unhappy.

Q4. Why did the author look idle?

Answer:
The author’s job was to cut newspaper clippings and file them. Other workers did not think this was important work. So, they believed he was wasting time. That is why he appeared to be doing nothing.

 Think as You Read (Page 61)

Q1. Why was the office boy frustrated?

Answer:
The office boy was frustrated because he could not fulfil his dreams in the film industry. Even after many years, he remained in a low position. He felt his talent was not recognised. So, he became angry and often showed his frustration towards the author.

Q2. Who was Subbu’s boss?

Answer:
Subbu worked under S. S. Vasan, who was the owner and head of Gemini Studios. He respected and followed him completely.

Q3. Why is Subbu called a talented person?

Answer:
Subbu was a talented and multi-skilled person. He could act, write stories, and help others in solving problems. He was always cheerful and ready to work. Because of these qualities, he was considered very capable.

Q4. Why was the legal adviser called opposite?

Answer:
The legal adviser was expected to give proper advice, but his actions often created problems. He sometimes did things that were not right. So, people jokingly called him the opposite of a legal adviser.

Q5. What made the lawyer different?

Answer:
The lawyer looked different from others because of his dressing style. He wore pants, shirt, and tie, while others wore simple khadi clothes. His formal dress and behaviour made him stand out.

 Think as You Read (Page 64)

Q1. Did studio people follow politics?

Answer:
No, the people at the studio did not seriously follow politics. They were influenced by common ideas of the time like wearing khadi and respecting Mahatma Gandhi. However, they did not clearly understand political ideas like Communism. Their knowledge was limited and not very deep.

Q2. Why was MRA welcomed?

Answer:
The Moral Re-Armament Army was welcomed because it was against Communism, which the studio people also disliked. Moreover, the workers were often bored with their routine work. So, MRA’s visit brought some excitement and entertainment to them.

Q3. One effect of MRA

Answer:
MRA had a strong influence on theatre and drama. Many Indian plays started copying their style, especially scenes like sunrise and sunset. This shows that their way of presentation impressed the local artists.

Q4. Who was the Boss?

Answer:
The Boss of Gemini Studios was S. S. Vasan. He was the owner and head of the studio. All important decisions were taken by him, and everyone respected his authority.

Q5. Why could people not understand the Englishman?

Answer:
People could not understand the Englishman because he spoke in a difficult British accent. Also, his ideas were related to poetry and literature, which the audience was not familiar with. So, they failed to follow his speech.

Q6. Why was his visit a mystery?

Answer:
His visit remained a mystery because no one understood his speech or purpose clearly. The audience did not know who he really was or why he had come. This created confusion among the studio staff.

 Think as You Read (Page 65)

Q1. Who was the English visitor?

Answer:
The English visitor was Stephen Spender. He was a famous poet, writer, and editor. He was invited to speak at Gemini Studios.

Q2. How did the author know him later?

Answer:
Later, the author visited a library and read a magazine called Encounter. There he saw that Stephen Spender was the editor. Then he realised that the same person had visited the studio earlier.

Q3. What is The God That Failed?

Answer:
The God That Failed is a book written by different writers. In this book, they explain why they lost faith in Communism. It shows their disappointment with that idea.

 Understanding the Text

Q1. How is humour used?

Answer:
The writer uses gentle and simple humour in the chapter. He describes people and situations in a funny but polite way. He does not insult anyone but shows their weaknesses lightly. This makes the story interesting and enjoyable to read.

Q2. Why was Subbu important?

Answer:
Subbu was very important because he always helped the boss in solving problems. He was loyal, hardworking, and ready to do any task. Because of his helpful nature, he became very close to the boss and gained importance in the studio.

Q3. Why was the poet’s speech not successful?

Answer:
The poet’s speech was not successful because the audience could not understand his language and ideas. His British accent made it difficult to follow. Also, the people were not interested in poetry, so they could not connect with him.

Q4. What do we learn about the author?

Answer:
We learn that the author was very interested in reading and writing. Even though his job was simple, he wanted to become a writer. He kept learning and improving himself, which shows his dedication and hard work.