English Notes

Introduction Challapalli Swaroopa Rani is a prominent Dalit writer. Her mature poetry focuses mainly on the issues of gender and caste. Her translated piece “Water” by Uma Bhrugubanda is a metaphor that shows the plight of the untouchables in our society.    Theme / Summary The poem is a heart rending account of a Dalit voice. It is a graphic portrayal of humiliation and insult suffered by the downtrodden. The evil practices of the century-old caste system is the theme of this poem. The poet gives us a firsthand account of the agony and sorrow experienced by Dalits. Water is holy; it purges our sins according to our holy scriptures. It is our basic commodity. However, water becomes the symbol of revolt over equal rights.    Water through the eyes of the speaker becomes omniscient that knows the age-old conflict between the village and the Wada. According to the poet, water also knows very well that untouchability remains as long as discrimination prevails. ...

Click for Video Explanation Introduction Chinua Achebe is a renowned Nigerian novelist, poet, professor, and critic. His works highlight the clash of Western and traditional African values. His style reflects Igbo oral tradition. The narration is peppered with folk stories, proverbs and oratory. Among his many works, ‘Things Fall Apart’, ‘Arrow of God’ are very popular.   Theme “The Voter ''is a beautiful story symbolic of the entry of a new system of governance into the innocent settlements of native people in Africa. It shows how Igbo people fall prey to the snares of the western systems.The story also depicts how  democratic exercise of the west introduced in Africa corrupts the innocent lgbo folks. Rufus Okeke, the protagonist is very popular in the village Umuofia, for he chose to stay back in his village instead of a bright future to guide his people in difficult times. Thus he had won their confidence.  When the story opens, it  is election time to choose...

Click for Video Explanation Chinua Achebe is a renowned Nigerian novelist, poet, professor, and critic. His works highlight the clash of Western and traditional African values. Here in the story “The Voter” we see how democratic exercise of the west corrupts the innocent lgbo folks. Marcus Ibe was a Mission school teacher. He plunged into politics and won the election. People of Umuofia elected him without any monetary demands. He became the Minister of Culture in the PAP government. Politics had changed his life phenomenally: he gained wealth, titles and honours. On the opening ceremony of his new house, he had arranged a great feast for his villagers. The people realised the magic of politics. They did not want to vote him in the next election for free. Roof was a loyal follower of Marcus Ibe and very popular in his village. He understood the pulse of the people very well. He vehemently campaigned for Marcus even striking a bargain of 4 pence with the villagers. However, on the...