English Confluence By CL Gautam

  Part A: Flamingo – Prose 1. The Last Lesson – Alphonse Daudet Franz Franz is a young schoolboy who is careless about his studies at the beginning of the story. He dislikes learning grammar and often fears his teacher, M. Hamel. One day, he learns that it is his last French lesson because an order has come from Berlin to teach only German in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine. This news makes him realise the importance of his mother tongue. He regrets wasting his time and develops respect for M. Hamel. Franz represents students who understand the value of education only when they are about to lose it. M. Hamel M. Hamel is a dedicated French teacher who has taught in the school for forty years. He is strict but deeply devoted to his language and profession. On the day of his last lesson, he wears his special clothes and teaches with great patience and emotion. He blames himself, the parents and the students for neglecting education. He explains that French is a beautiful and import...

Sermon at Benares –  Questions & Answers 1. Who was Gautama Buddha? Answer : Gautama Buddha was a spiritual teacher and the founder of Buddhism. He was born as Prince Siddhartha Gautama. After witnessing suffering, old age, disease and death, he renounced his luxurious life and attained enlightenment. 2. Why did Gautama Buddha leave his luxurious life? Answer : Buddha was deeply disturbed after seeing an old man, a sick man, a funeral procession and an ascetic. These sights made him realise that suffering and death are unavoidable parts of human life. He therefore left his princely life in search of truth. 3. Who was Kisa Gotami? Answer : Kisa Gotami was a woman whose only son had died. She was overcome with grief and went from house to house looking for medicine to bring her son back to life. 4. Why did Kisa Gotami go to Buddha? Answer : Kisa Gotami went to Buddha because she wanted him to give her medicine that could bring her dead son back to life. Buddha agreed to help her...