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ICSE Class IX Notes 2023 : (Jamnabai Narsee School (JNS), GIFT city, Gandhinagar) : other

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Tanish Bansal
Jamnabai Narsee School (JNS), GIFT city, Gandhinagar

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I Remember, I Remember Line-by-line explanation of the poem I remember, I remember, / The house where I was born, The poet recalls with nostalgia the home of his earliest memories. The little window where the sun / Came peeping in at morn; He remembers a specific window in his childhood home where the morning sun would shine through. He never came a wink too soon, / Nor brought too long a day, The sun was always timely, neither rising too early nor setting too late. But now, I often wish the night / Had borne my breath away! In his current state, he sometimes wishes that the night had taken his life, indicating a sense of despair in adulthood. I remember, I remember, / The roses, red and white, He reminisces about the vibrant roses from his childhood. The violets, and the lily-cups, / Those flowers made of light! He recalls other flowers that seemed to glow with a special light. The lilacs where the robin built, / And where my brother set He remembers the lilac bushes where a bird built its nest and a memory involving his sibling. The laburnum on his birth-day, / The tree is living yet! A tree was planted on his brother s birthday, and it still stands, symbolizing enduring memories. I remember, I remember, / Where I was used to swing, He recalls playing and swinging as a child. And thought the air must rush as fresh / To swallows on the wing; He felt the fresh air while swinging, comparing his joy to that of birds in flight. My spirit flew in feathers then, / That is so heavy now, His spirit was light and free during childhood but feels burdened in adulthood. And summer pools could hardly cool / The fever on my brow! He remembers the refreshing summer pools and the intense emotions of his youth. I remember, I remember, / The fir trees dark and high; He reminisces about the tall fir trees from his childhood. I used to think their slender tops / Were close against the sky: In his childhood, he believed the trees touched the sky. It was a childish ignorance, / But now tis little joy He realizes his naive childhood beliefs, and there s less joy in knowing the reality now. To know I m farther off from heaven / Than when I was a boy! He feels more distant from the bliss of childhood and closer to happiness as a child than he does now. Word meanings Morn: Short for morning; the early part of the day. Wink: A very short period of time; in this context, it means the sun never appeared even a moment too early. Borne: Carried or transported. Laburnum: A type of small tree with hanging clusters of yellow flowers. It s often considered beautiful but is toxic if ingested. Swing: A seat suspended by ropes or chains, on which someone may sit and swing back and forth. Swallows: A type of bird known for its agile flight. Feathers: The soft, light covering of a bird. Fir trees: A type of evergreen coniferous tree. Slender: Gracefully thin. Ignorance: Lack of knowledge or awareness. Heaven: A place regarded in various religions as the abode of God and the angels, and of the good after death, often traditionally depicted as being above the sky. Summary of the poem Thomas Hood s I Remember, I Remember is a heartfelt dive into the world of nostalgia. It s like opening an old photo album and getting lost in the memories of yesteryears. The poem starts with Hood taking us back to his childhood home. He paints a vivid picture of a window where the morning sun would sneak a peek. But there s a twist. While he cherishes these memories, he also hints at moments in his current life when he wishes the night would just sweep him away. It s a stark reminder that adulthood isn t always sunshine and roses. Speaking of roses, Hood then takes us on a stroll through the gardens of his past. We see roses, violets, and even a robin setting up home in the lilacs. There s a touching moment where he recalls his brother planting a tree on his birthday a tree that s still standing, a silent witness to the sands of time. The next bit is all about the joys of being young and carefree. Hood reminisces about swinging and feeling as free as a bird. But, as with all good things, there s a catch. That light-hearted spirit he once had? It s now weighed down by the challenges of grown-up life. Finally, Hood talks about those towering fir trees from his childhood days. He used to think they brushed the heavens. Realizing they don t is a bit of a downer for him. It s like waking up from a dream and realizing that maybe, just maybe, childhood was the closest he ever got to heaven. Critical analysis of the poem I Remember, I Remember by Thomas Hood is a touching journey into the realm of childhood memories and the relentless march of time. The poem is drenched in nostalgia, drawing a stark contrast between the carefree days of youth and the burdens of adulthood. The poem s structure, with its four stanzas of eight lines each, mirrors the cyclical nature of memories, especially with the recurring phrase I remember, I remember. This rhyme scheme gives the poem a rhythmic heartbeat, making the memories pulse with life. The phrase I remember, I remember isn t just a repetition; it s an echo, a heartbeat of the past that keeps resounding in the speaker s mind. Hood s imagery is so vivid that it feels like stepping into a painting. Take, for instance, the little window where the sun / Came peeping in at morn. It s easy to visualize a calm morning scene. And the flowers the roses, red and white, violets, lily-cups, and lilacs they re not just flowers; they re symbols of a time when life was simpler and more innocent. But as the poem progresses, these light, airy images give way to the weightier reflections of adulthood. Childhood in the poem feels like a dance, with the speaker s spirit [flying] in feathers. But adulthood? It s a stark contrast, with the spirit feeling so heavy. The realization that he s now farther off from heaven than in his youth is a poignant acknowledgment of lost innocence and the looming shadow of mortality. Nature isn t just a backdrop in this poem; it s a character. The sun, flowers, trees, and birds are all fragments of the speaker s past. The laburnum tree, still standing tall, is a testament to memories that refuse to fade, even as the sands of time slip away. The poem s mood is like a gentle sigh a mix of fond remembrance and a touch of heartache. There s a palpable sense of longing, especially when the speaker admits, But now, I often wish the night / Had borne my breath away! It s a transition from the warmth of memory to the chill of reality. At its heart, Hood s poem is a reflection on time s relentless march and the journey from the innocence of childhood to the complexities of adulthood. It s a reminder that while time moves on, memories, with their vivid colors and emotions, stay with us, forever etched in our hearts. Themes of the poem Nostalgia and Memory: The recurring phrase I remember, I remember emphasizes the poet s longing for the past. The detailed recollections of the house, the flowers, the trees, and the swing all point to a deep-seated nostalgia for the innocence and simplicity of childhood. Innocence of Childhood: The poet recalls the time when he believed the tops of fir trees touched the sky, a belief stemming from the innocent perspective of a child. This innocence is also evident in his memories of swinging and believing that the air felt as fresh to him as it did to swallows in flight. Passage of Time and Loss: As the poet reflects on his past, there s a sense of loss. The line But now, I often wish the night/Had borne my breath away! suggests a contrast between the joy of childhood and the burdens or sorrows of adulthood. The poet feels the weight of time and the changes it brings. Nature as a Reflection of Emotion: Nature is not just a backdrop in this poem; it mirrors the poet s emotions. The sun that peeps in, the roses, violets, lily-cups, and fir trees all serve as symbols of the purity, joy, and simplicity of childhood. The fever on the poet s brow that couldn t be cooled by summer pools suggests the intensity of emotions and experiences in adulthood. Distance from Innocence and Heaven: The poem concludes with the realization that with age and knowledge, the poet feels farther from heaven than he did as a child. This can be interpreted both literally and metaphorically. Literally, as a child, he believed he was closer to the sky (and thus heaven) when he saw the tall fir trees. Metaphorically, the innocence and purity of childhood are often associated with being closer to a divine or heavenly state, and as one grows older and more jaded, they may feel more distant from that purity. Contrast between Childhood and Adulthood: Throughout the poem, there s a stark contrast between the light, joyous memories of childhood and the heavier emotions of adulthood. The poet s spirit once flew in feathers, but now feels heavy, indicating the burdens and responsibilities that come with age. About the author Thomas Hood, born in London on 23 May 1799, was a renowned English poet and humorist. He is celebrated for his works like The Bridge of Sighs and The Song of the Shirt . A regular contributor to The London Magazine, Athenaeum, and Punch, Hood even launched a magazine predominantly featuring his own writings. Despite his immense talent, Hood s health was fragile, and by 41, he had become an invalid. He passed away at the age of 45. In 1903, William Michael Rossetti described him as the finest English poet between Shelley and Tennyson s eras. Following the death of Hood s father in 1811, his family relocated to Islington. There, under the guidance of a dedicated private tutor, Hood s passion for learning was ignited. This tutor s enthusiasm for teaching made learning irresistible for the young poet. Hood even earned some money by editing a new edition of the 1788 novel, Paul and Virginia. At the age of 14, Hood began working in a counting house, belonging to a family friend. There, he humorously described turning his stool into a Pegasus on three legs , with each foot representing a poetic meter. However, this profession wasn t conducive to his health, prompting him to explore engraving. This too proved strenuous for his health. Seeking a change, Hood moved to Dundee, Scotland, to stay with his father s kin. Embracing an outdoor lifestyle, he also began to take his poetry seriously. His first appearance in print was a letter to the editor of the Dundee Advertiser. In 1844, Hood penned I Remember, I Remember . This poem juxtaposes the uncertainties of adulthood with the idyllic memories of childhood, resonating universally. Through it, Hood poignantly expresses the fleeting nature of time, leaving behind only memories. Skimbleshanks Line-by-line explanation of the poem There s a whisper down the line at 11.39 / When the Night Mail s ready to depart, There are rumors or talks along the railway just before the night train is set to leave. Saying Skimble where is Skimble has he gone to hunt the thimble? / We must find him or the train can t start. The people are searching for Skimbleshanks, the cat. The mention of hunt the thimble is playful, referencing a children s game, and suggests he might be off on some trivial pursuit. Yet, his presence is crucial for the train to depart. All the guards and all the porters and the stationmaster s daughters / They are searching high and low, / Saying Skimble where is Skimble for unless he s very nimble / Then the Night Mail just can t go. Everyone, from the guards to the stationmaster s daughters, is looking for Skimbleshanks. They believe the train can t proceed without him. At 11.42 then the signal s nearly due / And the passengers are frantic to a man / Then Skimble will appear and he ll saunter to the rear: / He s been busy in the luggage van! At 11:42, just minutes before departure, and as the passengers are growing anxious, Skimbleshanks appears, having been occupied in the luggage compartment of the train. He gives one flash of his glass-green eyes / And the signal goes All Clear! / And we re off at last for the northern part / Of the Northern Hemisphere! Skimbleshanks s piercing green eyes signify everything is in order. Once he arrives, the train departs, heading north. You may say that by and large it is Skimble who s in charge / Of the Sleeping Car Express. / From the driver and the guards to the bagmen playing cards / He will supervise them all, more or less. Skimbleshanks is effectively in control of the train, overseeing everything and everyone, including the staff. Down the corridor he paces and examines all the faces / Of the travellers in the First and the Third; / He establishes control by a regular patrol / And he d know at once if anything occurred. He patrols the corridors, scrutinizing the passengers. He maintains order and instantly knows if something is amiss. He will watch you without winking and he sees what you are thinking / And it s certain that he doesn t approve / Of hilarity and riot, so the folk are very quiet / When Skimble is about and on the move. Skimbleshanks is observant, and his presence commands respect and quietness among the passengers. You can play no pranks with Skimbleshanks! / He s a Cat that cannot be ignored; / So nothing goes wrong on the Northern Mail / When Skimbleshanks is aboard. No one dares to act out or play tricks when Skimbleshanks is on duty. His presence ensures everything runs smoothly. Oh, it s very pleasant when you have found your little den / With your name written up on the door. / And the berth is very neat with a newly folded sheet / And there s not a speck of dust on the floor. / There is every sort of light-you can make it dark or bright; / There s a handle that you turn to make a breeze. / There s a funny little basin you re supposed to wash your face in / And a crank to shut the window if you sneeze. These lines depict the comfort and neatness of the train berths, highlighting the amenities available. Then the guard looks in politely and will ask you very brightly / Do you like your morning tea weak or strong? / But Skimble s just behind him and was ready to remind him, / For Skimble won t let anything go wrong. Even when other staff interacts with passengers, Skimbleshanks oversees them, ensuring quality service. And when you creep into your cosy berth / And pull up the counterpane, / You ought to reflect that it s very nice / To know that you won t be bothered by mice / You can leave all that to the Railway Cat, / The Cat of the Railway Train! Passengers can rest easy, knowing Skimbleshanks will handle any issues, like a mouse problem, for example. In the watches of the night he is always fresh and bright; / Every now and then he has a cup of tea / With perhaps a drop of Scotch while he s keeping on the watch, / Only stopping here and there to catch a flea. Skimbleshanks remains vigilant at night, taking only short breaks for tea or to deal with minor nuisances like fleas. You were fast asleep at Crewe and so you never knew / That he was walking up and down the station; / You were sleeping all the while he was busy at Carlisle, / Where he greets the stationmaster with elation. The passengers, unaware of Skimbleshanks s activities at various stations, sleep peacefully. But you saw him at Dumfries, where he speaks to the police / If there s anything they ought to know about: / When you get to Gallowgate there you do not have to wait / For Skimbleshanks will help you to get out! He interacts with authorities like the police and assists passengers during stops. He gives you a wave of his long brown tail / Which says: I ll see you again! / You ll meet without fail on the Midnight Mail / The Cat of the Railway Train. Skimbleshanks offers a parting gesture with a flick of his tail, implying that he ll always be present on the Midnight Mail train, ensuring passengers will meet him again the next time they travel. Word meanings Skimbleshanks: The name of the cat, the main character of the poem. Night Mail: Refers to a night train service, possibly one that carried mail as well as passengers. Thimble: A small protective shield, usually made of metal or plastic, worn on a finger or thumb for sewing or stitching. Stationmaster: An official in charge of a railway station. Nimble: Quick and light in movement or action; agile. Luggage van: A compartment or carriage on a train designed to store luggage. Glass-green eyes: Refers to the unique eye color of the cat, Skimbleshanks. Northern Hemisphere: The half of the Earth that lies north of the equator. Sleeping Car Express: A train service where passengers can sleep in beds in specially designed compartments. First and the Third: Refers to the first and third class compartments or sections of the train. Hilarity and riot: Great enjoyment, excitement, or fun. Counterpane: Another term for bedspread or quilt. Watches of the night: Different periods or shifts during the night. Crewe, Carlisle, Dumfries, Gallowgate: These are all places in the UK, suggesting that the poem s train journey takes place across the UK. Drop of Scotch: Referring to a small amount of Scotch whiskey. Elation: Great happiness and exhilaration. Summary of the poem At a busy train station, just before midnight, everyone s getting ready for the Night Mail s trip. But there s a problem Skimbleshanks, the main cat, is missing! The train workers are super worried because they believe the train can t go without him. Right when everyone s getting super anxious, at 11:42 pm, Skimbleshanks pops out from the luggage area, signaling that it s okay to start the trip. As the train moves, Skimbleshanks is like the boss. He watches over everyone: the person driving the train and all the passengers. Whether you re in the fancy seats or the regular ones, he s there, making sure everyone s okay and nothing crazy is happening. Everyone feels safe knowing he s around. It s really cool to think of passengers getting comfy in their clean beds, all thanks to Skimbleshanks. He makes sure the little stuff, like getting morning tea ready or keeping annoying mice away, is taken care of. Even when it s super late and everyone else is sleeping, he s still up, maybe having a cup of tea or a small drink. Every time the train stops at a station, Skimbleshanks says hello to the people in charge and talks a bit with the cops. And when the train finally gets to where it s going, he says bye to everyone with a wave of his tail, as if saying see you soon. So, Skimbleshanks is really important to the Night Mail. He s not just a cat; he s like a protector, a friend, and the one who makes sure every trip is fun and safe. Critical analysis of the poem T.S. Eliot s Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat offers an engaging narrative set within the bustling world of the railway. At a cursory glance, it might seem like a whimsical portrayal of a cat s adventures aboard the Night Mail train, but a deeper examination reveals a commentary on the omnipresence and control exerted by Skimbleshanks, evoking the image of an overlord who holds sway over his domain. From the outset, the sense of urgency and importance surrounding Skimbleshanks presence is evident. The entire operation of the Night Mail train seems contingent upon him. This is not just a beloved pet missing but a crucial cog in the machinery. The frantic searches of the guards, porters, and even the stationmaster s daughters underscore his importance. As the narrative unfolds, Eliot artfully ascribes a host of almost superhuman qualities to Skimbleshanks. His punctuality, the flash of his glass-green eyes that signals an All Clear, and his vigilance in examining passengers all contribute to the aura of an all-seeing overseer. He s not just a mere cat; he s the force that keeps everything in order, ensuring the world (in this case, the train) runs as it should. His ability to watch you without winking and know what you are thinking further heightens this perception. The passengers behaviors, characterized by their silence and respect when Skimbleshanks is about and on the move, resonate with the behaviors one might expect in the presence of a powerful ruler or overlord. The notion that You can play no pranks with Skimbleshanks! and that he s a Cat that cannot be ignored reinforces his dominance. Furthermore, the comforts and securities aboard the train, such as the absence of mice and the assurance of a neat berth, are attributed to Skimbleshanks influence. It s as if, under his watchful eyes, everything falls into place, and any potential for disorder or discomfort is preemptively quashed. Eliot s choice of settings and scenes, ranging from the quiet hours of the night to the bustling stations of Crewe and Carlisle, paints Skimbleshanks as both omnipresent and omnipotent. He s everywhere, ensuring everything is as it should be, from the smallest detail to the grand operation of the train itself. Themes of the poem Absolute Control: Skimbleshanks s presence is essential for the train s departure, indicating his absolute control over the train s operations. The train cannot move without his approval. Surveillance: Skimbleshanks constantly monitors everyone, from the staff to the passengers. He will watch you without winking and he sees what you are thinking. This line suggests an omnipresent, omniscient figure who observes everything, reminiscent of a surveillance state. Suppression of Dissent: The passengers and crew are very quiet when Skimbleshanks is around, and there is no hilarity or riot. This might suggest an environment where freedom of expression and joy is stifled in favor of order and discipline. Inescapable Presence: No matter where one goes or what time it is, Skimbleshanks is there. His omnipresence can be comforting to some but also oppressive to others, as he is always watching and supervising. Fear and Respect: The phrase You can play no pranks with Skimbleshanks! He s a Cat that cannot be ignored indicates that he commands a mix of respect and fear. There s a sense that one shouldn t cross him. Anthropomorphism as a Tool of Power: By attributing human characteristics to Skimbleshanks, such as drinking tea and supervising, he is elevated from a mere cat to a figure of authority and dominance. About the author Born in Missouri on 26 September 1888, Thomas Stearns Eliot later moved to England when he was 25 and eventually became a British citizen. In his early years, Eliot suffered from a congenital double inguinal hernia, which restricted his ability to engage in many physical activities. Consequently, he often found himself detached from his peers. This isolation, however, nurtured his affinity for literature. Once he discovered the joy of reading, he was soon captivated by tales of wild adventures, stories from the Wild West, and the exciting escapades in Mark Twain s Tom Sawyer. His friend, Robert Sencourt, remarked about how a young Eliot would frequently immerse himself in massive books, often choosing a cozy spot in the windowseat. From 1898 to 1905, Eliot pursued his studies at Smith Academy, the preparatory division for boys of Washington University. Here, he delved into languages such as Latin, Ancient Greek, French, and German. The world of poetry beckoned him at the age of 14, significantly influenced by Edward Fitzgerald s rendition of the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam. Eliot s literary prowess is renowned, particularly for his works like The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock and The Waste Land. Additionally, he penned seven notable plays, with Murder in the Cathedral standing out. His exemplary contributions to literature were recognized with the Nobel Prize in 1948. In the 1930s, under the pseudonym Old Possum , Eliot composed delightful cat poems, often sending them as letters to his godchildren. A known cat enthusiast, Eliot had several cats, endearingly naming them with whimsical tags such as Jellylorum, Pettipaws, Wiscus, and George Push dragon. These poems inspired Andrew Lloyd Webber s 1981 musical, Cats, in which the character Skimbleshanks, derived from Eliot s work, is depicted as a spirited and lively figure. Model Millionaire Summary The story titled The Model Millionaire by Oscar Wilde revolves around the themes of appearances, generosity, and the unexpected twists of fate. Hughie Erskine is a good-looking, charming young man who, despite his many talents, has never been successful at making money. He lives off a small allowance from an old aunt and has tried various professions, but none have been fruitful. He is in love with Laura Merton, the daughter of a retired Colonel. The Colonel has set a condition for their marriage: Hughie must have 10,000 of his own before he can marry Laura. One day, Hughie visits his artist friend, Alan Trevor, and finds him painting a portrait of a beggar. The beggar s miserable appearance evokes pity in Hughie. During a brief absence of Trevor, Hughie generously gives the beggar a sovereign, believing him to be in dire need. Later, to Hughie s astonishment, Trevor reveals that the beggar is none other than Baron Hausberg, one of the richest men in Europe. The Baron had commissioned Trevor to paint him as a beggar. Hughie is embarrassed and dismayed, realizing he gave a sovereign to a millionaire. The next day, an old gentleman visits Hughie on behalf of Baron Hausberg and hands him a letter. Inside the envelope is a cheque for 10,000, a wedding gift for Hughie and Laura from the old beggar. The story concludes with their wedding, where the Baron gives a speech, and Alan Trevor humorously comments on the rarity of model millionaires. About the author Oscar Wilde, the renowned Irish poet and playwright, was a dominant figure in London s theatre scene during the early 1890s. Celebrated for his sharp wit and masterful command over language, Wilde s works often contained profound insights presented with a touch of humor. One such piece is his short story, The Model Millionaire . It narrates the tale of a young man, Hughie Erskine, who, out of compassion, offers aid to what he believes is a destitute beggar. However, in a delightful twist, it turns out that the beggar is actually a millionaire in disguise. He had approached a painter to capture his likeness in the garb of a pauper. The story beautifully underscores the idea that things aren t always what they seem. Hughie s genuine act of kindness, given without expecting anything in return, showcases the essence of true nobility. Wilde s clever play on the terms model-millionaire and millionaire-model at the story s conclusion not only highlights his linguistic prowess but also magnifies the innate goodness of the protagonist. Oliver Asks for more Summary In a small town in England, there was a place called a workhouse. It was for people who had no home or money. This is where Oliver Twist was born. His mom was young and no one really knew where she came from. They found her in the streets, and she looked like she d walked a lot because her shoes were really worn out. After she had Oliver, she got to see and kiss him. But then she got really sick and died. The doctor noticed she didn t have a wedding ring, which meant she probably wasn t married. Oliver was left alone in the world because no one knew anything about his family. Mr. Bumble, a town officer, named the baby Oliver Twist. He said they gave names in alphabetical order at the workhouse, and it was Oliver s turn for a name starting with T . Growing up there was tough. By the time Oliver was nine, he was skinny and weak. The kids there didn t have nice clothes and didn t get much to eat. They had soup three times a day and a bit of bread once a week. They all ate together in a big room. They each got one bowl of soup, and they made sure to eat every last drop. One day, Oliver and his friends were really hungry. They came up with a plan to ask for more soup after dinner. Oliver was the one who had to ask. When he did, everyone was super surprised. The head of the workhouse, a big man, was so mad that he hit Oliver with a spoon. Mr. Bumble was also really angry. Oliver had to stay in a dark room for a week and Mr. Bumble would sometimes hit him. Soon, they put up a sign outside saying they d give five pounds to anyone who d take Oliver. Mr. Bumble talked to Mr. Sowerberry, who made coffins for people who died in the workhouse. He showed him the sign, hinting that maybe Sowerberry could take Oliver. About the author Charles Dickens, who lived from 1812 to 1870, was a famous English author known for his critiques on society. Many consider him the best writer of the Victorian period. In one of his famous scenes from Oliver Twist, the young orphan Oliver and his friends were treated really badly and didn t get enough to eat in the workhouse. Once, a really hungry boy even said he d eat his friend if they didn t get more food. So, the kids decided that Oliver should be the one to ask for extra food. Later on, Oliver became an apprentice to a funeral director. Through this story, Dickens highlights the tough lives of orphans in London during the 1800s, a time when there were many factories and a lot of poor people in England. The story is somewhat based on Dickens own tough childhood. But even with the sad parts, Dickens made sure to show that Oliver was kind and caring.

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