Std.12th ENGLISH

1.1- An Astrologer‟s Day

Activities

by Prof. Dipak Burhade M.A.(English)M.Ed.

Guruvarya R.V.Patankar Sarvodaya Jr. College, Rajur,

Tal- Akole, Dist-Ahmednagar, Maharashtra State, INDIA. Pin- 422604

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R.K.Narayan

Born on October 10, 1906

Best known Indian Novelist

Created an imaginary town of „Malgudi‟

His novel „The Guide‟ won him „Sahitya Academy Award‟ in 1961

Use of unoffending irony & unique Indianness in writing

Nominated member of „Rajya Sabha‟

Died on May 13, 2001

About

An Astrologer‟s day

An Astrologer's Day is a thriller, suspense short story by author

R. K. Narayan. While it had been published earlier, it was the

titular story of Narayan's fourth collection of short stories

published in 1947 by Indian Thought Publications. It was the

first chapter of the world famous collection of stories

„Malgudi Days‟ which was later telecasted on television in

2006.

"An Astrologer's Day" is an interesting story about a man who

runs away from his home and pretends to be an astrologer

after imagining that he has committed a murder. In a strange

situation, an ironic twist of fate, he runs into the very man he

thought he had killed.

Activity Write details about your Strengths. (Textbook Page No-01)

Strengths Why do you feel so? Dream career

Painting &

Drawing

I can visualise,

I can express

Commercial Artist,

Cartoonist

Acting I can perform,

I can express emotions

Model, Actor,

Show Host, Trainer

Swimming I am fit,

I can control breathe

Professional Swimmer,

Swim Coach,

Underwater Photographer

Writing

I have reading passion,

I can imagine,

I am good observer

News reporter, Novelist,

Poet, Editor, Blogging,

Social media manager

Sport

I have self-discipline

I am fit & energetic,

I have sportsmanship

Professional Player

Sport Journalist,

Coach, Referee

Activity The scene in a local market of a village/town/city is very

attractive. People with different occupations sell their wares.

Give the variety of activities at the local market. (Textbook Page No-01)

Selling flowers & grocery

Selling vegetables & fruits

Selling fast foods & snack

Selling cosmetics & imitation jewellery

Selling meat & fishes

Activity In a village /town /city it is quite a common sight to see

an astrologer sitting by the roadside with his professional

equipment. Give a list the requirements for his trade. (Textbook Page No-01)

Parrot, Cards etc.

Cowrie shells, string of beads etc.

Lemons, green chillies, flowers etc.

Saffron colour clothes, 'panchang' etc.

Activity There are certain unreasonable beliefs among people living in our

society. Certain common events are linked with superstitions. List such events,

discuss the superstitions linked with them and the means of their eradication.

(Textbook Page No-01)

A cat crossing your path

Taking salt on palm

Seeing face in broken mirror

Seeing a pair of crow

Avoid taking food during eclipse

Hanging lemon and chillies in house & vehicles

Sweeping floors at night

Means to Eradicate the Superstitions

Education & Counselling

Development of Scientific Approach

Organizing Awareness Camps

Always Positive Thinking

Effective Use of Social Media

Activity- Given below are some descriptions. Discuss them with

your partner and find out one word for each of them. An

example is given for you. (Textbook Page No-07)

(a) The scientific study of the universe and the objects in it, including

stars, planets, nebulae and galaxies - Astronomy

(b) The study of the movements of the planets, Sun, Moon, and Stars in

the belief that these movements can have an influence on people's

lives - Astrology

(c) A prediction of what will happen in the future - Prophecy

(d) Scientific discipline that studies mental states and processes and

behaviour in humans and other animals – Psychology

Activity- In the story we are told that the Town Hall Park was a

remarkable place in many ways for an astrologer to build

his business. List the exceptional qualities of the place (Textbook Page No-07)

A surging crowd

Medicine , stolen hardware & junk sellers

Auctioneers of cheap clothes

Fried groundnut sellers

Different kinds of tradings

Activity - The astrologer never opened his mouth till the other had

spoken for at least ten minutes. Discuss the reasons behind

his act. (Textbook Page No-07,08)

Activity - Tactics used by the Astrologer to earn his wages. (Textbook Page No-08)

The Tactics

Analysis of human troubles

Commenting on past

To make the person panic

Suggesting solutions

Activity - An astrologer's appearance helps to create an

impression on his clients. Complete the following: (Textbook Page No-08)

The turban on his head

Face covering dark whiskers

Sparkling & gleaming eyes

Sacred ash on forehead

Activity - Read the following sentences and choose the correct

one: (Textbook Page No-08,09)

a. The astrologer says that if Nayak leaves his village

again, he would -

1. return the money

2. face danger

3. go back home and stop looking for the man who

tried to kill him

4. not find the killer.

Answer: face danger

b. According to the narrator the astrologer's success in his

profession is primarily due to –

1. luck

2. the bargains he drives

3. his appearance

4. his understanding of people

Answer: his understanding of people

c. The story suggests that the astrologer's comments and

observations please people by –

1. promising them success and good fortune

2. proving, as time passes, to have been true

3. flattering them or supporting their own views

4. helping them to learn to solve their own problems

Answer: flattering them or supporting their own views

d. Guru Nayak consults the astrologer because he wants to –

1. understand the past

2. find out who the astrologer is

3. make some money through a bet

4. get the answer to a specific question

Answer: get the answer to a specific question

e. Guru Nayak is looking for the man who tried to kill him –

1. to take revenge

2. to get an apology

3. to demand an explanation

4. to prove that the man was unsuccessful

Answer: to take revenge

f. The astrologer's remark makes Guru Nayak feel all of the

following except-

1. relieved

2. suspicious

3. impressed

4. disappointed

Answer: suspicious

g. Reactions of the astrologer's wife to his news suggest that she –

1. was unaware of his past

2. has been worried about his safety

3. has known him since he was young

4. is concerned about her future with him

Answer: was unaware of his past

Activity - Read the following sentences and find out True and False

sentences. Correct the False sentences: (Textbook Page No-09)

(a) The astrologer gave a correct prediction to the client about his past

that he was stabbed, thrown into a well and left for dead.- True

(b) When the astrologer came to know that the man whom he killed is

alive he felt that he was relieved of his guilt. - True

(c) The astrologer tried to back out of the deal and talked about the

client's past. – False (The astrologer demanded more money to tell the past)

(d) The astrologer rescued himself from Guru Nayak's revenge. - True

(e) The moral of the story is that we must be responsible about what we

have done and should not run away from our mistakes. - True

Activity - The astrologer has changed his appearance and his persona

when he arrived in the city. Give specific reasons. (Textbook Page No-09)

He knew that he had killed Guru Nayak

Worrying to be caught by police

Worrying about the future of family

He knew that no one could identify him

Wanted to lead a peaceful life

Activity- 'The darkness load that was inside the astrologer has

disappeared'. Through this sentence, explain the

significance of the title 'An Astrologer's Day'. (Textbook Page No-09)

The Astrologer thought that he had killed Guru Nayak. He has been carrying the burden of this thought. He is feeling guilty about it. When Guru Nayak appeared before him as a customer, Astrologer identified him suddenly. But Guru Nayak could not identify him. The Astrologer became very happy and relaxed to see Guru Nayak alive. The dark load of the thought of murder suddenly disappeared. This is the happiest day in his life, an Astrologer‟s Day.

Activity - The astrologer wins/gets the sympathy of criticism of the reader

in the end. Express your opinion with the support of the main

story. (Textbook Page No-10)

The Astrologer won the real sympathy of the readers at the end of the story. I too sympathize with the Astrologer. His intention was not to kill Guru Nayak. When he started to lead a new life, still he was feeling guilty over his deed. It shows his greatness and humanity in him. So I sympathize with the Astrologer. I‟m very happy to know that the Astrologer can live happily in future.

Activity - In the story, astrologer has a great listening power. Listening helps

in developing good relations with people. Express your opinion. (Textbook Page No-10)

Of course, listening helps in developing good relations with people,

because-

Good listeners are always appreciated

They might get some good advices

It develops patience and tolerance

Your relations will be more harmonious

Likely to gain respect of others

Activity - In the story, the following characters reveal their qualities through

words and actions. Pick out the words that describe them and

write before the characters. (Textbook Page No-10)

Answer:

Astrologer Guru Nayak Astrologer's wife

shrewd manipulative caring

clever shrewd demanding

suspicious arrogant protective

mean overconfident rational

manipulative cunning humanistic

worried aggressive

cunning antagonistic

intuitive quarrelsome

skeptical gullible

mystical

smart

sharp

impetuous

Activity - Match the suffixes with the words and make nouns. (Textbook Page No-10)

word suffix noun

auction able auctioneer

enchant ure

know ment

prepare eer

proceed ance

appear ledge

remark tion

Answer:

Word Suffix Noun

auction eer auctioneer

enchant ment enchantment

know ledge knowledge

prepare tion preparation

proceed ure procedure

appear ance appearance

remark able remarkable

Activity No-14

Irony (wparaeYa/wpahasa)

„An Astrologer's Day' has ironic elements where the

astrologer pretends to have 'supernatural knowledge' that

coincidently turns out to be the truth’. “Irony means a situation or statement characterized by a

significant difference between what is expected and what

actually happens, or between what is understood and

what is meant.”

vya|taIcyaa sa/dBaa_ta ina/dajanak, Apamaanakark va varmaNyaasaarKae kelaelae va|tavya mhNajae

wparaeYa ik/vaa wpahasa haeya.

Find out the examples of Irony from the story and write

them down.

He knew no more of what was going to happen to others than he knew what was going to happen to himself the next minute.

The Astrologer is quite innocent regarding the murder. He uses his skill by telling that the murderer is dead. This is the Ironical end of the story.

The Astrologer had a working analysis of human troubles. He would let the person speak for ten minutes so that he would get something to answer.

The Astrologer said -'Guru Nayak'. At This time Guru Nayak was surprised how the Astrologer knows his name. Then he really started to believe in Astrologer.

Activity

Code-mixing- BaaVaaimaMaNa

Code-mixing is the mixing of two or more

languages or language varieties in speech.

jaevha daena BaaVaa/maYaIla ik/vaa BaaVaa-paXkara/maYaIla Sabd jaevha FkPaItarItyaa vaaparlae jaataata,

taevha tyaalaa ‘BaaVaaimaMaNa’ Asae mhNataata.

Find out the examples of Code-mixing words from the story

and write them down.

Cowrie Shells

Raja's Delicacy

Bombay Ice-cream

Eight Annas

Jukta Drivers

Half Annas

Activity - There are some phrases where the word „crown‟ is used

with different shades of meaning. Use the following

phrases to complete the sentences meaningfully.

(Textbook Page No-11)

crowning achievement

to crown the effect

crown of thorns

crowning glory

to crown it all

To crown the effect, he wound a saffron-

coloured turban around his head.

The works of Shakespeare are the crowning glory of English drama.

Amitabh has given us awesome movies throughout five decades. But his crowning achievement is

his performance in the movie „Black‟.

In her pursuit of success, Radha has distanced herself from her family. Her fame has become

a real crown of thorns.

They threw a wonderful party for me with costumes, games and to crown it all my

favourite kind of ice cream.

Medical science has great inventions, but organ transplantation is definitely a crowning

achievement for human beings.

Activity- Word Usage. Use the words given in the brackets and

rewrite the sentences. (Textbook Page No-11,12)

a. The power of his eyes was considerably enhanced. (enhancement)

→ There was a considerable enhancement in the power of his eyes.

b. He had a working analysis of mankind‟s troubles. (worked)

→ He had worked for the analysis of mankind‟s troubles.

c. He knew what was going to happen to himself next

minute. (happening)

→ He knew what was happening to himself next minute.

d. If you find my answers satisfactory, will you give me

five rupees? (satisfaction) → If you find my answers to your satisfaction, will you give me five

rupees?

e. He shook his head regretfully. (regret)

→ He shook his head with regret.

f. It was a bewildering crisscross of light rays. (bewildered)

→ It was a bewildered crisscross of light rays.

g. “I should have been dead if some passer-by had not chanced to

peep into the well,” exclaimed the other, overwhelmed by

enthusiasm. (enthusiastically)

→ The other exclaimed enthusiastically, „I should have been dead if

some passer-by had not chanced to peep into the well!‟

h. You tried to kill him. (killing)

→ You tried killing him.

i. I will prepare some nice stuff for her. (preparation)

→ There will be a preparation of some nice stuff for her by me.

j. The other groaned on hearing it. (heard)

→ The other heard it and groaned.

Activity Expansion of Ideas (Textbook Page No-12)

klpanaaivastaar

Expansion of Idea means to understand and to describe the meaning

and idea given in the particular text. The text may be a Proverb, a

idiom, a Title, a Poetic Line or a Good Thought. The words used in this

text are rather symbolic. The words are systematically decoded, which

imply a very artistc value. Most of the time this kind of text is used to

sum up the idea.

FKaadyaa iSaVa_kacae, FKaadyaa mhNaIcae, FKaadyaa vaakxpaXcaaracae ik/vaa FKaadyaa sauBaaiVataacae kelaelae ATa_paUNa_ va SaaSvata vaNa_na

mhNajaeca klpanaaivastaar haeya. yaamaYyae tyaa gaaeVTIcae sTalakalaataIla satya he svata:cyaa Sabdata va svata:cyaa klpanaenae

AitaSaya manaaer/jak paYdtaInae wlagaDUna daKaivalae jaatae.

Expand the ideas using the following Proverbs-

This is an age old proverb with a deep hidden meaning inside. To say

something and to do something are two different things. It is a well-

known fact that people often do not do what they say. It is why people

value hard work more than mere promises.

Actions carry more meaning and importance than what a person says.

People are recognized more for the things that they do rather than the

words that they utter. It is, therefore, better to be a person who backs

words with actions as opposed to empty rhetoric. It is the ideal way to

realize our aspirations and create a lasting legacy in life.

“Action Speaks Louder than Words”

This is a famous Proverb in English. The mind is always engaged in one or

other thought process. They may be of happiness, sadness, joy, sorrow,

anger, fear, depression etc. Our body is an indicator of our moods and

feelings. All our thoughts, emotions and feelings are reflected on our

face.

Happiness and love are easily reflected in a positive manner on our

face. The face of a person with anxiety shows uneasiness. Some people

try to keep their emotions under control and present a blank face.

Brilliant psychologists can immediately read the face and judge what is

going on in our mind. Always keep calm as far as possible and light up

your surroundings with a happy and smiling face.

“The Face is the Index of the Mind”

This is a very popular proverb in English. It is said that-

„When you have the speech of excellence,

The better and better you teach.

When you have the power of silence,

The higher and higher you reach!‟

It is a fact that when we speak, others become silent and when others

speak, we become silent. But it‟s always upon us that what we choose-

„speech‟ or „silence‟. No doubt, speech is Silver. But most of the time

silence plays a very golden role. It lends grandeur and charm to human

lives. Silence is the sleep that nourishes wisdom.

"Speech is Silver & Silence is Golden ”

According to the famous satirist Jonathan Swift, „Argument is the worst

sort of conversation.‟ This proverb teaches us the real value of human

life. Argument is not the proper way to communicate with each other.

When people argue, they are engaged in conflict and it‟s usually not

pretty. Argument always spreads negativity. People do not treat each

other with respect. They get defensive, try to prove their own points,

and fail to listen to each other.

In an argument, people cannot freely discuss their ideas with others

because they are in stress anxiety and in anger. To avoid argument is

the only way to make us ideal and intellectual. Argument is nothing but

wasting our Time & Energy.

"Argument is the Worst Kind of Communication ”

This is commonly used Proverb in English. According to Edwin Friedman,

„Attitudes are the real figures of speech.‟ Attitude is a settled way of

thinking or feeling about something. Edwin said that communication

does not depend on language or articulation. Most of the time it

depends on the emotional context in which the message is being

heard.

As a human being we must recognize that the real assets of life are the

people with whom we interact. Our way of thinking, our way of

expressing ideas and feelings must be rather effective and powerful. To

attract people requires a positive and cheerful attitude.

"Attitudes are the Real Figures of Speech ”

It is always said that „The wise man has long ears and a short tongue‟.

This German proverb is famous in all over the world. „Long ears‟ show

the willingness to listen carefully. „Short Tongue‟ shows self-control by

allowing others to make his views and opinions. This is the real greatness

of the person. It proves the wisdom of the person.

Listening is the most valuable treasure of man. A person, who uses it

skillfully, is aptly called a „wise‟ man. It is much more important to be

able to listen correctly. More emphasis must be placed on effective

listening and understanding. After all, “The less you speak, the more you

hear.”

" The Wise Man has Long Ears and a Short Tongue ”

Activity Read R.K.Narayan‟s humorous collections of Short

Stories and Novels. Here are some titles you can read.

(Textbook Page No-12)

Activity Surf the Internet and find out the Career Opportunities in Astronomy. (Textbook Page No-12)

Planetary Astronomer

Astrophysicist

Professor

Government Researcher

Meteorologist

Physicist

Museum & Planetarium Director

Activity Speech- Science & Superstition

(Textbook Page No-12) ivazana AaiNa A/YaMaYda

Respected teachers and my dear friends…

Today, we are celebrating „National Science Day‟ in our school.

National Science Day is celebrated in India on 28 February, in the

memory of Sir C.V. Raman, to mark his discovery of the „Raman

Effect‟.

Friends, today‟s world is better known as the world of Science and

Technology. Everyday, new technologies and inventions are being

made. Science has become a part and parcel of our lives. They are

transforming our lifestyles and habits. Science is the sign of human

progress. Science has changed almost every aspect of life. We find

scientific revolution in agriculture, industry, entertainment, medicine,

surgery, education or any other field.

At the same time, we find numbers of people still following the

Superstitions. Superstitions are nothing but only blind and irrational

beliefs. People attribute their failures to these superstitions. For

example, a man sets out on an important business and a black cat

crosses his path and if he fails in his mission he will curse the black cat.

Superstitions have no solid basis. They have no scientific support. They

are the product of darkness. They keep us away from the light of

knowledge.

How are such superstitions born? Ignorance, illiteracy and lack of

scientific knowledge are the reasons behind the spread of

Superstition. Europe, Africa, India, China and many other countries

have been the homes of superstitions. We find Superstitions

everywhere in India.

Indians are better superstitious. India needs special thinking as the

superstitions are deep-rooted among the illiterate masses. A study of

science and its methods is absolutely necessary to combat the

superstitions. A scientific-minded person does not have any faith in silly

superstitions. He does not see any logical connection between the

events and cat crossings, owl hooting or dog howls.

Really, Superstition is the curse to Indian society. To develop more

scientific approach among people, is the only solution to overcome it.

Let‟s fight against Superstition!

That‟s all! Thank You Very Much!!!

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