📖 FLAMINGO (Prose) - Chapter-wise Summary

1. The Last Lesson – Alphonse Daudet

Set during the Franco-Prussian War (1870-71), this story is narrated by Franz, a schoolboy in Alsace, France. One day, he arrives late for school and is surprised to see that his strict teacher, M. Hamel, is not angry. Instead, he announces that this is their last French lesson, as German will now be taught in schools. The story highlights the importance of one’s language and how people take things for granted until they are lost.

2. Lost Spring – Anees Jung

The chapter is divided into two parts:

1. Saheb – A Ragpicker from Seemapuri: It describes the lives of children like Saheb, who scavenge garbage for survival. He dreams of going to school but remains trapped in poverty.
2. Mukesh – A Child Labourer in Firozabad: Mukesh’s family has been making bangles for generations in Firozabad, but he wants to break free and become a mechanic. The story exposes child labor and poverty.

3. Deep Water – William Douglas

The author recalls his childhood fear of water after nearly drowning in a swimming pool. This fear haunts him for years until he hires a swimming instructor. Through practice and determination, he overcomes his fear, proving that willpower and persistence can conquer fear.

4. The Rattrap – Selma Lagerlöf

A poor rattrap seller roams the countryside, believing that the world is like a rattrap that traps people with wealth and material possessions. One day, he steals money from a cottage but is given kindness and trust by a woman named Edla. This transforms him, and he decides to change his ways. The story emphasizes human goodness and redemption.

5. Indigo – Louis Fischer

This is the story of Mahatma Gandhi’s first major success in India. He helps indigo farmers in Champaran, Bihar, who are forced by British landlords to grow indigo against their will. Through non-violent protest (Satyagraha), Gandhi wins justice for the farmers. The story teaches self-reliance and courage.

6. Poets and Pancakes – Asokamitran

A humorous account of the Tamil film industry, describing the famous Gemini Studios and its use of Pancake makeup for actors. The author humorously portrays the daily life of people working there, including a clash between creative and administrative minds.

7. The Interview – Christopher Silvester

This chapter discusses the art and ethics of interviews. It highlights different opinions about interviews, with some people loving them and others finding them intrusive. The second part focuses on an interview with Umberto Eco, the famous Italian writer, discussing his unique writing style.

8. Going Places – A.R. Barton

Sophie, a young girl, imagines herself meeting Danny Casey, a famous footballer. She wishes to escape her working-class life, but her dreams do not match reality. The story explores adolescent aspirations and the gap between expectations and reality.

📘 VISTAS (Supplementary Reader) - Chapter-wise Summary

1. The Third Level – Jack Finney

A psychological story about Charley, who accidentally discovers the Third Level at Grand Central Station, a passage to the past (1894). It symbolizes escapism and the human desire to return to a simpler time.

2. The Tiger King – Kalki

A satirical tale of King Jung Bahadur, who tries to defy fate after hearing a prophecy that he will die from a tiger. Despite his efforts, fate ultimately wins. The story mocks arrogance and power.

3. Journey to the End of the Earth – Tishani Doshi

The author narrates her Antarctica expedition, reflecting on climate change, history, and the Earth's evolution.

4. The Enemy – Pearl S. Buck

A Japanese doctor, Sadao, shelters an American enemy soldier despite the risk. It explores humanity over patriotism.

5. On the Face of It – Susan Hill

A play about Mr. Lamb, an old man with a disability, and Derry, a young boy with a burnt face. It teaches self-acceptance and positive thinking.

6. Memories of Childhood

This chapter contains two autobiographical extracts:

1. The Cutting of My Long Hair – Zitkala-Sa, a Native American girl, describes her forced adaptation to Western culture.
2. We Too Are Human Beings – Bama, a Dalit girl, narrates her childhood experience of caste discrimination.