March 12, 2025
Posted by Karachi Board Notes
English 2nd Year Notes
"What a piece of work is man! How noble in reason! How infinite in faculties! In form and moving how express and admirable! In action how like an angel! In apprehension how like a God!"
Introduction:
Rudolf Rassendyll is the hero in the novel of Sir Anthony Hope titled "Prisoner of Zenda". He is indeed the most glorious and most enchanting figure in the novel, filled with adventure and excitement. He is portrayed as a typical hero of romance with all qualities of thoughts and emotions.
He is tall, well-built and handsome young man of twenty-nine and bears the famous Elphberg features of red hair and red thick beard. Belonging to a rich and aristocratic family of Burlesdon of England, he has received his education from a German university. He can speak many languages. He is good shot, a skillful swordsman and an expert horseman.
A Carefree Fellow:
Being a rich man Rassendyll seems to be a care free young man in the beginning of the novel.
He does nothing worthwhile and when his sister-in-law mocks him for that he says,
"Why in the world should I do anything? My position is a comfortable one."
"Our family doesn’t need things to do."
But when he impersonates the kind of Ruritania he dazzles our imagination by showing a deep sense of responsibility. He begins to display his talents and sterling qualities.
A Man of Honour:
Rudolf Rassendyll is a man of integrity and honour. He impersonates the king but takes it as his duty. During a conversation with his sister-in-law he says,
"To a man f spirit, my dear Rose, opportunities are duties."
He proves himself a man of spirit when he gets an opportunity to become a king but he continues his struggle to rescue the king. He does not take advantage of Princess Flavia in his role as a king. He refuses Rupert’s offer in Zenda to remain the king and get rid of the real king and Black Michael. He seems to be well aware of the fact,
"The fairest of all things fair on earth is virtue." (Shakespeare)
A Brave and Courageous Man:
Rudolf Rassendyll appears before us as a brave and courageous person who is well versed with the art of fighting. He agrees to impersonate the king at the risk of his own life. He displays his act of bravery at the Summer House, at the Jacob ‘s ladder and then in the fateful night. The most famous veteran of the Ruritanian army Marshal Strakencz praises Rassendyll for his bravery in these words,
"You have borne yourself as a wise king and a brave man; and you have proved as courteous a gentleman and as a gallant a lover as any that have been of the House."
His Presence of Mind:
Rassendyll manages all by the presence of mind, which reveals clearly from the way, he rules Ruritania. Once he sits with Princess Flavia and the Duke comes in. Rassendyll has to give him permission but he forgets and when Princess Flavia mocks him for that he instantly handles the situation by saying,
"I never could remember all these silly rules."
An Intelligent Man Rudolf Rassendyll is intelligent and cool-headed. At the Summer House, he is unable to face the three murders; however, he selects a table for his escape. He wins over Johann and gets valuable information about the castle. He faces all difficulties and overcomes all obstacles wisely and intelligently. Thus he accomplishes his mission tactfully and quite intelligently,
A Good Leader Rassendyll is a good organizer, an excellent planner and a wise distributor of duties. He is not the type of the leader who places his safety above other considerations. Like a dynamic leader he goes through all perils to restore the real king to the throne. He himself claims not to shirk danger in the hour of difficulty and is determined to kill the six villains,
"That I shall ill require the very great honour Ruritania has done me if I depart from it leaving one of those six alive neither, with the help of God, will I?"
As a King:
In his role as a king, Rudolf Rassendyll is far more impressive than the real king. He carries out his duties as a king majestically though he finds impersonating the king very difficult as he says:
"A real king’s life is perhaps a hard one; but a pretending king’s is, I warrant, much harder."
He develops all attributes of royalty without revealing his true identity. He proves himself an able ruler and rules so well over Ruritania that he becomes popular among the people. Colonel Sapt praises him by saying:
"Before God, you’re the finest Elphberg of them all."
As a Lover:
Rudolf Rassendyll’s love for Princess Flavia is free from lust and selfishness. He loves her passionately and sincerely but he sacrifices his love for the sake of the king and the people of Ruritania. As he himself says:
"I had to keep the Princess devoted to me and yet indifferent to me, I had to show affection for her and not feel it."
As a Model Friend:
Rudolf Rassendyll is in fact a model friend. He knows that the essence of a good friendship is to be stable with friends through thick and thin. He does not betray the trust of Colonel Sapt and risks his life for the sake of Rudolf Elphberg, the real king who admits his services for him and says to Rassendyll,
"You have shown me how to play the king."
It is because of this quality of friendship that when he eaves Rurtania, we find tears of regret in the eyes of Princes Fiavia, words of gratitude on the lips of the king and applause and appreciation from Colonel Sapt and Fritz.
An Unforgettable Character:
Undoubtedly, the character of Rudolf Rassendyll is unforgettable, as he is the most interesting character of the novel. He wins our sympathies when he is in difficulties; he wins our admiration when he performs the feats of bravery and we get greatly impressed when he sacrifices his love. He is rightly called the hero of the novel and his good name becomes memorable.
"Good name in man and woman, dear my Lord is the immediate jewel of their souls".
(Shakespeare — Othello)
English 2nd Year Notes "What a piece of work is man! How noble in reason! How infinite in faculties! In form and moving how express an...
March 12, 2025
Posted by Karachi Board Notes
English 2nd Year Notes
Introduction:
Colonel Sapt is one of the most important characters of the novel, court man and as such loyal to the throne. Sapt is very care full in all affairs. He is always watchful and vigilant. Appearance When Rudolf Rassendyll was wondering among the forest of Zenda he chanced to meet Colonel Sapt. Rassendyll describes his appearance as under:
"One was rather short and very stoutly built, with a big bullet shaped head, a bristly grey moustache, and small pale-blue eyes, a trifle bloodshot."
Loyal to the King and his Throne:
Colonel Sapt is one of the most loyal servants of the King. He is a monarchist and serves the cause of the king with great devotion and faith. He is a well-experienced person in the art of government. He tries his hardest to save the throne of Ruritania for the king. He uses all the persons including the Princess as pawn in the game of throne. The credit of saving the king from the vengeful Black Michael goes to him.
Brave and Courageous:
He is a soldier and also has the spirit of a soldier. He does not give up and faces all the odds boldly. He takes the risk to save the king and asks Rassendyll to impersonate the King. At first at this suggestion Rassendyll is not ready to perform but it is the inspiration from the old Sapt that encourages Rassendyll to play the role of the King. He says to Rassendyll:
"It’s a risk — against a certainty," Said Sapt. "If you shave I’ll wager you’ll not be known. Are you afraid?"
Wise and prudent:
Colonel Sapt is a very wise and cautious man. He does not take any hasty step. He is very cool-headed and remains calm in the face of danger. He knows well how to check rash impulses of young and hot-blooded companions. Rassendyll opined about him when Sapt tactfully compels him to join the ball:
"Sapt at once yielded. His rough manner covered a wonderful tact — and, as I come to recognize more and more, a remarkable knowledge of human nature."
It is due to the wisdom of Sapt that the coronation is not postponed and evil intentions of Black Michael are miscarried. He has a versatile mind which can face my kind of emergency.
His Opinion about Women:
Colonel Sapt appears to be a confirmed bachelor because he has a very low opinion about women. He is not ready to trust in ladies. That is why he tries to stop Rassendyll to go to the Summer House, on the invitation of Madam de Mauban. Rassendyll says,
"Sapt, I believe in that woman, and I shall go."
Colonel expressed his disbelieve in women in these words,
"I don’t believe in any woman and you shan’t go."
He thinks that women spoil everything. Even the Princess is not an exception to his hatred for women.
A Man of Principle:
Colonel Sapt is a man of Principle. He has some firm rules, which lead him to his love towards the king and devotion to his country. He has a solid motto to save the king as well as the country at any rate.
Lover of Rudolf Rassendyll:
Colonel Sapt loves Rudolf Rassendyll because of his extraordinary virtues and character. When Rassendyll leaves Ruritania, Colonel Sapt cannot control his feelings and his eyes get damp with tears Although Sapt uses Rassendyll to save the king only but he is not mean.
Conclusion:
The character of Colonel Sapt is very appealing. He is liked by the readers due to his wisdom, loyalty, courage and good principles.(educationsight.blogspot.com) His sincere regard for Rudolf Rassendyll also creates love for him in the hearts of the readers, It is certainly a character which will live in the hearts and minds of the readers for a long time with all its attraction and charm.
English 2nd Year Notes Introduction: Colonel Sapt is one of the most important characters of the novel, court man and as such loyal to the ...
March 12, 2025
Posted by Karachi Board Notes
English 2nd Year Notes
Q1. Briefly state the main reason given by Liaquat Ali Khan for the Muslim's desire not to continue living in a united India?
Ans. According to Liaquat Ali Khan the Muslims of Indo Pakistan Sub-Continent had vast experience and turned over the pages of history that if they were not given freedom and only Hindus were given freedom, then, it would be a change of rulers for them. After the British had left India, the Muslims would be ruled by Hindu majority. This was the main reason given by Liaquat Ali Khan for the Muslims desire not to continue living in a united India.
Q2. What main differences does Liaquat Ali Khan point out between Muslim and Hindu beliefs and attitudes?
Ans. Liaquat Ali Khan points out the following main differences between Muslims and Hindu beliefs,
a) The Muslims are monotheists i.e. they believe in only one God, whereas the Hindus are polytheists, i.e. they believe in many gods.
b) The Muslims believe in Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and in Christ and the prophets of the Bible whereas the Hindus do not.
c) The Hindus believe in a caste system whereas the Muslims believe in the equality of all men.
d) The Muslim believes in the right of private ownership for everyone and have such laws of inheritance as prevent vast accumulation of wealth. The Hindus have no such laws.
e) Besides these main differences, the Muslims and the Hindus have different cultures and their social, political and economical outlooks are also very different. Hence, they could never live together.
Q3. What advantages does Liaquat Ali Khan show the Hindus to have gained from the creation of Pakistan?
Ans. It was necessary for the peace of the world that the British India should have been divided into two new states. The great advantage which the Hindus gained from the creation of Pakistan is that they have got a comparatively smaller and peaceful state instead of an uneasy and unwieldy state suffering from dissatisfaction and disorder in politics. They can now easily develop their culture on their own lilies.
Q4. On what grounds does Liaquat Ali Khan assert that the first duty of the Pakistanis as a free people is to themselves?
Ans. The first duty of the Pakistanis is to maintain their freedom as without this they would disgrace the fair name of free men and women all over the world. Secondly they must be vigilant. They should prove that they deserve this freedom.
Q5. What does Liaquat Ali Khan state the real meaning of freedom, for the common man to be?
Ans. Liaquat Ali Khan has discussed the real meaning of freedom at great length. He concludes it in a few words: 'Real freedom means when people are actually free from their basic needs, diseases and poverty." Otherwise, freedom from only foreign domination has no importance and benefit for the masses.
Q6. What is meant by a 'synthesis'?
Ans. The word 'synthesis' means act of combining separate ideas, beliefs, styles or things' It is an idea given by Liaquat Ali Khan to have firm faith in Islam and acquire modern technology as well.
Q7. What is the 'synthesis' that Liaquat Ali Khan believes is necessary for Pakistan to achieve?
Ans. Liaquat Ali Khan has suggested the people of Pakistan to be firm in their crystal clear faith in Islam and all the same, they must acquire modern technology.(educationsight.blogspot.com) The synthesis that Liaquat Ali Khan believes it necessary for Pakistan to achieve as much as she (Pakistan) can do for the unification and uplift of the large number of Free states which are emerging these days.
Q8. Liaquat Ali Khan contrasts two emotions that the Asian peoples tend to feel when they view the Western World. What are these two emotions?
Ans. Liaquat Ali Khan has tried to remind the then American Administration and the people for two important emotions of the Asian people when they view the Western World. Firstly, they are filled with admiration at the sight of the progress and advancement of civilization along with other European countries; they are more impatient for their misery and backwardness and wish keenly for the signs of bright days for themselves.
Secondly, they are acutely aware of the great contrast between their own standards of living and the standards of living in the western world. Hence, he has emphasized the western countries to remove the germs of disruption from Asian countries and enable and encourage the people to enjoy the fullest advances of freedom and democracy.
Q9. What does Liaquat Ali Khan put forward as the two main duties today of the western world?
Ans. Following two duties are put forward by Liaquat Ali Khan today of the western world:
He says that the first duty of the Western world as sharing its great fund knowledge, experience and skill with those numerous countries who were denied their opportunities. Its second duty is to demonstrate that true democracy is international in its very conception and is essential for the maintenance of world peace.
Q10. Our administrative machinery had to be built up from scratch. What does this sentence mean?
Ans. To start from scratch signifies to start from the beginning without any help of advantage.
The sentence therefore means that when Pakistan came into existence, she had no resources. We neither had administrative officers nor military personal. We had to make everything from the very start.
English 2nd Year Notes Q1. Briefly state the main reason given by Liaquat Ali Khan for the Muslim's desire not to continue living i...
March 12, 2025
Posted by Karachi Board Notes
English 2nd Year Notes
Q1. What purpose, in your opinion, is served by beginning this act of the play with the case of the Livens girls, which has nothing to do with the main story?
Ans. John Galsworthy has begun this act of the play with the case of Livens girls The case of the Livens girls has no direct connection with the actual play, but it is highly significant in this respect that it gives the reader foretaste of what is going to follow. The English legal system was faulty, and the poor had so put up with a lot of injustice. What the Livens girls have to suffer the Jones children will have to suffer when their father will go to prison and mother became unemployed.
Q2. Why are Mr. Barthwick and his son so anxious that as little as possible should be said in court about the purse and the money that Jones had in his possession?
Ans. Mr. Barthwick and his son Jack are very anxious to say as little as possible about the purse and money that Jones had in his possession because Jones and Jack had done the same identical crime, If this thing is disclosed and comes on the record, a fresh case against Jack may be registered which may cause bad name and insult to the rich family. Mr. Barthwick gives clear instruction to his advocate “Roper! The purse must be kept out of the papers. Whatever happens you must keep that out of the papers. (Roper nods)
Q3. What function Mr. Roper is discharging in the magistrate’s court?
Ans. Mr. Roper is a lawyer engaged by Mr. Barthwick. His purpose of engaging was that the base of crime should not be known to the public. Otherwise, the good name of Mr. Barthwick would be degraded in the eyes of the people.
Q4. What facts does Marlowe’s evidence establish?
Ans. Following facts are established with the evidence of Marlowe who is a butler to Mr. Barthwick, Liberal Member of British Parliament:
a) The silver cigarette box belonged to Mr. Barthwick. He placed it on the dinning room table between 10:45 and 11:00 pm. On the right of Easter Monday.
b) He confirmed that the lady prisoner — Mrs. Jones, was charwoman in the house of Mr. Barthwick at 6, Rocking ham Gate.
c) When, Marlowe went to remove the tray the next morning, he found Mrs. Jones alone in the room and the silver box was missing.
d) He communicated the loss to the employer, Mr. Barthwick sent Marlowe to register a case of theft against Mrs. Jones.(educationsight.blogspot.com)
Q5. From the constable’s evidence we learn that Mrs. Jones was the first to a charged with the theft. Why was this so?
Ans. A police constable went into the house of Jones to inquire about the theft. The police recovered the stolen box from Jones house. Jones along with his innocent wife, who was employed in the house of Jack, was arrested. She was arrested because police thought, it is through her the box was stolen. It was natural that suspicion should fall upon the woman who works in her house.
Q6. What lid the constable to arrest and charge Jones as well?
Ans. After searching, police recovered the silver cigarette box from the house of Mr. and Mrs. Jones. The case was registered against Mrs. Jones, when the police arrested her, Mr. Jones stopped in the performance of their duty. He many times said that he had taken the box, his wife was innocent but the police did not realize her. So he became violent and struck a blow to the police officer. For this reasons, he was also charged and arrested by the Police.
Q7. Briefly give the probable reasons for the magistrate’s decision to discharge Mrs. Jones?
Ans. The probable reasons for the magistrate’s decision to discharge Mrs. Jones are given as under:
a) Mr. Barthwick declared through Roper, the lawyer, that he did not wish to proceed the case, seeing the poverty and circumstances of the prisoners.
b) It was proved that Mrs. Jones was really innocent, she had no involvement what so ever in the theft of the box.
c) Mr. Jones confessed his guilt that he had taken the silver box as well as the purse in drunken state.
Q8. Briefly discuss whether the magistrate gives Jones a fair trail.
Ans. It is very clear from the proceedings, behavior of the court and the magistrate that he does not give Jones a fair trail. He has done no more than what Mr. Jack has done, he is not punished for his power and poor Jones is punished, the magistrate replies that he is not concerned with that Mr. Jack may or may not have taken, why did he resist the police in the execution of their duty? It is evident; he is not ready to listen against rich family which is not justified.
Q9. Assuming that Jones has received a fair trial, why does this act of the play leave us with a feeling that injustice has been done?
Ans. This act of the play leaves us with a feeling that injustice has been done to Jones and his family because our sympathies are with the three children of Mr. and Mrs. Jones that they have been deprived of their only means of subsistence and livelihood. Mr. Jones has been sent to prison, Mrs. Jones has lost her job, who will look after and provide them food and clothing.
Q10. What do you imagine to be the unspoken plea that Mrs. Jones makes to Mr. Barthwick at the very end?
Ans. After the case against Mr. Jones is disposed off by the magistrate, Mr. Barthwick goes out of the court room; Mrs. Jones turns to him with a humble gesture. It is her unspoken request for continuing her job as a charwoman with Barthwick. But he gives response to his nerves and in a hesitating manner, makes a gesture of refusal.
English 2nd Year Notes Q1. What purpose, in your opinion, is served by beginning this act of the play with the case of the Livens girls, ...