Class 12-Poets and Pancakes: Question and Answers (NCERT Book Flamingo)

“Poets and Pancakes” from the NCERT Class 12 English textbook, Flamingo. This post provides detailed answers to the in-text questions as well as exercise solutions. Also see notes of ‘Poets and Cakes’.

Poet & Pancakes: Intext-Question & Ans.

Here you would get answers to questions given before and along with the story in the lesson.

Before Reading: Infer meaning from the context

Notice these words and expressions in the text. Infer their meaning from the context.

1. blew over 2. was struck dumb 3. catapulted into 4. a coat of mail 5. played into their hands 6. the favourite haunt 7. heard a bell ringing

Answers:

Explanation and inference of the meanings of the above words and expressions from the context:

1. Blew over: In the context of an actress blowing over on the sets, this expression suggests that her outburst or emotional reaction subsided or calmed down.
2. Was struck dumb: This phrase indicates that someone was rendered speechless or unable to speak, usually in response to a surprising or overwhelming situation. In the context, the actress hearing her own voice through the sound equipment left her momentarily speechless.
3. Catapulted into: In the sentence “a position of importance and sophistication that she had found herself catapulted into,” this expression implies a sudden and forceful elevation into a position or situation, often without prior expectation or preparation.
4. A coat of mail: Describing the clothing worn by the legal adviser, this refers to a type of armor made of metal rings or plates. In a metaphorical sense, it suggests a protective or resilient outer layer.
5. Played into their hands: In the context of the Moral Re-Armament army visiting Madras, this expression means that certain individuals in Madras, like Mr. Vasan, unintentionally assisted or furthered the goals of the MRA, possibly by supporting their activities.
6. The favourite haunt: Describing Gemini Studios as the “favourite haunt” of poets, it means a place frequently visited or preferred by them. It suggests that the studio was a common and liked gathering place for poets.
7. Heard a bell ringing: In the context of coming across the editor’s name, the narrator hearing a bell ringing suggests a sudden recognition or realization, as if something significant had been remembered or understood.

Think as you read

Page: 59

1. What does the writer mean by ‘the fiery misery’ of those subjected to make-up’?
2. What is the example of national integration that the author refers to?
3. What work did the ‘office boy’ do in the Gemini Studios? Why did he join the studios? Why was he disappointed?
4. Why did the author appear to be doing nothing at the studios?

Answers:

1. By “the fiery misery” of those subjected to make-up, the writer refers to the uncomfortable and often painful experience of actors and extras in Gemini Studios who had to endure thick layers of make-up under hot studio lights. This process was not only physically taxing but also left them feeling miserable. In short, the use of “fiery” implies an intense and uncomfortable process, highlighting the challenges faced by individuals in the make-up department.
2. The author refers to the make-up department in Gemini Studios as an example of national integration because it had people from different parts of India and from different linguistic backgrounds working together. The head of the department was from Maharashtra, while others were from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Madras, showing how people from various regions contributed to the film industry.
3. The ‘office boy’ in the make-up department of Gemini Studios had the responsibility of mixing paint in a giant vessel and applying it to the crowd players on days of crowd-shooting.
   • Reason for Joining: The ‘office boy’ had initially joined the studios with aspirations of becoming a star actor, top screenwriter, director, or lyrics writer. He had dreams of a successful career in the film industry.
   • Disappointment: However, the ‘office boy’ was disappointed as he did not achieve the stardom or success he initially aspired to. Despite being in his early forties, he remained in a subordinate role, and his dreams of becoming a prominent figure in the film industry were not realized.
4. The author appeared to be doing nothing at the studios because his job involved tearing up newspapers and gathering clippings, which didn’t seem like real work to the others. This task was so simple and repetitive that it gave the impression that the author was idle, leading people to believe he was not contributing much to the studio’s operations. The misunderstanding arises from the outward nature of the task, which may not have been recognized as a part of his responsibilities.

Page: 61

1. Why was the office boy frustrated? Who did he show his anger on?
2. Who was Subbu’s principal?
3. Subbu is described as a many-sided genius. List four of his special abilities.
4. Why was the legal adviser referred to as the opposite by others?
5. What made the lawyer stand out from the others at Gemini Studios?

Answers:

1. The office boy was frustrated because he had joined Gemini Studios with dreams of becoming a star actor, director, or screenwriter, but he ended up doing a menial job with no chance of achieving his ambitions.
   • Frustration: The office boy was frustrated because he felt that all his woes, ignominy, and neglect were due to Kothamangalam Subbu.
   • Target of Anger: The office boy directed his anger towards Kothamangalam Subbu, expressing his frustration by blaming Subbu for his perceived misfortunes and disappointments.
2. Subbu’s principal was Mr. S.S. Vasan, the owner of Gemini Studios. Subbu was extremely loyal to him and dedicated all his creativity to serving Mr. Vasan’s interests.
3. Subbu is described as a many-sided genius with several special abilities:

• He was a creative and resourceful scriptwriter who could come up with multiple ideas quickly.
• He was a successful poet who wrote simple poetry for the masses.
• He was an excellent actor, capable of performing better than the main actors in supporting roles.
• He had a natural talent for problem-solving and helping others, always having work ready for someone in need.
  • Abilities:
    • Poetry: Subbu had a separate identity as a poet and was capable of composing original “story poems” in folk refrain and diction.
    • Novel Writing: Subbu wrote a sprawling novel titled “Thillana Mohanambal” with numerous well-etched characters.
    • Acting: Subbu was described as an amazing actor, even though he did not aspire to lead roles. He performed better than the supposed main players in subsidiary roles.
    • Creativity in Filmmaking: Subbu demonstrated creativity in filmmaking by providing multiple alternatives and ideas when faced with challenges in film production.

4. The legal adviser was referred to as “the opposite” by others because, despite his title, his actions often brought unexpected or unintended consequences, such as ending the career of an actress by recording and playing back her outburst on set.
5. The lawyer stood out from the others at Gemini Studios because, unlike the rest who wore traditional khadi, he dressed in Western attire, including pants, a tie, and sometimes a coat. His logical and cold demeanor also made him seem out of place among the more creative and dreamy staff of the studio.
   • Characteristics:
     • Talent in Recording: The lawyer had a talent for using recording equipment, as demonstrated when he quietly switched on the recording equipment during an actress’s outburst on the set.
     • Unconventional Appearance: Unlike others in the Story Department who wore khadi uniforms, the lawyer stood out by wearing pants, a tie, and sometimes a coat that looked like a coat of mail. This unconventional appearance made him distinct from his colleagues.
     • Logical and Neutral Demeanour: The lawyer had a logical and neutral demeanour, contrasting with the dreamers and idealists in the assembly. His approach was characterized by cold logic in a crowd of individuals with different perspectives

Page: 64

1. Did the people at Gemini Studios have any particular political affiliations?
2. Why was the Moral Rearmament Army welcomed at the Studios?
3. Name one example to show that Gemini studios was influenced by the plays staged by MRA.
4. Who was The Boss of Gemini Studios?
5. What caused the lack of communication between the Englishman and the people at
   Gemini Studios?
6. Why is the Englishman’s visit referred to as unexplained mystery?

Answers:

1. The people at Gemini Studios did not have any particular political affiliations. While they wore khadi and admired Gandhiji, they had little understanding or appreciation for political ideologies. They were, however, averse to Communism, viewing it with suspicion and misunderstanding.
2. The Moral Rearmament Army (MRA) was welcomed at Gemini Studios because the group was seen as a positive influence and a break from the usual routine. The MRA presented plays with high-quality sets and costumes, which impressed the studio staff, even though the group had underlying political motives.
3. One example showing that Gemini Studios was influenced by the plays staged by MRA is that after watching their play “Jotham Valley,” many Tamil plays started incorporating scenes with a bare stage, a white background curtain, and a flute tune, imitating the MRA’s style.
4. The Boss of Gemini Studios was Mr. S.S. Vasan. He was the owner and a significant figure in the studio, respected and admired by everyone.
5. The lack of communication between the Englishman (Stephen Spender) and the people at Gemini Studios was caused by the language barrier and his heavy English accent, which the audience could not understand. Additionally, the content of his speech was not relevant to the audience, further distancing them.
6. The Englishman’s visit is referred to as an unexplained mystery because no one at Gemini Studios understood why an English poet was invited to speak at a Tamil film studio. His talk seemed irrelevant to the audience, and both the poet and the studio staff were left puzzled by the entire event. The lack of clarity about the purpose and relevance of the visit contributed to the sense of mystery.

Page: 65

1. Who was the English visitor to the studios?
2. How did the author discover who the English visitor to the studios was?
3. What does The God that Failed refer to?

Answers:

1. The English visitor to the studios was Stephen Spender, a well-known English poet and editor. However, at the time of his visit, the people at Gemini Studios did not recognize him.
2. The author discovered who the English visitor to the studios was much later, when he came across a book titled The God That Failed on a footpath in Madras. Upon reading the book, the author recognized Stephen Spender’s name as the same poet who had visited Gemini Studios.
3. The God That Failed refers to a book in which six eminent writers, including Stephen Spender, describe their disillusionment with Communism. The title symbolizes their journey into Communism and their eventual realization of its flaws, leading them to abandon and reject their former beliefs.

Poet & Pancakes: Textbook Exercise Solutions

Understanding the text

1. The author has used gentle humour to point out human foibles. Pick out instances of this to show how this serves to make the piece interesting.
2. Why was Kothamangalam Subbu considered No. 2 in Gemini Studios?
3. How does the author describe the incongruity of an English poet addressing the audience at Gemini Studios?
4. What do you understand about the author’s literary inclinations from the account?

Answers:

Q.1. The author has used gentle humour to point out human foibles. Pick out instances of this to show how this serves to make the piece interesting:

Answer: Instances of Gentle Humour:

The description of the make-up men turning “any decent-looking person into a hideous crimson-hued monster” with the help of truck-loads of pancake and other potions adds humor to the exaggerated transformation process.

The portrayal of the office boy in the make-up department, who was in his early forties and had entered the studios with aspirations of stardom, is tinged with humor. The idea that he wasn’t exactly a ‘boy’ and had joined with dreams of becoming a star actor, director, or writer adds a touch of irony.

The office boy’s disappointment, praying for crowd-shooting to avoid “epics,” adds a humorous perspective on his perception of the make-up department’s lectures.

Q.2. Why was Kothamangalam Subbu considered No. 2 in Gemini Studios?

Answer: Reason for Being No. 2: Kothamangalam Subbu was considered No. 2 in Gemini Studios because he held the position of the second-in-command or a high-ranking role in the studio. The text does not explicitly state the specific duties or responsibilities that led to his ranking, but it suggests that Subbu had an encouraging opening in films and played a significant role in the success and creative direction of Gemini Studios during its golden years.

Q.3. How does the author describe the incongruity of an English poet addressing the audience at Gemini Studios?

Answer: Description of Incongruity:

The author describes the incongruity by noting that an English poet addressed the audience at Gemini Studios, a film studio making Tamil films for a simpler audience. The author expresses bafflement about what an English poet is doing in a place that caters to the simplest sort of people whose lives may not afford them the possibility of cultivating a taste for English poetry. The contrast between the audience and the subject matter of the poet’s talk creates a sense of incongruity and mystery.

Q.4. What do you understand about the author’s literary inclinations from the account?

Answer: Author’s Literary Inclinations:

The author’s literary inclinations appear to be diverse and appreciative of creative endeavors. The account reflects the author’s engagement with the world of filmmaking, poetry, and literature. The author seems observant of the people and events around him, presenting them with a mix of humor, irony, and curiosity. The mention of tearing up newspapers at a desk suggests a connection to journalism or perhaps a literary role. Overall, the author’s narrative style indicates an interest in storytelling and a keen eye for the nuances of human experiences within the context of Gemini Studios.

Talking about the text

Q. Discuss in small groups taking off from points in the text.

1. Film-production today has come a long way from the early days of the Gemini Studios.
2. Poetry and films.
3. Humour and criticism.

Answer: Here we are giving each discussion topic with simple explanations and ideas.

1. Film-production today has come a long way from the early days of the Gemini Studios.

Discussion Points:

• Technological Advancements: Today’s film production involves advanced technology, including digital cameras, special effects, and computer graphics, which were not available in the days of Gemini Studios.
• Professionalism and Specialization: The film industry now has specialized roles like cinematographers, editors, and sound designers, unlike the more general roles at Gemini Studios.
• Global Reach: Modern films have a global audience, thanks to the internet and streaming platforms, whereas Gemini Studios focused mainly on regional films.
• Diversity of Content: The variety of stories and genres explored in today’s films is much broader than in the early days when studios like Gemini focused on a limited range of themes.

2. Poetry and films.

Discussion Points:

• Different Forms of Art: Poetry and films are different forms of art. Poetry is often about expressing deep emotions and thoughts in a concise and beautiful way, while films combine visuals, sound, and storytelling to entertain and convey messages.
• Overlap: Sometimes, films use poetry in dialogues or scenes to enhance emotions or add depth to the story. Songs in films can also be seen as a form of poetry.
• Audience Engagement: Poetry often requires more reflection and interpretation, while films usually aim to engage the audience through visuals and actions. This difference makes poetry and films unique in how they connect with people.

3. Humour and criticism.

Discussion Points:

• Gentle Criticism: Humour can be a way to point out flaws or criticize something without being harsh. It allows the writer or speaker to make a point while still entertaining the audience.
• Engagement: People often respond better to criticism when it is presented in a humorous way because it feels less confrontational and more relatable.
• Examples: In “Poets and Pancakes,” the author uses humour to highlight the oddities of the film studio and the people working there. This makes the criticism light-hearted and easier to accept, rather than being overly serious or negative.

The above is just a sample of possible points for any such discussion. These topics can be discussed in small groups, where everyone can share their thoughts and examples, making the conversation engaging and insightful.

Here is given below a sample of such a discusiion from any one group for the 1st point:

Topic: Film-production today has come a long way from the early days of the Gemini Studios.

Sample Answer:

Film production today is vastly different from what it was during the time of Gemini Studios. Back then, the process was much simpler, with fewer resources and technology. Studios like Gemini had to rely on basic equipment, and most of the work was done indoors with limited outdoor shooting. The use of heavy make-up and simple sets was common because the technology to enhance visuals was not available.

Today, film production has evolved with the use of digital cameras, advanced editing software, and special effects. These technological advancements allow filmmakers to create more realistic and visually stunning movies. Additionally, the roles within the film industry have become more specialized, with experts handling different aspects like cinematography, sound design, and visual effects. This specialization has raised the quality of films and allowed for more complex and diverse storytelling.

Moreover, the reach of films has expanded globally. In the early days, studios like Gemini focused on regional audiences, primarily producing Tamil films. Now, films are made for international audiences, and with the advent of streaming platforms, people from all over the world can watch movies from different countries.

Overall, the journey from the early days of Gemini Studios to the modern film industry shows how much the art of filmmaking has grown. The tools, techniques, and reach of films have improved tremendously, allowing filmmakers to explore new ideas and reach a broader audience.

This piece is an example of a chatty, rambling style. One thought leads to another which is then dwelt upon at length.

Noticing transitions

• This piece is an example of a chatty, rambling style. One thought leads to another which is then dwelt upon at length.
• Read the text again and mark the transitions from one idea to another. The first one is indicated below.

Answer: Noticing Transitions in the Text

In the piece “Poets and Pancakes,” the author uses a rambling, conversational style where one idea flows into another. Here are the transitions marked out:

1. Make-up Department → Office-boy: The author starts by describing the make-up department and then shifts to talking about the office-boy who worked there, showing the hierarchy within the department.
2. Office-boy → Subbu: The conversation about the office-boy naturally leads to Subbu, who was considered the No. 2 at Gemini Studios. The author contrasts the office-boy’s frustration with Subbu’s success.
3. Subbu → Story Department: The author then transitions to describing Subbu’s role in the Story Department, highlighting his creativity and problem-solving abilities.
4. Story Department → The Lawyer: From Subbu, the narrative shifts to the lawyer in the Story Department, showcasing a humorous incident involving an actress.
5. The Lawyer → Poets at Gemini Studios: The mention of the Story Department leads to a discussion of the poets who frequented Gemini Studios, reflecting on the atmosphere there.
6. Poets → MRA and English Poet’s Visit: The author then talks about an incident where a visiting English poet addressed the staff, connecting it with the earlier discussion on poets and the unexpected nature of the visit.
7. English Poet’s Visit → Literary Interests: Finally, the author transitions to his own literary inclinations, revealing how he discovered that the English poet who visited was Stephen Spender.

Writing

You must have met some interesting characters in your neighbourhood or among your relatives. Write a humourous piece about their idiosyncrasies. Try to adopt the author’s rambling style, if you can

Answer: Here we are giving a sample answer as to complete the writing task.

Sample Writing: (Humorous Piece on Idiosyncrasies)

In my neighborhood, there’s Mr. Gupta, the self-proclaimed “tech wizard” who believes he knows everything about gadgets and electronics. Every time a new gadget comes out, he’s the first one to buy it, but somehow, he never really figures out how to use it properly.

Take the time he bought a smart refrigerator, for instance. He was so excited that he invited the whole neighborhood over to show it off. “It’s got Wi-Fi, touchscreen, and it can even order groceries online!” he boasted. But when he tried to demonstrate the voice command feature, the fridge stubbornly refused to respond.

“Order milk!” he commanded. Nothing happened. He tried again, louder this time, “ORDER MILK!” Still nothing. After a few minutes of frustration, his wife came over, gave him a look, and simply said, “Maybe try turning it on first, dear.” The whole room burst into laughter as Mr. Gupta sheepishly admitted that he hadn’t figured out how to connect it to the Wi-Fi yet.

Then there’s Mrs. Sharma, who is convinced that her pet parrot, Polly, can predict the weather. Every morning, she interprets Polly’s squawks as either a sign of rain or sunshine. “Polly squawked twice today, which means it’s going to rain in the afternoon,” she’d say confidently. But more often than not, Polly’s predictions were as reliable as flipping a coin.

One day, she was so sure of Polly’s prediction that she canceled her picnic plans, only for the sun to shine brightly all day long. “Polly must’ve been feeling a bit off today,” she shrugged, as if a parrot could have an off day like the rest of us.

These quirks make our neighborhood lively, and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Each character brings their own brand of humor and unpredictability, making every day a little more interesting.

This piece uses a light-hearted, rambling style, similar to the author in “Poets and Pancakes,” where one anecdote naturally leads into another.