LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT
Unit 8. Humour and
Satire
A Few Kind Words for Superstition
Ways with words
A. Match the following.
transcendental :
iv. spiritual, nonphysical or mystical
deplore : i. to feel or express strong disapproval of (something)
absolve : vi. set free from
blame, guilt, or responsibility; release
juju : ii. a charm or
fetish used by some West African people
crude : iii. natural state
chronicle : v. a written record of
historical events
B. Find the contextual meanings of the following words from the
text and then use them in sentences of your own.
|
Word |
Meaning |
Sentence |
|
aloof |
unfriendly |
There are exceptions, but many bosses are rigid
and aloof. |
|
banish |
exile, expel |
They try to banish old ones and go hunting
for replacements. |
|
condemn |
to express disapproval |
He said that his standards did
not condemn the entire industry. |
|
creed |
a system of principles or religious beliefs |
Silence became our family's creed . |
|
devout |
having or showing strong religious feeling/ religious |
Even the most devout know that science is
here to stay. |
|
hasten |
hurry |
He will not hasten to write books and keep
the profits. |
|
humbler |
modest |
A year ago, it was the game that was humbled. |
|
persist |
to continue to exist |
Consult your doctor if the symptoms persist. |
|
scorn |
contempt, disrespect |
My sister scorned my view as
old-fashioned.
|
|
sober |
serious and sensible
|
We need to make a calm, sober assessment
of the situation.
|
|
swarthy |
having dark skin
|
He has a swarthy complexion, gold earrings
and brightly colored clothes. |
|
terror |
a feeling of extreme fear |
She spoke of surviving a childhood full
of terror and violence. |
|
unbidden |
unasked |
Such an unbidden gesture of friendship
might evoke a spark of reciprocity. |
|
yearning |
a strong and emotional desire |
There is good news for air
passengers yearning to breathe free. |
Comprehension
Answer these questions.
a.
According to the author, what are the four types of superstition?
According
to the author, the four types of superstition are vain observances, divination,
idolatry and improper worship of the true god.
b. Which language is the word 'superstition' derived from? What does it
mean?
The
word 'superstition' is derived from the Latin supersisto. It means to stand in
terror of the Deity.
c.
How do psychologists understand superstition?
Psychologists
understand superstition as a compulsion that neurosis does not banish it.
d.
How does superstition differ from religion?
Superstition is
linked to man’s yearning to know his fate and religion which have no place for
such comforting little ceremonies and charities.
e.
What is the belief of some people in the Middle Europe about sneezing?
Some
peoples of Middle Europe believe that when a man sneezes, his soul, for that
moment, is absent from his body, and they hasten to bless him, lest the soul be
seized by the Devil.
f.
In the author’s view, why are people so fascinated about superstition?
In
the author’s view, people are so fascinated about superstition because it in
general is linked to people’s desire to know their fate, and to have some hand
in deciding it.
Critical Thinking
a. What is the key takeaway of this essay? Do you think that
this essay is satirical? Why?
In
this intriguing essay, the author challenges the common notion that
superstition is solely associated with uneducated and irrational individuals.
Instead, the essay presents a fresh perspective, asserting that superstitions
are innate in every human, regardless of their logical or rational nature.
The
essayist contends that superstitions, many of which are deeply ingrained and
ancient, originate from a common human desire to seek meaning in fate and its
role in shaping one's life. Superstitions, according to the essayist, are a
manifestation of humanity's curiosity to understand the unpredictable aspects
of life.
Employing
satire as a literary tool, the essayist humorously exposes the contradictions
among educated individuals who outwardly distance themselves from superstitions
yet secretly adhere to them. Several amusing examples from the author's
personal experiences, university life, and religious studies are presented to
underscore the prevalence of irrational beliefs even in supposedly scientific
and modern civilizations.
The
essay playfully ridicules common superstitions like throwing salt over the left
shoulder after spilling it or avoiding walking under a ladder. It highlights
the irony of rational individuals engaging in seemingly illogical activities,
revealing that superstitions transcend intellect and education.
Moreover,
the author humorously mocks their own superstitious behavior, recounting the
incident of giving four shillings to touch a Lucky Baby before taking exams in college,
candidly admitting that it was done for jest.
Overall,
the essay challenges readers to rethink their perception of superstitions and
to recognize their ubiquity in human society. The essayist artfully blends
satire with personal anecdotes and cultural observations to shed light on the
fascinating and often paradoxical relationship between rationality and
superstition. Through this lighthearted exploration, the essay encourages
readers to embrace their superstitions with humor and acceptance, acknowledging
them as an intrinsic part of the human experience.
b. Can education bring change in the belief of superstition?
Present your arguments to support your answer.
Education plays a
pivotal role in dispelling superstitions and promoting rational thinking among
individuals. As education improves cognition and reasoning abilities, it
empowers people to question irrational beliefs and practices. Educated
individuals are less likely to succumb to superstitions and can act as agents
of change, enlightening others about the fallacy of such practices.
One significant benefit
of education is its impact on healthcare decisions. Educated individuals are
more likely to seek modern medical help and take sick individuals to hospitals
instead of resorting to superstitious practices, such as consulting witch
doctors to cast out demons for a cure. Education provides a deeper
understanding of diseases, their causes, and appropriate medical treatments,
enabling people to make informed decisions regarding their health and
well-being.
Superstitions often stem
from fear of the unknown. However, education helps transform the unknown into
familiar knowledge, eliminating the basis for superstition. When individuals
are equipped with actual information about seemingly inexplicable occurrences,
their fear diminishes, and they are less likely to rely on superstitious
beliefs to explain the unexplained.
It is true that
superstitions are deeply ingrained in society and cultural practices, making
them challenging to eradicate. Yet, education holds the key to overcoming these
deeply rooted beliefs. Educated individuals possess the critical thinking
skills to question long-standing traditions and beliefs, encouraging others to
do the same.
Educational institutions
can play a vital role in promoting rationality and eradicating superstitions.
By integrating lessons on scientific reasoning, critical thinking, and cultural
awareness, schools can equip students to challenge superstitions and embrace
evidence-based knowledge. Teachers, as well as educated members of society, can
serve as role models by practicing and promoting rationality in their daily
lives.
While eradicating
superstitions entirely may be a complex and long-term endeavor, education acts
as a powerful tool in initiating this transformative process. By fostering a
generation of enlightened individuals, education can gradually dismantle the
foundation of superstitions and open doors to a more rational and enlightened
society.
In conclusion, education
is the catalyst for change in the realm of superstitions. It enhances cognitive
abilities, promotes rational thinking, and empowers individuals to question and
challenge irrational beliefs. Education enables people to make informed
decisions about their health, encourages them to seek evidence-based knowledge,
and fosters a culture of critical thinking. By embracing education and
disseminating its benefits, society can gradually eliminate superstitions and
pave the way for a more enlightened and rational future.
Writing
a. Write an essay on Superstition that exists in your community
in about 250 words.
Superstition
Superstitions, stemming
from ignorance and fear, are blind or traditional beliefs that lack any
rational basis or scientific evidence. Despite the progress of science in the
modern world, many individuals, including the educated, still cling to
superstitious beliefs. These beliefs often revolve around bringing either bad
luck or good luck, but their foundations are devoid of logical reasoning.
Even in today's educated
society, superstitions persist. People accept practices like fortunetelling and
belief in ghosts without questioning their validity. Common superstitions such
as seeing an empty jar during a journey signifying bad luck or a black cat
crossing the road as a bad omen continue to influence people's actions. Hanging
a spider is believed to indicate the arrival of guests. These superstitions are
deeply ingrained in our culture and have become part of our daily lives.
Superstitions act as
hindrances to progress. Superstitious individuals tend to be narrow-minded and
resistant to change. Tragically, there are instances where people have lost
their lives due to superstitions. Some communities prefer taking a sick person
to a witch doctor instead of seeking medical help, leading to fatal
consequences. Such irrational beliefs not only fail to provide any real
benefits but also control people's thinking and decision-making patterns.
As society continues to
advance through scientific discoveries and knowledge, it is essential to
abandon superstitious beliefs. Rational thinking, backed by genuine knowledge
and hard work, should take precedence over baseless superstitions. Encouraging
critical thinking and fostering a scientific mindset can help overcome deeply rooted
superstitions.
In conclusion,
superstitions are relics of the past that have little place in the progress of
modern society. As we embrace scientific discoveries and rationality, it is
crucial to let go of these ill-founded beliefs. Superstitions lack logical
reasoning and should not guide our thoughts and actions. Instead, let us strive
for genuine knowledge, hard work, and a scientific approach to navigate our
lives and pave the way for a more enlightened and progressive future.
b. "Superstition is prevalent in every walk of life."
Argue for or against this statement.
The
statement that "superstition is prevalent in every walk of life"
holds true as superstitions have been present in human societies across
cultures and throughout history. Superstitions arise from the innate human
desire to understand and control the uncertain aspects of life, and they
persist across various domains, affecting people from all walks of life.
Firstly,
superstitions are deeply ingrained in cultural and religious practices. Many
religious rituals and customs are rooted in superstitions that have been passed
down through generations. People often engage in these rituals to seek
blessings, protection, or favorable outcomes, even if they lack empirical
evidence of their effectiveness.
Secondly,
superstitions are prevalent in professional settings as well. In sports,
athletes may have rituals or lucky charms they believe will enhance their
performance. Similarly, individuals in the business world may follow
superstitious practices before important meetings or events to ensure success.
Moreover,
superstitions influence everyday decision-making. Many individuals avoid
certain actions or dates they consider unlucky, such as not walking under a
ladder or avoiding the number 13. Others may rely on superstitious practices
when facing challenges or seeking good luck.
Additionally,
the entertainment industry often capitalizes on superstitions, incorporating
them into movies, TV shows, and literature. The portrayal of superstitions in
popular media further reinforces their prevalence and impact on society.
Furthermore,
superstitions often find their way into medical practices and healing methods.
In some cultures, people believe in traditional remedies and alternative treatments
based on superstitions rather than evidence-based medicine.
Even
in technologically advanced societies, superstitions can be found in various
forms. For instance, the fear of Friday the 13th remains widespread in some
Western cultures, leading to unusual behaviors and decisions on that particular
day.
In
conclusion, superstition is an integral part of human culture and behavior,
prevalent in every walk of life. From religious practices to everyday
decision-making and professional settings, superstitions continue to influence
human beliefs and actions. Despite advancements in science and technology, the
allure of superstitions persists, as they provide comfort and a sense of
control in an unpredictable world. As long as humans seek explanations and
solutions for uncertainties, superstitions will remain an enduring aspect of
human life.
Best of Luck
Extra Question
Read the
PASSAGE and answer the questions. [15]
At about 4 in the evening Vikram was driving along the bustling street in Kathmandu while he saw something amiss. A seemingly confused crowd was milling about a three-storeyed about 35 feet tall building. Vikram, a little short and stout 25 year old restaurateur braked his motorbike and looked up for a second. From one of the windows on the third floor was dangling a wailing little baby-boy stuck between the gaps of the window grille. He prayed for the life of the baby as he jostles his way into the crowd.
Neha, the young mother of the 2 year old Kanhaiya, had left the boy back alone in the room to buy vegetables from a street-vendor. As her husband was out on that day there was no one at home to baby-sit the boy. But before she went out the boy’s mother had placed the boy on a wooden plank on the base of her bed-room window’s grille that boxed the window on the outside. Under the plank was a little larger round opening to fit a potted plant which was yet to be used as its original purpose. She put the boy on her boxed window grille so that she could keep her eye on the baby while still shopping on the street.
The baby, however had somehow managed to displace the plank from its place and purpose. His legs slipped through the circular opening in the grille and got stuck there by the arms only. Hearing the boy’s cry, Neha dropped her vegetables and dashed back into the building and was by now racing up the staircase. Shocked and aghast the crowd looked at the boy while Vikram stood himself right below the boy. The boy was frantically struggling and the people along with Vikram reckoned that he would slip through any moment. “Get a bedsheet!” shouted someone in the crowd. A man ran to get one form a line. Everyone knew the worst was behind them. Vikram was all set to catch hold of the boy before it fell to the ground. “If I can’t do this, I’ll have to watch him die,” he thought looking at Kanhaiya intently.
Seconds before Neha entered into her bedroom when, suddenly, she heard an outcry from below. “it‘s all over,” she thought as she stiffened and sank down on the stairs. It was then that the baby-boy had slid through the hole, hit the second-floor window-shade and landed heavily on Vikram’s chest. His strong arms closed tightly around Kanhaiya. Vikram lost his balance and fell back.
Looking out through her bedroom window grille, sobbing Neha, noticed that the crowd had dispersed-even Kanhaiya was not there. She rushed down and a man on the ground floor told her that her son was safe and had been taken to a nearby clinic.
Kanhaiya was being treated for minor bruises who grabbed and clung to her when she approached him. Standing by him was a young stranger who was the savior of her beloved son. “I have no words to express my gratefulness to you,” she kept on telling the stranger. “I was only doing what I had to do,” said Vikram, “but I wish nobody’d leave small children near windows”
1. Answer the following questions:
a) At last what did Vikram suggest to everyone?
b) Do you like persons like Vikram? Why?
c) Do you think Neha to be a matured mother? Give reason.
d) How did Vikram help to save the child?
e) How tall was the building?
f) What did a man till Neha when she had rushed down?
g) What did Neha do when she heard the boy’s cry?
h) What did Vikram do to save the boy from the event?
i) What did Vikram see when he looked up?
j) What happened to the boy?
k) When and where was Vikram driving?
l) When did Vikram see a strange thing?
m) Where did Neha go living the baby boy on the third floor of the building?
n) Where did they take the boy? Why?
o) Where was the boy trapped?
p) Who is Kanhaiya?
q) Who was the saviour?
r) Who was Vikram?
s) Why did Neha put the boy on her boxed window grille?
t) Why did the mother, Neha leave her son alone in the room?
2. Write ‘T’ for true and ‘F’ for false for the following statements:
a) It seems that there were three people in the family.
b) Neha was stuck between the gaps of the window
c) The baby was being treated for major bruises.
d) The baby was rushed to hospital after the accident.
e) The boy got trapped between the grilles.
f) The boy was 10 years old.
g) The boy was seriously injured after the fall.
h) Vikram did not care the boy because he was very busy.
i) Vikram knew who the boy and his mother were.
j) Vikram was a businessman.
k) Vikram was a student.
l) Vikram was an owner of a restaurant.
3. Find out the similar words from the above passage of the following words:
a) a long flat piece of timber
b) attentively
c) busy
d) came close
e) crying
f) crying in a loud voice
g) desperately
h) fell
i) horrified
j) hurriedly
k) injuries
l) moving about in a confused way
m) new person
n) not quite right
o) one who sells things on street
p) restaurant owner
q) round
r) rushed
s) scattered
t) seller
u) snatched
v) thanks
w) thought
x) took something to be true
y) with strong interest and intention
z) wrong or not as it should be
4. Find the words or phrases in the poem that are opposite to the following words:
a) best
b) calmly
c) collected/gathered
d) destroyer
e) familiar person
f) far
g) imaginary/duplicate
h) imbalance
i) lightly
j) live
k) loosely
l) major
m) old
n) reluctantly
o) right
p) risky/dangerous
q) sell
r) smaller
s) then
t) weak
5. Rewrite the
following sentences in the correct order:
A. Rewrite the
following sentences in the correct order:
a) He stood right below Kanhaiya.
b) Vikram could see an amiss on his way.
c) He was ready to catch Kanhaiya.
d) He cleared his way pushing the crowd.
B. Rewrite the
following sentences in the correct order:
a) Mother ran fast to go upstairs.
b) The boy’s legs slipped through the gap of the grille.
c) Vikram has managed to catch the boy.
d) The boy was trying his best to be comfortable.
C. Rewrite the
following sentences in the correct order:
a) Neha expressed her gratefulness to Vikram.
b) Vikram was driving his motorbike.
c) Neha’s husband had gone outside.
d) Suddenly, Neha dropped the vegetables and went back into the building.
e) The child had been left alone in the room.
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