Poets and Pancakes: Summary and Textual Questions of Class 12 English

Poets and Pancakes: Summary and Textual Questions of Class 12 English will answer your all queries about Poets and Pancakes’ summary and textual questions. Poets and Pancakes: Summary and Textual Questions of Class 12 English Flamingo is designed and solved by an eminent teacher of English who has been teaching class 12 English for the last 25 years. Students and teachers can download a free PDF of Poets and Pancakes: Summary and Textual Questions of Class 12 English.

About the author:

Asokamitran (1931), a Tamil writer, recounts his years at Gemini Studios in his book My Years with Boss which talks of the influence of movies on every aspect of life in India. The Gemini Studios, located in Chennai, was set up in 1940. It was one of the most influential film-producing organisations in India in the early days of Indian film-making. Its founder was S.S. Vasan. The duty of Asokamitran in Gemini Studios was to cut out newspaper clippings on a wide variety of subjects and store them in files. Many of these had to be written out by hand. Although he performed an insignificant function he was the most well-informed of all the members of the Gemini family. The following is an excerpt from his book “My Years with Boss”.

Poets and Pancakes: Summary and Textual Questions of Class 12 English

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Poets and Pancakes Summary in English

Introduction of the summary of “Poets and Pancakes” 

This Poets and Pancakes summary will boost your understanding of how to learn about Poets and Pancakes easily. The summary will help you understand “Poets and Pancakes English Flamingo in 12th grade.” The chapter is taken from the book “My Years with the Boss” by Asokamitran. The writer explains his experience at Gemini Studios. Gemini Studio has always been a well-known studio in its era. Its founder was S.S. Vasan. The writer worked in a cubical, and his job was to cut the newspaper and keep it in a safe place. The summary will also tell you some major facts about the film industry in India. “The Pancakes” is the brand name of make-up materials that Gemini Studios ordered in truckloads. In Gemini Studio, we also see unity in diversity. The make-up department was the main attraction at Poets and Pancakes. Most of the story revolves around the office boy in the make-up department.

Main points of Poets and Pancakes summary in English

Poets and Pancakes begin with Asokamitran telling us about Gemini studios. Asokamitran explains at the beginning of the chapter, Poets, and Pancakes, about the make-up room where “Pancake” was the brand name used for the make-up material that came to Gemini Studio in trucks. He further tells us that the make-up studio was located upstairs in the building that belonged to Robert Clive’s stables.

Further, we come to know that the author, Asokamitran, was a poet and he wanted to become an actor; therefore, he joined the Gemini Studio. Next, he discussed the use of make-up materials to make the actors and other artists look ugly. After that, he tells us about the office boy, who was not a boy but a man of forty who entered the studio to become a star, “becoming a star actor or a top screenwriter, director, or lyric writer. He was a bit of a poet. ”

Next, the author reveals his work as paper cutting, which was never considered work by many in the studio. The office boy always used to come to the author’s cubicle and complain to the author about his miseries. He always considered Kothamangalam Subbu. Subbu was the No. 2 at Gemini Studios, responsible for all his “woes, ignominy, and neglect”. The education of the office boy was greater than that of Subbu, and the office boy thought that Subbo was Brahmin and had an edge over the office boy. “Brahmin—a virtue, indeed!”

Subbu has always been talented and easy to use to bring solutions to problems easily. Film-making must have been and was so easy with a man like Subbu, and he also gave direction and definition to Gemini Studio during its golden years. Subbu was also a poet, and his work was well-received by the general public. He composed several truly original “story poems.” He was an amazing actor who was capable of doing any role with ease. Moreover, he was a “charitable and improvident” man, but he still had enemies, maybe because of his proximity to the boss. Thus, Subbu was with the story department, which had writers, lawyers, and poets. Thus, Subbu was number 2 in Gemini Studio, a man with a logic and impartial nature.

The Gemini Studio got an opportunity to host the Moral Rearmament Army, a group of international performers. Though the plots and messages were simple, their sets and costumes were so good that for many years, Tamil plays depicted sunset and sunrise in a style inherited from “Jotham Valley.” They were simple and perfect in their actions. After some time, the Gemini Studio got an opportunity to host the famous poet, Stephen Spender, who visited the studios. People had never heard of him, and therefore, they couldn’t even connect with him due to linguistic barriers. They couldn’t identify him, and it was not until a few years later that Asokamitran saw his name in a book and realised who he was.

The Conclusion of Poets and Pancakes

So, the Poets and Pancakes summary tells us about the inside of Gemini Studios, where our film industry has been in its early stages in the past.

Difficult words and meanings:

1. Incongruity: lack of harmony or compatibility.
2. Ignominy: public shame or disgrace.
3. Prose writers are writers of ordinary language and not poetry.
4. Drudge: a person who does hard, menial, or tedious work.
5. Disillusioned: disappointed in someone or something that one discovers to be less good than one had believed.
6. Filial: relating to or befitting a son or daughter.
7. Conjunction: the action or instance of two or more events or things occurring at the same point in time or space.
8. Hierarchy: a system or organisation in which people or groups are ranked one above the other according to status or authority.
9. Homilies: sermons or speeches that offer moral or spiritual advice.
10. Affluent: having a great deal of money; wealthy.

Important Sentences:

1. Gemini Studios Overview:
   • Gemini Studios, founded by S.S. Vasan, held prominence in the early days of Indian film production.
2. Author’s Role:
   • Asokamitran, the writer, recounts his experiences at Gemini Studios in his book “My Years with the Boss.”
3. National Integration:
   • Gemini Studios exemplifies national integration, with a diverse workforce representing different regions and cultures.
4. Pancake in Make-up:
   • “Pancake” refers to the make-up material ordered in large quantities by Gemini Studios.
5. Make-up Department Hierarchy:
   • The make-up department has a strict hierarchy, with different roles assigned based on seniority.
6. Office Boy’s Ambition:
   • The office boy in the make-up department aspired to be a star but ended up frustrated in a subordinate role.
7. Resentment towards Subbu:
   • The office boy blamed Kothamangalam Subbu, No. 2 at Gemini Studios, for his woes and felt inferior due to Subbu’s Brahmin background.
8. Subbu’s Talents:
   • Subbu was a multi-talented individual, contributing to acting, writing, and poetry and playing a significant role in the success of Gemini Studios.
9. Closure of the Story Department:
   • The closure of the Story Department at Gemini Studios was orchestrated by The Boss, affecting a lawyer from the legal department.
10. The Moral Rearmament Army’s Impact:
    • The Moral Rearmament Army’s visit influenced local Tamil plays and left a lasting impact on the drama community in Madras.
11. Stephen Spender’s Visit:
    • The visit of English poet Stephen Spender to Gemini Studios caused confusion among staff due to linguistic barriers.
12. Summary from “My Years with the Boss”:
    • The entire summary is extracted from Asokamitran’s book, providing insights into the inner workings of Gemini Studios.
13. Early Days of the Film Industry:
    • The narrative captures the formative years of the Indian film industry, with Gemini Studios playing a significant role.
14. Diversity in the Workforce:
    • The diverse workforce at Gemini Studios included individuals from Bengal, Maharashtra, Dharwar, Andhra, Madras, and Anglo-Burmese backgrounds.
15. Importance of the Make-up Department:
    • The make-up department played a crucial role in transforming actors and creating the desired appearance for film characters.
16. Role of the Boss:
    • The boss, likely S.S. Vasan, had a significant influence on the studio’s decisions, including the closure of the Story Department.
17. Spender’s Identity Realisation:
    • Asokamitran later discovered Stephen Spender’s identity when he saw his name in a book, resolving the mystery surrounding the poet’s visit.
18. Pancake as a Brand Name:
    • “Pancake” was not just a make-up material but also a brand name associated with the make-up department at Gemini Studios.
19. Impact of the Moral Rearmament Army:
    • The Moral Rearmament Army’s plays had a lasting impact on local Tamil drama, influencing stage depictions for years to come.
20. Asokamitran’s Cubicle:
    • Asokamitran worked in a cubicle with French windows, spending his time cutting newspaper clippings, which was often misunderstood as inactivity.

Important Wh. Questions to understand the Reading Comprehension of Poets and Pancakes

1. What was the role of Asokamitran at Gemini Studios?
2. How did he describe his experience in the make-up department?
3. What was the significance of the brand name “Pancake” in Gemini Studios?
4. How was it used in the make-up process?
5. Who was Subbu in Gemini Studios?
6. What were his various talents and contributions to the film industry?
7. What frustration did the office boy in the make-up department experience?
8. Why did he attribute his woes to Kothamangalam Subbu?
9. Who was “The Boss” of Gemini Studios?
10. How did he play a role in the closure of the Story Department?
11. Why were poets like S.D.S. Yogiar, Sangu Subramanyam, Krishna Sastry, and Harindranath Chattopadhyaya attracted to Gemini Studios?
12. What was the significance of the Moral Rearmament Army’s visit to Gemini Studios?
13. How did it influence the local drama community?
14. Describe the confusion surrounding the visit of the English poet, Stephen Spender, to Gemini Studios.
15. Why couldn’t people identify him?
16. What was the author’s perspective on prose-writing, and what contest did he come across in The Hindu related to prose?
17. How did the author connect with Stephen Spender years later, and what realization did he have about Spender’s visit to Gemini Studios?

10 Most Important Question Answers of Poets and Pancakes

1. What was Pancake, and how was it used in Gemini Studios?
   • Pancake was a brand of make-up material that Gemini Studios purchased in large quantities. It was applied to the actors and actresses in the make-up department to create the desired look for film shoots.
2. Describe the make-up department of Gemini Studios and its hierarchy.
   • The make-up department at Gemini Studios resembled a hair-cutting salon with multiple mirrors and incandescent lights. The hierarchy was strictly maintained, with the chief make-up man working on the main actors and actresses, senior assistants on the secondary characters, and so forth. The office boy was responsible for the crowd players.
3. Who was Subbu, and what were his various abilities and contributions to Gemini Studios?
   • Subbu, also known as Kothamangalam Subbu, was associated with Gemini Studios and had various talents. He was a poet, actor, and writer. His contributions included playing a significant role in filmmaking, offering creative ideas, and successfully managing different roles in the industry.
4. Why did the office boy in the make-up department feel frustrated, and who did he blame for his woes?
   • The office boy in the make-up department felt frustrated because he aspired to be an actor or a top screenwriter but found himself stuck in a menial role. He blamed Kothamangalam Subbu, who held a higher position, for his woes and perceived neglect.
5. Who was The Boss of Gemini Studios, and how did he play a role in the closure of the Story Department?
   • The boss of Gemini Studios was S.S. Vasan. He played a role in closing down the Story Department, and this decision led to the dismissal of the legal adviser (lawyer) and others associated with the department.
6. Why were poets like S.D.S. Yogiar, Sangu Subramanyam, Krishna Sastry, and Harindranath Chattopadhyaya drawn to Gemini Studios?
   • Gemini Studios became a favourite gathering place for poets due to its atmosphere of leisure, excellent mess, and the availability of good coffee. The poets found it an appealing place for creative discussions and socialising, providing a break from the routine.
7. What was the significance of the Moral Rearmament Army’s visit to Gemini Studios?
   • The Moral Rearmament Army’s visit influenced Gemini Studios, with the plays presented having an impact on Tamil drama. The encounters with the MRA showcased the studio’s openness to international influences and ideas.
8. Describe the English poet’s visit to Gemini Studios and the confusion surrounding it.
   • The English poet’s visit to Gemini Studios was unexplained and left the staff baffled. The poet gave a speech that was difficult to understand due to his accent, creating confusion about his purpose and relevance in a film studio catering to Tamil audiences.
9. What did the author think about prose writing, and what contest did he come across in The Hindu?
   • The author believed that prose writing was not the true pursuit of a genius but suited those who could persistently endure rejection. In The Hindu, he learned about a short story competition that the British magazine “The Encounter” was holding.
10. How did the author connect with Stephen Spender, and what realisation did he have about Spender’s visit to Gemini Studios?

• The author connected with Stephen Spender when he found a book on the footpath, and the realisation dawned that Spender, the English poet, had visited Gemini Studios. The book, “The God That Failed,” containing essays by eminent writers, including Spender, provided insight into Spender’s views on Communism.

The theme of “Poets and Pancakes”

The theme of “Poets and Pancakes” revolves around the juxtaposition of artistic creativity and the mundane reality of the film industry. Asokamitran, the author, reflects on his experiences at Gemini Studios, highlighting the clash between the artistic aspirations of poets and the commercial demands of the film world. The make-up department, the closure of the Story Department, and encounters with figures like Subbu and The Boss symbolise the complexities of creative pursuits within a structured industry. The visit of the Moral Rearmament Army and the English poet adds an element of mystery, emphasising the studio’s openness to diverse influences. Ultimately, the narrative explores the intersection of art, commerce, and the challenges faced by individuals pursuing their creative passions in a dynamic and multifaceted environment.

Title of  Poets and Pancakes

The core of the story is revealed in the poignant title “Poets and Pancakes,” which captures the contradictions and polarities that exist within Gemini Studios. The word “poets” connotes the dreamers and visionaries drawn to the film industry and is associated with creative aspirations, inventiveness, and intellectual pursuits. Conversely, “Pancakes” represents the pragmatic, everyday elements of filmmaking—the copious use of makeup supplies, which reflects the routine and commercial parts of the business. The coming together of these seemingly unrelated components captures the complex character of Gemini Studios, where the film industry and poetry intersect.

This title paints a vivid picture of the varied people that work at Gemini Studios by hinting to the meeting point of art and commerce. In contrast to the common studio application of makeup products like pancakes, it conveys the poetic yearnings of those pursuing creative expression. The contrast suggests a careful balancing act between creative inspiration and the everyday requirements of the film business. With “Poets and Pancakes,” the title presents an engrossing investigation of the intricacies, goals, and difficulties encountered by people negotiating the distinct universe of Gemini Studios.

“Poets and Pancakes” is essentially a doorway into the rich tapestry of Gemini Studios, beckoning readers to explore a story that reveals the coexistence of creative aspirations and pragmatic needs in the dynamic field of Indian cinema.

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Poets and Pancakes Summary in Hindi

Introduction of the summary of “Poets and Pancakes” (“कवि और पेनकेक्स” का सारांश पेश किया गया है।)

यह कवियों और पेनकेक्स सारांश कवियों और पेनकेक्स के बारे में आसानी से सीखने के तरीके के बारे में आपकी समझ को बढ़ावा देगा। सारांश आपको “12 वीं कक्षा में कवियों और पेनकेक्स अंग्रेजी फ्लेमिंगो” को समझने में मदद करेगा। यह अध्याय अशोकमित्रन की पुस्तक “माई इयर्स विद द बॉस” से लिया गया है। लेखक जेमिनी स्टूडियोज में अपने अनुभव के बारे में बताते हैं। जेमिनी स्टूडियो अपने दौर में हमेशा से ही एक जाना माना स्टूडियो रहा है। लेखक एक क्यूबिकल में काम करता था, और उसका काम अखबार को काटना और उसे सुरक्षित स्थान पर रखना था। सारांश आपको भारत में फिल्म उद्योग के बारे में कुछ प्रमुख तथ्य भी बताएगा। “द पैनकेक” मेकअप सामग्री का ब्रांड नाम है जिसे जेमिनी स्टूडियोज ने ट्रक लोड में ऑर्डर किया था। जेमिनी स्टूडियो में हम अनेकता में एकता भी देखते हैं। कवियों और पेनकेक्स में मेकअप विभाग मुख्य आकर्षण था। ज्यादातर कहानी मेकअप डिपार्टमेंट में ऑफिस बॉय के इर्द-गिर्द घूमती है।

कवियों और पेनकेक्स के मुख्य बिंदु अंग्रेजी में सारांश|

कवियों और पेनकेक्स की शुरुआत अशोकमित्रन द्वारा जेमिनी स्टूडियो के बारे में बताने से होती है। अशोकमित्रन अध्याय की शुरुआत में कवियों और पेनकेक्स के बारे में बताते हैं, मेकअप रूम के बारे में जहां ट्रकों में जेमिनी स्टूडियो में आने वाली मेकअप सामग्री के लिए “पैनकेक” ब्रांड नाम का इस्तेमाल किया गया था। वह आगे हमें बताता है कि मेक-अप स्टूडियो उस इमारत में ऊपर स्थित था जो रॉबर्ट क्लाइव के अस्तबल का था।

फिर वह उन अभिनेताओं और अभिनेत्रियों की दुर्दशा के बारे में बात करते हैं जिन्हें मेकअप रूम में तैयार होने के दौरान अपने चेहरे पर बहुत अधिक रोशनी सहन करनी पड़ती है। उनके अनुसार, मेकअप विभाग ने उन्हें बदसूरत दिखने वाले जीवों में बदलने के लिए मेकअप के ढेर का इस्तेमाल किया।

इसके अलावा, हमें पता चलता है कि लेखक अशोकमित्रन एक कवि थे और वह एक अभिनेता बनना चाहते थे; इसलिए, वह जेमिनी स्टूडियो में शामिल हो गए। इसके बाद, उन्होंने अभिनेताओं और अन्य कलाकारों को बदसूरत दिखने के लिए मेकअप सामग्री के उपयोग पर चर्चा की। उसके बाद, वह हमें ऑफिस बॉय के बारे में बताता है, जो एक लड़का नहीं था, बल्कि चालीस का एक आदमी था, जिसने स्टार बनने के लिए स्टूडियो में प्रवेश किया, “एक स्टार अभिनेता या एक शीर्ष पटकथा लेखक, निर्देशक, या गीतकार बनना। वह थोड़ा सा था एक कवि का।”

इसके बाद, लेखक अपने काम को पेपर कटिंग के रूप में प्रकट करता है, जिसे स्टूडियो में कई लोगों ने कभी काम नहीं माना। ऑफिस का लड़का हमेशा लेखक के कक्ष में आता था और लेखक से उसके दुखों की शिकायत करता था। वह हमेशा कोठमंगलम सुब्बू को ही मानते थे। सुब्बू नं. जेमिनी स्टूडियोज में 2, उसके सभी “दुख, अपमान और उपेक्षा” के लिए जिम्मेदार है। ऑफिस के लड़के की शिक्षा सुब्बू की तुलना में अधिक थी, और कार्यालय के लड़के ने सोचा कि सुब्बो ब्राह्मण था और कार्यालय के लड़के पर बढ़त थी। “ब्राह्मण-और पुण्य, वास्तव में!”

सुब्बू हमेशा से ही प्रतिभाशाली रहे हैं और समस्याओं का आसानी से समाधान निकालने के लिए उपयोग में आसान रहे हैं। सुब्बू जैसे व्यक्ति के साथ फिल्म बनाना इतना आसान रहा होगा और इतना आसान था, और उन्होंने जेमिनी स्टूडियो के सुनहरे वर्षों के दौरान निर्देशन और परिभाषा भी दी। सुब्बू एक कवि भी थे और उनके काम को आम जनता ने खूब सराहा। उन्होंने कई वास्तविक “कहानी कविताओं” की रचना की। वह एक अद्भुत अभिनेता थे जो किसी भी भूमिका को आसानी से करने में सक्षम थे। इसके अलावा, वह एक “धर्मार्थ और कामचलाऊ” व्यक्ति था, लेकिन उसके अभी भी दुश्मन थे, शायद बॉस से उसकी निकटता के कारण। इस प्रकार, सुब्बू कहानी विभाग के साथ थे, जिसमें लेखक, वकील और कवि थे। इस प्रकार, सुब्बू जेमिनी स्टूडियो में दूसरे नंबर पर था, तर्क और निष्पक्ष स्वभाव वाला व्यक्ति।

जेमिनी स्टूडियो को अंतरराष्ट्रीय कलाकारों के एक समूह, मोरल रिअरमामेंट आर्मी की मेजबानी करने का अवसर मिला। हालांकि कथानक और संदेश सरल थे, उनके सेट और वेशभूषा इतने अच्छे थे कि कई वर्षों तक तमिल नाटकों में “जोथम घाटी” से विरासत में मिली शैली में सूर्यास्त और सूर्योदय का चित्रण किया गया। वे अपने कार्यों में सरल और सिद्ध थे। कुछ समय बाद, जेमिनी स्टूडियो को प्रसिद्ध कवि स्टीफन स्पेंडर की मेजबानी करने का अवसर मिला, जिन्होंने स्टूडियो का दौरा किया था। लोगों ने उनके बारे में कभी नहीं सुना था, और इसलिए, वे भाषाई बाधाओं के कारण उनसे जुड़ भी नहीं पाए। वे उसे पहचान नहीं पाए, और कुछ साल बाद अशोकमित्रन ने एक किताब में उसका नाम देखा और महसूस किया कि वह कौन था।

कवियों और पेनकेक्स का निष्कर्ष

तो, कवियों और पेनकेक्स सारांश हमें जेमिनी स्टूडियो के अंदर के बारे में बताता है, जहां हमारा फिल्म उद्योग अतीत में अपने शुरुआती चरण में रहा है।

Poets and Pancakes: Summary and Textual Questions of Class 12 English

Poets and Pancakes NCERT Textbook Questions Solved Flamingo Class 12 English

The Name of the Author of Poets and Pancakes:  Asokamitran

Page 57

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

Blew over: To criticize by giving a long critical speech

Was struck dumb: Speechless, without any words, no answer.

Catapulted into: To shoot into, bucked, ejected

A coat of mail: overlapping metal plates

Played into their hands: To act on someone’s else advice.

The favorite haunt: Favourite places to visit

heard a bell ringing: indistinct memory

Page 59

Think As You Read

Question 1.

What does the writer mean by “the fiery misery” of those subjected to make-up?

Answer

The writer elucidates the bad effects of lights and mirrors in the make-up room. As a result, the people are exposed to heat and reflections and their conditions became miserable in the make-up room due to the excess heat of lights and the reflection of mirrors. The make-up room was like a hair salon with lights at all angles. Thus, the author clearly explains “the fiery misery” due to the lights and mirrors in the make-up room of Gemini Studios.

Question 2.

What is the example of national integration that the author refers to?

Answer

The make-up of the Gemini Studios was considered a symbol of national integration. The author, Asokamitron, explicated the Gemini Studios as a place full of national integration feelings. The make-up department was first headed by a Bengali who became too big for a studio and left. He was succeeded by a Maharashtrian who was assisted by a Dharwar Kannadiga, an Andhra, a Madras Indian Christian, an Anglo-Burmese, and the usual local Tamils. All this shows that there was a great deal of national integration. People of different states and religions were working in Gemini Studios, and thus, the make-up room was a symbol of unity in diversity.

Question 3.

What work did the “office boy” do in the Gemini Studios? Why did he join the studios? Why was he disappointed?

Answer

The office boy was not an ordinary boy but a man in his forties. The office boy used to do the make-up for a large crowd in Gemini Studios. “Even the make-up department of the Gemini Studio had an ‘office boy!” The office boy of the studios was not a boy in the true sense of the word. He used to mix paint in a large vessel to throw it at the large crowd. The office boy was an educated and talented person who joined the Gemini Studio in the hope of becoming a famous actor or writer, but unfortunately, he couldn’t. Therefore, he always used to criticise Subbu, who was No. 2 in Gemini Studios due to his higher caste. Yes, he was disappointed and he used to avenge his anger in front of the writer, Asokamitron.

Question 4.

Why did the author appear to be doing nothing at the studios?

Answer

The writer’s (Asokamitron’s) job was to cut the clippings from newspapers, which couldn’t be considered serious work in the eyes of the people who were working in Gemini Studios. So, everyone came to him in his cubical to share their grievances in Gemini Studios, as they considered him a man without work, and even the boss “thought” so. Therefore, people “Seeing me sitting at my desk tearing up newspapers a day in and day out, most people thought I was doing next to nothing.”

Poets and Pancakes: Summary and Textual Questions of Class 12 English: Think As You Read

Page 61

Think As You Read

Question 1.

Why was the office boy frustrated? Who did he show his anger on?

Answer

The office boy had joined Gemini Studios with a lot of dreams he wanted to fulfill as an actor or a writer, but unfortunately, his luck was not in his favour. Therefore, he became frustrated and avenged his anger on Subbu, whom he considered a man of flattery. Therefore, he shared his frustration with the author, Asokamitron, by visiting his cubical. Although he was more educated and might have been more talented, ultimately, he was an office boy in a make-up room. Therefore, it was natural for the office boy to become disappointed with the circumstances and show his anger to the author many times. Generally, the office boy showed his anger at Subbu, the no. 2 in the Gemini Studios.

Question 2.

Who was Subbu’s principal?

Answer

Subbu was in the No. 2 position in Gemini Studios, and he was officially enrolled in the Story Department, but he was always seen with his principal, Gemini Studios’ boss. S.S. Vasan, the founder of Gemini Studios, was the principal of Subbu.

Question 3.

Subbu is described as a many-sided genius. List four of his special abilities.

Answer

Subbu was in the No. 2 position in Gemini Studios, and he was officially enrolled in the Story Department, but he was always seen with his principal, Gemini Studios’ boss. He was not a man of his thoughts but he was considered an experienced and cheerful fellow who produced films with ease. His career was not successful at the beginning of his career but his loyalty towards his principal made him no.2 in the studios. He was tailor-made for films.

Question 4. Why was the legal advisor referred to as the opposite by others?

Ans. The legal advisor was considered different than others as he usd to wear touser and shirt while othe weared dhoti and kurta.

Question 5.

What made the lawyer stand out from others at Gemini Studios?

Answer

Gemini Studios was considered the symbol of national integration where people were fond of Khadi, but the lawyer was always in black and white shirts and trousers, which was natural for a lawyer or legal advisor. Therefore, his look and work made him different than others in the studios.

Page 64

Think As You Read

Question 1.

Did the people at Gemini Studios have any particular political affiliations?

Answer

The people in Gemini Studios were the followers of Gandhiji as they used to wear Khadi. They were the “gang of the nationally integrated” and they were not affiliated with any political party, but it seemed that they were against communism as they welcomed the counter-attack movement of M.R.A., which organized two plays, “Jotham Valley” and “The Forgotten Factor” in Madras. Thus, the author, Asokamitron, considered them as “gangs of the nationally integrated.”

Question 2.

Why was the moral rearmament Army welcomed at the studios?

Answer

The moral rearmament Army(M.R.A) visited Gemini Studios in 1952 and had a group of 200 people. The Gemini Studios welcomed The moral rearmament Army(M.R.A) and Frank Buchman was the boss of M.R.A. They were welcomed by the boss “Mr. Vasan simply played into their hands”. They presented two plays, ‘Jotham Valley’ and ‘The Forgotten Factor’  most professionally and ran several shows in Madras.

Question 3.

Name one example to show that Gemini Studios was influenced by the plays staged by MRA.

Answer

M.R.A presented two plays, ‘Jotham Valley’ and ‘The Forgotten Factor’  most professionally and ran several shows in Madras. These plays influenced the Tamil and Madras drama communities. The influence of “Jotham Valley” was visible in Tamil dramas for many years.

Question 4.

Who was the boss of Gemini Studios?

Answer

S.S.Vasan, the founder member, was the boss of Gemini Studios. Subbu was his right hand in the studios.

Question 5.

What caused the lack of communication between the Englishman and the people at Gemini Studios?

Answer

Gemini Studios welcomed another visitor, a poet, from England. Most of the staff in Gemini Studios were Tamil speakers, and therefore, the language became the barrier to identifying the poet, Stephen Spender. The poet was addressing a group of 600 people who were unable to understand his English accent. Therefore, for many years, they couldn’t decide on who was the poet. It was after the publication of ” The God That Failed” that helped to identify the poet, Stephen Spender.
Question 6.

Why is the Englishman’s visit referred to as an unexplained mystery?

Answer

Gemini Studios welcomed another visitor, a poet, from England. Englishman’s visit is referred to as an unexplained mystery because of many reasons.   Most of the staff in Gemini Studios were Tamil speakers, and therefore, the language became the barrier to identifying the poet, Stephen Spender. The poet was addressing a group of 600 people who were unable to understand his English accent. Therefore, for many years, they couldn’t decide on who was the poet. It was after the publication of ” The God That Failed” that helped to identify the poet, Stephen Spender.

Page 65

Think As You Read

Question 1.

Who was the English visitor at the studios?

OR

Name the poet who visited the Studios.

Answer

Stephen Spender was the English visitor at the studios.

Question 2.

How did the author discover who the English visitor to the studios was?

Answer

The author discovered the English visitor’s name when the author was reading the editor’s name of The Encounter. He found that it was the poet who had visited the studios and his name was Stephen Spender.

Question 3.

What does “The God that Failed” refer to? It was written by Stephen Spender with his friends.

Answer

“The God that Failed” refers to six eminent men”s letters in which they described their journeys into communism and their disillusioned return. It was written by Stephen Spender and his friends, Andre Gide, Richard Wright, Ignazio Silone, Arthur Koestler, Louis Fischer, and Stephen Spender.

Poets and Pancakes: Summary and Textual Questions of Class 12 English: Understanding the Text

Page 66

Understanding the Text

Question1. The author has used gentle humor to point out human foibles. Pick out instances of this to show how this serves to make the piece interesting.

Answer

The author, Asokamitron, has used light humor in his chapter, Poets, and Pancakes, to make his point more interesting without making any direct attack on anyone in Gemini Studios. The make-up room was an example where the author used the word “pancakes” as the brand name of make-up materials used by different actors and actresses. Subbu’s character was also used lightly. Subbu was the only answer to all the queries of the boss, who had full confidence in him. Subbu provided a very simple solution to the big question. The legal advisor recorded the anger of an actress and played the audio in front of her, which brought her to the end of her career. The complex relationship between the office boy and Gandhiji, hatred of communism, and finally the mystery of Stephen Spender are some of the incidents where the author has used light humor in Poets and Pancakes.

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

Answer

Kothamangalam Subbu is considered No. 2 in Gemini Studios for many reasons. The office boy considered his caste to help him reach No. 2 in Gemini Studios. The boss was his principal and always got the solution when he was in trouble. Subbu immediately provided a cheerful solution to the problem. Finally, Subbu’s loyalty made him No. 2 in the studio.

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

Answer

Most of the people in Gemini Studios were Tamilians who were unable to understand the fluent English of the English poet, and they were just sitting without understanding what the poet was explaining. Thus, the author describes the incongruity of an English poet addressing the audience at Gemini Studios without being able to communicate.

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

Answer

The author was inclined towards short stories when he wanted to send his writing to a short story contest organized by a British periodical name The Encounter.

Poets and Pancakes: Long Answer Type Questions

Question 1. Write a brief note on the make-up department of Gemini Studios. (HBSE 2020 SET A)

Answer:

Poets and Pancakes begin with Asokamitran telling us about Gemini studios. Asokamitran explains at the beginning of the chapter, Poets, and Pancakes, about the make-up room where “Pancake” was the brand name used for the make-up material that came to Gemini Studio in trucks. He further tells us that the make-up studio was located upstairs in the building that belonged to Robert Clive’s stables.

“The Pancakes” is the brand name of make-up materials that Gemini Studios ordered in truckloads. In Gemini Studio, we also see unity in diversity. The make-up department was the main attraction at Poets and Pancakes. Most of the story revolves around the office boy in the make-up department.

The writer elucidates the bad effects of lights and mirrors in the make-up room. As a result, the people are exposed to heat and reflections and their conditions became miserable in the make-up room due to the excess heat of lights and the reflection of mirrors. The make-up room was like a hair salon with lights at all angles. Thus, the author clearly explains “the fiery misery” due to the lights and mirrors in the make-up room of Gemini Studios.

Question 2.  Write a brief character sketch of Subbu.( HBSE 2017 SET B)

Answer:

Subbu was in the No. 2 position in Gemini Studios, and he was officially enrolled in the Story Department, but he was always seen with his principal, Gemini Studios’ boss. He was not a man of his thoughts but he was considered an experienced and cheerful fellow who produced films with ease. His career was not successful at the beginning of his career but his loyalty towards his principal made him no.2 in the studios. He was tailor-made for films.

The office boy always considered Kothamangalam Subbu responsible for all his miseries. Subbu was the No. 2 at Gemini Studios, responsible for all his “woes, ignominy, and neglect”. The education of the office boy was greater than that of Subbu, and the office boy thought that Subbo was Brahmin and had an edge over the office boy. “Brahmin—a virtue, indeed!”

Subbu has always been talented and easy to use to bring solutions to problems easily. Film-making must have been and was so easy with a man like Subbu, and he also gave direction and definition to Gemini Studio during its golden years. Subbu was also a poet, and his work was well received by the general public. He composed several truly original “story poems.” He was an amazing actor who was capable of doing any role with ease. Moreover, he was a “charitable and improvident” man, but he still had enemies, maybe because of his proximity to the boss. Thus, Subbu was with the story department, which had writers, lawyers, and poets. Thus, Subbu was number 2 in Gemini Studio, a man with logic and impartial nature.

Question 3. Write a brief character sketch of office boy.

Answer:

The office boy had joined Gemini Studios with a lot of dreams he wanted to fulfill as an actor or a writer, but unfortunately, his luck was not in his favour. Therefore, he became frustrated and avenged his anger on Subbu, whom he considered a man of flattery. Therefore, he shared his frustration with the author, Asokamitron, by visiting his cubical. Although he was more educated and might have been more talented, ultimately, he was an office boy in a make-up room. Therefore, it was natural for the office boy to become disappointed with the circumstances and show his anger to the author many times. Generally, the office boy showed his anger at Subbu, the no. 2 in the Gemini Studios.

The office boy was not an ordinary boy but a man in his forties. The office boy used to do the make-up for a large crowd in Gemini Studios. “Even the make-up department of the Gemini Studio had an ‘office boy!” The office boy of the studios was not a boy in the true sense of the word. He used to mix paint in a large vessel to throw it at the large crowd. The office boy was an educated and talented person who joined the Gemini Studio in the hope of becoming a famous actor or writer, but unfortunately, he couldn’t. Therefore, he always used to criticise Subbu, who was No. 2 in Gemini Studios due to his higher caste. Yes, he was disappointed and he used to avenge his anger in front of the writer, Asokamitron.

The office boy always considered Kothamangalam Subbu responsible for all his miseries. Subbu was the No. 2 at Gemini Studios, responsible for all his “woes, ignominy, and neglect”. The education of the office boy was greater than that of Subbu, and the office boy thought that Subbo was Brahmin and had an edge over the office boy. “Brahmin—a virtue, indeed!”

Question 4. Poets and Pancakes is the example of national integration that the author refers to? Explain.(Long Answer Question).

Answer:

The make-up of the Gemini Studios was considered a symbol of national integration. The author, Asokamitron, explicated the Gemini Studios as a place full of national integration feelings. The make-up department was first headed by a Bengali who became too big for a studio and left. He was succeeded by a Maharashtrian who was assisted by a Dharwar Kannadiga, an Andhra, a Madras Indian Christian, an Anglo-Burmese, and the usual local Tamils. All this shows that there was a great deal of national integration. People of different states and religions were working in Gemini Studios, and thus, the make-up room was a symbol of unity in diversity.

The people in Gemini Studios were the followers of Gandhiji as they used to wear Khadi. They were the “gang of the nationally integrated” and they were not affiliated with any political party, but it seemed that they were against communism as they welcomed the counter-attack movement of M.R.A., which organized two plays, “Jotham Valley” and “The Forgotten Factor” in Madras. Thus, the author, Asokamitron, considered them as “gangs of the nationally integrated.” Hence, Poets and Pancakes represents the national integration.

Poets and Pancakes Important Textual Short Questions Answers CBSE Class 12 English

Answer each of the following questions in about 30-40 words:

Q.1. Why is the Englishman’s visit referred to us as unexplained mystery? (CBSE DELHI 2022)

Answer

Most of the people in Gemini Studios were Tamilians who were unable to understand the fluent English of the English poet, and they were just sitting without understanding what the poet was explaining. Thus, the author describes the incongruity of an English poet addressing the audience at Gemini Studios without being able to communicate.

Q.2. Who was the visitor in the studios and what was his purpose of visit? (CBSE 2004, COMPARTMENT 2011)

Ans.

Gemini Studios welcomed another visitor, a poet, from England. Englishman’s visit is referred to as an unexplained mystery because of many reasons.   Most of the staff in Gemini Studios were Tamil speakers, and therefore, the language became the barrier to identifying the poet, Stephen Spender. The poet was addressing a group of 600 people who were unable to understand his English accent. Therefore, for many years, they couldn’t decide on who was the poet. It was after the publication of ” The God That Failed” that helped to identify the poet, Stephen Spender.

Q.3. What was MRA and why it was welcomed in Gemini Studios?( CBSE Delhi 2005)

Answer

The moral rearmament Army(M.R.A) visited Gemini Studios in 1952 and had a group of 200 people. The Gemini Studios welcomed The moral rearmament Army(M.R.A) and Frank Buchman was the boss of M.R.A. They were welcomed by the boss “Mr. Vasan simply played into their hands”. They presented two plays, ‘Jotham Valley’ and ‘The Forgotten Factor’  most professionally and ran several shows in Madras.

Gemini Studios welcomed another visitor, a poet, from England. Most of the staff in Gemini Studios were Tamil speakers, and therefore, the language became the barrier to identifying the poet, Stephen Spender. The poet was addressing a group of 600 people who were unable to understand his English accent. Therefore, for many years, they couldn’t decide on who was the poet. It was after the publication of ” The God That Failed” that helped to identify the poet, Stephen Spender.

Q.4. Why did everybody in the studio think of giving the author some work to do? (2008 Delhi)

Answer

The writer’s (Asokamitron’s) job was to cut the clippings from newspapers, which couldn’t be considered serious work in the eyes of the people who were working in Gemini Studios. So, everyone came to him in his cubical to share their grievances in Gemini Studios, as they considered him a man without work, and even the boss “thought” so. Therefore, people “Seeing me sitting at my desk tearing up newspapers a day in and day out, most people thought I was doing next to nothing.”

Q.5. Why was Subbu considered number two at Gemini Studios? (2009 Outside Delhi; 2012 Comptt. Delhi)

Answer

Subbu was in the No. 2 position in Gemini Studios, and he was officially enrolled in the Story Department, but he was always seen with his principal, Gemini Studios’ boss. He was not a man of his thoughts but he was considered an experienced and cheerful fellow who produced films with ease. His career was not successful at the beginning of his career but his loyalty towards his principal made him no.2 in the studios. He was tailor-made for films.

Q.6. Why was the Moral Re-armament Army welcomed at the Gemini Studios? (2010 Outside Delhi; 2011 Outside Delhi)

Answer

The moral rearmament Army(M.R.A) visited Gemini Studios in 1952 and had a group of 200 people. The Gemini Studios welcomed The moral rearmament Army(M.R.A) and Frank Buchman was the boss of M.R.A. They were welcomed by the boss “Mr. Vasan simply played into their hands”. They presented two plays, ‘Jotham Valley’ and ‘The Forgotten Factor’  most professionally and ran several shows in Madras.

Q.7. Which example of national integration in Gemini Studios is given in ‘Poets and Pancakes’? (2010 Comptt. Delhi)

Answer

The make-up of the Gemini Studios was considered a symbol of national integration. The author, Asokamitron, explicated the Gemini Studios as a place full of national integration feelings. The make-up department was first headed by a Bengali who became too big for a studio and left. He was succeeded by a Maharashtrian who was assisted by a Dharwar Kannadiga, an Andhra, a Madras Indian Christian, an Anglo-Burmese, and the usual local Tamils. All this shows that there was a great deal of national integration. People of different states and religions were working in Gemini Studios, and thus, the make-up room was a symbol of unity in diversity.