Patol Babu, Film Star

Patol Babu, Film Star

                                       By Satyajit Ray

Analysis:

·      The story ‘Patol Babu, Film Star’ is written by Satyajit Ray, one of the most influential film director of Indian Cinema. He is celebrated as film director, screen writer, editor, author, lyricist and composer.

·      Patol Babu, Film Star is an inspiring and humorous short story that highlights the importance of dedication, self-respect, and professionalism in one’s work.

·      The story revolves around an ordinary middle-aged man, Patol Babu, who unexpectedly gets an opportunity to act in a film after years of struggling with disappointment in life. Though his role turns out to be extremely small, limited to a single word, he performs it with complete sincerity, artistic understanding, passion and devotion.

·      It vividly captures Patol babu’s first experience of film shooting, highlighting his emotional intensity, professional responsibility, love and passion for acting and dilemma between his self-respect and passion. 

·      The style of the story is narrative as it narrates small details of the situations, surroundings, characters and detailed scenes of film shooting and direction.

·       The story is great lesson to all the people on how to fight the struggles and take the right decision emerge triumphantly in the time of dilemma, especially about their passion and work.

·      The story conveys that no work is insignificant if performed with commitment and excellence.

·      Patol Babu stands out as a true example of strong determination and dedication and diligence. He displayed great awareness about film acting and his passion with an amazing sense of commitment and responsibility.

·      It also criticizes materialism by showing that true happiness comes from following one’s passion and self-satisfaction rather than money, fame or big ventures.

 

Detailed Summary:

The story begins with Nishikanto Ghosh, Patol Babu’s neighbour, informing him that a film company is looking for someone for a small role. Nishikanto got to know from his brother in law, Naresh Dutt who was looking for a middle aged actor and suggested Patol’s name for the role. Patol Babu, whose real name is Sitalakanto Ray, becomes excited because he had once been a talented stage actor. He had been acting in Jatras, in amateur theatricals, in plays and was always in demand during his younger days in Kanchrapara and once his name also appeared in news for his acting.

Patol Babu now lives in Calcutta and leads a dull, disappointing life. He had changed several jobs after he had faced financial struggles after losing a good railway factory job due to retrenchment during the Second World War. He tried many jobs and struggled a lot while working as an insurance company salesman. Acting had long disappeared from his life, but this film offer revives his old passion.

Naresh Dutt visited Patol Babu and asked him to reach Faraday House building, the spot of film shooting the very next day. Patol told about the offer to his wife and remembered his old days of acting when he got silver medal for the role of a dead soldier. He started dreaming of getting fame through the new offer.

Filled with excitement, Patol Babu reaches the shooting location quite early. He imagines himself playing an important role and dreams of recognition. He looked for Naresh Dutt and enquired about his role. He also met the camera man. Then, he heard the voice of the director, Baren Mullick who asked everyone to keep silence as the shooting was going to start.

He again went to Naresh Dutt and enquired about his lines, then Naresh Dutt called Sosanko, the camera man to write his lines on a piece of paper and hand it to Patol babu. When the paper was handed to Patol by Sosanko, only one word was written on it, “Oh”. He felt disappointed but Sosanko told that a speaking part in Barren Mullick film is a great thing. Then, a young man, Jyoti explained Patol’s role that he has to collide with the hero, Chanchal Kumar and say only one word: “Oh!”

At first, Patol feels deeply disappointed and insulted. He believes such a minor role is meaningless. He also thought to go away. There was one more shot before his scene, so Patol Babu went slowly back to the paan shop. He again glanced down at the paper and threw it into the roadside drain. He felt, his Sunday morning was wasted.

As Patol Babu was thinking about his dialogue, ‘oh’ which is not even a word, recalled the advice of his theatre mentor, Gogon Pakrashi, who had once taught him that no role is insignificant. According to him, an actor must give his best performance regardless of the size of the role. He also told every word spoken by actor is like a fruit which should be plucked and enjoyed every bit so that the joy can reach to the audience.

Inspired by his mentor, Patol Babu took his role seriously. He imagined the background of the character, practised different ways of saying “Oh!” exploring its various meanings. He also rehearsed the required facial expressions and movements carefully. When he suggested for a rehearsal, Barren Mullick declined the offer saying he had to shoot in good sun light and a patch of cloud was approaching. Before the shooting Patol suggested to hold a newspaper so that collision might look natural. The director also suggested to add a butterfly moustache to give the pedestrian a snappy look.

When the scene was finally shot, Patol Babu performed his role perfectly in one shot. He collided naturally with the hero and timed his movement with that of hero, Chanchal Kumar. He expressed his anguish mixed with irritation and surprise through his dialogue ‘oh’ realistically, and delivered his dialogue convincingly. The director and crew were amazed and applauded him. Even the lead actor, Chanchal Kumar praised Patol babu.

Patol Babu felt proud and fulfilled because he has done justice to his role. After sometime, Naresh Dutt came looking for Patol Babu to give him his payment. But, he didn’t wait for his money and left the shooting spot as his own satisfaction was his reward.

 

Themes involved

The story emphasises that no work is small if done sincerely. Even a one-word role deserves effort and dedication. It also demands recognition.

Patol Babu treats his minor role with seriousness and prepares thoroughly. This shows the importance of commitment and professionalism required for every task. The story suggests that true artists focus on the quality of their work rather than fame or recognition.

Inner satisfaction is more important than money. Patol Babu chooses self-satisfaction over payment, showing that personal pride and artistic fulfilment matter most.

 

Characters

1. Patol Babu (Sitalakanto Ray)

Patol Babu, the protagonist of the story, is a middle-aged man who loves acting. He is honest, dedicated, emotional, and self-respecting man. His character symbolises professionalism and passion. Even though he wasn’t happy with his role, he rehearsed with diligence and dedication and gave his hundred percent to his role. He didn’t wait for payment as he kept his passion for acting over money.  Initially he was in dilemma but towards the end, he was full of satisfaction that he finally accomplished something.

2. Gogon Pakrashi

Gogon Pakrashi was Patol Babu’s theatre mentor. He was wise, insightful and experienced and dedicated mentor. His advice changes Patol Babu’s attitude toward acting. His advice reflected his selfless character and passion for acting.

 

Message / Moral

This story teaches the readers that no role or task is small if performed with sincerity, dedication, and commitment. Success is not measured by fame, award or money alone, but by how honestly and passionately one performs one’s duty. Each work is dignified and every job is important.

 

Important Question Answers:

Short Answers Question (50-60 words)

Q. Why was Patol Babu initially disappointed with his role in the film?

Ans. Patol Babu was disappointed because he had expected an important role in the film. Instead, he was given a very minor role with only one word to say, “Oh!”, which made him feel insulted and unimportant at first.

Q. How did Gogon Pakrashi influence Patol Babu?

Ans. Gogon Pakrashi, Patol Babu’s theatre mentor had taught him that no role is insignificant. According to him, an actor must perform sincerely and give his best effort regardless of the size of the role. He also told every word spoken by actor is like a fruit which should be plucked and enjoyed every bit so that the joy can reach to the audience. Remembering this advice changed Patol Babu’s attitude toward his small role.

Long Answer Questions (100–120 words)

Q. Describe Patol Babu’s transformation in the story.

Ans. Patol Babu undergoes an important transformation in the story. Initially, he feels excited when offered a role in a film because it reminds him of his younger days as a stage actor. However, he becomes disappointed after learning that his role consists of only one word, “Oh!”. He feels the role is too small and meaningless. Soon, he recalls the valuable advice of his theatre mentor, Gogon Pakrashi, who had taught him that no role is insignificant. Inspired by this memory, Patol Babu begins to practise seriously and performs his role with complete dedication. By the end, he feels proud and satisfied, rediscovering his passion for acting.

Q. What message does the story, ‘Patol Babu, Film Star’ convey?

Ans. 'Patol Babu, Film Star' conveys the message that every task, whether big or small, deserves sincerity and dedication. Through Patol Babu’s experience, the story teaches that true success lies in performing one’s duty honestly rather than seeking fame or money. Though Patol Babu gets only a tiny role with one word to say, he treats it seriously and gives an excellent performance. His decision to leave without taking payment shows that personal satisfaction and self-respect are more valuable than material rewards. The story encourages readers to value hard work, professionalism, and commitment in every field of life.

A Shady Plot

 

A Shady Plot

                                  By Elsie Brown

Analysis :

·      The story ‘A Shady Plot’ is written by Elsie Brown, an American short story writer who is best known for her ghost stories and super natural works.

·      ‘A Shady Plot’ is a humorous and supernatural short story that blends naturally comedy, mystery, satire, and irony. The story presents ghosts in a funny and interesting manner and not in scary way.

·      The story narrates how a writer named John Hallock tends to hallucinate to escape the reality and slips into imaginary world hoping to find a good plot for his stories.

·      It revolves around a writer, John Hallock, who struggles to write a ghost story and unexpectedly encounters a real ghost named Helen.

·      It is a fiction which narrates a set of interesting events happening in the life of the protagonist, Mr. Hallock who gets caught in difficult situations due to his wife’s fascination for ghosts and oujha board.

·      The story cleverly mocks writers’ dependence on imagination and society’s fascination with supernatural practices like Ouija boards.

·      It also explores misunderstanding and issue of trust in marriage through comic situations.

·      The story conveys the message that we may pass into an imaginary world which is more attractive and fascinating yet we have to face the reality of life and tackle the difficult situations through discourse and dialogue.

·      The title is appropriate and symbolic because ‘shady plot’ refers both to a ghostly plot and a suspicious misunderstanding in John’s married life.

 

Detailed Summary:

John Hallock, a writer of ghost stories, is asked by his publisher, Jenkins, to write another supernatural story because such stories are popular among the readers. Although John has written successful ghost stories before, he suddenly suffers from writer’s block and cannot think of a suitable plot. He grows frustrated and begins talking to himself.

John starts hallucinating and unexpectedly, a female ghost named Helen appears when John was trying to think of a good plot for his stories. She was not happy at this call and explains that she belongs to the ‘Writer’s Inspiration Bureau’—a group of ghosts who secretly provide story ideas to writers. Helen reveals that she and other ghosts are going on strike because some people constantly disturb them through Ouija boards for asking silly questions. She wants John to help her and influence people to stop encouraging such practices if he wants ideas for his ghost stories.

Ironically, John’s wife, Lavinia, suddenly becomes interested in Ouija boards and buys one. She arranges a ouija board party with members of her book club. John dislikes the idea but is unable to stop her. During the party, John partners with Laura Hinkle, a vain and proud lady with shallow character. The board mysteriously spells messages such as ‘Traitor’ for John Hallock and indicates that a woman named Helen is sending messages for John, which caused suspicion among the guests that John is having extramarital relations with Helen. Gladolia, their maid threatens them to leave as she is scared of ouijha borad.

Lavinia misunderstands and misinterprets the situation thinking that Helen is a real woman with whom John is secretly in a relationship. Feeling betrayed, Lavinia becomes angry and decides to leave him telling that she will send her lawyer for divorce. John desperately tries to explain but fails. This creates comic tension in the story.

At the climax, Helen appears before Lavinia and introduces herself as a ghost. Lavinia realises her mistake of misunderstanding John and forgives him. Gladolia, the maid, burns the Ouija board, ending the supernatural confusion. Ironically, John finally gets an excellent idea for a ghost story from his own strange experience.

 

Major Themes

The story presents ghosts in a humorous rather than scary way. The supernatural elements are interesting and amusing instead of being frightening.

The story also highlights misunderstanding in relationships. Lavinia misunderstands John’s connection with Helen, creating conflict in the story. This highlights how lack of communication can lead to suspicion and dialogue resolves it.

The story lightly mocks people’s obsession with Ouija boards, showing how easily people become fascinated with supernatural ideas.

.

Important Characters

1. John Hallock

John Hallock, the protagonist of the story is a writer of ghost stories. He is practical yet imaginative. His stories are liked by his readers hence he is forced by his boss to write only ghost stories. He gets nervous easily and behaves humorously in difficult situations. He is an honest husband who loves his wife. He tries with all his might to save his marriage.

2. Lavinia Hallock

Lavinia Hallock, wife of John, is curious, fashionable, and impulsive. She easily gets fascinated with ouijha board and throws a party for its users, creating a problematic situation for John. She easily gets suspicious and threatens to leave John. But she is loving at heart and cares to save her marriage.

3. Helen (The Ghost)

Helen is smart, witty, and practical ghost. She is the member of the ‘Writer’s Inspiration Bureau’. She is concerned for all the ghosts. She complains about overwork and misuse of ghosts for drawing inspiration and playing silly games on ouijha board. Her appearance on the scene adds humour to the story. She is caring and helpful as she helps John to save his marriage.

4. Laura Hinkle

Laura Hinkle is Lavinia’s friend and shallow in character. She is influenced by ouijha board and very excited to play games at the Ouija board party. Her unsympathetic behaviour creates misunderstanding between John and Lavinia when she receives Helen’s messages.

 

Message

The story teaches that trust is important to save the relations, reminding the readers that misunderstandings and suspicion can damage relationships and through open dialogue one can save the relations. At the same time, it humorously warns against blind belief in superstitions.

 

Justification of the title

The title ‘Shady Plot’ refers to some secretive or ghostly plot or story. The title is apt as this story has a supernatural subplot involving the ghosts. This story also involves a suspicious plot with Lavinia suspecting John of hiding a secret relationship with Helen.

causative verbs

Causative Verbs

• Causative verbs indicate that a person or thing causes another person to do something. In other words, someone or something is indirectly responsible for a specific action.
• In simple words, the causative verbs are verbs used when one person causes another person to do something or causes something to happen, rather than doing the action himself.

Note :- The subject does not perform the action directly but gets it done by someone else.

 

Examples :

The principal had the computer repaired.
(The principal didn’t repair the computer but arranged for someone else to repair it.)

You made me laugh.

(Because of your action/beahviour I laughed, your beahaviour or action forced me to laugh.)

 

Functions

A causative verb shows that someone makes, gets, allows, helps, or has another person perform an action.

It causes something to happen

 

Examples of causative verb:

Have

Let

Make

Get

Help

 

 

How to use causative verbs

 

1. HAVE (to ask or arrange for someone to do something)

Structure:

1.    Subject + have + person + base verb

2.    Subject + have + object + past participle (V3)

Examples:

• The teacher had the students complete the project.
• My mother had the gardener trim the plants.
• Jane had Alexa clean the house.
• I had my car washed yesterday morning.
• I had my hair cut.

 

2. LET (To allow/permit someone to do something)

Structure:

Subject + let + person + base verb

 

Examples:

My parents let me go to the trip.

The teacher let the students leave early.

She let her son play outside.

 

Note: After let, we use V1 (base verb).

Do not let kids watch violent movies.

Let me know if you need help with the homework.

She lets me borrow her phone sometimes.

 

3. MAKE (To force or compel someone to do something)

 Structure:

Subject + make + person + base verb

 

Examples:

The coach made the players practice harder.

My parents made me apologize.

The teacher made the students rewrite the test.

 

Note: After make, we use the base verb (V1), not to + verb.

She made me go to the party even if I didn’t want to.

My parents make me come home every summer break.

I made my mother bake some cookies.

 

4. HELP (to assist someone to do something)

Structure:

Subject + help + person + base verb

 

Examples:

• My friend helped me solve the problem.
• The teacher helped us improve our writing.
• Help your sister complete her drawing.

 

5. GET (to convince or persuade someone to do something or arrange)

Structure:

1.    Subject + get + person + to + base verb

2.    Subject + get + object + past participle (V3)

 

Examples:

I got my brother to help me.

The teacher got the students to participate.

She got the mechanic to check the car.

I got her to buy me tickets.

She got her dad to enroll her at UCLA.

He got his phone repaired.

They got the house painted.

Get this work done by evening.

              

                                In a Nutshell

Causative Verb	Structure	Function	Example
Have	have + person + V1	arrange/ask	I had him clean the room.
Have	have + object + V3	service done	I had my car repaired.
Get	get + person + to + V1	persuade	I got him to help me.
Get	get + object + V3	service done	I got my laptop fixed.
Make	make + person + V1	force	The teacher made us study.
Let	let + person + V1	allow	Mother let me play.
Help	help + person + V1	assist	She helped me learn.

Important Rule:-

After make, let, help and have, use the base form (V1) without to.

 

More examples:

The president had the vice president lead the new dam project.

You made me call Julienne every day.

I got my parents to buy me a new bike for my birthday.

She got the teacher to dismiss the class on time today.

She let me visit my friend today.

Why did they let the dogs run without a leash?

My teacher made me do my homework early.

Linda made me wash the dishes.

Susan helped me win the competition.

Help your children grow into mature people.

The Brook

The Brook

By Alfred Lord Tennyson

Analysis : 

·      The poem ‘The Brook' is beautifully composed by Alfred Lord Tennyson, the representative poet of Victorian Era of English Literature, who is regarded as the master of creating pen pictures.

·      The poem ‘The Brook’ is one of the most beautiful ‘word pictures’ by A. L. Tennyson

·      It is a philosophical and metaphorical poem. Hence, the tone of the poem is philosophical. It consists of autobiographical element as the journey of brook is narrated in first person.

·      The poem contrasts the eternity of nature with mortality of humans. The repeated lines which are a refrain, highlight that humans are mortal, but nature continues forever, which resonate the theme of the poem.

·      The poem presents parallelism between the journey of brook and the journey of life. The brook’s journey from its source to the big river symbolises the journey of human life.

·      The poet appreciates the beauty of nature using beautiful words, phrases and through pen pictures and imagery.

·      The poem is composed in musical and rhythmic style using short lines and flowing rhythm to mimic water movement and sound. 

 

Summary :

The journey of the brook begins with shallow water where the water birds and fish live.

In the beginning, the brook is quick, sudden, energetic and noisy just like a child.

Flowing over stony ways and curved paths, it chatters and often gets tired.

The brook during it journey, takes along all the floating things – flowers, fish, pieces of log, hazel covers etc.

It flows through all the easy and difficult paths (field and fallow) comparing with uncertainty and difficulties of life.

Towards the end, it gets slow and less noisy, which is conveyed through the words – steal, slip, slide, loiter, linger.

At last, by the Philip’s farm it joins the big brimming river and loses its existence to become a part of the big river but continues to flow, conveying the theme that life goes on despite the transience of human life.

 Video on Road not Taken

Line by Line Explanation

Stanza 1

I come from haunts of coot and hern;

I make a sudden sally

And sparkle out among the fern,

To bicker down a valley.

 By thirty hills I hurry down,

 Or slip between the ridges,

By twenty thorpes, a little town,

And half a hundred bridges.

Till last by Philip’s farm I flow

To join the brimming river,

 For men may come and men may go,

But I go on for ever.

Explanation :
The story of brook's journey is narrated in first person as the brook begins telling the story of its own journey. It originates from places where water birds like coots and herons live. It suddenly emerges or rushes forward from its source. The water shines brightly as it flows through green plants. Then, it flows noisily and playfully down the valley. Here, the brook is in its young state and behaves like a child. The brook flows quickly past many hills, rills, ridges and bridges. Sometimes, it quietly moves between the land areas. It passes by many villages and a small town. It flows under many bridges and finally, it reaches the Philip’s Farm. There, it merges with an overflowing river and continues to flow along with the river and loses its existence into the river. Here, towards the last three lines of the stanza the poet emphasises the theme that human life is temporary but the brook continues to flow endlessly as nature is eternal.

 

Stanza 2

I chatter over stony ways,

In little sharps and trebles,

I bubble into eddying bays,

I babble on the pebbles.

With many a curve my banks I fret

By many a field and fallow,

And many a fairy foreland set

With willow-weed and mallow.

I chatter, chatter, as I flow

To join the brimming river,

For men may come and men may go,

But I go on for ever

Explanation:

The brook makes a sharp sounds as it flows over the stony ways. It produces high-pitched, musical sounds. It forms circular water movements into the winding bays. It makes soft sounds as it flows over small stones. The brook twists and turns, and gets tired in its curved banks. It flows past the fertile fields and uncultivated lands. It passes beautiful land that looks magical and imaginary like fairy tales. These areas are full of plants, trees and flowers. The brook repeats its cheerful sounds full of mirth and energy as a young person whose life is full of challenges and various types of responsibilities but he is full energy and passion. It continues its journey towards the river emphasising again the theme that humans are mortal and the nature is eternal.

 

Stanza 3

I wind about, and in and out,

With here a blossom sailing,

And here and there a lusty trout,

And here and there a grayling,

And here and there a foamy flake

Upon me, as I travel

With many a silvery waterbreak

Above the golden gravel,

And draw them all along, and flow

To join the brimming river

For men may come and men may go,

But I go on for ever

Explanation:

The brook flows in a twisting and winding path. Flowers float on its surface, strong fish play and fresh water fish swim in it. There are patches of foam on the water due to the playful movements of the fish. Sun makes the water shine as it flows down the big stones and other obstacles. The brook carries everything along with it as the birds, fish and pebbles flow with the force of the brook. This phase symbolise grown up period of human life when the man learns to fulfil his responsibilities and live harmoniously among his family and society. It continues its journey towards the river again emphasising the theme that human beings take birth and die but the brook flows on in form of river till eternity.

 

Stanza 4

I steal by lawns and grassy plots,

 I slide by hazel covers

I move the sweet forget-me-nots

That grow for happy lovers.

I slip, I slide, I gloom, I glance,

Among my skimming swallows;

I make the netted sunbeam dance

Against my sandy shallows.

I murmur under moon and stars

In brambly wildernesses;

I linger by my shingly bars;

I loiter round my cresses ;

And out again I curve and flow

To join the brimming river,

For men may come and men may go,

But I go on for ever.

 

Explanation :

The brook flows quietly past the lawns and other green areas. It moves near hazel trees. It gently touches flowers. These flowers symbolise love and are grown by the lovers. The brook shows different movements—fast, slow, dark, shiny. Birds skim and play in the shallow water. Sunlight reflects beautifully over the moving water and the sparkling water seems to be reflecting the sun rays and making them dance. Towards the end of its journey the brook makes soft and murmuring sounds at night. It flows through wild bushes along its curved and zigzag banks. It slows near lonely and stony areas. It moves slowly near water plants symbolising the last phase of human life when a man gets old and weak and moves slowly due to lack of energy. The brook keeps moving forward and finally it reaches its destination. Finally, once again the poem echoes the theme that human life is short as men take birth and die but nature is eternal. Nature’s continuity is emphasised again through the repeated lines towards the end of every stanza, which is a refrain.

 Video on Notice Writing

Themes

• The poem contrasts the eternity of nature with mortality of humans. The repeated lines in the poem highlight that humans are temporary, but nature continues forever.
• The brook’s journey from source to river symbolises the journey of human life from birth to death.
• The poet appreciates the eternity and beauty of Nature.

Message

• Life is temporary, but nature is everlasting.
• Change is constant, and movement is essential to life.