Poets and Pancakes | Lesson 6 | Prose | English 12th | Flamingo | Summary | Questions | Answers

 

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Poets and Pancakes | Lesson 6 | Prose | English 12th | Flamingo | Summary | Questions | Answers

 

Short Summary

"Poets and Pancakes" is an excerpt from Asokamitran's memoir My Years with Boss, which offers a humorous and insightful glimpse into the functioning of Gemini Studios, one of India’s most prominent film studios in the mid-20th century.

The narrative revolves around the daily life and quirky incidents at the studio, focusing on the absurdities of the film industry. The title references "Pancake," a brand of makeup used extensively by actors to achieve flawless appearances. The author humorously describes the monotonous work of the makeup department, highlighting the hierarchy and peculiarities within the team.

Asokamitran also sheds light on the eccentricities of Gemini Studios' staff, including the poets, writers, and other employees, whose roles were often ambiguous. He recalls a visit by an unknown English poet, later revealed to be Stephen Spender, and reflects on the irony of the event, as most staff members didn’t understand English well enough to appreciate his lecture.

Through this piece, Asokamitran critiques the glamour and superficiality of the film world while subtly exploring themes of identity, creativity, and the disconnect between art and commerce.

 

Think as you read

(Page No. 59)

1. What does the writer mean by ‘the fiery misery’ of those subjected to make-up’?

Answer: The writer refers to the discomfort and ordeal endured by actors and extras due to the heavy, often poorly applied make-up in the sweltering heat of the studio. The excessive application of pancake make-up and the lack of modern facilities made the process physically taxing.

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

Answer: The example of national integration mentioned by the author is the make-up department of Gemini Studios, where people from different regions and cultural backgrounds of India worked together. This included individuals from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, highlighting the unity in diversity at the studio.

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’s primary role was to paint sets and perform other menial tasks. He joined the studios with aspirations of becoming an actor, scriptwriter, or poet. However, he was disappointed because his dreams remained unfulfilled, and he felt his talent was unrecognized.

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

Answer: The author appeared to be doing nothing at the studios because his job involved cutting out newspaper clippings relevant to the studio’s work. This was a relatively low-profile task that did not involve active participation in film production, giving the impression that he was idle.

 

(Page No. 61)

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

Answer: The office boy was frustrated because he felt his talents were wasted on menial jobs, and he could not achieve his creative ambitions. He vented his anger on Subbu, whom he envied for being favoured by the Boss and for his successful career at Gemini Studios.

2. Who was Subbu’s principal?

Answer: Subbu’s principal was the Boss of Gemini Studios, who owned and ran the studio.

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

Answer: Subbu was a talented actor capable of performing a wide range of roles.

He was an excellent scriptwriter, often providing quick and creative solutions.

Subbu had a knack for solving production challenges on set.

He was also a good poet, composing verses in Tamil.

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

Answer: The legal adviser was referred to as the opposite because he was a highly critical person who often contradicted others, earning him a reputation for being difficult to deal with.

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

Answer: The lawyer stood out due to his wit and his practice of silently observing others before passing sarcastic remarks. He had a distinct personality that differentiated him from the rest of the employees.

 

(Page No. 64)

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

Answer: The people at Gemini Studios did not have specific political affiliations but leaned towards the Congress party, which was seen as the dominant political force at the time. They were also generally supportive of Gandhian ideals.

2. Why was the Moral Rearmament Army welcomed at the Studios?

Answer: The Moral Rearmament Army (MRA) was welcomed at the studios because its plays carried themes of honesty, kindness, and goodwill, aligning with the studio’s cultural and moral ethos.

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

Answer: The plays staged by the MRA left a lasting impression on the employees, leading to the adoption of their themes in some film scripts and fostering a sense of camaraderie and ethical conduct at the studio.

4. Who was The Boss of Gemini Studios?

Answer: The Boss of Gemini Studios was S.S. Vasan, the owner and head of the studio.

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

Answer: The lack of communication was caused by the language barrier, as most people at the studio were not fluent in English. Additionally, the Englishman’s accent and mannerisms made him difficult to understand.

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

Answer: The Englishman’s visit is referred to as an unexplained mystery because the purpose of his visit was unclear to the studio employees. They did not understand his speech or the reason behind his presence, which created confusion.

 

(Page No. 65)

1. Who was the English visitor to the studios?

Answer: The English visitor to the studios was Stephen Spender, a renowned poet and editor of the magazine Encounter.

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

Answer: The author discovered the identity of the English visitor years later when he came across a copy of Encounter, the magazine edited by Stephen Spender. Recognizing the name and connecting it to the visitor, he finally understood who he was.

3. What does The God that Failed refer to?

Answer: The God that Failed refers to a book written by six prominent writers, including Stephen Spender, which critiques and reflects on their disillusionment with Communism.

 

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.

Answer: The Author's Use of Gentle Humour

Asokamitran uses gentle humour to highlight the quirks and absurdities of life at Gemini Studios:

Makeup Department: He humorously describes the monotonous and hierarchical work in the makeup room, calling it an "assembly line" where each staff member focused on specific body parts.

Office Boy: The office boy, who aspired to be a star and later a writer, is portrayed with amusing irony. His frustration and lofty self-perception are described with dry wit.

Stephen Spender’s Visit: The author recounts how the staff was bewildered by the visit of an English poet they could not understand, poking fun at the incongruity of the situation.
This humour adds charm to the narrative, making it relatable and engaging without being harshly critical.

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

Answer: Kothamangalam Subbu was considered No. 2 because of his remarkable versatility and creativity. He excelled at various roles, including acting, writing, and directing. His ability to please the boss and provide instant solutions to creative problems made him indispensable. Despite his talent and high position, Subbu remained humble, which endeared him to many, though some colleagues were envious of his success.

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

Answer: The author highlights the absurdity of Stephen Spender addressing an audience that lacked proficiency in English and had little interest in modern English poetry. The studio’s staff, accustomed to the glamour of films, found the lecture irrelevant and incomprehensible. The humour lies in the stark mismatch between Spender’s intellectual discourse and the audience’s expectations, underscoring the cultural disconnect.

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

Answer: Asokamitran's literary inclinations are evident in his observational skills, sharp wit, and nuanced portrayal of life at Gemini Studios. His ability to find humour in mundane situations reflects a deep understanding of human nature. Despite working in a glamorous industry, he shows a preference for subtle, introspective writing over superficial showmanship. His account suggests a keen interest in literature and a reflective approach to storytelling.

 

Talking about the text

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.

Answer: Film-production Today vs. Early Days of Gemini Studios

Early Days:

Filmmaking at Gemini Studios involved manual labour and traditional techniques.

The makeup department relied on products like "Pancake," and actors had to undergo elaborate processes.

Scripts were often simplistic, and sound recording was a challenge.

Limited technology meant creativity was constrained by technical capabilities.

Today:

Advanced technology such as CGI, high-definition cameras, and editing software has revolutionized filmmaking.

Filmmaking is more collaborative and global, with specialized professionals for every aspect.

Diversity in storytelling and representation has grown, offering fresh narratives.

The glamour of film sets has evolved into highly professional environments, with less emphasis on hierarchical setups.

Conclusion: Filmmaking has become more sophisticated, but the charm and dedication of the early days remain integral to its evolution

2. Poetry and films.

Answer: Poetry and Films

Similarities:

Both forms aim to evoke emotions and tell stories, often reflecting societal values and personal experiences.

Poetry, like film dialogues or lyrics, relies on rhythm and expression.

Differences:

Poetry is often introspective and abstract, while films are visual and narrative-driven.

Films reach a broader audience due to their accessibility and multimedia appeal.

Examples:

Many films adapt poems, blending the two art forms, e.g., “Madhushala” in Indian cinema.

Lyricists often draw from poetry to create impactful songs in films.

Discussion Point: Can poetry survive the fast-paced, visual nature of modern filmmaking?

3. Humour and criticism.

Answer: Humour and Criticism

In Literature and Film:

Humour can make criticism more palatable and engaging.

It helps highlight flaws in society, individuals, or institutions without direct confrontation.

Examples from the Text:

Asokamitran’s humour subtly critiques the superficiality of the film industry.

The absurdity of Stephen Spender addressing Gemini Studios staff critiques the cultural mismatch while maintaining a light tone.

In Modern Context:

Satirical films and literature use humour to address serious issues like politics, inequality, and corruption.

Examples include films like Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro and authors like P.G. Wodehouse.

Discussion Point: Is humour an effective tool for critique, or does it dilute the seriousness of issues?

 

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.

Make-up department, Office-boy, Subbu

Answer: Here are the key transitions from one idea to another in Asokamitran’s "Poets and Pancakes":

1. Makeup Department → Office Boy

The author begins with a detailed description of the makeup department, highlighting its peculiarities and routines. This leads to a mention of the office boy, who adds humour with his frustrated aspirations and philosophical outbursts.

2. Office Boy → Subbu

The office boy’s complaints about his unfulfilled ambitions segue into a discussion of Kothamangalam Subbu. The author contrasts the office boy’s dissatisfaction with Subbu’s adaptability and success, portraying Subbu as a multifaceted and indispensable figure at Gemini Studios.

3. Subbu → Story Department

From Subbu’s contribution to scripts and productions, the narrative transitions to the larger story department, describing its chaotic and often redundant functioning.

4. Story Department → Poets and the Studio's Literary Culture

The author moves on to the poets and the studio’s inexplicable fascination with literature, introducing the paradox of having poets in a space dedicated to visual storytelling.

5. Literary Culture → Visit of the English Poet

This leads to the recounting of the visit by the English poet, Stephen Spender, which highlights the cultural and linguistic disconnect at the studio.

6. English Poet → Personal Reflection on Literary Inclinations

The narrative concludes with Asokamitran’s reflective tone, as he shares his own journey as a writer and the ironic gap between the glamour of the studio and his literary aspirations.

This rambling style effectively mirrors the chaotic and eclectic environment of Gemini Studios, making the piece both entertaining and insightful.

 

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’s a humorous piece inspired by Asokamitran’s rambling style:

The Chronicles of Uncle Ram and Others

Our neighbourhood was an unending source of entertainment, thanks to Uncle Ram, the self-proclaimed philosopher and part-time scientist. Uncle Ram, who wore mismatched socks every day, claimed it was a sign of intellectual depth. “Genius thrives in chaos,” he would say, adjusting his thick-rimmed glasses that were always smeared with fingerprints. He had a peculiar habit of lecturing everyone about the benefits of drinking hot water. It didn’t matter if you had a headache or a broken heart; Uncle Ram’s cure-all was a steaming cup of boiled water.

And then there was Mrs. D’Souza, our melodramatic neighbour, whose voice could probably shatter glass. She had an uncanny ability to turn the most mundane events into Shakespearean tragedies. If the milkman was late, it was a sign of societal collapse. “What has the world come to?” she’d lament, clutching her pearls as if civilization hinged on her morning tea.

Speaking of peculiarities, no one could forget Ravi, the aspiring cricketer who practiced his bowling skills on unsuspecting pedestrians. “A future Virat Kohli,” his proud mother would say, while the grocer ducked to avoid another tennis ball. Ravi’s batting skills, however, were limited to breaking windows—a fact known to every household on the street.

Even the stray dog near the corner tea stall had its quirks. We called him "Professor" because he only barked at people carrying books. Uncle Ram claimed the dog was protesting against the state of modern education, but we suspected it was more about leftover sandwiches.

Life in our neighbourhood wasn’t glamorous, but it was undeniably colourful. Each character had their own eccentricities, weaving a tapestry of humour and chaos that kept us endlessly entertained.

Would you like me to refine or expand any specific part of this piece?