NCERT Solutions For Class 12 English Flamingo Chapter 6 Poets and Pancakes

Physics Wallah Academic Expert

September 03, 2024

Poets and Pancakes Class 12:- Poets and Pancakes" is an engaging chapter from the Class 12 English Flamingo textbook, written by the well-known author Ashokamitran. The story offers a lighthearted yet insightful look into the world of Gemini Studios, one of India's most iconic film studios during the 1940s and 50s. With a touch of humour and keen observation, the author brings to life the everyday experiences of the people working behind the scenes, highlighting their unique personalities and quirks. The chapter beautifully contrasts the glamorous image of the film industry with the often amusing and relatable realities of studio life, making it a delightful read for students. Check out the Poets and Pancakes Questions and Answers below.

Check Out: CBSE Class 12th Books

NCERT Solutions for Class 12 English Flamingo Chapter 6 PDF

At Physics Wallah, our team of experts has developed comprehensive solutions for NCERT Class 12 English Flamingo Chapter 6. These solutions are crafted to help students understand and master the chapter's concepts more effectively.

NCERT Solutions for Class 12 English Flamingo Chapter 6 PDF

Poets and Pancakes Class 12 Questions and Answers

Get the poets and pancakes class 12 questions and answers below:-

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 effectively uses gentle humour to highlight the quirks and eccentricities of the characters and the environment at Gemini Studios. For instance, the depiction of the makeup artists and the exaggerated importance of 'pancake' makeup introduces a humorous tone. Subbu's creative problem-solving, despite his lack of brilliance, adds to the charm. The humour extends to the frustration of the office boy, the reverence for Gandhi, the incident where an illegal adviser inadvertently ends an actress's career, the strong anti-Communist sentiment, and the mysterious presence of Stephen Spender, all contributing to a light-hearted yet insightful narrative.

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

Answer: Kothamangalam Subbu secured his position as the second most important person in Gemini Studios through his ability to flatter and remain loyal to The Boss. While not exceptionally talented, his cheerful disposition and unwavering loyalty made him indispensable. Whenever The Boss faced a challenge, Subbu would come up with solutions, which earned him the unofficial title of the second-in-command among the studio's employees.

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

Answer: The author describes the absurdity of an English poet addressing a largely Tamil-speaking audience at Gemini Studios. The poet, with his provincial English accent, spoke about the joys and struggles of being a poet, but his words were met with confusion and silence. The audience, unfamiliar with both the language and the context, found it difficult to connect with the poet’s discourse, highlighting the mismatch between the speaker and his listeners.

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

Answer: The author’s literary interests lean towards prose, as indicated by his choice of books, his admiration for Stephen Spender, and the recurring focus on prose throughout the account. His observations and reflections reveal a deep appreciation for literature, particularly prose, which influenced his perspective on the various characters and events at Gemini Studios.

Talking About The Text:

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

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

Answer: These topics are open for discussion, encouraging students to explore and express their thoughts based on the text and their understanding.

Poets and Pancakes Class 12 Summary

Poets and Pancakes" is an excerpt from the book My Years with Boss by Ashokamitran, which provides a humorous and insightful account of life at Gemini Studios, one of India’s most famous film studios in the 1940s and 50s. The chapter offers a behind-the-scenes look at the workings of the studio, focusing particularly on the makeup department, which was responsible for transforming actors and actresses into their screen personas.

The title "Poets and Pancakes" refers to the makeup department, where the product ‘Pancake’ was extensively used to achieve the desired look for film characters. The author humorously describes the eccentricities of the makeup artists and the actors who had to endure the heavy layers of makeup, often in uncomfortable conditions.

Ashokamitran introduces readers to various characters at Gemini Studios, including the office boy who aspired to be a poet, the fiercely loyal Subbu, and the legal advisor who is both feared and respected. Each character is depicted with a touch of gentle satire, revealing their quirks and the often absurd situations that arise in the studio environment.

The chapter also touches on the visit of an English poet to Gemini Studios, which highlights the cultural and linguistic divide between the Tamil-speaking studio staff and the English-speaking guest. The poet’s speech, delivered in English, is met with confusion and silence from the audience, underscoring the disconnect between the two worlds.

Through "Poets and Pancakes," Ashokamitran offers a nostalgic and humorous reflection on the early days of the Indian film industry, shedding light on the everyday lives of the people who worked behind the scenes. The chapter is a delightful exploration of the contrast between the glamorous image of the film industry and the often mundane, yet amusing, realities of studio life.

Check Out: Class 12th Question Banks

Poets and Pancakes NCERT Solutions FAQs

1. What does the title "Poets and Pancakes" suggest?

Ans. The title "Poets and Pancakes" refers to the famous makeup department of Gemini Studios, where many poets and writers would gather. "Pancake" is the name of the makeup product used by the department. The title humorously contrasts the artistic and literary environment of the studio with the mundane, yet essential, activity of applying makeup.

2. What does Ashokamitran mean by "the fiery misery" of those subjected to makeup?

Ans. Ashokamitran refers to the discomfort and irritation experienced by the actors who had to endure the heavy and often suffocating makeup, which was essential under the intense studio lights. The phrase "fiery misery" conveys the physical discomfort caused by the hot studio environment and the thick layers of makeup.

3. Why was the office boy frustrated? What was his immediate reaction?

Ans. The office boy was frustrated because he felt his talent was being wasted in a menial job that involved handling makeup tools instead of pursuing his passion for writing. His immediate reaction was to express his frustration by venting to the narrator, complaining about the futility of his work and the lack of recognition for his creative abilities.

5. How does the writer describe the legal advisor?

Ans. The writer describes the legal advisor as a clever and manipulative person who had a knack for using legal jargon to confuse and control others. He was an imposing figure, both in appearance and in the way he handled situations. The legal advisor was feared by many in the studio due to his cunning nature and his ability to twist situations to his advantage.

6. What made the legal advisor recall Stalin?

Ans. The legal advisor recalled Stalin when the narrator mentioned the book "The God That Failed," which was a collection of essays by six authors who had been disillusioned by Communism. Stalin, as the leader of the Soviet Union, was a central figure in the Communist movement. The mention of the book and its criticism of Communism prompted the legal advisor to think of Stalin, who was synonymous with the harsh and oppressive regime associated with Communism.

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