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Unit -1
Glimpses of Greatness
1 .
Some are born great; some achieve greatness; some have greatness thrust upon
them. -- William Shakespeare (Twelfth Night). Is greatness an innate trait? Is
it acquired by the successful or thrust upon them? Discuss.
The concept of greatness is multifaceted and can be
interpreted in various ways. While some individuals may possess innate
qualities or talents that contribute to their greatness, it is important to
acknowledge that greatness is not solely determined by birthright. Rather, it
can be acquired through hard work, perseverance, and personal development.
In many cases, greatness is achieved by those who diligently
pursue their goals, utilizing their strengths and overcoming obstacles. History
is replete with examples of individuals who started with humble beginnings but
rose to greatness through determination and dedication. They harness their
potential, cultivate their skills, and seize opportunities that come their way.
Through continuous learning, they enhance their abilities and become influential
figures in their respective fields.
However, there are instances where greatness is thrust upon
individuals unexpectedly. These individuals may find themselves in
extraordinary circumstances or face unexpected challenges that require them to
step up and display remarkable qualities. They may not have actively pursued
greatness, but circumstances demand that they rise to the occasion and
demonstrate exceptional leadership, courage, or resilience.
Ultimately, greatness is a combination of innate qualities
and acquired attributes. While some individuals may possess inherent traits
that contribute to their potential for greatness, it is through their efforts,
perseverance, and response to circumstances that they truly achieve it. By
nurturing their abilities, seizing opportunities, and embracing challenges,
individuals can cultivate greatness and leave a lasting impact on the world.
His First Flight
An Analysis
In the short story "His First Flight" by Liam
O'Flaherty, the author explores themes of fear, courage, and the journey of
self-discovery. The story follows a young seagull who is left behind by his
siblings as they venture out to learn how to fly. Initially, the young seagull
is afraid to take flight, feeling uncertain and overwhelmed by the vastness of
the sea below. Despite his parents' encouragement and threats, he remains
rooted to his ledge, refusing to fly.
The protagonist's hunger becomes a driving force, pushing him
to face his fears. His desperate pleas for food catch his mother's attention,
and she brings him a piece of fish. In his eagerness to reach it, the young
seagull dives off the ledge and, to his surprise, discovers his ability to fly.
Overcoming his initial fear, he soars through the sky, joining his family in
their joyful flight.
The story can be seen as an allegory for personal growth and
overcoming obstacles. It highlights the importance of facing fears and taking
risks in order to discover one's potential. The young seagull's journey from
fear to triumph demonstrates the transformative power of stepping out of one's
comfort zone. Additionally, the story emphasizes the role of parental guidance
and support in nurturing and encouraging a young individual's development.
This story provides an opportunity to explore themes of
courage, self-discovery, and the significance of overcoming obstacles. It
encourages readers to reflect on their own fears and challenges, and to
consider how facing them can lead to personal growth and empowerment. The story
also prompts discussions about the role of family, mentors, and support systems
in one's journey towards self-realization. Overall, "His First
Flight" offers valuable lessons and insights into the human experience,
making it a thought-provoking piece for analysis and discussion.
1.Why
could the seagull not succeed in its attempt to fly?
The seagull initially could not succeed in its attempt to fly
because it was overwhelmed by fear and lacked confidence in its own wings. The
great expanse of the sea below the ledge and the height of the precipice created
a sense of danger and doubt in the seagull's mind, making it believe that its
wings would not be able to support its flight.
2.Do
you think that the young seagull's parents were cruel? Can you justify the
attitude of the parents?
The young seagull's parents can be seen as tough but not
necessarily cruel. They scolded and threatened the young seagull, hoping to
motivate it to overcome its fear and take flight. While their methods may seem
harsh, their intention was to teach the young seagull an essential survival
skill and encourage its independence. Their actions can be interpreted as a
form of tough love, pushing their offspring out of their comfort zone to
prepare them for the challenges of life.
3.How
did the young bird finally make it's first flight?
The young bird finally made its first flight when hunger
became more powerful than fear. Desperate for food, the seagull's instinct to
survive overcame its apprehension. When the seagull's mother brought a piece of
fish near the ledge, the young bird, driven by hunger, made a desperate dive
for the food and found itself flying instead of falling. This accidental plunge
into flight allowed the seagull to realize its ability to soar and navigate the
skies.
4.What
is the theme of the story His First Flight?
The theme of the story "His First Flight" revolves
around overcoming fear, taking risks, and embracing personal growth. It
explores the transformative power of facing one's fears and stepping outside of
one's comfort zone. The story highlights the importance of perseverance and
self-belief in the face of challenges, as well as the guidance and support
provided by parents or mentors in enabling personal development.
5.What
is the message of the story?
The message of the story "His First Flight" can be
understood as encouraging individuals, particularly young readers, to confront
their fears, embrace new experiences, and trust in their abilities. It
emphasizes that growth and self-discovery often occur when one is willing to take
risks and push beyond their perceived limitations. The story encourages readers
to seek guidance from mentors or loved ones who can provide support and
motivation during times of uncertainty. Ultimately, the message encourages
readers to have faith in their own potential and embrace the journey of
self-discovery and personal growth.
6 . In the story His First Flight,
we see a young seagull who was afraid to make his first flight. Later it's
parents goaded it into action and thereby equipped it to change the challenges
of life. Do you have any such experience in life? Narrate your experience of
guidance from parents in eighty words.
I vividly recall a moment during my teenage years when I was
hesitant to take on a leadership role in a school project. I doubted my
abilities and feared the responsibility that came with it. However, my parents,
seeing my potential, gently pushed me forward. They provided unwavering
support, guiding me through the process, and instilling confidence in my
capabilities. Their encouragement and belief in me enabled me to overcome my
doubts and embrace the challenge, ultimately leading to personal growth and
success. Their guidance taught me the importance of stepping out of my comfort
zone and embracing opportunities for growth.
7 . "Failure is Fatal: it is
the courage to continue that counts. "says Winston Churchill. Failure is
indeed a stepping stone to success. The young seagull's story teaches us this.
Prepare a write-up highlighting this view, based on your reading of the story
His First Flight
The story "His First Flight" exemplifies the notion
that failure is not the end but a stepping stone to success. In the narrative,
the young seagull's initial fear and failure to fly could have deterred him
from ever taking flight. However, as hunger overcame his fear, he found the
courage to make a desperate dive, which unexpectedly led to soaring through the
skies.
This tale conveys the message that failure should not be
feared but embraced as an opportunity for growth. It teaches us that setbacks
and challenges are part of the learning process. Just like the young seagull,
we may stumble and face doubts along our journey. But it is through
persistence, resilience, and the willingness to confront our fears that we find
the courage to continue.
Winston Churchill's quote echoes the story's theme,
emphasizing that it is not failure itself that defines us, but rather our
ability to persevere and keep moving forward. Each failure brings valuable
lessons and experiences that propel us closer to success.
Therefore, let the young seagull's story inspire us to
embrace failure as a catalyst for growth, develop resilience, and have faith in
our abilities. Remember, it is not the fear of failure that matters, but the
courage to rise after each fall and continue on the path towards success.
8 . Liam O' Flaherty's His First
Flight makes the reader think about the kind of support given by parents to
make their children self-reliant and self - confident. After reading the story
you decide to communicate your feelings to your friend. Draft an e-mail to your
friend about it.
Subject: Inspiring
Lessons from "His First Flight"
Dear [Friend's Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I recently came across a
short story that left a lasting impression on me and made me reflect on the
role of parental support in fostering self-reliance and self-confidence in
children. The story is called "His First Flight" by Liam O'Flaherty.
In this captivating tale, we witness a young seagull
struggling with fear and self-doubt as it hesitates to take its first flight.
The young seagull's parents initially scold and threaten it, which might seem
harsh at first glance. However, as the story unfolds, we realize that their
actions were aimed at nurturing the seagull's independence and preparing it for
life's challenges.
This story made me ponder the importance of parental guidance
in our own lives. It highlighted how sometimes our loved ones might push us
outside our comfort zones, encouraging us to confront our fears and take risks.
It is through such experiences that we learn resilience, develop self-confidence,
and discover our own capabilities.
I believe this story beautifully emphasizes the significance
of support from parents or mentors in shaping our journey towards
self-reliance. It reminded me of how fortunate we are to have parents who believe
in us and provide guidance, even when it might seem tough at times.
I thought of sharing this story with you because it left me
inspired and encouraged me to appreciate the guidance and support we receive
from our parents. It reminded me to embrace challenges, face my fears, and grow
into a more confident individual.
I would love to hear your thoughts on this story and how it
resonated with you. Feel free to share any similar experiences or insights you
have encountered in your own life.
Take care, and looking forward to your response!
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
9 . The story His First Flight is an account of a mother's
belief in her child. She was even ready to let her children starve to make his
realize his inborn talents. But now a days parents pamper their children by
fulfilling all their needs and they don't let them know the value of anything.
Compare the nature of mother seagull with modern day parents
The story "His First Flight" portrays a mother
seagull's unwavering belief in her child and her determination to help him
realize his potential. She was willing to take drastic measures, such as
threatening to let him starve, to motivate him to overcome his fears and take
flight. This stands in stark contrast to the nature of some modern-day parents.
In today's society, there is a growing trend of parents
pampering their children and fulfilling their every need. This over indulgence
often shields children from experiencing the challenges and hardships of life.
Consequently, they may grow up without a true understanding of the value of
things, lacking resilience and the ability to face adversity.
The mother seagull's approach reflects a more traditional parenting
style that focuses on nurturing independence and self-reliance. While modern
parents may have good intentions in providing for their children's needs, there
is a risk of unintentionally hindering their growth and development.
It is essential for parents to strike a balance between
providing for their children's needs and instilling a sense of responsibility,
perseverance, and self-awareness. A supportive environment that allows children
to explore their talents, face challenges, and learn from failures can help
them develop into well-rounded individuals.
In conclusion, the nature of the mother seagull in the story
highlights the importance of guiding children towards self-discovery and
fostering independence. It prompts us to reflect on the parenting approaches of
today and the potential impact they may have on children's growth and
self-awareness.
10 . At the end of the story His
First Flight, the young seagull successfully faced the challenges of its life.
Have you ever faced challenges in your life ? How did you overcome.? Narrate
any one incident
In my life, I have encountered numerous challenges that have
tested my resilience and determination. One incident that stands out is when I
decided to participate in a public speaking competition. As someone who
struggled with stage fright and lacked confidence in expressing myself, it was
a daunting task.
Preparing for the competition, I faced moments of self-doubt
and fear of failure. However, I refused to let these challenges hold me back. I
sought guidance from my teachers and practiced relentlessly. I pushed myself
outside my comfort zone by delivering speeches in front of friends and family,
gradually building my confidence.
On the day of the competition, my nerves were still present,
but I reminded myself of the effort I had put into preparation. When my turn
arrived, I took a deep breath and stepped onto the stage. Despite the initial
jitters, I delivered my speech with passion and conviction, overcoming my fears
in the process.
While I did not win the competition, the experience taught me
invaluable lessons about perseverance and pushing through challenges. It showed
me that embracing fears and working hard can lead to personal growth and
success.
This incident reinforced the belief that facing challenges
head-on and refusing to succumb to self-doubt can ultimately lead to personal
triumph. It taught me the importance of perseverance, preparation, and having
11 . Narrate an incident in your
life which has helped you realize that
the motivation and guidance from your family are essential in achieving success
There was a time in my life when I faced a significant
academic setback. I had been struggling with a particular subject and had
performed poorly in a crucial exam. The disappointment and frustration were
overwhelming, and I started doubting my abilities.
During this challenging period, my family played a pivotal
role in providing me with the necessary motivation and guidance. They
understood my feelings of defeat but never allowed me to dwell on them.
Instead, they offered unwavering support and encouragement.
My parents sat down with me, discussing strategies to improve
my understanding of the subject and outlining a study plan. They even enlisted
the help of a tutor to assist me further. Their belief in my capabilities and
their continuous presence by my side helped me regain my confidence.
With their guidance, I adopted a more structured approach to
studying, seeking clarification whenever I faced difficulties. Their motivation
became the driving force behind my efforts to succeed. Slowly but steadily, my
performance began to improve, and I regained my academic footing.
This incident made me realize the immense value of my
family's support in achieving success. Their belief in me instilled the
necessary motivation to persevere, even in the face of setbacks. Their guidance
helped me develop resilience and taught me that setbacks are temporary, and
with determination and support, I could overcome any obstacle.
From that point forward, I understood that the unconditional
support and guidance of my family were invaluable assets that could propel me
towards achieving my goals. It reinforced the importance of leaning on their
wisdom and encouragement during challenging times and highlighted the profound
impact they have on my journey to success.
12 . Write a brief note on the
symbols used in the story
In the story "His
First Flight," several symbols are used to convey deeper meanings and
enhance the reader's understanding. These symbols add depth and richness to the
narrative. Here are some of the key symbols in the story:
1. Flight: Flight serves as the central symbol in the story,
representing courage, independence, and personal growth. The young seagull's
first flight signifies his transformation from fear and hesitancy to confidence
and self-discovery.
2. The Ledge: The ledge where the young seagull initially
remains represents a place of comfort and security. It symbolizes the seagull's
fear of venturing into the unknown and taking risks.
3. The Sea: The vast expanse of the sea beneath the ledge
symbolizes the challenges and uncertainties of life. It represents the fear and
hesitation the young seagull experiences before he takes his first flight.
4. The Parents: The parents symbolize guidance, support, and
tough love. They play a crucial role in pushing their young one to overcome his
fears and take flight, representing the nurturing and sometimes strict nature
of parental figures.
5. Food: Food symbolizes sustenance and reward. The seagull's
hunger and search for food highlight his desire to survive and thrive. The
offering of scraps of dog-fish by the family at the end symbolizes celebration
and recognition of the young seagull's achievement.
These symbols deepen the story's meaning by illustrating
themes of courage, growth, parental guidance, and the rewards of facing
challenges. They allow readers to engage with the story on a symbolic level,
extracting deeper insights and emotions from the narrative.
13 . At the ledge of the cliff, the
seagull and his sister engage in a conversation. Write the likely conversation
( at least six exchanges)
Seagull: (looking nervous) I don't think I can do it, sister.
It's too high and too far down.
Sister: Don't be scared, brother. We've seen our brothers
fly. We can do it too.
Seagull: But what if our wings can't support us? What if we
fall?
Sister: Our wings are strong enough. Trust yourself. We were
born to fly.
Seagull: I wish I had your confidence. I'm just not ready
yet.
Sister: You'll never be ready if you don't take that first
leap. Trust me, it's exhilarating.
Seagull: (hesitant) Maybe... but what if something goes
wrong?
Sister: We've seen our parents guide and teach us. They
believe in us. We have to believe in ourselves too.
Seagull: (pausing) I want to believe, but I'm so afraid.
Sister: Fear is natural, but courage is overcoming that fear.
Together, we can conquer it.
Seagull: (gaining some confidence) You're right. We can do
this. Let's take flight together.
Sister: That's the spirit! Trust your wings and let's soar
into the sky.
Liam
O'Flaherty
Liam O'Flaherty was an
Irish author and one of the leading figures of the Irish literary renaissance.
Born on August 28, 1896, in the Aran Islands, O'Flaherty had a deep connection
to the rugged landscape and seascapes of Ireland, which often served as
settings in his works. He was known for his realistic portrayals of rural life
and his exploration of social and political themes. O'Flaherty's writing style
was characterized by its simplicity, vivid descriptions, and his ability to
capture the essence of human emotions. His works, including novels, short
stories, and plays, often tackled themes of hardship, resilience, and the
complexities of human nature. O'Flaherty's contributions to Irish literature
continue to be celebrated and studied today.
communities and the
complexities of navigating cultural hybridity. Piri Thomas's impact as an
author resonates with readers by shedding light on the human condition and
advocating for social change.
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