Class 12 Literature Notes (First Semester)
Flamingo - Ch 1: The Last Lesson
Author: Alphonse Daudet Theme: Importance of mother tongue, patriotism, loss of culture.
Summary: Franz, a student, realizes the value of learning French when it is too late as the
Prussians order teaching of German. His teacher, M. Hamel, delivers his last French lesson with
deep emotion, urging students to guard their language. Key Points: Symbolism of language,
emotional farewell, theme of cultural identity.
Flamingo - Ch 2: Lost Spring
Author: Anees Jung Theme: Child labour, poverty, loss of childhood dreams. Summary: Narrates
stories of Saheb, a ragpicker, and Mukesh, a bangle-maker. Saheb loses his carefree childhood to
ragpicking, while Mukesh aspires to break away from his family tradition of bangle-making. Key
Points: Poverty cycle, exploitation of children, contrast between hope and reality.
Flamingo - Ch 3: Deep Water
Author: William Douglas Theme: Courage, determination, overcoming fear. Summary: The author
shares his personal struggle with fear of water after a drowning incident. Through persistent
training, he finally conquers his fear and experiences joy and confidence. Key Points: Fear as a
handicap, perseverance, victory of human will.
Flamingo - Ch 4: The Rattrap
Author: Selma Lagerlöf Theme: Human compassion, redemption, dignity. Summary: A rattrap
seller, leading a life of poverty and dishonesty, receives kindness from Edla, the ironmaster’s
daughter. This transforms him, and he resolves to live a better life. Key Points: Symbolism of the
rattrap, power of kindness, possibility of change in human nature.
Poem 1: My Mother At Sixty-Six
Author: Kamala Das Theme: Ageing, mortality, fear of separation, love for mother. Summary: The
poet reflects on her mother’s old age while on a drive. She feels sorrow and fear of losing her, but
hides her emotions with a smile, signifying acceptance and hope. Key Points: Imagery of decay vs.
vitality, universal theme of mortality.
Poem 2: Keeping Quiet
Author: Pablo Neruda Theme: Peace, harmony, reflection, unity. Summary: The poet urges people
to pause, keep quiet, and introspect. He emphasizes stillness and silence as a means to achieve
peace and a better life on earth. Key Points: Symbolism of silence, call for self-reflection, anti-war
message.
Poem 3: A Thing of Beauty
Author: John Keats Theme: Eternal beauty, nature, joy. Summary: Beauty, especially in nature,
provides everlasting joy, removes gloom, and uplifts the spirit. It is a source of eternal happiness for
mankind. Key Points: Romanticism, imagery of nature, permanence of beauty.
Vistas - Ch 1: The Third Level
Author: Jack Finney Theme: Escapism, imagination vs reality, psychological refuge. Summary:
Charley discovers a mysterious third level at Grand Central Station, symbolizing his desire to
escape modern stress. The story questions reality and highlights man’s need for peace. Key Points:
Blend of fantasy and reality, theme of escapism, symbolism of third level.
Vistas - Ch 2: The Tiger King
Author: Kalki Theme: Power, arrogance, destiny, irony. Summary: The story of the Maharaja who
killed tigers to defy his death prediction. Ironically, he dies due to a wooden toy tiger, proving
destiny cannot be changed. Key Points: Satire on pride, futility of power, irony of fate.
Vistas - Ch 3: Journey To The End Of The Earth
Author: Tishani Doshi Theme: Environment, climate change, interconnectedness of life. Summary:
The author’s journey to Antarctica offers insights into Earth’s past, present, and future. She
emphasizes the urgent need to address ecological imbalance and climate change. Key Points:
Fragility of ecosystem, importance of Antarctica, climate awareness.
Vistas - Ch 4: The Enemy
Author: Pearl S. Buck Theme: Humanity vs patriotism, morality, compassion. Summary: A
Japanese doctor, Sadao, shelters and saves an enemy soldier during WWII. Despite risks, his
humanity and ethics prevail over national loyalty. Key Points: Conflict of duty, power of compassion,
universal brotherhood.
