Poets and Pancakes Important Short and Long Question Class 12 Chapter-6 Book-flamingo

Q-1. Why is the Englishman’s visit referred to as an unexplained mystery?

Ans: 

The Englishman’s visit to Gemini Studios was called an unexplained mystery because no one at the studio, including the author, understood why he had come or what he spoke about. His speech was confusing, and since the people at the studio were not fluent in English, they could not grasp his purpose. His visit remained a mystery until the author later discovered his identity.

Q-2. Who was the English visitor to the studios, and what was the purpose of his visit?

Ans: 

The English visitor was Stephen Spender, a poet and editor of a magazine called The Encounter. He had come to talk about literature and his magazine, but the audience at Gemini Studios, mostly Tamil-speaking film workers, could not understand his speech. His purpose was to promote English literature, but it was lost on the people.

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

Ans: 

The author finds it odd that an English poet was addressing a group of people who had little interest in English poetry. Most workers at Gemini Studios spoke Tamil, and their work was related to films, not literature. They could not understand Stephen Spender's speech, making his visit pointless and amusing.

Q-4. Account for Subbu’s importance in Gemini Studios.

Ans: 

Subbu was an essential part of Gemini Studios. He was a creative genius, always coming up with new ideas for films. He could solve problems quickly and was loyal to the studio boss. His storytelling skills, poetry, and acting made him valuable. Despite not being in a high position, he had great influence over decision-making at the studio.

Q-5. How did the people of Madras and those at Gemini Studios respond to the plays staged by the Moral Re-Armament Army?

Ans: 

The people of Madras and those at Gemini Studios were highly impressed by the plays of the Moral Re-Armament Army. They admired the plays' grand sets, moral messages, and professional performances. The simple themes of good versus evil resonated with the audience, and they appreciated the high production quality.

Q-6. Subbu was ‘tailor-made for films’. How did he use his genius in various activities in the Gemini Studios?

Ans: 

Subbu had multiple talents, which made him perfect for the film industry:

• He was a brilliant storyteller, helping in scriptwriting.

• He could write poetry and compose songs.

• He was an actor and played minor roles.

• He was good at problem-solving, always assisting the studio boss.

• His versatility and loyalty made him a key figure in the studio’s success.

Q-7. ‘Subbu was a troubleshooter.’ Do you agree with this statement? Give an account of Subbu’s qualities of head and heart.

Ans: 

Yes, Subbu was a troubleshooter because he could solve any problem in the studio. He had a sharp mind and a creative way of handling difficulties. He was also kind and helpful, always supporting those in need. However, some people disliked him because of his close association with the boss and his privileged position.

Q-8. What political significance does Gemini Studios’ invitation to the Moral Re-Armament Army and Stephen Spender show?

Ans: 

The invitation showed that Gemini Studios was influenced by anti-communist ideas. The Moral Re-Armament Army was an international group that opposed communism. Similarly, Stephen Spender had once been a communist but later opposed it. These events reflected the Cold War atmosphere, where ideological influences shaped public discussions.

Q-9. Why did Asokamitran pray for crowd-shooting all the time?

Ans: 

Asokamitran prayed for crowd-shooting because it meant that many junior artists would be on set, keeping the office boy and others busy. This would give him some peace, as otherwise, the office boy would disturb him with long complaints and personal frustrations.

Q-10. Why was the office boy disappointed with his job in Gemini Studios?

Ans: 

The office boy was disappointed because he had once dreamed of becoming a famous actor or director, but instead, he was given a low-level job. He felt that his creative talent was being wasted, and he often blamed Subbu for his lack of success in the film industry.