Chapter 1 – Sales and Value added Tax ( Solved)

EXERCISE 1(A)

Question 1:

Rajat purchases a wrist costing Rs. 540. The rate of sales tax is 8%. Find the total amount paid
by rajat for the watch.
Solution 1:
Sale price of watch= Rs. 540
Rate of sales tax= 8%
Total amount paid by Rajat = Rs. 540 + 8% of Rs. 540
= Rs. 540 + 8
100
× 540
= Rs. 540 + Rs. 43.20
= Rs. 583.20 Ans

Question 2:

Ramesh paid Rs. 345.60 as sales tax on a purchase of Rs. 3,840. Find the rate of sales Tax.
Solution 2:
Sale price = Rs. 3,840
Sales tax paid = Rs. 345.60
∴ Rate of sales tax = sales tax
sales price
×100%
 =
345.60
3,840
×100%
= 9% Ans.

Question 3:

The price of a washing machine, inclusive of sales tax, is Rs. 13,530/-. If the sales tax is 10%,
Find its basic (cost) price.
Solution 3:
Selling price of washing machine = Rs. 13,530
Rate of sales tax = 10%
∴ Cost Price = selling price ×100
100+Rate of sales tax
 =
13530 ×100
100+10
 =
1353000
110
 = Rs. 12,300

Question 4:

Sarita purchases biscuit costing Rs. 158 on which the rate of sales tax is 6%. She also purchases
some cosmetic goods costing Rs. 354 on which the rate of sales tax is 9%. Find the total amount
to be paid be sarita.
Solution 4:
Sale price of biscuits = Rs. 158
Rate of sales tax on biscuits = 6%
Amount paid for biscuits = Rs. 158 + 6% of Rs. 158
= Rs. 158 + 6
100
×158
= Rs. 158 + Rs. 9.48
= Rs. 167.48
Sale price of cosmetic goods = Rs. 354
Rate of sales tax = 9%
Amount paid for cosmetic goods = Rs. 354 + 9% of Rs. 354
= Rs. 35 + 9
100
×354
= Rs. 354 + Rs. 31.86
= Rs. 385.86
Total amount paid by Sarita = Rs. 167.48 + Rs. 385.86
 = Rs. 553.34 Ans.

Question 5:

Hamid purchased some articles costing Rs. 5460. The shopkeeper charged sales tax at 8%. As
hamid wanted to take the articles purchased outside the state, the shopkeeper charged 3% as
central sales tax on the actual price of the articles. Find the total amount Hamid Had to pay for
the articles.
Solution 5:
Sale price of articles = Rs. 5,460
Rate of sales tax = 8%
Rate of central sales tax = 3%
Total amount paid by Hamid
= Rs. 5,460 + 8% of Rs. 5,460 + 3% of Rs. 5,460
= Rs. 5,460 + 8
100
×5,460 +
3
100
×5,460
= Rs. 5,460 + Rs. 436.80 + Rs. 163.80
= Rs. 6060.60 Ans

Question 6:

The marked price of two articles A and B together is Rs. 6,000. The sales tax on articles A is
8% and that on article B is 10%. If on selling both the articles, the total sales tax collected is Rs.
552, find the marked price of each of the articles A and B.

Solution 6:
Let the marked price of article A be Rs. x and article B be Rs. y.
The marked price of A and B together is Rs. 6,000.
⇒ x + y = 6,000 …….. (i)
The sales tax on article A is 8% and that on article B is 10%.
Also the total sales tax collected on selling both the articles is Rs. 552.
⇒ 8% of x + 10% of y = 552
⇒ 8x + 10 y = 55,200 …….. (ii)
Multiply equation (i) by 8 and subtract it from equation (ii) we get,
2 y = 7,200
⇒ y = 3,600
Substituting y = 3,600 in equation (i) we get,
x + 3,600 = 6,000
⇒ x = 2,400
The marked price of article A is Rs. 2,400 and article B is Rs. 3,600.

Question 7:

Tanya buys a leather coat costing Rs. 3,600, the rate of sales Tax being 10%. She asks the
shopkeeper to reduce the price of the coat to such an extent that she does not have to pay anything
more than Rs. 3,366 including sales tax. Calculate:
(i) The reduction needed in the cost price of the coat.
(ii) the reduction as percent.
Solution 7:
(i) Let new sale price of coat = Rs. y
Rate of sales tax = 10%
Total amount paid= Rs3,600
According to question
Y + 10% of Y = Rs. 3,366
⟹ y +
y
10
= Rs. 3,366
⟹
11y
10
= Rs. 3,366
⟹ y =
3,366 ×10
11
= Rs. 3,060
Reduction needed in the price= Rs. 3,600 − Rs. 3,060 = Rs. 540 Ans.
(ii) Reduction % = 540 ×100
3600
= 15%

Question 8:

The price of a T.V. set inclusive of sales tax of 9% is Rs. 13,407. Find its marked price. If Sales
tax is increased to 13%, how much more does the customer has to pay for the T.V.?
Solution 8:
(i) Total price paid for T.V. = Rs. 13,407
Rate of sales tax = 9%
Let sale price = Rs. y
According to question
Y + 9% of y = Rs. 13,407
⟹ y + 9y
100
= Rs. 13,407
⟹
109y
100
= Rs. 13,407
⟹ y =
13,407 ×100
109
= Rs. 12,300
If the sales is increased by 13% then 13% of 12300
= Rs. 12,300 + Rs. 1,599
= Rs. 13,899
More money paid = Rs. 13,899 – Rs. 13,407 = Rs. 492 Ans.
Question 9:
The price of an article is Rs. 8,250 which includes sales tax at 10%. Find how much more or
less does a customer pay for the article, if the sales tax on the article:
(i) increases to 15%
(ii) decreases to 6%
(iii) increases by 2%
(iv) decreases by 3%

Solution 9:

Let sale price of article = Rs. y
Total price inclusive of sales tax = Rs.8,250
Rate of sales tax = 10%
According to question
Y + 10 % of y = Rs. 8,250
⟹ y + y
100
= Rs. 8,250
⟹
11𝑌
10
= 𝑅𝑠. 8,250
⟹ y =
8,250 ×10
11
= 𝑅𝑠. 7,500
(i) New rate of sales tax = 15%
New total price = Rs. 7,500 + 15% of Rs. 7,500
= Rs. 7,500 + 15
100
×7,500
= Rs. 7,500 + Rs. 1,125 = Rs. 8,625
More money paid = Rs. 8,625 – Rs. 8,250 = Rs. 375 Ans.
(ii) New rate of sales tax = 6%
New total price= Rs. 7,500 + 6% of Rs. 7,500
= Rs. 7,500 + 6
100
×7,500
= Rs. 7,500 + Rs. 450 = Rs. 7,950
Less money paid = Rs. 8,250 – Rs. 7,950 = Rs. 300 Ans.
(iii) New rate of sales tax = (10 + 2)% = 12%
New total price = Rs. 7,500 + 12% of Rs. 7,500
= Rs. 7,500 + 12
100
×7,500
= Rs. 7,500 + Rs. 900 = Rs. 8,400
More money paid = Rs. 8,400 – Rs. 8,250 = Rs. 150 Ans.
(iv) New rate of sales tax = (10 − 3)% = 7%
New total price = Rs. 7,500 + 7% of Rs. 7,500
= Rs. 7,500 + 7
100
×7,500
= Rs. 7,500 + Rs. 525 = Rs. 8,025
Less money paid = Rs. 8,250 – Rs. 8,025 = Rs. 225 Ans.

Question 10:

A bicycle is available for Rs. 1,664 including sales tax. If the list price of the bicycle is Rs. 1,600
find:
(i) the rate of sales tax.
(ii) the price, a customer will pay for the bicycle if the sales tax is increased by 6%.
Solution 10:
Price of bicycle inclusive of sales tax = Rs. 1,664
List price of bicycle = Rs. 1,600
(i) Sales tax = Rs. 1,664 – Rs. 1,600 = Rs. 64
∴ Rate of sales tax = sales tax
sales price
×100% =
64
1,600
×100% = 4% Ans.
(ii) New rate of sales tax = (4 + 6)% = 10%
New total price = Rs. 1,600 + 10% of Rs. 1,600
= Rs. 1,600 + 10
100
×1,600
= Rs. 1,600 + Rs. 160
 = Rs. 1,760 Ans.

Question 11:

When the rate of sale – tax is decreased from 9% to 6% for a coloured T.V; mrs. Geeta will save
Rs. 780 in buying this T.V. Find the list price of the T.V.
Solution 11:
Let the list price of T.V. = y
Sales tax when the rate is 9% =
9
100
𝑌
⟹ Sale price is y + 9𝑦
100
Sales tax when the rate is 6% =
6
100
𝑦
⟹ Sale price is y + 6
100
𝑦
Differences of sale prices
= y +
9𝑦
100
− (𝑦 +
6𝑦
100)
= y +
9𝑦
100
− y −
6𝑦
100
=
9𝑦
100
−
6𝑦
100
Savings for Geeta = 784.
Therefore, we have,
784 = 9𝑦
100
−
6𝑦
100
⟹
3𝑦
100
= 78
⟹ y =
78×100
3
⟹ y = Rs. 26,000
Thus the list price of the T.V. is Rs. 26,000 Ans.

Question 12:

A shopkeeper sells an article for Rs. 21,384 including 10% sales tax. However, the actual
rate of sales tax is 8%. Find the extra profit made by the dealer.
Solution 12:
Price of the article inclusive of sales tax = Rs. 21,384
Let y be the list price of the article
Rate of sales tax charged by the shopkeeper = 10%
According to the given statement, we have
21384 = y + y ×
10
100
⟹ y + 𝑦
10
= 21384
⟹
11𝑦
10
= 21384
⟹ y =
21384 ×10
11
⟹ y = Rs. 19440
When the sales tax is 8%, the actual sale price
= 19440 + 19440 × 8
100
= Rs. 20,995.2
Extra profit = Sale price of the article charged by shopkeeper − Actual sale price
⟹ Extra profit = Rs. 21,384 - Rs. 20.995.2 = Rs. 388.80 Ans.

EXERCISE 1(B)

Question 1:

A trader buys an unfinished article for Rs. 1,800 and spends Rs. 600 on its finishing, packing,
transportation, etc. He marks the article at such a price that will give him 20% profit. How much
will a customer pay for he article including 12% sales tax.
Solution 1:
Purchase price = Rs. 1,800
Expenditure = Rs. 600
Total price = Rs. 1,800 + Rs. 600 = Rs. 2,400
M.P. of article = Rs. 2,400 + 20% of Rs. 2400
= Rs. 2,400 + 20
100
×2,400
=Rs. 2,400 + Rs. 480 = Rs. 2,880
Cost price for customer = Rs. 2,880 + 12% of Rs. 2,880
= Rs. 2,880 + 12
100
×2,880𝑆
= Rs. 2,880 + Rs. 345.60
= Rs. 3,225.60 Ans.

Question 2:

A shopkeeper buys an article for Rs. 800 and spends Rs. 100 on its transportation, etc. He marks
the article at a certain price and then sells it for Rs. 1,287 including 10% sales tax. Find this
profit as per cent.
Solution 2:
C.P. of an article = Rs. 800
Expenditure = Rs. 100
Total C.P.= Rs. 800 + Rs. 100 = Rs. 900
Let sale price = Rs. y
Sale price inclusive of sales tax = Rs. 1,287
Rate of sales tax = 10%
Then y + 10% of y = Rs. 1,287
⟹ y + 𝑦
10
= 𝑅𝑠. 1,287
⟹
11𝑦
10
= 𝑅𝑠. 1,287
⟹ y = Rs. 1,287 ×10
11
= 𝑅𝑠. 1,170
His profit = Rs. 1,170 – Rs. 900 = Rs. 270
His profit% = 270
900
×100% = 30% Ans

Question 3:

A shopkeeper announces a discount of 15% on his goods. If the marked price of an article, in
his shop is Rs. 6,000; how much a customer has to pay for it, if the rate of sales tax is 10%?
Solution 3:
Marked price of article = Rs. 6,000
Sale price after discount = Rs. 6,000 − 15% of Rs. 6,000
= Rs. 6,000 − Rs. 900
Rs. 5,100
Rate of sales tax = 10%
Cost price for customer = Rs. 5,100 + 10% of Rs. 5,100
= Rs. 5,100 + Rs. 510
= Rs. 5,610

Question 4:

The catalogue price of a colour T.V. is Rs. 24,000. The Shopkeeper gives a discount of 8% on
the list price. He gives a further off season discount of 5% on the balance. But sales tax at 10%
is charged on the remaining amount find.
(a) the sales tax a customer has to pay.
(b) the final price he has to pay for the T.V.
Solution 4:
List price of T.V = Rs. 24,000
Discount % = 8 %
Season discount = 5%
∴ Sale price = Rs. 24,000 (1 −
8
100) (1 −
5
100)
= 24,000 ×
92
100
×
95
100
= 𝑅𝑠. 20,976
Rate of sales tax = 10%
Sales tax = Rs. 20,976 ×
10
100
= 𝑅𝑠. 2,097.60
Final price for customer = Rs. 20,976 + 10% of Rs. 20,976
= Rs. 20,976 + 10
100
× 20,976
= Rs. 20,976 + Rs. 2,097.60
= Rs. 23,073.60 Ans

Question 5:

A shopkeeper marks his goods 40% above the cost price and then allows discount of 20% find
how much will a customer pay for an article which costs the shopkeeper Rs. 200 and a sales tax
of 10% is levied on the sale price of the article. (Give your answer correct to the nearest rupee).
Solution 5:
Cost price = Rs. 200
Marked price = Rs. 200 + 40% of Rs. 200
= Rs.200 + Rs. 80 = Rs. 280
Discount = 20%
Sale price = 280 (1 −
20
100)
= 280 ×
4
5
Rate of sales tax = 10%
Price for customer = 224 + 10% of 224
 = 224 + 10
100
×224
 = 224 + 22.4
 = 246.4
 = 246 (Approx)

Question 6:

A toy is purchased for Rs. 591.36 which includes 12% rebate on the printed price and 12% sales
tax on the sale price of the toy find the printed price of the toy.
Solution 6:
Let printed price = Rs. y
Discount% = 12%
∴ Sale price = Rs. y (1 −
12
100) = y ×
88
100
= Rs.
22 y
25
Rate of sales tax = 12%
Purchase price= Rs. 591.36
According to question
Sale price + sales tax = Rs. 591.36
Rs.
22y
25
+ 12% of 22y
25
= Rs. 591.36
⟹
22y
25
+ 66y
625
= Rs. 591.36
⟹
616y
625
= Rs. 591.36
⟹ y =
591.36 ×625
616
= Rs. 600 Ans

Question 7:

The catalogue price of an article is Rs. 20,000. The dealer allows two successive discounts 15%
and 10%. If sales tax at the rate of 10% is charged on the remaining amount. Find:
(i) the sales tax amount a customer has to pay.
(ii) the final total price that customer has to pay for the article.
Solution 7:
Catalogue price = Rs. 20,000
Two successive discounts = 15% and 10%
Sale price = 20,000 (1 −
15
100) (1 −
10
100)
= 20,000 × 17
20
×
9
10
Rate of sales tax = 10%
Sales tax = 10% of 15,300
=
10
100
×15,300 = 𝑅𝑠. 1,530
Final total price = Rs. 15,300 + Rs. 1,530 = Rs. 16,830

Question 8:

A trader buys an article for Rs. 1,700 at a discount of 15% on its printed price. He raises the
printed price of the article by 20% and then sells it for Rs. 2,688 including sales tax on the new
marked price. Find:
(i) the rate of sales tax
(ii) the trader’s profit as per cent
Solution 8:
Let the printed price = Rs. y
Discount% = 15%
Cost price = Rs. 1,700
∴ list price – discount = Rs. 1,700
⟹ y – 15% of y = Rs. 1,700
⟹ y -
3𝑦
20
= 𝑅𝑠. 1,700
⟹
17𝑦
20
= 𝑅𝑠. 1,700
⟹ y = Rs. 1,700 ×20
17
= 𝑅𝑠. 2,000
New printed price = Rs. 2,000 + 20% of Rs. 2,000
= Rs. 2,000 + 20
100
×2,000
= Rs. 2,000 + Rs. 400 = Rs. 2400
Selling price inclusive of sales tax = Rs. 2,688
Sales tax = Rs. 2,688 – Rs. 2,400 = Rs. 288
(i) ∴ Rate of sales tax = sales tax
sales price
×100%
 =
288
2,400
×100% = 12%
(ii) Profit = Rs. 2,400 – Rs. 1,700 = Rs. 700
∴ Profit % = profit
cost price
×100% =
700
1,700
×100% = 41 3
17
% Ans.

Question 9:

A shopkeeper buys an article at a rebate of 20% on its marked price and then spends Rs. 300 on
its transportation, etc. If he sells the article for Rs. 4,160 (Including sales tax at the rate of 4%
of the marked price), find the shopkeeper’s profit as per cent.
Solution 9:
Sale price including sales tax = Rs. 4,160
Let sale price = Rs. y
Rate of sales tax = 4%
∴ y + 4% of y = Rs. 4160
⟹ y + y/25
= Rs. 4,160
⟹
26𝑦
25
= 𝑅𝑠. 4160
⟹ y = Rs. 4,160 ×25
26
= Rs. 4,000
Purchase price = Rs. 4,000 − 20% of Rs. 4,000
=Rs. 4,000 – Rs. 800= Rs. 3,200
Extra expense = Rs. 300
Then total cost price = Rs. 3,200 + Rs. 300 = Rs. 3,500
His profit = Rs. 4,000 – Rs. 3,500 = Rs. 500
∴ Profit% = profit
cost price
×100%
=
500
3,500
×100% =
100
7
% = 14 2
7
% Ans

Question 10:

A shopkeeper buy an article for Rs. 2,400 from a wholesaler at 20% rebate on its list price. He
marks up the list price of the article bought by 10% and then sells it for Rs. 3,498 including sales
tax on the marked up price.
Find: (i) the rate of sales tax
(ii) the shopkeeper’s profit as per cent.
Solution 10:
Let the printed price = Rs. y
Discount% = 20%
Cost price = Rs. 2,400
∴ List price – discount = Rs. 2,400
⟹ y − 20% of y = Rs. 2,400
⟹ y −
𝑦
5
= 𝑅𝑠. 2,400
=
4𝑦
5
= 𝑅𝑠. 2,400
= y = Rs. 2,400 ×5
4
= Rs. 3,000
New printed price = Rs. 3,000 + 10% of Rs. 3,000
= Rs. 3,000 + Rs. 300 = Rs. 3,300
Selling price inclusive of sales tax = Rs. 3,498
Sales tax = Rs. 3,498 – Rs. 3,300 = Rs. 198
(i) ∴ Rate of sales tax = sales tax
sales price
×100%
 =
198
3,300
×100% = 6%
 (ii) Profit = Rs. 3,300 – Rs. 2,400 = Rs. 900
 ∴ Profit% = profit
cost price
×100% =
900
2,400
×100% = 37.5% Ans.

The Bangal Sellers - Imageries used in the poem

Introduction

The poet gives suitable examples of various imageries. Especially sense of Visual (Sight), Auditory (Sound), Smell and touch.

Imageries used in the poem

In the first stanza, the bangle sellers go on roaming and wandering from place to place to sell their bangles. They sing this beautiful song   When they go Selling their shining loads (bangles) to the temple fair. They invite the people to come and buy the delicate, bright and multi-coloured bangles which are tokens (symbols) of delight for happy daughters and happy wives. The uses of  Auditory and Visual imagery is shown these lines as which appeals to a reader's eyes and ears.


             In the second stanza, the bangle sellers give an account of the bangles which match a maiden. They say that the silver and blue coloured bangles are suitable to a maiden. These are like the mist on the mountain in their colour. By mentioning the colour in these line here again we find the examples of Visual imagery. Further they say that they have bangles which are like buds on a woodland stream. Some are shining like flowers. All these bud-like and flower- like bangles are suitable for the unmarried girls.

            In the third stanza the bangle sellers say that they have some bangles which look like corn fields. They are suitable for a bride on her bridal morning. Some bangles look like the flame of her marriage fire (red). Some are rich with colours of her heart's desire. They make soft sounds just as the bride makes at the time of her wedding. The bride laughs as she is getting married and weeps as she is going to leave her parental abode.  With the help of examples of sound the poet uses Auditory imagery . The phrases bridal laughter and bridal tears suggest the emotional feelings  of a bride.
             In the last stanza the bangle sellers say that they possess some bangles which are purple in colour and some are touched with gold and grey colours. The sense of touch is used as an imagery.  All these bangles are suitable for a middle-aged woman whose hands have cared tenderly, loved, blessed and cradled her fair sons and worshiped the gods sitting by her husband's side.

साखी - कबीरदास

 1. साखी - कबीरदास

• प्रथम खंड में कबीर जी कहते हैं  कि उनके सामने गुरुवर और भगवान दोनों ही खड़े हैं, परंतु उन्हें समझ नहीं आ रहा है कि वह किसे पहले प्रणाम करें |
अंत में कबीर जी कहते हैं हमें पहले गुरु को ही प्रणाम करना चाहिए, क्योंकि गुरु ही तो है जो हमें भगवान की ओर जाने का रास्ता दिखाता है, और ईश्वर की प्राप्ति का मार्ग दर्शन करता है |

• दितीय खंड में है उनके अंदर अहंकार भरा था तब भगवान नहीं था और अब भगवान है पर अहंकार नहीं है |
वह कहते हैं भगवान के पास जाने का रास्ता इतनी तंग है जहां अहंकार और भगवान दोनों एक साथ समा नहीं सकता I हम तबतक भगवान को प्राप्त नहीं कर सकते जब तक हम अहंकार छोड़ ना दें |

• तृतीय खंडवे कबीर जी मुसलमानों के बारे में व्यंग करके कहते हैं की कंकर पत्थर जोड़ के इतने बड़े बड़े मस्जिद बनाते हैं और उसी मस्जिद में मुल्ला जोर-जोर से चिल्लाकरे बांग देता है, मानो ऐसा प्रतीत होता है कि उनका खुदा बेहरा हो गया है |

• चौथे खंड में कबीर जी हिंदुओं के मूर्ति पूजन के बारे में व्यंग करके कहते हैं कि अगर पत्थर को पूजने से भगवान प्राप्त हो सकता है, तो वह पहाड़ को पूजने का इच्छा प्रकट करते हैं |
वह कहते हैं कि इससे तो चक्की अच्छा है जिसका पीसा हुआ अन्य पूरा संसार खाता है | कहने का तात्पर्य यह है कि उसी वस्तु को हमें पूजना चाहिए जिससे मानव-मात्र का लाभ हो सके |

• पाचवा खंड में कवि कहते हैं की  यदि सातों समुद्रों को स्याही के रूप में, पेड़-पौधे को कलम कलम बना के और संपूर्ण धरती को कागज का रूप देख कर अगर हम हरि का गुण लिखने का प्रयास करें फिर भी वह लिखा नहीं जा सकेगा |
वह कहते हैं हरि का गुण असीम और अनंत है जो कभी लिखा नहीं जा सकता |

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Latest Syllabus of ICSE - 2019

INDIAN CERTIFICATE OF SECONDARY EDUCATION EXAMINATION, MARCH 2019
LIST OF PRESCRIBED TEXTBOOKS

1. ENGLISH (01):

PAPER 1. (Language)

No specific book is being recommended for background reading.

PAPER 2. (Literature in English)

DRAMA : As You Like It : Shakespeare (edited by Roma Gill, Oxford University Press) OR

Loyalties : John Galsworthy (edited by G.R. Hunter)

PROSE: At least one of the following:

(i) A Treasure Trove of Short Stories: Compiled and Edited by S. Chakravarthi (Frank Bros. & Co.)

1. An Astrologer’s Day : R.K. Narayan
2. Dust : ‘Saki’ (HH Munro)
3. The Postmaster : Rabindranath Tagore
4. The Case For the Defence : Graham Greene
5. How Much Land Does A Man Require? :  Leo Tolstoy
6. The Tiger in the Tunnel : Ruskin Bond
7. The Umbrella Man : Roald Dahl
8. Girls : Mrinal Pande
9. The Sniper : Liam O’Flaherty
10. The Gift of the Magi : O’Henry
11. Marriage Is A Private Affair : Chinua Achebe
12. A Fishy Story : Jerome K Jerome
13. Rikky-Tikki-Tavi : Rudyard Kipling
14. The Monkey’s Paw: W. W. Jacobs
15. A Day’s Wait : Ernest Hemingway

(ii) Animal Farm : George Orwell

(iii) To Sir With Love : E.R. Braithwaite

POETRY: The Golden Lyre (A Collection of Poems) (Compulsory) Compiled and edited by Michael Shane Calvert (Evergreen Publishers)

Only the following poems to be studied:

1. If : Rudyard Kipling
2. A River : A. K. Ramanujan
3. The Road Not Taken : Robert Frost
4. Because I Could Not Stop for Death :  Emily Dickinson
5. Night of the Scorpion : Nissim Ezekiel
6. No Men Are Foreign : James Kirkup
7. To the Indian Who Died in Africa : T. S. Eliot
8. Shakespeare : Matthew Arnold
9. To India – My Native Land : Henry Louis
10. Vivian Derozio
11. Our Casuarina Tree : Toru Dutt
12. L Belle Dame Sans Merci : John Keats
13. The Ballad Of Father Gilligan : W. B. Yeats
14. Laugh and Be Merry : John Masefield
15. The Slave’s Dream : H.W. Longfellow
16. The Frog and the Nightingale : Vikram Seth

INDIAN LANGUAGES:

2. AO NAGA (42):

(Only two of the following books are to be offered)

(i) Mejen O 2nd edition.
(An Anthology of Poems and Short Stories by Contemporary Ao writers, JMS Publication).

(ii) Khristan Aeni Aoba 2nd edition.
(A translation of John Bunyan’s ‘The Pilgrim’s Progress’, ABAM Publication).

(iii) Akumlir Wadang by L. Imti Aier.

3. ASSAMESE (02):

(Only two of the following books are to be offered)

1. Karengar Ligiri (Drama): by Jyoti Prasad Agarwala, Pub: Bimal Kumar Hazarika, Secretary, Publication Board Assam,  Guwahati - 781021.
2. Saudor Puteke Naau Meli Jai (Novel): by Homen Buragohain, Pub: Ajay Kumar Dutta, Students’ Stores, College Hostel Road, Guwahati – 781001.
3. Kabita Manjuri (a collection of poems), Pub: Pratima Prakashan, Guwahati - 781022.
4. Asomiya Chuti Galpar Prabah (a collection of short stories), Pub: Secretary, Publication Department, Guwahati University, Guwahati - 781014.

4. BENGALI (03):

(Only two of the following books are to be offered)

1. Rachna Va Prabandh Sankalan (Prose) (Inter University Press)
2. Bangla Galpa Sanchayan (Short Stories) Ed. Mahasweta Devi & Ajoy Gupta (Oxford University Press)
3. Sreekanta (Part I) by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, Pub: Bangio Sahitya Sansad, 66/3 Mahatma Gandhi Road, Kolkata – 700009 OR Ghosh and Co, 12, Ramanath Majumder Street, Kolkata – 700 073.
4. Kabita Sankalan (Poetry) (Inter University Press)

The following poems are to be studied:

1. Atrimunir Asrame Ram Laxman O Sita
2. Ekti Moroger Kahini
3. Bangla Bhasa
4. Kandari Hunsiar
5. Dhula Mandir
6. Prashna
7. Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar
8. Bhorai
9. Smriti Chinha
10. Jiban Sangit
11. Muharram
12. Ma

DZONGKHA (26):

(Only two of the following books are to be offered)

1. Gyalse Laglen – Prose (Reader VIII)
2. Legshed Langdor Shenjed Proverbs
3. Biography of Ashi Nangse

6. GARO (40):

(Only two of the following books are to be offered)

(i) Kadimgimin Seanirang Bak II: Compiled by Lindrid D. Shira Only the following selection is to be studied:

1. A Chikrangni Nokma Songa –Llwellyn R. Marak
2. Nokpante – Brucellina G momin
3. Balpakram - Llwellyn R. Marak
4. David Livingstone – Tojing S Sangma
5. Sepoy Mutiny ong gniko Jumang Niksoa – Vinthon M. Momin
6. Rev. Thangkan K. Sangma – Lindrid D. Shira
7. Changsao Dakgrikram A.bao Krismas Salo – Mackenson Rongmuthu
8. Garo Hills Damgipin A.gisi – Rev. Gilbert K Marak
9. Ahaia Ba Medong Ra.ona – Aldrich Ch. Marak
10. Chengoni A chik Kattarang – Dewansing Rongmuthu
11. Jakgitel Bil Aro Miksongani – Keneth M. Momin
12. Turani Chatro chatrirangni Bajengdeba Ramako Re.ani Bewal – by Wilson K Marak
13. A song De.a – Aldrich Ch. Momin
14. Kangalni Dal Gipa Mande ong.ani – Lindrid D. Shira
15. Indiani Jakgitelanina Krenggiparangni Pegipa –Icylian R. Marak

(ii) Poetry – Chason Gital A.Chik Poetryrang – Compiled by Keneth M. Momin

Only the following selection is to be studied:

1. Ma.ani Ka.saa - H. B. Sangma
2. Bidan Chimik - S. S. Marak
3. A. Songtagna Sintea - S. S. Sangma
4. Katta Pagitcham Niam Songittcham - D. S. Rongmuthu
5. O Sia - J. Rongmuthu
6. Ka.saa - Keneth Momin
7. Ritimkari - B. S. Sangma
8. Cha.asia - B. S. Bangshall
9. Saljong Tasin Me chik - M. R. Sangma
10. A.gilsak Dal.begipa Alda Nok - M. Rongmuthu

(iii) Veniceni Badinggipa – (Late) Mackenson Rongumuthu

7. GUJARATI (04):

(Only two of the following books are to be offered)

1. Samaranyatra: by Kaha Kalelkar (Abridged Edition) M/s Vora and Co., Bombay
2. Satyana Prayogo (Part-II, Chapters 1 to 20) (Navjivan Prakashan Mandir)
3. Dhumketuna Varta – Ratno: by Dhumketu (Stories No. 13 to 24)
4. Kavitalahari (Ed. Dr. Shah and Shri S. Bhatt) The following poems to be studied: 1, 3, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 22, 26, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 34, 39, 41, 46
5. Samudrantike (Prose): by Dhruv Bhatt, Pub: R. R. Shethi

8. HINDI (05):

Recommended for background work:

Saras Hindi Vyakaran (Evergreen Publications) Or

ICSE Hindi Vyakaran Pallav (I.U.P.)

(Only two of the following books are to be offered)

1. Chandragupt Vikramaditya Ed: Prakash Nagayach (I.U.P.)
2. Ekanki Suman (Madhuban)
3. Gadya Sankalan (short stories) by Mr. K.L. Saini & Mrs. Kiran Mehrotra (Pub: Evergreen Publications (I) Ltd.)
4. Kavya Chandrika: Ed: Lata Dwivedi (I.U.P.)

Only the following poems to be studied:

1. Arun Yeh Madhumay Desh Hamara – Jaishankar Prasad
2. Swadesh Prem – Ramnaresh Tripathi
3. Himalaya – Ramdhari Singh Dinkar
4. Jeevan Ka Jharna – Aarsi Prasad Singh
5. Karmveer – Ayodhya Singh Upadhyay ‘Hariodh’
6. Naveen Kalpana – Gopal Singh Nepali
7. Uday Ka Kshan – Bhavani Prasad Mishra
8. Saavan – Sumitranandan Pant
9. Charan Kamal Bando Harirai – Surdas
10. Ram Sugreev Maitri – Tulsidas
11. Fir Kya Hoga Uske Baad – Balkrishna Rao
12. Neeti Ke Dohe – Kabirdas Rahim
13. Manavta – Maithlisharan Gupt
14. Nirman – Harivansh Rai Bachchan
15. Sammilit – Siya Ramsharan Gupt

9. KANNADA (06):

(Only two of the following books are to be offered)

1. Namma Oorina Rasikaru: Dr. Goruru Ramaswamy Iyengar
2. Kittajji Mattu Havissu Paatre: Neelavara Surendra Adiga
3. Aaaida Lalitha Prabandhagalu (Collection of Essays): A.N. Murthy Rao

Prose:

(iv) Kannada Kasturi:

The following lessons are to be studied:

1. Namma Bhaashe (Our language) by M. Mariappa Bhatta.
2. Nagu – Alu (Laugh & Cry) by M.S. Sumkapura
3. Mana Parivartane (Transformation of Mind) by Dr. Prabhu Shankara
4. Namma Sainikaru (Our Soldiers) by H.K. Baala Suri
5. Mitra Prema (Friendship) by Kempu Narayana

Poetry:

1. Nirmala Chitta (Pure Mind) - Medieval and Modern Poems by Puligere  Somanatha & D.V. Gundappa
2. Arivu (Awareness/Enlightment) by Kanaka Daasa & Gopala Daasa
3. Rasaballi (Juicy Creeper ) - Folklore
4. Sharaneyara Bhaavasangama (Emotions/ Sentiments of Poetesses) by Akkamahadevi & Mukthayakka.
5. Kaalaagni Rudram - (Ancient Poetry): by Ranna.

10. KHASI (07):

(Only two of the following books are to be offered)

(i) U Khain Bad Ka Bgen: by B. Chedrack Jyrwa

(ii) Ka Ki Sngi U Syiem: by Dewi Singh Khongdup

Only the following selection is to be studied:

1. U Phareng ha Lawkyntang
2. U Ksew, Ka Miaw bad u Tuta
3. U Sier Laplang bad u Shken
4. Ka Syiem Skei bad ki Hynniew Mahadei
5. Ki Nongap masi u Syiem ha Sor Shillong
6. U khun ka Nangdie phlang

(iii) Na Mihngi Sepngi: by Rev. H. Elias

Only the following selection is to be studied:

1. Ka Thma Hidarpes
2. U Mahajon Ka Benis
3. Ka Khein-Kur Khein-kha
4. I Mei
5. Ka Shong jong ka Jingphohsniew
6. La Ka Lynti

(iv) Sawdong Ka Lynwiar Dpei: by P. G. Gatphoh

Only the following selection is to be studied:

1. Ki Paro Ksiar
2. U Aadak bad la ki Lok
3. Ka Lukhimai

11. LEPCHA (20)

Recommended for background work:

A Lepcha Grammar and Composition for Classes IX and X

(Only two of the following books are to be offered)

1. Chhukpryom Pundor : Treasure of Prose, a Lepcha text book for Classes IX and X.
2. Chhukdong Pundor : Treasure of Poems, a Lepcha text book for Classes IX and X.
3. Sung Norzot : Treasure of Stories, a Lepcha Rapid Reader for Classes IX and X.

12. MALAYALAM (08):

(Only two of the following books are to be offered)

1. Kathayurangunna Vazhiyiloode – K. Thayat Distributors-Current Books
2. Verukal: Malayattoor Ramakrishnan Distributors – National Book Stall
3. Nalina Kanthi: T. Padmanabhan Publishers – D.C. Books, Kottayam Distributors – Current Books
4. Mathruhridayam: Balamaniamma Publishers – Poorna Publications, T. B. S. Bldg, G. H. Road, Calicut
5. Bharath Paryatanam: Kuttikrishna Marar

Publishers – Marar Sahitya Prakasam, Kozhikode.

Available at Current Books

Only the following selection is to be studied:

1. Bhishma Prathinja
2. Amba
3. Karnante Arangettam
4. Kirathamoorthy
5. Khoshayathra
6. Parthasarathi
7. Bhagavathdooth
8. Randu Abivadanangal
9. Sahodaranmar Thammil
10. Yudhathinte Parinamam

13. MARATHI (09):

(Only two of the following books are to be offered)

1. Smritichitte: by Laxmibai Tilak (Sankhipata) Sec. Edition Pub: Popular Prakshan, 35-C, Tardeo, Mumbai – 400 034.
2. Pandhare Kes, Hiravi Mane: V. D. Ghate Pub: Mouj Prakashan, Mumbai.
3. Haddapur: by S.N. Pendase Pub. : Mouj Prakashan, Bombay
4. Bangarwadi (Novel): by Vyankatesh Madgulkar, Mouj Prakashan Griha, Girgaum, Mumbai – 400 001.
5. Ratra (One Act Play): by Vijay Tendulkar, Popular Prakashan, Girgaum, Mumbai – 400 004.

14. MANIPURI (18):

(i) Wareng Sheireng Akhomba (Prose & Poetry)

(ii) Achamba Wareng (Rapid Reader)

Both the above books are published by the Board of Secondary Education, Manipur

15. MIZO (17):

Recommended for background work.

Mizo Grammar & Composition Part II by F. Lianhmingthanga and Lalthianghlima (Hauhlira Press, Saron Veng, Aizawl).

The following two books will be studied as per prescribed lessons:

(i) Mizo Pawl Kaw Zirlai Bu, Class IX published by Mizoram Board of School Education, Aizawl.

All lessons except 1, 2, 12, 17 and 20 are to be studied.

(ii) Mizo, Class X Published by Mizoram Board of School Education, Aizawl.

All lessons except 1, 2 and 8 of Poetry and 3, 5 and 11 of Prose are to be studied.

16. NEPALI (10):

(Only two of the following books are to be offered)

(i) Bhramar

(ii) Pandhara Tara Ra Nepali Sahitya:

Only the following selection is to be studied:

1. Bhanubhakto Acharya
2. Motiram Bhatta
3. Lekhnath Podyel
4. Dharnidhar Koirala
5. Parasmani Pradhan
6. Balkrishna Sama
7. Lakshmiprasad Devkoka
8. Siddhicharan Shrestha

(iii) Kehi Kathaharu (Selina Publishers)

Note: Only the following eight stories are to be studied:

1. Khir: Sri Indra Bdr. Rai
2. Timro Ba Sita Paisa Chaina: Sri Bir Bikram Gurung
3. Authi: Late Achha Rai
4. Bhuhari Herna Jade: Dr. J. Chhetri
5. Jyoti Binako Ujjayalo: Sri Sanoo Lama
6. Andha Biswas: Sri R. P. Lama
7. Tar Churay Ko Sarangi: Sri Jas Yonzon Pyashi
8. Chala Ooray Ko Rat: Sri Bhim ‘Santhosh’

(iv) Kehi Kavitaharu (Selina Publishers)

Only the following twelve poems are to be studied:

1. Bharjanna: Bhanubhakta Acharya
2. Patima Dhakreko Pasaro: L. Poudyal
3. Karma: Balkrishna Sam
4. Sahitya Sudha: Dharinidhar Koirala
5. Putali: Siddhicharan Shrestha
6. Bhanubhakta Kavika Kavitama: Dr. Parasmaani Pradhan
7. Mero Bachaiko Ek Din: Agam S. Giri
8. Bharat Timilai Dekhchhu: Dr. L. Sundas
9. Yo Zindagi Khai Ke Zindogi: Haribhakta Katwal
10. Jiwana Mah Lagchha: Prem Sherpa Biroki
11. Boli: Tekdhwoj Zimba
12. Bolchhin Ama Yahun: Dr. Shanti Chhetri

17. ORIYA (11):

(Only two of the following books are to be offered)

1. Aama Galpa Ekankika (Story) for Classes IX & X (2007 Edition) (Pub. Board of Secondary Education, Orissa)
2. Aama Galpa Ekankika (Drama) for Classes IX & X (2007 Edition) (Pub. Board of Secondary Education, Orissa)
3. Kabita – Ed: Ms. Swarna Mishra, (Pub. Gyan Mandir, Tulsipur, Cuttack – 753 008)
4. Katha Sahitya – Ed: Ms. Swarna Mishra, (Pub. Gyan Mandir, Tulsipur, Cuttack – 753 008)
5. Prabandha – Ed: Ms. Swarna Mishra, (Pub. Gyan Mandir, Tulsipur, Cuttack – 753 008)

18. PUNJABI (12):

Recommended grammar book in Punjabi Shiromani Punjabi Vyakaran Ate Rachanawali (Pub. Ved Prakash & Sons, Sai Hiran Gate, Jalandhar City – 114 008)

(Only two of the following books are to be offered)

1. Chonvian Kahaniyan – K. Singh (Pub. Ved Prakash & Sons)
2. Dil Dariya – Sh. Jaswant Singh Virdi (Pub. Ved Prakash & Sons)
3. Chonvey Ekangi – K. Singh (Pub. Ved Prakash & Sons)

19. SANSKRIT (19):

1. Sanskrit Vani Book 4 (for Class IX) by H.D. Vijayshri and Mrs. S. Bolar, Pub: Orient Longman
2. Sanskrit Vani Book 5 (for Class X) by H.D. Vijayshri and Mrs. S. Bolar, Pub: Orient Longman

20. TAMIL (13):

(Only two of the following books are to be offered)

1. Rajaraja Cholan (Drama) (by R. Ramanathan – Pub. Prema Parasuram)
2. Veerapandiya Kattabhomman (Novel) (by K. Jeeva Bharathi – Pub. Kumaran Pathipakam)
3. Charitra Sambavangal (Historical Essays) (by “Vaandumama” V. Krishnamoorthy, Pub. Gangai Puthaka Nilayam)

21. TANGKHUL (47)

(Only two of the following books are to be offered)

1. Tangkhul Tuitam Kachiko, Class IX published by Luitham Press, Ukhrul (2006).
2. Tangkhul Tuitam Kathara, Class X published by Luitham Press, Ukhrul (2006).
3. Kathaka Tangkhul Tuitam (Classes IX and X published by Luitham Press, Ukhrul (2006).

22. TELUGU (14):

(Only two of the following books are to be offered)

1. Gandhiji Sviya Charita (Up to page 122) abridged by Katuri Venkateswara Rao, Triveni Publishers, Machilppatham – 521 001 Krishna Dt. Andhra Pradesh
2. Gadya Kusumavali: (A collection of prose passages) available from: Andhra Sarasvata Parishat, Tilak Road, Hyderabad – 500 001
3. Padya Kusumavali: (A collection of poems)
4. Srinatha Kavi Sarvabhauma: by Polapragada Sathyanarayana (Vishalandhra Publishing House)

23. TENYIDIE (41):

(Only two of the following books are to be offered)

1. Neteya
2. Noudo Dze: by Dino and Viswedel
3. Uca –53: by Shurhozelie

24. URDU (16):

(Only two of the following books are to be offered)

1. Auraq-E-Adab (Prose) - 1996 Edition - Educational Book House, Muslim University Market, Aligarh - 202001 (U.P). All lessons to be studied, except lessons 1, 2, 4 and 6.
2. Auraq-E-Adab (Poetry) - 1996 Edition- Educational Book House, Muslim University Market, Aligarh - 202001 (U.P).

The following Ghazals and Nazms from this book are to be studied:

Ghazals:

1. Mir Taqi Mir: Nos.1 and 5
2. Khwaja Haider Ali Aatish : No.3
3. Mirza Asadullah Khan Ghalib: Nos. 3 and 5
4. Khwaja Altaf Hussain Hali : No. 1
5. Sayyed Fazle Hasan Hasrat Moohani: Nos. 3 and 5.
6. Ali Sikandar Jigar Moradabadi: Nos. 3 and 5.

Nazms:

1. “Makafate Amal”: Wali Mohd Nazeer Akbarabadi
2. “Jadeed Tarqqiyat”: Khwaja Altaf Husain Hali
3. “Farzi Lateefa”: Sayyed Akbar Hussain Akbar Allahabadi
4. “Qaumi Geet”: Dr. Mohd Iqbal
5. “Khake Hind”:Pandit Brij Narain Chakbast

(iii) Drama: ‘Darwaze Khol Do’ by Krishan Chandar (Maktaba Jamia Ltd., Jamia Nagar, New Delhi, 110025). Only the text of the drama from this book to be studied (pages 1- 48).

(iv) Moulana Abulkalam Azad ki Mukhtasar Sawaneh Hayat – Dr. Zafar Ahmad Nizami (Pub: Telugu Academy, Hyderabad).

MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES

25. FRENCH (27)

Teaching and study resource books:

1. Ado - published by CLE International
2. Bravo - Published by Hatier Didier
3. Entre Jeunes - published by CBSE

26. GERMAN (28)

Teaching and study resource books:

1. For Class IX Planet 1 (Text book and Work book)
2. For Class X Planet 2 (Text book and Work book)

(Published by Langers in India under license from Hueber Verlag)

27. SPANISH (36)

Teaching and study resource books:

1. Espanol Sin Fronteras Bk 2
2. Workbook Nuevo Ven Bk 2
3. Pasaporte Bk 2

NOTE : All these syllabus are latest and are sources from CISCE's website www.cisce.org .

The Kabuliwala - Prose

 The Kabuliwala 

– Rabindranath Tagore

About the Author:
 He was a Bengali polymath who reshaped his legion’s literature and music. He is the author of
Gitanjali and its “profoundly sensitive, fresh and beautiful verse”, he became the first non-
European to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913. In translation, his poetry was viewed as
spiritual and mercurial. His seemingly mesmeric personality, flowing hair and other worldly dress
earned him a prophetic like reputation in the West. His “elegant prose and magical poetry”
remain largely unknown outside Bengal. Tagore introduced new prose and verse forms and the
use of colloquial language into Bengali literature, thereby freeing it from traditional models based
on classical Sanskrit. He was highly influential in introducing the best of Indian culture to the
West and vice versa, and he is generally regarded as the outstanding creative artist of modern
India.
 A Pirali Brahmin from Calcutta, Tagore wrote poetry as an eight-year-old. At the age of sixteen,
he released his first substantial poems under the psendonym Bhanusimha (“Sun Lion”) which
were seized upon.by literary authorities as long lost classics. He graduated to his first short
stories and dramas under the aegis of his birth name by 1877. As a humanist, universal
internationalist and strident anti-nationalist he denounced the Raj and advocated independence
from Britain. As an exponent of Bengal Renaissance, he advocated a vast canon that comprised
of paintings, sketches and doodles, hundreds of texts and some two thousand songs, his legacy
endures also in the institution he founded, Viswa Bharti University.

Summary:

 Widowed Abdul Rahmat Khan is an Afghani Pathan, who lives a simple and poor lifestyle with
his widowed mom, and daughter, Amina, in Kabul. He owes money to a money lender that he
has borrowed for Amina’s medical treatment, and is un-able to repay it. He decides to secretly
re-locate to Hindustan, without the knowledge of Amina, and he does so in the dark of the night.
Upon arrival in Hindustan, he finds that the locals actually fear him and his kind and blame them
for kidnapping young children. A depressed Abdul is unable to get Amina out of his mind, and
spends a week without doing any business. After that he sets out to sell dry fruits on the streets.
It is here that he meets a young girl, Mini, who lives with her mom Rama, and her dad, a writer.
Rama is overly cautious and will not permit Mini to see Abdul, while her dad permits her to do so.
Abdul sees Amina in Mini and visits her everyday, pampering her with dry fruits. On her birthday,
Mini misses him and goes out to look for him and gets lost. Rama thinks that Abdul has
abducted her, so does an angry crowd, who find her with him and beat him. Mini’s dad
apologizes to Abdul when he finds out the truth. But this out-going has a serious repercussion on
Mini and she becomes very ill, but with prayers from Rama and Abdul she does recover. Then
their lives are again turned upside down when Abdul is arrested by police for knifing to death a
man named Ram Bharosa. He is sentenced to 10-years in jail. When he is out of jail, he comes
to meet Mini but she is a grown-up girl now, is due to get married on the same day. The sight fills
him with a deep nostalgia and he realises that it is probably time for his daughter also to get
settled in life. He leaves the place with tears in his eyes and decides to return home.

Critical Appreciation:

 Kabuliwala is a short story written by Rabindranath Tagore. It is a story which deals with
Kabuliwala (Abdul Rahmat Khan) and his customer Mini. Kabuliwala is basically a hawker who
comes to Calcutta from Afghanistan. He befriends a small Bengali girl called Mini who used to remind him of his own daughter Amina back in Afghanistan. Though he was not in touch with his
daughter, her memory didn’t fade away from his mind. Later things went wrong and one of
Kabuliwala’s customer didn’t return his money. When asked about for returning, the customer
starts abusing him which makes Kabuliwala aggressive and he stabs the customer when he
refuses to stop abusing him. This brings imprisonment upon Kabuliwala for 10 years. On the day
of his release he goes to see Mini, but discovers that Mini has grown up and is about to get
married, Her parents were reluctant to let a murderer see their daughter. The sight of Mini in a
bridal wear kindled in him the memories of his daughter, who he never thought would grow up
like Mini. He had tears in his eyes. Her dad identified Rahmat, as a father and gave him a bank
note, so that he could go back to his country and see his daughter, whose finger prints he
carried all the time. The story is all about the beautiful relation between the daughter and her
father. Though separated physically, the memories sustain our love for oua child. Only we need
a spark to light up those memories. Such was the case with Mini who woke up the affection in
Kabuliwala, for his long-forgotten daughter in a far away land.

Characterisation:

Mr. Abdul Rehmat Khan : 

Rahmat is displayed with a powerful presence that is indicated underneath the surface. On
face value, he is a fruit seller and Tagore describes him with an almost wanderer like
quality. The impression of him at the first description is that he is one that causes an
immediate sense of fear in Mini, the child who is afraid because he captures children and
places them in his large bag that he has across his shoulder. Other times, Tagore draws out
his character as one who forges a bond with the little girl. He is committed to seeing her
every day, “bribing” her with almonds and raisins. Tagore plays with the reader in this
description, almost trying to tease the reader into believing something sinister in Rahmat’s
actions in expressing the concerns that the wife of the narrator has in the story. The familiar
question that helps to forge the bond between Rahmat and the girl involves him asking her
when she’s going to her fatherinIaw’s house. The fact that he returns after he was
imprisoned and asks the girl the same question on the eve of her marriage helps to allow a
fuller understanding of the new aged fruit seller. His bond with the girl is representative of
the bond he wished to have with his own daughter in his native Afghanisthan When he asks
the girl the same question on the eve of her wedding, it is a moment, a reflection, of his own
life and how his own girl would be preparing for marriage, while Rahmat could not be there
for his own daughter, he is there for this girl. The sentiment of yearing for what he cannot be
and seeking to bring it into existence with what is in front of us is heightened when Rahmat
takes out a small piece of paper with handprints his daughter. It is at this moment that the
speaker, and the reader, understand the pain and yearing that exists in this man. His
wandering is not as physical as much as it is emotional, to find some resemblance of
personal contentment the world and the condition that is predisposed to not giving it.

 Mini :
 Mini is a little five year old girl when we first meet her in the story. She is an extremely
talkative girl who prattles all the time. When we meet her first, she is sitting under the table
of her father and asking her father numerous questions one by one, without letting her
father answer any them. She sees the Kabuliwaia from the window and calls him and
immediately runs away as she is fearful of the Kabuliwala. She thinks that Kabuliwalas
catch children and put them in large bags which they carry on their shoulders. All these
aspects present Mini as a sweet natured child. Her nature finds its beauty when we see her
befriending Kabuliwala very soon after the initial fear is over.
z But as happens with children, she forgets everything about the Kabuliwala once he
vanishes from her sight when the Kabuliwala was sent to prison for stabbing a customer
who abused him. And after some years when the Kabuliwala returns on her wedding day,
she is not able to recognize him.

The Narrator : 

The Narrator: The narrator is another major character in the story. He is the ‘I’ in the story, 

through whose point of view, the entire story is narrated. The narrator is an author by 

profession, and right in the beginning we are told that when the Kabuliwala arrives, he is 

busy writing the seventeenth chapter of his new novel. 

The narrator is rather a busy man, and he does not like being interrupted in his work. 

Although he does not mind his daughter’s presence, when it comes to the Kabuliwala, he 

feels that the peddler’s visit certainly would disturb him in is work. 

Mini’s Mother : 

Mini’s Mother: Mini’s mother is also an important character in the story. She is a typical housewife from the aristocratic Bengali family. Describing her, the narrator says. ‘Mini’s mother is unfortunately a very timid lady. Whenever she hears a noise in the street, or sees people coming towards the house, she always jumps to the conclusion that they are either thieves, or drunkards, or snakes, or tigers. 

She is paranoid about the Kabuliwala’s relationship with Mini. She suspects that the man is trying to befriend her little daughter, with the intention of kidnapping her and taking her away to Kabul. She has heard tales of child lifting and slavery in the far away land called Afghanistan. 

The Merchant of Venice - Brief Summary

The Brief Summary - The Merchant of Venice 

I have a story to tell. It is a story of love and hatred. A story of giving and taking. A story of laughter and tears. This story was told a long time ago. But it still has as much meaning today as it did then. It happened in a city called Venice in Italy. This beautiful city rests like a crown jewel on the Adriatic Sea.

There lived a moneylender named Shylock in Venice. He earned a lot by lending money to merchants. Many people hated Shylock. Some people hated him because he forced merchants to repay him in terrible ways. Others hated him simply because he was Jewish.

Of all the merchants who lived in Venice, one hated Shylock more than the others. His name was Antonio. Shylock hated Antonio as well. This was because Antonio was a very generous moneylender.

He lent money to people in trouble and often didn't charge them interest. Shylock lost a lot of business because of Antonio's generosity.

More importantly, Shylock hated Antonio because he was a Christian. And Antonio hated Shylock because he was a Jew. In those days, Jews and Christians didn't like each other. They couldn't agree about anything. They couldn't understand each other's religion or culture.

Antonio and Shylock often ran into each other at the Rialto. The Rialto was the business center of Venice. When the two met, they would have arguments. Antonio would often yell at Shylock for the heartless way of doing business. Shylock often thought about ways to get even with Antonio.

Almost everyone in Venice really liked Antonio.

They felt that he was kind and honest. The merchants especially admired him. They knew that he would help them when they were in hard times.

Antonio's best friend was a young man named Bassanio. Bassanio's family was very rich. His parents had given him money, but Bassanio had spent it all. He had wasted his mopey on wine and good food. He had traveled and he had had fun. And, of course, he ended up without any money. This was very common for young men during that time.

In the past, Antonio had helped him in many ways. In fact, he already owed Antonio lots of money. Antonio never said "no" to Bassanio. It seemed Antonio was happy to share his money with his friends.

One day, Bassanio came to Antonio for another loan.

"Antonio! I have great news! I've fallen in love with someone! Her name is Portia. She's the most beautiful woman in the world! And not only that, she's rich, too. Her father passed away recently, and she's going to inherit lots of money!"

"That's wonderful news, Bassanio," said Antonio. "It sounds like she is a wonderful woman, but does she love you as much as you love her?"

"Of course, she does. When she looks at me, her eyes are full of love and respect. Listen. I want to buy some gifts for her. The only problem is that I don't have any money right now. I know I owe you a lot of money, but can I borrow a little more? I promise I'll pay you back."

"Bassanio! You know that my money is your money. I'd gladly lend it to you anytime. The only problem is that I don't have any money right now. I've spent all of my money on merchandise. I can't help you. I'm sorry."

"What should I do?" asked Bassanio. "She'll never marry me unless I give her some gifts."

"Don't worry," said Antonio. "I know what you can do. You can borrow money from a moneylender named Shylock. He always has money on hand. He'll certainly lend you money if I sign a loan agreement. And the ships will come in any day now. I'll make lots of money when my merchandise arrives. I'll pay him back then." "Thanks, Antonio. You really are a great friend!"

While Bassanio and Antonio were out to find Shylock, Portia was facing her own problems. Portia's father had arranged conditions of her marriage before he died.

He didn't trust Portia's judgment. He felt that she would choose an unsuitable person to marry. So, before he died, he had put three chests in a room. One chest was made of gold, one of silver and one of lead. In one of these chests was a small picture of Portia.

If a suitor chose the right box, he would find the picture. That meant that he could propose to Portia. Portia's father believed that the best husband would know which box to choose.

If he found the wrong box, he would have to leave the house right away. He wouldn't be allowed to marry Portia. In addition, he wouldn't be able to marry anyone or have a girlfriend for the rest of his life. Every suitor had to sign a contract agreeing to these conditions. It was a big risk for them. But Portia's father felt that his daughter was worth the risk.

Portia lived in a small town called "Belmont." She had many men visit her house. They all wanted to marry her because she was rich and beautiful. She was tired of having these strange men come to her house. She was also unhappy that her father didn't trust her judgment. Portia often talked to her servant, Nerissa, about her problems. Nerissa was more of a friend than a servant.

"Why couldn't my father just trust me?" she asked Nerissa one day.

"Your father was right," said Nerissa. "There are so many bad men out there. They just want to marry you for your money."

"But the men who come here are so boring. They have bad manners, and they are vain. Some of them drink too much wine. Some of them even smoke! Ah! I'm so sick of these guys!"

Portia was a very independent person. She was capable of making decisions for herself. She also believed that she was smarter than most men. Portia was sad. She thought that she would have to marry a boring, stupid man with bad habits.

"Not one of these guys is decent. What should I do?"

"Do you remember the man from Venice?" asked Nerissa.

Portia's eyes sparkled. "Yes. I remember him. Bassanio. How could I forget? He was so much better than all of the other men who came here. He was handsome and gentle. He was charming, kind, and intelligent. But it's hopeless! He'll never sign my father's contract. I'm a woman who can't even choose her own husband. I'm so unlucky!"

Another servant then entered the room.

"Madam, a message has arrived from the Prince of Morocco. He will be arriving tomorrow."

"Great! Another unsuitable suitor! I wonder what problems this one will have."



Meanwhile, in Venice, Antonio and Bassanio found Shylock. He was at the Rialto, as usual.

"Shylock, I have a request for you," said Antonio. "I'd like you to loan three thousand ducats to my best friend, Bassanio. I will sign the contract. I'll happily pay you back in a few days. I'll have plenty of money when my ships arrive."

"I have an idea," said Bassanio. "Why don't we go out to dinner? We can talk more about this loan.'

"I never eat with Christians," grumbled Shylock. "I may lend them money or do business with them. But I don't eat with them. Not ever!"

"Very well," said Bassanio. "Why don't you just lend me the money, then? You know that Antonio will pay you back."

As Shylock listened to Antonio and Bassanio, he became angrier and angrier. How foolish these two men were! They knew how much he hated them. And yet they were asking him for a loan! He was determined to make Antonio pay dearly.

"Shylock!" yelled Antonio. "Are you going to lend us the money or not? Answer me!"

Shylock answered him slowly. "Do you remember all of those times that you insulted me in a loud voice that everyone could hear? You once spat on me and called me a dog. And now you want to borrow money from me, a dog!" "Look! I'm not asking you a favor. You can charge me any interest you want. I don't mind. My ships will arrive any day now."

"Alright, Antonio. I'm willing to lend you the money. I won't even charge you any interest. Just pay me back the loan on time."

Antonio couldn't believe his ears. "What did you say?"

"I said you didn't know me. You always call me a cheapskate, but I am not. I will help you. I won't even charge you a single ducat. However, there's something I'm worried about. What if you don't pay me back?"

"Don't worry, Shylock. I'll pay you back."

"Well, I need some kind of a guarantee, don't I? Three thousand ducats is a lot of money. If you don't pay me back on time, I want a pound of flesh. I'll take a pound of flesh from any part of your body."

Antonio didn't like what Shylock proposed.

"No. I'd rather pay some interest if I'm late on the payment."

"I'm afraid that's no good," said Shylock as he laughed. "Do you think I'd take money from a fellow moneylender? Besides, this contract is only a joke! Do you think that any lawyer or judge would believe me? Would they really believe that I want a pound of your flesh? You don't have to worry about anything! It's my way of saying the bad feelings of the past between us are finished."

Antonio pulled Bassanio aside and spoke to him secretly.

"I don't want to do business with this man. He's evil. And I know that he'd take the pound of flesh from me if he could. Let's see if somebody else will lend us the money."

But Bassanio had other ideas. "Who else in Venice can lend me this much money? Besides, this man is crazy. Don't worry about the guarantee. Nobody would make you pay a pound of flesh! Everyone will think he's nuts!"

So, Antonio agreed to the conditions of the loan. The three men went to a lawyer and signed an agreement.

A strange smile came over Shylock's face. In fact, Shyloek wanted to take a pound of flesh from Antonio. He'd hated Antonio for so long. And he lost a lot of money because of this generous moneylender.

Bassanio took the money that Antonio had borrowed although he had a bad feeling about the loan contract. He bought many gifts and clothes that he needed to propose to Portia. He then loaded the gifts into a carriage. He and his servant, Gratiano, went to Portia's house with the carriage.

When Bassanio arrived, Portia was delighted. She had hoped that he would return for her. She was in love with him.

"Portia, I'm so happy to see you again," said Bassanio. "But I have something awful to tell you. I'm broke. I have no money."

"Bassanio! Don't worry about that! I have all of the money we need. Money means nothing to me. The only thing you have to worry about is choosing the right box. Then, we can live happily ever after."

Portia told Bassanio about her father's contract.

"Alright. I'll go choose the box now."

Portia started to worry. What if he chose the wrong box?

"Don't choose today. I have a bad feeling. I want you to wait."

"Wait! But the sooner I choose, the sooner I can marry you. I can't wait any longer."

"Then let me hire a musician. Maybe the music will help you think more clearly."

A little while later, a musician came. He began to play soothing music. Bassanio slowly walked over to the golden chest. He looked at it carefully.

"This can't be it," he said to himself. "It's too obvious. Everyone would choose the golden one first. I think Portia's father wanted to separate the wise men from the fools."

Then, he walked over to the silver chest. "If men didn't choose the golden chest, then they would choose this one. That's obvious, as well."

Bassanio's eyes settled on the lead chest.

"This is the least obvious choice. I don't think anyone else would choose this one."

He opened the box. He gasped. He couldn't believe his eyes! In the box was a small picture of Portia. Bassanio could now marry her! He was so happy that he couldn't even speak.

Portia put her arms around him and said, "Oh, Bassanio! I'm the luckiest woman in the world. Yesterday, I was just a girl with a lot of money. Today, I'll be a wife. Please, take this ring and show me you will accept my proposal. Put it on and promise me that you'll never take it off."

"I am lucky, too," said Bassanio. "Yesterday, I was poor and lonely. Today, I will be married to the most beautiful woman in the world. I promise that

I'll wear this ring forever. Until I die! I swear!"

It was a very happy moment. Gratiano felt that it was a good time to ask Bassanio something.

"Since you're getting married, I'd like to get married, too."

"Well, that's wonderful," said Bassanio. "But who are you going to marry?"

"I want to marry Nerissa."

Bassanio and Portia were very surprised.

"I didn't know you wanted to get married, Nerissa," cried Portia. "This is a great day!"

That evening the couples got married. Bassanio and Gratiano wore golden rings that they promised never to take off. They were the happiest men in the world.



A few days later, a messenger arrived at Portia and Bassanio's house. Bassanio received the letter and opened it. It read:



Dear Bassanio.

Mij ships have all sunk. I am in big trouble. Shy lock w ants to take a pound of flash from mo. Everyone has tried to talk him out of it. fven the Duke of Venice has tried. But no one has had any success.

I am going to die. Please come to my trial and execution. I want to see you once more. Come quickly. I don' l have much time.

Your friend.

Antonio



As Bassanio read the note, his face turned white. He had to sit down. His hands trembled.

Portia ran to him. "What is it? What's wrong? Please! Answer me!"

"Oh! My poor friend Antonio! He's going to die! Portia, listen to me carefully. I am not only a poor man. I am a debtor as well."

Bassanio told her all about the money and the pound of flesh.

A chill ran through Portia's body. She couldn't believe that a man wanted to cut a pound of flesh from someone.

"Bassanio, go to your friend right away," she said. "You are my husband now. My money is your money. You must pay back Antonio's debt. I'll give you two times the original loan. Go quickly before Antonio is killed."

Bassanio put a lot of money in a bag and left for Venice. He found Antonio in prison. When he saw his friend, Antonio ran to him and hugged him. Antonio looked small and weak.

"My dear friend," said Bassanio. "I'll go to Shylock today and pay back the money. I'm sure he'll take it and then you can go free. After all, he is very greedy. He won't say 'no* to money."

"Dear Bassanio," said Antonio. "You are loo kind. But I think it's too late. Shylock wants a pound of flesh from me. According to the loan agreement, that's what I owe him. You won't be able to talk him out of it."

"He's never refused money before."

"This time it's different. He hates me so much that he wants to kill me. And to make matters worse, Jessica ran away from home."

"Jessica? Do you mean Shylock's daughter?"

"That's right. She married the young man who was living in your parents' house. The Christian boy. She is going to give up her religion and become a Christian. And when she ran away from home, she stole a gem from Shylock, too."

"Oh! That's terrible," said Bassanio.

"He probably thinks that I made her marry the Christian. But I have nothing to do with it. I swear! He's really mad! He cut Jessica out of his will. And, for the past few days, Shy lock's been talking about me. He's told everyone that he's going to kill me."

"Don't worry about that," said Bassanio. "I'll talk to Shylock. I'll make him change his mind. I'll do whatever I need to."

Bassanio went out of the prison and found Shylock.

"Please, I beg you. Please spare Antonio's life. Please, please release him from prison. Here's six thousand ducats. That's twice the amount we borrowed in the first place." Bassanio begged on his hands and knees.

"No. I want a pound of flesh. He owes me that." "I'll give you nine thousand ducats. Just let him live!" "No."

"Name your price. I'll pay you anything." "I want a pound of flesh."

Bassanio realized that Shylock would not change his mind. There was only one thing that he could do. He had to go to court. At that time, everyone of Venice was talking about the problem. Everyone felt sorry for Antonio. He had only wanted to help a friend. And everyone hated Shylock. He was such an evil man. More than being evil, however, he was angry. He was angry with Antonio. Antonio had always spoken roughly to him at the Rialto. He had cursed Shylock for being a Jew. He had yelled at him for being a mean and greedy businessman. Shylock was also very angry about his daughter. His whole world was a dark and nasty place. And he had nothing but hatred in his heart for these two Christians, Antonio and Bassanio.

A date was set for the trial. It was a very important trial. Even the Duke of Venice was involved. He would be the judge.

Meanwhile, in Belmont, Portia heard about the trial. She decided that she had to help poor Antonio. She could not rely on fate to change the course of events.

Portia wrote a letter to her cousin, Bellario. He was a well-known lawyer. She asked for his opinion about Antonio's case. She also asked him to lend her the clothes that he wore in court.

A few days later, a letter and a box arrived in Belmont. The letter had instructions for defending Antonio. In the box were two sets of clothes that Bellario wore in court.

Portia dressed in one set. She made Nerissa wear the other set. Then they left for Venice.

Portia and Nerissa went to the Grand Courthouse of Venice. There, they waited for the trial to begin. On the day of trial, it seemed like every Venetian came to the court. Everyone wanted to know what would happen to Antonion.

When the trial began, Portia gave the Duke of Venice a letter. The letter was from Bellario. It said that he could not be Antonio's lawyer because he was sick. Bellario wrote that Balthasar would be Antonio's lawyer instead. Balthasar was actually Portia in disguise. The Duke didn't mind that Balthasar would represent Antonio. He did wonder, however, if Balthasar was experienced enough. "He" looked very young.

Portia looked around the huge courtroom. Shylock seemed to be enjoying his day in court. Antonio looked at her with begging eyes. Portia then looked over at her husband. Bassanio didn't realize that Balthasar was actually his wife, either.

As the trial began, the room grew quiet. Portia spoke to Shylock first.

"Sir. According to the agreement, you can take a pound of flesh from Antonio. There's no question about that. But I want to remind you of another choice. Of a more noble choice. You could choose to be merciful. You may ask, 'What is mercy?' Well, I'll tell you. Mercy is like the gentle rain. It falls from heaven. It blesses everyone. It blesses the person who gives mercy and the person who takes it. Mercy makes you feel like a king. You have all of the power in the world. You have the power to give Antonio his life. It is only through mercy that you can do this."

All of the citizens in the courtroom agreed with Portia. Everyone except for Shylock. "I don't care about mercy! I only want justice!" he yelled.

"Well, why don't you just allow Antonio to pay you back?"

"It's too late for that now. I don't want money. I want my pound of flesh. Read the contract. It says that I can take the pound of flesh. And it says that I can take it from the place nearest to his heart."

"Antonio, you must get ready to die, then," said Portia. Everyone in the crowd gasped. They couldn't believe what they were hearing.

"Shylock," said Portia in a pleading voice, "please, take this money and let me tear up the loan contract."

Shylock said, "I will never change my mind. Not for any reason. ''

He began sharpening his long knife. He couldn't wait to cut into Antonio.

Portia turned to Antonio. "Do you have anything to say before you die?"

"No," said Antonio. "I am ready to die."

Then he turned to Bassanio. "Goodbye, my friend. Don't blame yourself for my death."

Bassanio was crying. "Oh, Antonio. I would do anything to save your life. But there's nothing I can do. I'm so sorry. You are the best friend in the world."

"Enough of this," yelled Shylock. "Let's get on with it. I want my pound of flesh."

Portia asked the Duke, "Is the scale ready?" The Duke nodded. "Is the doctor here?"

"What doctor?" asked Shylock.

"There should be a doctor here. Antonio shouldn't bleed to death."

But, of course, Shylock wanted him to bleed to death.

"The contract says nothing about a doctor."

"But surely we need a doctor here. It's the only decent thing to do!"

"The contract says nothing about a doctor," Shylock repeated.

"Alright," said Portia. "A pound of flesh is yours. The law allows it. The court awards it."

Shylock was very happy that he could finally kill his enemy. He was very pleased with the young lawyer.

"You are such a good lawyer," he said. "You understand justice."

Shylock picked up his sharp knife. It was bright and shiny. The moneylender had an evil look in his eyes.

"Come here," he said to Antonio.

"Just a minute," said Portia. "There is another thing I need to tell you. This contract doesn't give you a drop of blood. If Antonio loses a drop of blood, you will break the law. The City of Venice will take all of your money and land. Do you understand?"

Shylock didn't know what to say. Everything had changed. He couldn't possibly get his revenge now. His face turned red with anger.

Everyone was very impressed with this young lawyer. "Balthasar" used the terms of the contract to save Antonio. There was no mention of blood in the contract. Shylock could not take any blood. Therefore, he couldn't take any flesh, either.

The people in the courtroom clapped their hands. "Hooray for Balthasar!"

Shylock slammed his fist against the table. "Well, where's my money, then? If I can't have my pound of flesh, I want my money."

"Here it is." Bassanio happily threw him a bag with three thousand ducats inside. Shylock began to walk away."Not so fast." said Portia. "You tried to murder someone. By law, you must give all of your money to the City of Venice. You could also be killed. You are at the mercy of the Duke of Venice. Get down on your hands and knees. Beg him for forgiveness. "No," said the Duke. "I don't think anyone should have to beg for their life. It isn't right. I must make an important decision, and I must think about it carefully. I want Shylock thrown in jail tonight. Tomorrow I will tell you what his punishment will be."

Everyone left the courthouse that afternoon. They walked through the streets talking about the trial. No one could remember a more unusual day.

The next morning was gray and rainy. Shylock felt that it was the last day of his life. The atmosphere of the courtroom was very gloomy. The crowd hated Shylock, but nobody wanted him to be killed.

When the Duke walked in, everyone became very quiet.

"Most people understand mercy," said the Duke, at last. "It seems that you. Shylock, don't understand it. I am a human being. I understand mercy. And I understand the value of a human life. In the spirit of mercy, I forgive you. I will spare your life. I must punish you, though. If I don't, maybe other people will act like you. You must give half of your money to Antonio, and the other half to the City of Venice."

Antonio was always a generous man. Even after all that had happened, he didn't change. He knew that Shylock's daughter, Jessica, was poor.

"I have a request about the money," said Antonio.

"What is your request?" asked the Duke.

The court became quiet again. The crowd leaned forward to hear.

"I want to give Shylock's money to his daughter. And I want him to put Jessica back in his will."

"I think this is a fair request. Shylock, I order you to give half of your money to Jessica. And you must write her back into your will. If you don't do this, I'll throw you in jail for the rest of your life."

Shylock felt sick. He had failed to get revenge on Antonio. He had lost his money. He hated everyone.

"Fine, I'll do what you want. Just let me go now. I am not feeling well."

Shylock was set free. He walked through the streets pulling out his hair. He couldn't believe his luck!

"Sir," said the Duke to Portia. "I have never seen such a clever lawyer in my life. I must admit that I was worried at first because you looked so young. If you're not too busy, please have dinner with me tonight. I'd love to talk about the law with you."

Portia wanted to get home before her husband. "I would love to, but I have another case that I must work on. I'm sorry. I'm just too busy to have dinner with you tonight." "Oh, well. Another time, then." The Duke turned to Antonio. "You should pay this lawyer well. You owe him an awful lot." "Please," said Bassanio to Portia. "Take these three thousand ducats. That's how much we borrowed from Shylock in the first place." "I don't want the money." "I'll give you three thousand more, then." "I don't want any money at all," said Portia. "Instead, I want your wedding ring."

"My wedding ring? I'm sorry. This is the one thing in the world that I can't give you. I promised my wife that I would never take it off. I will find you the most expensive ring in Venice. I will buy it for you now. But I can't give you this ring. No way!"

"I want your wedding ring, but I'm not going to beg. I see that you're too cheap to give it to me."

Portia left the courtroom. She seemed angry. Actually, she was happy.

"Please, Bassanio. Give him the ring," said Antonio. "I know your wife will be mad. But think about what this lawyer has done for us today. I owe him my life. Don't you think that's worth your wedding ring?"

Bassanio felt ashamed. Antonio was right. He took off his ring and gave it to Gratiano. "Go and find Balthasar. Give him this ring." When Gratiano found Portia, he gave her the ring. Nerissa, who was with her, said, "You! Gratiano! You give me your ring, too."

Gratiano knew that he couldn't say "no." He gave her his ring.

When Portia and Nerissa were alone, they had a good laugh. They decided to play a trick on their husbands.

Bassanio and Gratiano returned to Belmont that evening. They found their wives waiting for them. They kissed their wives. For a moment, everyone was very happy to be together again.

Then, the women started yelling at them. "Where's your wedding ring?" cried Portia. "You gave our wedding rings to other women," screamed Nerissa.

"Please believe us," said Bassanio. "We gave our rings to two young lawyers. The lawyers saved the life of my best friend. They said that they wanted our wedding rings as payment. They wouldn't accept anything else. Please understand, darling. They saved Antonio's life!" Bassanio felt sad and guilty.

"I suppose that there is only one thing we can do," said Portia. Bassanio was afraid. Gratiano's knees were shaking.

"We must give you your rings back."

Portia opened her hand. Nerissa opened hers as well. Bassanio and Gratiano couldn't believe their eyes! They were holding their wedding rings!

Portia and Nerissa started to giggle. Then they laughed harder and harder. The men stood there with confused looks on their faces.

Finally, Portia began to tell their story. Bassanio was amazed. His wife was even more wonderful than he had thought. She was the cleverest woman in Italy. She saved his best friend's life. He was overcome with happiness.

As if this surprise weren't enough, a messenger soon arrived with another. The man brought news that Antonio's ships had not sunk. They had safely arrived in Venice. The goods were ready for sale. They couldn't have been happier.

That night, they all celebrated under the beautiful Italian moon. They laughed thinking about the rings and the trick Portia and Nerissa had played on Bassanio and Gratiano.

Bassanio looked lovingly at his wife.

"What's the scariest thing in the world?" he asked her.

"Owing a pound of flesh to a money-lender?" asked Portia.

"Absolutely not! It's losing my wife's wedding ring."

Bassanio never took off his ring again.


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