Chapter 6 Poets and Pancakes Class 12 Flamingo English NCERT Summary
Chapter 6 Poets and Pancakes Class 12 Flamingo English NCERT Summary can be highly beneficial for students as they provide a clear understanding of the chapter. NCERT Notes are structured in a concise and organized manner, making it easier for students to review and revise important topics.
Chapter 6 Class 12 Flamingo English NCERT Notes help students grasp complex concepts more effectively.
Chapter 6 Poets and Pancakes Class 12 Flamingo NCERT Notes
About the Chapter
In “Poets and Pancakes,” the author provides readers with portrayal of the inner workings of Gemini Studios. This extract is particularly focused on the experiences of an office boy employed in the make-up department. The author’s vivid descriptions and storytelling abilities allow readers to gain a deep understanding of the daily activities, challenges, and interactions within this renowned film studio. The author aspired to success in the literary industry despite his inadequate position as an office boy. The way in which he pursued his dreams in literary circles is portrayed in a delightful and amusing manner.
About the Author
Ashokamitran is a notable modern Tamil writer, is widely recognized as one of the pioneers of modernism in Tamil literature. His literary works were characterized by a minimalist narrative style and exhibited a unique unity in form and structure, which are the defining features of literary modernism. Throughout his career, Ashokamitran received numerous accolades and awards, including the prestigious Kendra Sahitya Akademi award. He served as the editor of the renowned literary journal Kanaiyaazhi.
Poets and Pancakes Class 12 Flamingo English NCERT Summary
Asokamitran highlights the attention-grabbing practices of Gemini Studios, particularly their massive purchase of ‘Pancakes’, a renowned make-up brand. The studio’s decision to order truckloads of this product further displays their dedication to maintaining their prominent status in the industry.
The make-up room, resembling a hair-cutting salon, was equipped with spacious mirrors adorned with incandescent lights that encircled the area. Consequently, anyone seeking make-up services had to endure the intense heat emitted by these lamps. The writer expresses their belief that the make-up crew transformed seemingly ordinary individuals into hideous monsters, likely aiming to enhance their appearance for the purpose of the film.
A Maharashtrian was in charge of the makeup department. This team consisted of men from various states and communities, showcasing a great example of national integration. The department had a strict system of seniority, where the senior men were in charge of doing the make-up for the main actors and actresses. The juniors then handled the make-up for the supporting actors in the same order. Finally, it was the office boy’s responsibility to take care of make-up for the crowd players.
The “office boy” was far from being a young boy. He was approximately forty years old. His job involved mixing paint in a large container and applying it onto the actors and actresses in the crowd scenes. However, it was evident that he was dissatisfied with his position. He had initially joined the studios with ambitions of becoming a renowned actor, director, screenwriter, or even a lyricist. Also, he possessed a talent for poetry.
During that time, the author’s job was to collect newspaper cuttings, which many considered to be insignificant. The office boy would frequently come by and complain, adding to the author’s frustration. The author believed that Subbu was the cause of his misery because he thought Subbu had an advantage due to being born into the Brahmin. However, despite these negative feelings towards Subbu, the author acknowledged that Subbu was a resourceful and loyal individual who stood out among others.
Kothamangalam Subbu also known as No. 2 at the Gemini Studios, started his career in a low-ranking position but faced numerous challenges along the way. Despite these difficulties, Subbu displayed several admirable qualities that ultimately led to his promotion. As a result, he became involved in all significant projects and tasks at the studios, earning him the position just below The Boss.
The writer described Subbu as having a lot of admirable traits. Firstly, he had an extraordinary ability to maintain a cheerful manner regardless of the circumstances. Also, his loyalty to his master speaks volumes about his character and dedication. It is evident that Subbu had a natural talent for the film industry, as if he were tailor-made for it. His exceptional problem-solving skills allowed him to tackle even the most challenging situations with ease. In fact, during the golden days of the Gemini Studios, Subbu played a pivotal role and was considered the most important person there. Despite his talent for writing exceptional poetry, Subbu deliberately chose to write for the masses.
Subbu was an amazing actor. Although Subbu never had aspirations for lead roles, he consistently outshoned the so-called main players in any character he portrayed. He had an open-hearted nature and warmly welcomed anyone who visited his home. He had a passion for poetry like many others in the company. However, he was assigned to the story department where a lawyer also worked. He had earned a reputation as a spoilsport among his colleagues. Unlike the others at the studio who embraced a traditional attire consisting of a khadi dhoti and white khadi shirt, he opted for a more formal look with pants and a tie. On occasions, he even sported a coat that resembled a coat of arms, further setting him apart from those around him.
Gemini Studios had an excellent mess facility that ensured a constant supply of good coffee for its staff members, available round the clock. The mess also served as a source of entertainment for the employees. It was observed that a majority of the staff members at Gemini Studios wore khadi, a hand-spun and hand-woven cotton fabric associated with Mahatma Gandhi’s principles. These individuals held a strong aversion towards the concept of communism.
In 1952, the Moral Re-Armament Army, led by Frank Buchman, visited Madras and performed two plays for the residents of the city. The army consisted of approximately two hundred members who presented these plays multiple times. Among the audience were the Gemini family along with six hundred other citizens. The plays made a significant impact on Madras and its Tamil drama community, who were greatly impressed by the performances. As a result, they began to imitate the style of the Moral Re-Armament Army’s plays for several years thereafter.
An English poet named Stephen Spender visited the Gemini Studios. The staff, including The Boss, had no prior knowledge of his visit. The Boss welcomed him with a few words, after which the poet spoke. However, to everyone’s surprise, nobody could understand what he said. This visit became a confusing mystery for the staff at Gemini Studios, leaving them with no explanation. It was only after several years that the writer discovered the identity of the mysterious poet as Stephen Spender.