Poets And Pancakes Questions And Answers For Class 12 CBSE Exam

Poets and Pancakes” is a chapter from the Class 12 English textbook “Flamingo,” authored by Asokamitran. It offers a satirical glimpse into the workings of Gemini Studios, a prominent film studio in India during the 1940s and 1950s. The narrative delves into the lives of various individuals associated with the studio, highlighting their quirks and the studio’s unique atmosphere. Below is a curated list of 50 questions and their corresponding answers to aid in understanding and analyzing this chapter.

1. What is ‘Pancakes’ in the context of the chapter?

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‘Pancakes’ refers to a popular brand of makeup used extensively in Gemini Studios to prepare actors for their roles.

2. Why does the author describe the makeup room as a symbol of ‘fiery misery’?

The makeup room was equipped with bright lights that emitted intense heat, causing discomfort to those undergoing makeup application.

3. How does the author depict the diversity within the makeup department?

The makeup department comprised individuals from various regions of India, including a Bengali head, a Maharashtrian successor, and assistants from Dharwar, Andhra, Madras, and Anglo-Burmese backgrounds, showcasing national integration.

4. Who was Kothamangalam Subbu, and what was his role in Gemini Studios?

Kothamangalam Subbu was a versatile and resourceful individual who served as the right-hand man to the studio’s boss. He contributed as an actor, poet, novelist, and film director, playing a pivotal role in the studio’s success.

5. Why was Subbu considered a ‘many-sided genius’?

Subbu’s multifaceted talents spanned acting, writing poetry and novels, and directing films. His ability to generate creative ideas and solutions made him indispensable to Gemini Studios.

6. What was the ‘office boy’s’ aspiration upon joining Gemini Studios, and why was he disillusioned?

The office boy joined the studio with dreams of becoming a prominent actor, director, or lyricist. However, he was relegated to menial tasks like applying makeup during crowd scenes, leading to his frustration and disillusionment.

7. How did the office boy express his frustration, and towards whom was it directed?

He vented his frustration by lamenting his unrecognized talent and directed his resentment towards Subbu, whom he perceived as less talented yet more successful.

8. What does the author’s task of collecting newspaper clippings reveal about his position in the studio?

The author’s assignment to gather newspaper clippings indicates his peripheral role in the studio, often leading others to perceive him as idle or underutilized.

9. Who was the English visitor to Gemini Studios, and what was the purpose of his visit?

The English visitor was poet and editor Stephen Spender. He visited the studio to deliver a lecture, though his speech was largely misunderstood by the audience due to language barriers and cultural differences.

10. Why was Spender’s visit termed an ‘unexplained mystery’ by the author?

The purpose of Spender’s visit remained unclear to the studio members, as his lecture did not resonate with the Tamil-speaking audience, leaving both the speaker and listeners bewildered.

11. How did the Moral Rearmament Army (MRA) influence Gemini Studios?

The MRA, known for their anti-communist stance, performed plays at Gemini Studios that impressed the staff and influenced local Tamil drama productions, particularly in their depiction of sunrise and sunset scenes.

12. What was the general attitude of Gemini Studios towards communism?

The studio had an aversion to communism, viewing it with suspicion and aligning more with the ideologies presented by groups like the MRA.

13. How did the legal advisor’s actions lead to an actress’s downfall?

The legal advisor secretly recorded an actress’s on-set outburst and used the footage to blackmail her, resulting in the termination of her acting career.

14. Why was the legal advisor referred to as ‘the opposite’ by others in the studio?

The nickname ‘the opposite’ was a sarcastic reference to the legal advisor’s unethical behavior, which contradicted the principles of legality and justice he was supposed to uphold.

15. What role did the author’s cubicle play in the studio’s dynamics?

The author’s cubicle served as a repository for newspaper clippings and was often visited by colleagues, including the office boy, who sought an audience for their grievances.

16. How did the staff at Gemini Studios perceive English poetry?

The staff had limited exposure to English poetry, with only a few being familiar with poets like Wordsworth, Tennyson, Keats, Shelley, and Byron.

17. Why was Gemini Studios considered a favorite haunt for poets?

The studio’s excellent mess provided coffee throughout the day and night, creating a conducive environment for poets and writers to gather, discuss, and engage in literary activities.

18. How did the author discover Stephen Spender’s identity years after his visit?

The author stumbled upon a copy of ‘The Encounter,’ a British periodical edited by Spender, and recognized his name, unraveling the mystery of the English visitor to Gemini Studios.

19. What does ‘The God That Failed’ refer to in the context of the chapter?

‘The God That Failed’ is a collection of essays by six authors, including Stephen Spender, detailing their disillusionment with communism.

20. How does the author use humor and satire in ‘Poets and Pancakes’?

The author employs gentle humor and satire to highlight the idiosyncrasies and human foibles of the studio’s staff, making the narrative engaging and reflective of the eccentricities within the film industry.

21. What was the significance of the make-up department’s location in a former stable?

The make-up department being housed in a building that was once Robert Clive’s stable adds a historical irony and underscores the transformation of spaces over time.

22. How did the office boy’s background in poetry influence his perspective on his job?

The office boy’s literary aspirations made him feel that his talents were wasted on menial tasks, leading to his dissatisfaction and critical view of the studio’s operations.