Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Interact in English - Literature Reader. This page offers chapter-wise solutions designed to help students grasp key concepts easily. With detailed answers and explanations for each chapter, students can strengthen their understanding and prepare confidently for exams. Ideal for CBSE and other board students, this resource will simplify your study experience.
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Chapter 1 Two Gentlemen of Verona by A.J. Cronin
This story by A.J. Cronin follows the lives of two young brothers, Nicola and Jacopo, in post-World War II Verona. They are street vendors, selling fruits and shining shoes to support their ill sister, Lucia, who is suffering from tuberculosis. Despite their struggles, the boys exhibit unwavering strength, determination, and a sense of duty towards their family. The story emphasizes themes of sacrifice, resilience, and familial love, leaving readers with a touching message about the power of compassion and dedication.
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Chapter 2 Mrs. Packletide's Tiger by Saki
Written by Saki (H.H. Munro), this humorous story revolves around Mrs. Packletide’s desire to hunt a tiger just to outshine her rival, Loona Bimberton. The story delves into themes of vanity, social competition, and human nature's tendency to seek attention. Saki uses wit and irony to showcase how Mrs. Packletide’s ambitious plan backfires, making it an amusing critique of superficial social status and one-upmanship.
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Chapter 3 The Letter Plot by Dhumaketu
In this story by Dhumaketu, the protagonist Ali, an old postman, waits every day at the post office for a letter from his daughter, Miriam. Over time, he becomes an emblem of patience and longing. The story underscores the importance of empathy, as the postmaster realizes the pain of waiting when he finds himself in a similar situation. This story highlights the value of human relationships and the importance of understanding the emotions behind communication.
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Chapter 4 A Shady Plot by Elsie Brown
Written by Elsie Brown, this light-hearted ghost story follows the life of John Hallock, a writer who encounters a ghost named Helen who assists him with his stories. The story humorously explores the theme of writer’s block, while also delving into the supernatural. With clever twists and turns, this story addresses how writers sometimes struggle to find inspiration and sheds light on the creative process.
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Chapter 5 Patol Babu, Film Star by Satyajit Ray
This story by Satyajit Ray is about Patol Babu, a middle-aged man who unexpectedly gets a chance to act in a film. Though it’s a minor role, he approaches it with dedication and professionalism. The story reflects themes of passion, self-respect, and the dignity of work. It teaches readers to respect even the smallest of opportunities and to find joy in one’s work, regardless of the scale.
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Chapter 6 Virtually True by Paul Stewart
Written by Paul Stewart, this science fiction story revolves around Michael, a boy who finds himself engaged in a series of virtual reality games. As he plays, he encounters Sebastian Shultz, a boy who is stuck in the virtual world due to an accident. Together, they navigate through various gaming scenarios to bring Sebastian back to reality. The story explores the fascinating relationship between technology and reality, questioning the boundaries of human experiences in a digital world.
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Chapter 7 The Frog and the Nightingale by Vikram Seth
This poem by Vikram Seth tells the story of a naive nightingale and a cunning frog. The frog manipulates the nightingale into performing for an audience, exploiting her talents for personal gain. Eventually, the nightingale loses her life due to the frog's relentless pressure. The poem critiques the exploitation of talent and the dangers of naivety, urging readers to be cautious and self-confident in the face of manipulators.
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Chapter 8 Mirror by Sylvia Plath
Written by Sylvia Plath, this poem presents the perspective of a mirror that reflects the truth without judgment. The mirror symbolizes objectivity, observing everything that it reflects without bias. As the poem progresses, it shifts to reflect the speaker’s feelings about aging. This introspective poem explores themes of self-identity, truth, and the human desire for validation, especially as one faces the reality of aging.
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Chapter 9 Not Marble, nor the Gilded Monuments (Sonnet 55) by William Shakespeare
This sonnet by William Shakespeare emphasizes the immortality of poetry in contrast to physical monuments that decay over time. Shakespeare asserts that while statues and buildings crumble, the written word endures, preserving memories and emotions for generations. The poem celebrates the timeless power of art and literature to capture human experiences beyond physical limitations.
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Chapter 10 Ozymandias by Percy Bysshe Shelley
This sonnet by Percy Bysshe Shelley reflects on the fleeting nature of power and glory. The poem describes a fallen statue in the desert, symbolizing the inevitable decay of all human accomplishments. Through this imagery, Shelley conveys the idea that time erodes everything, even the mightiest of rulers. The poem’s powerful message is a reminder of the transient nature of life and the futility of pride and arrogance.
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Chapter 11 The Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s classic poem is a tale of a mariner who brings a curse upon himself and his crew by killing an albatross, a symbol of good fortune. The poem explores themes of sin, redemption, and the supernatural, as the mariner endures tremendous suffering to realize the sanctity of life. The narrative uses vivid imagery to convey its moral lessons and highlights the importance of respecting nature and seeking forgiveness.
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Chapter 12 Snake by D.H. Lawrence
In this poem, D.H. Lawrence recounts a personal encounter with a snake and reflects on the complex emotions it evokes. The poet is torn between admiration for the snake’s beauty and societal expectations to kill it, ultimately choosing compassion over fear. Through this encounter, the poem examines the internal struggle between natural instincts and learned behavior, emphasizing the importance of respecting all forms of life.
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Chapter 13 The Dear Departed by Stanlet
This one-act play by Stanley Houghton humorously critiques the values of a family that is more interested in their inheritance than mourning their supposedly deceased relative. The characters’ superficiality and greed are highlighted through their conversations and actions. The play reflects on themes of hypocrisy, selfishness, and the loss of genuine family values in a materialistic society.
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Chapter 14 Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare
This excerpt from William Shakespeare’s play Julius Caesar highlights the betrayal of Julius Caesar by his trusted friend, Brutus, as well as other conspirators. The story explores themes of loyalty, ambition, and the complex nature of political power. Through Mark Antony’s famous speech, Shakespeare demonstrates the power of persuasion and rhetoric, and the way emotions can sway public opinion.