Unit II - Prose
2.3.1 - MY GREATEST OLYMPIC PRIZE – Jesse Owens
SYNOPSIS
“My Greatest Olympic Prize” is a true story of the writer’s life – an autobiographical account of Jesse Owens’ experience of true friendship in the Berlin Olympics 1936 where he won four gold medals.
The Chancellor of Germany, Adolf Hitler, was preparing with his performers to prove the superiority of the Aryan race by winning the most gold medals in the events. But Jesse Owens, an American Negro, had other plans in his mind. He was determined to prove Hitler’s theory wrong by taking home one or two of those gold medals. And with that goal in mind, he had trained hard and disciplined himself for six years. Moreover, a year before the grand event, Jesse set a world record of 26 feet 8-1/4 inches in running board jump at his university. So, everyone expected him to win that Olympic event easily.
But when Jesse reached Berlin and went to the board jump trials, he was surprised to see that a German athlete named Luz Long was hitting almost 26 feet at the practice leaps. He also came to know that Hitler had kept him under wraps, hoping to win the jump with him. Knowing Hitler’s cunning ways, Jesse got angry and more determined to win the board jump and to prove who was superior and who was not.
But an angry athlete always makes mistakes. Jesse fouled in the first two trial leaps by taking off from several inches beyond the line. Then he thought bitterly “Did I come 3000 miles for this? To foul out of the trials and make a fool of myself?”
Jesse was clearly frustrated and kicked the ground in disgust. Suddenly he felt a hand on his shoulder. The man was none other than his German rival in the board jump Luz Long who had qualified for the finals on his first attempt. The friendly blue-eyed man offered Jesse a firm handshake. Then Luz encouraged him and suggested to leap from a few inches from belief from board. His tip helped Jesse eventually qualify for the finals.
In that night Jesse met Luz to thank him and talked about themselves, sport events and the world situation among other things. Jesse came to know that Luz did not believe in the Aryan-supremacy theory. They became good friends after that conversation and Luz really wanted Jesse to do his best – even if that meant Jesse’s winning.
The next day Luz broke his own past record and that inspired Jesse for a peak performance. When finally he landed from his final jump, Luz was the first man there to congratulate him. He shook hands with Jesse firmly, despite the fact that Hitler was watching them from the stands. This was a great display of true friendship and sportsman spirit from Luz.
Jesse Owens went on to win four gold medals that year. But he feels that Luz Long’s friendship was the greatest Olympic prize which he won in Berlin. In fact, their friendship ended only when Long died in World War II.
Owens adds a note after his story that Luz was the perfect example of the sportsman spirit that Pierre de Coubertin, founder of modern Olympic Games, had in mind when he said that taking part and fighting well is more important than winning or conquering.
Book Back Questions
1. Analyze the character of Luz Long.
Luz Long was a kind, friendly, and noble German athlete. Though he was Jesse Owens’ main rival in the board jump event, he behaved with great sportsmanship. When Jesse fouled in his first two trial jumps and became frustrated, Luz approached him in a friendly manner and encouraged him. He gave Jesse valuable advice to jump from a few inches before the board, which helped Jesse qualify for the finals. Luz did not believe in Hitler’s Aryan supremacy theory and wanted Jesse to do his best, even if it meant his own defeat. He congratulated Jesse openly after his victory. Luz Long’s actions show true friendship, generosity, and respect for sportsmanship.
2. Describe the professional rivalry and professional friendship of Owens and Long.
Jesse Owens and Luz Long were professional rivals in the board jump event at the Berlin Olympics. Both were excellent athletes, and Jesse felt challenged when he saw Luz performing almost equal jumps during practice. Jesse became more determined to win and prove Hitler’s theory wrong. However, the rivalry changed into friendship when Jesse fouled in the trials and felt dejected. Luz Long approached him, encouraged him, and gave him helpful advice. Later, they met, talked about sports and world issues, and became good friends. Luz wanted Jesse to succeed, even if that meant losing himself. Thus, their professional rivalry turned into true friendship and mutual respect.
3. How did the rivalry of Owens and Long end?
The rivalry between Jesse Owens and Luz Long ended in true friendship and respect. Initially, they were rivals competing for the same Olympic event. Jesse felt angry and nervous during the trials and made mistakes. At that crucial moment, Luz Long helped him with advice and encouragement. This act of kindness removed the feeling of rivalry. Later, they talked and understood each other’s thoughts and beliefs. Luz did not believe in racial superiority and sincerely wanted Jesse to perform well. When Jesse won the event, Luz was the first to congratulate him openly in front of Hitler. Their rivalry ended with friendship that lasted until Luz Long’s death.
4. How did Luz Long exemplify the true sporting spirit?
Luz Long exemplified true sporting spirit through his selfless and noble actions. Though he was Jesse Owens’ rival, he did not take advantage of Jesse’s mistakes. Instead, he encouraged him when Jesse was frustrated and helped him qualify for the finals by giving useful advice. Luz wished Jesse to give his best performance, even if it meant losing the gold medal himself. After Jesse’s victory, Luz openly congratulated him by shaking hands in front of Hitler. This showed courage, honesty, and respect for sportsmanship. Luz proved that taking part sincerely and supporting others is more important than winning medals.
5. What is considered as the greatest Olympic prize? Why?
Luz Long’s friendship is considered the greatest Olympic prize by Jesse Owens. Though Jesse won four gold medals in the Berlin Olympics, he valued true friendship more than medals. Luz helped him during his difficult moment, encouraged him, and showed genuine concern for his success. Their friendship crossed national and racial barriers and stood against Hitler’s theory of racial superiority. Luz congratulated Jesse openly after his victory, showing true sportsman spirit. Their bond lasted until Luz Long’s death in World War II. Jesse believed that such honest friendship and sportsmanship were greater achievements than any Olympic medal.
2.3.2 - IF YOU ARE WRONG ADMIT IT – Dale Carnegie
SYNOPSIS
Dale Carnegie is a well-known trainer in corporate training and interpersonal skills. “If you are wrong, Admit it” is an extract from his famous book “How to Win Friends and Influence People” Here the author gives examples to prove the benefits of admitting one’s wrong.
His Experience with a Policeman
The Experience of Warren with an Art Editor
Warren is a commercial artist. He was often criticised by a particular art editor even for small errors. This time Warren applied the principle- “If you are wrong, admit it.” He started criticising himself. He said that he committed an unpardonable blunder. He said that he was ashamed of himself. This made the art editor behave psychologically the other way. He said that it was just a slight error. He offered even lunch and another work to do.
Harvey’s Experience with his Supervisor
Harvey from New Mexico came to know of an error that he had wrongly authorized full payment to an employee on sick leave. The employee was ready for recovery now but on installments only. Harvey knew that his Supervisor would explode over this error. But he handled this tense situation differently and solved the problem. He started by saying that it was his fault. Instead of getting angry, the supervisor defended him by saying that it was the fault of personnel or accounting department.
General Lee and Picket’s Charge
Picket’s Charge (1863) is a part of American civil war (1861-65) that took place between northern states (unions) and southern states (confederates). General Picket was so confident of victory but General Lee’s fault of ordering infantry resulted in failure of the war. The enemies started attacking from behind a stone wall and 4000 Picket’s men had a fall. General Lee can say reasons such as late coming of cavalry but he admitted his fault and even resigned his
post.
Hubbard, the columnist
The sixth example is of Hubbard who had the rare characteristics of turning his foe into friends by taking their side when he felt he was right. Hubbard used to pull an irritated reader to his side by confessing that just like them he too disagrees with what he had written earlier. He would also call them over to his place to thrash the subject over. This way he ditches the fumes of an explosive reader.
Book Back Questions
1. How did Warren take the fight out of his art editor who was always delighted in finding faults?
Warren was a commercial artist who was often criticized by a particular art editor even for small mistakes. This time, instead of defending himself, Warren applied the principle “If you are wrong, admit it.” He began criticizing himself before the editor could speak. He said that he had committed an unpardonable blunder and felt ashamed of his work. By admitting his mistake openly, Warren changed the attitude of the art editor. The editor behaved in the opposite way and said that it was only a slight error. He even invited Warren for lunch and offered him another assignment. Thus, by admitting his mistake, Warren took the fight out of the art editor and turned criticism into kindness.
2. What was sublime about Lee’s confession?
General Lee’s confession was sublime because he accepted full responsibility for the failure of Picket’s Charge during the American Civil War. Though there were many possible excuses like the late arrival of the cavalry, General Lee did not blame anyone else. He openly admitted that it was his fault to order the infantry attack. Due to this wrong decision, nearly 4000 of Picket’s men were killed. Instead of defending himself or giving explanations, General Lee showed moral courage by admitting his mistake. He even resigned from his post. This honest confession and sense of responsibility made his action noble and sublime. His example proves that admitting one’s mistake earns respect and admiration.
3. How would Hubbard handle irritated readers?
Hubbard handled irritated readers in a calm and intelligent manner. When readers became angry over his writings, he did not argue or defend himself. Instead, he took their side when he felt they were right. He openly confessed that he too disagreed with what he had written earlier. By admitting his mistake, he reduced the anger of the readers. He even invited them to his house to discuss the matter peacefully. This approach helped him turn angry readers into friends. By admitting faults and showing understanding, Hubbard avoided arguments and cooled down explosive situations. His method proved that self-criticism is better than receiving criticism from others.
4. How did Harvey and Lee win admiration by not searching for alibis?
Harvey and General Lee won admiration by admitting their mistakes without searching for excuses. Harvey wrongly authorized full payment to an employee who was on sick leave. He knew his supervisor would be angry. Instead of blaming others, Harvey admitted that it was his mistake. This made the supervisor defend him and blame the personnel or accounting department instead. Similarly, General Lee admitted his fault for the failure of Picket’s Charge. He did not blame his soldiers or circumstances. By accepting responsibility, both Harvey and Lee avoided conflict and earned respect. Their actions show that honesty and courage in admitting mistakes can win admiration and goodwill.
5. How did the author and Warren minimize their mistakes and win a forgiving and generous response in the process?
2.3.3 - MONDAY MORNING – Mark Twain
SYNOPSIS
Tom is a boy of eight and lives with his aunt, Aunt Polly. Along with Tom, his brother Sid and sister Mary also live with their aunt. Aunt Polly found it very difficult to make Tom behave properly. In this account we come across a humorous episode about Tom trying irrelevant excuses to stay at home from school. Still in bed on a Monday morning Tom thinks of an idea to cheat his aunty. He complains to her of great pain on a toe, but finally gets exposed foolishly.
Then he complains to her that he has trouble with his loose tooth, but Aunt Polly is too clever and outwits Tom.
Tom a happy carefree young boy hated Monday morning. He felt miserable when he thought of going to school. To him, school was another week of slow suffering, school was like a prison to Tom where he was kept in captivity.
Tom wished he was sick, so that he could stay at home. He started inspecting himself to see if he could find any ailment. He felt as if he had toe pain and began to encourage it, but it was in vain, the pain was just imaginary.
On further inspection, he discovered that one of his upper front teeth was loose. But he knew if he told Aunt Polly about it she would at once pull it out. So he decided to keep the tooth in reserve for the present.
Tom remembered that his doctor had told him about a man who had lost a finger due to a certain disease. He looked at his sore toe and thought this was his chance. He started to groan and his brother, Sid who was sleeping near to him was unconscious of all this. Tom wanted to wake him up. So he groaned louder and louder. Finally Sid woke up and when he saw Tom’s condition he was frightened.
Tom presented that he was dying. Sid ran downstairs and informed Aunt Polly who came running along with Mary. She was really concerned and asked him what was wrong. Tom replied that his sore toes mortified. His aunt understood Tom’s real sickness and started to laugh. Tom felt foolish and said that in his pain he had forgotten his loose tooth.
Aunt Polly at once pulled it out by tying one end of the silk thread to Tom’s teeth and the other end to the bed post. She then seized a pen of burning coals and thrust it almost into the boy.
Model questions
1. Sketch the character of Tom Sawyer.
Tom Sawyer is an eight-year-old boy who is playful, careless, and mischievous. He hates school and feels miserable on Monday mornings. To him, school is like a prison where he suffers slowly every week. Tom is clever and imaginative, always trying to escape his responsibilities. He invents excuses and pretends to be sick to avoid going to school. At the same time, he is foolish and childish, as his plans fail easily. He exaggerates his pain and even pretends that he is dying. Tom is also careless and emotional. Though he tries to cheat his aunt, he finally gets exposed and feels embarrassed. His character creates humor in the story.
2. How did Tom win the confidence of Sid?
Tom won the confidence of Sid by pretending that he was seriously ill. He groaned loudly and acted as if he was in great pain. When Sid woke up, he saw Tom’s condition and became frightened. Tom made Sid believe that he was dying. Sid, who was innocent and unaware of Tom’s tricks, trusted him completely. Feeling scared and concerned, Sid immediately ran downstairs to inform Aunt Polly. Tom’s dramatic behavior and false sickness convinced Sid that something was truly wrong. Thus, by acting cleverly and emotionally, Tom gained Sid’s confidence and used him to bring Aunt Polly to his bedside.
3. How did Tom arrive at the complaint?
Tom arrived at the complaint because he hated going to school on Monday mornings. Still lying in bed, he wished he was sick so that he could stay at home. He began inspecting himself to find some illness. First, he imagined pain in his toe and tried to encourage it, but it did not work. Then he noticed that one of his upper front teeth was loose. He remembered the doctor’s story about a man losing a finger due to a disease and decided to use this idea. Finally, he complained of a sore toe that had mortified. Thus, Tom created his complaint out of fear and dislike for school.
4. Bring out the role played by Sid and Mary.
Sid and Mary play important supporting roles in the story. Sid is Tom’s younger brother who sleeps near him. When Tom groans loudly pretending to be ill, Sid wakes up and becomes frightened. Believing that Tom is dying, Sid runs downstairs to inform Aunt Polly. Mary also comes along with Aunt Polly to check on Tom. Both Sid and Mary show concern and care for Tom. Their reactions make Aunt Polly rush to Tom’s bedside. Though they are innocent and sincere, they unknowingly help expose Tom’s trick. Thus, Sid and Mary help move the story forward.
5. How does Tom’s grand plan pathetically fail?
Tom’s grand plan fails because Aunt Polly is clever and understands his tricks. When Tom complains about his sore toe, Aunt Polly immediately realizes that he is pretending and laughs at him. Tom then foolishly mentions his loose tooth, thinking it might save him. Instead of helping him, Aunt Polly quickly pulls out the tooth using a silk thread tied to the bedpost. She then cauterizes it with a burning coal. Instead of escaping school, Tom ends up suffering more pain. His clever plan turns against him, making him feel foolish and defeated. Thus, his attempt to avoid school fails pathetically.