1. The Last Lesson

 Content: The story focuses on the theme of language and nationalism. It describes the impact of the imposition of a new language by the Prussian regime on a Frenchspeaking village. The protagonist, Franz, realizes the importance of learning his native language.

 Objective: To highlight the importance of one's language and culture and to reflect on themes of freedom and the oppression of identity.

 2. Lost Spring

 Content: This story explores child labor and poverty. It narrates the lives of poor children who are forced into labor, losing the "spring" or the joy of their childhood. It brings out the grim realities faced by children in marginalized sections of society.

 Objective: To create awareness about child labor and the challenges faced by children from impoverished backgrounds.

 3. Deep Water

 Content: This autobiographical piece by William Douglas recounts his fear of water and how he overcomes it through determination and persistence. It reflects on the idea of facing one's fears headon.

 Objective: To inspire students to confront their fears and develop resilience in challenging situations.

 4. The Rattrap

 Content: A story that revolves around a rattrap seller who believes that the world is a giant rattrap. However, through the kindness of a woman, he realizes the importance of trust and redemption, transforming his outlook on life.

 Objective: To convey the themes of human goodness, redemption, and the possibility of change in life.

 5. Indigo

 Content: The story of Mahatma Gandhi’s involvement in the Champaran movement, where he helped the peasants fight against the exploitation by British landlords. It showcases Gandhi's leadership, humility, and the beginning of the Indian independence movement.

 Objective: To educate students on Gandhi's role in social justice and his nonviolent resistance against colonial oppression.

 6. Poets and Pancakes

 Content: An excerpt from Asokamitran's autobiography that humorously describes the workings of the Gemini Studios in Chennai. It focuses on the filmmaking process and the eccentricities of those involved.

 Objective: To provide a glimpse into the world of cinema in India and the humorous side of studio life.

 7. The Interview

 Content: This chapter examines the nature of interviews, with perspectives from various writers and interviewees. It also features an interview with Umberto Eco, where he talks about his writing and philosophical ideas.

 Objective: To explore the concept of interviews as a form of communication and their impact on public life.

 8. Going Places

 Content: The story focuses on the dreams and aspirations of a young girl named Sophie who fantasizes about meeting a famous footballer. It addresses the themes of youthful dreams and the contrast between reality and fantasy.

 Objective: To highlight the struggles of young people as they grapple with their dreams and the reality of their circumstances.

 9. My Mother at SixtySix

 Content: This poem by Kamala Das reflects on the poet's feelings of aging and the fear of losing her mother. It delves into themes of mortality, separation, and the inevitable passage of time.

 Objective: To evoke a sense of emotional connection with themes of aging, love, and separation.

 10. Keeping Quiet

 Content: A poem by Pablo Neruda that advocates for introspection, silence, and the cessation of destructive activities. It calls for global peace and a break from the chaos of modern life.

 Objective: To promote selfreflection and a deeper understanding of peace, unity, and nonviolence.

 11. A Thing of Beauty

 Content: This poem by John Keats celebrates the enduring beauty of nature and how it provides solace to the human soul. The poem explores the idea that beauty is eternal and a source of happiness.

 Objective: To appreciate the role of beauty in life and understand its transformative power on the human spirit.

 12. A Roadside Stand

 Content: Robert Frost’s poem highlights the plight of rural people and the urbanrural divide. It describes a roadside stand where farmers attempt to sell their goods but are ignored by wealthy passersby.

 Objective: To reflect on social inequalities and the struggles of marginalized rural communities.

 13. Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers

 Content: This poem by Adrienne Rich discusses the oppression faced by Aunt Jennifer in a patriarchal society. The tigers she embroiders represent her dreams of freedom and courage, while she remains trapped in her domestic role.

 Objective: To explore the themes of gender inequality, personal freedom, and the inner strength of women.