• Prose Section

1. The Last Leaf (O. Henry)

    Content: A story of hope, sacrifice, and friendship. It revolves around a young girl, Johnsy, who falls seriously ill and loses the will to live. She believes she will die when the last leaf falls from a vine. Her neighbor, an artist named Behrman, sacrifices his life to save hers by painting a leaf on the wall during a storm.

    Objective: To teach students about themes of hope, the power of positive thinking, and selfless sacrifice. It also helps in developing comprehension and narrative analysis skills.

2. The Romance of a Busy Broker (O. Henry)

    Content: A lighthearted tale about a busy New York broker, Harvey Maxwell, who is so engrossed in his work that he forgets he got married to his stenographer, Miss Leslie, the previous day. It humorously portrays the contrast between the fast paced business world and personal life.

    Objective: To illustrate the effects of overwork and the humor that can arise from human forgetfulness. Students will also explore character development and narrative pacing.

3. The Last Lesson (Alphonse Daudet)

    Content: A poignant story set during the Franco Prussian war. It focuses on Franz, a boy who takes his last lesson in French, as German is imposed as the new language in his region. The story highlights the loss of cultural identity through language.

    Objective: To highlight themes of patriotism, the importance of education, and the significance of preserving one's culture and language.

4. The Bet (Anton Chekhov)

    Content: A philosophical story about a bet between a banker and a lawyer. The banker bets that solitary confinement is worse than the death penalty, while the lawyer accepts the challenge of living in isolation for 15 years. The story reflects on human nature, the futility of material wealth, and the search for wisdom.

    Objective: To explore complex themes such as the value of life, the nature of greed, and the pursuit of knowledge. Students will engage with ethical dilemmas and character introspection.

5. The Eyes Have It (Ruskin Bond)

    Content: A short story about a blind man who travels by train and meets a woman, also blind, though neither realizes the other’s blindness. It emphasizes the importance of perception, imagination, and human connection.

    Objective: To develop students' understanding of symbolism and irony, while focusing on human emotions and the idea of seeing beyond physical appearances.

6. The Story of an Hour (Kate Chopin)

    Content: A brief, yet impactful, narrative that explores the complex emotions of Louise Mallard upon hearing of her husband’s supposed death. It delves into themes of freedom, identity, and the societal roles of women.

    Objective: To introduce students to feminist themes and the exploration of personal freedom. This story encourages critical thinking about gender roles and societal expectations.

7. The Monkey's Paw (W. W. Jacobs)

    Content: A supernatural story about a mystical monkey’s paw that grants its owner three wishes, but with a horrific twist. The tale warns of the unintended consequences of interfering with fate.

    Objective: To engage students with themes of fate, consequence, and the supernatural. It helps in understanding suspense and foreshadowing in literature.

•  Poetry Section

1. The Darkling Thrush (Thomas Hardy)

    Content: A melancholic poem set at the turn of the 20th century. The speaker reflects on the bleakness of winter and the decaying world but finds hope in the song of a thrush.

    Objective: To explore the themes of despair, renewal, and the passage of time. Students will also examine Hardy’s use of imagery and symbolism.

2. Ode to the West Wind (Percy Bysshe Shelley)

    Content: A powerful ode where Shelley addresses the West Wind as a force of change and renewal, asking it to inspire him and bring about political and social transformation.

    Objective: To help students understand Romantic poetry’s themes of nature, change, and personal transformation. It also explores Shelley’s use of personification and metaphor.

3. Daffodils (William Wordsworth)

    Content: A lyrical poem celebrating the beauty of nature, where Wordsworth reflects on the sight of a field of daffodils and the joy it brings to his heart.

    Objective: To appreciate the simplicity and beauty of nature as a source of inspiration and peace. Students will examine themes of nature, solitude, and memory.

4. A Psalm of Life (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow)

    Content: A motivational poem urging people to live life with purpose and not be passive in the face of adversity. It emphasizes taking action and leaving a legacy.

    Objective: To inspire students to live life with meaning and purpose. It highlights themes of perseverance, self reliance, and optimism.

5. The Bangle Sellers (Sarojini Naidu)

    Content: The poem presents the lives of bangle sellers and connects the different colors of bangles to various stages in a woman’s life, from maidenhood to marriage.

    Objective: To provide cultural insights into Indian traditions and explore themes of womanhood and the passage of life. Students will learn about symbolism and cultural representation.

6. The Ballad of Father Gilligan (W.B. Yeats)

    Content: A narrative poem that tells the story of an overworked priest, Father Gilligan, who falls asleep while praying and wakes up to find that God has sent an angel to perform his duties.

    Objective: To highlight themes of faith, divine intervention, and human limitations. It also helps students explore ballad structure and narrative poetry.

•  Drama Section

1. Julius Caesar (William Shakespeare)

    Content: A historical tragedy that explores themes of power, betrayal, and honor. The play focuses on the assassination of Julius Caesar by his close allies and the aftermath of the event.

    Objective: To analyze Shakespearean tragedy, character motivations, and the moral dilemmas surrounding power and loyalty. Students will engage with themes of fate, free will, and leadership.