- Understand and analyze the use of humor and satire in writing.
- Compare and contrast modern film technology with that of early Indian cinema.
- Discuss the relationship between poetry and film, including criticism and humor.
- Identify and explain the role of key characters in the context of Gemini Studios.
- Explore the themes of national integration and cultural diversity within the make-up department.
- Examine the significance of the English poet's visit to Gemini Studios and its impact on the staff.
Poets and Pancakes
Learning Objectives
Detailed Notes
Notes on 'Poets and Pancakes'
About the Author
- Asokamitran (1931-2017), a Tamil writer.
- Recounts his years at Gemini Studios, a significant film-producing organization in early Indian cinema.
Theme
- An account of events and personalities in a film company during the early days of Indian cinema.
Sub-Theme
- The role of poets and writers in a film company.
Comprehension
- Understanding humour and satire.
- Following a rambling, chatty style and making inferences.
Key Characters
- Kothamangalam Subbu: No. 2 at Gemini Studios, described as a many-sided genius with various abilities.
- The Boss: Head of Gemini Studios, involved in the reception of notable visitors.
- The Office Boy: Frustrated with his position, shows anger towards Subbu.
- The Legal Adviser: Seen as the opposite by others, stands out due to his attire and demeanor.
Writing Style
- The author employs a chatty, rambling style where one thought leads to another, creating thematic coherence.
Important Events
- The visit of Stephen Spender, an English poet, to Gemini Studios, which was met with confusion by the staff.
- The influence of the Moral Re-Armament Army on the Gemini Studios, showcasing a blend of international influences.
Activities
- Collect cartoons for discussion on satire.
- Write a humorous piece about local characters.
Discussion Points
- Compare today's film technology with that of early Indian cinema.
- Explore the relationship between poetry and films, and the role of humour in criticism.
Practice & Assessment
Multiple Choice Questions
A.
They were excited and understood his speech well
B.
They were indifferent because they didn't know him
C.
They were baffled due to the language barrier and his unknown status
D.
They were hostile because he criticized their work
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
The Gemini Studios staff were baffled by the visit of the English poet because they did not understand his speech due to the language barrier, and he was unknown to them, making his visit an unexplained mystery.
A.
A lead actor known for his dramatic roles
B.
A versatile genius who contributed significantly to film-making
C.
A make-up artist responsible for the actors' appearances
D.
A legal advisor involved in film production
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Kothamangalam Subbu was described as a many-sided genius who contributed significantly to film-making at Gemini Studios, providing creative solutions and supporting the principal.
A.
He was the main actor in films
B.
He was responsible for the make-up department
C.
He was a member of the Story Department and also the legal adviser
D.
He was the head of the Gemini Studios
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
The legal adviser was also a member of the Story Department at Gemini Studios.
A.
By hiring only Tamil-speaking individuals.
B.
By having a diverse team consisting of people from various Indian regions.
C.
By promoting only Maharashtrian culture in their films.
D.
By organizing cultural exchange programs with other countries.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The make-up department at Gemini Studios was composed of individuals from different parts of India, showcasing national integration long before it became a popular theme.
A.
Elaborate costumes.
B.
Scenes of sunrise and sunset.
C.
Complex dialogues.
D.
Use of modern technology.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Tamil plays were influenced by the MRA to include scenes of sunrise and sunset with a bare stage and a white background curtain.
A.
To make actors look glamorous
B.
To make actors look presentable on camera
C.
To create special effects for movies
D.
To provide costumes for actors
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The make-up department was responsible for making actors look presentable on camera, often using heavy make-up to achieve this.
A.
S.D.S. Yogiar
B.
S.S. Vasan
C.
Stephen Spender
D.
Robert Clive
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
S.S. Vasan was the founder of Gemini Studios.
A.
He wore traditional Indian attire
B.
He wore Western-style clothing
C.
He had a unique hairstyle
D.
He wore colorful costumes
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The legal adviser stood out because he wore pants, a tie, and sometimes a coat, unlike the others who wore khadi.
A.
His formal education.
B.
His ability to create multiple creative solutions quickly.
C.
His sycophantic behavior towards The Boss.
D.
His background as a Brahmin.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Subbu's ability to come up with creative solutions quickly made him invaluable at Gemini Studios, as he could always provide multiple alternatives for film scenes.
A.
They were known for their excellent trapeze acts
B.
They presented plays with impressive sets and costumes
C.
They were famous poets
D.
They were filmmakers
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The Moral Rearmament Army was welcomed because they presented plays with impressive sets and costumes, which impressed the Tamil drama community.
A.
To enhance the natural beauty of the actors
B.
To transform actors into hideous monsters for the camera
C.
To create special effects for outdoor scenes
D.
To apply minimal make-up for a natural look
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The make-up department at Gemini Studios was tasked with transforming decent-looking people into hideous crimson-hued monsters due to the requirements of indoor shooting and the lighting conditions.
A.
He was the most educated person at the studio
B.
He had a diverse range of talents and could handle multiple roles effectively
C.
He was the only person who could communicate with the English poet
D.
He was the founder of Gemini Studios
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Kothamangalam Subbu was considered a many-sided genius because he had a diverse range of talents, such as writing, acting, and directing, and could handle multiple roles effectively, contributing significantly to the success of Gemini Studios.
A.
They both worked at Gemini Studios.
B.
They shared a common interest in prose writing.
C.
They both had a disillusionment with Communism.
D.
They both contributed to the same British periodical.
Correct Answer: D
Solution:
The author felt a connection with Stephen Spender because he discovered that Spender was the editor of 'The Encounter', a British periodical to which the author wanted to submit his work.
A.
He was not given enough responsibility
B.
He was unable to become a star actor or writer
C.
He was overworked and underpaid
D.
He disagreed with the management's decisions
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The office boy at Gemini Studios was frustrated because he had entered the studios with hopes of becoming a star actor or top screenwriter, director, or lyrics writer, but those dreams were not realized.
A.
Complex political ideologies.
B.
Plain and simple homilies.
C.
Advanced scientific concepts.
D.
Historical events.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The plays presented by the MRA had plain and simple homilies as their main theme.
A.
He was not promoted to a director
B.
He was not allowed to write scripts
C.
He was stuck in a department fit only for barbers and perverts
D.
He was not given enough makeup supplies
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
The office boy was frustrated because he felt his literary talent was being wasted in a department he considered fit only for barbers and perverts.
A.
A famous English actor.
B.
An editor and poet named Stephen Spender.
C.
A well-known film director.
D.
A British politician.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The English visitor was Stephen Spender, an editor and poet.
A.
The studios were manipulated by the army.
B.
The studios willingly supported the army's agenda.
C.
The studios were unaware of the army's true intentions.
D.
The studios benefited financially from the visit.
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
The phrase implies that Gemini Studios was manipulated by the Moral Re-Armament Army, possibly without realizing the broader implications of their support.
A.
Prose-writing was seen as a pursuit for geniuses.
B.
Prose-writing was considered a task for the patient and persistent.
C.
Prose-writing was viewed as a more prestigious form of literature.
D.
Prose-writing was regarded as an outdated form of expression.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The author perceived prose-writing as a task for the patient, persistent, and persevering individuals, rather than a pursuit for geniuses.
A.
It introduced new make-up techniques.
B.
It led to the inclusion of sunrise and sunset scenes in plays.
C.
It resulted in a shift towards more political themes.
D.
It encouraged the use of English dialogue in Tamil plays.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The Moral Re-Armament Army's plays impressed the Tamil drama community, leading to the adoption of sunrise and sunset scenes in local plays.
A.
A make-up artist known for his unique style
B.
A multi-talented individual who contributed significantly to film production
C.
The chief legal advisor at the studios
D.
A renowned poet who visited the studios
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Kothamangalam Subbu was described as a many-sided genius at Gemini Studios, contributing significantly to film production with his creativity and versatility.
A.
He was there to direct a film.
B.
His visit highlighted the lack of understanding of English poetry among the studio staff.
C.
He was invited to perform in a play.
D.
He was there to discuss political affiliations.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Stephen Spender's visit to Gemini Studios was significant because it highlighted the lack of understanding of English poetry among the studio staff, as they were unfamiliar with his work.
A.
It introduced new film-making techniques to the studio.
B.
It was a counter-movement to international Communism.
C.
It resulted in a collaboration for a new film project.
D.
It led to the hiring of several international actors.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The Moral Re-Armament Army's visit was significant because it was a counter-movement to international Communism, and their plays influenced the local drama community.
A.
It was responsible for creating the costumes for the actors.
B.
It was responsible for transforming actors to suit the indoor shooting requirements.
C.
It was responsible for writing scripts for the films.
D.
It was responsible for editing the final cut of the films.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The make-up department at Gemini Studios was responsible for transforming actors to suit the indoor shooting requirements, often making them appear more presentable on screen.
A.
They were excited and understood his speech.
B.
They were confused and did not understand his speech.
C.
They were indifferent to his visit.
D.
They were hostile towards him.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The staff at Gemini Studios were confused and did not understand the English poet's speech due to his accent and the incongruity of his visit.
A.
The poet's speech was too advanced for the audience.
B.
The audience was not familiar with English poetry.
C.
There was no clear purpose for the poet's visit to a Tamil film studio.
D.
The poet did not interact with the studio staff.
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
The visit was a mystery because the purpose of an English poet visiting a Tamil film studio, which catered to a different audience, was unclear.
A.
He was the chief make-up artist.
B.
He was a many-sided genius who was No. 2 at the studios.
C.
He was the founder of Gemini Studios.
D.
He was the main actor in most films.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Kothamangalam Subbu was considered a many-sided genius and was No. 2 at Gemini Studios.
A.
To promote international Communism.
B.
To showcase their plays which influenced Tamil drama with new stage techniques.
C.
To organize a film-making workshop.
D.
To conduct a poetry reading session.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The Gemini Studios hosted the Moral Re-Armament Army to showcase their plays, which impressed the Tamil drama community and influenced them to adopt new stage techniques.
A.
They were unimpressed
B.
They were confused
C.
They were terribly impressed
D.
They were indifferent
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
The Gemini Studios staff, along with the Tamil drama community, were terribly impressed by the plays staged by the Moral Rearmament Army.
A.
He was unable to become a star actor or top screenwriter.
B.
He was overworked and underpaid.
C.
He had a personal conflict with the make-up department head.
D.
He was not allowed to participate in film production meetings.
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
The office boy at Gemini Studios was frustrated because he had joined the studios with dreams of becoming a star actor or a top screenwriter, but ended up in a less glamorous role.
A.
They introduced new film technology
B.
They influenced the style of Tamil plays
C.
They recruited actors for their plays
D.
They provided financial support to the studio
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The Moral Rearmament Army's plays impressed the Tamil drama community and influenced the style of Tamil plays.
A.
Directing films
B.
Writing screenplays
C.
Cutting out newspaper clippings
D.
Managing the make-up department
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
The author's task at Gemini Studios was to cut out newspaper clippings on various subjects and store them in files.
A.
To assist the chief make-up artist
B.
To apply make-up to the crowd players
C.
To manage the make-up supplies
D.
To clean the make-up room
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The office boy was responsible for applying make-up to the crowd players, using a giant vessel to mix paint.
A.
He was known for his artistic skills in make-up.
B.
He was the only one who wore formal Western attire.
C.
He was a close confidant of The Boss.
D.
He was responsible for the studio's financial management.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The legal adviser stood out at Gemini Studios because he wore formal Western attire, unlike the others who wore khadi.
A.
They were inspired and motivated to learn more about English poetry.
B.
They were confused and baffled by the poet's speech and presence.
C.
They were indifferent and continued with their regular activities.
D.
They were critical and dismissive of the poet's work.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The staff at Gemini Studios were confused and baffled by the English poet's visit, as they did not understand his speech or the purpose of his visit.
A.
To enhance the actors' natural beauty for the camera.
B.
To make actors look presentable under indoor shooting conditions.
C.
To ensure uniformity among actors in crowd scenes.
D.
To experiment with different make-up styles.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The make-up was used to make actors look presentable under the harsh studio lights and indoor shooting conditions, as mentioned in the text.
A.
To ensure that the chief actors and actresses received the best make-up
B.
To maintain a structured workflow and assign responsibilities based on experience
C.
To create a sense of national integration among the staff
D.
To allow the office boy to learn make-up skills from senior artists
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The hierarchy in the make-up department was structured to assign responsibilities based on experience, ensuring that the chief make-up man worked on the main actors, while assistants worked on supporting roles and the office boy handled the crowd players.
A.
It was a bestseller among the staff
B.
It explained the disillusionment with Communism
C.
It was written by a famous Indian author
D.
It was a guide to film-making
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The book 'The God That Failed' described the journeys of six writers into Communism and their disillusioned return, which was significant to the staff at Gemini Studios.
A.
A place with a strict hierarchy where everyone was made to look beautiful.
B.
A place resembling a hair-cutting salon with lights at all angles.
C.
A department that focused on outdoor shooting.
D.
A department run solely by local Tamils.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The make-up department was described as resembling a hair-cutting salon with lights at all angles.
A.
Their plays were a counter-movement to international Communism
B.
They were known for their excellent trapeze performances
C.
Their plays had a profound impact on the Tamil drama community
D.
They were invited by the government to promote national integration
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
The Moral Re-Armament Army was welcomed at Gemini Studios because their plays were seen as a counter-movement to international Communism, which resonated with the political views of the studio's leadership.
A.
They were indifferent
B.
They were hostile
C.
They were welcoming
D.
They were confused
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
The Gemini Studios staff were welcoming to the Moral Re-Armament Army, hosting them warmly during their visit.
A.
It was a guide for aspiring filmmakers.
B.
It contained essays by authors disillusioned with Communism.
C.
It was a biography of a famous Indian actor.
D.
It was a fictional story set in a film studio.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
'The God That Failed' was a book containing essays by authors who became disillusioned with Communism, which was significant in understanding the reaction to Stephen Spender at Gemini Studios.
A.
The chief make-up man worked on the main actors, while assistants worked on supporting roles.
B.
The make-up department was divided by gender, with different teams for male and female actors.
C.
Make-up artists were assigned based on the actor's popularity, with the most popular actors getting the most experienced artists.
D.
The make-up was applied based on the actor's age, with older actors receiving more detailed make-up.
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
The make-up department at Gemini Studios had a strict hierarchy where the chief make-up man worked on the main actors and actresses, while his assistants worked on supporting roles, such as the 'second' hero and heroine, and the main comedian.
A.
Directing films
B.
Cutting out newspaper clippings
C.
Acting in films
D.
Writing screenplays
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Asokamitran's duty at Gemini Studios was to cut out newspaper clippings on a wide variety of subjects and store them in files.
True or False
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Gemini Studios was a favorite haunt for poets like S.D.S. Yogiar, Sangu Subramanyam, and others.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
The make-up department at Gemini Studios was known for turning decent-looking people into 'hideous crimson hued monsters' with the help of pancake and other potions.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
The office boy at Gemini Studios was actually in his early forties.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
The plays by the Moral Rearmament Army were well-received, and their style influenced Tamil drama.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Stephen Spender, a poet, visited Gemini Studios, which is mentioned in the context of the book 'The God That Failed'.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Subbu was known for his ability to quickly come up with multiple creative solutions, making film-making easier at Gemini Studios.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
The legal adviser stood out by wearing pants, a tie, and sometimes a coat, unlike the rest of the staff who wore khadi dhotis.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Subbu was known for his creativity, loyalty, and ability to inspire when commanded, making him a versatile figure at the studios.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
The make-up department at Gemini Studios was known for making actors look hideous with truckloads of pancake and other potions.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Stephen Spender was a poet who visited Gemini Studios, but he was not well known to the staff, as most of them were unfamiliar with his work.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Stephen Spender's visit was an unexplained mystery to the staff, as they did not understand the relevance of an English poet in a Tamil film studio.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
The legal adviser wore pants, a tie, and sometimes a coat, which made him stand out from others who wore khadi clothing.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The plays presented by the Moral Re-Armament army impressed the Tamil drama community, leading to the incorporation of similar stage settings in Tamil plays.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The make-up department at Gemini Studios included people from various regions of India, showcasing national integration.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The Moral Rearmament Army was warmly welcomed at Gemini Studios and presented plays there.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The office boy was in his early forties, having entered the studios years ago.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
The English visitor was not known to the staff, and his visit remained an unexplained mystery.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
The office boy at Gemini Studios was in his early forties.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The chief make-up man worked on the chief actors and actresses, while the junior assistants worked on comedians and crowd players.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The office boy joined the studios with the hope of becoming a star actor or a top screenwriter, but was disappointed.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Stephen Spender, the poet, visited Gemini Studios and his visit was significant to the author.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Subbu deliberately chose to address his poetry to the masses, despite being capable of more complex forms.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Subbu was indeed considered the No. 2 at Gemini Studios.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
The English visitor was an editor, not a poet.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
The English visitor was not well-known to the staff; they were unfamiliar with his work.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Stephen Spender was one of the six eminent men of letters who contributed essays to 'The God That Failed'.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
The plays impressed the Tamil drama community, leading to the incorporation of elements like sunrise and sunset scenes in Tamil plays.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Subbu never aspired to lead roles but was known for performing better than the supposed main players in subsidiary roles.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
The Moral Rearmament Army was not known for trapeze acts; they presented plays.