Class 11th English
CONTENTS
Hornbill
Snapshots
Class 11 English – Chapter-wise Summary
Hornbill (Prose & Poetry)
Prose
The Portrait of a Lady (Khushwant Singh)
A nostalgic account of the author’s grandmother, portraying her deep spirituality, simplicity, and bond with him. The story highlights tradition, old age, and cultural continuity.
We’re Not Afraid to Die… If We Can All Be Together (Gordon Cook & Alan East)
An adventurous story of a family’s voyage around the world that turns into a test of courage when their boat faces a severe storm. It reflects human resilience, teamwork, and determination.
Discovering Tut: The Saga Continues (A.R. Williams)
A modern scientific investigation into Pharaoh Tutankhamun’s mummy. The chapter mixes history with science, showing how technology helps uncover mysteries of the past.
The Ailing Planet: The Green Movement’s Role (Nani Palkhivala)
A thought-provoking essay on environmental degradation and the urgent need for sustainable development. It stresses the importance of conserving resources for future generations.
The Browning Version (Terence Rattigan)
A short play about a strict teacher, Mr. Crocker-Harris, who receives an unexpected token of respect from a student. It reveals themes of duty, loneliness, and human warmth.
Silk Road (Nick Middleton)
A travelogue describing the author’s journey through Tibet. It beautifully captures the harsh landscape, culture, and spiritual essence of the region.
Poetry
A Photograph (Shirley Toulson)
A moving poem reflecting on the passage of time and the poet’s feelings of loss as she remembers her late mother through an old photograph.
The Laburnum Top (Ted Hughes)
This poem depicts a quiet laburnum tree that comes alive when a goldfinch bird visits. It symbolizes the cycle of life, energy, and renewal.
The Voice of the Rain (Walt Whitman)
A conversation between the poet and the rain, showing rain as a symbol of renewal, beauty, and nature’s eternal cycle.
Childhood (Markus Natten)
The poet reflects on the loss of innocence and the realization of adulthood, questioning when childhood truly ends.
Father to Son (Elizabeth Jennings)
A heartfelt poem about the generation gap between a father and son, exploring themes of communication, love, and misunderstanding.
Snapshots (Supplementary Reader)
The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse (William Saroyan)
A story of two Armenian boys who “borrow” a horse. It highlights honesty, innocence, and the importance of family reputation.
The Address (Marga Minco)
A powerful tale of post-war trauma, where the narrator searches for her family’s belongings but realizes memories are more valuable than objects.
Mother’s Day (J.B. Priestley)
A humorous play that stresses women’s rights and equality in family life, showing how a neglected mother asserts her importance.
Birth (A.J. Cronin)
An inspiring story of Dr. Andrew Manson who saves a stillborn baby after a long struggle, symbolizing hope, persistence, and medical dedication.
The Tale of Melon City (Vikram Seth)
A satirical poem about a city where people value freedom so much that they prefer a ruler who “lets them be.” It critiques blind traditions and governance.