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Vanka, 1. On the basis of your reading of the first two, paragraphs of the story complete the following, table., Protagonist of the story Vanka Zhukov, , Place, , Shoemaker Alyakhin’s house,, where Vanka is apprenticed., , Time, , Christmas Eve, , His family, , Grandad Konstantin. His parents, are dead. He has no relatives., , His mental state, , Depressed and miserable., , His actions, , Writes a letter to his Grandad, telling him about his misery. Puts, it in an envelope with incomplete, address. Goes out and posts the, letter in the letter box., , Anton Chekhov (1860-1904),, a major Russian playwright is one, of the masters of modern short, story. His works explore the entire, range of the human spirit. They, provoke the readers to ask questions. Moreover, he is an outstanding representative of the, late 19 th century Russian realist, school. His famous works include, Three Sisters, The Cherry Orchard, and The Lady with the Dog, , 2. What were the specialties of the dog, Eel?, Eel had black coat and a long weasel-like body. He was respectful and always tried to get people’s affection. He looked at friends and strangers in the same manner. He did not give confidence to anyone., His respectful and obedient nature hid his hatred and vengeance. He could go quietly and bite somebody’s foot, creep into the icehouse and steal a peasant’s chicken. His back legs had been cut many, times, twice he had been hung up, and every week he was beaten up very badly. But he survived all., 3. Is there a shift in the setting of the story in paragraphs 3 & 4? Where do the events take place?, There is a shift. The events in paragraphs 3, 4 and 5 take place in the estate where Vanka’s grandfather, worked., 4. How does grandfather create an atmosphere of fun and laughter?, Grandfather creates an atmosphere of fun and laugher by playfully pinching one of the maids or cook, and making them take snuff. He also gave snuff to the dogs. The women would sneeze and then the, grandfather would say “Good for frozen noses”., 5. Pick out words and phrases used to describe the night., Dark night; trees were silver with rime; sky sprinkled with gaily twinkling stars; the Milky Way, looked newly scrubbed and polished with snow., 6. What sort of a life did Vanka lead at the shoemaker's place?, Vanka led a very miserable life there. He did not get enough food to eat. He had to rock the shoemaker’s baby in the night and this prevented him from getting enough sleep. He was badly beaten by, Alyakhin. Senior boys ridiculed him., 7. What, according to Vanka, would happen to him if his grandfather didn't take him back home?, Why did he think so?, If his grandfather did not take him back home, he would die. He thought so because it was impossible, for him to continue with his cruel master Alyakhin, who made him work hard, starved him, made him, rock his baby in the night and beat him up cruelly., 8. Why couldn't Vanka run away from the home of the shoemaker?, Vanka could not run away from the home of the shoemaker because he had no shoes or boots. He was, afraid of frostbite., , https://eduksd.blogspot.com/

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9. Vanka is working for a shoemaker; but he, doesn't have boots. What do you understand from, this?, This means although he works with a shoemaker, he can’t have shoes of his own. This is the case with, many workers. A worker in a five-star hotel will, not enjoy the same food or facilities that he helps to, give to the guests. It is like ‘Water, water everywhere, not a drop to drink!”, 10. What promises does Vanka make to his, grandfather so that he would take him back, home?, Vanka makes a lot of promises to his grandfather so that he would take him back home. He would, grind his snuff. He would pray for him. He could even beat him as hard as he liked if he did mischief. He would clean the boots or go as a shepherd instead of Fedya. When he grows up to be a man, he would look after him and he will not let anyone hurt him. When he dies, he would pray for his, soul like he does for his Mummie., 11. What beautiful memories of Christmas does Vanka cherish?, Vanka remembers his grandfather going to get a Christmas tree for his employers. He had taken, Vanka with him. How happy Vanka was then! Grandfather would laugh. The frost-covered trees, would laugh and Vanka also laughed. Before cutting the tree, grandfather would smoke his pipe, take, a long pinch of snuff. He would laugh at the shivering Vanka. The young firtrees, covered with frost,, stood without moving. They were waiting to see which one would be cut. Suddenly a hare would appear. Grandfather would shout: ‘Stop it, stop it.’ Grandfather would drag the tree to the big house., They all would decorate it., 12. Who was Vanka's favourite? Why did he like her?, Miss Olga Ignatyevna was Vanka’s favorite. She used to give Vanka sweets. She also taught him to, read, write, count and also to dance., 13. How did Vanka reach Moscow?, When he became an orphan, after the death of his mother Pelageya, he was sent to his grandfather., His grandfather apprenticed him to the shoemaker Alyakhin in Moscow., 14. ‘I have such a miserable life worse than a dog's.’ What made Vanka say so?, Vanka said so for so many reasons. He did not get enough to eat. He could not sleep properly as he, had to rock Alyakhin’s baby in the night. He was laughed at by the senior apprentices and above all he, was often beaten by Alyakhin., 15. Do you think Vanka's letter will reach his grandfather? Why?, It won’t reach his grandfather. He just wrote the name of his grandfather and simply the village’., Which village? Where? Nobody would know., 16. What did Vanka dream about in his sleep?, He dreamed of a stove. His grandfather was sitting on the stove-ledge, with his bare feet dangling. He, was reading the letter to the cooks. Eel was walking backwards and forwards, wagging his tail., 17. Does the reference to Eel have any significance in the story? How?, The Eel in spite of his reverential manner and docility had spite and malice in his heart. So did the, grandfather to the gentry he worked for. If he got a chance he too would bite them, as did Eel when he, got a chance., , https://eduksd.blogspot.com/

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Let’s revisit, , Activity 1, According to Vanka, what kind of a person is Konstantin Makarich?, Do you justify Makarich’s decision to send Vanka away to Moscow? Why?, Answer, Vanka thinks Makarich is a good person. That is why he writes him a letter when he finds, his life is miserable in Moscow. Makarich is a happy-go-lucky man having fun with the, maids, the cook and the dogs. Some people might find fault with Makarich for sending, the boy to Moscow. But we should know that he is an orphan with no education. He has, to learn a trade to make a living. So Makarich’s sending Vanka to Moocow is justified., But unfortunately, Alyakhin turned out to be a cruel man., , Activity 2, How did the people in Alyakhin’s workplace treat Vanka?, Complete the following table using appropriate phrases/clauses from the story., Alyakhin, the Master, , He did not treat Vanka, well., He did not give him, enough food, clothes, and even a pair of, boots., He punished him severely even for small, things., , The Mistress, , She wanted Vanka to, rock the baby during the, night, not allowing, Vanka to sleep properly., She mistreated him. We, see her rubbing the head, of the herring on, Vanka’s face., , https://eduksd.blogspot.com/, , Other Apprentices, , They also mistreated, Vanka. They sent him to, buy vodka. They asked, him to steal the master’s, cucumbers. They made fun, of him.

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Activity 3, How is Moscow, the big town, contrasted with the village where Vanka lived? Moscow is a, big city. There are huge houses of rich men. They have horses. Children sold fishing hooks, and lines there showing you could catch fish. There were shops there selling all kinds of, guns. People hunted birds. Life was busy in the city. In the village, life was easy-going. There, were a lot of sheep and dogs. The boys played with stars at Christmas and they sang songs in, the church., , Activity 4, Now, prepare a story map of Vanka., Main, characters, , Vanka Zhukoz,, Konstantin, Makarich,, Alyakin, , The shoe maker's, house, the place, , Setting, , where Grandad, lived, , Supporting, characters, , Pelageya,, , Vanka, , Alyakhin's wife,, Olga Ignatyevna, , Solution, , Vanka sends a letter to, his Grandad. The letter, won't reach him. But the, boy is happy with expectation od agood life, , Vanka Zhukov a 9, year old orphen,, wants to escape, from the miserable, life he is having in, Moscow with his, cruel master, , Problem, , Activity 5, Attempt a character sketch of Grandfather in the story Vanka. Anton Chekhov’s, Answer, Vanka’s grandfather was a night watchman on the estate of a rich family. He was a small, lean old man about 65. But, he was lively and agile. He had a smiling face but his eyes were bleary with drink. During daytime he slept in the, dark kitchen or spent time joking with the cook and the kitchen maids. In the night he wore a sheepskin coat and, walked around the estate making sounds with his rattle. With him there used to be two dogs. One was old, Kashtanka. The other was Eel. His rattle would be tied to his belt. He liked to laugh and playfully pinch maids and, cooks. He would show his snuff box and ask the women to take a nip. The women would take some snuff and put, into their nostrils. They would sneeze., Grandad would be shouting and laughing with joy, saying, “Good for frozen noses.” He even gave snuff to the dogs., He was a fun-loving old man. He sent Vanka to a shoemaker in Moscow as an apprentice. this action can be interpreted in two ways. May be he wanted the orphaned boy to learn a trade to make a living for himself when he grew, up. Bu some may think that he was running away from the responsibility of looking after his orphaned grandson., Whatever is the case, grandfather is a fun-loving fellow that makes us laugh with his antics., , https://eduksd.blogspot.com/

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Activity 6, Let's reread the story and complete the table given., Characterisation, Personality traits of each character, , 1. Vanka: an orphaned boy, innocent and loving, suffering under a cruel shoemaker, dreams a lot, wants to go, home and feelhappy. We sympathize with him, 2. Grandfather: An Old man, enjoys jokes and funmaking, fond women, playful and mischievous, should, have been more carful before sending Vanka to the, cruel Alyakhin, , Theme, The main idea/ideas in the story, Tone, Changes in feelings as you read, the story, Style, Choice of words, use of language,, imagery, sentence construction, etc., , Point of View, From whose perspective is the story, being told, , Conflict, The different types of conflicts that, the protagonist faces. Which of them, are internal (self vs self) and which, are external (self vs others, society or, nature)?, , Unhappy childhood, inequality in society -rich & poor,, mistreatment of young children, child labour. poor also, dream, Pity for Vanka, anger for the Alyakhins and the senior, apprentices, hope of redemption for Vanka and prayers, for him, Easy, plain, straight forward and impressive style. Imagery is fantastic- the orphaned boy in misery, the cruelty, of Alyakhin, his wife and the senior apprentices, the funloving grandfather, and even the gogs are pictured so, nicely that we can see them clearly on the screen of our, minds, It is a third person narrative. The narrator sees everything, hears everything and tells us those things. He is, sympathetic to the boy Vanka, whose suffering pains, him. He wants to bring a change in this life, Internal: Vanka wants to eun away from the house of, Alyakhin. But how? He has no shoes and he is afraid of, frost. So he decides to write a letter to his grandfather., He sees all the joy around him but he can't take part in, them, External: Vanka has problems with Alyakin, his wife, and his senior apprentices. He has problems against a, cruel society that allows small children to suffer all, kinds of misery, , https://eduksd.blogspot.com/

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Now, prepare an analysis based on the table. You may begin like this:, Answer, Anton Chekhov’s ‘Vanka’ is a story that haunts the reader for long. Vanka is an or, phan. He is apprenticed to a cruel shoemaker in Moscow. In the house of the shoe, maker, Vanka is seriously mistreated. He is not given sufficient food, he is made to, rock the baby of Alyakhin in the night and so he cant sleep properly, the senior appren, tices send him to buy vodka and to steal cucumbers from the master. They also make, fun of him. Vanka wants to run away to his grandfather in the village, but he has no, shoes and he is afraid of the frost. Tired of the life at the shoemaker’s house, Vanka de, cides to write a letter to his grandfather to come and take him back to the village., , He promises to help his grandfather in different ways if he is taken. But the innocent, Vanka does not even know that a letter can be sent only if it has a correct postal ad, dress, and the cover is stamped. After writing about his sufferings on a crumpled sheet, of paper, he puts it in an envelope. On the envelope he simply writes “To my grandfa, ther Konstantin Makarich in the village”. He innocently thinks that this will reach his, grandfather and he will be rescued. He goes to sleep dreaming of the joys he will have, when he goes back to his village., , Anton Chekhov’s story touches our heart. His style is simple and straight forward, with a message for the readers. He exposes a cruel society that ignores and even mis, treats its children. After reading the story nobody would like to mistreat the orphaned, children. The imagery is so beautiful that we can read the story as if we are watching, an excellent film., , https://eduksd.blogspot.com/

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Activity 7, Usually stories featuring orphans like David Copperfield, Oliver Twist or Cinderella end, with their escape from the horrid surroundings to find love and happiness. A story, can have more than one ending. You can think of many alternatives like Vanka joining, his grandfather or running away from the shoemaker's house and so on., Suggest an alternative ending to the story and write it in your own words., Answer:, After writing the letter, Vanka waited for a month. He saw no signs of his grandfather, coming to take him to the village. His life was becoming more and miserable at, Alyakhin’s place. “I can’t continue like this,” he thought and made secret plans to run, away. The extreme winter had gone and now the weather was getting warmer. There was, no frost and so even without shoes he could walk on the ground. One morning, Alyakhin, and his family and Vanka’s senior apprentices had gone to attend a marriage in a nearby, village. Vanka thought this was the right time to quit his hellhole. He had very little to, carry with him. Just a pair of clothes which he neatly bundled up. With determination, he, left his miserable place., He walked and walked. He was hungry and tired. Nearby he saw a park. He went and sat, on a bench. Soon he fell asleep because of tiredness and hunger. A rich couple was sitting, and talking on a nearby bench. They saw the boy. When he woke up he was crying. He, did not know where to go. As he was crying the couple came to him and asked him what, made him cry. He told his pathetic story to them. This couple had no children. So they decided to take Vanka with them. They were God-loving people and they thought it was, their duty to help an orphan like Vanka., They enrolled Vanka in a school nearby. With good food and proper clothes, Vanka, looked cheerful and handsome. He would study, study hard. He would find a job and, would live a comfortable life, Vanka decided. He thanked God for the happy turn of, events in his life., , https://eduksd.blogspot.com/

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Activity 8, Imagine that there are many children in your locality who have similar experiences like, that of Vanka. Write a letter to the editor of a newspaper describing the sad plight of such, children and the need to uplift them., , Answer:, The Editor, The Indian Express, Kochi, 10 June 2016, Sir,, This is to bring to your notice the sad plight of some children in my locality. Most of these, children are from other States like Bihar, Orissa and West Bengal. Some of them are employed in the local hotels and some shops in the market. They are made to work from early, morning to late into the night. They are given very small wages and their living conditions, are very poor. Even with the little money they get, they drink alcoholic beverages and, smoke ganja., We all know about the Right to Education and Laws against child labour. But these children who are less than 14 are not going to any school and are badly mistreated by their employers. If people don’t open their eyes, the Law should come and make these cruel employers open their eyes. We speak of Metros, Airports, 6-line super highways and Info, parks. How can we ignore the plight of these victims of Fate and speak of development?, Children are the wealth of the society. They are to be tomorrow’s leaders. We ought to do, them justice, not on paper and pulpits, not by mere words but by deeds., Yours truly, Sd /Kareena, , Activity 9, The story Vanka makes a powerful statement against the terrible consequences of the denial, of child rights - child labour. The United Nation’s General Assembly established 20 November as International Child Right Day. Do you want to become a ‘Change Maker’ in the society to save children from child labour, child trafficking and other child abuses? How, will you organise a campaign for child rights? You can think of publishing a magazine to, create awareness among the people of your locality. The magazine should include:, , https://eduksd.blogspot.com/

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a), , Editor's foreword, , b), , Features with photographs of child labour, , c), , Cartoons, , d) Poems, e), , Stories, , f), , Short skits and Street plays, , g), , Speeches, , h), , Essays highlighting the evils of child labour, , You may think of publishing it as a manuscript/digital/print magazine., Let’s learn more about words, , Activity 1, Look at the following sentence., Vanka put on his hat and ran out into the street., What does the phrasal verb ‘put on’ in this sentence mean? When the verb ‘put’ is used along, with the preposition ‘on’, it attains a different meaning, ‘to wear’., What are the other prepositions frequently used with ‘put’ to get different phrasal verbs?, a. Prepare a list of such phrasal verbs and use each of them in sentences of your own., 1. put off –, 2. put up with –, 3. put down –, 4. put across, , postpone, tolerate, write, communicate properly, , 5. put out, , extinguish, , The meeting was out off for next month., I can’t put up with your antics any more., Whatever you say put it down on paper., The teacher could not put across his view to, the students., The fire department failed to put out the fire., , 6. put back, , keep somewhere where, you took it from, , Put back the book after you have gone, through it., , 7. Put in, , add, , 8. put into, 9. put forward, , deposit something, suggest, , 10. Put by, , save, , Put in more efforts next time you write the, examination., After using the shaver put into the drawer., The new minister put forward some, good ideas., You have to put some money by for the, rainy day., , https://eduksd.blogspot.com/

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b., , Re-write the paragraph given below replacing the underlined words with suitable, phrasal verbs from the table., Vanka began his letter wishing his grandfather a happy Christmas. Even though, he was conscious about his master’s arrival he continued writing. He wanted to, return to his village where he lived peacefully. He could not tolerate the cruelties, of his masters any more. He begged his grandfather to care him. He never wished, to visit Moscow again. He finished the letter soon and read the letter once again., He wore his court and went out to drop his letter in the post box., go on, get back, call at, put on, go through, look after, put up with, , Answer, Vanka began his letter wishing his grandfather a happy Christmas. Even though he, was conscious about his master’s arrival, he went on writing. He wanted to get, back to his village where he lived peacefully. He could not put up with the cruelties of his masters any more. He begged his grandfatherto look after him. He, never wished to call at Moscow again. He finished the letter and went through it, once again. He put on his coat and went out to drop his letter in the post box., , Activity 3, Imagine that Grandfather receives the letter written by Vanka. The paragraph given below, describes his thoughts and feelings., Complete the paragraph using appropriate words from the box below., Grandfather’s hands shivered as he opened the letter. Vanka’s face appeared, ________(a)_______ before him. The candle _______(b)________ but the letters were, _______(c)________ clear to him. The old man who was _______(d)________ at hiding, his emotions could not stop the tears from flowing down. _______(e)________ eyed, he, recollected with warmth the _______(f)________ and _______(g)________ manner of his, grandson. He longed to bring him back. The _______(h)________ eyes of the boy seemed, to haunt him. They could enjoy the _______(i)________ Christmas together. But the, helpless old man gave a deep sigh!, , remarkably, bleary, distinctly, glorious, docility,, flickered, insinuating, adept, imploring, , https://eduksd.blogspot.com/, , Answers:, a) distinctly, b) flickered, c) remarkably, d) adept, e) Bleary, f) docility, g) insinuating, h) imploring, i) glorious

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Narrative -VANKA, Vanka's story burdens us with heavy blocks of tears. How far do you agree with this statement? Prepare a, narrative of the lesson Vanka., Vanka ,the story ,scripted by the versatile Russian short story writer ,Anton Chekhov unfolds the miserable life of a, nine year old boy .The child was thrown to wilderness to perish in the dark corners of his Master's room. He was, physically and mentally tortured by his cruel master Alyakhin.Vanka, the parentless child was brought up by his, grandpa, his only relative in this entire world. His Grandpa, Konstantin Makarich, was a sixty five year old night guard, at the estate of the gentleman called Zhivarev. As he was getting older, he finds it hard to take care of Vanka and, suspects that there wouldn't be more time left to him. So he decided to send him to learn shoe making under, Alyakhin. A real hell opens up before the child as he enters the Alyakhins. The poor boy Vanka was subjected to all, kinds of humiliation and harassment there. His master would force him to do all the works besides shoe making and, would punish him mercilessly for no fault of his own .He would sometimes beat him with the stirrup-straps or the, lasts and he would drag him by his hair. At night he had to rock their baby to sleep and would incur their wrath if it, wails. He was not given a bed to sleep. Instead he had to sleep in the passage. Most of the days, he wakes up sleep, deprived. Moreover he wasn't provided enough food. A frugal meal of gruel would be the only left over he would get, to fill his stomach. The child was at the brink of collapse. He really wished to fly away from the hell as early as, possible .The senior apprentices there also didn't step back in harming the innocent child. They compelled him to, visit the nearby tavern and bring vodka from there. They wanted him to steal the master's cucumbers. The poor soul, would deny and would therefore be more likely to invite more troubles. Alyakhin's wife also tortured the boy to, every bits. She smeared the fish on him for cutting it on the tail end.In short, the child felt completely abandoned and, lonely. Tears would roll down from his cheeks while thinking about the cruelties he was subjected to. He had great, faith in his grandpa. Therefore ,he writes a letter to his grandpa at a Christmas night when the whole family of, Alyakhins left for the mass. The child was shiver as he wrote an account of his woeful tale to his grandpa. He was too, scared of his master and wouldn't want to be caught writing in his absence .The child vests his hopes on his old, grandpa to save him from Alyakhin and his ilk. But amidst his miseries, the child remembers the good old days he had, with his grandpa. They were heavenly. Christmas time was the best. He compares his life with granyand life at, Moscow. He couldn't find any interesting there. Instead innocence chained and freedom denied. His earlier life was, too simple and more satisfying. He fondly thinks about everyone who touched his life in one way or the other. Finally, he ends up his letter with a promise. Once he is rescued from there, he would grind the snuffpowder for his grandpa, and would take care of his grandpa and even would pray for him after he has long gone from this world. He says he, would be ready to embrace any thing. The child sobs at the end hoping his grandpa to come over there and take him, from Alyakhin's custody. The story discussws the issue of child labour that was rampant there. Orphans and, destitutes like Vanka were more prone to such inhuman practice. The authorities conveniently shut their eyes to the, reality. Vanka and his heart rending story remains as a chocked sob in every reader. All his share of child hood joys, being nipped in the bud, we feel extremely sorry for his vengeful fate. We long for a justice too soon to him before he, withers up. The writer has used a compelling language to reach out the effects and mood and tone of the story. The, milieu is best portrayed. A pen so mightier raised to question the complacent people sitting in their glass houses was, so evident. Vanka, his grandpa, Miss Olga, the two dogs eel and Kashtanga, the cruel Alyakhins etc are the characters, which haunt us even after the story is done., , https://eduksd.blogspot.com/

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The English Club members of your school is planning to make a short film based on the story, ‘Vanka’. They are in, search of a child artiste to play the role of ‘Vanka’. Draft a notice inviting those who are interested to play the role., (Give necessary details), , Child Artiste Wanted, Dear friends,, , The English Club of our school has decided to make a short film based on the story ‘Vanka’. As you, know that the protagonist of the story is a nine year old boy, we are in need of a child artiste to play the, role. Those who are interested and believe that they can act as Vanka may please contact the club, secretary on or before 10 July 2018., Details of the Role: The lead role, Physique of the Character: Normal built, Age: Nine years, Gender: Male, Height: 135CM, Weight: 30 Kg, Secretary, English Club, ABC School, Kochi, 20 June 2018, , Given below are some of the words that suit one of the characters in the story ‘Vanka’. Identify the character and, prepare the character sketch with the help of the words given in the box. (Cite suitable examples from the story), {Fun loving, caring, agile, bleary eyes, night watchman, lively, duty bound}, , Konstantin Makarich – Vanka’s beloved Grandfather, Vanka’s grandfather, Konstantin Makarich, was a night watchman on the estate of Zhivarev. He was, a small, lean, old man about sixty-five. He was very lively and agile with a smiling face and eyes bleary with, drink. He was a fun loving person. In the day time he would sit joking with cooks and the kitchen maids. He, was very much duty bound as well. In the night time, wrapped in a great sheepskin coat, he would walk, round and round the estate sounding his rattle. He was a loving and caring grandfather. He loved his, grandson Vanka very much. During the Christmas time, when they were together in the estate, they, enjoyed decorating the Christmas tree and preparing celebrations. After Vanka’s mother died, the, grandfather sent him to Moscow to teach him a job. It shows that the grandfather was very much caring, and was anxious about Vanka’s future. Vanka’s plight in Moscow was none of his faults. The old man did, not anticipate such a miserable fate his grandson would have to face in his work-place., , https://eduksd.blogspot.com/

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Character sketches., VANKA, Vanka is the nine year old orphaned boy who is forced to endure untold miseries .He is a prime character, from the eminent Russian writer Anton Chekhov’s story named Vanka. The little boy has none in this world, except Konstantin Makarich, his 65year old grandfather who works as a night guard in the estate of the, gentleman called Zhivarev. Old Mr: Makarich sends Vanka to Moscow to learn shoemaking as he has very, little means left, to take care of his grandson. Poor Vanka receives untold miseries at the Alyakhins. The, shoemaker and his ilk inflict physical as well as mental injuries on the poor lad. Vanka, the innocent little tot, works day and night at the cruel orders and wishes of those heartless monsters. Mr.Alyakhin, the devil, incarnate, beats him severely with the stirrup-strap, pulls him by his hair, and drags him on to the yard., Vanka, falls prey to his foul mood as well. The master makes him do all the domestic works and pays him, nothing. He wasn’t even provided enough food to eat .A frugal breakfast of bread and gruel adorns his, menu. Besides ,he wakes up every day sleep deprived. He was to sleep in the passage and to rock their, baby when it wakes up. His life has become more of a hell. He describes it as worse than that of a dog., Vanka was equally mistreated by the rest of the senior apprentices. They force him to get the vodka from, the tavern and steal the master’s cucumbers. Vanka is always made fun of and laughed at.. Mrs. Alyakhin, too assaults him and her anger knows no bound when she finds him cutting the fish on the tail end. He, really passes a tough time there under the master with no sleep, no food, and no basic human facilities. He, really longed for compassion, love and care since he was too tender. This nine year old child was denied, basic human rights and was a prey to child labour which was rampant in Russia at those times. Vanka, represents a lot of parent less kids who are forced to live under unhealthy conditions., KONSTANTIN MAKARICH, The story Vanka written by the celebrated Russian writer Anton Chekhov discusses the issues of child, labour. Konstantin Makarich is one of the prominent characters from the story. He happens to be the only, relative alive in this world to the protagonist Vanka, a nine year old parent less child .Konstantin Makarich, was a night watchman at the estate of the gentleman called Zhivarev. Even at the of Sixty five, he was, remarkably agile and active with a smile on his face. His eyes were bleary with drinks. During night he, would roam round and round the estate sounding his rattle with two of his dogs eel and kashtanga.During, day he would either sleep or chat with the cooks and the kitchen maids. Konstantin Makarich is a very jovial, person who makes everyone laughs. He has the habit of taking snuff powder and would most generously, offer it to the kitchen maids. He would even offer the snuff powder to Kashtanga and Eel .He seems to be a, man who wishes to enjoy the present without worrying about the future.But he is equally concerned about, his grandchild. He wanted him to face life and wanted him to stand on his own legs. Hence he sends Vanka, to learn shoemaking little knowing about the hardships that await him there. Grandfather Konstantin is, always remembered fondly by Vanka. He has vested his trust in him which shows that he is affectionate, and caring. He has coloured the walls of Vanka's child hood memories with vivid hues. In short this amiable, , jovial, smart and active humble old man wanted his grandchild to be safe and secured even after he has, long gone from this planet., , https://eduksd.blogspot.com/

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ALYAKHIN, Alyakhin, the cruel shoemaker is the antagonist of the story penned by the world renowned Russian writer, Anton Chekhov. Alyakhin ,is the most unkind, heartless, master who robs all the joy from the child Vanka., This master leaves no stone unturned in harassing the hapless nine year old lad. Alyakhin treats him below, the dignity of a dog and abuses and assaults him physically and mentally. He beats him up with the stirrupstrap and drags him by his hair. He punishes the boy for no fault of his by hitting on his head with the lasts., Alyakhin provides no good food and shelter to the orphan. He forces him to perform all the works and gives, him no time to wink an eye. He is a criminal and should be brought to books. Alyakhin, remains as a scaring, monster in Discourses on the lesson Vanka., , Alyakhin is arrested. Write a newspaper report for the same., , SHOEMAKER BOOKED, Moscow,28.12.17.The Anti-Human Trafficking Unit team rescued Vanka from the hands of the savage, shoemaker, Alyakhin. The shoemaker was arrested on Monday during a raid conducted by the team, in co ordination with the labour officer as a part of a drive against child labour. The accused has been booked, under Child Labour Act 1986.Vanka is accommodated at the Children’s Shelter Home. He will be handed, over to his granddad through State Child Welfare Committee. It is said that the police is seeking court order, whether to invoke Juvenile Justice Act against him., , Imagine Vanka's grandfather gets the letter.He is too tensed .He writes his thoughts in his, diary.Attempt his diary., Diary Entry, 27.12.17, Monday, 9.p.m, What a terrible day!I received Vanka's letter today.I couldn’t contain my grief.My little son,he needs me, there at the earliest possible. The poor child is left with no options.Those brutes might have been torturing, him for long. How cruel and inhumane they are! I have made up mind to bring this into the notice of, authorities.For the time being,reaching there is my first priority.Oh! God,let my child be brave enough to, endure those troubles for a couple days more.Once I reach there, I would break the skull of the master and, for that lady I would forget that I had always nursed tender feelings towards women.I don’t think I can, sleep well today.I am so disturbed and worried. I feel so guilty of sending Vanka to him. After all he is just, nine years.I should have kept him here.I should have taken care of him.I should have send him to school.I, did a great mistake.I should correct it.Once he comes back,I will send him to school.I can’t wait a second, more to leave for Moscow. Oh!God help this poor old man., , https://eduksd.blogspot.com/

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You are the English Club Secretary not your school. You have decided to dedicate a magazine to the cause, of child labour. Draft a notice informing the students about the same., , NOTICE, A B C SCHOOL, CLASS MAGAZINE, Dear Students,, The English Club of ABC School has decided to conduct a competition on making a class magazine on, the theme Child Labour based on the class 10th English lesson Vanka. All the Tenth standard students could, participate class wise. The names are to be enrolled within a week to the concerned class teacher. The, particulars regarding the same are given below., , , , , , , , , , , Theme: Child Labour or Child Abuse, Lay out: Simple and handwritten, An eye catching name relevant to the theme: Discourses on the lesson Vanka., Pictures to supplement articles, Quotes on children, Child rights, Poems,cartoons,stories,drawings,articles, Note of appreciation from men of letters., The magazines should be submitted to the English club convener on 12.7.17., English Club, Secretary, Suraj Kumar., , Vanka’s grandfather reaches Alyakhin's house. Prepare a conversation between them., Alyakhin, Grandpa, Alyakhin, Grandpa, Alyakhin, Grandpa, Alyakhin, Grandpa, Alyakhin, Grandpa, Alyakhin, Grandpa, , : Good morning Mr.Konstantin Makarich., : Good morning, : I am so surprised at your sudden visit. What happened?, : I came for Vanka., : For Vanka?but his apprenticeship is yet to complete., : I don’t bother. I want to see him right now., : Okay. But you look very troubled. Aren’t you?, : Of course I am. But don’t worry ,you would feel the same within a few minutes., : What do you mean?, : I have informed the police about your harassment to my child., : What?, : Here comes the cop. Enjoy and have a nice day., , https://eduksd.blogspot.com/

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Attempt a speech on 'Child rights and the world'., Respected teachers and my dear friends, Today I would like to speak a few words on the topic 'Child, rights and the world'. Children have rights as elders do have. But many children across the world suffer, from abuse every day. Many of us are not aware of the different kinds of abuse the children undergo, because it is not publicized. Human rights groups have mainly focused on the rights of adults but not on the, rights of children. The ill treatment of children should not be tolerated anywhere., UN Convention on the Rights of the Child says that children have the right to life, education,, freedom and health care. They have the right to live with their parents, right to privacy, right to care and, protection etc. We must think how many of these rights are given to children. I think that most of these, rights are denied. There are many children who live away from their parents. These children are left with, their grandparents when the parents leave for abroad. They grow up by not enjoying the love and care of, their parents. Their freedom is curtailed. We must remember the Nobel laureates like Kailash Satyarthi and, Malala Yousafzai for their struggle against the suppression of children and right of all children to education., Parents or circumstances force many children to labour hard in their tender age., Even though children have many rights, their rights are violated across the world. Many children live, in streets. If no one takes care of them, it is the duty of the Govt. to rehabilitate them and provide them, education. Widespread awareness programmes should be conducted so as to ensure the rights of the, children., Let me conclude with the hope that we will have a bright world where the children enjoy equal, rights with elders., , Imagine that the Grandfather sends a reply to Vanka's letter. Attempt a possible reply letter., , Letter, Vyatskoe, 10th June 2016, Dear Vanka,, I am deeply pained to know that you lead a very miserable life there., Don't worry Vanka. I think you will realise my helplessness. Being an old man, I couldn't take care of, you. I get only a meagre salary. I thought that you would be fed and taken care of there. That was why I, sent you to Alyakhin. How could he be so cruel to a small boy like you? At least those apprentices should, realise that you are one among them., Dear child, I will come there as soon as possible and take you back home. I may not be able to fulfill, your ambitions, still I hope that you will be happy here and there won't be anyone to punish you., With love, Konstantin Macharish, , https://eduksd.blogspot.com/

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Imagine that the Master Alyakhin returned while Vanka was writing the letter. Attempt a, likely conversation between them., Alyakhin, , : Hey, What are you doing?, , Vanka, , : I am writing a letter sir., , Alyakhin, , : A letter? To whom?, , Vanka, , : To my grandfather., , Alyakhin, , : To your grandfather? What is there to convey?, , Vanka, , : Nothing sir., , Alyakhin, , : It is to complain about our cruel treatment, isn't it?, , Vanka, , : No sir., , Alyakhin, , : Don't think that he can save you. I won't let you go., , Vanka, , : Sir please, May I go?, , Alyakhin, , :No. Go and do your duty. If you don't obey me I'll beat you to a pulp., , Vanka, , : I'll obey you sir., , Before going to bed, Vanka wrote that day's diary. Attempt a possible diary entry., Diary of Vanka, Today I wrote a letter to my granddad. Will this Christmas be a happy time for me? The cruel master, punished me today for no reason. He makes me do odd things and beats me every day. No one loves me., All the apprentices make fun of me. Am I not a human being? My life here is worse than a dog's. I will be, happy and free, if I reach home. My loving granddad will come and rescue me from these cruel people. O, God! Please make him come immediately., , Thoughts of Vanka as he is writing the letter., My loving grandfather will come and rescue me from here. He will be thoroughly shaken, when he comes to know what all things happened here. Poor Grand dad! He might have thought, that I would be happy here but only I know how cruel the master and mistress are! Why do they, punish me unnecessarily? When I return home, I will have a happy time with my dear granddad. He, will come as soon as he receives the letter., , https://eduksd.blogspot.com/

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Imagine that you are a member of Child rights movement. You happened to know about, Vanka. You visit him to know his predicament. Attempt a likely conversation., Activist:Hello Vanka, I am a child rights activist., Vanka : Hello sir,What do you want?, Activist: We have received some complaints that you are ill treated by your master., Vanka : He beats me everyday., Activist:Why does he beat you everyday?, Vanka : I don't know. I do everything he orders. Even then he beats me., Activist:Why don't you go back to your parents?, Vanka : They are no more sir. My grand dad is the only relative I have., Activist:He can look after you,can't he?, Vanka : No sir,he is an old man. He's very poor too., Activist:If so we'll talk to your master and order him not to punish you. If he repeats we'll take action, against him. Don't worry., Vanka : Thank you sir., Activist: See you Vanka., Vanka : See you sir., , Slogans/Placards against Child labour., , , , , , , , Child is meant to learn, not to earn., Child in pain is no gain!, For a better Nation, Stop Child Exploitation., Kids are small, don’t make them do all!, Say no to child labour and yes to education., Education, not exploitation!, , https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.EduKsd.English, , https://eduksd.blogspot.com/