WATER: THE ELIXIR OF LIFE --Question-Answers

 

Que. 1 Why do you think water is the true Elixir of life? How has water been a powerful influence in the life of humankind and in the rise of civilization?

Ans. Water is the true elixir of life. This is a common substance. So, we take it granted in our everyday life. It is the most wonderful thing on Earth. It continues to play leading role in the drama of life on Earth. Water is the basis of all life. Every animal and every plant contains a large proportion of water in its body. The moisture of the soil is equally important for plants and trees.  The conservation and utilisation of water is fundamental for human welfare. One of the most remarkable facts about water is its power to carry silt suspension. Our agriculture depends on seasonal rainfall. So, collection and utilization of rain water is significant. Water is the commonest of the liquids. These uncommon properties are responsible for its unique power to maintain animal and plant life.

Que.2. write about the power and beauty of the element, water.

Ans. Water is the true elixir of life. It is the basis of life on Earth. Every animal and plant contains water. It is necessary for their life. Our agriculture is dependent on water.  To explain the power of water C.V. Raman has given an example. One day he was standing on the line which separates the Libyan Desert from the valley of the Nile in Egypt. One side was having a sea of sand without a speck of green or a single living thing. On the other side was one of the greatest, most fertile and densely populated areas on the Earth. It was full of life and vegetation. Water has changed the scene. One of the most remarkable facts about water is its power to carry silt in suspension. The flow of water plays a great role in the geographical process. It can sometimes play a destructive role and wash away the soil. Great tracts of land have been formed by silt deposited by water. The problem of soil erosion is caused by water. Vast areas of land could be turned into fertile or infertile. This is the power and beauty of water.

Que.3. How does soil erosion occur and what are the chief factors that cause it?

Ans. The problem of soil erosion is very important, in many countries and especially in many parts of India. Soil erosion occurs in steps; the earliest may easily pass unnoticed. In the later stages, the cutting up and washing away of the soil results in the formation of deep gullies and narrow rallies. This makes agriculture impossible. The sudden burst of excessively heavy rain results in a large run of surplus water which causes soil erosion. The slope of land, removal of the natural protective coat of vegetation, ruts for the flow of water with speed and no check to such flow are also the causes of soil erosion.

Que.4. What are the usual measures used to check soil erosion?

Ans. The measures that can be used to check soil erosion are terracing of the land, construction of bunds to check the flow of water, the practice of contour (outline) cultivation and the planting of proper plants. The prevention of soil erosion would help to save water and keep the water where it is wanted. Vast areas of land could be turned into fertile and prosperous countries by well-planned action. The systematic planting of suitable trees in every possible place is most urgent in India. They would check soil erosion and conserve the rainfall of the country.

Que.5. What is C.V. Raman’s suggestion regarding controlling the movement of water to harness it for useful purposes?

Ans. C.V. Raman gives the example of rain-fed tanks which play a very vital role in south Indian agriculture. In Mysore, much of the rice is grown under them. The colour of the water in rain-fed tanks changes according to the land from which the water comes. Swiftly flowing water can carry large and heavy particles. The finest particles remain floating in the water. Large areas of land can be converted into fertile land due to silt-laden water. The collection and utilization of rainwater are significant because our Indian agriculture depends on rainfall. Much of the rainwater flows down into the river and the sea. So a large quantity of water is lost. The proper use of this flowing water is a great national problem. Planting trees is an urgent need in India. They would help to save the rainwater of the country from flowing away to waste.

Trial Scene of Merchant of Venice

This is the most important and interesting scene of the play. In the beginning of the scene, we see the Duke is upset about the penalty, but cannot find any lawful way of freeing Antonio from his bond. Shylock enters the court. The Duke tells him that all the men gathered there expect him to pardon Antonio and forgive the debt. Shylock replies that he has already sworn by his religion that he will take his pound of flesh from Antonio. Bassanio then comes forward and offers Shylock the six thousand ducats as repayment for the loan. Shylock tells him he would not take it.

The Duke threatens to dismiss the court without settling the suit brought by Shylock if Doctor Bellario fails to arrive. Nerissa enters dressed as a man and informs the Duke that Bellario has sent a letter to him. The letter from Bellario recommends a young and educated doctor to help the Duke to settle the case. The Duke orders him to be brought in, and Portia enters dressed as a man, named Balthazar.

Portia tells the Duke that she has thoroughly studied the case. She asks Antonio if he confesses to signing the contract. He does, and Portia then says that Shylock therefore must be merciful. She delivers a short speech on mercy, but Shylock ignores it and demands the contract be fulfilled. She says that Shylock has the right to claim a pound of flesh from next to Antonio's heart according to the bond. Antonio's bosom is laid bare.  Just as Shylock is about to start cutting again, Portia says that the bond does not give him permission to shed Antonio's blood. Shylock knows that he cannot cut the flesh without drawing blood, and gets agree to take the money instead. However, Portia says that he has lost his right to get the money. The Shylock decides to withdraw his case. Portia tells Shylock to remain in the court. She says that Venice has a further law which says that if any foreigner tries to kill a Venetian, then half of his property will be given to the Venetian against whom he plotted, and the state will receive the other half. In addition, the foreigner's life will be in the hands of the Duke, who may decide to do whatever he wants. Shylock is forced to kneel on the ground before the court, but the Duke pardons his life before he can beg for mercy. And Antonio is saved by the cleverness of Portia.

This scene is a masterpiece and the most enjoyable in the whole play. It is the scene that converts the play into a happy ending play.