3. A SPIDER AND A FLY - Don Marquis

 

1.   i serve a great purpose

      in the word          

                     (or)

      i am a vessel of righteousness

      scattering seeds of justice

      and serving the noblest causes

      Poem & Poet : These lines are taken from the poem ‘A Spider and a Fly’ written by Don Marquis.  The poem is in the form of an argument between a spider and a fly.  It is a debate on the relevance of Beauty and Utility in life.

      Context & Meaning:  A spider is about to kill a fly.  The fly protests.  It tries to convince the spider that its life should be spared as it plays a very useful role in society.  It proudly boasts that it spreads the germs of various diseases like typhoid and influenza.  It is a holy instrument and carrier of divine justice.  Wicked people die in these epidemic while innocent people survive. Thus, it performs a noble duty and cleanses society of its sins.  The fly speaks the language of Evangelism, as though it is spreading the Word of God.    

      Critical Comment :  The poem is a satirical comment on the age-old debate about Art-whether Art should serve some purpose or whether it can exist for its own sake.  The fly personifies a practical man.  The fly is proud of his ability to ‘cleanse’ the world of wicked people.  He claims that this is his great purpose or duty in the word.  The fly hence considers himself noble as he rids as world of such sinful people.

3.   i am the artist

      a creator and a demi-god

                        (or)

      i serve the gods of beauty

      look at the gossamer webs

      i weave they float in the sum

      like filaments of song

      Poem & Poet : These lines are taken from the poem ‘A Spider and a Fly’ written by Don Marquis.  The poem is in the form of an argument between a spider and a fly.  It is a debate on the relevance of Beauty and Utility in life.

     

      Context & Meaning:  A spider and a fly have a debate about which of them leads a more meaningful existence.  The fly boasts about the useful role it plays.  It spreads diseases, whereby wicked people are punished for their sins. The spider, however, demeans the utility of the fly.  It boasts that it enjoys itself weaving silk webs all day.  The delicate, slender threads are an embodiment of beauty.  The web is an exquisite work of art.  It ca transport one to the land of magic and enchantment.  The spider claims, thereforce, that it is not a mere worker like the fly.  Rather, it is a creator and an artist whose work is invaluable.  The spider likens itself to a small god or deity.

      Critical Comment :  The spider admitted, condescendingly, that the greatness of the fly was restricted to his utility.  On the other hand, the spider was a demigod and a creator.  The spider was an artist spinning filaments and creating beautiful cobwebs with such ease.  Saying this, the spider pounced on the fly and began to eat him.  The poem ends with the poet’s judgment of the triumph of art over science of ‘utilitarian’ aspects.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

1)   The poem ‘A Spider and a Fly’ is a celebration of beauty rather than utility.  Justify your answer.

      The poem ‘A Spider and a Fly’ is written by Don Marquis.  The poem is in the form of an argument between a spider and a fly.  It is a debate on the relevance of Beauty and Utility in life.

     

      A spider and a fly have a debate about which of them leads a more meaningful existence.  The fly boasts about the useful role it plays.  It spreads diseases, whereby wicked people are punished for their sins. The spider, however, demeans the utility of the fly.  It boasts that it enjoys itself weaving silk webs all day.  The delicate, slender threads are an embodiment of beauty.  The web is an exquisite work of art.  It ca transport one to the land of magic and enchantment.  The spider claims, thereforce, that it is not a mere worker like the fly.  Rather, it is a creator and an artist whose work is invaluable.  The spider likens itself to a small god or deity.

     

      The spider with contempt, acknowledges that what the fly says is true.  It adds, however, that mere utility does not serve much purpose.  It boats that it enjoys itself weaving silk weds all day.  These webs are a work of beauty and transport one to the land of magic and enchantment.  The spider says that it is, therefore, not a mere worker like the fly.  Rather, it is a creator and an artist whose work is invaluable.  The spider declares that it is far superior to the fly and eats it.  The spider defeats the fly in the argument and this shows that the poem can be viewed as a celebration of beauty.

2)   Describe the use of the fly and the spider in the poem ‘A Spider and a Fly’.

      The poem ‘A Spider and a Fly’ is written by Don Marquis.  The poem is in the form of an argument between a spider and a fly.  It is a debate on the relevance of Beauty and Utility in life.

     

      A spider and a fly have a debate about which of them leads a more meaningful existence.  The fly boasts about the useful role it plays.  It spreads diseases, whereby wicked people are punished for their sins. The spider, however, demeans the utility of the fly.  It boasts that it enjoys itself weaving silk webs all day.  The delicate, slender threads are an embodiment of beauty.  The web is an exquisite work of art.  It ca transport one to the land of magic and enchantment.  The spider claims, thereforce, that it is not a mere worker like the fly.  Rather, it is a creator and an artist whose work is invaluable.  The spider likens itself to a small god or deity.

      The spider concedes that the fly is useful.  However, it asserts that it is far superior to the fly.  It boasts that it enjoys itself weaving silk webs all day.  These webs are a work of beauty and transport one to the land of magic and enchantment.  The spider claims, therefore, that it is not a mere worker like the fly.  Rather, it is a creator and an artist whose work is invaluable.  The spider likens itself to a demi-god.  Ending the argument, it pounces on the fly and eats it. Thus, Beauty seems to triumph over Utility.

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THINKING OUT OF THE BOX: LATERAL THINKING - Edward De Bono

Annotations:

1.         It is thinking differently or doing something different, doing something that might be quite novel and unconventional in nature.

           

Lesson and Author:- These lines are taken from the essay “ Thinking out of the Box: Lateral Thinking.” The essay is adapted from an article on lateral thinking in the internet Edward de Bono is the main propagator of lateral thinking.

Context & Meaning: - The essay explains the importance of lateral thinking in solving problems that we encounter in our daily life. Lateral thinking is a way of thinking that is different from logical thinking. We generally think in a linear or logical fashion. However, this might not always provide solutions to our problems. In some cases, we might have to think differently or de something novel or unconventional in nature. Logical and analysis does not always work. Often we make assumption, which are wrong. We need to think in a creative and unconventional manner. This is called lateral thinking. It is this quality that distinguish the brilliant or extraordinary from the mediocre.

Critical comment:- The author points out the difference between logical thinking and lateral thinking. Lateral thinking is different from logical thinking or linear thinking. It implies the ability to think differently. The essay provides numerous situations where lateral thinking has been used. One such example from the world of cricket is the introduction of one – day matches and more recently, T20 matches. 

 

2.         In most real – life situations, the pieces are not given, we just assume they are there. We assume certain perceptions, concepts and boundaries.

           

Lesson and Author:- These lines are taken from the essay “ Thinking out of the Box: Lateral Thinking.” The essay is adapted from an article on lateral thinking in the internet Edward de Bono is the main propagator of lateral thinking.

Context & Meaning : - The essay explains the importance of lateral thinking in solving problems that we encounter in our daily life. Lateral thinking is a way of thinking that is different from logical thinking. Most of us try to solve problems in a particular way. We place the given data before us and make certain assumptions. We then decide our course of action. This structured approach can be compared to the manner in which we move pieces on the chess board when we play a game of chess. But sometimes this strategy does not work. The assumptions we make may be incorrect. We need to break free of preconceived ideas and limitations that we impose on ourselves unnecessarily. We need to thin in a new, creative way.

Critical comment:- The author points out the difference between logical thinking and lateral thinking. Lateral thinking is different from logical thinking or linear thinking. It implies the ability to think differently. The essay provides numerous situations where lateral thinking has been used. One such example from the world of cricket is the introduction of one – day matches and more recently, T20 matches. 

3.         When a person puts in a hat he or she plays the role that belongs to that hat. This makes it a game where individuals are encouraged to contribute all kinds of ideas under diverse hats.

           

Lesson and Author:- These lines are taken from the essay “ Thinking out of the Box: Lateral Thinking.” The essay is adapted from an article on lateral thinking in the internet Edward de Bono is the main propagator of lateral thinking.

Context & Meaning : - The essay explains the importance of lateral thinking in solving problems that we encounter in our daily life. Lateral thinking is a way of thinking that is different from logical thinking. De Bono says that we have to think in new, creative ways to solve problem. We may have to keep changing hats. We wear a white hat when we try to grasp facts, a red hat when we view the emotional aspects of a problem and a black one when we make a judgment. We wear a green hat when we study various alternatives and a yellow one when we look at the pros and cons of an issue. We wear a blue hat when we review our thinking process. Changing hats is interesting and challenging. We come up with different ideas and suggestions.

Critical comment:- The author points out the difference between logical thinking and lateral thinking. The different ways of approaching a problem can be compared to the wearing of different hats. He describes the six thinking hats of De Bono, the gather of lateral thinking. The essay provides numerous situations where lateral thinking has been used. One such example from the world of cricket is the introduction of one – day matches and more recently, T20 matches.

4.         With the six hats, instead of confrontation there is supportive scrutiny of an issue, which is useful where there are fierce arguments, bickering or obstinacy.

           

Lesson and Author:- These lines are taken from the essay “ Thinking out of the Box: Lateral Thinking.” The essay is adapted from an article on lateral thinking in the internet Edward de Bono is the main propagator of lateral thinking.

Context & Meaning : - To explain the concept of lateral thinking. De Bono used the technique of six thinking hats. These hats are of different colors. They have a symbolic significance. Each hat represents a particular style of thinking or approach to a problem. De Bono points out that the use of these hats is particularly useful in group discussions. Different members can wear different hats. There is more team work and less ill will an arguments. People are more ready to understand and appreciate each other’s point of view. They are less rigid and stubborn.      

Critical comment:- The author points out the difference between logical thinking and lateral thinking. The different ways of approaching a problem can be compared to the wearing of different hats. He describes the six thinking hats of De Bono, the father of lateral thinking. The essay provides numerous situations where lateral thinking has been used. One such example from the world of cricket is the introduction of one – day matches and more recently, T20 matches.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

1.         “Most complex problems do have a solution”. Explain how the girl in the story used lateral thinking to come up with a solution for her problem.

           

The essay “ Thinking out of the Box: Lateral Thinking” is adapted from an article on lateral thinking in the internet Edward de Bono is the main propagator of lateral thinking.  The essay explains the importance of lateral thinking in solving problems that we encounter in our daily life. Lateral thinking is a way of thinking that is different from logical thinking.

            Some times a problem is difficult and complicated. We are unable to find a solution. However, if we change the way we look at the problem we may be able to solve it. Logic and analysis does not always work. Often we make assumptions which are wrong. We need to think in a creative and unconventional manner. This is called lateral thinking.

            In the story the money – lender pretends to play a small game of chance. He says that there are two pebbles in a bag. If the girl picks the white pebble from the bag she will be set free. If she picks the black pebble she will have to marry him. The girl, thus has a fair chance of winning. But the girl notices that the money – lender has cheated in the game by putting two black pebbles in the bag. The girl displays presence of mind. She pretends to drop the pebble she has picked. She then points out that since the pebble left in the bag is black, she must have picked the white one. Therefore, she should be set free. The girl, thus uses her wits to escape.

2.         “Lateral thinking is creative or non – linear thinking”. Provide instances from the essay to support this statement.

            The essay “ Thinking out of the Box: Lateral Thinking” is adapted from an article on lateral thinking in the internet Edward de Bono is the main propagator of lateral thinking.  The essay explains the importance of lateral thinking in solving problems that we encounter in our daily life. Lateral thinking is a way of thinking that is different from logical thinking.

            Generally, we use logic and analytical skills to solve problems. We assume certain things about the situation and decide what we should do. But sometimes we may need to think in a totally different way. A fresh approach may help us to solve the problem. Some anecdotes in the essay illustrate how lateral thinking differs from linear thinking.

            The girl outwits the money – lender who tries to cheat her in a game. Knowing that both the pebbles in the bag are black, she pretends to drop the pebbles she has picked. She then states that since the one left in the bag is black, she must have picked up the white one. She wins her freedom. In another instance a millionaire takes a small loan of $5000 from a bank located in the heart of New York city. He leaves his car as collateral security. He later reveals that paying interest of $15 is far cheaper than paying the parking fee for his car for two weeks. I another incident two men come across a tiger. One man gets ready to run, the other man asks him how he expects to run faster than the tiger. The first man replies that he need not do so. It is enough if he outruns his partner. T20 and day/night matches in cricket are other examples of lateral thinking. Colourful balls and clothing were introduced. Australia recently experimented with two different captains for the Test and one-day crocket matches. 

3.         Explain the use of six thinking hats. How does it help in group discussions?

The essay “ Thinking out of the Box: Lateral Thinking” is adapted from an article on lateral thinking in the internet Edward de Bono is the main propagator of lateral thinking.  The essay explains the importance of lateral thinking in solving problems that we encounter in our daily life. Lateral thinking is a way of thinking that is different from logical thinking.

To explain the concept of lateral thinking. De Bono used the technique of six thinking hats. These hats are of different colors. They have a symbolic significance. Each hat represents a particular style of thinking or approach to a problem. De Bono points out that the use of these hats is particularly useful in group discussions. Different members can wear different hats. There is more team work and less ill will an arguments. People are more ready to understand and appreciate each other’s point of view. They are less rigid and stubborn.  De Bono says that we have to think in new, creative ways to solve problem. We may have to keep changing hats. We wear a white hat when we try to grasp facts, a red hat when we view the emotional aspects of a problem and a black one when we make a judgment. We wear a green hat when we study various alternatives and a yellow one when we look at the pros and cons of an issue. We wear a blue hat when we review our thinking process. Changing hats is interesting and challenging. We come up with different ideas and suggestions.

    

4.         Explain the difference between lateral and logical thinking.

            The essay “ Thinking out of the Box: Lateral Thinking” is adapted from an article on lateral thinking in the internet Edward de Bono is the main propagator of lateral thinking.  The essay explains the importance of lateral thinking in solving problems that we encounter in our daily life. Lateral thinking is a way of thinking that is different from logical thinking.

            We generally think in a linear or logical fashion. However, this might not always provide solutions to our problems. In some cases, we might have to think differently or de something novel or unconventional in nature. Logical and analysis does not always work. Often we make assumption, which are wrong. We need to think in a creative and unconventional manner. This is called lateral thinking. It is this quality that distinguish the brilliant or extraordinary from the mediocre.

Some times a problem is difficult and complicated. We are unable to find a solution. However, if we change the way we look at the problem we may be able to solve it. Logic and analysis does not always work. Often we make assumptions which are wrong. We need to think in a creative and unconventional manner. This is called lateral thinking.

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