Understanding the Text
1. Point out the difference between the slavery of man to Nature
and the unnatural slavery of man to Man.
Answer:
2. What are the ways in which people are subjected to greater
control in the personal spheres than in the wider political
sphere?
Answer:
3. List the common misconceptions about ‘freedom’ that Shaw
tries to debunk.
Answer:
4. Why, according to Krishnamurti, are the concepts of freedom
and discipline contradictory to one another?
Answer:
5 How does the process of inquiry lead to true freedom?
Answer:
Talking about the Text
1. According to the author, the masses are prevented from
realising their slavery; the masses are also continually
reminded that they have the right to vote. Do you think this
idea holds good for our country too?
Answer:
2. ‘Nature may have tricks up her sleeve to check us if the
chemists exploit her too greedily.’ Discuss.
Answer:
3. Respect for elders is not to be confused with blind obedience.
Freedom
Answer:
Discuss.
Appreciation
1. Both the texts are on ‘freedom’. Comment on the difference in
the style of treatment of the topic in them.
Answer:
2. When Shaw makes a statement he supports it with a number
of examples. Identify two sections in the text which explain a
statement with examples. Write down the main statement and
the examples. Notice how this contributes to the effectiveness of the writing.
3. Notice the use of personal pronouns in the two texts. Did this
make you identify yourself more with the topic than if it had
been written in an impersonal style? As you read the texts,
were you able to relate the writer’s thoughts with the way you
lead your own life?