The Gentleman and The Jungle (Class 11 English, Lesson 1)

Introduction

• Lesson on the Panchatantra tale
• Discussion on how good triumphs over evil and how bad people are defeated

Division of Africa by European Powers

• Late 19th century
• Major European powers divided Africa among themselves: France, Dutch, Portuguese, English, British
• African nations colonized and exploited by Europeans
• Europeans had advanced weaponry like guns while Africans used traditional weapons
• Africans forced into unfavorable contracts and suffered due to European domination

Fable of the Man and the Elephant

• Story to illustrate colonization
• Elephant asks for space in the man's hut during a storm
• Slowly occupies more space, eventually pushes the man out
• Man left in the rain, elephant takes over the hut
• Man complains to other animals but is ignored, reflecting the plight of colonized nations

Formation of the Commission of Inquiry

• Animals form a commission to investigate the man's complaint
• Commission members: Mr. Rhinoceros, Mr. Buffalo, Mr. Alligator, Mr. Fox (Chairman), Mr. Leopard (Secretary)
• Commission biased, supports the elephant
• Shows impartiality and injustice faced by colonized nations

Outcome of the Inquiry

• Commission declares that the elephant did the man a favor by occupying his hut
• Man advised to build another hut
• Reflects the unfair treatment and economic exploitation of colonized people

Moral and Conclusion

• Fable highlights the exploitation and struggles of colonized nations
• Elephant represents colonizers who take over and exploit
• Man represents the colonized who suffer and struggle to reclaim their rights
• Importance of recognizing and addressing historical injustices