6. Poets and Pancakes - Prose - Class 12 - Flamingo

Author: Asokamitran

Textbook: Flamingo

Genre: Prose / Memoir / Non-fiction

Summary

"Poets and Pancakes" is a memoir by Asokamitran, reflecting on his experiences at Gemini Studios, one of the prominent film studios of early Indian cinema in Chennai. The title refers to "Pancake," the popular makeup brand heavily used by the makeup department at the studio. The essay presents humorous and satirical observations of the inner workings of the film world, especially the eccentricities of its people. The narrator worked in a small cubicle, cutting newspaper clippings, and observed various departments like the makeup room, the office boy’s antics, and the creative minds like Kothamangalam Subbu. Subbu, the multi-talented No. 2 at Gemini Studios, was both admired and envied. The text also discusses the studio's unusual involvement with politics and literature — such as their confused welcome of English poet Stephen Spender and the hosting of the Moral Re-Armament army. The essay humorously highlights how little the film world understood the visitors and vice versa. Through witty commentary and anecdotal incidents, the author explores the contrast between creativity, bureaucracy, and ideology.

Character Sketch

(Kothamangalam Subbu)

Kothamangalam Subbu was the most admired and envied personality at Gemini Studios. Although not highly educated, he was talented, resourceful, and deeply loyal to The Boss. Subbu was creative and could come up with multiple versions of scenes instantly when needed. He was also a successful poet and writer but chose to write in a language accessible to the masses. A generous and kind-hearted man, he supported numerous people including distant relatives. Despite all his talents and humility, he had enemies, perhaps due to his proximity to power and his cheerful disposition. Subbu was indeed a many-sided genius who gave direction to Gemini Studios during its peak years.

📚 Themes

✨ Literary Devices

Title Justification

The title Poets and Pancakes cleverly juxtaposes the world of creativity (poets) with the artificial glamour (pancakes — the makeup). It reflects the contrast between high literature and the makeup-driven film world of Gemini Studios. While "pancakes" symbolize the façade and superficiality in the movie business, "poets" represent true artistic expression, which often gets sidelined. The title captures the central irony and humor of the chapter.

One-Mark Questions

1. What was Pancake in Gemini Studios?

   Pancake was the brand of makeup used in huge quantities at Gemini Studios. It was applied heavily to make actors appear presentable under artificial lights.

   
   

2. Why did the office boy feel frustrated?

   He felt his literary talents were wasted in the makeup department and blamed Subbu for his lack of success.

   
   

3. Who was Subbu in Gemini Studios?

   Subbu was the No. 2 at Gemini Studios, known for his creativity and loyalty. He was multi-talented and greatly contributed to the studio’s success.

   
   

4. Why did the English poet's visit confuse the Gemini staff?

   The poet’s speech was incomprehensible due to his accent and subject matter, making the visit seem irrelevant and mysterious.

   
   

5. What was ‘The God That Failed’?

   It was a book where six authors, including Stephen Spender, wrote about their disillusionment with Communism.

Three-Mark Questions

1. Why was the makeup department described as a symbol of national integration?

   The makeup team included people from various parts of India — a Bengali, Maharashtrian, Andhraite, Kannadiga, Anglo-Burmese, and Tamils. This diverse mix working together represented national unity long before it was officially promoted.

   
   

2. Describe the incident involving the legal adviser and the actress.

   When a famous actress lost her temper on set, the legal adviser recorded her tirade and played it back. Hearing her own voice shocked her so much that she never acted again. This incident humorously shows the unintended consequences of technology and timing.

   
   

3. Why did the visit of the English poet remain a mystery for long?

   No one knew who he was or why he had come. His accent was hard to follow, and his subject seemed out of place in a Tamil film studio. Only later did the narrator realize he was Stephen Spender, editor of The Encounter.

   
   

Value-Based Question

What moral lesson can we learn from Subbu’s character in the chapter?

Subbu teaches us the value of humility, loyalty, and generosity. Despite his talents and achievements, he remained cheerful, supportive, and never sought personal glory. He used his creativity to help others and supported many people selflessly. In a competitive world, such kindness and humility are rare and admirable qualities that inspire us to stay grounded and giving.

End

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