Inter 1st Year Extensive Reading (Non-Detailed)

 1. Engine Trouble

Rasipuram Krishnaswami Narayan's short story "Engine Trouble" is a humorous tale about a narrator who wins a road engine in a lottery. Despite initial excitement, the engine becomes a burden, and he struggles to sell it or move it from the Gymkhana grounds. 

The Municipal authorities, drivers, and even a temple elephant fail to help. Just when the narrator is about to give up, a Swamiji offers to perform a yoga feat using the engine, but a police officer stops the show. 

In a surprising twist, an earthquake hits, and the engine falls into a nearby disused well, solving the problem. The owner of the house is relieved, and the narrator is finally free from the engine's troubles.

This story showcases Narayan's wit and humor in portraying the narrator's misadventures. The tale highlights the themes of luck, fate, and unexpected twists. The narrator's persistence and belief in the engine's potential lead to comedic situations. 

The story teaches us to adapt to changing circumstances and find opportunities in unexpected places. The earthquake, which could have been a disaster, becomes a blessing in disguise for the narrator.

2. The Last Leaf 

"The Last Leaf" by O. Henry is a touching story about friendship, hope, and the power of art. It is set in Greenwich Village, where two young artists, Johnsy and Sue, live together. 

Johnsy falls seriously ill with pneumonia and loses the will to live. She becomes convinced that she will die when the last leaf falls from a vine outside her window. Sue, worried about her friend, tries to encourage her, but Johnsy remains focused on the last leaf.

Their neighbour, Mr. Behrman, an elderly artist, hears about Johnsy’s belief. Despite being cold and rainy, he secretly paints a realistic leaf on the wall so that when the last real leaf falls, Johnsy will still see one remaining. 

The painted leaf does not fall, and Johnsy begins to recover, gaining hope and the will to live. However, Mr. Behrman catches pneumonia that night and dies, sacrificing himself to save Johnsy.

This story teaches an important lesson about hope and sacrifice. Mr. Behrman’s act of painting the leaf shows his deep care for Johnsy and his willingness to do anything to help her, even at the cost of his own life. 

The story also shows how art can be powerful—it can inspire and give hope, just as the painted leaf did for Johnsy. "The Last Leaf" reminds us that sometimes, small acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone's life.