ABOUT POET
- NAME – Ray Coryton Hutchinson
- BORN – 23 Jan 1907
- DIED – 3 July 1975
- EDUCATION – Oxford (BA)
- WIFE – Margaret Owen Jones
- NOVEL – Rising (Short listed for the Booker Prize in 1976)
SUMMARY OF THE PACE FOR LIVING
The chapter talks about an old corn-merchant in a small Irish town who is dismayed by the fast pace of modern life, which is symbolized by the invention of an airplane that travels at 1,000 miles per hour. The corn-merchant’s complaint, despite his own anxieties and difficulties, draws attention to the discrepancy between the advancement of technology and the rhythms of everyday life.
After reflecting on their personal relationship with technology and speed, the narrator admits that they enjoy the thrilling experiences made possible by fast cars and amusement park rides. They do, however, recognize the possible drawbacks of living in a culture that values efficiency and quickness over meaningful interactions and experiences.
The author thinks that he is a slow-thinker. He realizes that he would get the lowest marks in the intelligence test. As such slow-thinkers like him are awfully incapable of earning their livelihood. Though it is not required for the practical use of one’s mind to get enjoyment.
The author uses personal experiences to highlight his slow-thinking behaviors, relating how he had trouble telling one character from another in a movie and had to ask his wife to help him. He blames this on his slower cognitive processing and highlights that in order to thrive, one must adjust to the fast-paced nature of modern life.
Using humor and sarcasm throughout the story, Hutchinson emphasizes the ridiculousness of contemporary life and how its unrelenting speed can worsen feelings of isolation and anxiety. But even in the middle of the mayhem, there are thoughtful and insightful moments that give hope. The narrator makes the argument that, despite the difficulties brought on by today’s fast-paced lifestyle, it is important to take it slowly, enjoy life’s small joys, and build deep relationships with people.
EXPLANATION IN HINDI
ज्यादा दिन पहले की बात नहीं है, मैंने डबलिन (Dublin) में एक नाटक देखा था जिस नाटक का मुख्य पात्र एक उम्रदराज मक्का का व्यापारी या जो कि Irish देश के एक छोटे से शहर में रहता था। वह चिंताओं से भरा हुआ इंसान था – उसका दिल बहुत उदास रहता था क्योंकि उसका जो भतीजा था वो उसको धोखा दे रहा था; उसकी पत्नी भी बहुत ज्यादा खर्चीली थी। वो हर त्यौहार पर £10 खर्च कर देती थी। कुल मिलाकर देखा जाए तो उस व्यापारी के लिए आज का आधुनिक और तेज गति वाला जीवन जीना उसके लिए बहुत मुश्किल हो रही थी। और कभी जो उसका मन इन सब चीजों से निरास हो जाता था अकेले में उसके दिल से एक आह निकलती थी ये कहते हुए कि : ‘ वो लोग कहते हैं की हवाई जहाज 1000 मील प्रति घंटे की रफ्तार से चलती है जो कि मेरे हिसाब से बहुत जयादा रफ्तार भरी है। मेरे लिए उस नाटक में सबसे ज्यादा अद्भुत डायलोग वही था। उस आदमी की शिकायत उसके अपनी स्थिति के लिए बिलकुल मेल नहीं खा रही थी। और हंसी मजाक के साथ साथ इससे मुझे एक सही उदाहरण मिली की कैसे आयरिश लोग इतने सूक्ष्म सत्य को भी समझ पाते हैं जब वो जान पाना भी असंभव लगता है। आपने देखा कि उस व्यापारी के कहने का मतलब क्या था। ऐसा नहीं है कि मुझे तेज गति वाला जीवन अच्छा नहीं लगता है । मुझे मज़ा आता है जब मैं 90 मील प्रति घंटे की रफ्तार से कार चला रहा होता हूँ और मज़ा तब ज्यादा आता है जब वो कार मेरी न हो। मुझे उन मशीनों से बेहद लगाव है जो आपको बेटरसी के आस-पास घुमाती है। मुझे भी रात का खाना लन्दन में और अगले दिन दोपहर का खाना न्यू यॉर्क में में खाना अच्छा लगता है। मैं मानता हूँ कि इस रफ्तार में वास्तविक यात्रा की जो खुशी है वो मुझे नहीं मिल पायी। जिस तरह आप बस, बाइक और ट्रेन में हर चीज का आनन्द लेते हुए सफर करते हैं वो मजा आपको ज्यादा तेज़ गति वाले यात्रा में नहीं मिल पायेगा क्योंकि ये सिर्फ ऊपर ऊपर का भाव देते हैं। हमारे पूर्वज भी तेज गति वाली यात्रा का आनंद नहीं ले पाए थे लेकिन इससे हमें ये नहीं सोंचना चाहिए की उनका जीवन अच्छा नहीं था या हमारा जीवन ज्यादा तेज होने से ज्यादा नुकसान है। उनके वक्त में उनका जीवन बहुत अच्छा था, अभी के वक्त में हमारा जीवन बहुत अच्छा है। समय के साथ हर चीज़ अच्छी लगती है। लेकिन हाँ, हमें इस बात का भी ध्यान रखना चाहिए कि हम मशीन नहीं है बल्कि हम इन्सान हैं और हमारी कुछ अपनी सीमा है। तो मशीनों की रफ्तार की तरह हमें अपने जीवन को नहीं बना देना है ताकि हम मानसिक रूप से हम मशीनों के गुलाम बन जाएँ मैं इस बात का पूर्वाग्रह करता हूँ कि मैं भी उन्हीं विचारकों की गिनती में आता हूँ जो धीमी गति बुद्धि से शापित हैं। मैं भी उन्हीं धीमी गति बुद्धि वाले विचारकों में से हूँ जो किसी बात या घटना पर घंटों बाद अपनी प्रतिक्रिया देते हैं क्योंकि उन्हें समझ भी घंटों बाद ही आती है। मैं उनलोगों में से एक हूँ, जिन्हें किसी भी बुद्धि परीक्षण में सबसे कम अंक लाने की पूरी गारंटी है क्योंकि वो सभी परीक्षण सिर्फ और सिर्फ दिमाग की गति को मापने के लिए ही डिजाईन किया गया है और चूँकि मैं तो ठहा धीमी गति बाला इंसान। और जाहिर सी बात है की हम धीमी गति वाले जैसे लोग आज के जीवन को जीने में उतने सक्षम नहीं है जितना की होना चाहिए आज के इस रफ्तार वाले जीवन में। लेकिन मैं अभी जिस बारे में सोंच रहा हूँ कि अपने दिमाग का इस्तेमाल हर बार सिर्फ काम के पीछे नहीं लगा देना चाहिए बल्कि मनोरंजन के लिए भी करना चाहिए। उदारहण के तौर पर देखें तो, जब में सिनेमा देखने गया तो मैं अपने आप को बहुत खोया खोया महसूस किया क्योंकि हर दो-तीन मिनट के बाद मुझे अपनी पत्नी से पूछना पड़ रहा था कि आखिर कहानी में हो क्या रहा है। मैंने पूछा कि “क्या यह वही लड़की है जिसको हमने शुरू में देखा था। इसपर मेरी पत्नी ने मुझे समझाया कि “नहीं, ऐसा नहीं है। दरअसल इस फिल्म में तीन लड़कियां हैं एक लम्बी गोरी, एक छोटी गोरी, और एक माध्यम आकार की स्यामला। समझने के लिए आप उन्हें ए, बी और सी कह सकते हैं। इस फिल्म में एक हीरो है जो घर के अन्दर ही बपनी टोपी उतार देता है। वह इसी क्रम में बी, सी, ए. लड़कियों के प्यार में पड़ने वाला है”। और ऐसा ही साबित होता है। आपके पास एक दिमाग है जिसने खुद को उच्ब गियर में काम करने के लिए प्रशिक्षित किया है हालाँकि वास्तव में हमारा दिमाग अन्य गियर में भी काम कर सकता है। लेकिन मेरा मानना यह है कि सिनेमा में मेरे लगभग साधी इतनी तेजी से सोंचते हैं कि वे दृहस्य और एक्शन में तेजी से बदलाव के साथ सहजता से तालमेल बिठा लेते हैं। वे तीस साल पहले की तुलना में बहुत तेजी से सोंचते हैं: संभवतः इसलिए क्योंकि जो लोग आज की सोच के साथ नहीं सौंच पाते हैं उन्हें बाद में सोंचने का मौका नहीं मिल पाता है।
SHORT SUMMARY
The chapter talks about an old corn-merchant in a small Irish town who feels worried about how fast life has become, especially with things like planes that go super fast. The writer reflects on how they sometimes like the excitement of speed, but also see how it can make life shallow. They admit to being a slow-thinker and feeling like they wouldn’t do well on an IQ test, which makes it hard to keep up in a fast-paced world. Through funny and sarcastic moments, the author shows how crazy and stressful modern life can be. But they also argue for taking things slow, finding joy in simple things, and building strong connections with others.
VVI MCQs OF THE PACE FOR LIVING
1. The Pace for Living” is written by
- Aung San Suu Kyi
- Toni Morrison
- R.C. Hutchinson
- Satyajit Ray
2. Where did the writer of The Pace For LIving watch the play ?
- Dubai
- Dublin
- Delhi
- London
3. R.C. Hutchinson was _____
- American Novelist
- British Novelist
- French Novelist
- Italian Novelist
4. The main Character in ” The Pace for Living” , which the author saw a/an _____ corn merchant.
- elderely
- handicapped
- young
- diabetic
5. The author admits that quick travel does not give the traveller the real of travel.
- pains
- pleasure
- living
- holidays
6. In “The Pace For Living”, the writer captures the agony of _____ man.
- modem
- ancient
- future
- uncivilized
7. Where the author saw a play in which a corn-merchant was the chef character?
- Budapest
- Milan
- Dublin
- Conteburry
8. Who has the fantastic notion of spending 10 pound on a holiday ?
- Son of corn-merchant
- Daughter of corn-merchant
- Father of corn-merchant
- Wife of corn-merchant
9. Who was cheating the corn-merchant ?
- His son
- His Nephew
- His Daughter
- His Wife
10. Who did like fast travelling?
- The Corn-merchant
- The wife of Corn-merchant
- The Author
- None of these
11. Who didn’t dislike the rapid movement of life ?
- Corn-merchant
- Nephew of corn-merchant
- The Author
- Wife of Corn-merchant
12. Which word in the passage stands for worship?
- Adore
- Esprit
- Despair
- Escapiert
13. Which tribe did the author belong ?
- Fast thinkers
- Slow thinkers
- Steady thinkers
- None of these
14. How many girls were in film?
- Two
- Three
- Four
- Five
15. The main character in the play which the author saw was a/an _____ corn-merchant.
- elderly
- handicapped
- young
- diabetic
16. Slow thinkers have a disadvantage when it comes to earning a _____
- car
- factory
- living
- holiday
17. Who was a man of many anxieties and had a dicky heart ?
- R.C.Hutchinson
- Corn-merchant
- The Nephew of corn-merchant
- The wife of the corn-merchant
18. Who exhibits an exceptional flair for touching the sensitive issues of the contemporary society ?
- William Cowper
- Joan Lexau
- John Donne
- R.C. Hutchinson
19. The speaker goes in a car at ______
- nineteen miles an hour
- fourteen miles an hour
- sixteen miles an hour
- ninety miles an hour
20. The elderly corn-merchant was a man of _____
- wealth
- property
- anxieties
- dicky
21. Slow thinkers are terribly _____ in the business of getting a living.
- capped
- handicapped
- disabled
- tortured
22. All the tests, today are designed to measure _______
- the speed of a bus
- the speed of a train
- the speed of mind
- none of these
23. The speaker adores the machines the hurl one about at
- Dublin
- Rapid movement
- Snorgrill
- Battersea
24. Those who do not think fast in the High street nowadays may not get another chance in this world to
- think slow
- think fast
- think very slow
- think at all
25. Weak-hearted’ means same as
- Quicky
- Freaky
- Dicky
- Despair
26. He is going to fail in love with girls _____ in that order.
- A,B,C
- B,A,C
- C,B,A
- B,C,A
27. When the narrator goes to cinema, he finds himself in
- a peculiar seat
- great trouble
- a hopeless fog
- a cheerful mood
VVI QUESTION & ANSWERS OF THE PACE FOR LIVING
1. Where did the writer watch the play?
Ans. The writer watched the play in Dublin, not long ago.
2. Who was the chief character in the play?
Ans. The chief character in the play was an elderly corn-merchant residing in a small Irish country town.
3. Does the writer dislike rapid movement in every field?
Ans. No, the writer does not dislike rapid movement in every field.
4. In which situation, does the writer find himself in the cinema?
Ans. The writer finds himself in a situation of confusion or “hopeless fog” when he goes to the cinema.
5. How does the writer classify himself as a thinker?
Ans. The author describes themselves as slow thinkers. He playfully describes having “l’esprit de l’escalier,” a tendency to come up with clever responses too late, often after the moment has passed.
LONG TYPE QUESTIONS
1. Write a few sentences about the elderly corn-merchant.
Ans. The chief character was an elderly corn-merchant in the play in a small Irish country town. He was a man of many anxieties – his heart was dicky his nephew was cheating him; his wife had the fantastic notion of spending £10 on a holiday. Altogether the pace of life was getting too much for him.
2. “They tell me there’s an airplane now that goes at 1,000 miles an hour. Now that’s too fast!” What light does the remark of the corn-merchant throw on the fast life today?
Ans. In a world that is moving faster than ever, the corn merchant’s comment perfectly captures the feeling of being left behind. His disbelief about the airplane’s speed reflects a deeper fear of the modern world’s fast speed. The statement shows an imbalance between traditional and old lifestyles and the rapid progress of technology which is the modern lifestyle, emphasizing the difficulties of adjusting to a modern society. The remark thus, provides a look at the difficulties and fears that come with fast-paced realities of modern life.
3. What sort of excitement do we have today which our ancestors lacked ? Is it an advantage or a disadvantage?
Ans. Today around us, we have lots of excitement which our ancestors lacked such as: an aeroplane flies 1000 miles an hour, our trains much faster than 30 years ago’s. Not only transport but also different kinds of machines have made our life more luxurious and comfortable. Now we don’t have to wait for doing the work or getting the work done.
Actually it is both advantage and disadvantage but depends on us. If we use it properly it is advantage or if we misuse it, it is disadvantage.
4. Who are taken to be slow thinkers? How are the slow thinkers, handicapped today?
Ans. Slow thinkers mean, persons possessing slow-mind. They lack in the presence of mind. Such persons do not give the proper answer to the question put before them due to inadequate common sense and smartness. They fail in any intelligence test. Time is moving fast. Science has changed our life style. And If any person who lack of common sense or think slowly, can be considered handicapped in the business of getting a living
5. What enlightenment does the writer seek from his wife? What does it suggest about the plight of the modern man?
Ans. The writer seeks assistance of his wife to find out the difference among the female artists who are the same or different. So his wife narrates the differences among them telling him about their complexion, and appearance.It very well suggests the plight of a modern man. It throws light on the mental ability, modern society and an intelligent person possesses fast thinking.
6. Summarize the central idea of this essay.
Ans. The essay “The Pace for living”, illustrates the characteristics of modern life. There are certain sarcastic remarks on the lifestyle of modern times. R.C. Hutchinson in this essay nicely demonstrates the plight of the modern man. He has thrown light on the fast life of the present time. The writer has very well explained the advantages and disadvantages of slow and fast lives. Those who are fast thinkers will achieve the opportunity of getting a living but not the practical use for enjoyment.
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