Kerala Syllabus Class 8 English - Unit 2 Wings of Hope - Chapter 2 A Prescription for Life - Study Notes  


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എട്ടാം ക്ലാസ് English ലെ Unit II Wings of Hope  ലെ A Prescription for Life എന്ന പാഠത്തെ അടിസ്ഥാനമാക്കി തയ്യാറാക്കിയ Study Notes Textbooks All ബ്ലോഗിലൂടെ ഷെയര്‍ ചെയ്യുകയാണ് ശ്രീ Anvar, Panavoor. സാറിന് ഞങ്ങളുടെ നന്ദിയും കടപ്പാടും അറിയിക്കുന്നു. 
 

ഈ ബ്ലോഗ് അഡ്‌മിൻറെ രേഖാമൂലമുള്ള അനുമതിയില്ലാതെ ഈ ബ്ലോഗിൽ നൽകിയിരിക്കുന്ന ചോദ്യോത്തരങ്ങൾ, ഇതേരീതിയിലോ പി.ഡി.എഫ് രൂപത്തിലോ, മറ്റേതെങ്കിലും ഡിജിറ്റലോ, പ്രിന്റഡ് ഉൾപ്പെടെയുള്ള ഏതെങ്കിലും രൂപങ്ങളിലേക്കോ മാറ്റി മറ്റൊരു വെബ്സൈറ്റിലോ, ബ്ലോഗിലോ, യുട്യൂബ്, സോഷ്യൽ മീഡിയാ ഗ്രൂപ്പുകളിലോ ഉൾപ്പെടെ ഒരിടത്തും പ്രചരിപ്പിക്കാൻ പാടില്ലാത്തതാകുന്നു.

Class 8 English - Chapter 2 A Prescription for Life
∎Std 8 English Study Notes
♦ Jerome K. Jerome's "A Prescription for Life" is not a formal essay or standalone treatise, but rather a central humorous and insightful anecdote that appears at the beginning of his most famous work, "Three Men in a Boat (To Say Nothing of the Dog)."

Here's a breakdown of what it entails and its significance:
The Humorous Premise:
The narrator, Jerome himself, is a quintessential hypochondriac. He visits the British Museum library to research remedies for a "slight ailment" (which he initially believes is hay fever). However, as he pores over a medical textbook, he discovers that he exhibits the symptoms of every single disease listed, except for "housemaid's knee." He concludes, with typical Jerome K. Jerome exaggeration, that he is a "hospital in himself" and would be an invaluable resource for medical students.

The Doctor's "Prescription":
Convinced of his terminal condition, he goes to his doctor, expecting a complex diagnosis and an array of potent medicines. Instead, the doctor, a shrewd and pragmatic man who clearly understands his patient's mental state, examines him and then writes out a very unconventional "prescription."

The famous "prescription" reads:
 * "1 lb beefsteak, with"
 * "1 pt water every 6 hours."
 * "1 ten-mile walk every morning."
 * "1 bed at 11 sharp every night."
And with an added injunction: "And don't stuff up your head with things you don't understand."

The Chemist's Reaction:
The narrator, bewildered but compliant, takes this unusual prescription to the chemist. The chemist, equally perplexed, hands it back, stating he "doesn't keep it" and humorously adds that if he were "a co-operative stores and family hotel combined," he might be able to oblige.

The Underlying Message and "A Prescription for Life":
This entire humorous episode serves as Jerome's "prescription for life" – a simple, common-sense approach to health and well-being, contrasting sharply with the Victorian era's burgeoning fascination with self-diagnosis and patent medicines.
The core ideas behind this "prescription" are:
 * The Power of Simplicity: Instead of complex medical interventions, the doctor prescribes basic, healthy habits: good food, moderate drinking, regular exercise, and sufficient rest.

 * Mind Over Matter (and Over-Thinking): The most crucial part of the prescription is "don't stuff up your head with things you don't understand." This highlights Jerome's belief that much of human suffering, particularly hypochondria, stems from overthinking, anxiety, and an unhealthy obsession with perceived ailments. By telling the narrator to stop self-diagnosing and worrying, the doctor is addressing the root of his mental distress.

 * The Importance of Practicality: The anecdote emphasizes the value of practical, down-to-earth solutions over theoretical or overly academic approaches to life's challenges.

* Humor as a Remedy: Jerome uses humor to gently mock human foibles, particularly our tendency to dramatize our ailments and seek complex solutions when simple ones suffice. The entire scene is a comedic masterpiece, making its message more memorable and palatable.

 * A Call to Action: The "prescription" isn't just about avoiding illness; it's about actively engaging with life, getting out, exercising, and enjoying simple pleasures. This sets the tone for the entire book, which is a lighthearted account of a boating trip intended to "cure" the characters' perceived ailments through physical activity and a break from routine.

In essence, "A Prescription for Life" is Jerome K. Jerome's charming and witty way of advocating for a balanced, active, and less anxious approach to existence, suggesting that many of our self-diagnosed woes can be cured by a healthy lifestyle and a good dose of common sense, rather than elaborate medical interventions.

Chapter 2 - A Prescription for Life - Notes

1. Prepare the possible diary entry of the man in Jerome K. Jerome's story, after his reads the medical encyclopedia.
Oh, my goodness! What a terrible discovery I have made. I thought I was a healthy man. I've been reading this book all night. I have got every single disease in that book. Why didn't I notice it? I can't believe don't know what to do. I have learned that I am a dying man. The only disease I don't have is housemaid's knee. Anyway, I am going to consult a doctor. Oh What if he can't save me? I am the most unlucky person

2. The man in the story goes to consult a doctor. The doctor is a jolly person who feels surprised at the man’s doubts. What would be his diary entry?
What a day! Here is a patient who truly believes he is suffering from every known disease. He came into my office looking pale and panic and listed a dozen diseases from cholera to Zymosis, all with the same terrified tone. But his pulse is normal, his lungs sound clear, and he has no fever. He says he is going to die. What a fool! He doesn't need medicine. I am going to give him a prescription for life. I hope he takes my advice and finds some peace.

3. Write a thank-you letter from the man to the doctor.
Dear Dr John,
I am writing this letter to thank you for saving my life. When I came to your office yesterday, I was a dying man. I had read that terrible medical book and had every disease imaginable. I was so scared. Your prescription was not what I expected. You didn't give me a thousand different medicines. Instead, you gave me some wonderful advice. You told me to throw away the book and stop worrying. I took your advice. A balanced diet, with water every couple of hours. A ten-mile walk every morning. Now I feel so much better. Thank you for your wisdom and kindness. You have given me a new life.
Sincerely,
A Grateful Patient

4. Imagine the man goes to consult a doctor. Prepare a conversation between the man and the doctor
The Man: Doctor, I am dying.
Dr. John: Please, have a seat. What troubles you?
The Man: I have got every single disease in this book! cholera, St.Vitus's dance, Bright's disease ....
Dr. John: I see. And how do you feel, besides a little anxious?
The Man: My head aches. I think I shall die soon
Dr.John: Tell me, did you find anything in this book that you don't
have?
The Man: Well. I don't have housemaid's knee.
Dr. John: Right. Take this prescription and go to a chemist.
The Man: Oh, thank you, Doctor
Dr John: You are welcome

5. Diary of the Chemist
What a strange day! A man just came in with a prescription from Dr. John, and I have never seen anything like it. It wasn't for pills or syrups or anything I have in my shop. He has been advised to change his lifestyle and routine. Is Dr. John playing a joke? Or has he lost his mind? He's a very respected doctor. Why would he write this on a professional prescription pad? The man who brought it in looked a bit nervous. Maybe the patient wasn't sick in the body, but in the mind, from all that worry. I hope he follows the doctor's orders.


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