A mnemonic is a tool or technique used to aid memory and make information easier to remember.

It often
involves creating a pattern of letters, ideas, or associations that help you recall complex concepts or lists.

Types of Mnemonics:
Acronyms: Using the first letters of words to form a memorable word. Example: VIBGYOR for the colors of
the rainbow (Violet, Indigo, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, Red).
Rhymes and Songs: Using rhythm or melody.Example: "Thirty days hath September, April, June, and November."
Imagery and Visualization: Associating an idea with a vivid mental picture.Example: Visualizing a giant "rat" to
remember The Rattrap story's theme.
Acrostics: Using the first letters of words to form a memorable sentence.Example: "My Very Educated Mother Just
Served Us Noodles" for the planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune).
Chunking: Breaking information into smaller, manageable parts.Example: Phone numbers grouped as 123-456-7890.
How to Use These Mnemonics( nemonic) in Exams
1. Understand the Themes: Link the mnemonic with the theme and tone to recall key details.
2. Answer with Precision: Use the tone keywords (e.g., nostalgic, ironic) in your answers.
3. Use Supporting Lines: Quote or paraphrase the highlighted lines for added credibility.
Flamingo
1. The Last Lesson
Mnemonic: "Language Lost, Nostalgia Lasts."
Theme: Loss of identity due to cultural subjugation.
Tone: Nostalgic, Regretful
 "When a people are enslaved, as long as they hold fast to their language, it is as if they had the key to their
prison."
The Last Lesson- Tone based lines from chapter

1. oh the wretches : Indignant

2. respect for the country that was theirs no more : paradox
3. not daring to look up : embarrassed
4. your parents were not anxious....: retrospective
5. clearest logical language.....: patriotic magnification
6. amazed to see how well i understood....... : Receptive
7. scratching of pens ....: onomatopoeia
8. pigeons singing German.?.....Rhetorical question and Sarcastic
9. M Hamel sitting motionless : Nostalgia
10. Desks , Benches , walnut trees , hopvines ...Metaphor for time
11. ba be bo bu ....onomatopoeia
12. All wanted to laugh and cry : Ambivalent & Oxymoron
13. Tall M hamel solemn , serious , confident , proud .
14. leaned against the wall : overwhelmed and emotional
2. Lost Spring
Mnemonic: "Lost Childhood, Found Sympathy."
Theme: Exploitation of children and systemic poverty.
Tone: Sympathetic, Critical
 "Why do you do this? Why don’t you go to school?"
 Reflects the plight of child laborers.
LOST SPRING- Tone based lines from chapter

1.Nothing else to do .......: embarrassment

2. scrounging for gold .....: Hyperbole

3. smiling broadly hopeful

4. why are you not wearing : solicitous ( concerned )

5. drowned in air of desolation : Hyperbole

6. Red and white plastic chair : Progress

7. seemapuri periphery of Delhi ....Irony

8. proportions of fine art : hyperbole/ sarcasm

9. Garbage is gold : Hyperbole/ Metaphor and metonymy

10. for children wrapped in wonder ......contrast

11. I like the game....earnest / keen

12. steel canister heavier .....contrast / Irony

13. saheb is no longer ......own master ....: irony

14. learn to drive a care : Determination and ambitious

15. mukesh’s eyes beam : pride

16. it is his karm destiny ...: expectance

17. colourful bangles in unkempt yards : contrast

18. savita symbol of innocence and efficiency

19. bangles on her wrist but no light in her eyes : pun

20. roof over his head : optimistic

21. young men echo lament : reiteration

22. hauled up by police : repression

23. apathy _ bureaucracy

greed _ middlemen

injustice _ policemen

24. every other yard every other street : Anaphora

25. web of poverty : metaphor

26. except it as naturally acceptance / resigned

27. embarrassment not turned into regret

28. contended to keep his dreams confined to his reach .

29. few aeroplanes fly over firozabad : Sarcasm

3. Deep Water
Mnemonic: "Dive Deep, Rise Above Fear."
Theme: Conquering personal fears through determination.
Tone: Inspirational, Determined
 "There is terror only in the fear of death."
 Emphasizes the courage to overcome fears.
DEEP WATER- Tone based lines from chapter
1. waters of cascades : synechdoche
2. crossed to oblivion ......Metaphor
3. too tired to jump.....weary
4. terror that knows no......terror that knows no ........: Anaphora
5. water heard me .....personification
6. big bruiser ......aggressive, dominating, irresponsible, callous
7. bob to the surface like cork instead came slowly ….simile
8. bottomless water : transferred epithet
9. last feelings of Douglas ..felt released .
4. The Rattrap
Mnemonic: "Life's a Trap, Kindness Snaps It."
Theme: Human greed versus redemption.
Tone: Philosophical, Redemptive
 "The world…was nothing but a big rattrap."
 Conveys a moral lesson on human greed and redemption.
5. Indigo
Mnemonic: "Indigo Justice, Fear No British."
Theme: Struggle for justice and selfreliance.
Tone: Empowering, Inspirational

 "The real relief for them is to be free from the fear of the British."
 Highlights Gandhiji’s influence and justice through nonviolence.

6. Poets and Pancakes

Mnemonic: "Studio Chaos, Humor Toss."
Theme: Creative processes and workplace humor.
Tone: Humorous, Satirical
 "Everybody seemed to work in everybody’s department except in their own."
 Lighthearted critique of Gemini Studios' working culture.

7. The Interview
Mnemonic: "Interview Insight, Media Might."
Theme: Ethical dimensions of interviews.
Tone: Analytical, Reflective
 "An interview is a supremely serviceable medium of communication."
 Explores the art and ethics of interviews.
8. Going Places
Mnemonic: "Teen Dreams, Real Life Beams."
Theme: Adolescent fantasies versus harsh realities.
Tone: Dreamy, Aspirational
 "She wished Danny Casey would come there and sit beside her."
 Depicts teenage fantasies versus reality.
VISTAS

1. The Third Level

Mnemonic: "Third Level, Escaping the Devil."
Theme: Escapism from modern stress.
Tone: Surreal, Nostalgic
 "The modern world is full of insecurity, fear, war, worry."
 Reflects escapism and longing for a peaceful past.
THE THIRD LEVEL Tone based lines from chapter
1. Empty sound of ......Oxymoron
2. big old frame...huge lawns : Imagery
3. skin me : means deceive or befool
2. The Tiger King
Mnemonic: "King's Pride, Satire Inside."
Theme: Futility of arrogance and superstitions.
Tone: Satirical, Ironic
 "The astrologer said, 'The child will grow up to become the warrior of warriors… But…'"
 Critiques arrogance and superstitions.

3. Journey to the End of the Earth

Mnemonic: "Earth's End, Nature Sends."
Theme: Environmental concerns and human impact.
Tone: Awe-inspiring, Reflective
 "It is impossible to go anywhere in Antarctica without leaving footprints."
 Highlights environmental concerns and nature's grandeur.
4. The Enemy

Mnemonic: "Enemy or Friend? Humanity Will Mend."

Theme: Ethical dilemmas in war.
Tone: Compassionate, Ethical
 "Both of them saw the white man’s face. He was unconscious."
 Explores the moral dilemmas during war.

6. On the Face of It
Mnemonic: "Face the World, Courage Unfurled."
Theme: Overcoming prejudices and selfacceptance.
Tone: Optimistic, Empathetic
 "Look at me! It will do you good to look at me!"
 Encourages acceptance and resilience.

.8. Memories of Childhood

Mnemonic: "Painful Past, Resolve to Last."

Theme: Struggle against discrimination and injustice.
Tone: Painful, Resolute

 "But we too are human beings, we too are people."

 Reflects societal injustice and the strength to resist.
TONES OF THE POEMS IN THE CLASS 12 CBSE SYLLABUS:
1. My Mother at SixtySix by Kamala Das
A Explanation: The poem revolves around the poet’s realization of her mother’s aging and the inevitable truth of
mortality. As the poet looks at her mother, she sees a frail, dozing figure, likened to a corpse. This sight evokes a deep
fear of loss. However, the poet juxtaposes this with vibrant images of life outside the car window to momentarily
distract herself from this painful thought.
B Key Themes:
1. Aging and Mortality: The inevitability of death and the transient nature of life.
2. Separation Anxiety: The poet's fear of losing her mother reflects a universal emotional bond.
3. Love and Nostalgia: The poet remembers her childhood when her mother was full of vitality.
C Insight: The poem is deeply personal yet universal, exploring the delicate balance between love and loss. The use
of contrasting imagery (mother’s pallor vs. vibrant life outside) heightens the emotional impact.
D Tone: Reflective, melancholic, and tender.
The poem captures the fleeting nature of life and the inevitable reality of aging. The poet's emotions oscillate between
sorrow and a longing to reassure herself of her mother's presence.
1.Reflective: The poet CONTEMPLATES/ ENVISIONS/THINKS OF her mother’s aging and the passage of time,
deeply analyzing her feelings.
2.Melancholic: There is an underlying sadness about the inevitable separation and mortality.
3.Tender: The poet’s love and concern for her mother are evident in her choice of words and imagery.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
2. Keeping Quiet by Pablo Neruda
A Explanation: The poem is an appeal for global introspection and unity. Neruda suggests that keeping silent for a
moment will allow humanity to reflect on its actions, move away from destruction, and embrace peace. He highlights
the futility of conflicts and the need for harmony with nature. The poem advocates for silence, introspection, and
universal unity to create peace and harmony. It carries a tone of gentle persuasion and hope for a better world.
B Key Themes:
1. Peace and Harmony: Advocates for stillness to foster understanding.
2. SelfReflection: Calls for examining the consequences of human actions.
3. Universal Unity: A vision of global solidarity beyond barriers.
C Insight/ Vision: Neruda uses simple language to communicate profound ideas. The poem is not just about literal
silence but about metaphorical silence—pausing the chaos to introspect. The subtle warning against environmental
destruction adds a contemporary relevance.
D Tone: Philosophical, contemplative, Tone: Philosophical, Contemplative, Hopeful
1.Philosophical: The poem reflects on the deeper meanings of silence, unity, and introspection.
2.Contemplative/ Meditative/Thoughtful/ Introspective: The poet invites readers to pause and think about their
actions and their impact on the world.
3. Hopeful: Despite its serious message, the poem conveys hope for peace and harmony if humanity changes its
course.
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3. Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers by Adrienne Rich
A Explanation: The poem portrays Aunt Jennifer as a symbol of women oppressed by patriarchal norms. Despite her
personal struggles, she creates tigers in her art that represent freedom, strength, and defiance. The contrast between
Aunt Jennifer’s timid existence and her bold tigers emphasizes her unfulfilled desire for liberation.
B Key Themes:
1. Oppression/ Harassment/ Subjugation of Women: Aunt Jennifer’s struggles reflect societal expectations and
constraints.
2. Feminine Creativity: Art becomes her outlet for expressing her suppressed desires.
3. Contrasts: Aunt Jennifer’s fragility is contrasted with the vitality of the tigers.
C Insight: The poem is a subtle critique of patriarchy and celebrates the resilience of the feminine spirit. Even in
death, Aunt Jennifer’s tigers remain eternal, symbolizing her enduring creative legacy.
D Tone: Oppressive, Empowering, Reflective
The poem juxtaposes the constraints faced by Aunt Jennifer in her patriarchal society with the fearless and liberated
spirit of the tigers she creates in her art. It conveys both the struggle and the strength of the feminine spirit.
1.Oppressive: The poet highlights the societal constraints and patriarchal oppression Aunt Jennifer endures.
2. Empowering: The tigers symbolize strength, freedom, and rebellion, which Aunt Jennifer expresses through her
art.
3. Reflective: The poem encourages readers to reflect on the struggles of women and their unexpressed desires.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
4. A Thing of Beauty
A Explanation: Keats celebrates the eternal and transformative power of beauty. He argues that beauty, found in
nature and art, provides solace, hope, and a connection to the divine. Through vivid imagery, the poet describes how
beauty alleviates human suffering.
B Key Themes:
1. Eternal Beauty: Beauty transcends time and provides lasting joy.
2. Nature’s Healing Power: Nature’s elements, like flowers and trees, are sources of peace.
3. Optimism and Spirituality: Beauty restores faith and counterbalances life’s struggles.
CInsight: The poem reflects Keats’ Romantic ideals, emphasizing the redemptive quality of beauty in a harsh world.
The rich imagery creates an almost mystical atmosphere.
DTone: Celebratory, Optimistic, and Appreciative.
The poem glorifies the eternal beauty of nature and its power to bring joy and solace to human life. The tone is
uplifting and harmonious, very loving, peaceful, and optimistic
1.Celebratory: The poem glorifies the eternal beauty of nature and art.
2.Optimistic: Keats highlights how beauty alleviates human suffering and brings hope and joy.
3.Appreciative: There is an expression of gratitude for the abundance of beauty in the natural world.
The tone of John Keats' poem "A Thing of Beauty" is one of enduring joy and solace that beauty brings to life. The
poem's central theme is the idea that beauty is eternal and has a timeless attraction. The poem's tone can be described
as:
1.Romantic selftranscendence :The poem's mythical character, Endymion, desires to fuse his own self with cosmic
creations.
2.Appreciation of nature :The poem highlights how simple, natural elements like the sun, moon, trees, and flowers
can uplift our spirits and provide a refuge from life's hardships.
3.Contrast with materialism :The poem contrasts the timeless beauties of nature with the fleeting allure of
materialism.
4.Inspiration from art and literature : The poem considers great literature and art from historical figures as an
"endless fountain of immortal drink" that pours inspiration from heaven.
5.Power to unite people : The poem mentions the notion that beauty has the power to unite people and foster a sense
of harmony and oneness.
……………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………….
5. A Roadside Stand by Robert Frost
A Explanation: The poem highlights the plight of rural people who seek economic improvement through their small
roadside stands. The indifference of city dwellers who pass by without helping them is critiqued. Frost contrasts the
simplicity of rural life with the complexity and selfishness of urban society.

B Key Themes:
1. RuralUrban Divide: The socioeconomic disparity between rural and urban areas.
2. Despair and Hope: The rural poor’s hope for a better future is juxtaposed with the indifference of the wealthy.
3. Critique of Modern Society: The materialism and apathy of urban dwellers.
C Insight: The poem is both a lament and a subtle protest against social inequalities. Frost uses conversational
language to evoke empathy and stir the conscience of the reader.
D Tone: Sympathetic, Critical, Satirical
The poem expresses empathy for the struggles of rural people while critiquing the indifference of urban society toward
their plight. The tone is both compassionate and subtly satirical.
1.Sympathetic: The poet empathizes with the plight of rural people and their struggle for survival.
2.Critical: Frost critiques the apathy and materialism of urban society toward the rural poor.
3.Satirical: The poem subtly mocks the insensitivity of modern society through its depiction of the passing city
dwellers.
Summary of Tones in the Poems:
1. Reflective: Used in "My Mother at SixtySix" and "Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers" to ponder deep emotions or social
realities.
2.Melancholic: Seen in "My Mother at SixtySix" to express sadness.
3. Philosophical and Contemplative: Found in "Keeping Quiet" for introspection and universal lessons.
4. Empowering and Optimistic: Highlighted in "Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers" and "A Thing of Beauty."
5. Sympathetic and Satirical: Evident in "A Roadside Stand" to evoke empathy and critiq