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"Snapshots" is a chapter from the NCERT English textbook for Class 11, consisting of various short stories, one of which is titled "The Address" by Marga Minco. This particular story is a poignant narrative about loss, displacement, and memories in the aftermath of war.
In "The Address," the protagonist, a young girl, returns to a post-war world in search of her mother’s belongings, which were entrusted to an acquaintance, Mrs. Dorling, during the war for safekeeping. The story unfolds as the girl revisits her mother’s memories and possessions. Upon arriving at Mrs. Dorling’s house, she is treated coldly and denied entry. Eventually, she gets a glimpse of her mother’s belongings, but they seem unfamiliar in this new, foreign setting.
The story explores themes of memory, loss, materialism, and emotional detachment. The girl realizes that the material possessions, once so significant, now feel out of place and meaningless in the absence of her mother and her old life. The once-familiar objects now hold no emotional connection for her.
This narrative reflects the deep impact of war on personal lives, family bonds, and human emotions, emphasizing how memories tied to personal belongings can become distorted with time and loss. It leaves readers with a sense of melancholy, as the protagonist comes to terms with the fact that moving on means letting go of both the past and its associated objects.
The Ghat of the Only World is an essay by Amitav Ghosh, written as a tribute to his friend, Agha Shahid Ali, a prominent Kashmiri-American poet. The essay reflects on Shahid’s life, his battle with terminal cancer, and his vibrant personality. Amitav Ghosh recounts their friendship, highlighting Shahid's love for Kashmir, poetry, and his deep sense of spirituality.
Through this piece, Ghosh celebrates Shahid’s life, his creative genius, and their shared moments of cultural and intellectual exchange. The essay also underscores themes of memory, loss, mortality, and the role of friendship in navigating these challenges.