It was an October afternoon; the sun was just sinking. Out in the still fields the negroes were picking cotton.
Desiree had not changed the thin white garment nor the slippers which she wore. Her hair was uncovered and the sun's rays brought a golden gleam from its brown meshes. She did not take the broad, beaten road which led to the far-off plantation of Valmondé. She walked across a deserted field, where the stubble bruised her tender feet, so delicately shod, and tore her thin gown to shreds.
She disappeared among the reeds and willows that grew thick along the banks of the deep, sluggish stream; and she did not come back again.
Some weeks later there was a curious scene enacted at L'Abri. In the centre of the smoothly swept back yard was a great bonfire. Armand Aubigny sat in the wide hallway that commanded a view of the spectacle; and it was he who dealt out to a half dozen negroes the material which kept this fire ablaze.
A graceful cradle of willow, with all its dainty furbishings, was laid upon the pyre, which had already been fed with the richness of a priceless layette. Then there were silk gowns, and velvet and satin ones added to these; laces, too, and embroideries; bonnets and gloves; for the basket of flowers had been of rare quality.
Question 1: What is the setting described at the beginning of the passage?
Answer: The setting is an October afternoon in the countryside, where the sun is sinking, and negroes are picking cotton in the still fields.
Question 2: How does the description of Désirée's appearance contrast with her surroundings?
Answer: Désirée is described as wearing a thin white garment and slippers, with her uncovered hair gleaming golden in the sun's rays. This contrasts with the deserted, stubble-filled field she walks through, highlighting her delicate appearance against the harsh environment.
Question 3: Where does Désirée go after walking through the deserted field?
Answer: Désirée disappears among the reeds and willows that grow thick along the banks of the deep, sluggish stream.
Question 4: Describe the scene enacted at L'Abri some weeks later?
Answer: Some weeks later, there is a curious scene at L'Abri where a great bonfire is set up in the smoothly swept back yard. Armand Aubigny sits in the wide hallway overseeing the spectacle, while several negroes are dealt material to keep the fire ablaze.
Question 5: What is placed upon the pyre during the scene at L'Abri?
Answer: A graceful cradle of willow, along with its dainty furbishings, is placed upon the pyre, followed by silk gowns, velvet and satin ones, laces, embroideries, bonnets, and gloves, all of rare quality.
Question 6: What does the bonfire and the items placed upon it symbolize?
Answer: The bonfire and the items, including the cradle and luxurious garments, symbolize the destruction of Désirée's and Armand's relationship and the rejection of their child, embodying the tragic consequences of Armand's rejection of Désirée and her perceived racial identity.
Class Sessions
1- Lesson 01: The Exemplary Model: Following the Footsteps of Hazrat Muhammad ﷺ
2- Lesson 02: Active Engagement and Modesty: Lessons from the Youth of Hazrat Muhammad ﷺ
3- Lesson 03: Obedience and Acquaintance: The Mandate of Seerat-e-Tayyaba for Muslim Youth
4- Lesson 01: Framing the Future: Quaid-e-Azam's Vision for Pakistan's Constitution
5- Lesson 02: Confronting Challenges: Addressing Corruption and Ensuring Unity
6- Lesson 03: Guiding Principles: Justice, Impartiality and the Future of Pakistan
7- Lesson 01: Solitude and Strength: The Highland Lass in "The Solitary Reaper"
8- Lesson 02: Melancholy and Music: Themes Explored in the Highland Lass's Song
9- Lesson 03: Nostalgia and Nature: The Symbolism of the Cuckoo-bird's Song
10- Lesson 04: Reflections on Sorrow and Song: Interpreting the Maiden's Melody
11- Lesson 05: Eternal Echoes: The Enduring Impact of Art and Memory
12- Lesson 06: William Wordsworth: Poet of Nature and Emotion
13- Lesson 01: The Cultural Significance of Truck Art in Pakistan
14- Lesson 02: The Artisans Behind Pakistan's Truck-Painting Industry
15- Lesson 03: Regional Styles and Symbolism in Pakistani Truck Art
16- Lesson 04: Evolution of Truck Decoration: From Tradition to Modernity
17- Lesson 05: The Legacy and Mastery of Truck Art in Pakistan
18- Lesson 06: Rachel Redford: Expertise in English Language Teaching and Literature
19- Lesson 01: Exploring Greenwich Village: The Layout and Significance of the Setting
20- Lesson 02: Understanding Johnsy's Condition: A Doctor's Diagnosis and Sue's Concern
21- Lesson 03: The Doctor's Prescription: Motivation and Care in Recovery
22- Lesson 04: Counting Backwards: Johnsy's Obsession and Sue's Response
23- Lesson 05: The Last Leaf: Symbolism and Hope in O. Henry's Story
24- Lesson 06: Old Behrman: A Portrait of Persistence and Sacrifice
25- Lesson 07: Sue's Sacrifice: Painting, Friendship and Hope Summary
26- Lesson 08: The Last Leaf's Resilience: Suspense and Symbolism
27- Lesson 09: Johnsy's Epiphany: Reflections on Life and Death
28- Lesson 10: Behrman's Legacy: A Masterpiece of Sacrifice
29- Lesson 11: O. Henry: A Biography of the Author
30- Lesson 01: Maintaining Composure and Integrity in Adversity
31- Lesson 02: Handling Triumph and Disaster with Equanimity
32- Lesson 03: Embracing Risk and Perseverance in the Face of Loss
33- Lesson 04: Navigating Relationships with Integrity and Balance
34- Lesson 05: Seizing Opportunities and Valuing Time
35- Lesson 01: Introduction to Hubble and Telescopic Observations
36- Lesson 02: Hubble's Orbit and Observational Capabilities
37- Lesson 03: Hubble's Contributions to Astronomy and Understanding the Universe
38- Lesson 04: Exploring Stars and Galaxies with Hubble
39- Lesson 05: Galaxy Classification and Galactic Evolution
40- Lesson 06: Interactions and Fate of Galaxies
41- Lesson 07: Hubble's Role in Exoplanet Discovery and Atmospheric Analysis
42- Lesson 08: Future Prospects and Technologies in Exoplanet Research
43- Lesson 01: The Consequences of Ignominy and Vengeance
44- Lesson 02: Strategic Positioning and Initial Triumphs
45- Lesson 03: The Peril of Disobedience and Tactical Mistakes
46- Lesson 04: Sacrifice, Defense and the Price of Negligence
47- Lesson 01: Parental Discipline and Its Consequences
48- Lesson 02: Coping with Loss and Absence
49- Lesson 03: Compassion and Comfort in Grief
50- Lesson 04: Nostalgia and Sentimentality in Objects
51- Lesson 05: Emotional Solace and Prayer
52- Lesson 06: Reflections on Mortality and Understanding
53- Lesson 07: Divine Compassion and Understanding
54- Lesson 01: Understanding Gender Inequality and its Societal Impact
55- Lesson 02: Gender Inequality in Education and Economic Participation
56- Lesson 03: Gender-Based Violence and Healthcare Disparities
57- Lesson 04: Gender Discrimination in Political and Institutional Representation
58- Lesson 05: Islam's Perspective on Gender Equality and Women's Rights
59- Lesson 01: Early Life and Rise to Prominence of Jahangir Khan
60- Lesson 02: Achievements and Dominance in Squash
61- Lesson 03: Fitness Regimen and Transition from Player to Administrator
62- Lesson 04: Recognition and Legacy of Jahangir Khan
63- Lesson 01: Introduction to "All the World's a Stage"
64- Lesson 02: Analysis of the Lover and the Soldier Stages
65- Lesson 03: Exploration of the Justice and the Pantaloon Stages
66- Lesson 04: Understanding the Final Stage of "Second Childishness"
67- Lesson 01: The Importance of Technical Education for Economic Growth
68- Lesson 02: Challenges and Opportunities in Pakistan's Technical Education System
69- Lesson 03: Historical Perspectives and Policy Recommendations for Technical Education
70- Lesson 04: Addressing Challenges in Training Infrastructure and Industry Relevance
71- Lesson 05: Strategies for Improving Access and Quality in Vocational Education
72- Lesson 01: Navigating Lingkuan Gorge in Snowy Conditions
73- Lesson 02: Encountering Cheng-Yu in the Cliff-Side Cave
74- Lesson 03: Insights into Life on Construction Sites
75- Lesson 04: Learning About Cheng-Yu's Family and His Father's Work
76- Lesson 05: Understanding Responsibility and Duty from Cheng-Yu
77- Lesson 06: Reflecting on Family Bonds and Commitments
78- Lesson 07: Exploring the Life and Career of Tu Peng-cheng
79- Lesson 01: Reflecting on Changes in Laughter and Emotion
80- Lesson 02: Examining the Loss of Genuine Gesture in Human Interaction
81- Lesson 03: Understanding the Ephemeral Nature of Acceptance
82- Lesson 04: Exploring the Masks We Wear in Society
83- Lesson 05: Analyzing the Dissonance Between Words and Feelings
84- Lesson 06: Longing for Authenticity and Emotional Expression
85- Lesson 07: Nostalgia for Lost Laughter and Innocence
86- Lesson 08: Gabriel Okara: A Voice of Cultural Concern and Originality
87- Lesson 01: Introduction to Pakistan's Tourist Attractions
88- Lesson 02: Recognizing Pakistan's Tourism Accolades
89- Lesson 03: Exploring Pakistan's Geographic Diversity and Natural Wonders
90- Lesson 04: Discovering Cultural and Natural Marvels of Northern Pakistan
91- Lesson 05: Unveiling Hidden Gems of Pakistan's Scenic Landscapes
92- Lesson 06: Journeying Through Balochistan's Natural Treasures
93- Lesson 07: Embracing Pakistan's Religious and Spiritual Heritage
94- Lesson 08: Understanding Pakistan's Significance for Sikh Pilgrimages and Sufi Traditions
95- Lesson 01: Madame Valmondé's Visit
96- Lesson 02: Arrival at L'Abri
97- Lesson 03: Conversations at L'Abri
98- Lesson 04: Changes in Armand Aubigny
99- Lesson 05: Désirée's Growing Concerns
100- Lesson 06: Désirée Confronts Armand
101- Lesson 07: Désirée's Departure
102- Lesson 08: The Symbolic Bonfire at L'Abri
103- Lesson 09: Armand's Discovery
104- Lesson 10: About Kate Chopin
105- Lesson 01: Sweet Auburn: The Idyllic Village
106- Lesson 02: Bowers of Innocence and Ease
107- Lesson 03: Reflecting on Rural Life
108- Lesson 04: Transition from Toil to Play
109- Lesson 05: Leisure Activities in the Shade
110- Lesson 06: Succeeding Sports and Mirthful Bands
111- Lesson 07: Charms of Village Interactions
112- Lesson 08: The Fading Charms of Sweet Auburn
113- Lesson 09: The Significance of a Bold Peasantry
114- Lesson 10: Oliver Goldsmith: Life and Works
115- Lesson 01: Stranded: Ralph and Piggy's Encounter
116- Lesson 02: Introductions and Urgencies
117- Lesson 03: Discoveries: The Conch Shell and First Encounters
118- Lesson 04: Leadership Struggles: Jack's Ambition
119- Lesson 05: The Chief is Chosen: Ralph's Leadership
120- Lesson 06: Island Exploration: Claiming Ownership
121- Lesson 01: Leadership and Organization
122- Lesson 02: Addressing Fears and Concerns
123- Lesson 03: Fire and Rescue Planning
124- Lesson 04: Rules and Responsibilities
125- Lesson 01: Understanding Divergent Perspectives
126- Lesson 01: Adaptation to Island Life
127- Lesson 02: Leadership and Responsibility
128- Lesson 03: Conflict and Violence
129- Lesson 04: Reflection and Decision-Making
130- Lesson 01: Leadership Responsibilities
131- Lesson 02: Asserting Authority
132- Lesson 03: Fear and Uncertainty
133- Lesson 04: Handling Dissent and Chaos
134- Lesson 05: Power Dynamics and Rivalry
135- Lesson 06: Fear and Hatred
136- Lesson 01: Confronting the Unknown
137- Lesson 02: Divergent Responses to Danger
138- Lesson 03: Leadership and Authority
139- Lesson 04: Decision-Making Under Pressure
140- Lesson 05: Unity in the Face of Adversity
141- Lesson 01: Navigating the Unknown
142- Lesson 02: Leadership Amidst Doubt
143- Lesson 03: Courage in the Face of the Unknown
144- Lesson 04: Consequences of Exploration
145- Lesson 01: Uncertainty and Doubt
146- Lesson 02: Leadership and Power Struggles
147- Lesson 03: The Consequences of Abandonment
148- Lesson 04: Rationality vs. Instinct
149- Lesson 05: The Spiral into Savagery
150- Lesson 06: Temptations and Consequences
151- Lesson 07: The Clash of Civilization and Savagery
152- Lesson 01: The Discovery of Truth
153- Lesson 02: Power Struggles and Authority
154- Lesson 03: The Descent into Savagery
155- Lesson 04: Consequences of Fear and Violence
156- Lesson 01: Coping with Trauma
157- Lesson 02: Descent into Chaos
158- Lesson 01: Desperate Measures
159- Lesson 02: Confronting Authority
160- Lesson 03: Power Struggles
161- Lesson 04: The Final Confrontation Begins
162- Lesson 05: Tragic Loss
163- Lesson 06: The Collapse of Civilization
164- Lesson 01: Ralph's Struggle and Reflection
165- Lesson 02: Samneric's Loyalty and Betrayal
166- Lesson 03: Warning and Escape Plans
167- Lesson 04: Pursuit and Confrontation
168- Lesson 05: Encounter with Authority and Emotional Release
169- Lesson 06: Consequences and Reflections
170- Lesson 01: Essay On Rural vs Urban Life
171- Lesson 02: Essay On Women Empowerment
172- Lesson 03: Essay On Terrorism and its Impacts on Society
173- Lesson 04: Essay On Environmental Pollution and its Effects
174- Lesson 05: Essay On The Importance of Education
175- Lesson 06: Essay On Health is Wealth
176- Lesson 07: Essay On The Concept of Democracy in Pakistan
177- Lesson 08: Essay On Youth and Social Media
178- Lesson 09: Essay On Water Crisis in Pakistan
179- Lesson 10: Essay On Role of Media in Society
180- Lesson 01: Finding And Correcting Errors
181- Lesson 02: Finding And Correcting Errors
182- Lesson 03: Finding And Correcting Errors
183- Lesson 04: Finding And Correcting Errors
184- Lesson 05: Finding And Correcting Errors
185- Lesson 06: Finding And Correcting Errors
186- Lesson 07: Finding And Correcting Errors
187- Lesson 08: Finding And Correcting Errors
188- Lesson 09: Finding And Correcting Errors
189- Lesson 10: Finding And Correcting Errors
190- Lesson 01: Idiomatic Expressions
191- Lesson 02: Idiomatic Expressions
192- Lesson 03: Idiomatic Expressions
193- Lesson 04: Idiomatic Expressions
194- Lesson 05: Idiomatic Expressions
195- Lesson 06: Idiomatic Expressions
196- Lesson 07: Idiomatic Expressions
197- Lesson 08: Idiomatic Expressions
198- Lesson 09: Idiomatic Expressions
199- Lesson 10: Idiomatic Expressions
200- Lesson 01: Indirect and Direct Form
201- Lesson 02: Indirect and Direct Form
202- Lesson 03: Indirect and Direct Form
203- Lesson 04: Indirect and Direct Form
204- Lesson 05: Indirect and Direct Form
205- Lesson 06: Indirect and Direct Form
206- Lesson 07: Indirect And Direct Form
207- Lesson 08: Indirect and Direct Form
208- Lesson 09: Indirect and Direct Form
209- Lesson 10: Indirect and Direct Form
210- Lesson 01: Report on the Impact of Technology on Youth Mental Health
211- Lesson 02: Report on the Significance of Regular Physical Exercise
212- Lesson 03: Report on the Impact of Academic Pressure on student’s Mental Health
213- Lesson 04: Report on the Impact of Family Conflict
214- Lesson 05: Report on the Impact of Extracurricular Activities
215- Lesson 06: Report on the Impact of Sleep Hygiene
216- Lesson 07: Report on the Impact of Cyberbullying
217- Lesson 08: Report on the Impact of Social Isolation
218- Lesson 09: Report on the Impact of Climate Change
219- Lesson 10: Report on the Impact of Inclusive Education
220- Lesson 01: Change into Future Tense
221- Lesson 02: Change into Future Tense
222- Lesson 03: Change into Future Tense
223- Lesson 04: Change into Future Tense
224- Lesson 05: Change into Future Tense
225- Lesson 06: Change into Future Tense
226- Lesson 07: Change into Future Tense
227- Lesson 08: Change into Future Tense
228- Lesson 09: Change into Future Tense
229- Lesson 10: Change into Future Tense