Smt. Leena V, HST English at GHSS Kodungallur, shares with us the possible discourses based on the lesson 'Debts of Gratitude' from the first chapter of the English reader for standard IX. The EduKsd blog team extends its heartfelt gratitude for her sincere effort.
1 . CHARACTER SKETCH OF SELMA’S FATHER
Selma Lagerlof’s father is a supportive and encouraging figure in her life. He has a vivid imagination and an excellent ability for storytelling, which captivated and inspired Selma from a young age. His narratives are not just entertaining but also filled with moral lessons and a sense of wonder. His stories and the way he narrates them left a lasting impression on her and ignited her own passion for storytelling. Her father is described as an optimistic and cheerful person.He is an old man who lives close to nature. His positive outlook on life shaped her thoughts. He is very humorous and relaxed person as we see in Debts of gratitude.
He is portrayed as a warm and loving father, whose affection and care provided Selma with emotional security. He is a good reader of books and has also instilled this hobby in Selma too .As as father he is indeed great as he could succeed in teaching her the value of gratitude . This support from her father was a crucial element in her journey, which she gratefully acknowledges in her speech.
2. NEWS PAPER REPORT ABOUT SELMA LAGERLOF WINNING NOBEL PRIZE
Swedish story teller bags Nobel prize
By Anna John, Senior Correspondent
Stockholm, Sweden – December 10, 1909 :In a historic moment, Swedish author Selma Lagerlöf has become the first woman to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. The announcement, made today in Stockholm, marks a significant milestone in the literary world, celebrating Lagerlöf's remarkable contributions to literature. The award ceremony, held at the Royal Swedish Academy, was attended by dignitaries, literary figures, and admirers from around the world.
Lagerlöf has long captivated readers with her enchanting storytelling and profound exploration of human nature. Her Nobel Prize win is seen as a symbol of hope and inspiration for future generations of writers.. In her acceptance speech she humbly reflected on her journey as a writer.She also expressed her heartfelt gratitude to her readers who have always supported her. Selma Lagerlof has dedicated her award to all the women in the world who aspire to leave their mark in the field of literature
3.Diary entry of Selma on the day she received Nobel prize
An unforgettable day .So lucky to receive the prestigious Nobel prize ! The announcement of my name and the loud applause still echo in my ears. I feel gratitude to my readers who support me ...to all my dear friends and relatives who filled stories in me and stirred my imagination. But oh my father.. miss you a lot. You will be smiling proudly in heaven listening to my achievement,I am sure. Who could mould me as a storyteller other than you dear dad?Wish you were alive. I am thankful to the Academy who believed in me and recognised my stories .How could I repay the debts...
I know ,this award has made me more responsible to my readers .Definitely I shall try my best to better myself ,to update and to come out with something new. This prize, is not just for me. It is for all the women in the world who await with bags full of excellent stories.
4. SPEECH BY SELMA
Members of the esteemed Swedish Academy, Your Majesties, honoured guests,
Today, I received news that left me utterly speechless and overwhelmed with emotion. I, Selma Lagerlöf, have been awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. It is a moment I never imagined would come to pass in my lifetime. This prize, then, is not just for me. It belongs to the generations of storytellers who came before me. They are the real heroes who have instilled a love for stories in me .
Today I am filled with gratitude for those who have supported and believed in me along the way. To my dear friends and relatives whose countless stories filled my childhood with happiness, and to my loyal readers who have embraced my stories with such warmth and affection. I owe you my deepest thanks. Words are not enough to pay the debts of gratitude to my father who moulded me as a story teller. His words and values will always remain my greatest strength .Above all I thank the Academy who trusted me and my abilities.Yet, amid the joy of this moment, there is also a sense of responsibility,a responsibility to continue writing with integrity and purpose and to inspire future generations of storytellers. Tomorrow, when the sun rises, I will begin a new chapter in my life as a Nobel laureate. .May god almighty gently touch my imagination with his love and
awake the sweet stories lay hidden.
Thank you
5.PREPARE 10 QUESTIONS TO INTERVIEW SELMA
- How did your childhood experiences shape your writing?
- What sparked your imagination to come out with stories ?
- Winning the Nobel Prize in Literature must have been a life-changing experience. How did it influence your writing career?
- What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
- Looking back at your career, is there a story you're most proud of, or one that holds a special place in your heart?
- How do you describe your father’s role in your life as a story teller?
- How can stories change the society ?
- Who do you feel gratitude to? Why?
- Suppose your father is alive,What will be his reaction to your winning Nobel prize ?
- What do you feel now as a Nobel Laureate?
6.Thoughts of Selma about her imaginary meeting with father in heaven
Yesterday I had a dream ,met my father in heaven.. oh how happy we were. As usual he was reading .When I told him that I was in debt he became happy. The same old ,relaxed and cool man .Who could instil values ,culture and feeling of gratitude in me other than him?He was laughing when I told him about my debts. He received the news of my winning the Nobel Prize with pride! Wish you were alive to see the greatest moment in my life. I still remember the countless stories that he used to tell me in my childhood. His narratives are not just entertaining but also filled with moral lessons and a sense of wonder.It is because of you,father that I became a passionate storyteller.Your love ,care motivation and guidance have made me what I am .How can I repay the debt that I owe you? I think I can’t. Your positive outlook and optimism can be seen in my stories as well .I feel great having you in my life.
7. ANNOUNCEMENT
TO INTRODUCE THE NOBEL PRIZE WINNER
Ladies and gentlemen,
This evening, we celebrate the power of literature to fill our hearts with immense joy. We gather tonight to honour a writer whose stories have captivated readers across the globe,transporting our minds to a magical world of imagination. It is with immense pride that I introduce the laureate of the 1909 Nobel Prize in Literature: Selma Lagerlöf ,the very first woman to receive this prestigious award A pioneer in her field, Ms. Lagerlöf has drawn inspiration from the rich Swedish folklore . Her stories ,as you all know,are a mixture of realism and fantastical elements.Her characters come alive on the page, their struggles and emotions mirroring our own.Let us extend a thunderous applause to our esteemed guest.Ms. Lagerlöf, please join us on stage.
8 Prepare an imaginary conversation between Selma Lagerlof and her father in heaven.
Father: Oh What a pleasant surprise,Its you my dear daughter.
Selma: I am so happy to see you again dad.
Father:What brought you here ? Any problem?
Selma:Oh no,I just came here to seek an advice. I am badly in debt.
Father:I am in heaven and I have nothing to help you to repay the debts.
Selma: I do not owe money to anybody . I am indebted to you for all the wonderful stories
Father: Oh ,then I am happy to hear about your debts.
Selma: Dear dad ,I am indebted to my friends ,my readers ,Nature ..above all the Academy for trusting my ability and giving me the Nobel prize
Father: Really ? I feel proud of my daughter who is getting the award.
Selma: I will definitely repay the debts by making my stories more perfect and creative
Father: you are great ,dear.
9.Selma’s letter to her friend expressing her gratitude
Dear Esselde,
It’s been long since we met. I still remember our last meeting at your house. How happily we spent those days! Words seem to fail me when I try to express the depth of my gratitude for your unwavering support. Your belief in me has been a constant source of strength on this extraordinary journey.
Now I am a Nobel laureate and it has left me breathless with a mixture of surprise and pride. To think, a simple storyteller finds herself recognized on such a grand stage! But through it all, your voice echoes in my heart, reminding me of the dreams we shared long ago. your encouraging words have always filled my spirit with confidence to go on. You tried to open doors for me when no one dared to believe in me.Yesterday when I proudly received the Nobel prize ,I remembered you reading my stories and praising my style of writing. Whenever I found obstacles in my career you were there to hold my hand. How can I repay the debts dear? This award belongs to us both. Hope to see you soon. I wish we can share the happiness together at my home .
With a heart overflowing with gratitude
Yours lovingly
Selma
Prepared by Leena V ,HST ENGLISH PBM Ghss Kodungallur,Thrissur
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