# Chapter Notes: Humour and Satire

This document provides a comprehensive analysis of the key concepts, vocabulary, and grammatical principles presented in the chapter "Humour and Satire," focusing on the essay on superstition.

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## Ways with Words

### A. Vocabulary Definitions

| Word | Meaning |
| :--- | :--- |
| **transcendental** | Relating to a spiritual or nonphysical realm. |
| **deplore** | To feel or express strong disapproval of something. |
| **absolve** | To set free from blame, guilt, or responsibility. |
| **juju** | A charm or fetish believed to have magical powers, used in West Africa. |
| **crude** | In a natural or raw state; not yet processed or refined. |
| **chronicle** | A factual written account of important or historical events in order of their occurrence. |

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### B. Vocabulary in Context

* **condemn**: The international community was quick to **condemn** the unprovoked act of aggression.
* **terror**: A sudden wave of **terror** washed over him as he realized he was lost.
* **unbidden**: Memories of his childhood came to him **unbidden**.
* **persist**: If the symptoms **persist**, it is advisable to see a doctor.
* **devout**: She was a **devout** follower of her faith, attending services every week.
* **banish**: He sought to **banish** all negative thoughts from his mind.
* **creed**: The organization welcomes people of every race, color, and **creed**.
* **hasten**: The development of a vaccine will **hasten** the end of the pandemic.
* **sober**: After the initial excitement, the team had a **sober** discussion about the challenges ahead.
* **scorn**: The artist felt nothing but **scorn** for the critics who misunderstood her work.
* **yearning**: He felt a deep **yearning** for the mountains of his homeland.
* **aloof**: Despite his fame, the actor remained **aloof** and private.
* **swarthy**: The sailor had a **swarthy** complexion after years spent at sea.
* **humbler**: After his defeat, he adopted a much **humbler** attitude.

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### C. Word Origins (Etymology)

* **Minatory**: From Latin *minatorius*, meaning "threatening."
  * *Sentence*: The bully's **minatory** glare was intended to intimidate the other students.
* **Placate**: From Latin *placatus*, meaning "to appease" or "soothe."
  * *Sentence*: The manager tried to **placate** the angry customer with an offer of a full refund.
* **Cajole**: From French *cajoler*, meaning "to coax" or "flatter."
  * *Sentence*: He managed to **cajole** his friend into helping him with the difficult task.
* **Antedate**: From Latin *ante* ("before") + *dare* ("to date").
  * *Sentence*: The Roman ruins **antedate** the medieval castle by several centuries.
* **Proliferate**: From Latin *proles* ("offspring") + *ferre* ("to bear").
  * *Sentence*: After the rains, wildflowers began to **proliferate** across the hills.
* **Philter**: From Greek *philtron*, related to *philein* ("to love").
  * *Sentence*: In the ancient myth, the hero unknowingly drinks a magic **philter** and falls in love.

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### D. The Prefix ‘super-’

The prefix **‘super-’** generally means "above," "beyond," "over," or "greater than."

| Word with Prefix | Meaning of Word | Meaning without Prefix |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **Superimpose** | To lay one thing over another. | **Impose**: To force something to be accepted. |
| **Superman** | A man with abilities beyond those of normal humans. | **Man**: An adult male human. |
| **Supernatural** | Beyond the ordinary forces of nature. | **Natural**: Existing in or caused by nature. |
| **Supernumerary** | Exceeding the standard number; extra. | **Numerary**: Relating to a number. |
| **Superstar** | An extremely famous and successful performer. | **Star**: A famous performer. |

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## Comprehension

### Answer the Following Questions

**a. According to the author, what are the four types of superstition?**
According to the author, the four classical divisions of superstition are: **Vain Observances**, **Divination**, **Idolatry**, and **Improper Worship of the True God**.

**b. Which language is the word 'superstition' derived from? What does it mean?**
The word 'superstition' is derived from the Latin word *superstes* (via *superstitio*), which originally meant "one who stands over" or "a survivor." In a religious context, it came to mean one who has an excessive or irrational fear of the divine, essentially "to stand in terror of the Deity."

**c. How do psychologists understand superstition?**
Psychologists often understand superstition as a form of compulsive behavior linked to the human desire to find patterns and exert control over uncertain situations. It can be seen as a coping mechanism that, once established, persists even when rationally understood to be ineffective, similar to a neurosis.

**d. How does superstition differ from religion?**
While both involve belief systems, religion is typically a structured and communal framework of faith, worship, and ethics centered on a deity or deities. Superstition, in contrast, generally consists of isolated beliefs in specific cause-and-effect rituals or omens that are not necessarily part of a broader, coherent theological system.

**e. What is the belief of some people in Middle Europe about sneezing?**
Some people in Middle Europe believe that when a person sneezes, their soul momentarily leaves their body. To protect the soul from being captured by evil spirits during this vulnerable moment, they hasten to say a blessing.

**f. In the author’s view, why are people so fascinated by superstition?**
In the author's view, people are fascinated by superstition because it stems from a deep-seated and universal human desire to know one's fate and to have some influence over it.

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## Critical Thinking

### a. What is the key takeaway of this essay? Do you think that this essay is satirical?

The key takeaway of this essay is the universality and persistence of superstition. The author argues that superstitious beliefs are not confined to the uneducated or to ancient history; rather, they are deeply embedded in the human psyche and manifest in people from all walks of life, regardless of their rationality or level of education. The essay posits that these beliefs arise from a fundamental human need to control uncertainty and understand one's destiny.

The essay is profoundly satirical. The author employs satire to critique human irrationality by juxtaposing modern, educated individuals with ancient, "crude" superstitions. He does this by:
* Citing examples of highly educated people, such as university professors, who resort to superstitious practices like consulting the *I Ching*.
* Describing the "civilized" ritual of throwing salt over one's shoulder.
* Pointing out the presence of lucky charms on the desks of examination candidates.
Through these examples, he humorously exposes the contradiction between our supposed rationality and our persistent, illogical behaviors, suggesting that we are not as far removed from our "primitive" ancestors as we might like to think.

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### b. Can education bring change in the belief of superstition?

Education can undoubtedly bring significant change in superstitious beliefs, but it is unlikely to eradicate them completely. Its primary power lies in its ability to foster critical thinking and provide scientific explanations for natural phenomena, thereby demystifying what was once unknown.

Education directly challenges the foundation of many superstitions. For example, an understanding of biology and medicine makes a person more likely to seek treatment from a doctor for an illness rather than from a faith healer attempting to cast out demons. Knowledge of meteorology explains weather patterns, removing the need to attribute storms to angry gods. By replacing fear of the unknown with rational understanding, education diminishes the power of superstition.

However, education has its limits. Superstition is not solely a product of ignorance; it is also rooted in deep-seated psychological needs for control, comfort, and hope in the face of uncertainty. This is why even highly educated individuals may carry a lucky charm into an exam or avoid walking under a ladder. These actions are often not born of a genuine belief in their efficacy but from a "just in case" mentality that provides a small, comforting illusion of control. As long as humans face uncertainty and desire a hand in deciding their fate, some form of superstition is likely to persist, regardless of education levels.

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## Writing

### a. Essay: Superstitions in My Community

Superstitions, the age-old beliefs passed down through generations, remain a vibrant and influential part of the cultural fabric of my community in Nepal. Despite advancements in science and education, these practices continue to shape daily actions and decisions, reflecting a deep connection to tradition and a desire to navigate the uncertainties of life. They are as old as the mountains themselves, woven into the very rhythm of our lives.

One of the most common superstitions involves the cawing of a crow. If a crow caws from the roof of a house, it is widely believed to be an omen signaling the imminent arrival of a guest. Similarly, an itchy palm is interpreted based on gender; for a man, an itchy right palm predicts financial gain, while for a woman, the same is true for the left. These beliefs, while seemingly trivial, often bring a sense of anticipation or hope to an ordinary day.

Other superstitions serve as cautionary tales. A black cat crossing one's path is considered a sign of bad luck, often causing people to pause and wait for someone else to pass first, thereby transferring the misfortune. The twitching of an eye is another powerful omen, with the right eye signifying good news and the left foretelling something unfortunate. These beliefs, born from a pre-scientific era, provided a framework for understanding a world that often seemed random and uncontrollable.

While modern education encourages a scientific and rational mindset, these superstitions persist not necessarily because of a lack of knowledge, but because they are part of our cultural identity. They are the stories our grandparents told us, the rituals that connect us to our past, and the small, harmless ways we try to impose order on a chaotic world.

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### b. "Superstition is prevalent in every walk of life."

The assertion that superstition is prevalent in every walk of life is not only true but also a profound observation of the human condition. From the most isolated rural communities to the most technologically advanced urban centers, superstitious beliefs and practices persist, defying logic, education, and modernity. This universality suggests that superstition is not merely a product of ignorance but is deeply rooted in human psychology.

The roots of superstition often lie in our innate desire to find patterns and create cause-and-effect narratives, especially in situations where we feel a lack of control. An ancient farmer might have performed a ritual to ensure a good harvest, attributing a successful crop to the ritual rather than favorable weather. A modern-day athlete might wear the same pair of "lucky" socks for every game, linking a past victory to an article of clothing. A high-stakes investor might refuse to make a trade on a day that has previously brought bad luck. In each case, the individual is attempting to impose order and influence outcomes in an unpredictable environment.

These beliefs transcend cultural and educational boundaries. The Western aversion to the number 13 is just as irrational as the Nepali belief that a black cat crossing one's path is a bad omen. A university student placing a lucky charm on their exam desk is engaging in the same fundamental behavior as a villager consulting an astrologer before a major life event. Despite scientific progress, the fundamental uncertainties of life—success, failure, health, and fortune—remain. As long as these uncertainties exist, humanity will continue to reach for superstitions as a comforting, albeit illogical, tool to navigate the unknown.

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## Grammar: Present Simple vs. Present Continuous

### B. Put the Verb into the Correct Form

a. Nisha **speaks** English very well.
b. Hurry up! We **are waiting** for you.
c. Excuse me! **Do you speak** English?
d. She **is having** a shower in the bathroom.
e. How often **do you read** a newspaper?
f. I'm sorry, I **don't understand**. Can you speak more slowly?
g. You can turn off the radio. I **am not listening** to it.
h. I usually **get up** at 5 o'clock every morning.
i. Look! The river **is flowing** very fast.
j. Amrita **does not seem** very happy at the moment.

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### C. Correct the Underlined Verbs

a. *Correct*: Water boils at 100° C.
b. *Incorrect*: The water boils. Can you turn it off?
   * *Correct*: The water **is boiling**. Can you turn it off?
c. *Incorrect*: I must go now. It gets late.
   * *Correct*: I must go now. It **is getting** late.
d. *Incorrect*: This sauce's tasting really good.
   * *Correct*: This sauce **tastes** really good.
e. *Incorrect*: I’m thinking this is your key.
   * *Correct*: I **think** this is your key.
f. *Incorrect*: Are you believing in God?
   * *Correct*: **Do you believe** in God?
g. *Correct*: I usually go to school on foot.
h. *Incorrect*: Look! That man tries to open the door of her car.
   * *Correct*: Look! That man **is trying** to open the door of her car.
i. *Incorrect*: The moon is going round the earth.
   * *Correct*: The moon **goes** round the earth.
j. *Correct*: I'm getting hungry. Let's go and eat.