This page offers Poets and Pancakes  long answer type question for Class 12  from the book Flamingo.  We’ve put together a bunch of long answer type question based on assumption, creativity, extrapolation and critical thinking. These types of questions are introduced after 2024 in CBSE Board. So, practice to understand Poets and Pancakes long answer type question

Poets and Pancakes Long Answer Type Question

1.Question: How does the author, Ashokamitran, present the realities of life at Gemini Studios? What does this reveal about the film industry, as shown in Poets and Pancakes? (120-150 words)

Answer: Ashokamitran presents life at Gemini Studios with humor and observation. He talks about the behind-the-scenes work, like the efforts of the make-up department. The work in the department was not glamorous. The actors had to endure heavy make-up under bright lights, which caused them discomfort, called “fiery misery.”

The story also shows how the studio had a hierarchy. People like Subbu had more power because of their loyalty to The Boss. Others, like the Office Boy, felt frustrated and unimportant. Ashokamitran’s own job of cutting newspapers seems small, but it was necessary for the studio.

This reveals that the film industry, despite its glamorous image, involves hard work and struggles, especially for those working behind the scenes.

2.Question: Why do you think the Office Boy felt that his talent was wasted at Gemini Studios? How does this relate to the theme of unrecognized talent, as depicted in Poets and Pancakes? (120-150 words)

Answer: The Office Boy felt his talent for writing and creativity was wasted because he was stuck doing a low-level job in the make-up department. He dreamed of being a writer or actor, but instead, he applied make-up to crowd players.

His frustration came from feeling that he deserved more, but no one saw his true abilities. This relates to the theme of unrecognized talent, as many people feel their skills are ignored. The Office Boy’s situation shows how people can become upset when they are not given a chance to show their talent.

It highlights the struggles of those who are not noticed for their skills and never get the chance to reach their full potential. The story makes us understand how talent can go unrecognized, leaving people stuck in roles that don’t reflect their abilities.

3.Question: How is the theme of hierarchy and status shown in Poets and Pancakes? Use examples from the text to support your answer. (120-150 words)

Answer: The theme of hierarchy and status is shown clearly in the make-up department and throughout the studio. For example, the chief make-up man worked on the top actors, while the Office Boy handled the crowd players.

This shows that even in a simple task like applying make-up, there was a strict division based on status. Subbu’s position is another example. He was always close to The Boss, which gave him more power, even though his official job was in the Story Department.

On the other hand, people like the Office Boy felt stuck in lower roles, with little chance for advancement. This shows how people’s roles and relationships determined how they were treated, highlighting the power structure in the studio. The story makes it clear that status played a big part in how people were valued and treated at Gemini Studios.

4.Question: Why do you think Subbu remained loyal to The Boss despite his own talents and success? How does loyalty play a role in his career, as discussed in the story Poets and Pancakes? (120-150 words)

Answer: Subbu remained loyal to The Boss because he understood the importance of their relationship for his success. Even though Subbu had talent, he knew that his connection with The Boss gave him security and influence at the studio.

His loyalty built trust, and The Boss gave him creative freedom because of their close bond. Subbu’s loyalty also shows that, in a workplace like Gemini Studios, personal relationships were just as important as professional skills. By staying loyal, Subbu was able to maintain his position in the studio, even when films weren’t successful.

His loyalty helped him stay stable and continue to work in a competitive environment where connections often mattered more than just talent. This explains how loyalty played a key role in Subbus career and success.

Also Read:

• Poets and Pancakes NCERT Solutions
• Hard Words : Poets and Pancakes
• What was Pancake and what was it used for?
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• Who was The Boss of Gemini Studios?
• Poets and Pancakes Summary Class 12 pdf
• Poets and Pancakes Short Answer Type Question

5.Question: What do you think is the significance of the diversity in the make-up department at Gemini Studios? How does this reflect the larger theme of cultural and social dynamics, as described in Poets and Pancakes? (120-150 words)

Answer: The diversity in the make-up department at Gemini Studios is significant because it reflects the cultural and social richness of India. The department had people from different regions like Bengal, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, showing how people from various backgrounds worked together.

This diversity highlights India’s cultural variety and how different traditions can blend in a modern workplace. It also symbolizes national integration, as the team worked in harmony despite their differences. The fact that such a varied group of people was responsible for the actors’ looks shows how the film industry brought together individuals from all over the country to contribute to a common goal.

This theme of unity in diversity is an important part of the chapter, showing how people from different cultures can work together effectively in a shared environment.

6.Question: How does Ashokamitran’s role as a silent observer shape the narrative of Poets and Pancakes? What effect does this have on the reader? (120-150 words)

Answer: Ashokamitran’s role as a silent observer allows him to notice the small details and personalities at Gemini Studios. He does not get involved in the studio’s politics or drama but instead watches from the sidelines.

This gives the narrative a humorous and thoughtful tone, as he observes the quirks of people around him, like Subbus loyalty or the Office Boy’s frustrations. His quiet presence makes him a trustworthy narrator, as he is not biased or caught up in conflicts.

By staying in the background, Ashokamitran provides the reader with a clearer view of life at the studio, showing aspects that might be hidden behind the glamour of the film industry. This creates a more honest and reflective narrative, allowing the reader to see the real, everyday challenges behind the scenes.

7.Question: Why do you think Subbus’ literary achievements were overshadowed by his success in films? How does this relate to the theme of success vs. failure, as discussed in Poets and Pancakes? (120-150 words)

Answer: Subbu’s success in films likely overshadowed his literary achievements because cinema reached a much larger audience than poetry. His work in films was more visible and widely recognized, while his poetry may have been appreciated by a smaller group.

This connects to the theme of success vs. failure, as Subbus’ success in films made it harder for people to appreciate his other talents, like poetry. It shows how success is often judged based on popularity rather than depth.

Subbus’ situation highlights the idea that success in one area can sometimes overshadow or limit recognition in another, especially when the fields are so different, like films and poetry. His experience demonstrates the challenge of being recognized for multiple talents, particularly when one is more publicly successful than the other.

Question: How do you think Ashokamitran felt about his job of cutting newspaper clippings? Why didn’t he complain, like the Office Boy did about his role, as mentioned in Poets and Pancakes? (120-150 words)

Answer: Ashokamitran likely felt his job was simple and unimportant to others, but he didn’t seem to mind. Unlike the Office Boy, who constantly complained about his wasted talent, Ashokamitran chose to quietly observe and learn from the environment around him.

He may have realized that complaining wouldn’t change his situation, so he focused on making the best of his position. Ashokamitran’s calm approach shows that he was more interested in understanding the bigger picture, while the Office Boy stayed stuck in his frustrations.

Ashokamitran didn’t seek recognition or complain, instead accepting his role and finding value in his work. This reflects his ability to stay focused and learn from the studio’s environment, while the Office Boy’s frustration prevented him from seeing the bigger picture.

This difference in attitude highlights how people can react differently to the same environment—some choose to adapt, while others focus on what’s wrong.

9.Question: Why do you think the talented actress’s temperamental behavior was not tolerated, even though she was good at her job? What does this tell us about the studio environment, as described in Poets and Pancakes? (120-150 words)

Answer: Even though the actress was talented, her temperamental behavior likely disrupted the work environment, making it hard for others to collaborate with her. In a studio like Gemini, where many people needed to work together smoothly, such behavior could cause tension and slow down production.

This shows that the studio valued teamwork and professionalism more than individual talent. No matter how skilled someone was, their ability to work well with others was just as important. The studio environment emphasized that success wasn’t just about talent, but also about maintaining a positive attitude and getting along with others.

This highlights how personal behavior can impact the overall success of a group in a professional setting, especially in a creative and collaborative workplace like a film studio.

10.Question: How does the author use humor to describe daily life at Gemini Studios? Give examples from the text to support your answer, as seen in Poets and Pancakes. (120-150 words)

Answer: The author, Ashokamitran, uses gentle humor to describe daily life at Gemini Studios. For example, he humorously describes how the make-up department turns decent-looking people into “hideous crimson-hued monsters” with heavy pancake make-up. This exaggeration is funny but also points out the excessive use of make-up.

Another example is the way the author describes the Office Boy’s frustration, turning his complaints into long, tiresome lectures. Ashokamitran’s dry humor comes from his keen observations of small, everyday moments in the studio, making the story light-hearted while still showing the struggles of the people working there.

The humor gives the reader a glimpse into the studio’s atmosphere, making the narrative both entertaining and insightful. It helps the reader connect with the characters and see the absurdities of the film industry.

11.Question: Why do you think Subbu chose to remain cheerful and positive, even after failures like flop films? How do you think his attitude affected his success in the film industry, as discussed in Poets and Pancakes? (120-150 words)

Answer: Subbu’s ability to stay cheerful, even after failures, shows that he understood setbacks are part of life, especially in the film industry. He likely saw failure as a chance to learn and improve, not as the end. His positive attitude could have made him more likable, helping him build strong relationships with The Boss and other important people. Subbu’s loyalty and adaptability also played a role in his success.

His cheerful nature may have inspired confidence in others, making them believe that success was still possible after setbacks. In the film industry, where not every movie is a hit, Subbu’s optimism helped him keep going.

His attitude allowed him to face failures without getting discouraged, showing how staying positive can open doors and lead to new opportunities, even when things don’t go as planned.

12.Question: How do you think the Office Boy’s frustration and bitterness affected his ability to succeed at Gemini Studios? How could he have approached his situation differently, as seen in Poets and Pancakes? (120-150 words)

Answer: The Office Boy’s frustration and bitterness likely held him back from exploring other opportunities. He focused too much on blaming others, especially Subbu, instead of finding ways to improve his situation.

This negative mindset stopped him from fully developing his writing talent. If he had focused on his own growth, he could have used his free time at the studio to work on his writing or build connections with others who could help him. Instead of being patient and open to learning, like Ashokamitran, he remained stuck in his disappointment.

Had he changed his attitude, he might have found success in a different way. His bitterness stopped him from seeing the bigger picture and adapting to his environment, ultimately limiting his chances to succeed at the studio.

13.Question: Why do you think Ashokamitran, unlike the Office Boy, chose to quietly observe the happenings at Gemini Studios without getting involved in the frustrations of others, as described in Poets and Pancakes? (120-150 words)

Answer: Ashokamitran likely realized that complaining about his job wouldn’t change his situation. Instead, he chose to quietly observe, which helped him learn about the people and the film industry. He understood that every experience, even small ones, could teach him something valuable. By staying neutral and not getting involved in the politics or frustrations of others, like the Office Boy, Ashokamitran maintained a calm and clear perspective.

His quiet observation also helped him notice details others might have missed. This patience and thoughtful approach to his work helped him grow as a person and writer.

Ashokamitran’s ability to stay calm and focused allowed him to understand the studio environment better, giving him a broader view of things. This, in turn, helped him develop a deeper understanding of the world around him.

14.Question: What do you think made Subbu more successful than others at Gemini Studios, even though many people, like the Office Boy, thought they were equally talented, as seen in Poets and Pancakes? (120-150 words)

Answer: Subbu’s success likely came from a mix of factors. One key reason was his loyalty and close relationship with The Boss. While others focused mainly on their talent, Subbu understood the value of building strong relationships and staying adaptable.

He didn’t rely only on his skills as a writer or director but was also willing to help others and take on different roles. Subbus’ ability to solve problems and come up with creative ideas made him valuable to the studio.

Unlike the Office Boy, who was bitter and frustrated, Subbu remained positive and cheerful. This made him more approachable and easier to work with. His willingness to work for the success of the studio, rather than just his own, set him apart from others, making him a key figure at Gemini Studios.

15.Question: Why do you think Ashokamitran felt that people judged his work as unimportant? How could this reflect a larger theme about unseen or unnoticed contributions in any organization, as discussed in Poets and Pancakes? (120-150 words)

Answer: Ashokamitran likely felt his work was judged as unimportant because it wasn’t directly visible in the filmmaking process. Tasks like tearing up newspapers and cutting clippings seemed small compared to the glamorous roles of actors and directors.

However, his role was still crucial to the studio’s functioning. This reflects a larger theme found in many organizations: unseen contributions are often overlooked, even though they are essential for overall success.

People tend to focus on what is most visible or glamorous, forgetting that every role, no matter how small, is important. Ashokamitran’s experience shows that just because work isn’t in the spotlight doesn’t mean it lacks value. Recognizing the importance of all roles, even the unseen ones, is vital in any successful organization.

16.Question: How does Subbus loyalty to The Boss reflect the value of dedication in one’s career? Do you think loyalty is still important in modern workplaces, as discussed in Poets and Pancakes? (120-150 words)

Answer: Subbu’s loyalty to The Boss shows the value of dedication and commitment in building a successful career. His loyalty earned him The Boss’s trust, which helped him get more opportunities in the film industry.

Subbu’s dedication went beyond just doing his job; he worked for the studio’s success and took on multiple roles to help it grow. In modern workplaces, loyalty is still important because it builds trust between employees and employers.

Loyal employees are more likely to be trusted with responsibility and given growth opportunities. However, modern workplaces also value innovation, flexibility, and personal success. While loyalty remains important, it needs to be balanced with the ability to grow, adapt, and take on new opportunities. Today, both loyalty and self-development are necessary for success in the workplace.

17.Question: How does the Office Boy’s frustration teach us about handling setbacks and personal dissatisfaction in life? What could he have done differently, as shown in Poets and Pancakes? (120-150 words)

Answer: The Office Boy’s frustration shows how letting setbacks and dissatisfaction take over can hold you back. Instead of focusing on his talents and improving his situation, the Office Boy allowed bitterness to cloud his judgment. He blamed others, especially Subbu, for his lack of success, which made him more frustrated.

This teaches us that setbacks are part of life, but we shouldn’t blame others for them. Instead, we should focus on personal growth and resilience. The Office Boy could have used his free time to work on his writing skills or look for opportunities outside the studio.

By focusing on self-improvement and being patient, he might have found success later, even if his initial plans didn’t work out. The key lesson is to stay positive, adapt, and keep moving forward despite challenges.

18.Question: What does Ashokamitran’s decision to quietly observe rather than get involved in frustrations teach us about patience and understanding in difficult situations, as described in Poets and Pancakes? (120-150 words)

Answer: Ashokamitran’s decision to observe quietly rather than getting involved in the frustrations around him teaches us the importance of patience and understanding in difficult situations. He realized that complaining or blaming others, like the Office Boy, wouldn’t change anything. Instead, by observing the people and environment, Ashokamitran gained valuable insights into how the studio functioned.

This helped him grow both personally and professionally. In life, patience helps us understand situations better and see the bigger picture. Instead of reacting immediately, taking time to observe allows us to make informed decisions.

This teaches us that sometimes, staying calm and reflecting on a situation is more effective than acting out of frustration. It shows that patience and understanding can lead to better outcomes than hasty reactions.

19.Question: What value can be learned from Subbus’ ability to stay positive and cheerful, even after a flop film? How does this attitude help in real-life challenges, as shown in Poets and Pancakes? (120-150 words)

Answer: Subbus ability to stay positive and cheerful, even after failures like a flop film, teaches us the value of resilience. His attitude shows that success comes with challenges, and failures are a natural part of the journey. By staying positive, Subbu continued working hard without letting setbacks affect him.

In real life, this attitude helps us face challenges without losing hope. A positive mindset lets us see failures as chances to learn and encourages us to keep going. Resilience, like Subbu’s, helps us bounce back from difficulties and stay focused on long-term goals.

It teaches us that while we may not succeed right away, staying cheerful and persistent will eventually lead to progress and success. Subbu’s approach reminds us that maintaining a positive attitude is key to overcoming challenges and finding success in life.

20.Question: Why is it important to appreciate the unseen efforts, like Ashokamitran’s work at Gemini Studios, in any organization? How does recognizing all contributions create a better work environment, as shown in Poets and Pancakes? (120-150 words)

Answer: Appreciating unseen efforts, like Ashokamitran’s work at Gemini Studios, is important because every role contributes to the success of an organization. While tasks like acting or directing are more visible, behind-the-scenes work is just as crucial.

Recognizing all contributions helps create an environment where everyone feels valued. When employees understand that their efforts are appreciated, even if they seem small, it boosts morale and encourages teamwork. People are more motivated to do their best when they feel recognized. Acknowledging all roles, from the smallest task to the most visible, helps create a balanced, supportive work culture.

It shows that every contribution matters, helping the organization succeed as a whole. Recognizing all efforts creates a positive atmosphere where everyone is encouraged to contribute and work together for the common goal.

21.Question: Why do you think Ashokamitran remained calm and detached while working at Gemini Studios, even though others, like the Office Boy, were deeply frustrated? What does this say about handling challenges in life, as seen in Poets and Pancakes? (120-150 words)

Answer: Ashokamitran’s calm and detached attitude shows that he understood the value of patience and reflection in facing life’s challenges. While others, like the Office Boy, let frustration control them, Ashokamitran quietly observed and learned from his surroundings. He didn’t allow the monotony of his job or the frustrations of others to affect him emotionally.

This teaches us that staying calm in difficult situations provides clarity and insight. Instead of getting caught up in negativity or drama, focusing on personal growth and understanding can lead to better outcomes. Ashokamitran’s approach highlights that sometimes, stepping back and reflecting is more effective than reacting emotionally to every challenge.

By staying calm and patient, we can better handle obstacles and make thoughtful decisions, rather than letting frustration cloud our judgment.

22.Question: What does Subbus willingness to take on multiple roles at Gemini Studios teach us about flexibility and adaptability in the workplace? How important are these qualities for success today, as shown in Poets and Pancakes? (120-150 words)

Answer: Subbu’s ability to take on different tasks at Gemini Studios, like acting, writing, and directing, shows that being flexible and adaptable is important at work. He could do many jobs, which made him valuable to the studio and helped him stay important.

Today, these qualities are even more important. Many jobs need people to be versatile and open to change. Being flexible helps people handle unexpected problems, while adaptability helps them succeed in new situations.

Subbus success shows that being willing to learn and take on new roles can help you grow in your career. In today’s workplace, those who are flexible and adaptable are more likely to do well because they can adjust to new challenges and opportunities.

23.Question: The Office Boy often complained about his wasted talent, while Ashokamitran remained silent about his own thoughts. What does this difference in attitude teach us about dealing with dissatisfaction in life or work, as shown in Poets and Pancakes? (120-150 words)

Answer: The difference in attitude between the Office Boy and Ashokamitran teaches us an important lesson about handling dissatisfaction. The Office Boy’s constant complaining and blaming others kept him stuck in frustration and prevented him from seeing ways to improve. In contrast, Ashokamitran chose to stay silent, observe, and learn, which helped him understand the world around him better.

This shows that how we react to dissatisfaction can either hold us back or help us grow. Instead of focusing on what’s wrong, using our time to reflect and improve ourselves can lead to better results. Ashokamitran’s approach shows that patience and observation, rather than constant complaining, can lead to personal growth and a clearer understanding of the situation.

This teaches us that dealing with dissatisfaction in a calm and thoughtful way can lead to more positive outcomes.

Question: Subbu’s critics felt his literary talents were overshadowed by his success in films. Do you think it’s possible for someone to be successful in multiple fields without one overshadowing the other? Why or why not, as shown in Poets and Pancakes? (120-150 words)

Answer: It is possible for someone to be successful in multiple fields, but it often requires careful balance. In Subbus’ case, his success in films became more visible and recognized than his literary talents, causing his critics to feel that one overshadowed the other. Balancing multiple talents requires managing time and energy across different areas.

However, the public or critics might focus more on the more popular field, which can lead to one talent being overlooked. While success in multiple fields is possible, it requires effort to ensure that each area gets the attention and recognition it deserves.

Subbu’s experience shows that while success in one field can bring fame, it may sometimes mean that other talents aren’t as widely recognized, even if they are just as valuable.

25.Question: Why do you think the diversity of people working at Gemini Studios, like the make-up department, is important for creative industries? How does diversity contribute to creativity and innovation, as seen in Poets and Pancakes? (120-150 words)

Answer: The diversity of people working at Gemini Studios, especially in the make-up department, shows the importance of bringing different perspectives together in creative industries. When people from various backgrounds collaborate, they bring unique ideas and approaches, leading to greater creativity and innovation.

Diversity encourages the sharing of ideas that might not have been considered otherwise, helping industries like film-making explore new concepts and stories. At Gemini Studios, people from different parts of India worked together, which likely added richness and variety to their work. Diversity in creative industries pushes boundaries, challenges norms, and creates content that is more meaningful and inclusive.

This helps create films and stories that connect with a wider audience, showing how a mix of ideas and experiences can lead to more innovative and impactful work.