This page offers Poets and Pancakes Short answer type question for Class 12 from the book Flamingo. We’ve put together a bunch of Short 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 Short answer type question
Poets and Pancakes Short Answer Type Question
1.Question: Why do you think Ashokamitran felt that his task of cutting newspaper clippings appeared unimportant to others, as suggested in the chapter Poets and Pancakes? (40-50 words)
Answer: Ashokamitran’s job seemed unimportant to others because it was not visible in the filmmaking process. People overlooked its importance, focusing only on more glamorous tasks. Despite its significance, they failed to understand the behind-the-scenes work that contributed to the larger project.
2.Question: Why do you think the Office Boy was so frustrated with his position in the make-up department, as mentioned in the chapter Poets and Pancakes? (40-50 words)
Answer: The Office Boy was frustrated because he wanted to be a writer or actor. Instead, he was stuck doing routine work in the make-up department. He felt his talents were ignored and that his dreams were never given a chance. This made him very unhappy.
3.Question: What does Subbus cheerful attitude after a flop film tell us about his character, as seen in the chapter Poets and Pancakes? (40-50 words)
Answer: Subbu’s cheerful attitude shows that he didn’t let failure bring him down. He remained loyal to the studio and kept working hard, even after a flop film. This shows his positive and resilient nature, as he didn’t give up easily despite setbacks.
4.Question: Why do you think Subbu chose to write poetry for the masses instead of more complex forms, as suggested in the chapter Poets and Pancakes? (40-50 words)
Answer: Subbu likely wanted to connect with ordinary people, not just impress critics. He believed that writing for the masses would help him reach a wider audience. This way, his poetry could have a greater impact, making it more meaningful to those who needed it most.
5.Question: How does the hierarchy in the make-up department reflect the structure of the film industry, as shown in the chapter Poets and Pancakes? (40-50 words)
Answer: The hierarchy in the make-up department shows how the film industry values people based on their roles. Famous actors had personal make-up artists, while lesser-known actors were attended by the Office Boy. This highlights the industry’s focus on status and the way it divides people by importance.
Also Read:
- Poets and Pancakes NCERT Solutions
- Hard Words : Poets and Pancakes
- What was Pancake and what was it used for?
- In the poet and pancakes what do pancakes refer to.
- Who was The Boss of Gemini Studios?
- Poets and Pancakes Summary Class 12 pdf
6.Question: Why do you think Ashokamitran often wished for crowd-shooting days, as suggested in the chapter Poets and Pancakes? (40-50 words)
Answer: Ashokamitran wished for crowd-shooting days because they kept the Office Boy busy. This way, the Office Boy couldn’t complain about his wasted talent. It gave Ashokamitran some peace and allowed him to focus on his own work without having to listen to the Office Boy’s frustrations.
7.Question: What does the presence of different people from all over India in the make-up department show about Gemini Studios, as seen in the chapter Poets and Pancakes? (40-50 words)
Answer: The presence of people from different regions of India in the make-up department shows the diversity at Gemini Studios. It reflects how the studio brought together individuals from various cultural and social backgrounds. This helped create a team that worked together, despite their differences.
8.Question: How do you think Subbus loyalty to The Boss helped him in his career, as suggested in the chapter Poets and Pancakes? (40-50 words)
Answer: Subbu’s loyalty to The Boss helped him gain influence at the studio. Though his official role was in the Story Department, his closeness to The Boss gave him more power. This allowed him to have a greater creative input and advance in his career compared to others.
9.Question: Why do you think the lawyer at Gemini Studios was referred to as the “opposite” by others, as suggested in the chapter Poets and Pancakes? (40-50 words)
Answer: The lawyer was called the “opposite” because, rather than resolving issues, he often made them worse. His calm and logical approach didn’t fit with the creative, emotional atmosphere of the studio. His way of thinking clashed with the studio’s lively and artistic environment.
10.Question: What does Subbu’s ability to handle multiple tasks, like acting, writing, and directing, say about him, as suggested in the chapter Poets and Pancakes? (40-50 words)
Answer: Subbu’s ability to handle many tasks shows that he was multi-talented and hardworking. He could easily adapt to different roles in the film industry, making him a valuable and essential figure at Gemini Studios. His versatility helped him succeed in various aspects of the studio’s work.
11.Question: Why do you think the Office Boy blamed Subbu for his failures, as mentioned in the chapter Poets and Pancakes? (40-50 words)
Answer: The Office Boy probably blamed Subbu out of jealousy and frustration. He saw Subbus success and believed that Subbu was taking opportunities that could have been his. This made him feel bitter, even though their paths and talents were different and not directly connected.
12.Question: What do you think the phrase “fiery misery” suggests about the make-up process in those days, as seen in the chapter Poets and Pancakes? (40-50 words)
Answer: The phrase “fiery misery” suggests that the make-up process was uncomfortable and painful. The harsh lights and heavy make-up caused discomfort for the actors. It shows that while the film industry focused on glamour, it often came with physical pain and difficult working conditions.
13.Question: Why do you think Subbus success in films overshadowed his literary achievements, as suggested in the chapter Poets and Pancakes? (40-50 words)
Answer: Subbu’s success in films was more visible and reached a larger audience, while his literary work was appreciated by fewer people. In the world of cinema, his film achievements gained more attention, making his literary achievements seem less important and often overlooked by others.
14.Question: How does Ashokamitran’s role as a silent observer at Gemini Studios help shape the story, as seen in the chapter Poets and Pancakes? (40-50 words)
Answer: Ashokamitran’s role as a silent observer allowed him to notice small details and personalities at Gemini Studios. His quiet presence gave him unique insight into the daily life of the studio. He shares these observations in a humorous and thoughtful way, shaping the story’s tone and depth.
15.Question: Why do you think people assumed Ashokamitran was doing “next to nothing” at his desk, as suggested in the chapter Poets and Pancakes? (40-50 words)
Answer: People probably judged Ashokamitran’s work because it seemed simple and unimportant. Tearing up newspapers didn’t appear significant to the visible parts of filmmaking. Since it wasn’t glamorous, others couldn’t see its true value, even though it played an important role behind the scenes.
16.Question: Why do you think the Office Boy never tried to pursue his writing talents outside Gemini Studios, as suggested in the chapter Poets and Pancakes? (40-50 words)
Answer: The Office Boy might have felt trapped in his position and feared rejection in the outside world. He may have believed that Gemini Studios was his only opportunity, and if he failed there, he would have no other chance to pursue his writing talents or career.
17.Question: Why did Subbu, despite his success in films, choose to stay close to The Boss, as suggested in the chapter Poets and Pancakes? (40-50 words)
Answer: Subbu likely understood that his success was linked to The Boss’s influence. Staying close to The Boss helped him maintain his importance and stability at the studio. Loyalty to powerful people can protect one’s position, and Subbu’s connection ensured his continued success in the film industry.
18.Question: Why do you think the make-up artists used so much make-up on the actors, even though it made them look unnatural, as mentioned in the chapter Poets and Pancakes? (40-50 words)
Answer: The make-up artists used a lot of make-up because early film technology didn’t capture natural looks well. The heavy make-up helped the actors look clearer under strong studio lights. It also made their expressions visible on camera, which was important for making the films.
19.Question: Why did Ashokamitran keep quiet and not voice his own frustrations, unlike the Office Boy, as suggested in the chapter Poets and Pancakes? (40-50 words)
Answer: Ashokamitran may have understood that complaining wouldn’t change his situation. Instead of expressing his frustrations, he chose to observe quietly and learn from the environment. He knew that voicing his complaints wouldn’t help improve things, so he preferred to stay silent and focus on his work.
20.Question: Why do you think Subbu was more successful than the Office Boy, despite both coming from similar backgrounds, as suggested in the chapter Poets and Pancakes? (40-50 words)
Answer: Subbus positive attitude, adaptability, and ability to help others likely set him apart. He used his skills creatively and stayed loyal to The Boss. In contrast, the Office Boy focused on his frustrations and couldn’t adapt as well, which limited his success at Gemini Studios.
21.Question: Why do you think Subbus critics felt his literary achievements were overshadowed by his success in films, as suggested in the chapter Poets and Pancakes? (40-50 words)
Answer: Critics likely believed that Subbus focus on films took away from the depth of his poetry. They may have thought his work in cinema was more popular but less intellectually valuable than his literary achievements. This made them feel his poetry was overshadowed by his film success.
22.Question: Why didn’t the people at Gemini Studios appreciate Ashokamitran’s quiet, behind-the-scenes work, as suggested in the chapter Poets and Pancakes? (40-50 words)
Answer: People usually value visible work more than unseen work. Ashokamitran’s job of cutting newspapers was not part of the main filmmaking process. Others didn’t see how important it was. They focused on more obvious tasks and didn’t understand his behind-the-scenes contribution to the studio.
23.Question: Why do you think the actress’s temperamental behavior on set wasn’t tolerated, even though she was talented, as suggested in the chapter Poets and Pancakes? (40-50 words)
Answer: Even though the actress was talented, her temper caused problems. On a film set, everyone needs to work together. Her behavior could have disturbed the team. The studio likely valued good teamwork and a peaceful work environment more than individual talent, making her actions hard to tolerate.
24.Question: Why do you think the make-up room was compared to a hair-cutting salon, as mentioned in Poets and Pancakes? (40-50 words)
Answer: The make-up room was compared to a hair-cutting salon because it was plain and simple. It didn’t have the glamour people expect from a film studio. The comparison shows that the room was more practical than fancy or artistic, unlike what one might imagine in a studio.
25.Question: Why do you think Subbu, despite his success, had enemies at the studio, as seen in Poets and Pancakes? (40-50 words)
Answer: Subbu’s close relationship with The Boss and his cheerful attitude could have made others jealous. Some might have felt his success came too easily. They may have envied his influence and ability to get work done through others, which made him unpopular with certain people at the studio.
26.Question: Why do you think loyalty, like Subbus’ loyalty to The Boss, is important in a professional setting, as shown in the story Poets and Pancakes? (40-50 words)
Answer: Loyalty builds trust in a professional setting. Subbu’s loyalty to The Boss made him reliable, and this trust helped him succeed in his career. Loyalty strengthens relationships and can open doors for growth. It shows commitment and helps create a positive environment for success.
27.Question: Why do you think it’s important to stay positive, like Subbu, even in the face of failures, as seen in Poets and Pancakes? (40-50 words)
Answer: Staying positive helps a person face challenges without feeling discouraged. Like Subbu, when we stay cheerful after failures, we learn from mistakes and improve. This mindset helps us keep moving forward and stay hopeful, even when things don’t go as planned.
28.Question: How do you think the Office Boy’s frustration with his talent being wasted affected his personal growth, as mentioned in Poets and Pancakes? (40-50 words)
Answer: The Office Boy’s constant frustration likely held him back from growing. Instead of improving his skills or looking for new chances, he kept blaming others. Letting go of his bitterness would have helped him focus on progress and find better opportunities for personal growth.
29.Question: Why is it important to appreciate unseen efforts, like Ashokamitran’s job in the studio, in any workplace, as shown in Poets and Pancakes? (40-50 words)
Answer: Unseen efforts, like Ashokamitran, are crucial for a workplace to function smoothly. Without recognizing these tasks, we may overlook contributions that support larger goals. Appreciating all roles helps create a balanced, respectful environment where everyone’s work is valued and contributes to success.
30.Question: Why do you think Subbu chose to write poetry for the masses, even though he was capable of more complex forms, as suggested in Poets and Pancakes? (40-50 words)
Answer: Subbu may have valued connection over complexity. Writing for the masses allowed him to reach more people and have a greater impact on their lives. Sometimes, simpler work touches more hearts and holds more value than complex poetry, as it speaks directly to ordinary people.
31.Question: Why do you think the film industry of that time relied so much on heavy make-up, even though it made actors look unnatural, as seen in Poets and Pancakes? (40-50 words)
Answer: The film technology of that time needed heavy make-up to make actors’ expressions clear on camera. The industry focused more on how actors looked on screen. They believed that dramatic make-up helped characters stand out, even if it made them look unnatural.
32.Question: How do you think personal relationships, like Subbus with The Boss, affect one’s success in the workplace, as suggested in Poets and Pancakes? (40-50 words)
Answer: Personal relationships help build trust and create opportunities in the workplace. Subbu’s close bond with The Boss gave him influence and stability. This shows that connections, loyalty, and trust can sometimes be more important than talent alone in achieving success in a professional setting.
33.Question: Why do you think Ashokamitran chose to observe quietly instead of getting involved in the studio politics, as described in Poets and Pancakes? (40-50 words)
Answer: Ashokamitran knew that getting involved in studio politics would distract him. By staying neutral, he could observe everything around him. He didn’t want to be affected by conflicts or frustrations. This helped him focus on his work and understand the studio better.
34.Question: What lessons can be learned from Subbus ability to remain cheerful and productive, even after a flop film, as shown in Poets and Pancakes? (40-50 words)
Answer: Subbu’s positive attitude teaches us resilience. Even when things don’t go as planned, staying optimistic and working hard helps overcome failure. A cheerful mindset allows a person to move forward without focusing on mistakes, making it easier to keep trying and improve over time.
35.Question: Why do you think Subbus critics focused more on his success in films than his literary talent, as mentioned in Poets and Pancakes? (40-50 words)
Answer: Subbu’s critics may have believed that his film success overshadowed his poetry because cinema reaches a larger audience. They might have felt that commercial success was less valuable than literary work, even though both forms of art can have a meaningful impact on people.
36.Question: Why does the author use the metaphor “fiery misery” to describe the make-up process, as seen in Poets and Pancakes? (40-50 words)
Answer: The metaphor “fiery misery” highlights the extreme discomfort actors felt under the harsh lights and heavy make-up. It shows the physical pain involved in something meant to make them look glamorous. This contrast between appearance and reality emphasizes the hidden struggles behind the film industry’s glamour.
37.Question: What effect does the simile “The make-up room had the look of a hair-cutting salon” have on the reader’s understanding of the studio environment, as described in Poets and Pancakes? (40-50 words)
Answer: This simile compares the make-up room to a simple, ordinary place, making it seem far less glamorous than expected. It helps the reader understand that the behind-the-scenes world of film was more practical and less magical than the audience might imagine from the final product.
38.Question: Why does the author use the hyperbole “truck-loads of pancake” to describe the use of make-up at Gemini Studios, as mentioned in Poets and Pancakes? (40-50 words)
Answer: The hyperbole “truck-loads of pancake” exaggerates the amount of make-up used, showing how excessive and almost ridiculous the process was. It highlights the film industry’s obsession with appearance, making it seem overdone and emphasizing the effort put into creating a perfect look for the actors.
39.Question: How does the metaphor “turn any decent-looking person into a hideous crimson-hued monster” help in understanding the make-up team’s work, as seen in Poets and Pancakes? (40-50 words)
Answer: This metaphor shows that the make-up artists didn’t enhance natural beauty but exaggerated features, making actors look unnatural. It highlights how the goal was not to make them more beautiful, but to make them fit into the harsh lighting and film conditions, often resulting in an exaggerated appearance.
40.Question: What does the figure of speech “he was tailor-made for films” imply about Subbu’s role at Gemini Studios, as described in Poets and Pancakes? (40-50 words)
Answer: The metaphor “tailor-made for films” suggests that Subbu’s personality and talents were perfectly suited for the film industry. It implies that he was a natural fit, easily adapting to the demands of film-making. His success seemed almost destined, making him an important figure at Gemini Studios.