Get notes, textbook solutions, answers, extras, PDF guide if you are a student of AHSEC/ASSEB (Assam Higher Secondary Education Council) class 12 Alternative English. The solutions made available here should be seen as references and nothing more. To access the solutions for each chapter, click on the links provided under each chapter.
| Prose |
| Chapter 1: A Cup of Tea |
| Chapter 2: The Voyage |
| Chapter 3: The Verger |
| Chapter 4: The Martyr’s Corner |
| Chapter 5: Bina Kutir |
| Poetry |
| Chapter 1: Ozymandias of Egypt |
| Chapter 2: Because I Could Not Stop for Death |
| Chapter 3: Strange Meeting |
| Chapter 4: The Solitude of Alexander Selkirk |
| Chapter 5: The Lake Isle of Innisfree |
| Chapter 6: Night of the Scorpion |
| Writing and grammar |
| Common Errors |
| Question Tags |
| Comprehension |
About AHSEC Class 12 Alternative English (Harmony)
The AHSEC/ASSEB Class 12 Alternative English textbook (Harmony) is a rich collection of prose and poetry that explores diverse themes and offers a deep literary experience.
The textbook opens with “A Cup of Tea” by Katherine Mansfield, a story that critiques the artificiality of upper-class life and explores the complex dynamics of social class, gender roles, and consumerism.
The second chapter, “The Voyage” by Bhupen Hazarika, is an excerpt from his autobiography, recounting his journey to America in 1949. Hazarika’s narrative takes us across various landscapes and cultures, highlighting his deep love for his homeland and fascination with the world beyond.
“The Verger,” a short story by William Somerset Maugham, showcases Maugham’s mastery of storytelling and his sharp observation of human nature. The story follows Albert Edward Foreman, a verger who, despite being illiterate, becomes a successful businessman, offering a compelling commentary on social mobility and the complexities of success.
In the fourth chapter, “The Martyr’s Corner” by R.K. Narayan, a vivid picture of life in a small town in post-independent India is painted. The story focuses on Rama, a food vendor whose life is disrupted by a political riot, leading to reflections on the consequences of violence and the fragility of routine in the face of social upheaval.
“Bina Kutir” by Saurav Kumar Chaliha, the fifth chapter, is a narrative of a man’s search for a rented house in Guwahati. The narrator’s imagination reconstructs the history of an old Assam-type house, unveiling a family’s story and its complex relationships, offering a glimpse into the changing social fabric of Guwahati.
The poetry section features iconic works like “Ozymandias of Egypt” by Percy Bysshe Shelley, a sonnet exploring the transience of power and the lasting legacy of art. “Because I Could Not Stop for Death” by Emily Dickinson is an exploration of the inevitability of death, where the speaker embarks on a journey with Death and Eternity.
“Strange Meeting” by Wilfred Owen presents a haunting encounter between two dead soldiers in the afterlife. The poem serves as a powerful indictment of war, challenging its traditional justifications and highlighting the shared humanity of those caught in its devastating grip.
“The Solitude of Alexander Selkirk” by William Cowper, inspired by the real-life story of a marooned sailor, reflects on solitude, isolation, and the human condition. Selkirk’s journey on the deserted island becomes a metaphor for the universal longing for human connection and the solace sought in adversity.
“Night of the Scorpion” by Nissim Ezekiel is a powerful poem depicting the speaker’s mother’s suffering after a scorpion sting. The poem explores themes of faith, superstition, and resilience, capturing the complex emotions of the speaker and the villagers.
Ron’e Dutta is a journalist, teacher, aspiring novelist, and blogger. He manages Online Free Notes and reads Victorian literature. His favourite book is Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte and he hopes to travel the world. Get in touch with him by sending him a friend request.
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