World Literature: Annotations on 'Married Life' and 'Planet'

This assignment comprises annotations from two short stories, 'Married Life' and 'The Woman Who Thought She Was a Planet.' The annotations provide context and explanations of key sentences and events within the stories, highlighting cultural nuances, character motivations, and thematic elements. The 'Married Life' annotations focus on societal expectations and the challenges faced by women in early marriage, while the annotations from 'The Woman Who Thought She Was a Planet' delve into themes of identity, madness, and the constraints of societal roles. The annotations help readers understand the stories' deeper meanings and cultural contexts.

Running head: WORLD LITERATURE 0
World Literature 2019

WORLD LITERATURE 1
Annotations
The Woman Who Thought She Was a Planet
1. “I know at last what I am. I am a planet”.
Answer: The reason behind the necessity of this annotation in the story is that it explains the
reader about the madness of kamala about her clothes and the roles she was playing. She was
fed up of being women, a person, mother etc. and compared herself to the planet, as planets
do not need to do this.
2. “Tell him he must phone the moment he returns – it is a matter of great urgency”.
Answer: This annotation in the story highlights the fear of Ramnath for his wife. Where, he
was on call and was told that doctor is out of station for attending the emergency. This
sentence shows the feeling of a husband for his wife, when she needed someone to take care
off.
3. “You must be mistaken, Mishra-ji”.
Answer: This annotation within the story tells the reader about the misunderstanding of
Ramnath regarding kamala’s situation. The sentence highlights the relief that doctor provide
to Ramnath by explaining him that his wife is not ill.
4. “But, Ramnath, I have no sickness. I am well, very well. After years.”
Answer: In this annotation, the readers got that there is a conversation going on between the
husband and a wife. Where, she is explaining her husband about her health.
5. A planet needs a sun, Ramnath. My journey is just beginning”.

WORLD LITERATURE 2
Answer: In this annotation, the readers get to know the creativity level and excitement of
Kamala for becoming a planet.
6. “Oooh! Look what Auntie is doing!”
Answer: The above annotation shows the eagerness of the urchins after watching Kamala
flew away through the balloons.
7. “Most reprehensible, Mishra! Most reprehensible!”
Answer: It is the annotation, which highlights the feelings of judge towards Ramnath. After
watching Kamala with the balloons in the sky, he spoke these words by tapping him on the
shoulder.
ANNOTATIONS
Married Life

WORLD LITERATURE 3
1. “All castes and classes could marry in this form if they chose to do so.”
Answer: The above annotation is necessary in the story as it highlights the emotions of the
writer for the girls who get married at early age without their choices.
2. “But if a man loses his first wife, and marries a second time, he has a voice in the
matter.”
Answer: In this annotation, the discrimination between the males and females have been
discussed according to the writer’s perspective.
3. “It is enough to learn from the man’s own statement”
Answer: In this annotation, the reader gets to know that understanding the perception of a
person is very much essential before taking any decision for marriage.
4. “I like to have a cold, and be ill,”
Answer: This annotation is necessary in the story, as it let the reader understand the
hesitation of a four years old girl. This explains the fear of a girl to accept the illness instead
of getting married.
5. “The notion of false modesty prevents the young father from speaking to his
children’s freely.”

WORLD LITERATURE 4
Answer: The above sentence explains the reader about the mentality of a family, which resist
the young parent from having an open conversation with their children.

WORLD LITERATURE 5