NCERT Class 12 English Kaliedoscope: Chapter 1 — 1/I SELL MY DREAMS
This section of the NCERT Class 12 English Kaleidoscope textbook introduces readers to the concept of a short story, defining it as a prose narrative of limited length that organizes character actions and thoughts into a plot. The introduction notes the diversity in short stories, ranging from brief narratives to more complex works, and mentions thematic variations like fantasy, reality, and alienation. The chapter features three short stories and two long ones from five different cultures. It then introduces Gabriel Garcia Marquez, a Nobel Prize winner and master of narrative, known for works like 'One Hundred Years in Solitude'. His story, 'I Sell My Dreams', is highlighted as an example of magical realism, blending reality with fantasy, and exploring themes of violence, solitude, and the need for love. The text provides an excerpt describing a surreal event where a massive wave crashes into a hotel.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 12 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | Kaliedoscope |
| Chapter | Chapter 1 — 1/I SELL MY DREAMS |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 480 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the definition and characteristics of a short story.
- Identify thematic variations in prose fiction.
- Recognize Gabriel Garcia Marquez as a significant Latin American author.
- Appreciate the elements of magical realism in literature.
- Analyze the blend of reality and fantasy in narrative.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Prose narrative | A story written in ordinary language, not poetry. |
| Plot | The sequence of events in a story. |
| Protagonist | The main character in a story. |
| Alienation | A feeling of isolation or estrangement. |
| Magical realism | A literary genre where magical elements are presented in an otherwise realistic setting. |
| Lucid | Expressed clearly; easy to understand. |
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Practice questions
- What is the defining characteristic of a short story according to the introduction? Answer: A short story is a prose narrative of limited length that organizes the action and thoughts of its characters into the pattern of a plot.
- Name two masterpieces by Gabriel Garcia Marquez mentioned in the text. Answer: One Hundred Years in Solitude and Love in The Time of Cholera.
- What literary style is 'I Sell My Dreams' associated with? Answer: Magical realism.
Practice MCQs
Q1. What is a key element that organizes a short story?
Explanation: The introduction explicitly states that a short story organizes the action and thoughts of its characters into the pattern of a plot.
Q2. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a thematic variation in short stories?
Explanation: The text lists fantasy, reality, alienation, and the problem of choice as thematic variations, but not historical accuracy.
Q3. Gabriel Garcia Marquez won the Nobel Prize in Literature in which year?
Explanation: Gabriel Garcia Marquez won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1982, as stated in the text.
Q4. The story 'I Sell My Dreams' is described as rich and lucid, mixing:
Explanation: The text mentions that the story mixes reality with fantasy, characteristic of magical realism.
Q5. What event is described in the excerpt from 'I Sell My Dreams'?
Explanation: The excerpt vividly describes a huge wave picking up cars and embedding one in the side of the Havana Riviera Hotel.
Frequently asked questions
What is a short story?
A short story is a prose narrative of limited length that organizes the action and thoughts of its characters into the pattern of a plot.
Who is Gabriel Garcia Marquez?
Gabriel Garcia Marquez was a Nobel Prize-winning novelist, short-story writer, and journalist, widely considered a master of narrative and a key figure in magical realism.
What is magical realism?
Magical realism is a literary style that presents magical elements in an otherwise realistic setting, blending reality with fantasy.
What are some common themes in Gabriel Garcia Marquez's works?
His themes often include violence, solitude, and the overwhelming human need for love.
How does the introduction categorize the stories in this section?
The section contains three short stories and two long ones, representing writers from five cultures.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 12 English — Kaliedoscope — Chapter 1 — 1/I SELL MY DREAMS. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.