English ( Literature Reader ) for Class 9

Q1. I come from haunts of coot and hern; I make a sudden sally And sparkle out among the fern, To bicker down a valley. 
(i) Identify ‘I’ in the current extract. 
(ii) It originates from……………… 
(iii) Which poetic device is used here? 

Ans. (i) ‘I’ refers to the brook.
(ii)  The brook emerges from the mountains, a favourite haunt of birds like the coot and the heron.

(iii)  The poet has used personification by attributing human qualities to The Brook. Alliteration is present in phrases like ‘sudden sally’.

Q2. By thirty hills I hurry down, Or slip between the ridges, By twenty thorpes, a little town, And half a hundred bridges. 
(i) The brook passes by ……………………. 
(ii) How is the journey of the brook similar to that of man? 
(iii) The number of words symbolise ……………..
or 
(i) What is the brook’s movement like? 
(ii) What do the words ‘thirty hills’ and ‘twenty thorpes’ suggest? 
(iii) What poetic device does the poet use in the first line?

Ans. (i) hills and bridges, ridges and villages, towns and lands.
(ii) The brook’s journey, like human life, begins energetically and faces many twists, turns, and obstacles along the way.
(iii) the length of the journey.
or
(i) The movement of the brook appears to be steady.
(ii) The words suggest the long and continuous journey of the brook.
(iii) Personification has been used here.

Q3. Till last by Philip’s farm, I flow To join the brimming river, For men may come and men may go, But I go on forever. 
(i) Brook’s destination is ……………………. 
(ii) The comparison made between man and the brook is that…………………
(iii) Name the poetic device used here. 
or 
(i) What is the motive of the brook? 
(ii) Which poetic device is used in the third line? 
(iii) What is the message conveyed in the last two lines? 
or 
(i) Where is Philip’s farm situated? 
(ii) What does the phrase ‘brimming river’ mean? 
(iii) Which poetic device is used here?

Ans. (i) the brimming river
(ii) Man is mortal, but the brook is immortal.
(iii) Personification and Alliteration have been used here.
or
(i) The motive of the river is to join the brimming river.
(ii) Repetition and Alliteration have been used here.
(iii) The last two lines convey the message that man is mortal, whereas nature is immortal.
or
(i) Philip’s farm is situated close to the brimming river in which the brook finally merges.
(ii) A brimming river suggests that the river is overflowing with water.
(iii) Personification and Refrain have been used here. 

Q4. I chatter over stony ways, In little sharps and trebles, I bubble into eddying bays, I babble on the pebbles. 
(i) Explain, ‘I chatter’. 
(ii) Name the poetic devices used here. 
(iii) Which line indicates that the brook is full of enthusiasm? 
or 
(i) How does the brook move? 
(ii) What is the mood of the brook as it flows towards the river? 
(iii) What poetic device has been used in the last two lines?

Ans. (i) The brook makes a rapid clicking noise, while it moves over stony paths and thus appears to be talking.
(ii) Alliteration and Personification have been used here.
(iii) “I chatter over stony ways” indicates that the brook is full of enthusiasm.
or
(i) The brook moves swiftly through twists and turns, creating a lot of noise.
(ii) The brook is cheerful and filled with joy.
(iii) Personification has been used here.

Q5. With many a curve my banks I fret By many a field and fallow, And many a fairy foreland set With willow-weed and mallow. 
(i) Explain the first line. 
(ii) The rhyme scheme of the stanza is……………. 
(iii) Which word tells us that it also flows by the piece of land that extends into the sea? 
or 
(i) Who is ‘I’ here? 
(ii) What is the literary device used in the first line? 
(iii) What is the aim of the brook?

Ans. (i) The brook flows in a curve because at one point the path curves and the brook erodes or cuts into the curved banks due to continuous flow.
(ii) abab
(iii) Foreland indicates land projecting into a lower area, giving a fairy-like scenic beauty.
or
(i) ‘I’ refers to the brook here.
(ii) Personification has been used in the first line.
(iii) The aim of the brook is to merge with the brimming river.

Q6. I chatter, chatter, as I How To join the brimming river, For men may come and men may go, But I go on forever. 
(i) The brook flows …………………. 
(ii) What is the relevance of the brimming river? 
(iii) Explain ‘brimming’.

Ans. (i) over stones and pebbles, creating a lot of noise and appears to be talking.
(ii) The brook originated in the mountains, undertook an arduous journey and would join the brimming river, its final destination.
(iii) Brimming means full to the top with water, indicating the river’s abundance and power.

Q7. I wind about, and in and out, With here a blossom sailing, And here and there a lusty trout, And here and there a grayling. 
(i) What does the first line suggest about the brook’s movement? 
(ii) What do ‘lusty trout’ and ‘grayling’ refer to? 
(iii) What is suggested by the last two lines? 
or 
(i) How is the brook moving at this time? 
(ii) What is the brook carrying with it? 
(iii) Why is the word ‘wind about’ used here?

Ans. (i) It moves in a crisscross fashion, sometimes bending and sometimes turning.
(ii) Trout and ‘grayling’ are kinds of fish.
(iii) A number of living things befriend the brook while going on its journey.
or
(i) The brook is moving in a zigzag way, encountering twists and turns.
(ii) The brook is carrying blossoms and fishes with it.
(iii) ‘Wind about’ describes the brook’s meandering, twisting path.

Q8. And here and there a foamy flake Upon me, as I travel With many a silvery water-break Above the golden gravel. 
(i) Explain the first two lines. 
(ii) Identify the poetic device used in lines three and four.
(iii) This comparison reflects the poet’s…………..

Ans. (i) The brook forms foamy bubbles as it travels along its path. These foamy flakes appear here and there on its surface as it flows swiftly and unevenly, especially where the water breaks over stones and uneven ground.
(ii)The poetic device is a metaphor as the poet describes the appearance of water as silvery. The poet has also used alliteration in golden gravel.
(iii) admiration and reverence for the beauty of nature.

Q9. And draw them all along, and flow To join the brimming river For men may come and men may go, But I go on forever.
(i) Identify ‘them’ in the current stanza.
(ii) Why does the poet repeat the last two lines?
(iii) Explain, ‘But I go on forever’.

Ans. (i) Stones, pebbles, flowers, and fishes refer to them in the current stanza.
(ii) Because he wants to emphasise that man is born and dies, but the brook’s existence is permanent.
(iii) The poet contrasts the timelessness of the brook with the finite nature of human existence. 

Q10. I steal by lawns and grassy plots, I slide by hazel covers I move the sweet forget-me-nots That grow for happy lovers. 
(i) Explain the first two lines. 
(ii) How are the ‘sweet forget-me-nots’ moved by the brook? 
(iii) ‘forget-me-nots’ refer to …………………. 
or 
(i) What does the phrase ‘1 steal’ means here? 
(ii) What do you mean by ‘forget-me-nots’? 
(iii) What do lovers generally like?

Ans. (i) The brook flows silently through lawns and meadows and elegantly moves on by the small trees having edible nuts.
(ii)The brook gently moves the forget-me-nots growing by its banks.
(iii) a type of flower
or
(i) “I steal’ here is the reference to the brook’s movement.
(ii) ‘Forget-me-nots’ are a kind of flowers.
(iii) Lovers generally like the forget-me-nots. 

Q11. I slip, I slide, I gloom, I glance, Among my skimming swallows; I make the netted sunbeam dance Against my sandy shallows.
(i) Which line suggests different movements and moods of the brook? 
(ii) Identify the figures of speech used in line three.
(iii) What do you understand by ‘netted sunbeam’?
or
(i) What do you understand by ‘skimming swallows’?
(ii) What is the poetic device used in the first line? 
(iii) What does ‘the netted sunbeam’ refer to?

Ans. (i) Line one suggests the different movements and moods of the brook.
(ii) Personification has been used in line three.
(iii) The sunlight seems to be trapped in the water like the fish. Its reflected rays produce a net-like effect of flashing light.
or
(i) ‘Skimming swallows’ refers to the swallows who are hunting in the brook’s water.
(ii) Alliteration has been used in the first line.
(iii) The sunlight seems to be trapped in the water like the fish. Its reflected rays produce a net-like effect of flashing light.

Q12. I murmur under the moon and stars In brambly wildernesses; I linger by my shingly bars; I loiter round my cresses. 
(i) What does ‘murmur’ suggest about the brook’s movement? 
(ii) Identify the poetic device used in line one. 
(iii) Explain ‘linger by my shingly bars’. 
or 
(i) Who is T in the above lines? 
(ii) Why does ‘I’ murmur in the first line? 
(iii) What does ‘linger’ and ‘loiter’ indicate?

Ans. (i) It suggests a slow and gentle movement of the brook.
(ii) Onomatopoeia has been used in line one.
(iii) The brook is interrupted by the hurdles coming in its way.
or
(i) ‘I’ here refers to the brook.
(ii) The brook murmurs because it has slowed down.
(iii) The words ‘linger’ and ‘loiter’ indicate that the brook is moving slowly.

Q13. And out again I curve and flow To join the brimming river, For men may come and men may go, But I go on forever. 
(i) Which line reflects the importance of the destination? 
(ii) Identify the poetic device, apart from personification. 
(iii) Which line indicates that the brook is everlasting? 
or
(i) Whom does ‘I’ refer to? 
(ii) Explain, ‘the brimming river’. 
(iii) What do the last two lines indicate about ‘I’?  

Ans. (i) Line one, because despite the hurdles coming in the brook’s movements, it gets ready to join its destination.
(ii) The refrain is the poetic device. Repetition of the same verses. Alliteration has also been used.
(iii) Line four indicates that the brook is everlasting.
or
(i) ‘I’ here refers to the brook.
(ii) The river is overflowing with water.
 (iii) The last two lines indicate that, unlike mortal humans, the brook is eternal.

Q14. Give at least two similarities between the brook and the human beings. or How is the journey of the brook similar to human life? or Mention briefly how we can relate the journey of a brook with that of human life?

Ans. The similarities between the brook and human beings lie in their shared experiences. Both the brook and humans must struggle to reach their final destinations, facing various hurdles along the way. They encounter similar phases in life, experiencing both happiness and difficulties as they journey through their respective paths.

Q15. Why have the lines- “For men may come and men may go, but I go on forever” been repeated in the poem several times? What is the significance of these lines?

Ans. The repeated lines, ‘For men may come and men may go, but I go on forever’, highlight the contrast between human life and the brook. Humans are mortal and have a limited lifespan, while the brook is immortal and continues to flow endlessly. This signifies that, despite the transient nature of human existence, the natural world persists beyond individual lives, symbolising the eternal cycle of nature.

Q16. Why has the poet introduced the poem in the form of the brook’s autobiography rather than narrating it himself? 
or 
Why do you think that the poet let the brook describe its journey rather than describing it himself?

Ans. The brook is personified throughout the poem, making it feel more lively and vivid. This choice allows readers to experience the brook’s journey directly as if it is talking to us. This approach creates a more authentic connection, enhancing the overall impact of the poem.

Q17. How does the brook ‘sparkle’?

Ans. The brook sparkles as it flows from the mountains, where herons and coots reside. It shines amidst the grass, and the author likens the water and stones to silver and gold. The brook’s sparkle is particularly evident when it glistens in the light of the moon and stars, as well as through the netted sunbeam.

Q18. Bicker means to quarrel. Why does the poet use this word here? Or how and why does the brook ‘bicker’?

Ans. The word “Bicker” shows the rapid, noisy, playful movement of the brook. In the poem, the brook is described as flowing with various sounds, reminiscent of children playfully arguing. This comparison highlights the lively and playful nature of the brook, as its flow creates a symphony of noises that evoke the image of a cheerful dispute.

Q19. Write a note on personification used in the current poem.

Ans. Personification is a literary device where non-living things are given human characteristics. In the current poem, the brook is personified as it describes its journey. It originates, flows, and overcomes obstacles, ultimately joining the brimming river.

Q20. The poem has many examples of alliteration. List any five examples.

Ans. Examples are as follows ·         

• I make a sudden sally (In these lines, sound is repeated.)        
• By twenty thorpes, a little town (In this line T sound is repeated.)        
• By many a field and fallow, And many a fairy foreland set (In these lines ‘f sound is repeated.) ·         
• With willow-weed and mallow (In this line, ‘w’ sound is repeated.) ·        
•  For men may come and men may go (In this line, ‘m’ sound is repeated.) 

Q21. Write a note on metaphors used in the current poem.

Ans. ‘The Brook’ serves as a metaphor for human life, depicted as a flowing river. The poem illustrates how the brook cannot travel in straight lines but instead moves in twists and turns, symbolising the anger present in life. The obstacles the brook encounters represent the challenges individuals face throughout their lives. Ultimately, when the brook ‘dies’ or merges into the river, it signifies the death of a person.

Q22. How many hills and bridges does the brook pass during its journey?

Ans. The brook comes down from the mountains, which is the favourite haunt of birds like the coot and the heron. It’s going towards the brimming river. It passes thirty hills and a hundred bridges on its way. The numbers suggest that it is a very long journey.  

Q23. Where does it finally meet the river?

Ans. After crossing various bridges, ridges, hills, towns, and villages, the brook reaches the Philip’s farm. Philip’s farm is situated near the brimming river. From Phillip’s farm, it joins the brimming river.

Q24. Why is the word ‘chatter’ repeated in the poem?

Ans. The word chatter is repeated several times in the poem to signify the noise made by the brook. This repetition enhances the flow and rhythm of the poem, creating a musical quality. Additionally, it personifies the brook, making it seem as if it is talking as it moves along its path.

Q25. ‘With many a curve my banks I fret’. What does the poet mean by the statement?

Ans.  The poet suggests that the water of the brook forcefully interacts with the curves of its banks. This imagery conveys a sense of frustration as if the brook is upset with the bends in its path. Moreover, it serves as a metaphor for the difficulties we encounter in life, which can also cause us to feel troubled.

Q26. ‘I wind about and in and out’. What kind of picture does this line create in your mind?

Ans. Tennyson uses imagery playfully to enhance the poem’s lyrical quality. The line creates a vivid picture of water flowing freely in a zigzag manner. It suggests that the brook sometimes flows underground, only to bubble back up to the surface, illustrating its dynamic journey.

Q27. What are the different companions of the brook? 
or 
Name the different things that can be found floating in the brook. Name the different things that can be found floating in the brook.

Ans. Different things move along with the water of the brook: Blossoms sail on its surface, fish like trout and grayling live in it, foamy flakes flow over its surface, and sweet forget-me-not flowers and pebbles flow with it.

Q28. What does the poet want to convey by using the words ‘steal’ and ‘slide’?

Ans. The poet uses the words ‘steal’ and ‘slide’ to illustrate how the brook moves effortlessly through its surroundings. This imagery suggests that the brook navigates around obstacles, such as sandy banks, trees, and wild growth, with a sense of grace and fluidity.

Q29. ‘I make the netted sunbeam dance’. What does ‘the netted sunbeam’ mean? How does it dance? or What does the poet mean by the line- ‘I Make the netted sunbeam dance’?

Ans. The phrase ‘the netted sunbeam’ refers to the sunlight filtering through the trees and reflecting on the surface of the water in the brook. In the morning, the sun’s rays create a net-like pattern as they pass through the branches. As the water ripples, these rays appear to dance as they shimmer and shift, creating a lively and enchanting effect.

Q30. What is the ‘refrain’ in the poem? What effect does it create? 

or 

What is the refrain in the poem The Brook’? What effect does it create?  

Ans. The refrain in the poem is ‘For men may come and men may go, but I go on forever’. This line highlights the permanence of the brook in contrast to the temporary nature of human life. It encapsulates the central theme of the poem and reinforces it throughout.

Q31. Imagine you are the brook. Having faced a number of obstructions, you have joined the brimming river. Write a diary entry about your thoughts, highlighting the importance of a destination in life.

Ans. Wednesday 11th March. 20XX. 11 pm
Dear Diary
Today, my joy knows no bounds. At last, I have joined my destination, the brimming river. When I originated in the mountains, I was happy to see myself in the lap of beautiful nature. I started my journey towards my goal. I crossed many bridges, hills, and villages. I was interrupted by stones and pebbles, and many more interruptions. But I kept on going, through different moods and movements. I reached where I had to go. Unlike man, I am immortal, but both of us have to undertake a journey that is quite arduous. But we have to go fighting and winning, to our destination, as without it our existence is hollow and meaningless. So, a destination is a must in life.

Q32. Had the brook got exhausted midway, it would not have reached its destination. How far is this statement true about our lives? Explain.

Ans. It is true that if the brook had got exhausted midway, it would not have reached its destination. It is also true in our lives. Whatever hurdles the brook or we face in life must be overcome. If we are tired, we can have a short rest, but we should not stop under the pretext of exhaustion. Life is meaningful only if we are moving. Still, life is like stagnant water, which breeds lethargy, monotony, etc. So, it is better to be tough and go on as tough times never last, but tough men do. Only then will we be able to achieve our final destination.

Q33. How is the current poem a symbol of life? Quote the examples of parallelism between man’s life and the brook. Or bring out the parallelism between the movement of the brook and the course of human  

Ans. The current poem is undoubtedly a symbol of life. The brook’s journey from its origin to joining its final destination, the brimming river, is man’s journey of life from birth to death. Whatever hurdles it faces on the way, reflects what man faces all through his life. The brook’s noisy flow is similar to man’s struggling and fretting, and fuming against the problems. The brook slips, slides, glooms, and glances. So, does man. The brook carries many things with it as it flows. So, does man, as he meets people, build relationships, carry memories and collects materialistic things as he goes through life. The only difference between man and the brook is that man’s life comes to an end, while the brook lives on and on forever.

Q1. “I contrived to keep out of her sight as much as I could, but I never lost track of her. The last station she got off at was away down in Virginia, about six in the evening.” 
(a) Who is the speaker here? Identify ‘her’. 
(b) Why was he following her?

Ans. (a) John A Pescud is the speaker of the above lines.
(b) He was following Jessie because he was attracted to her at first sight.

Q2. “Yet, I am a man and I have a heart to do and dare. I have no title save that of an uncrowned sovereign, but I have an arm and a sword that yet might free Schutzenfestenstein from the plots of traitors.” 
(a) Who is There? 
(b) What can he do for his beloved? 
(c) Who was his beloved?

Ans. (a) There refers to Trevelyan’ who is the character of the ‘Best Seller.’
(b) He had no title, he was neither a king nor a prince of any country, but he had an arm and a sword that yet might free Schutzenfestenstein from the plots of traitors.
(c) Princess Alwyna was his beloved.

Q3. “A tall old man, with a smooth face and white hair, looking as proud as Julius Caesar was there to meet her. His clothes were frazzled but I didn’t notice that till later.” 
(a) Who has been described as a ‘tall old man’? 
(b) Who is the speaker here? 
(c) Who was ‘her’? 
Ans. (a) Colonel Allyn has been described as a ‘tall old man’.
(b) John A Pescud is the speaker here.
(c) Jessie, Colonel Allyn’s daughter is ‘her’.

Q4. “They went in a gate on top of the hill. It nearly took my breath away when I looked up. Up there in the biggest grove, I had ever seen was a huge house with round white pillars about a thousand feet high and the yard was so full of rose-bushes and box-bushes and lilacs that you couldn’t have seen the house if it hadn’t been as big as the Capitol at Washington.” 
(a) Who went in a gate on top of the hill? 
(b) Who is the speaker here? 
(c) Why was he so stunned?

Ans. (a) Colonel Allyn and his daughter Jessie went in a gate on top of the hill.
(b) John A Pescud speaks these lines.
(c) He was stunned to see the mansion of the Colonel. He had never seen such a huge house. It was as big as the Capitol at Washington.

Q5. I’ve had my salary raised twice since I saw you and I get a commission, too. I’ve bought a neat slice of real estate. Next year the firm is going to sell me some shares of stock. Oh, I’m in on the line of General Prosperity. 
(a) Who is the speaker here? 
(b) What does it show about the speaker? 
(c) Describe General Prosperity.

Ans. (a) John A Pescud is the speaker of the above lines.
(b) It shows that John was doing well in his job and he is a hard-working and an honest man.
(c) General Prosperity means that everything along with his job was going very well and he got commission and an increment in his salary. It shows his prosperity.

Q6. “She looks at me as cool as if I was the man come to see about the weeding of the garden, but I thought I saw just a slight twinkle of fun in her eyes.” 
(a) Identify the speaker here. 
(b) Who is ‘She’ here? 
(c) Why was there a twinkle of fun in her eyes?

Ans. (a) John A Pescud speaks these lines.
(b) ‘She’ is Jessie.
(c) There was a twinkle of fun in her eyes because she knew that John was following her and wanted to talk to her. But She did not express it to John. Due to this reason, there was a twinkle of fun in her eyes.

Q7. “And then I told her why I had come, as respectful and earnest as I could. And I told her everything about myself and what I was making and now that all I asked was just to get acquainted with her and try to get her to like me. 
(a) Identify ‘I’ in the above extract. 
(b) What did he want to tell her? 
(c) Who is ‘She’?

Ans. (a) T refers to John A Pescud.
(b) He wanted to tell her that he had started liking her since he saw her for first time. And he wanted to tell her about his profession and whatever he was feeling about her.
(c) She is Jessie, the daughter of Colonel Allyn.

Q8. “Men are very clumsy”, she said. ‘I know you were on every train. I thought you were going to speak to me and I am glad you didn’t.” 
(a) Who is ‘she’? 
(b) To whom does ‘You’ refer? 
(c) Why was she glad?

Ans. (a) She refers to Jessie.
(b) ‘You’ refers to John A Pescud.
(c) She was glad because she was noticing  John on every train and was expecting that he might talk to her but he didn’t. That’s why she was glad, knowing that he was not a wrong type of man.

Q9. “I was on the south-bound, going to Cincinnati, about eighteen months ago, when I saw, across the aisle, the finest looking girl I’d ever laid eyes on. Nothing spectacular, you know, but just the sort you want for keeps”. 
(a) Who is speaking to whom? 
(b) Where was T going? 
(c) What kind of a girl did he come across?

Ans. (a) John A Pescud is speaking to the author.
(b) There refers to John A Pescud.
(c) He came across a girl of the finest looks from whom the eyes cannot be kept away for long.

Q10. “For about nine seconds he had me rattled and I came mighty near getting cold and trying to sell him some plate-glass. But I got my nerve back pretty quick. He asked me to sit down and I told him everything.”
(a)Identify’!’. 
(b) Why he was getting so nervous? 
(c) Who is ‘he’?

Ans. (a) I here refer to John A Pescud.
(b) He was getting so nervous because he was going to meet Colonel Allyn at his mansion and was there to tell him everything about his feelings for Jessie.
(c) He refers to Colonel Allyn, Jessie’s father.

Q11. “We talked for two hours. I told him everything I knew and then he began to ask questions and I told him the rest. All I asked was to give me a chance. If I couldn’t make a hit with the little lady, I’d clear out and not bother anymore.” 
(a) Who talked for two hours? 
(b) What did John tell Colonel Allyn? 
(c) Who has been described as the ‘little lady’?

Ans. (a) Colonel Allyn and John A Pescud talked for two hours.
(b) John told Colonel Allyn that he liked his daughter very much and told him everything about his profession honestly.
(c) Jessie, Colonel Allyn’s daughter, has been described as ‘the little lady’.

Q12. ‘He’s coming’, says she. ‘He’s going to tell you, this time, the story about the old African and the green watermelons’. 
(a) Who is coming? 
(b) Who said these lines to whom? 
(c) How is ‘she’ related to the one who is coming?

Ans. (a) Colonel Allyn is coming.
(b) Jessie said these lines to John.
(c) She (Jessie) is the daughter of Colonel Allyn, who was coming.
 

Q13. “I married her a year ago, “said John, “I told you I built a house in the East end. The belted-I mean the Colonel- is there, too,” 
(a) Who is the speaker here? 
(b) Who married whom? 
(c) To whom is he talking?

Ans. (a) John A Pescud is the speaker.
(b) John married Jessie.
(c) John was talking to the author.

Q14. We are a proud family. Look at that mansion. It has fifty rooms. See the pillars and porches and balconies. The ceilings in the reception rooms and the ballroom are twenty-eight feet high. 
(a) Who is the speaker here? 
(b) To whom is the speaker speaking? 
(c) What does the above description of the house show about the speaker?

Ans. (a) Jessie is the speaker of these lines.
(b) She speaks to John A Pescud.
(c) The above description of the house describes that she belongs to a royal family who lives in a mansion which is as big as the Capitol at Washington.

Q15. ‘Good-night,” says I, “and it wasn’t Minneapolis. What’s your name, first, please?” 
(a) Who is the speaker? Or Who is wishing good night? 
(b) To whom is he wishing good night? 
(c) Where did T belong to?

Ans. (a) John A Pescud wishes goodnight.
(b) He is wishing goodnight to Jessie.
(c) T is John, who belonged to Pittsburg.

Q16. But I got my nerve back pretty quick. He asked me to sit down and I told him everything. 
(a) Who is the speaker here? 
(b) Who asked him to sit down? 
(c) What does ‘everything’ imply?

Ans. (a) John A Pescud is the speaker.
(b) Colonel Allyn asked him to sit down.
(c) John told the Colonel, Jessie’s father, everything about his feelings towards Jessie and told him honestly about his profession also.

Q17. glanced out of the window. Coke town was nothing more than a ragged hillside dotted with a score of black dismal huts propped up against dreary mounts of slag and clinkers.
(a) Who is There? 
(b) How is coke town described? 
(c) Where was he going?  

Ans. (a) I here refers to the narrator.
(b) Coke town is described as a hillside having a rough surface and is looking scattered all around.
(c) The narrator was going to Pittsburg by the chair-car.
  

Q18. Where was the narrator going and whom did he meet in the chair-car?

Ans. The narrator was going to Pittsburg for business purpose by the chair-car which was well-filled with people of the kind one usually sees on chair-cars. He was sitting on chair no 7. Suddenly when he leaned back, he saw that the person on the chair no 9 hurled a book on the floor and it was ‘The Rose Lady and Trevelyan’, one of the best selling novels of those days. When he looked at that person, he remembers him at once; he was his old acquaintance, John A Pescud, whom he had seen after two years.

Q19. Who was sitting on the chair no 9 and what was he reading? What sort of views were exchanged between him and the narrator?

Ans. John A Pescud was sitting on the chair no 9. He was reading The Rose Lady and Trevelyan’, one of the best selling novels of that time. When the narrator saw him, he recollects his memories with him. John was his old acquaintance and he was the travelling salesman for a plate-glass company. After some time, they both shake hands and exchanged their views on the topics-rain, prosperity, health, residence and destination.

Q20. What does the narrator describe about John’s looks and his views on the plate-glass company when he met him?

Ans. The narrator describes John as a small man with a wide smile and an eye that seems to be fixed upon that little red spot on the end of his nose. Earlier, he had never known his views on life, romance, literature, and ethics but after meeting him, he think of him as the stuff that heroes are not often lucky enough to be made of. Moreover, he believed that ‘our’ plate-glass is the most important commodity in the world and the Cambria Steel Works is the best company for him.

Q21. What was John A Pescud’s opinion about best sellers? Why?

Ans. John’s opinion was that all the best sellers were of the kind where the hero was a wealthy American man who loves a royal princess from Europe. The man also travelled under a false name to the girl’s father’s kingdom. He strongly felt that these novels are away from reality and purely fictional because he had a different experience in his life.

Q22. What did John say when the narrator asked him about his company and his work?

Ans. John feels very proud when he explains to the narrator about his work. He told him that he is doing very well in his company and had his salary raised twice since he saw him and also gets a commission too. And maybe next year, the firm is going to sell him some shares of stock. He considered himself on the line of general prosperity.

Q23. What does John say about himself since his last meeting with the author?

Ans. John told about himself that his salary had been raised twice and he had also gets a commission. He had bought himself some property also. He would also get his company’s share next year. He had built a house at the East End and had married too.

Q24. What did John describe about the mansion when he first saw it to the author?

Ans. The mansion was on top of a hill. It nearly took John’s breath away when he looked at the mansion. It was such a huge house with round white pillars about a thousand feet high. The yard was so full of rose-bushes and box-bushes and that house was as big as the Capitol at Washington.

Q25. How did John’s first meeting with Jessie’s/other go?

Ans. John’s meeting with Jessie’s father for the first time went quite well. He honestly told him how he followed his daughter and asked to marry her. He felt that the Colonel will throw him out of the window. But soon they became comfortable and they kept on talking for two hours.

Q26. Why did John get off at Coke town?

Ans. John A Pescud got down at Coke town because he wanted cuttings and blossoms of Petunia flowers for his wife. She wanted them because she liked them a lot and wanted to grow them in her garden.

Q27. John is a hypocrite. Do you agree with this statement? Substantiate your answer.  

Ans. I think John is a hypocrite. He criticises the plot of Best Sellers’ and called it unrealistic and fictional. However, he had demonstrated the same thing in his own life. The Best Seller, ‘The Rose Lady and Trevelyan’ has the same plot as the life of Pescud. In away, he himself is Trevelyan’. He thinks that a man will always marry the girl of the same class and status. But he himself married a rich girl.

Q28. Give a character sketch of John A Pescud.

Ans. John A Pescud is a travelling salesman of a plate-glass company. He is a good salesman and got his salary raised twice in the last two years and also got a commission too. He is a small man with a wide smile’. He was proud of his company and its product. He is the critic of The Rose Lady and Trevelyan’, one of the best selling novels. He was of the opinion that in real life a man should marry a girl of his own status. And he believes that when a man is in his hometown, he ought to be decent and law-abiding. Being a critic of The Rose Lady and Trevelyan’, on the one hand, he turns out to be a hypocrite on the other and fell in love with a girl of royal background and married her and lived with her in a small house later.

Q29. Give a character sketch of Jessie Allyn.

Ans. Jessie Allyn was the daughter of Colonel Allyn, the richest man in Virginia. She belonged to a royal background. Jessie was a fine girl whose job was to make this world prettier just by residing in it. Although she was a princess, she used to wear simple and ordinary clothes and used to travel in trains from place to place. When John A Pescud followed her everywhere, she knew it and noticed each and every step of John. John started liking her since he first saw her and she knew it very well. She was very soft-spoken and possessed all the qualities of a princess.

Q30. Give a character sketch of Colonel Allyn.

Ans. Colonel Allyn was the richest man in Virginia, He was a tall old man with a smooth face and white hair. He had a stern and strict face. He was an angry-looking man who rarely laughed but had the habit of amusing people by telling stories to them. He was a man of royal descent but still he used to wear shabby clothes and his personality was such that John feels that in his presence the place seemed to light up. 

Q31. Compare and contrast the characters of John to that of the narrator in the best seller.

Ans. John, a small man with a wide smile was not particularly a good looking man but he was of the opinion that a man should be decent and law abiding in his hometown. John is a travelling salesman of a plate-glass company. He was very proud of his work. When he met the narrator in the chair car, both exchanged their views on certain topics like rain, prosperity, health, residence, and destination. It can be seen from their conversation that the narrator does not have an interest in politics. The one thing strange about John is that while he was reading The Rose Lady and Trevelyan’, one of the best selling novels, he criticised it saying that it is totally unrealistic, as he says that in real life a man should marry a girl of his own station. But he himself was in love with a princess of a royal family and also married her. The narrator and John were old acquaintances but the narrator did not know much about John. When they both started the conversation, the narrator got a chance to explore John’s views on love, romance and literature too. At the end of their meeting, he mocked John by calling him Trevelyan, a character from a best seller.

Q32. Consider yourself as John A Pescud and express your views when you first saw Jessie and what did you say when you met her. How did you manage to convince her father for marriage? Write a diary entry in about 180-200 words.  

Ans. Thursday, July 19. 2015 2:00 PM
Dear Diary
When I was going to Cincinnati, I saw a girl of the finest looks. She was so beautiful that I could not manage to keep my eyes away from her. I kept on looking at her. She was reading a book. I did not miss a single chance to look at her. I contrived hard to keep out of her sight as much as I could, but all in vain. When she got off the train, I saw a tall old man was waiting for her and she went with him. After some time, somehow, I managed to talk to her pretending to be there to meet Mr. Hinkle. She surprised me by saying that she was noticing me following her everywhere. Finally. I decided to talk to her father. When I went to meet Colonel Allyn, I got very nervous. But controlling my nerves, I told him everything about my profession and my standard of living and that how I followed his daughter and started liking her. At last, I asked him to give me a chance. He got convinced and got ready for my proposal and after some time. we got married.

Q1. ‘My dear sir, do nothing hasty. Think before you speak. Don’t go and be so silly as to act like a mutton-head. I’d be ashamed to be so spiteful. Respect a father’s feelings.’ 
(i) Who is speaking to whom? 
(ii)Explain … ‘to act like a mutton-head’. 
(iii) The statement Td be ashamed to be so spiteful’ implies what?

Ans. (i) Bill Bramble is speaking to Jerry Fisher.
(ii) “To act like a mutton-head’ means behaving like a fool.
(iii) He would be ashamed by causing an intentional injury to his son.
 

Q2. A chap takes the trouble to study form and saves up his pocket money to have a bet on a good thing and then he goes and gets let down like this. It may be funny to you, but I call it rotten. And another thing I call rotten is you having kept it from me all this time that you were, ‘Young Porky’, pa. 
(i) Who is speaking to whom?
(ii) ‘It may be funny to you, but I call it rotten’. What does this statement imply?
(iii) What is the irony here?

Ans. (i) Harold is speaking to his father.
(ii) The statement implies that Harold studied hard and saved his pocket money to bet on boxers but he got let down because Bill was not fighting the bout now.
(iii) Here the irony is that he was fond of boxing celebrities and the fact that he himself was the son of a celebrity was kept a secret from him.

Q3. I was to have fought an American named Murphy at National Next Monday, but I am not going to now. Not if the king of England came to me on his bended knees. 
(i) Who is speaking to whom? 
(ii) Bill had to have a boxing match with whom? 
(iii) He was adamant not to fight and it is indicated when he says that_

Ans. (i) Bill Bramble is speaking to his son Harold.
(ii) Bill had to fight a boxing match with Murphy.
(iii) He would not fight even if he is approached on bended knees even by the King of England.

Q4. ‘Yet Harold, defying the laws of heredity, had run to the intellect as his father had run to muscle. He had learned to read and write with amazing quickness. He sang in the choir. 
(i) Explain ……… ‘Defying the laws of heredity’. 
(ii) Harold’s intellect is known as by____ 
(iii) The difference between Harold and his father is____

Ans. (i) ‘Defying the laws of heredity means that he became an intellectual, unlike his boxer father.
(ii) Harold’s intellect is known by learning to read and write with amazing quickness, as well as his singing in the choir.
(iii) Harold loved studies and his father loved boxing. Harold was unaware of his father’s ability while his father was aware of Harold’s abilities.

Q5. One chap’s got a snapshot of Jimmy Wilde. At least he says it’s Jimmy Wilde, but I believe it’s just some ordinary fellow. Anyhow, it’s jolly blurred, so it might be anyone. Pa, can’t you give me a picture of yourself boxing? I could swank like anything. And you don’t know how sick a chap gets of having chaps call him. ‘Goggles’. 
(i) Who is Jimmy Wilde in the extract? 
(ii) Why is Harold not sure that the person in the photograph is Jimmy Wilde?
(iii) Why does Harold want Bill’s snap?

Ans. (i) Jimmy Wilde is a famous boxer.
(ii) Harold thought that snapshot was just an ordinary person because he could not imagine that it can be of a famous boxer, Jimmy Wilde, as it was very blurred.
(iii)Harold wanted his father’s snap because he wants to boast of being the son of a boxing legend and he does not want to be called ‘Goggles’.

Q6. He was a self-centered child and accepting the commercial traveller fiction, dismissed the subject from his mind and busied himself with things of more moment. 
(i)More moment here means ____ 
(ii)Explain … ‘accepting the commercial traveler fiction’. 
(iii)Which subject is regarded as trivial?

Ans. (i) Here ‘more moment’ means importance.
(ii) ‘Accepting the commercial traveller fiction’ means that Harold believed the story of Bill being a commercial traveller.

Q7. The subject which is regarded as trivial by Harold his father’s profession. The spectacled child considered the point for a moment gravely. Then, nodding, he arranged his books in readiness for his return and went out. The front door closed with a decorous softness. 
(i) Which point was considered gravely by the spectacled child? 

(ii) Where did the child went out? 
(iii) Who asked the spectacled child to go out?

Ans. (i) The spectacled child never liked it when his mother talked to him in the third person, just like a small child. So, when she called him ‘dearie’ or precious, he started thinking gravely for a while and then moved on from there.
(ii) The child went out to the river.
(iii) Mrs. Bramble, asked the spectacled child to go out.

Q8. He sat on the other side of the table, his lips gravely pursed and his eyes a trifle cloudy behind their spectacles. Before him on the red table cloth lay an open book. His powerful brain was plainly busy. 
(i) Who is ‘he’ here? 
(ii) Explain ‘… his lips gravely pursed. 
(iii) What are the features which describe Harold as an intelligent boy?

Ans. (i) Here he refers to Harold, the spectacled child.
(ii) His lips gravely pursed describes that he contracted his lips seriously, trying to recall the poem he had memorised.
(iii) The features which describes Harold as an intelligent boy are that he has a powerful brain and he always remains busy in his studies.

Q9. It jarred upon him, this habit of his mother’s of referring to herself in the third person as if she were addressing a baby, instead of a young man often who had taken the spelling and dictation prize last term on his head. 
(i) ‘It’ here refers to whom? 
(ii) How old is the guy mentioned in the extract?
(iii) What does ‘jarred upon’ mean?

Ans. (i) It here refers to the habit of his mother’s referring to herself in the third person.
(ii) The guy mentioned in the extract is ten years old.
(iii) ‘Jarred upon’ means to have an unpleasant and disturbing effect.
 

Q10. Based on your reading of the story, answer the following questions by choosing the correct options. 
(i) Mrs. Bramble was a proud woman because 
(a) she was the wife of a famous boxer 
(b) she had motivated her husband 
(c) she was a good housewife 
(d) she was the mother of a child prodigy

Ans. (d) She was the mother of a child prodigy
 

Q11. Based on your reading of the story, answer the following questions by choosing the correct options.
The very naming of Harold had caused a sacrifice on his part.’ The writer’s tone here is…… 
(a) admiring 
(b) satirical 
(c) assertive
(d) gentle

Ans. (a) admiring.

Q12. Based on your reading of the story, answer the following questions by choosing the correct options. 
Harold felt that he was deprived of the respect that his classmates would give him as … they did not know his father was the famous boxer ‘Young Porky’. 
(a) they did not know his father was the famous boxer ‘Young Porky’.
(b) his hero, Jimmy Murphy had not won the wrestling match. 
(c) he had not got Phil Scott’s autograph. 
(d) Sid Simpson had lost the Lonsdale belt.

Ans. (a) they did not know his father was the famous boxer ‘Young Porky’.

Q13. ‘Goodness knows I’ve never liked your profession, Bill, but there is this to be said for it, that it’s earned you good money and made it possible for us to give Harold as good an education as any duke ever had, I’m sure’. 
(i) Whose statement is this? 
(ii) To whom is it said? 
(iii) What does this statement indicate?  

Ans. (i) Jane Bramble speaks these words.
(ii) She said these words to her husband Bill Bramble.
(iii) This statement indicates that Mrs. Bramble is very much concerned about her son’s education and for this reason, she doesn’t want her husband to quit boxing.

Q14) Why was Harold called a prodigy’?

Ans. Harold, a ten year old boy, is rightly termed as ‘a prodigy’. He was an extraordinary child at a very young age. He won many prizes at school competitions and also had an interest in singing. He sang in the choir. He was a multi-faceted child who excelled in academics in the same way as his father excelled in boxing.

Q15. What did Harold dislike of his mother?

Ans. Though Harold was a young boy of ten years old, he did not like it when his mother referred him like a small child. Whenever they talked, his mother addresses him ‘dearie’ or ‘precious’ due to her affection for him. But Harold never liked it and always wanted to be considered as a young man of ten years.
 

Q16. What was a constant source of amazement to Mrs Bramble?

Ans. The constant source of amazement to Mrs Bramble was that how Harold was so different from his father, who is a professional boxer and Harold did not possess any character trait of his father, who has been nationally acclaimed, ‘Young Porky’, the boxer. Unlike his father, he was a model student of his class.
 

Q17. Bill Bramble was a professional boxer. Why was it trouble for both Jane Bramble and Bill Bramble?

Ans. Undoubtedly, Mr Bramble was a very famous professional boxer and he was very proud of his name and fame. But when Harold was born and started growing up, both his parents were amazed to see his extraordinary skills and his overall development. Bill started having a complex due to this and finally decided to have his last fight and then retire. This is the only reason which becomes major trouble for both of them.
 

Q18. Who was “Young Porky’? Why did he hide his real identity from Harold?

Ans. “Young Porky’ was Bill Bramble himself. He was affectionately known to a large section of the inhabitants of London, as ‘Young Porky’. He was a professional boxer, but he wanted to hide his real identity from his son. Harold, who is an extraordinary child and a prodigy. Bill thought that Harold would be ashamed to know about his father’s profession. So, due to this reason, Bill decided to hide his real identity and told him that he is a commercial traveller.

Q19. How did Harold come to know that his father was a professional boxer?

Ans.  Harold came to know this truth from Jerry Fisher, his father’s trainer. He told Harold that his father was a famous boxer and known to everybody as ‘Young Porky’.

Q20) How has Harold defied the laws of heredity?

Ans. Harold was such an amazingly extraordinary child. He was just ten years old but possess immense talent. Unlike his father, he excelled in academics and showed his interest in it. Apart from this, he also sang in the choir. On the other hand, his father was inclined towards boxing and was very proud of being a professional boxer. It can be concluded that Harold, defying the laws of heredity, had run to the intellect as his father had run to muscle.

Q21. When Mr. Bramble came to know that he was to become a father, what were some of the names he decided upon? Why?

Ans. Mr. Bramble wanted to name his child on the names of some famous personalities. He thought that if he had a boy, he would name him as John, after John L Sullivan, the American boxing legend. If they had a girl, he would name her as Marie, after Miss Marie Lloyd, the famous music hall artiste. 

Q22. Why was Mrs. Bramble not happy to see her husband’s retirement from boxing?

Ans. Mrs Bramble never expected that her husband would quit his last match, scheduled to be held next week. When she saw her husband and Mr Jerry, his trainer, at home, she was surprised because they were expected to be at the White Hart for practice.
Though she did not like her husband’s profession, this match would have given a large amount of money even if he would have lost the match. And from this money, she could give Harold a better education. This is the reason that she got angry to see her husband’s coming back home from the White Hart.
 

Q23) Do you agree with Harold’s parents, decision of hiding from him the fact that his father was a boxer? Why/why not?

Ans. I agree with Harold’s parents’ decision of hiding from him the real nature of his father’s profession. Mr. Bramble was a father who did not want to hurt his son’s feelings. But on the other hand, I feel that there was some miscommunication between the parents and the son. They never tried to know whether he would like it or not. They had a misconception. This could have been avoided.
 

Q24) Explain the title ‘Keeping It From Harold’. Why was it to be kept from Harold?

Ans. The title ‘Keeping It From Harold’ clearly describes that there must be a secret that has been kept away from Harold. The secret was the real identity of Harold’s father’s profession. He was a professional boxer and it was a secret because of Harold’s extraordinary skills and his intellectual ability. His father got afraid, thinking that Harold would be hurt to know about his father’s profession.
 

Q25. Who was Jerry Fisher? What did he say to try and convince Bill to change his mind?

Ans. Jerry Fisher was Bill’s trainer. He tried in all ways to convince Bill to fight. When he saw that Bill was not ready to fight because of his son, he told the truth to his son, Harold. He told Harold that his father was a professional boxer.
 

Q26) Explain the irony in the story ‘Keeping It From Harold’?

Ans. The story ‘Keeping It From Harold’ is about the parents, Jane Bramble and Bill Bramble, who hide a secret of Bill being a professional boxer from Harold, their son, because of the fear that after knowing the truth, he would be hurt and would not like his father as a boxer. But the irony comes at the end of the chapter when Harold came to know about the secret and surprised everybody by saying that he used his pocket money for betting on the defeat of Murray, Bill’s opponent. Harold always admired ‘Young Porky’. It is ironical that he used to bet on the boxers without knowing that he himself was the son of a famous boxer.

Q27. Why was Harold upset that his father had not told him about his true identity? Give two reasons.

Ans. Firstly, Harold was upset that his father had not told him about his true identity because he was bullied by his friends by the name ‘Googles’. He said if it would have been known to him earlier, nobody could ridicule him. Secondly, he had betted with his friends on the boxing event. He thought he would lose the bet if his father would not fight.
 

Q28. What did Harold’s classmates called him? What makes him so jolly sick? 
Ans. Harold’s classmates used to call him ‘Goggles’. There was a fellow in his school who always showed off in the most rotten way because he had once got ‘Phil Scott’s autograph, who was a famous boxer and this irritates Harold a lot and made to feel him jolly sick.

Q29) Write a character sketch of Harold.

Ans.  Harold, a ten year old boy was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Bramble. He was considered a child prodigy and an exceptional child by all standards. He won many prizes in competitions. He was considered as a model of excellent behaviour by his parents and classmates. He had singing talent too. He sang in the choir. He blossomed in his school as a multi-faceted genius. Though he never showed his interest in boxing at home, he always used to bet on the boxers. At the end of the story, he reveals that he had used his pocket money on betting on the defeat of Murphy, an American boxer, who is the opponent of his father. He encouraged his father to play the match and to continue his career as a boxer and told him that he feels so proud to be the son of the famous boxer who was popularly known as ‘Young Porky’.

Q30) Give the character sketch of Bill Bramble.

Ans. Bill Bramble, Harold’s father, was a professional boxer, who was known as ‘Young Porky’. He was very proud of his name, fame, and money. But when Harold was born and he started growing up with his extraordinary talent, Bill started feeling complexed with this and decided not to reveal his true identity as a professional boxer to his son. The reason was that Bill was thinking that if Harold got to know about his profession, he would get hurt and consider him a person who earned his livelihood by injuring people.
Thus he decided to fight his last match with an American Boxer, Jimmy and then retire. As a father, he was very conscious of his son’s well being and made any sacrifice for him, even his profession as a boxer, which he was very proud.

Q31) Consider yourself Bill Bramble and give reasons why do you want to hide your real identity from your son, Harold and why you want to discontinue your boxing career. Write a diary entry in about 150 words to express your views.

Ans. Monday, July 12, 2015, 7:00 m Dear Diary I always feel proud to be a professional boxer. It gave me a name. fame and money. I was very passionate about my boxing matches before the birth of my son Harold. But as soon as he started growing up with his extraordinary abilities and multi-faceted talent, I started feeling quite insecure and complex. Now, I do not want to continue my boxing career because it can affect Harold in a negative way.
He might start- feeling ashamed. If he would get to know about my profession, he may feel ashamed to tell his friends about my profession, as he is such a multi-talented and versatile child. I told him that I am a commercial traveller and he easily believed my words because he always remained busy in his studies. So, for all these reasons. I decided to retire from this profession after having my last boxing match with an American. Jimmy Murphy, and after this fight there would be nothing to hide from Harold and everything will be fine afterwards.
 

Q32) Consider yourself as Harold and express your views about how felt when you got to know about your father’s profession as a professional boxer. What was your reaction afterwards? Write a diary entry in about 200 words.

Ans. Saturday, July 13, 2013 6: 00 PM.
Dear Diary
Undoubtedly, I love my parents a lot as everybody does. gut sometimes I am not able to express my feelings to them. I really respect them too but due to my studies, I rarely have time to pay attention to other matters. I never liked it when my mother calls me in the third person as ‘dearie’ and precious’, I always wanted her to call me by my name as I am a young man of ten years. Yesterday , when I returned home from a walk, a serious discussion was going  on. My uncle , Mr. Percy Stokes and Mr. Jerry Fisher, were present. Mr Fisher told me everything about my father’s actual profession and why he wanted to quit his boxing just because of me.
When I heard this, I got very hurt because both my parents hid this truth from me for a very long time. Though I had an interest in boxing, I felt bad after knowing the truth that my father wants to quit his boxina because of me. I surprised him by telling that I had used my pocket money on the defeat of Jimmy Murphy. Then my father decided to continue his boxing matches. It pleased me a lot and today I feel very proud to be the son of the famous boxer who was known as ‘Young Porky’ among his f Now, I can also show my father’s boxing photos to all my friends who always used to show me the photos of other boxers.

Q33. Write a character sketch of Mrs. Bramble.

Ans. Jane Bramble was Bill Bramble’s wife and Harold’s mother. She was a very caring wife as well as the mother. She remained busy all the time in catering to the needs of her husband and son. She was a proud mother and used to call Harold ‘dearie’ or ‘precious’. She was very conscious of his studies and never compromised his studies for anything. Also, she was a proud wife, though she did not like boxing, she was proud of her husband and of his name, fame, and money. Though she was a truth-loving woman, she did not mind when her husband and she decided to hide the actual profession of being a boxer from their son. They did not want him to get embarrassed in front of his friends by telling them that his father is a professional boxer. She was a practical woman. This can be proved from the fact that she did not like boxing but she did not approve of Bill’s idea of quitting his last contest. Because she knew that this match could give him a large amount of money either by losing or winning. And from that amount, they can provide better education to their son. She knew when to put her foot down. This can be proved as she snubbed her brother major Percy Stokes for persuading Bill too.

Q1. In pursuit of his ambition, he worked hard. We had to give him credit for that. He borrowed training manuals and stayed up late at nights reading them
(a) Who is ‘he’ in the above extract? 
(b) For which reason ‘he’ borrowed training manuals and other reading materials? 
(c) What was his ambition?

Ans. (a) Here ‘he’ refers to ‘Private Quelch’, an army cadet.
(b) Private Quelch was in the habit of showing off his knowledge to others. He always interrupts and points out things during ongoing lectures. In order to show off his intelligence and to enhance his knowledge, he used to read manuals and other training materials.
(c) His ambition was to acquire a stripe and to get a commission and he really worked hard in pursuit of his ambition.
 

Q2. ‘I must protest against this abominably unscientific and unhygienic method of peeling potatoes. I need to only draw your attention to the sheer waste of vitamin values…………..? 
(a) According to Quelch, ‘How can vitamins be saved’? 
(b) What is unscientific and unhygienic? 
(c) What does the extract indicate about Quelch?

Ans. (a) According to Quelch, vitamins could be saved by not peeling the potatoes.
(b) According to the Professor, the ways of peeling the potatoes was unscientific and unhygienic.
(c) The extract indicates that old habits die hard. He could not learn anything from his mistakes and kept on showing off his intelligence till the end of the chapter.

Q3. ‘We fled.’
(a) Who fled? 
(b) Why they fled? 
(c) What did they hear?

Ans. (a) The ‘author’ and this friends’ fled from outside the canteen.
(b) They fled because they did not wish to be lectured on potatoes.
(c) They heard from the open door that the Professor was protesting against the unhygienic methods of peeling potatoes and sermonising others about how to protect the sheer waste of vitamin values.

Q4. It can be unmistakably identified by the harsh engine note, due to the high tip speed of the airscrew. 
(a) What does ‘it’ refers here? 
(b) Which feature can be identified here? 
(c) The given statement belongs to whom?

Ans. (a) It here refers to the North American Harvard Training Aircraft.
(b) The feature which can be identified here is the harsh engine note because of high tip speed of the airscrew.
(c) The above statement belonged to the ‘Professor’.
 

Q5. He was our hero and we used to tell each other that he was so tough that you could hammer nails into him without his noticing it. 

(a) Who is ‘he’?

(b) What does this statement imply? 

(c) Write the antonym of ‘hero’.

Ans. (a) He here refers to ‘Corporal Turnbull’, a young man who had come back from Dunkirk.
(b) The statement implies that he is so brave and rough and tough that he would not pay attention to it.
(c) The antonym of hero is? villain.

Q6. Of course, it was a joke for days afterward, a joke and joy all of us. 
(a) What does ‘it’ stands for? 

(b) Why is it a joke?
(c)Why was it a joy to all of us?

Ans. (a) It stands for the order by which Private Quelch was to be selected for permanent cookhouse duties.
(b) It was a joke because the Professor was now assigned to the duty of the cookhouse by Corporal Turnbull.
(c) It is a joy for all of us because now the author and his friends would not have to hear the Professor any more.

Q7. ‘You had any training before’?
(a) Who is the speaker in the above statement?
(b) Who is being spoken to?
(c) What must the professor have replied?

Ans. (a) The ‘Sergeant’ spoke the above statement.
(b) The ‘Sergeant’ asked this question to Private Quelch.
(c) The professor replied that his knowledge was a matter of intelligent reading and not training.

Q8. It was always, “Let me show you, fellow,’ or, ‘No you’ll ruin your rifle, that way, old man.’ 
(a) Who is the speaker of the sentence inside quotation marks? 
(b) What does this statement imply? 
(c) What does it describe about the Professor?

Ans. (a) The Professor is the speaker of these sentences.
(b) This statement implies that the Professor possessed vast knowledge of military equipment.
(c) This statement describes Professor excessively showing off his knowledge. He always interrupted ongoing lectures and always tried to prove himself more intelligent than others.

Q9. He was not a man to be trifled with.
(a) Who is ‘he’ in the above statement? 
(b) Where did he come from?
(c) What does this statement describe about him?

Ans. (a) ‘He’ refers to Corporal Turnbull
(b) He had come back from Dunkirk with all his equipment correct and accounted for.
(c) The statement clearly describes Corporal Turnbull as a very tough man, who knows how to handle stubborn and over- smart people.
 

Q10. Based on your reading of the story, answer the following questions by choosing the correct options. 
Private Quelch was nicknamed ‘Professor’ because of ……………… 
(i)his knowledge. 
(ii) his appearance. 
(iii) his habit of sermonising. 
(iv) his habit of reading.

Ans. (iii) his habit of sermonising.
 

Q11. Based on your reading of the story, answer the following questions by choosing the correct options. 
One could hammer nails into Corporal Turnbull without his noticing it because……………. 
(i) he was a strong and sturdy man. 
(ii) he was oblivious to his surroundings. 
(iii) he was a brave Corporal.
(iv) he was used to it.

Ans. (i) he was a strong and sturdy man.

Q12. Based on your reading of the story, answer the following questions by choosing the correct options. 
The author and his friend Trower fled from the scene as…………… 
(i) they had to catch a train. 
(ii) they could not stand Private Quelch exhibiting his knowledge. 
(iii) they felt they would have to lend a helping hand. 
(iv) they did not want to meet the cooks.  

Ans. (ii) they could not stand Private Quelch exhibiting his knowledge.
  

Q13. Who was Private Quelch? Why he was named as ‘Professor’?

Ans. Private Quelch was a trainee who knew too much but never won the admiration of his superior officers. His was nicknamed as Professor because he was a lanky, stooping person, wearing horn-rimmed spectacles. He was in the habit of correcting and sermonising people without considering their rank or status. Even when any topic was being discussed by his superior officers, he interrupted them, even doing so in ongoing lectures. This annoyed everyone, Due to this habit of Private Quelch, he was named as ‘Professor’.

Q14. What was Quelch’s ambition? What did he do to achieve his goal?

Ans. Undoubtedly, Quelch was very ambitious. He had the ambition to be an army officer. In pursuit of his ambition, he worked really very hard. He borrowed training manuals and stayed up late nights reading them. He was after the instructors with questions. He drilled with enthusiasm and he was also miraculously tireless during training marches.

Q15. What is a ‘nickname’? Can you suggest another name for Private Quelch?

Ans. Nickname is the second name or the informal name given to a person depending upon his most prominent character traits. The nickname is generally given by friends and colleagues. It reveals the humorous side of one’s character. Private Quelch is nicknamed as ‘Professor’. The other nicknames for him can be ‘Mr. Skinny’, ‘Mr. Intelligent’, ‘Mr. Nosy Poker’ etc.

Q16. How did the image of Private Quelch as a ‘hero’ gradually changed into a ‘villain’ in the eyes of other trainees? Or Why did certain respect towards the Professor gradually changed/developed into terror among his colleagues and what kind of treatment did Private Quelch get?

Ans. Initially, everyone got very much impressed by his excessive knowledge and his witty remarks. But as the days went on, this habit of the Professor was gradually disliked by others, The Professor always used to show off his knowledge and intelligence and created chaos during the ongoing lectures. He also corrected the mistakes of his colleagues publicly, which embarrassed them and as a result, they gradually started to develop sheer terror of the Professor.

Q17. What does the dark, sun-dried appearance of the Sergeant suggest about him?

Ans. The Sergeant, by his appearance, looked a man with great confidence and knowledge of the military. His sun-dried skin expressed that his knowledge is acquired through his practical and personal experience in the field.

Q18. What was the turning point in Private Quelch’s life?

Ans. Private Quelch was in the habit of showing off his knowledge even/time. He interrupts ongoing lectures. One day Corporal Turnbull came at the training Depot and when he was delivering a lecture, the Professor interrupts him many times. Due to this, the Corporal decided to teach him a lesson. So, he assigns him permanently to cookhouse duties. This shocked everyone and this was the turning point in the Professor’s life.

Q19. Did Private Quelch change after being assigned permanently to the cookhouse duties? If not, give reasons for your answer.

Ans. No, Private Quelch did not change even after being assigned permanently to cookhouse duties. There also he showed his intelligence in cooking methods. One day, when others were peeling potatoes, the Professor strongly protested against the unscientific and unhygienic methods of peeling potatoes. He then started giving a lecture to others on how to protect the vitamin values while peeling potatoes. This showed that old habits die hard.

Q20. How was Private Quelch’s knowledge exposed even further as the Sergeant’s classes went on?

Ans. First of all, the Professor told the exact muzzle velocity of the rifle to the Sergeant. Later on, Sergeant put a series of questions to him, perhaps as revenge, which was all answered by the Professor correctly. He answered the questions with perfect technical definitions, details about the parts of rifles, its uses and the ways to care for a rifle. He told the Sergeant that he knew all this because of his intelligent reading.

Q21. What did the Professor mean by ‘Intelligent Reading’?

Ans. ‘Intelligent Reading’ means reading useful material so that he can memorise knowledge. Moreover, attention, so that it can be applied in the life for enhancement of knowledge.

Q22. How did private Quelch managed to anger the Corporal?

Ans. During the Corporal’s lecture, firstly Private Quelch interrupted him by telling the correct number of fragments on the grenade Later on when the Corporal resumed his lecture, Private Quelch interrupted again and asked him to start off with the characteristics of grenades. The Corporal got angry on this and asked him to deliver the lecture.

Q23. Did Private Quelch’s day-to-day practices take him closer towards his goal? How can you make out?

Ans. No, Private Quelch’s day-to-day practices were becoming more of a show-off than an honest practice. In the beginning, all his fellow trainees used to respect him, but later on they started avoiding him. Due to his being a show-off, he would insult his seniors as well as fellow colleagues unknowingly. No doubt, he had incomparable knowledge of defense forces but his way of achieving his goal was not correct. It did not take him closer to his goal because he was permanently assigned cookhouse duties, which was the lowest level job available.

Q24. What is the central idea of the chapter, ‘The Man Who Knew Too Much’?

Ans. The title The Man Who Knew Too Much’ is apt and suitable. The whole story revolves around Private Quelch, nicknamed as ‘Professor’, who exhibits his knowledge in front of everyone. He did not think twice before speaking to his senior officers and colleagues. He was handled by Corporal Turnbull at the end, but even then he did not learn anything. The story teaches us that knowledge is good and helpful. However, one must not take excessive pride in it, as it makes one arrogant.

Q25. Private Quelch looked like a Professor when the author first met him at the training depot. Why?  

Ans. Private Quelch looked like a Professor because of his lean, lanky and stooping appearance. He wore horn-rimmed spectacles which added to his image of a Professor or a man of knowledge.

Q26. You are Corporal Turnbull. Write a diary entry after your meeting with Private Quelch and how you handled him. Express your thoughts in about 150 words.

Ans. Monday, July &, 2015 1:30 pm Pear Diary One afternoon I was taking a lesson on the hand grenade. When I was explaining about the outside of the grenade, Private Quelch interrupted me and started giving an explanation about the topic, Initially, I remained quiet but his interruption went on and only my angry gesture was enough to keep him quiet. After some time, Private Quelch started cross-questioning me. I asked Quelch to give that lecture and quite unabashed, he came forward and feeling as if it wags his birthright, gave all of them an unexceptionable lecture on the grenade. As his lecture finished, I made a declaration that ‘the platoon officer asked me to nominate one of them for permanent cookhouse duties’ and when I announced the name. everybody felt as if it was a joke for them. I nominated Private Quelch for cookhouse duties. In my view, it was the best method to teach him a lesson. So, I assigned him there permanently.

Q27. You are the Professor. Write a diary entry after your first day at the cookhouse, describing the events that led to this assignment. Also, express your thoughts and feelings about the events of the day in about 150 words.

Ans. Tuesday, July 9, 2015, 7:15 pm Pear Diary Today, I was nominated for permanent cookhouse duties. Corporal Turnbull nominated my name in front of everyone. And when my name was announced, everyone looked surprised. Even I was surprised too. I felt that I was nominated for it because of my ability and abundance of knowledge in every field. I am happy that I can use my intelligence in the cookhouse also and  I want to thank the platoon officer and Turnbull for this. Although my ambition was to become an army officer and it is still in my mind, but in my view, no work is small or below your dignity, until and unless you accept it whole heartedly. I am quite confident that I can still achieve my goal. When I started my work in the cookhouse, other cooks were peeling potatoes in front of me. I advised them how food could be cooked without its nutritional values being wasted. Everybody was amazed at my knowledge and practical advice. I felt proud of myself that even in the cookhouse, I can beat others. I really Feel that it an opportunity for for me to prove my worth with great perseverance, devotion, and dedication towards any kind of work assigned to me.
 

Q28. Write a character sketch of ‘Corporal Turnbull

Ans. Corporal Turnbull was a young man who had come back from Dunkirk, France. He was a wise and practical man. He had come to deliver a lecture on the hand grenade. Though young,’ he was not a man to be trifled with.’ He was known to have returned from the battlefield with all his equipment correctly accounted for. He was a hero figure for the whole platoon. Highly admired, he was personified by saying that one could hammer nails into him without his noticing it. It is clear from such remarks that Corporal Turnbull was a tough and rugged man.
He was a fastidious person. He was not a person who would patronise people who showed off their knowledge. He believed in discipline and patiently observed Private Quelch and his habits. He accurately Judged the character of the Professor and sent him to the cookhouse to curb his habit of showing off and trying to outshine the others. It can be said that Turnbull was a composed man, not to be easily provoked. However, though, calm on the surface, he played his role well. When the time came, he taught Quelch a lesson.
 

Q29. Write a character sketch of ‘Private Quelch’.  

Ans.  Undoubtedly, Private Quelch was the man who knew ‘Too Much’, yet he failed to win the admiration and hearts of his superior officers and his colleagues. He was known for his habit of exposing his knowledge to others. He had got a nickname ‘Professor’ due to his lanky, stooping body and his habit of lecturing about his knowledge in front of everyone. And he did not think twice before correcting his superior officer’s mistake.
He constantly interrupted training lectures and even advised the officers as to how they should handle a topic. Due to his habit, he was gradually disliked by his colleagues and they started to develop a terror of the Professor, because sometimes he made them feel inferior by correcting their mistakes in front of everyone. This embarrassed his colleagues. At the end of the chapter, he has been taught a lesson by Corporal Turnbull by being assigned to permanent cookhouse duties.
There also he showed off his knowledge. He proved that old habits die hard. All these features show that he was very steadfast in nature and was a very hard worker. He really worked very hard to try to achieve his goal.

Q1. In 1953, Hooper was a favoured young man. A big genuine grin civilized his highly competitive nature. Standing six-foot-one, he’d played on the university football team. He was already a hard-charging Zone Sales Manager for a chemical company. 
(i) Who was Hooper? 
(ii)What do you mean by a ‘favoured young man’? 
(iii) Write three adjectives used for Chuck Hooper.

Ans: (i) He was a Zone Sales Manager for a chemical company.
(ii) Chuck Hooper was living his life to the fullest. There were no obstacles in his life.
(iii) Favoured, genuine and competitive are used to describe Hooper.

Q2. One of Chuck’s district managers drove Marcy to the hospital. Her husband couldn’t talk; he could only breathe and see and his vision was double. Marcy phoned a neighbour, asking him to put Duke in a kennel. 
(i) Who was Marcy?
(ii) Why was Chuck’s condition deteriorating?
(iii) Why do you think Marcy wanted to put Duke in a kennel?

Ans: (i) She was the wife of Chuck Hooper.
(ii) He had met with an accident and got a subdural haemorrhage, paralyzing his left side completely.
(iii) She wanted so as she knew that she would be away for several days to look after Chuck in the hospital and consequently there would be no one to look after the pet.

Q3. Finally, they decided to bring Duke home. Chuck said he wanted to be standing when Duke came in, so they stood him up. Duke’s at follow. nails were long from four months confinement and when he spied Chuck he stood quivering like 5000 volts, then he let out a bellow, spun his long-nailed wheels and launched himself across three metres of air. 
(i) Where had Duke been earlier? 
(ii) What does the extract reflect about the dog’s attitude towards Hooper? (iii) Which literary device has been used in the above lines?

Ans: (i) Duke had been sent to a kennel by Marcy.
(ii) He was overjoyed and excited when he saw Hooper.
(iii) The author has used Simile: quivering like 5000 volts in the above lines.

Q4. The once-iron muscles slacked on the rangy frame. Secretly, Marcy cried as she watched the big man’s grin fade away. Severe face lines set in like cement, as Chuck stared at the ceiling for hours, then out of the window, then at Duke. 
(i) Identify ‘the big man’ in the current extract. 
(ii) Why did the big man’s grin fade away? 
(iii) Explain ‘Severe face, lines set in like cement as Chuck stared at the ceiling’.

Ans: (i) ‘The big man’ refers to the paralyzed Chuck Hooper.
(ii) The big man’s grin faded away because he had met with an accident and got subdural haemorrhage, paralyzing his left side completely.
(iii) Just as the lines in cement are clearly visible, similarly empty facial expressions could be seen on Chuck’s face clearly as he watched at the ceiling silently.

Q5. When two fellows stare at each other day in, day out and one can’t move and the other can’t talk, boredom sets in. 
(i) Why can ‘one’ not move? 
(ii) Why can’t the ‘other’ talk? 
(iii) Name an indefinite pronoun used in the current extract. 
or 
(i) Name the two fellows referred to in the above extract. 
(ii) Why was one of them unable to move? 
(iii) How do they finally manage to overcome the boredom?

Ans: (i) One (Hooper) cannot move as he is paralyzed.
(ii) Other (Duke) cannot talk as he is an animal.
(iii) One is used as an indefinite pronoun in the above extract.
or
(i) The two fellows are Chuck Hooper and his dog, Duke.
(ii) Chuck Hooper was unable to move as a fatal accident had left him paralyzed.
(iii) The two fellows managed to overcome the boredom only after Chuck decided to walk.

Q6. But Duke wouldn’t. He’d lie down with a reproachful eye on Hooper. An hour later, he would come over to the bed again and yap and poke. He wouldn’t leave but just sit there. 
(i) Explain- But Duke wouldn’t. 
(ii) Why would Duke cast a ‘reproachful eye’ on Hooper?
(iii) Which two words are related to dogs?

Ans: (i) Hooper instructed him to go and run around the house which Duke wouldn’t do. (ii) He wanted to show that Hooper was criticizing him for not showing any zest.
(iii) Yap and poke are related to dogs.

Q7. One evening Chuck’s good hand idly hooked the leash onto Duke’s collar to hold him still. It was like lighting a fuse: Duke shimmied himself U-shaped in anticipation. 

(i) Explain ‘It was like lighting a fuse.’ 
(ii) What are all of them busy in? 
(iii) What do you understand by ‘Duke shimmied himself?
or 
(i) What is the author referring to by ‘good hand’? 
(ii) What was lighting a fuse? 
(iii) What was Duke in anticipation of?

Ans: (i) Chuck hooked the leash onto Duke’s collar to hold him still. After some efforts, he took a step. It was a step on the road to recovery.
(ii) Hooper wants to move his paralyzed leg and Marcy and Duke are helping him.
(iii) Duke shook or vibrated in a U-shape like a hockey stick so that Hooper might stand. or
(i) The author is referring to Hooper’s right hand as ‘good hand’.
(ii) The hooking of the leash on to Duke’s collar and Duke’s movement was like lighting a fuse.
(iii) Duke had been anticipating that his master would walk.

Q8. The pair set daily goals, Monday, the 6th fence post, Tuesday, the 7th fence post, Wednesday…… 
(i) Identify the pair. 
(ii) What was their daily goal? 
(iii) Why did they need to set daily goals?

Ans: (i) The pair refers to Hooper and Duke.
(ii) Their daily goal was to cover more and more distance.
(iii) They needed to set daily goals because Hooper had realized that he could start walking normally.

Q9. Chuck said, “Gordon, this isn’t just a visit. Bring me up to date on what’s happened, will you so I can get to work?” Double gaped. “It’ll just be an hour a day for a while,” Hooper continued. “I’ll use that empty desk in the warehouse. And I’ll need a dictating machine.” 
(i) Identify Gordon. 
(ii) How has Hooper reached his office? 
(iii) What does Hooper want from Gordon?

Ans: (i) Gordon is the manager of the company Hooper works for.
(ii) He has made the first move without Duke.
(iii) He wants Gordon to arrange an empty desk to enable him to work an hour a day.

Q10. When a man fights hard for a comeback, who wants to tell him he can’t handle his old job? On the other hand, what can you do with a salesman who can’t move around and can work only an hour a day? 
(i) Describe the context of the current extract. 
(ii) What is the problem of the authorities? 
(iii) Are they right or wrong? How?

Ans: (i) Hooper has asked the authorities to let him work, thus posing problems for them
(ii) They can’t ask Hooper not to work nor can they retain a salesman, who can’t move around and is capable of working only an hour a day.
(iii) They are wrong. They should let him work as he wants. There is no harm in doing it.

Q11. All they knew was that their new neighbor walked like a struggling mechanical giant and that he was always pulled by a rampageous dog that acted as if he owned the man. 
(i) Identify ‘they’.
(ii) Identify the figures of speech used in the current extract with the example. (iii) Write the synonym of ‘rampageous’. 
or 
(i) Name the ‘new neighbour’ and his ‘rampageous dog’. 
(ii) Why did the ‘new neighbour’ walk like a struggling mechanical giant? 
(iii) Give the meaning of ‘rampageous’.

Ans: (i) They are the people in the new suburb, where the Hoopers have bought a house
(ii) Simile- walked like a struggling mechanical giant is used in the above extract.
(iii) ‘Violent’ is the synonym of ‘rampageous’.
or
(i) The ‘new neighbour’ was Chuck Hooper and his rampageous dog was Duke.
(ii) Chuck walked like a struggling mechanical giant as he suffered from paralysis.
(iii) Rampageous means are violent.

Q12. ‘No, please,’ she said. And she picked up the big Duke, carried him gently to the car and drove him to the animal hospital. 
(i) What happened with Duke?
(ii) What does Marcy’s reaction reflect?
(iii) Did Duke recover? 
or 
(i) Who is ‘she’ in the above lines? 
(ii) To whom did ‘she’ say ‘No’? 
(iii) Why did she take Duke to the animal hospital?  

Ans: (i) He was run over a vehicle.
(ii) Her reaction reflects that she has developed a great liking for Duke.
(iii) No, he died due. to having severe injuries.
or
(i) ‘She’ refers to Marcy, Hooper’s wife.
(ii) She said no to the people who wanted to lift the injured Duke.
(iii) Duke was severely injured in an accident and was thus taken to the hospital.
 

Q13. In 1953, Hooper was a famous young man. Explain. or What made Hooper a favoured man in the year 1953? or In what sense was Hooper a favoured young man? Discuss.

Ans: In 1953, Hooper was a favoured young man due to several key attributes. He stood tall at six-foot-one and was known for his handsome appearance. As a Zone Sales Manager for a chemical company, he led a successful and fulfilling life. His genuine smile reflected his positive outlook, and his competitive nature was evident from his time on the university football team. Everything seemed to be going well for him, as he had achieved all his aspirations.

Q14. What happened to Hooper? or What was the incident that left Hooper with subdural haemorrhage?

Ans: One autumn twilight, while driving home, Hooper was involved in an accident when a car unexpectedly pulled out in front of him. He was rushed to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with a subdural haemorrhage affecting the motor section of his brain, which resulted in complete paralysis of his left side. For a long time, he relied on a wheelchair. During his recovery, Hooper faced significant challenges. Initially, he was unable to speak and could only breathe and see, experiencing double vision. After a month in critical condition, his company offered him a year off, promising to create a desk job for him at headquarters. Six weeks post-accident, he was placed in a wheelchair and began daily rehabilitation, which included working on his paralysed arm and leg, alongside baths and exercises. However, progress was slow. Upon his release from the hospital in March, the initial excitement of returning home faded, and he struggled with feelings of despair. He felt isolated in his grief and pain, especially as he could not connect with his dog, Duke, who sensed his condition. Despite these challenges, Hooper was determined to regain his independence, setting a goal to return to work full-time. Thirteen months after his accident, Hooper achieved his objective and was appointed Assistant National Sales Manager, a testament to his resilience and determination.

Q15. Describe subsequent developments which took place in the hospital after he met with an accident. or How did Chuck Hooper get confined to his bed?

Ans: After the accident, Hooper was in a critical condition for a month due to a subdural haemorrhage that left him completely paralysed on his left side. Following five weeks in the hospital, some of his colleagues suggested he take a year off work, promising to create a desk job for him at headquarters. About six weeks post-accident, he was placed in a wheelchair. Daily rehabilitation included exercises for his paralysed arm and leg, along with baths and the use of a wheeled walker, but progress was slow. In March, he was discharged from the hospital, but the initial excitement of returning home faded quickly, leading him to a new low. During his recovery, he felt isolated as his wife, Marcy, left for work each day. To alleviate his loneliness, they decided to bring his dog, Duke, home. Chuck insisted on standing to greet Duke, who reacted joyfully, reinforcing their bond. From that moment, Duke remained by Chuck’s side, helping him regain his strength and mobility.

Q16. How did Duke react when he saw Hooper after his discharge from the hospital?

Ans: Duke’s reaction upon seeing Hooper after his hospital discharge was one of deep concern and loyalty. Initially, Duke displayed signs of anticipation and excitement, nudging and poking at Hooper. However, as he realised the extent of Hooper’s condition, Duke’s behaviour changed dramatically. He became more subdued, lying beside Hooper with a reproachful eye, indicating his awareness that something was wrong. Despite Hooper’s attempts to encourage Duke to play, the dog remained close, refusing to leave his master’s side. This unwavering loyalty highlighted the special bond they shared, as Duke seemed to understand that Hooper was not well and needed his support during this challenging time.

Q17. What are your views about Marcy Hooper?

Ans: Marcy Hooper is depicted as a petite blonde who initially desired a Pomeranian as a pet. At first, she was not fond of Duke, the Doberman, but over time, her feelings changed. Duke played a crucial role in helping her husband, Chuck, recover from his illness. Marcy’s love for her husband was profound, and she found his sadness difficult to bear.

Q18. Who is the real protagonist of the story and why?

Ans: The real protagonist of the story is Duke. He was not only loyal but also deeply attached to his master, Chuck Hooper. Duke exhibited remarkable intelligence and his love had a profound impact that surpassed what science could achieve. After Duke’s death, the story felt incomplete, yet Hooper’s promotion serves as a reminder of Duke’s unwavering service and loyalty to him.

Q19. Differentiate between Marcy’s attitude towards Duke before and after the accident. or Why did Marcy’s attitude towards Duke change? How did she react after Duke met with a fatal accident?

Ans: Initially, Marcy disliked Duke because she preferred a Pomeranian as a pet. This aversion made her hesitant about bringing Duke home. However, as Duke played a crucial role in helping her husband, Hooper, recover, Marcy’s feelings began to change. She grew to appreciate Duke’s support and companionship. By the time of Duke’s accident, her affection for him had deepened significantly; she refused to let anyone else touch him and personally carried him to the car, demonstrating her strong bond with the dog.

Q20. What special qualities made Duke an extraordinary dog? or Duke was an extraordinary dog. What special qualities did he exhibit to justify this? Discuss.

Ans: Duke was an extraordinary dog known for his remarkable qualities. He displayed a deep understanding of his master, Chuck Hooper, especially during challenging times. When Chuck returned home, Duke instinctively jumped on him, but upon seeing Chuck struggle to maintain his balance, he recognised his pain and helplessness. From that moment, Duke never repeated the act of jumping, showing his ability to learn and adapt. His primary role was to assist Chuck in his recovery. Duke’s presence and support were crucial, as he motivated Chuck to regain his strength. The bond they shared was evident; Duke seemed to know that his job was to help Chuck get back on his feet. This unwavering loyalty and understanding were key to Duke’s extraordinary nature, ultimately aiding in Chuck’s recovery.
 

Q21. Describe Hooper’s state after he met with an accident. or Why was Hooper depressed at home after being released from the hospital?

Ans: Hooper’s life had come to a standstill. A tall handsome manager, wearing a broad smile on his face was reduced to a statue of sadness. His smile had faded away. Life at home was depressing as his wife went to work. He used to stare at the ceiling, with an empty and sad appearance.

Q22. How did the journey to recovery begin?

Ans: The journey to recovery began with Duke’s persistent encouragement. His reproachful gaze motivated Hooper to take action. With the leash attached to Duke, and Marcy’s assistance, Hooper attempted to walk. This marked his first step towards recovery, symbolising hope and determination. Over the following days, Hooper gradually increased his steps, taking five on Wednesday, six on Thursday, and even though he faced setbacks, he continued to push forward. With Duke’s support, he set daily goals, striving to reach specific points in their neighbourhood. Marcy noticed the positive impact Duke had on Hooper and consulted the doctor, who recommended a structured physiotherapy plan that included daily walks with Duke. As time passed, the community began to witness Hooper’s progress. By June, news spread that he and Duke had ventured further than ever before, showcasing their remarkable journey together.

Q23. Which exercises was Hooper recommended?

Ans: Hooper was advised to follow a physiotherapy programme that included the use of weights, pulleys, and whirlpool baths. Most importantly, he was encouraged to walk every day with his dog, Duke, gradually increasing the distance over time.

Q24. Describe Hooper’s first big move. or Why was 4th January an eventful day for Chuck Hooper?

Ans: 4th January was a significant day for Chuck Hooper. Without his dog Duke, he managed to walk 200 metres from the clinic to his company’s local branch office. The staff were surprised by his visit. Hooper asked his manager, Gordon Doule, to update him on recent events, stating, “This isn’t just a visit. I want to start working one hour a day.” Doule was taken aback, but Hooper insisted he would use an empty desk in the warehouse and requested a dictating machine.

Q25. What problems did Chuck present when he returned to the company’s headquarters? or How did the members of the staff react when Chuck visited his district office without Duke?

Ans: When Chuck returned to the company’s headquarters, his visit initially surprised the staff. However, when he informed his manager, Gordon Doule, that he would only be able to work for an hour each day, the reaction was less enthusiastic. The management faced a dilemma; they were reluctant to tell him he could not manage his old role, yet they were concerned about having a salesman who could only work for a limited time and was unable to move freely. They were unsure how to accommodate his needs while also addressing the practical challenges his situation presented.

Q26. What happened with Duke?

Ans: On the evening of 12th October 1957, the Hoopers had guests when an unfortunate accident occurred involving Duke. Marcy quickly took him to the hospital. Despite being drugged, Duke managed to hold on until 11 o’clock the next morning, but sadly, he succumbed to his severe injuries.

Q27. How was Hooper rewarded in his office?

Ans: Hooper was rewarded in his office due to Duke’s genuine love and support, rather than his own achievements. He was promoted to Assistant National Sales Manager, a recognition that was entirely attributed to Duke’s influence and dedication.

Q28. What was the tribute to Duke? or Why do you think Chuck Hooper’s appointment as Assistant National Sales Manager is considered to be a tribute to Duke?

Ans: Chuck Hooper’s appointment as Assistant National Sales Manager is regarded as a tribute to Duke because it reflects the significant impact Duke had on Hooper’s life. Hooper’s promotion was a direct result of Duke’s unwavering support and inspiration during a challenging time. Duke’s contributions were recognised through this advancement, symbolising the bond they shared and the role Duke played in Hooper’s recovery and success.

Q29. Justify the title of the story.

Ans: The title of the story is very fitting because Duke is the central figure throughout. His presence is crucial; without him, the narrative loses its significance. The title sparks curiosity about Duke, who is portrayed as an essential character, or the protagonist of the tale.

Q30. Write a note on the theme of the story.

Ans: The story imparts valuable lessons about resilience and the power of love. It emphasises that every challenge can be overcome with perseverance and courage. Additionally, it highlights that love often triumphs where human efforts fall short. The narrative encourages us to maintain hope and not allow adversities to hinder our progress.

Q31. They said that they would create a desk job for Hooper at headquarters
(i) Who are ‘they’? 
(ii) Why did they decide to do this?  

Ans: ‘They’ refers to the representatives of the chemical company where Chuck Hooper worked. After his accident, which left him paralysed, they visited him in the hospital and suggested he take a year off. They decided to create a desk job for him at headquarters to accommodate his new circumstances.

Q32. “Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” Elucidate this quote with reference to the current story, explaining the value of love, which provides strength and courage?

Ans: It is indeed true that being deeply loved by someone provides you with strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage. Love is a powerful force that transcends species, boundaries, and language, creating profound impacts in our lives. In the current story, the dog serves as a perfect example of love. He has an immense affection for his master, Chuck Hooper. The mere sight of Chuck fills the dog with excitement, causing him to quiver with joy. He remains faithfully by Chuck’s side, unable to communicate verbally but profoundly affected by his master’s silence and pain. The dog’s unwavering presence plays a crucial role in Chuck’s journey towards recovery. Without the dog’s love and support, Chuck’s healing would have been nearly impossible. Eventually, Chuck does recover and returns to work, but tragically, the dog passes away, leaving Chuck alone. The bond they shared exemplifies how love can provide the strength needed to overcome adversity and the courage to face life’s challenges.
 

Q33. Imagine you are Chuck Hooper. You have recovered from your illness but your pet has left you forever. Write a diary entry. or Duke’s re-entry into Hooper’s life brought a metamorphosis. As Hooper, write a diary entry recording the efforts made by Duke to revitalize you and help you walk step by step.

Ans: Wednesday 11th March 20XX, 11 pm 

Dear Diary 

My buddy, my best friend, Puke has departed, leaving me along with my thoughts. I am feeling very miserable and lonely. He came, he changed my life, and then he disappeared. Without him, I would have never recovered from my illness. When I met with an accident, life sounded empty and hollow. But now when I am perfectly fine, life ‘ appears meaningless as my saviour is not with me. I am haunted by his memories. Time is a great healer. But some wounds never heal. The more time passes, the more they hurt you, not physically but mentally and spiritually. My Puke has given me such a wound. 

Chuck

Q34. When a person loses something, he is shocked and gets into a state of denial leading to anger. In such a situation coping well leads to acceptance and a changed way of living in view of the loss. Taking cues from what happened or might have happened with Hooper, write your views in the form of an article about ‘Coping with Loss’ in 80-100 words.

Ans: Coping With Loss By Anita Majumdar, IX-A Hooper was leading a normal life. But suddenly his life came to a halt when he met with a severe accident, resulting in paralysis. Suddenly Duke appeared as a saviour in his life. He put his master on the road to a miraculous and wonderful recovery and when he recovered, Duke died. Hooper got life back but lost the life-giver. It is really very difficult and painful to cope with this loss. Death is inevitable and we all have to submit before its will. With the passage of time, he might learn to cope with this loss. Life is meant to be lived. It will not stop and one cannot lament someone’s lost forever. We have to move on.

Q35. As a reader, make a diary entry discussing your reaction to the relationship shared between Chuck and Duke.

Ans: Wednesday 11th March 20XX. 11 pm 

Dear Diary 

The dog is a symbol of loyalty. Guy having read the current story, I was wonder struck to read about the relationship shared between Charles and Puke. The story describes Puke’s amazing loyalty towards his paralyzed master Chuck Hooper as well as the bond of love between the two. Puke instills in Hooper, a hope to recover soon and lead a normal life as earlier. Hooper recovers, walks on foot and gets promoted to a higher post in his office but by that time Puke has expired. The current story conveys that love knows no species or language and can do wonders.

Q36. After Duke’s death, Marcy was asked to write an article for the local newspaper. She decides to write an article on the topic, ‘Dog is a Man’s Best Friend’. Write it for her 80-100 words.

Ans: Dog is a Man’s Best Friend By Marcy Hooper The one absolutely unselfish friend that a man can have is the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous, is a dog as was our Duke. Duke stood by Chuck in his happiness and sorrow in health and in sickness. When all other friends deserted Chuck, he remained as constant in his love as the sun in its journey through the heavens. Duke made Chuck recover from his paralysis through his love and devotion to Chuck. Truly, a dog is man’s best friend.

Q37. Give a character sketch of Chuck Hooper in your own words citing examples from the lesson “A Dog Named Duke”.

Ans: Charles Hooper, a tall and handsome sales manager for a chemical company, was a man of remarkable courage. He met with an accident and got a subdural haemorrhage, paralyzing his left side completely. But he mustered the courage to adapt himself to the new, unavoidable situation. He demonstrated great per- severance while he was struggling for survival with the help of his dog, Duke. The road to recovery was a long and painful process – but Hooper never lost hope. It was his courage and belief that helped him recover from his misery. The faith and endurance that he shows are truly commendable.

Q38. Attempt character sketch of Marcy Hooper.

Ans: Marcy Hooper was a petite blonde woman who initially desired a Pomeranian as a pet. However, her husband, Charles, brought home a Doberman Pinscher named Duke instead. At first, Marcy was not fond of Duke, but her feelings changed when she witnessed him aiding Charles during his recovery from an accident. When Duke was injured, Marcy refused to let anyone else handle him and carried him to the car herself. Her love for her husband was profound, and she was deeply affected when she saw him sitting silently and sorrowfully during his paralysis. Marcy cried quietly, showing her emotional strength. Although she played a crucial role in Charles’s recovery, she remained an unsung heroine in this narrative, demonstrating her resilience and dedication.

Q39. Who was Duke? What do you know about him?    

Ans: Duke was a lively and playful Doberman Pinscher who was four years old and weighed 23 kilos. His coat was a striking red with a fawn vest. Duke required a large living space due to his energetic nature. He was the true protagonist of the story, which bears his name. Duke played a crucial role in helping his owner, Chuck Hooper, recover from a serious condition. Without Duke’s support, Hooper’s recovery would have been much more challenging. The bond between them was profound, as Duke loved and cared for Chuck deeply. Tragically, Duke’s life was cut short due to an accident, but his legacy lived on through Hooper’s promotion to Assistant National Sales Manager, which served as a tribute to Duke’s unwavering dedication and the impact he had on Hooper’s life.

Ques 1. Write a note on the transport system in the author’s childhood days.

Ans: In the author’s childhood days, the transport system was not efficient. The bus carrying magazines and newspapers arrived very late in the village. The villagers got the morning paper only in the afternoon. The weekly magazine used to come one day late.

Ques 2. Why was Triveni a popular writer? or What made Triveni a popular writer?

Ans: Triveni was a very popular writer in the Kannada language. She wrote in an easy and convincing style. Her stories dealt with the complex psychological problems in the lives of ordinary people and were always very interesting.

Ques 3. Grandmother had a passion for literature, yet she did not read the story herself. Why? or Why did the grandmother depend on her granddaughter to know the story?

Ans: She had a passion for literature, but instead of reading the story herself, she depended on her granddaughter as she was illiterate. In her time, education for girls was not considered important. She got married at a young age and got busy in her married life.

Ques 4. Describe the theme of ‘Kashi Yatre’. or What is described in the novel, ‘Kashi Yatre?

Ans: The theme of the novel ‘Kashi Yatre’ is unselfishness. The grandmother had all the money she had collected to visit Kashi, but when she learned about the orphan girl needing the money for her marriage, she gave all her savings to the orphan girl and decided not to visit Kashi.

Ques 5. Describe grandmother’s passion for literature. or ‘Kashi Yatre’ was grandmother’s favourite novel. Why? or Give two reasons to show why ‘Kashi Yatre’ was grandmother’s favourite novel?

Ans: ‘Kashi Yatre’ was her favourite novel because there was one similarity between the novel’s protagonist and grandmother, as both wanted to visit Kashi but never went there. She discussed the novel with her friends in the temple. She was eager to know about the subsequent developments in the story.

Ques 6. Why did grandmother identify herself with the novel’s protagonist? or Why did the grandmother identify herself with the main character of the novel ‘Kashi Yatre’? or How could the grandmother relate herself to the central character of the story ‘Kashi Yatre?

Ans: The novel’s protagonist was an old woman who had a great desire to go to Kashi, but could not. Similarly, grandmother too had never been to Kashi and was eager to go there. This was the reason as to why the grandmother identified herself with the novel’s protagonist.

Ques 7. Why do you think that the women at the temple discuss the latest episode of the story ‘Kashi Yatre’?

Ans: After hearing the story, the women at the temple had a debate regarding the latest episode of the novel ‘Kashi Yatre’. Perhaps they could relate with the novel’s protagonist. It could also be the fact that Triveni’s writing style and genre appealed to them.

Ques 8. The novel’s protagonist longed to go to Kashi. Yet she donated all her savings for the marriage of an orphan girl. Why?

Ans: The novel’s protagonist longed to go to Kashi. But when she learnt that an orphan girl was unable to get married as she had no money, she donated all her savings for the orphan’s marriage because she believed that the happiness of the orphan girl was more important than worshipping Lord Vishweshwara at Kashi.

Ques 9. Write a note on the wedding the author attended.

Ans: At that time, the wedding was a great event. The author and her companions enjoyed themselves thoroughly. They ate and played endlessly, enjoying their freedom as all the elders were busy. She went for a couple of days but stayed there for a week.

Ques 10. Why was a grandmother in tears? or Which incident made the grandmother realise the importance of education? or Why did the grandmother feel so helpless when her granddaughter went to attend a marriage? 

Ans: When her granddaughter was not in the village, the grandmother could not hear the story. She rubbed her hands on the pictures, wishing some miracle to happen, but in vain. She could not dare ask anyone to recite the story to her. She got so frustrated that she cried. When the granddaughter arrived, she found her grandmother in tears.

Ques 11. What was grandmother’s reaction when she got the magazine in her granddaughter’s absence?

Ans: She saw the picture accompanying the story of ‘Kashi Yatre’. But she could not understand the text. She repeatedly rubbed her hands over the pages, wishing she could understand the text. She even thought of going to her granddaughter. She was embarrassed to ask anyone to read the story to her. On that day, she realised two things that she was illiterate and money was useless if she was dependent.

Ques 12. What provoked the grandmother to decide to learn the Kannada alphabet?

Ans: One day her granddaughter had gone to attend a marriage and no one was available to read the story to grandmother. She realised that she was illiterate. Had she been literate, she would have read the story on her own. Upset over her inability to read on her own, the grandmother resolved to learn the Kannada alphabet.

Ques 13. Why did grandmother remain illiterate? or What reason did grandmother give for women not being educated? or Why did the grandmother never go to school?

Ans:  When grandmother was a young girl, she lost her mother. There was none to look after and guide her. Her father was a busy man and remarried. As education for girls was not considered essential in those days, she never went to school. Besides, she got married very young and had children and later grandchildren.

Ques 14. Why did the author grow sarcastic after learning that her grandmother wanted to learn the Kannada alphabet? or How did the narrator tease her grandmother when she expressed her desire to read?

Ans: When grandmother announced her decision to learn the Kannada alphabet, the author could not believe her ears and laughed at her. She was not used to the idea of an old lady trying to read. All this invited the author’s sarcasm and she unwittingly made fun of the grandmother.

Ques 15. How did grandmother react to her granddaughter’s sarcasm?

Ans: Grandmother did not lose her temper, nor did she feel hurt. Rather, she smiled. She said if one was determined for a good cause, one could overcome any obstacle. Her self-confidence, determination, and logic convinced the granddaughter that there was no age bar for learning. Besides, she promised to work harder than anybody. She kept her promise and passed with flying colours.

Ques 16. Describe the grandmother as a student. or Why did the narrator call her ‘Avva’, a wonderful student? or Could the grandmother succeed in accomplishing her desire to read? How?

Ans: She could do an amazing amount of work, She could read, write, recite and repeat very soon. She worked hard to accomplish her desire to read. The outcome of her learning was that she was able to read on her own as she read the title ‘Kashi Yatre’ by Triveni and the publisher’s name when her granddaughter gifted her the novel.

Ques 17. Why did she touch the author’s feet? or The grandmother touched the feet of her granddaughter. How did she justify this gesture of hers?

Ans: She touched the author’s feet as a mark of respect. it is written in the scriptures that a teacher should be respected, irrespective of gender and age. The author taught her grandmother so well, with so much of affection, that she could read any novel confidently in a very short period.

Ques 18. Write a note on the relationship of Krishtafeka and Sudha Murty.

Ans: They had a very good relationship. They both understood each other very well. Sudha Murty read the stories to her, When she found Krishtakka in tears, she grew worried. She tried to find out the reason. She laughed at Krishtakka, but got no thrashing in return. She taught Krishtakka whole-heartedly, making her independent.
   

Ques 19. Which of the following traits would be relevant to the character of the narrator’s grandmother? (i) Determined (ii) Selfish (iii) Emotional (iv) Mean

Ans: She was determined. At the age of sixty-two, she decided to learn the Kannada alphabet. She worked hard for it. She did an amazing amount of homework. She could read, repeat, recite and write. Finally, she succeeded in making her dream come true.

Ques 20. Justify the title of the story.  

Ans: Sudha Murty taught her grandmother, enabling her to read on her own, So, she gave her account the current title ie. ‘How I Taught My Grandmother to Read’. The title is very apt as it indicates how the author taught her grandmother who remained illiterate till sixty-two years. It also reflects the author’s ability to teach her old grandmother. 
   

Ques 21. Krishtakka is firm to learn the Kannada alphabet though her granddaughter teases her. Krishtakka just smiled and said, “For a good cause if you are determined, you can overcome any obstacle. I will work harder than anybody, but I will do it. For learning there is no age bar.” Her weak faculties do not disturb her at all and she is overpowered by her determination and self-motivation. Motivated by her story, you decide to write a letter to your younger brother, who has indulged in disreputable activities at the cost of his studies, about the value of determination and self-motivation.

Ans: 16, ABC Street

 Agra

 12th December 20XX 

Dear Piyush, 

How are you? Yesterday, mother told me that you have been ignoring your studies, for which you had been sent to the hostel. If you are self-motivated and determined to reach the top, nothing can deter you. Recently, I read a story called “How I Taught My Grandmother to Read”. Although the protagonist of the story is a sixty-two year old illiterate lady, yet she decides to learn the alphabet. She works hard and passes with flying colours. When she can succeed at such an old age, can’t you succeed being so young, energetic and enthusiastic? So, fix your goal, drop your useless activities and pass with flying colours. Awaiting a positive reply. 

Yours affectionately 

Rajeev

Ques 22. Imagine you are Krishtakka. You love literature but can’t read it, as you are illiterate. One day, you regret your illiteracy and decide to learn. Write a diary entry expressing your feelings.

Ans: Wednesday 11th March 20XX, 11 pm 

Dear Diary, 

Since my childhood. I had a great- passion for literature. But I could not continue my studies. I lost my mother when I was young. As female education was not regarded as important in those days, I never went to school. I got married early and had children. I got busy in family life. I never knew when I developed a passion for ‘Kashi Yatre, a wonderful novel. As I was illiterate, my granddaughter Sudha recited the story to me. I loved the story very much as its protagonist was just like me. I deeply regret the fact that I couldn’t read the story on my own. I felt dependent. I decided to learn to read and chose Sudha as my teacher. 

Krishtakka

Ques 23. Imagine you are Sudha Murty. Your grandparents want to study despite their weak faculties and they have chosen you as their teacher. You are happy as well as confused. Write a diary entry expressing your feelings.

Ans: Wednesday 11th March. 20XX, 11 pm 

Dear Diary, 

My grandparents want to study at this age. They are having weak faculties. You need constant attention and strong faculties to pursue studies, which they have lost. But they don’t understand. I am happy as they want to study, irrespective of their age and are aware of the fact that they have to work hard. But I am also confused. How will I teach them? Will I be able to teach them? Where do I start from? I have decided to teach them. I will do my duty honestly. They have reposed their trust in me and I will remain faithful to them. I wish them success. May God bless my old but lovable and caring students! 

Sudha

Ques 24. As the author of ‘How I Taught My Grandmother to Read’, write a letter to your grandmother appreciating her determination and strength of character. or Your grandmother has displayed qualities of a truly religious student. As a granddaughter write a letter to her appreciating her strength and determination.

Ans: 12, ABC Street Kelgaum Karnataka

 15th March, 20XX 

Dear Grandmother 

How are you? I came to know that you are on the road to reading and learning, a herculean task indeed. I appreciate your determination and courage. At the age of sixty-two, you have taken a difficult decision to learn the Kannada alphabet. Your faculties have grown weak but your passion for literature is motivating you to go ahead. If every person has a strong will like yours, illiteracy will be wiped out from the Earth and no problems will exist anymore as the root cause of all the problems is illiteracy with its evil consequences. You are an ideal grandmother, an epitome of determination, strength and motivation. You are correct when you say that working for a good cause requires determination and this can conquer any obstacle. One needs nothing but self-motivation to progress in life and luckily you possess that very characteristic. May you live long.
Yours affectionately 

Sudha

Ques 25. Write a character sketch of Krishtakka, the grandmother. or Give the character sketch of the grandmother as depicted in the story “How I Taught My Grandmother to Read”.

Ans:  The grandmother is the central character, the fulcrum around which the entire lesson revolves. She is sixty-two years old, grey-haired, wrinkled and all her life is devoted to the kitchen-chores and well-being of her family. The novel ‘Kashi Yatre’ stirs in her yearnings for a visit to Kashi. This shows that the grandmother is quite religious. She is a lady of great commitment, courage and indomitable spirit, which is evident in her desire to master the Kannada alphabet, even at the age of sixty-two. The grandmother proves to be an ideal and diligent student who achieves her desired goal.

Ques 26. You are the grandmother. How did you feel when your granddaughter gave you the novel ‘Kashi Yatre’ ? Write your feelings in your diary. or You are the grandmother in the story, ‘How I Taught My Grandmother to Read’. How did you feel when you were able to read the novel, ‘Kashi Yatre’ gifted to you by your granddaughter? Write about your feelings in the form of a diary entry. Write the diary entry. or Krishtakka believes that there is no age bar for learning. As Krishtakka, write a diary entry on how you made this belief of yours come true.  

Ans:  Thursday 7th March. 20XX, 9 pm 

Dear Diary 

Today I am very happy as my granddaughter gave me the novel ‘Kashi Yatre’, which I can now read myself. It is my favourite novel. It is because of my granddaughter’s devotion and love that I am able to read and write myself She made me independent. Now. I don’t have to wait for anybody to read and write to me. I really love this novel as it inspired me to be literate and independent. I couldn’t complete my studies when I was young and that handicap stayed with me. gut now through determination and hard work, I have achieved my goal. I am grateful to my granddaughter. the best teacher I have ever had. I wish all my illiterate friends get granddaughters like Sudha so that they dispel the darkness of illiteracy and relieve their grannies from the anguish of dependence.      

  Krishtakka  

Ques 27. Krishtakka is firm to learn the Kannada alphabet though her granddaughter teases her. Krishtakka just smiled and said, “For a good cause if you are determined, you can overcome any obstacle. I will work harder than anybody, but I will do it. For learning there is no age bar.” Her weak faculties do not disturb her at all and she is overpowered by her determination and self-motivation. Motivated by her story, you decide to write a letter to your younger brother, who has indulged in disreputable activities at the cost of his studies, about the value of determination and self-motivation.

Ans: 16, ABC Street Agra 12th December, 20XX 

Dear Piyush 

How are you? Yesterday, mother told me that you have been ignoring your studies, for which you had been sent to the hostel. If you are self-motivated and determined to reach the top, nothing can deter you. Recently, I read a story called “How I Taught My Grandmother to Read”. Although the protagonist of the story is a sixty-two year old illiterate lady, yet she decides to learn the alphabet. She works hard and passes with flying colours. When she can succeed at such an old age, can’t you succeed being so young, energetic and enthusiastic? So, fix your goal, drop your useless activities and pass with flying colours. Awaiting a positive reply. 

Yours affectionately 

Rajeev

Ques 28. Imagine you are Krishtakka. You love literature but can’t read it, as you are illiterate. One day, you regret your illiteracy and decide to learn. Write a diary entry expressing your feelings.

Ans: Wednesday 11th March. 20XX, 11 pm 

Dear Diary

 Since my childhood, I had a great- passion for literature. But I could not continue my studies. I lost my mother when I was young. As female education was not regarded, important in those days, I never went to school. I got married early and had children. I got busy in family life. I never knew when I developed 2 passion for ‘Kashi Yatre, a wonderful novel. As I was illiterate, my granddaughter Sudha recited the story to me. I loved the story very much as its protagonist was just like me. I deeply regret the fact that I couldn’t read the story on my own. I felt dependent. I have decided to learn to read and chose Sudha as my teacher. 

Krishtakka

Ques 29. Imagine you are Sudha Murty. Your grandparents want to study despite their weak faculties and they have chosen you as their teacher. You are happy as well as confused. Write a diary entry expressing your feelings.

Ans:  Wednesday 11th March. 20XX, 11 pm 
Dear Diary 
My grandparents want to study at this age. They are having weak faculties. You need a constant attention and strong faculties to pursue studies, which they have lost. but they don’t understand. I am happy as they want to study, irrespective of their age and are aware of the fact that they have to work hard. But I am also confused. How will I teach them? Will I be able to teach them? Where do I start from? I have decided to teach them. I will do my duty honestly. They have reposed their trust in me and I will remain faithful to them. I wish them success. May God bless my old but lovable and caring students! 
Sudha 

Ques 30. As the author of ‘How I Taught My Grandmother to Read’, write a letter to your grandmother appreciating her determination and strength of character. or Your grandmother has displayed qualities of a truly religious student. As a granddaughter write a letter to her appreciating her strength and determination.
Ans: 12, ABC Street Kelgaum Karnataka 
15th March, 20XX 
Dear Grandmother 
How are you? I came to know that you are on the road to reading and learning, a herculean task indeed. I appreciate your determination and courage. At the age of sixty-two, you have taken a difficult decision to learn the Kannada alphabet. Your faculties have grown weak but your passion for literature is motivating you to go ahead. If every person has a strong will like yours, illiteracy will be wiped out from the Earth and no problems will exist anymore as the root cause of all the problems is illiteracy with its evil consequences. You are an ideal grandmother, an epitome of determination, strength, and motivation. You are correct when you say that working for a good cause requires determination and this can conquer any obstacle. One needs nothing but self-motivation to progress in life and luckily you possess that very characteristic. May you live long’
Yours affectionately
Sudha

Ques 31. Write a character sketch of Krishtakka, the grandmother. or Give the character sketch of the grandmother as depicted in the story “How I Taught My Grandmother to Read”.
Ans: The grandmother is the central character, the fulcrum around which the entire lesson revolves. She is sixty-two years old, grey-haired, wrinkled and all her life is devoted to the kitchen-chores and well-being of her family. The novel ‘Kashi Yatre’ stirs in her yearnings for a visit to Kashi. This shows that the grandmother is quite religious. She is a lady of great commitment, courage and indomitable spirit, which is evident in her desire to master the Kannada alphabet, even at the age of sixty-two. The grandmother proves to be an ideal and diligent student who achieves her desired goal.

Ques 32. You are the grandmother. How did you feel when your granddaughter gave you the novel ‘Kashi Yatre? Write your feelings in your diary. or You are the grandmother in the story, ‘How I Taught My Grandmother to Read’. How did you feel when you were able to read the novel, ‘Kashi Yatre’ gifted to you by your granddaughter? Write about your feelings in the form of a diary entry. Write the diary entry. or Krishtakka believes that there is no age bar for learning. As Krishtakka, write a diary entry on how you made this belief of yours come true.
Ans: Thursday 7th March. 20XX, 9 pm 
Dear Diary 
Today I am very happy as my granddaughter gave me the novel ‘cash’s Yatre’, which I can now read myself. It- is my favourite novel. It is because of my granddaughter’s devotion and love that I am able to read and write myself She made me independent. Now. I don’t have to wait for anybody to read and write for me. I really love this novel as it inspired me to be literate and independent. I couldn’t complete my studies when I was young and that handicap stayed with me. gut now through determination and hard work, I have achieved my goal. I am grateful to my granddaughter. the best teacher I have ever had. I wish all my illiterate friends get granddaughters like Sudha so that they dispel darkness of illiteracy and relieve their grannies from the anguish of dependence.
Krishtakka

Ques 33. At that time, Triveni was a very popular writer in the Kannada language. She was a wonderful writer. Her style was easy to read and very convincing. Her stories usually dealt with complex psychological problems in the lives of ordinary people and were always very interesting. Unfortunately for Kannada literature, she died very young. Even now, after forty years, people continue to appreciate her  novels. 
(i) Identify ‘She’ in the current extract. 
(ii) What were the two special characteristics of her stories? 
(iii) What is the relevance of her novels in the current story? 
or 
(i) What had made Triveni a popular writer? 
(ii) What made Triveni’s stories very interesting? 
(iii) How does Sudha Murty react to Triveni’s death at an early age?
Ans: (i) ‘She’ refers to Triveni, a popular writer in the Kannada language. 
(ii) The two special characteristics of her stories were that they dealt with complex psychological problems in the lives of ordinary people and secondly, they were quite interesting, 
(iii) The author’s grandmother had a deep passion for the novel named ‘Kashi Yatre’ written by Triveni. 
or 
(i) Her style was easy to read and very convincing. 
(ii) Her stories usually dealt with complex psychological problems in the lives of ordinary people and thus were always very interesting. 
(iii) She remarks that her early demise was ‘unfortunate’ for Kannada literature.

Ques 34. In the end, the old lady gives away all her savings without going to Kashi. She says “The happiness of this orphan girl is more  important   than   worshipping   Lord Vishweshwara at Kashi.” 
(i) Identify ‘the old lady’ in the current extract. 
(ii) In which context is the old lady being talked about? 
(iii) How does she justify her giving away all her savings?
Ans: (i) ‘The old lady’ refers to the protagonist appearing in ‘Kashi Yatre’, of the story authored by Triveni, a popular writer in Kannada. 
(ii) She wants to go to Kashi, but when she learns that an orphan girl is unable to marry due to shortage of funds, she gives away all her savings for her marriage at the cost of her desire. 
(iii) According to her, the happiness of the orphan girl is more important than worshipping Lord Vishweshwara at Kashi.

Ques 35. When I came back to my village, I saw my grandmother in tears. I was surprised, for I had never seen her cry even in the most difficult situations. 
(i) Identify the speaker. 
(ii) Identify ‘her’ in these lines. 
(iii) Why did she cry? 
or 
(i) Who is ‘!’ in the above extract? Where did she/he return from? 
(ii) Why was the grandmother in tears? 
(iii) What does the last line of the extract tell you about the grandmother’s character? 
or 
(i) Where had the narrator gone?
(ii) Why was the narrator’s grandmother in tears? 
(iii) How did the narrator help the grandmother later?
Ans: (i) The speaker refers to Sudha Murty, the author. 
(ii) ‘Her’ refers to the author’s grandmother. 
(iii) She cried at her helplessness of not being able to read her favourite novel. 
or 
(i) ‘I’ refers to the narrator. She returned from a neighbouring village, where she had gone to attend a marriage. 
(ii) She cried at her helplessness of not being able to read her favourite novel. 
(iii) It shows that the grandmother was very strong in character. 
or 
(i) The narrator had gone to the neighbouring village. 
(ii) She cried at her helplessness of not being able to read her favourite novel. 
(iii) The narrator helped her grandmother by teaching her the Kannada alphabet.

Ques 36. When I was a young girl, I lost my mother. There was nobody to look after and guide me. My father was a busy man and got married again. In those days, people never considered education essential for girls, so I never went to school. 
(i) Identify the speaker and the listener. 
(ii) Identify the context in which the speaker speaks. 
(iii) Identify a prepositional verb used in the current extract.
Ans: (i) The speaker and the listener refer to the grandmother and the author, respectively. 
(ii) She is explaining the reason for her illiteracy. 
(iii) ‘Look after’ is the prepositional verb used here.

Ques 37. I could have asked somebody in this village but I was too embarrassed to do so. I felt so very dependent and helpless. We are well-off, but what use is money when I cannot be independent?
(i) Identify the speaker.
(ii) What could have somebody be asked for?
(iii) Explain the last line, “We…….independent.”
or
(i) Who is the speaker of these lines?
(ii)When did the speaker feel so very ‘dependent and helpless’?
(iii) By ‘independent’ the speaker here means ________.
Ans: (i) The speaker is the grandmother. 
(ii) Somebody could be asked to read the story to Krishtakka as the author was not in the village. 
(iii) If one is wealthy but illiterate and dependent on others, money is useless. Money is useful only if one is literate and self-dependent. 
or 
(i) The speaker is the grandmother. 
(ii) The grandmother was not able to read her favourite novel in the absence of her granddaughter. At that time she felt dependent and helpless. 
(iii) to be able to read and write. 

Ques 38. I will work very hard. I will keep Saroswati Pooja day during Dussehra as the deadline. 
(i) What is the task for which the deadline is fixed? 
(ii) Why will the speaker work hard? 
(iii) Identify the listener.
Ans: (i) Grandmother fixes a deadline for the day she will be able to read a novel on her own. 
(ii) She will work hard for becoming a literate person. 
(iii) The author, Sudha Murty, is the listener.

Ques 39. We have always touched the feet of God, elders and teachers. We consider that as a mark of respect. It is a great tradition, but today the reverse had happened. It was not correct. 
(i) What was the reverse that had happened? 
(ii) Why did the grandmother touch the feet of the author? 
(iii) Was it correct or incorrect? Why?
Ans:  (i) Grandmother had touched the feet of her granddaughter, the author. 
(ii) She touched the feet of the author as a mark of respect to her, the grandmother’s teacher. 
(iii) It was correct, as there was no harm in touching the feet of a teacher and it did not matter if the teacher was younger to the student.

Ques 40. I knew then that my student had passed with flying colours. 
(i)Identify the student and the teacher. 
(ii) Explain ‘flying colours’. 
(iii) How can you say that she had learnt the Kannada alphabet? 
or
(i) Who are T and ‘my student’ in the above line? 
(ii) What test had ‘the student’ passed? 
(iii) What quality of the student is revealed in the above lines?

Ans: (i) The student and teacher refer to the grandmother and Sudha Murty respectively. (ii) “Flying colours’ means ‘done very well’. Here it means that the grandmother could read the Kannada alphabet flawlessly.
(iii) She had learnt the Kannada alphabet because read the title KashiYatre and the publisher’s name on her own. 
or 
(i)’I’ refers to the narrator, Sudha Murty; ‘my student’ refers to the grandmother, Krishtakka. 
(ii) The test that the student had passed was that she had learnt to read and write. 
(iii) The qualities of the student revealed in the form lines are that she is diligent, determined and dedicated.

Q1: Copy and complete the following paragraph about the theme of the play in pairs:
The play deals with a _______and _______ Bishop who is always
ready to lend a ________hand to anyone in distress. A _______
breaks into the Bishop’s house and is ________ and warmed. The benevolence of the Bishop somewhat
_______the convict, but, when he
sees the silver candlesticks, he _______ them, and runs away. However, he is _______ and brought back. He expects to go back to jail, but the Bishop informs the police they are a _______. The convict is _______ by this kindness of the Bishop and before he leaves he seeks the priest’s blessing.
Ans: The play deals with a kind and charitable Bishop who is always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in distress. A convict breaks into the Bishop’s house and is fed and warmed. The benevolence of the Bishop somewhat confounds the convict, but, when he sees the silver candlesticks, he steals them, and runs away. However, he is arrested and brought back. He expects to go back to jail, but the Bishop informs the police they are a gift. The convict is moved by this kindness of the Bishop and before he leaves he seeks the priest’s blessing.

Q2:  (a) Working in pairs give antonyms of the following words:

Ans:
(i) Kind-hearted − nasty, unkind, cruel
(ii) Unscrupulous −ethical, moral, good
(iii) Forgiving − censure, charge, punish
(iv) Stern − cheerful, funny, lenient
(v) Benevolent −greedy, malevolent, mean, selfish
(vi) Credulous −skeptical, suspecting, suspicious
(vii) Generous − greedy, mean, miserly
(viii) Pious –atheist, impious, irreligious
(ix) Suspicious −innocent, trustworthy, trusty
(x) Sympathetic −callous, merciless, uncaring, unconcerned
(xi) Understanding − misunderstanding, intolerant
(xii) Wild − civilized, controlled, delicate, gentle
(xiii) Innocent − bad, blamable, corrupt
(xiv) Penitent − happy, unashamed
(xv) Clever − awkward, foolish, idiotic, ignorant,
(xvi) Brutal −generous, humane, kind, nice
(xvii) Cunning −gullible, kind, naive
(xviii) Caring −disregarding, ignoring, neglecting
(xix) Sentimental − hard-hearted, indifferent, pragmatic, unemotional
(xx) Trusting-disagree, dispute, reject, renounce
(xxi) Protective −attacking, harmful, hurtful, injurious
(xxii) Concerned −happy, undisturbed, unperturbed
(xxiii) Honourable − not respectful, unhonourable
(xiv) Embittered −pleasant, content, genial

(b) Select words from the above box to describe the characters in the play as revealed by the following lines from the play.

Ans:

Q3: Answer the following questions briefly
(a) Do you think the Bishop was right in selling the salt-cellars? Why/why not?
Ans: Yes, the Bishop was right in selling the salt-cellars because he was an ideal person. He could not bear the thought of an old and sick lady to be thrown out of the house due to non-payment of rent. He always helps people in times of need.

(b) Why does Persome feel the people pretend to be sick?
Ans: Persome felt that people pretended to be sick to take undue advantage of the Bishop. She was of very protective nature and pained to see that the entire humanity is turning upon them for charity and kindness.

(c) Who was Jeanette? What was the cause of her death?
Ans: Jeanette was the wife of the convict. She died due to illness and starvation.

(d) The convict says, “I am too old a bird to be caught with chaff.” What does he mean by this statement?
Ans: The convict meant that he has is experienced so that he couldn’t be misleaded. He ordered the Bishop to stay put because he couldn’t trust anyone not to report to the police and get him arrested.

(e) Why was the convict sent to prison? What was the punishment given to him?
Ans: The convict was sent to prison for stealing a loaf of bread. He was sentenced to ten years in a prison hulk.

(f) Do you think the punishment given to the convict was justified? Why/ why not? Why is the convict eager to reach Paris?
Ans: The punishment given to the convict was not justified. It is too inhuman for someone who was caught stealing just to feed his sick wife. He was guilty of stealing only to feed his wife who was dying of starvation. But they showed him no mercy and treated him like a beast. They chained him like a wild animal, lashed him like a hound and fed him filth. He was covered with vermin and had to sleep on boards. This kind of treatment is inhuman and not justified.
The convict is eager to reach Paris because it was a big city and the Police would never be able to find him there. 

(g) Before leaving, the convict asks the Bishop to bless him. What brought about this change in him?
Ans: The Bishop’s benevolent, kind and caring attitude had brought about a change in the convict. That is why before leaving for Paris, he asks the Bishop to bless him.

Q4: Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow by choosing the
correct options.

A. Monseigneur the Bishop is a ________ -ahem!’
(a) Why does Persome not complete the sentence?
(i) she used to stammer while speaking.
(ii) she was about to praise the Bishop.
(iii) she did not wish to criticise the Bishop in front of Marie.
(iv) she had a habit of passing such remarks.

Ans: (iii) She did not wish to criticise the Bishop in front of Marie.
(b) Why is she angry with the Bishop?
(i) The Bishop has sold her salt-cellars.
(ii) The Bishop has gone to visit Mere Gringoire.
(iii) He showed extra concern for Marie.
(iv) She disliked the Bishop.
Ans: (i) The Bishop has sold her salt-cellars.
B. ‘She sent little Jean to Monseigneur to ask for help, and—’
(a) Who sent little Jean to the Bishop?
(i) Mere Gringoire
(ii) Marie
(iii) Persome
(iv) Marie’s mother
Ans: (i) Mere Gringoire
(b) Why did she send Jean to the Bishop?
(i) so that he could pray for her
(ii) as she knew that he was a generous person
(iii) as she was a greedy woman
(iv) as she was a poor woman
Ans: (ii) as she knew that he was a generous person
C. ‘I offered to take her in here for a day or two, but she seemed to think it might distress you.”
The Bishop wanted to take Mere Grngoire in because _________.
(a) The Bishop wanted to take Mere Grngoire in because _________.
(i) she was sick
(ii) she had no money
(iii) she was unable to pay the rent of her house
(iv) she was a close friend of Persome
Ans: (iii) she was unable to pay the rent of her house
(b) Persome would be distressed on Mere Gringoire’s being taken in because ________.
(i) she did not want to help anyone
(ii) she felt that Mere Gringoire was taking undue advantage of the Bishop
(iii) she was a self-centred person
(iv) she would be put to a great deal of inconvenience
Ans: (ii) she felt that Mere Gringoire was taking undue advantage of the Bishop

Q5: Identify the situations which be termed as the turning points in the convict’s life?
Ans: The Convict, when was caught and brought to the Bishop’s house, was asked to be released by the Bishop saying that he is a friend to him. The Bishop also gives him his mother’s only memory i.e. candle-sticks. This entire incidence makes convict believe that there still exists humanity. This is the turning point in the convict’s life. 

TEXTBOOK QUESTIONS (SOLVED)

1. Copy and complete the following paragraph about the theme of the play using the clues given in the box below. Remember that there are more clues than required.

Juliette, the owner of a villa wants to _________ it as she is in need of _________ . Moreover, she is not in _________ of the house. Jeanne and Gaston, a couple visit her with the aim of _________ the villa. While Jeanne is _________ about buying, Gaston detests the idea as he does not want his __________ in that house. Also, he finds the asking price of _________ to be expensive. When Jeanne and Juliette go around the house, another customer _________ and starts talking to Gaston _________ him to be Juliette’s husband. Gaston _________ a deal with the customer by which he is able to give _________ to the owner and _________ one thousand francs for himself.

Ans: Juliette, the owner of a villa wants to sell it as she is in need of money. Moreover, she is not in Favour of the house. Jeanne and Gaston, a couple visit her with the aim of buying the villa. While Jeanne is enthusiastic about buying, Gaston detests the idea as he does not want his in – laws in that house. Also, he finds the asking price of 300 thousand francs to be expensive. When Jeanne and Juliette go around the house, another customer walks in and starts talking to Gaston taking him to be Juliette’s husband. Gaston strikes a deal with the customer by which he is able to give 200 thousand francs to the owner and keep one thousand francs for himself.

Q2. Answer the following questions.

(a) Why does Jeanne want to buy a villa?

Ans : Jeanne wants to buy the villa so that her parents can stay in it. Moreover, her sister along with her children could also visit and stay there.

(b) Why is Gaston not interested in buying the villa in the beginning?

Ans : Gaston is not fond of his wife’s family. He believes that her parents would occupy the villa for quite some time and her sister would also visit there. He believes that buying the villa is a bad investment and has no desire to buy it.

(c) Mrs Al Smith makes many statements about the  French. Pick out any two and explain them.

Ans : (i) “You French have a very cute way of doing business”.
(ii) “Frenchmen usually have to consult about ten people before they get a move on”. Mrs Al Smith believes that French are not very business-minded and they don’t go into any details. Moreover, she also believes that the French are fickle-minded and they cannot make their own decisions.

(d) Juliette says, “….. want to get this wretched place off my hands. I would sacrifice it at any price”. Does she stick to her words. Why / Why not?

Ans: Juliette changed her stand totally when Jeanne and Gaston arrived. At first, she quotes three hundred and fifty thousand francs and when Gaston shows disinterest, she settles down for two hundred thousand. She is in no way ready to reduce the cost of the villa anymore.

e) Who is a better business person – Juliette or Gaston? Substantiate with examples from the text.

Ans. Gaston proves himself better in business compared to Juliette. He negotiates a deal with Mrs. Al Smith from scratch and earns a substantial amount of money. Additionally, he secures a Corot painting as part of the deal.

f) Do you like/dislike Gaston? Give your reasons. 

Ans. Yes, I like Gaston. He is clever and has clear thinking. He is a sharp businessman who knows how to earn good profits. At one point, he pretends to be the owner’s husband and outsmarts the smart Mrs. Al Smith, taking advantage of the situation to make a hundred thousand francs. He is also a skilled negotiator who manages to leave everyone—Juliette, Mrs. Al Smith, and his wife Jeanne—satisfied in the end.

Q3. Read the following extracts and answer the questions that follow by choosing the correct options.

(I)  But the sign has been hanging on the gate for over a month now and I am beginning to be afraid that the day I bought it was when I was the real fool.

a) Why is Juliette disappointed?
(i) she is unable to get the role of a cook in the films.
(ii) her maid is leaving as she has got a role in the films.
(iii) she is unable to find a suitable buyer for her villa.
(iv) Gaston is offering a very low price for the villa.
Ans. (iii) she is unable to find a suitable buyer for her villa.

b) Why does she call herself a fool?
(i) she has decided to sell her villa.
(ii) there are no buyers for the villa.
(iii) she had bought the villa for more than it was worth.
(iv) the villa was too close to the film studios.
Ans. (iii) she had bought the villa for more than it was worth.

(II)  ‘But your parents would take possession of it, every year from the beginning of spring until the end of September. What’s more they would bring the whole tribe of your sister’s children with them.’
(a) What does Gaston mean by ‘take possession’?
(i) her parents would stay with them for a long time.
(ii) Juliette’s sister has many children.
(iii) Gaston does not like children.
(iv) Juliette’s sister’s children are badly behaved.
Ans. (i) her parents would stay with them for a long time.

(C) ‘While you were upstairs, I have been thinking a lot about your Papa and Mamma.
(a) What is the discrepancy between what Gaston said earlier and what he says now?
(i) Earlier he did not want Juliette’s parents to stay with them but now he is showing concern for them.
(ii) Earlier he wanted Juliette’s parents to stay with them but now he does not want them to come over.
(iii) Earlier he wanted to buy a house for them but now he wants them to come and stay in their villa.
(iv) Earlier he stayed in Juliette’s parents’ villa but now he wants them to stay with him and Juliette.
Ans. (i) Earlier he did not want Juliette’s parents to stay with them but now he is showing concern for them.

(b) What does the above statement reveal about Gaston’s character?
(i) he is selfish.
(ii) he is an opportunist.
(iii) he is a caring person.
(iv) he is a hypocrite.
Ans. (ii) he is an opportunist.
Q4. Select words from the box to describe the characters in the play as revealed by the following lines.

 Answer: 

Q4. A. On the basis of your understanding of the poem, answer the following questions by choosing the correct option.
(a) The rain calls itself the ‘dotted silver threads’ as _____________.
(i) the shimmering drops fall one after the other.
(ii) it ties heaven and earth.
(iii) it dots the earth with shimmering water.
(iv) it decorates the fields.

Ans : (ii) it ties heaven and earth.

The rain refers to itself as ‘dotted silver threads’ because it ties heaven and earth. This metaphor highlights the connection between the sky and the ground, illustrating how rain serves as a bridge, linking the two realms.

(b) The tone and mood of the rain in the poem reflects: its _____________.
(i) love for the earth.
(ii) desire to take revenge.
(iii) merriment as it destroys.
(iv) desire to look beautiful.

Ans : (i) love for the earth.

The tone and mood of the rain in the poem reflect its love for the earth. This affection is expressed through the rain’s gentle and nurturing presence, highlighting its role in sustaining life and beauty.

(c) Choose the option that lists the examples of ‘elated’.
1. Asmi is convalescing from her ailment.
2. Gurdeep and Sanvi met each other after a decade.
3. Damehi heard the news that he had been nominated for an award.
4. Sohrab has witnessed a burglar in the dark.
(i) 1, 3
(ii) 2, 3
(iii) 3, 4
(iv) 1, 4
Ans. (ii) 2, 3

(d) Antithesis is a figure of speech which brings out a contrast in the ideas by placing opposing words, clauses or sentences within a parallel grammatical structure.
For example:
“To err is human; to forgive divine.” – Alexander Pope
Hope for the best; prepare for the worst.
Keep your friends close; keep your enemies closer.
From the following phrases in the poem, select the option that correctly lists the examples of Antithesis.
1. When I cry, the hills laugh; When I humble myself, the flowers rejoice;
2. And between them I am a messenger of mercy.
3. When I bow, all things are elated.
4. The voice of thunder declares my arrival; The rainbow announces my departure.
5. I am dotted silver threads dropped from heaven
6. I touch gently at the windows with my Soft fingers
(i) 1, 3, 4, 6
(ii) 1, 3, 4
(iii) 1, 3, 4, 5
(iv) 1, 3, 5
Ans. (ii) 1, 3, 4

Q4. B.  Read the given extracts and answer the following questions by selecting the correct option.

(a) 

I am dotted silver threads dropped from heaven
By the gods. Nature then takes me,
to adorn Her fields and valleys.
I am beautiful pearls, plucked from the
Crown of Ishtar by the daughter of Dawn
To embellish the gardens.

i) Select the option that DOES NOT include a visual connected to the given lines.

A. Option i
B. Option ii
C. Option iii
D. Option iv
Ans. A. Option i

ii) Read the definitions given below:Allusion: Reference to a famous person,  place, or historical event,  either directly or through implication. 

Alliteration: Repetition of the same consonant sound at the initial position in two or more neighbouring words. 

 Select the option that correctly includes examples of i) allusion and ii) alliteration from the extract.
A. i) Ishtar ii) daughter of Dawn
B. i) Dawn ii) dotted silver threads
C. i) Nature ii) pearls, plucked from the Crown
Ans. A. i) Ishtar ii) daughter of Dawn

Ishtar represents fertility in this context because she is associated with the creation of life, which is directly linked to the rain. Rain is essential for growth and sustenance, making it relevant to Ishtar’s role.

(iii) Choose the option containing a statement that is NOT conveyed through the extract.
A. The rain calls itself the shimmering drops sent by the gods.
B. The rain is the daughter of Dawn born to decorate the gardens.
C. Nature has adopted rain to decorate her fields and valleys.
D. The rain is beautiful pearls plucked from the crown of the goddess of fertility.
Ans. D. The rain is beautiful pearls plucked from the crown of the goddess of fertility.

(iv) Ishtar is a Mesopotamian goddess and signifies diverse things in different cultures. Select which symbol of Ishtar is relevant in the extract with the most appropriate reason.
A. The poet utilised the symbol of ‘Love’ to represent Ishtar because the rain brings love and peace to the world.
B. Ishtar signifies ‘War’ as her power arises from her connection with storms.
C. Ishtar here represents ‘Fertility’ because she is responsible for all life and so is the relevance to the rain.
D. The poet meant to associate the symbol of ‘Beauty’ with Ishtar as the rain makes the world beautiful.
Ans. C. Ishtar here represents ‘Fertility’ because she is responsible for all life and so is the relevance to the rain.

Ishtar represents fertility in this context because she is associated with the creation of life, which is directly linked to the rain. Rain is essential for growth and sustenance, making it relevant to Ishtar’s role.

(b) 

The voice of thunder declares my arrival;
The rainbow announces my departure.
I am like earthly life, which begins at
The feet of the mad elements and ends
Under the upraised wings of death.

i) The rain says, ‘I am like earthly life’. Select the option with the most suitable explanation of the expression.
A) The rain undergoes the same phases as that of earthly beings.
B) Most of the rain’s life is on the earth.
C) The fate of earthly life is dependent on the rain.
D) Rain has a concern for earthly life.
Ans. A) The rain undergoes the same phases as that of earthly beings.

The rain compares itself to earthly life because it experiences similar stages. Just as life begins with challenges and ends with death, rain also has a cycle of arrival and departure. It starts with the thunder announcing its coming and concludes with the rainbow marking its exit. This reflects the natural progression of life, highlighting the phases that both rain and living beings undergo.

ii) The tone and mood of the rain in the extract reflects _________.
A) its merriment as it destroys
B) rain’s desire to reach its destiny
C) its objective and realistic manner
D) the rain’s pride at its might
Ans. B) rain’s desire to reach its destiny

The tone and mood of the rain in the extract reflect its desire to reach its destiny. This suggests a sense of purpose and longing inherent in the rain’s journey.

iii) Read statements 1 and 2 given below and choose the option that correctly assesses these statements.
1. Rainbow declares the rain’s parting.
2. Rainbow causes the end of the rain.
A) Both statements 1 and 2 are false.
B) Statement 1 is true but 2 is false.
C) Statement 1 is the reason for statement 2.
D) Statement 2 is the cause of statement 1.
Ans. B) Statement 1 is true but 2 is false.

Statement 1 is true, as the rainbow signifies the end of rain, indicating its parting. However, Statement 2 is false because the rainbow does not cause the rain to end; it appears after the rain has stopped.

Q5. A. Answer the following questions :

(a) Why is the rain divine?

Ans: Rain is often considered divine because it is a precious gift from heaven. It plays a vital role in sustaining life on Earth, providing essential water for plants, animals, and humans. This life-giving quality makes rain a symbol of nourishment and renewal.

(b) In this universe, rain performs many functions. What are those?

Ans: Rain beautifies and refreshes the surroundings, spreading happiness and rejuvenating nature. It gives life and quenches the thirst of the dry, barren earth. Furthermore, rain brings prosperity and joy to countless hearts.

(c) “When I cry the hills laugh;
 When I humble myself the flowers rejoice;
 When I bow, all things are elated”.
 ‘Cry’, ‘humble’ and ‘bow’ indicate different intensities with which the rain falls. Explain the three in context.

Ans: Cry, humble, and bow represent different intensities of rain. When it cries, it symbolises heavy rainfall accompanied by thunder, causing the hills to echo as if they are laughing. This powerful sound resonates across the landscape. In contrast, when the rain humbles itself, it falls gently, bringing joy to the flowers, which thrive in the light drizzle. Finally, when the rain bows, it creates a sense of elation among all living things, as the gentle showers nourish the earth and often lead to the beauty of a rainbow, delighting everyone.

(d) The poem invokes beautiful imagery which is built around ‘sigh of the sea’, ‘laughter of the field’ and ‘tears of heaven’. Explain the three expressions in the context of rain.

Ans. The rain plays a vital role in nature, as reflected in the expressions sigh of the sea, laughter of the field, and tears of heaven. The sigh of the sea represents the gentle release of water from the ocean, symbolising the sea’s relief when it rains. The laughter of the field signifies the joy and rejuvenation of the land when it receives rain, promoting growth and vitality. Lastly, the tears of heaven depict the clouds shedding rain, which nourishes the earth and alleviates their burden. Together, these images beautifully illustrate the essential role of rain in sustaining life.

(e) Define the role of rain as the “messenger of mercy”.

Ans. The rain acts as a divine messenger, bringing life-giving mercy and blessings to Earth. It is vital for the survival of all living beings, as it nurtures new life and provides essential nourishment. The rain’s presence is a source of joy and sustenance for the world.

(f) Contrast the arrival of the rain with its departure.

Ans. When the rain arrives, it brings thunder and darkens the sky with noise. In contrast, the rain’s departure is marked by a rainbow appearing in the clear sky as the sun shines brightly, creating this beautiful phenomenon.

Q5. B.  Answer in detail

a) Shakespeare’s ‘Seven Ages’ designates different stages of human life. Draw a parallel between the two poems to elucidate the different stages of rain’s life.

Ans. Shakespeare’s ‘Seven Ages’ and Kahlil Gibran’s ‘Song of the Rain’ both illustrate distinct stages of life—one for humans and the other for rain. Shakespeare outlines seven stages of human life: infancy, schoolboy, lover, youthful soldier, judge, and old age. Human existence begins as an infant, crying and dependent on caregivers, and concludes in old age, often resembling a second childhood. In contrast, Gibran describes the life of rain: “The voice of thunder announces my arrival; The rainbow declares my departure.” Rain forms through interactions among elements like water, wind, and the sun. These interactions create clouds, which release rain when they become too heavy. The arrival of rain is heralded by lightning and thunder, while the sun reappears after the rain, creating a rainbow that signifies the end of the rain’s presence. The rainbow serves as a symbol of transition, akin to the Grim Reaper or death, marking the conclusion of the rain’s cycle. Thus, both poems explore the journey of life, whether human or elemental, highlighting the beauty and inevitability of change.

b) Imagery evokes a mental image or other kinds of sensual impressions in literary writings.

“I am beautiful pearls…”, “dotted silver threads”, “laughter of the field”, etc. Now, observe auditory images created by the words “sighs”, “thunders”, “laughter”, etc. Critically appreciate the poem, explaining the effect these techniques create in the mind of the reader.

Ans. The use of imagery in the poem vividly brings it to life. Readers can easily visualise scenes, hear the sounds, and feel the emotions expressed. Phrases like “sighs of the sea,” “laughter of the field,” and “tears of heaven” create strong auditory images that resonate deeply. These techniques not only enhance the reader’s experience but also leave a lasting impression, making the poem memorable.

c) “When I see a field in need, I descend and embrace the flowers and the trees in a million little ways”.

Write an imaginary conversation between a flower, a tree, and the field, discussing the role of rain in their lives. You may begin like this: Tree: My life began as a seed. I came to life only after the raindrops embraced me. Field: My survival, thereby the survival of all mankind depends on me. And only rains can help me thrive… Flower: ….

Ans. 

Tree: My life began as a seed. I came to life only after the raindrops embraced me. 

Field: My survival, and thus the survival of all mankind, depends on me. Rain is the only thing that can help me thrive. 

Flower: It is the rain that keeps me alive. Tree: Rainwater nourishes me, allowing me to grow. 

Field: Even the seeds and grains I grow depend entirely on rain. 

Flower: I need rainwater to maintain my bright and colourful appearance. 

Tree: All of us require rain in order to survive.

Q7. Rain in the hills and rain in the desert present entirely different scenarios. In the hills, it revitalises the greenery and refreshes the vegetation; it waters the parched land and relieves the thirsty and panting souls in the desert.

(i) This has been a year of scanty rains. Imagine how the rain would be welcomed when it pours in the hills and in the desert after a long dry spell. Choose one such place and describe: 
(a) What are you likely to see? 
(b) What would happen to the rainwater? 
(c) What would be the scene before and after the rain?

Ans. The rain was a welcome sight in the dry desert of Rajasthan. After a long period of drought, the once barren fields now held the promise of new crops, filling farmers with hope. The arrival of the rain brought joy to everyone; people expressed their gratitude to the gods through prayers and celebrations. Many danced in the rain, while children played and sailed paper boats. Rainwater flowed through the streets, flooding low-lying areas. The dusty, dry earth transformed into a vibrant landscape, with trees regaining their lush green appearance, invigorated by the much-needed moisture.

Q1. On the basis of your reading of the poem, complete the following table.

Stages in the life of the poet

Activities

Consequences

(a) Youth

eating toffees
——————-
——————-
——————-
——————-

——————-
——————-
——————-
——————-

(b) Adulthood

——————-
——————-
——————-
——————-

gazing at the dentist in despair

Ans:

Stages in the life of the poet

Activities

Consequences

(a) Youth

1. eating toffees
2. eating sweet sticky food
3. eating gobstoppers
4. licking lollipops
5. eating liquorice
6. eating sherbet dabs
7. not brushing up-and-down

1. Filling of the teeth.
2. Pricking of conscience
3. Creating circumstances to have cavities, caps and decay of teeth.
4. Injections and drillings.

(b) Adulthood

1. Lying in old dentist’s chair
2. Looking intently at the nose of the dentist in despair.

1. gazing at the dentist in despair
2. drilling of her molar teeth
3. realisation if she had looked after her teeth properly.

Q2. On the basis of your understanding of the poem, answer the following questions by ticking the correct choice :
(a) The title ‘Oh, I wish I’d looked after me teeth’ expresses ___________.
(i) regret
(ii) humour
(iii) longing
(iv) pleasure

Ans: (i) regret

The title ‘Oh, I wish I’d looked after me teeth’ expresses regret. The speaker reflects on their past choices regarding dental care, wishing they had made better decisions to avoid the consequences of poor dental hygiene.

(b) The conscience of the speaker pricks her as she has ___________.
(i) been careless
(ii) been ignorant
(iii) been fun-loving
(iv) been rude

Ans: (i) been careless

The conscience of the speaker pricks her because she has been careless.

(c) The speaker says that she has paved the way for cavities and decay by ___________.
(i) eating the wrong food and not brushing
(ii) not listening to her mother
(iii) laughing at her mother’s false teeth
(iv) not listening to the dentist

Ans: (i) eating the wrong food and not brushing

The speaker indicates that she has paved the way for cavities and decay by eating the wrong food and not brushing her teeth.

(d) The tone of the narrator is one of ________.
(i) joy
(ii) nostalgia
(iii) regret
(iv) sorrow

Ans: (iii) regret

The tone of the narrator is one of regret. This sentiment reflects a sense of sorrow for past choices, particularly regarding dental care. The narrator expresses a wish that they had taken better care of their teeth, indicating a realisation of the consequences of neglect.

Q3. Answer the following questions.
(a) But up and down brushin’
 And pokin’ and fussin’
 Didn’t seem worth the time – I could bite”
 What do these lines convey?
Ans: The poet describes her experience of brushing her teeth with upward and downward strokes, using a lot of toothpaste, but ultimately feeling it was futile. She expresses her inability to bite and eat properly, highlighting her earlier belief that brushing was unnecessary, which she now regrets. These lines convey her realisation of the importance of looking after her teeth.

(b) Why did the poet go to the dentist? How could she have avoided it?
Ans: The poet went to the dentist because she had neglected her teeth, leading to decay and cavities. Unfortunately, this visit was unavoidable. She could have avoided it by being more careful and less stubborn during her youth.

(c) “If you got a tooth, you got a friend.” What do you understand from the line?
Ans: Friends are always there for us, supporting us through challenges and celebrating our happiness. In a similar way, our teeth serve as lifelong companions, allowing us to enjoy life fully. They are essential to our well-being and happiness.

(d) With reference to the poem, how can you look after your teeth?
Ans: To maintain healthy teeth, it is essential to avoid consuming sweet and sticky foods, as well as overeating candies. When we eat them occasionally, we must brush immediately. Moreover, we must also have the willpower to resist them.

(e) Give an appropriate proverb that conveys the meaning that this poem carries.
Ans: The most fitting proverb that comes to mind after reading this poem is “Prevention is better than cure.” If the poet had adhered to this advice, she would not have needed to visit the dentist.

Q4. “I can’t afford to, after what Jack’s done to his teeth.” What is it, you think, you can not afford to do and why? Write a diary entry of not less than 125 words.

Ans.  

Tuesday, 20th June 2023

10 pm

Dear Diary,

I can’t afford to ignore my dental health, especially after seeing what happened to Jack’s teeth. Today, I ran into Jack after almost a week. He hasn’t been at school lately because he’s been going to the dentist for tooth pain. The dentist warned him that more trouble could be coming if he didn’t stop eating chocolates. It was awful seeing him in so much pain. Just thinking about going to the dentist makes me shudder. I can’t afford to have candies, chocolates, or ice cream anymore. I really don’t want to end up like Jack. They say it’s better to prevent problems than to deal with them later, and I’m going to take that advice seriously.

Q5. In line 35, the poet has misspelt the word ‘amalgum’. Why do you think she has done that? Discuss.
Ans. The poet intentionally misspells ‘amalgam’ as ‘amalgum’ to create a pun. It hints at ‘chewing gum’, which is often linked with tooth decay. This wordplay adds humour to the poem and keeps the tone light despite the serious message.