Text Book Solutions All Class

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.

Q1. On the basis of your understanding of the poem, answer the following questions by ticking the correct choice

(a) All the world’s a stage is an extended metaphor for________.
(i) the life shown in well-known plays.
(ii) seeing the well-known plays.
(iii) life of well-known actors.
(iv) life of a man that comes to an end.

Ans : (iv) life of a man that comes to an end.

All the world’s a stage is an extended metaphor for the life of a man that ultimately comes to an end. This metaphor compares life to a theatrical performance, where individuals play various roles before they exit the stage, symbolising death.

(b) All ‘have their exits and their entrances’. Exits and entrances refer to __________.
(i) death and birth
(ii) beginning and end of the play
(iii) coming and going of actors
(iv) the end of the Shakespearean era

Ans : (i) death and birth

Exits and entrances refer to birth and death. These terms symbolise the cyclical nature of human life, illustrating how every individual experiences both beginnings and endings throughout their existence.

(c) The seven roles that a man plays correspond to his __________.
(i) chronological age in life
(ii) desires
(iii) mental age in life
(iv) idea of a perfect life

Ans : (i) chronological age in life

The seven roles that a man plays correspond to his chronological age in life. These roles illustrate the physical and mental evolution from infancy through to old age, highlighting the evolution of a man’s life through its various stages.

Q2. Having read this extract, identify the stages of a person’s life as Shakespeare has done. Write down these stages in your notebook, and sum up the characteristics of each stage in two or three words. e.g.

Ans :

Q3. Read the given lines and answer the questions that follow by selecting the correct option.

(a) All the world’s a stage
And all the men and women merely players:
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages.

1. And one man in his time plays many parts……
Replace the underlined word with the correct option which has the same meaning as used in the given lines.
A. scenes
B. roles
C. jobs.
D. tasks.
Ans. B. roles

The phrase “plays many parts” refers to the different roles a person takes on throughout their life, representing various phases of existence.

2. The word ‘merely’ reveals that the poet regards/views human life as ________.
A. impressive
B. inconsequential
C. magnificent
D. uninspiring
Ans. B. inconsequential

The word ‘merely’ suggests that the poet views human life as inconsequential, indicating a perception of life as insignificant in the grand scheme.

3. Pick the option that does not match with the poetic device used in the phrase ‘All the world’s a stage’.
A. A thing of beauty is a joy forever.
B. The lightning was fireworks in the sky.
C. Heavy is the heart that wears the crown.
D. The movie was a roller coaster ride of emotions.
Ans. A. A thing of beauty is a joy forever.

The phrase ‘All the world’s a stage’ employs a metaphor, comparing life to a play. In contrast, option A, ‘A thing of beauty is a joy forever’, does not use this figurative comparison, making it the option that does not match.

(b) The sixth age shifts
Into the lean and slippered pantaloon,
With spectacles on nose and pouch on side,
His youthful hose, well saved, a world too wide
For his shrunk shank; and his big manly voice,
Turning again toward childish treble, pipes
And whistles in his sound.

1. The tone of the poet in line
‘His youthful hose, well saved, a world too wide
For his shrunk shank’
is largely
A. nostalgic
B. humorous
C. pessimistic
D. regretful
Ans. A. nostalgic

The tone in the line about old age is nostalgic (A). This reflects a longing for lost youth and the passage of time, highlighting the contrast between the past and present.

2. Select the option that displays the changes that very old age witnesses.
i. Round belly
ii. Full of wisdom
iii. Loss of vigour
iv. Lean & bony
v. Hoarse voice

A. i, iii, iv
B. ii, iii, v
C. ii, iii, iv
D. iii, iv, v
Ans. D. iii, iv, v 

The changes that occur in very old age include a notable loss of vigour, resulting in a lean and bony physique, as well as a voice that becomes hoarse. Therefore, the correct options reflecting these changes are: iii, iv, and v (D).

Q4. You already know the two literary devices generally used by writers and poets for comparison, i.e. metaphor and simile.
e.g. a) He was a lion in the battle. (metaphor)
b) He fought like a lion. (simile)

In (a) the writer talks of the soldier in terms of a lion. The comparison is implied. In (b) the writer compares the soldier to a lion with the use of the word like, (as may also be used for such comparisons).
Read the poem again and note down the metaphors and similes. Complete the following chart.

Ans. 

Q5. In this poem, life is being compared to a play. Just as in a play, a man acts many parts, so also in life, a man plays many roles. Can you think of some other comparison for life? (For example, life could be compared with the seasons in nature, the days of the week, the lessons in a school day.) Select one of these comparisons (or choose one of your own), and write about the similarities that life has with it. (80-100 words)

Ans: In the poem ‘The Seven Ages’ by William Shakespeare, life is compared to a play where each person takes on various roles, much like the changing seasons in nature. Spring represents infancy and childhood, a time of innocence filled with blooming flowers and playful butterflies. Summer signifies adolescence, characterised by emotional intensity and the exploration of passions. Autumn reflects adulthood, where falling leaves symbolise maturity and complex life reflections, including relationships and careers. Finally, winter embodies old age, marked by stillness and wisdom, as one seeks comfort and peace. Each season represents different stages of life’s journey, from youthful beginnings to serene old age.

Q1: Sometimes we see something beautiful and striking, and we remember it for a long time afterward. Can you recollect this ever happening to you? If so, what was it? What do you remember about it now? Are the details of what you saw or the feelings you experienced at that time fresh in your mind? Think for a few minutes, then share your thoughts with the class.
Ans: A Classroom Activity.

Q2:  Listen to one of William Wordsworth’s poems that describes a memorable experience he had while out on a walk. (Your teacher will play a recording.) Listen to the poem at least twice.
Ans: Do it yourself.

Q3: Now Read the Poem.
See textbook on page 77.
Anss: Do it yourself.

Q4: Imagine that you are the poet, William Wordsworth. You continue on your walk, and when you reach home you tell a friend what you saw and felt. Which of the following best describes your experience? (Work in pairs, then have a class discussion.)
(a) “I was walking past some fields when I saw a young girl, a farm worker, harvesting grain by hand, with a sickle. She was so beautiful that I stood out of sight and watched her for a long time. I have never seen anyone more gorgeous! In fact, she reminded me of other beautiful experiences I’ve had—the song of the nightingale or the cuckoo, for instance. I’d certainly like to see her again!”
(b) “As I was standing on the hilltop just now, I heard a very sad and plaintive song. I looked down, and saw a young woman reaping grain, singing as she did so. She seemed very melancholy as she sang. But somehow her song brought great comfort and joy to me. In fact, I found it a very emotional experience. As I continued my walk along the hilltop, I also heard a nightingale and a cuckoo. But the young farm worker’s song affected me most deeply, even though I couldn’t understand the words.”
(c) “Just now, as I was walking in the valley, I saw a young farm worker in die field. She was singing to herself as she worked. I was so affected by her singing that I stopped and listened. She had a beautiful voice, which seemed to fill the whole valley. The song was a sad one, and I couldn’t understand the words. But its plaintive tone and melancholy sound touched me greatly, and, its beauty reminded me of the song of a nightingale or a cuckoo. After some time I walked up the hill, carrying the memory of the young woman’s song with me.”
Ans: The best answer is ‘(c)’. [A Classroom Activity]

Q5: The poet could not understand the words of the song, yet he raised several possibilities about its theme. In the diagram below are some of these possibilities. Read the third stanza again, and find the phrase that matches each. Copy and complete the diagram, writing each phrase in the empty boxes. Work in pairs.

Ans:

Q6 A: On the basis of your understanding of the poem, answer the following questions by ticking the correct choice.

(a) The central idea of the poem ‘The Solitary Reaper’ is ________.
(i) well-sung songs give us happiness
(ii) melodious sounds appeal to all
(iii) beautiful experiences give us lifelong pleasure
(iv) reapers can sing like birds
Ans: (a) (iii) beautiful experiences give us lifelong pleasure

(b) In the poem ‘The Solitary Reaper’ to whom does the poet say ‘Stop here or gently pass?
(i) to the people cutting corn
(ii) to himself
(iii) to the people who make noise
(iv) to all the passersby
Ans : (b) (iv) to all the passersby

(c) ‘The Solitary Reaper’ is a narrative poem set to music. This form of verse is called a ______.
(i) ballad
(ii) soliloquy
(iii) monologue
(iv) sonnet
Ans: (c) (i) ballad

(d) The poet’s lament in the poem ‘The Solitary Reaper’ is that ______.
(i) he cannot understand the song
(ii) he did not know the lass
(iii) she stopped singing at once
(iv) he had to move away
Ans:(d) (iv) he had to move away

(e) Why does the poet feel that the reaper was most likely singing sorrowful songs?
(i) The poet himself was sad
(ii) The tune was melancholic
(iii) The surrounding was dismal
(iv) The reaper was weeping
Ans. (ii) The tune was melancholic

Q6 B: Read the given stanzas and answer the questions given below by selecting the correct option.
Alone she cuts and binds the grain,
And sings a melancholy strain;
O listen! for the Vale profound
Is overflowing with the sound.

1. The exclamation mark used in O listen! suggests
A. a call for attention.
B. a request to listen.
C. a sense of wonder.
D. a warning to alert.
Ans. A. a call for attention.

2. Select the option that illustrates the task done by “she”.

A. Option (1)
B. Option (2)
C. Option (3)
D. Option (4)
Ans: B. Option (2)

3. Select the option that displays lines with the same rhyme scheme as that of the given stanza.
A. Clear sky, no clouds high up
The farmer looks and sighs
No monsoons yet, God why?
It will rain, it must.

B. The farmer looks at the sky
Thankful for the monsoon days
I am sure it’s going to rain, he says
Thankful for the clouds up so high

C. Are any clouds visible?
No, none that I see.
How unfortunate, poor me.
Faith is my only reprieve.

D. The farmer looks at the sky
Thankful for the clouds up so high.
I am sure it’s going to rain, he says
Thankful for the monsoon days.

Ans. D. The farmer looks at the sky
Thankful for the clouds up so high.
I am sure it’s going to rain, he says
Thankful for the monsoon days.

Q7: Answer in detail
(a) Do you think that the poet feels overwhelmed by the song of the Solitary Reaper? Why/Why not?
Ans: Yes, the poet feels overwhelmed by the song of the Solitary Reaper. He was deeply drawn to the sweet voice and the sad melody. It held him so completely that he stood quietly without moving. As he climbed the hill, he kept replaying the music in his mind and wished to hear more upon his return.

(b) The use of imagery in the poem has a major impact on the reading experience. Discuss.
Ans: Imagery plays a significant role in the first two stanzas: “Behold her, single in the field, Yon solitary Highland lass! Reaping and singing by herself;” These lines paint a picture of a young woman in the Scottish Highlands, working alone in a field, cutting and binding grain while singing to herself. “Alone she cuts, and binds the grain, And sings a melancholy strain:” These lines evoke the image of the woman laboring alone, tying together sheaves of grain, all the while singing a sad song. Thus, these vivid descriptions allow readers to visualize exactly what the poet witnessed in the fields, enhancing their experience of the poem.

(c) The language of music is universal. Justify with reference to The Solitary Reaper.
Ans: The poem ‘The Solitary Reaper’ illustrates the universality of music. As the poet passed by a field on his way to the hills, he encountered a young woman from the Scottish Highlands working alone. She sang a melancholic song to herself, filling the valley with her melodious voice. Captivated by the tune, the poet stood transfixed, listening intently. Although he did not understand the words or the meaning behind the song due to the language barrier, he could still grasp the emotions conveyed by the sorrowful melody. This demonstrates that music transcends language; it communicates emotions and connects people across cultural and linguistic boundaries. Thus, the universal language of music is evident in the emotional impact the song had on the poet, despite his inability to comprehend its lyrics.Q8: (a) Read the second stanza again, in which Wordsworth compares the solitary reaper’s song with the song of the nightingale and the cuckoo. On the basis of your reading (and your imagination), copy and complete the table below. (Work in groups of four, then have a brief class discussion).

Ans:

(b) Why do you think Wordsworth has chosen the song of the Nightingale and the Cuckoo for comparison with the solitary reaper’s song?
Ans: The nightingale and the cuckoo are the two birds which are famous for their sweet and melodious songs. So, it is quite natural that Wordsworth compares the sweet song of the solitary reaper to these birds.

(c) As you read the second stanza, what pictures come to your mind? Be ready to describe them in your own words, to the rest of the class. (Do not be afraid to go beyond what the poet has written.)
Ans:

• The first picture that comes to my mind is the desert of Arabia. The scorching sun is burning everything. Poor travelers are tired and thirsty. They are making their camels run for some shady haunts. At last, they find a shady place with water. They lie down to have some rest. Suddenly, a melodious voice captures their hearts. The nightingale’s song refreshes the tired travelers. They are up again for their onward journey.
• The Hebrides are wrapped in silence. A ship anchors there. A sweet voice breaks the silence of the seas. It is the melodious voice of the cuckoo. The song thrills all the seamen. The whole mountain region resounds with the song.

Q9: In the sixth line of the first stanza, we read:
“… and sings a melancholy strain…. ”
This “s” sound at the beginning of sings and strain has been repeated. Poets often do this.
Do you know why? Do you know what this “poetic repetition” is called? Can you find other instances of this, in The Solitary Reaper?
Ans: In ‘sings’ and ‘strain’, “s” sound has been repeated. The use of the same letter or sound at the beginning of words that are close together is quite common in poetry. This “poetic repetition is called “alliteration”. It is used to heighten the musical and lyrical impact of the poem.
Repetition of “s” sound in ‘silence of the seas’.
Repetition of “a” sound in ‘Among Arabian Sands’.
Repetition of “1” sound in ‘Listened, motionless and still’.

Q10: In the first stanza, some words or phrases have been used to show that the girl working in the fields is alone. Which are those words and phrases? What effect do they create in the mind of the reader?
Ans: The poet uses some words or phrases in the first stanza to show that the girl working in the field is alone. These words are:
“Single” in the field
“solitary” Highland lass
singing “by herself’
“Alone” she cuts

These words and phrases focus our attention solely on the reaper. We keep our eyes only on her and our ears to her melodious song. These words create a sense of ‘mystery’ and the presence of a lonely girl among those natural surroundings does create a romantic setting.

Q11: Wordsworth was so moved by this experience that later he wrote this poem. Think back in your own life and try to recall an experience that affected you greatly and left a deep impact on you. Then write a poem for your school magazine in which you describe that experience and its impact.
Ans: For. self-attempt.

TEXTBOOK QUESTIONS (SOLVED)

Q1. On the basis of your understanding of the poem, answer the following questions by ticking the correct choice.

(a) In the poem, a traveller comes to a fork in the road and needs to decide which way to go to continue his journey. Figuratively, the choice of the road denotes _________. 
(i) the tough choices people face while deciding on the road of life.
(ii) the time wasted on deciding what to do
(iii) life is like a forest
(iv) one must travel a lot to realize his dreams

Ans : (i) the tough choices people face while deciding on the road of life.

(b) The poet writes, ‘Two roads diverged in a yellow wood.’ The word ‘diverged’ means ________.
(i) appeared
(ii) curved
(iii) branched off
(iv) continued on

Ans : (iii) branched off

(c) The tone of the speaker in the first stanza is that of ____________.
(i) excitement
(ii) anger
(iii) hesitation and thoughtfulness
(iv) sorrow

Ans : (iii) hesitation and thoughtfulness

(d) Select the quote that captures the central idea of the poem most appropriately.

(i) We often confuse what we wish for with what is.
(ii) I have always been much better at asking questions than knowing what the answers were.
(iii) You are free to make whatever choice you want, but you are not free from the consequences of the choice.
(iv) To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong.

Ans. (iii) You are free to make whatever choice you want, but you are not free from the consequences of the choice.

Q2. Answer the following questions briefly :

i) Describe the two roads that the poet comes across.
Ans: Both roads lead into a yellow wood and seem appealing, but the first road is well-worn with flattened grass from many passersby. The second road is grassy and looks less traveled, indicating fewer people have chosen that path.

ii) Which road does the speaker choose? Why did he choose that?
Ans: The speaker chooses the road less traveled, which is grassy and appears more inviting. He selects this path because he believes it will lead to a more fulfilling and unique experience for him.

iii) Which road would you choose? Why? Give reasons for your choice.

Ans: I would choose the less traveled path because it seems more beautiful and offers a chance for a unique experience that few have had.

iv) Does the speaker seem happy about his decision?
Ans: The speaker doesn’t explicitly reveal his emotions about the decision. He leaves it to the reader to interpret how he feels. However, he emphasizes that the choices we make define us and that it’s important to move forward without dwelling on regrets.

v) The poet says “I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.” What is ‘the difference’ that the poet
mentions?
Ans: The difference refers to the change in the course of the speaker’s life because of choosing the less traveled path. It signifies that the choices we make can significantly impact our future and shape who we become.

vi) Comment on Frost’s use of nature to establish a connection with a human situation.
Ans: In Robert Frost’s poem “The Road Not Taken,” nature is used metaphorically to describe the choices and experiences humans encounter in life. Nature is not just a backdrop but a central element in the poem. The mention of the “yellow wood” symbolizes the autumn season, a time when significant decisions must be made that can shape our future. The phrase suggests that our choices are pivotal during such times. The sun in the line “And both that morning equally lay” represents enlightenment, wisdom, and realization.

vii) The poem carries a tinge of regret. Do you agree? Explain with a reason.
Ans: Yes, I agree that the poem carries a sense of regret. The line “I shall be telling this with a sigh” suggests that whenever the narrator reflects on the decision made at that crossroad in life, there is a sigh of regret. This indicates that the narrator harbors some remorse about the path chosen. The fact that the other road is kept for another day signifies a lingering curiosity or regret over the path not taken.

viii) Establish a connection between the given quote and the poem.

“If you want to achieve something you’ve never had, you have to move out of your comfort zone to travel towards it.”

Ans: This quote suggests that achieving greatness or pursuing dreams often requires stepping beyond familiar and comfortable boundaries. In “The Road Not Taken,” the narrator faces a similar dilemma of choosing between two paths, each representing different life choices. The decision involves leaving behind the comfort of the known (the road already traveled) to explore the unknown (the road not taken). It underscores the importance of courage and decision-making in venturing towards new opportunities, much like the choices depicted in the poem.

Q3. Write the rhyme scheme of the poem.
Ans : The rhyme scheme of the poem is as follows :

a   b  a  a   b
c   d  c  c   d
e   f  e  e    f
g   h  g  g   h

Q4. Fill in the blanks to complete the following paragraph that gives the theme of the poem. Use the words given in the box below :

The poem ‘The Road Not Taken’ by Robert Frost is about the (i) _________ that one makes in life. It tells about a man who comes to a (ii) _________ in the road he is travelling upon. He feels (iii) _________ that he cannot travel (iv) _________ paths as he must choose one. Frost uses this fork in the road to represent a point in the man’s life where he has to choose the (v) _________ he wishes to take in life. As he thinks about his (vi) _________ he looks down one path as far as he can see trying to (vii) _________ what life will be like if he walks that path. He then gazes at the other and decides the outcome of going down that path would be just as (viii) _________. At this point, he concludes that the (ix) _________ that has been less travelled on would be more (x) _________ when he reaches the end of it. The man then decides that he will save the other path for another day, even though he knows that one path leads to another and that he won’t get a (xi) _________ to go back. The man then says that he will be telling this story with a sigh some day in the future suggesting that he will (xii) _________ what life would have been like if he had chosen the more walked path even though the path he chose has made all the difference.
Ans : 
​(i) choices        
(ii) fork
(iii) sorry
(iv) both
(v) direction
(vi) decision
(vii) foresee
(viii) rewarding
(ix) trail
(x) pleasant
(xi) chance
(xii) wonder

Q5. Roads are fascinating as metaphors for life, change, journeys, partings, adventure, etc. or simply as roads. This is probably why they, and all their attendant images, have permeated art, literature, and song. In the poem, Frost uses the fork in the road as a metaphor for the choices we make in life. Thus the roads are, in fact, two alternative ways of life. What other nouns could be used to represent life?
Ans :

• River
• Stage
• Flowers
• Colours
• Dream
• Journey

Textbook Questions (Solved)

Q1. The poet has used a number of words which indicate ‘movement’ and ‘sound’. Make a list of these words from the poem and complete the web-chart.

Ans :

Q2. The following is a flow chart showing the course of the brook. Can you fill in the blank spaces with the help from the phrases given below?

Ans,

 
Q3. On the basis of your understanding of the poem, answer the following questions by ticking the correct choice.

(a) The message of the poem is that the life of a brook is __________.
(i) temporary
(ii) short-lived
(iii) eternal
(iv) momentary

Ans : (a) (iii) eternal

(b) The poet draws a parallelism between the journey of the brook with  __________.
(i) the life of a man
(ii) the death of a man
(iii) the difficulties in a man’s life
(iv) the endless talking of human beings

Ans : (a) (i) the life of a man

(d) In the poem, below mentioned lines: “And here and there a lusty trout, And here and there a grayling” suggest that __________.
(i) the brook is a source of life.
(ii) people enjoy the brook.
(iii) fishes survive because of water.
(iv) the brook witnesses all kinds of scenes.

Ans : (a) (i) the brook is a source of life.

(d) Select the option that matches the given words/phrases with the appropriate literary device used by the poet.

Words

Literary Device

i) Chatter; Babble; Murmur

1. Alliteration- the occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words

ii) Men may come and men may go but I go on forever

2. Onomatopoeia-the formation of a word from a sound associated with what is named

iii) fairly foreland; with willow seed; foamy flake; golden gravel

3. Inversion – reversal of the normal order of the words and phrases in a sentence

4. Refrain – a word, line or phrase that

is repeated within the lines or stanzas

of the poem itself.

 (i) i-2, ii-1, iii-4 
(ii) i-4, ii-2, iii-3
(iii) I-2, ii-4, iii-1 
(iv) i-1, ii-2, iii-3

Ans. (iii) i-2, ii-4, iii-1

 (e) The first-person narration of the brook allows the reader to

(i) appreciate Tennyson’s use of symbols.
(ii) realize the ultimate goal of the brook.
(iii) experience the soothing effect of the sound of water.
(iv) understand the brook’s experience as a living organism

Ans. (iv) understand the brook’s experience as a living organism

Read the given extracts and answer the questions that follow by selecting the correct options.

(A) 

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) Choose the option that best describes the brook’s journey in the given stanza. It is a journey full of__________ .

a) comfort and luxury
b) trials and tribulations
c) sorrow and misery
d) joy and laughter

Ans. b) trials and tribulations

 (ii) The poet has used the pronoun ‘I’ to refer to the brook and thus employed a literary device in his depiction. Choose the option that uses the same literary device as used in the first line.

a) The magnitude of the bottomless ocean was divine.
b) The angry walls echoed his fury.
c) A mother is like a lioness protecting her cubs.
d) I felt the power of the gushing stream.

Ans. d) I felt the power of the gushing stream.

 (iii) The brook seems to be fretting in the given stanza. This word has been used by the poet to depict the ________ of the flowing brook.

a) force
b) kindness
c) silence
d) beauty

Ans. a) force

(B) 

I linger by my shingly bars;

I loiter round my cresses;

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) Choose the option that includes words that best describe the characteristics of the brook, as revealed in the given extract.

1. perpetual 
2. silent 
3. twisted
4. unbound 
5. interrupted

a) 1, 3 and 4
b) 1, 2, 4 and 5
c) 1, 2, and 3
d) 1, 2 and 4

Ans. a) 1, 3 and 4

 (ii) The line, ‘men may come and men may go’

a) mocks the shortness of the brook’s life as it goes through its journey.

b) highlights the eternal nature of human life as opposed to its own.

c) contrasts the eternal nature of brook against short-lived human life-span.

d) highlights the eternal story of men that the brook comes across during its journey.

Ans. c) contrasts the eternal nature of brook against short-lived human life-span.

 (iii) What do the words, ‘linger and loiter’ show about the brook?

a) Its continuity
b) Its slow movement
c) Its powerful force
d) Its ultimate purpose

Ans. b) Its slow movement

Q4. Answer the following questions briefly :

(a) How does the brook ‘sparkle’?

Ans : The brook shines as the sunlight gets reflected in its splashing water.

(b) ‘Bicker’ means, to quarrel. Why does the poet use this word here?

Ans : The brook makes loud noise as it falls down. It sounds like a quarrel.

(c) Why has the word ‘chatter’ been repeated in the poem?

Ans : The poem is written in the first person and since the brook is narrating the story, the word ‘chatter’ is used. It is to heighten the autobiographical element and make it look personal.

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

Ans : A picture of a whirlpool.

(e) What does the poet want to convey by using the words ‘steal’ and ‘slide’?

Ans : It refers to the smooth and noiseless movement of the brook.

(f) ‘I make the netted sunbeam dance.’ What does ‘netted sunbeam’ mean? How does it dance?

Ans : The sunrays filtering through the leaves and bushes make a net-like pattern on shallow water-pools. They are reflected on the surface of water and appear to be dancing as the water flows.

(g) What is the ‘refrain’ in the poem? 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.’ The repetition of the refrain emphasises the transitory nature of man and the eternal nature of the brook.

(h)Why has the poet used the word ‘brimming’ in the line, ‘to join the brimming river?

Ans. The word ‘brimming’ means full to the top. It gives the image of a river which is full of water.

Q6. Identify the rhyme scheme of the poem.

Ans : The rhyme scheme is ab ab cd cd …..

Q7. The poem is full of images that come alive through skillful use of words. List out any two images that appeal to you the most, quoting the lines from the poem.

Ans : The first vivid image created by the poet is that of the brook flowing through hills and valleys, under the bridges and by the villages.
By thirty hills I hurry down Or slip between the ridges By twenty thorpes, a little town, And half a hundred bridges.
The second striking image is that of the serpent. Like the flow of the brook, with flowers and fish floating on it. This image is most appealing because it is apt, colourful and poetic.

Q8. The brook appears to be a symbol of life. Pick out examples of a parallel drawn between life and the brook.

Ans. The brook is a small stream that is born in some mountain. It grows bigger and stronger in the course of its journey. It makes so many types of sounds as it flows through the pebbles. Its movements are also varied. It slips and slides; it steals and winds its curves and flows. It chatters and babbles, it makes musical as well as harsh sounds. The brook’s birth and growth, chattering and babbling are very much similar to the activities of a human being. The brook represents life in general. Both have an origin, a middle stage, and an end. Both struggle against various adversities, odds and keep moving towards their goal. Above all, the brook represents life. Men may come and men may go, but life goes on forever. The same rule applies in the case of the brook. It keeps flowing eternally, like life.

Q1. Based on your reading of the story, answer the following questions by choosing the correct option.

(a) “Bully,” said Pescud, brightening at once. He means to say that he was
A. being intimidated by his boss.
B. harassing his subordinates.
C. doing very well at his job.
D. meeting all the sales targets.
Ans. C. doing very well at his job.

Explanation: Pescud uses the term “Bully” to express his satisfaction and pride in his professional success. It reflects his confidence and enthusiasm for his accomplishments as a salesman.

(b) The narrator says that life has no geographical boundaries implying that
A. human beings are essentially the same everywhere.
B. one can travel freely to other countries.
C. boundaries exist only on maps.
D. one should work towards the good of mankind.
Ans. A. human beings are essentially the same everywhere.

Explanation: The narrator states that life has no geographical boundaries, implying that human beings are essentially the same everywhere. This highlights the idea that, despite different locations, the core of human life and emotions is universal.

(c)  Classify (1) to (4) as fact (F) or opinion (O), based on your reading of the story.
(1) Pescud had hurled the bestseller to the floor.
(2) People in real life marry somebody in their own station.
(3) Pescud got an opportunity to meet Jessie all alone two evenings after he met her father.
(4) Pescud believed that plate-glass was the most important commodity.
A. F-1, 3, 4; O-2
B. F-1, 3; O-2, 4
C. F-1, 2, 4; O-3
D. F-2; O-1, 3, 4
Ans. B. F-1, 3; O-2, 4

Explanation:

• Pescud had hurled the bestseller to the floor. (Fact) – This is a specific event mentioned in the story.
• People in real life marry somebody in their own station. (Opinion) – This is Pescud’s belief about real-life marriages.
• Pescud got an opportunity to meet Jessie all alone two evenings after he met her father. (Fact) – This happened in the story as described by Pescud.
• Pescud believed that plate-glass was the most important commodity. (Opinion) – This reflects Pescud’s personal belief as a plate-glass salesman.

(d) Select the suitable option for the given statements, based on your understanding of the story.
(1) The author’s description of Coketown brings out the ugly face of the industries that operated there.
(2) Pescud got off at Coketown as it had good business prospects for a plate-glass salesman.
A. (1) is false but (2) is true.
B. (1) is true but (2) is false.
C. (1) is the cause for (2)
D. (2) is a fact but unrelated to (1)
Ans. B. (1) is true but (2) is false.

Explanation: 

• The author’s description of Coketown brings out the ugly face of the industries that operated there. (True) – Coketown is portrayed as a bleak and unattractive industrial town in the story.
• Pescud got off at Coketown as it had good business prospects for a plate-glass salesman. (False) – Pescud got off at Coketown because he was following Jessie, not for business reasons.

Q2. Read the extracts and answer the questions by selecting the correct options.

1. 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. There were about fifty houses. 
The rest was mud, mules, and speckled hounds.
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. He took her little satchel, and they started over the plank walks and went up a road along the hill. I kept along a piece behind ‘em, trying to look like I was hunting a garnet ring in the sand that my sister had lost at a picnic the previous Saturday.

(i) The extract tells us that Virginia was a _________ populated town.
A. densely
B. highly
C. sparsely
D. hardly
Ans. D. hardly

(ii) Choose the option that uses the word ‘frazzled’ in the same way as the extract.
A. I feel pretty frazzled most weeks these days.
B. The cuffs of his brown shirt looked frazzled.
C. Father finally arrived home, tired and frazzled.
D. Mother was frazzled looking after all the guests had left.
Ans. B. The cuffs of his brown shirt looked frazzled.

iii) Read the statements (1) & (2) given below, and choose the option that correctly evaluates the statements.
(1): The speaker pretended that he was searching for a lost ring.
(2): The speaker wanted to hide the fact that he had been following her.
A. [1] is true, but [2] is false.
B. [2] is contradictory to [1].
C. [1] is the reason for [2].
D. [2] is the result of [1].
Ans. D. [2] is the result of [1].

iv) Select the option that displays the characteristics of the speaker.
1. discreet
2. vain
3. ambitious
4. observant
5. finicky
6. cautious
A. 1, 4 and 6
B. 2, 3 and 5
C. 1, 3 and 6
D. 2, 4 and 5
Ans. A. 1, 4 and 6

2. For about nine seconds he had me rattled, and I came mighty near getting cold feet 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. I told him how I followed his daughter from Cincinnati, and what I did it for, and all about my salary and prospects, and explained to him my little code of living -to be always decent and right in your home town. At first, I thought he was going to throw me out of the window, but I kept on talking.
Well, that got him to laughing and I’ll bet that was the first laugh those ancestors and horsehair sofa had heard in many a day.

i) Select the option that matches the expression with the meaning correctly.

A. I-c, II-b, III-a
B. I-d, II-a, III-b
C. I-a, II-c, III-d
D. I-b, II-d, III-c
Ans. B. I-d, II-a, III-b

ii) Select the option that lists the statements which can be a part of one’s ‘code of living’.
1. Keep your word.
2. Never quit on yourself or your family.
3. Think about the future and ignore the present.
4. Focus on materialistic possessions.
5. Stay true to yourself.
6. Look back and wonder about your decisions.
A. 1, 3 and 6
B. 2, 4 and 5
C. 2, 5 and 6
D. 1, 2 and 5
Ans. D. 1, 2 and 5

iii) “I’ll bet that was the first laugh those ancestors and horsehair sofa had heard in many a day.” The tone of the speaker is
A. satirical.
B. ironical.
C. humorous.
D. sarcastic.
Ans. D. sarcastic.

iv) Which option best describes the sequence of the speaker’s emotions in the given extract.
A. nostalgia-friendliness-jitters-disappointment
B. curiosity-nostalgia-fear-mild sadness
C. jitters-confidence-apprehension-delight
D. shyness—friendliness-excitement-nostalgia
Ans. C. jitters-confidence-apprehension-delight

3. Answer the following questions briefly.
(a) One day last summer the author was travelling to Pittsburg by chair car. What does he say about his co-passengers?
Ans: One day last summer, the author was travelling to Pittsburgh by chair car on business. Most of the passengers were ladies. They wore brown-silk dresses cut with square yokes, laces and dotted veils. There were men who looked as if “they might be in almost any business.” However, his attention was drawn by the black, bald-spotted head just visible above the back of seat No. 9.

(b) Who was the passenger of chair No. 9? What did he suddenly do?
Ans: John A. Pescud was the passenger of chair No. 9. Suddenly, he hurled a book onto the floor between his chair and the window. The book was named “The Rose Lady and Trevelyan”. It was one of the best-selling novels of the present day.

(c) What was John A. Pescud’s opinion about best sellers? Why?
Ans: John A. Pescud didn’t hold a very high opinion about best sellers. The fiction writers are not consistent with their scenes and characters. They are far removed from reality. Their account is highly unreal, exaggerated and romantic. Sometimes the American hero falls in love with a royal princess from Europe. He follows her to her father’s kingdom. But in real life, people choose life partners belonging to their own status.

(d) What does John say about himself since his last meeting with the author?
Ans: The author asked John how he was getting along with the company. John replied that he was getting on pretty well. He had his salary raised twice since the last meeting. He got a commission, too. He had bought a “neat slice of real estate”. The firm was going to sell him some shares of stock. He was “in on the line of General Prosperity”. He also broke the news that he got married eighteen months ago.

(e) How did John’s first meeting with Jessie’s father go? What did the author tell him?
Ans: John met Jessie’s father at his ancestral house. At eleven sharp, he rang the bell. An old man, about eighty, showed up and asked what he wanted. John showed him his business card. He told the old man how he followed his daughter from Cincinnati, his business, salary and prospects. The old man then shared anecdotes and humorous stories, easing the tension. The Colonel expressed that he had never been so fortunate as he felt after meeting him.

(f) Why did John get off at Coketown?
Ans: John decided to get off at Coketown because his wife, Jessie, had seen some petunias in a window during their trip back from Philadelphia. These flowers reminded her of the ones she used to grow in her home in Virginia. Although the author thought Coketown was not a good place for selling plate-glass, John wanted to stop there for the night. He planned to dig up some cuttings or blossoms to bring back to Jessie, showing his thoughtfulness and affection for her.

(g) John is a hypocrite. Do you agree with this statement? Substantiate your answer.
Ans: John is indeed a hypocrite. He often says one thing but does the opposite. For instance, he criticises best-sellers for being unrealistic and overly romantic, claiming that in reality, people tend to marry within their own social class. However, John himself is a commercial traveller who pursues Jessie, a woman from a much higher social status, as her father is a descendant of belted earls. This contradiction highlights his hypocritical nature as he chases after his own ‘princess’ while denouncing the very ideals he embodies.

(h) Describe John A. Pescud with reference to the following points:

• His Physical appearance
• His philosophy on behaviour
• His profession
• His first impression of his wife
• His success

Ans: 

• Physical appearance- A small man with a wide smile and an eye fixed on the end of his nose. A bald-spotted head.
• His philosophy on behaviour- When a man is in his home town, he ought to be decent and law-abiding.
• His profession- Travelling salesman for a plate-glass company.
• His first impression of his wife- ‘___the finest looking girl. Nothing spectacular, but just the sort you want for keeps.
• His success- Salary raised twice in a couple of years. Got a commission. Bought real estate. The firm is going to sell some shares of stock. On the line of ‘General Prosperity’.

4. Irony refers to the use of words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of their literal meaning. Working in pairs bring out the irony in the following:
(a) The title of the story, “The Best Seller”.
(b) Pescud’s claim, “When people in real life marry, they generally hunt up somebody in their own station. A fellow usually picks out a girl who went to the same high school and belonged to the same singing-society that he did.”
(c) The name Trevelyan.
Ans: (a) Ram: The title of the story, “The Best Seller”, is ironic.
Sita: That it is. Irony refers to the use of words to convey a meaning that is opposite to their literal meaning.
Ram: John A. Pescud doesn’t like ‘best-sellers’ like “The Rose Lady and Trevelyan.”
Sita: He thinks that they present a highly unreal, exaggerated and romantic version of life.
Ram: But he himself is the “Best Seller”.
Sita: After all, he is a travelling salesman. He knows all the tricks and arts of selling.
Ram: And he sells such an incredible story.
Sita: He criticises Trevelyan but imitates his real life.
Ram: He is another Trevelyan hunting for petunias for his princess Jessie Allyn.

(b) Ram: Don’t you feel John A. Pescud is a hypocrite?
Sita: Without any doubt, he is.
Ram: Pescud claims, “When people in real life marry, they generally hunt up somebody in their own station.”
Sita: He thinks that “A fellow usually picks out a girl who went to the same high school and belonged to the same singing society that he did.”
Ram: What John A. Pescud claims, he does just the opposite.
Sita: This is what irony is. He criticises best¬sellers.’ They present a highly unreal, exaggerated and romantic version of life.
Ram: But John doesn’t marry a salesgirl. He falls in love with the “finest looking girl, a descendant of belted earls. She was the owner of a grand mansion as big as the Capitol in Washington.

(c) Ram: In the end, the narrator wishes good luck to John, calling him Trevelyan.
Sita: The address is ironic.
Ram: Trevelyan falls in love with a royal Princess from Europe. He follows her to her father’s kingdom or principality.
Sita: And John A. Pescud does exactly the same.
Ram: John criticises the hero of “The Rose and Trevelyan” but imitates him.
Sita: He doesn’t run after a sales girl but after the finest girl, a descendant of belted earls.
Ram: And this modem Trevelyan, hunts petunias for her princess Jessie Allyn in Coketown.

5. Answer in detail

(a) Pescud had the qualities of a good salesman. Justify this statement by citing examples from the text.

Ans: Pescud demonstrated the qualities of a good salesman through his observant nature, confidence, and persuasive skills. He effectively seized business opportunities, particularly in Coketown, where he gained the trust of Jessie’s father. His determination and ability to communicate effectively showcased his adaptability and persistence, which are essential traits for success in sales.

(b) Imagine you are Andrew Smith, the author of the bestseller, The Rose Lady and Trevelyan. You happen to meet Pescud during one of your train journeys and realise he is one of your biggest critics. Write down the possible conversation.

You may begin like this:

Pescud: Hello sir! It’s a pleasure to have this chance meeting with you. I have read your book, The Rose Lady and Trevelyan, but I must say that I beg to differ with your idea of romance. I feel it is far from reality.

Andrew: Hello Mr. Pescud! I am glad that you are candid in your opinion about my book. So, tell me what’s your notion of an ideal romance?

Ans: 

Pescud: Hello sir! It’s a pleasure to have this chance meeting with you. I have read your book, The Rose Lady and Trevelyan, but I must say that I beg to differ with your idea of romance. I feel it is far from reality.

Andrew: Hello, Mr. Pescud! I am glad that you are candid in your opinion about my book. So, tell me what’s your notion of an ideal romance?

Pescud: In real life, people choose partners who share similar values and come from the same social background. Romance should be practical, not extravagant like in bestsellers. For example, I pursued my wife based on shared understanding, not dramatic gestures.

Andrew: That’s an interesting perspective. It seems your life story is quite unique yet rooted in reality. Perhaps it could be a bestseller in itself!

Pescud: (Laughs) Maybe! But I believe stories should reflect the true nature of relationships and focus on simplicity rather than exaggerated fantasies.

Andrew: Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I’ll surely consider your perspective in my future writings

6. Working in groups of four, write an article on the following:

The elderly seek attention and company from younger members of their family. They are eager to listen and long to share their life experiences. John A. Pescud is not only respectful but also very patient with Colonel Allyn, Jessie’s father.

As a reporter, write an article for a newspaper on the importance of the elderly in our lives.

Ans:  Article: The Importance of the Elderly in Our Lives

The elderly are an integral part of our families and communities. They are the custodians of wisdom, culture, and life experiences that shape the younger generations. Their presence enriches our lives with values and lessons that cannot be found in books or modern gadgets.

In the story “The Best Seller” by O. Henry, John A. Pescud exemplifies how the elderly should be treated. His respectful and patient behaviour toward Colonel Allyn, Jessie’s father, highlights the importance of valuing the older generation. Despite initial hostility, Pescud won over Colonel Allyn with his sincerity, showcasing how mutual respect can bridge generational gaps.

The elderly often seek attention and companionship, longing to share their stories and experiences. Their advice, drawn from years of wisdom, can guide the younger generation in making better life choices. Spending time with them fosters stronger family bonds and provides a sense of belonging.

However, in today’s fast-paced world, the elderly are often neglected or left feeling isolated. It is crucial for families to spend quality time with them, listen to their stories, and make them feel valued. Their presence is not just a responsibility but a privilege that brings stability and emotional depth to our lives.

Let us cherish the elderly and honour their contributions to our families and society. After all, a society that respects its elders is a society rooted in humanity and compassion.

Q1. Based on your reading of the story, answer the following questions by choosing the correct option.

(a) Mrs. Bramble was a proud woman because _______.

(i) she was the wife of a famous boxer.
(ii) she had motivated her husband.
(iii) she was a good housewife.
(iv) she was the mother of a child prodigy.

Ans : (iv) she was the mother of a child prodigy.

Mrs. Bramble felt a deep sense of pride because her son, Harold, was a child prodigy. His exceptional intelligence and achievements were a significant source of her pride.

(b) “The very naming of Harold had caused a sacrifice on his part.” The writer’s tone here is ___.

(i) admiring
(ii) assertive
(iii) satirical
(iv) gentle

Ans : (iii) satirical

The writer’s tone in the phrase “The very naming of Harold had caused a sacrifice on his part” is satirical. The use of the word sacrifice in relation to Harold’s name suggests an ironic or mocking tone, indicating that the sacrifice was either trivial or unnecessary. This is characteristic of a satirical tone.

(c) Harold had defied the laws of heredity by ___.

(i) becoming a sportsperson
(ii) being good at academics
(iii) being well-built and muscular
(iv) respecting his parents

Ans : (ii) being good at academics

Harold defied the laws of heredity by excelling academically, even though his parents were not known for their academic achievements. This unexpected success contrasted sharply with the typical traits associated with his family background.

(d) Harold felt that he was deprived of the respect his classmates would give him as ________ .

(i) they did not know his father was the famous boxer, ‘Young Porky’.
(ii) his hero, Jimmy Murphy had not won the wrestling match.
(iii) he had not got Phil Scott’s autograph.
(iv) Sid Simpson had lost the Lonsdale belt.

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

Harold felt deprived of the respect from his classmates because they were unaware that his father was the famous boxer ‘Young Porky’. This lack of recognition regarding his father’s fame made Harold feel undervalued among his peers.

e) ‘It’s hard,’ he said at length in a choked voice. What was hard, according to Mr. Fisher?

(i)  To accept the truth.
(ii)  To fight with American Murphy.
(iii)  To control his anger.
(iv) To give up boxing.

Ans. (iv) To give up boxing.

 Mr. Fisher was emotionally struggling with the idea of giving up boxing.

(f) What do you gauge about Major Percy Stokes’ character from the story? Select the most appropriate option from the following.

(1) man of wrath
(2) persuasive
(3) argumentative
(4) interfering
(5)  self-important

(i)  (1), (3) and (5)

(ii)  (1), (2) and (4)

(iii)  (2), (4) and (5)

(iv) (3), (4) and (5)

Ans. (i)  (1), (3) and (5)

Major Percy Stokes is portrayed as a man with a wrathful nature, often engaging in arguments and displaying a self-important attitude. These characteristics suggest that he tends to be confrontational and believes highly of himself, aligning with the analysis of his character.

Q3. Read the given extracts and answer the questions by selecting the correct options.

(I)

The only drawback was that his very ‘perfection had made necessary a series of evasions and even deliberate falsehoods on the part of herself and her husband, highly distasteful to both. They were lovers of truth, but they had realised that there are times when truth must be sacrificed. At any cost, the facts concerning Mr. Bramble’s profession must be kept from Harold.

(i) His very ‘perfection’ refers to Harold’s

(1) gentlemanly manners.
(2) aspiration to be the best.
(3) exceptional intelligence.
(4) obsession with cleanliness.

A.(1) and (3)
B. (2) and (3)
C. (1) and (4)
D. (2) and (4)

Ans. A. (1) and (3)

Harold’s perfection is attributed to his behavior, manners, and qualities that are refined and idealized, suggesting that he is an impeccable gentleman.

 (ii) What was highly distasteful to both Mrs. and Mr. Bramble?

A. Consciously choosing to lie.
B. Harold’s perfection.
C. Mr. Bramble’s profession.
D. Their relationship with each other.

Ans. A. Consciously choosing to lie.

Mrs. and Mr. Bramble found it highly distasteful to consciously choose to lie to protect Harold from the truth about Mr. Bramble’s profession. They valued honesty and felt uncomfortable having to deceive their son. Despite their love for truth, they recognised that sometimes it was necessary to keep certain facts hidden, particularly regarding Mr. Bramble’s career as a professional boxer.

 (iii) The facts concerning Mr. Bramble’s profession “must be kept’ from Harold because it would make him feel

A. afraid. 
B. ashamed.
C. weird. 
D. angry.

Ans. B. ashamed.

The reason for keeping the truth about Mr. Bramble’s profession from Harold was to prevent him from feeling ashamed of his father’s past. This secrecy aimed to protect Harold’s self-esteem, as the revelation could lead to feelings of embarrassment regarding his father’s career as a professional boxer.

(II)

On the faces of three of them consternation was written. In the eyes of the fourth, Mr. Fisher, there glittered that nasty, steely expression of the man, who sees his way to getting a bit of his own back, Mr. Fisher’s was not an un-mixedly chivalrous nature. He considered that he had been treated badly…

(i) Three of them felt anxious because

A. Mr. Fisher was about to hit Major Percy.
B. they suspected Mr. Fisher would take revenge.
C. Harold had heard a part of their conversation.
D. Harold did not like arguments at home.

Ans. C. Harold had heard a part of their conversation.

The anxiety stemmed from the fear that Harold had overheard something he was not supposed to know, which could lead to complications.

(ii) Get a bit of his own back implies _____________

A. feeling offended.
B. getting his way.
C. being forceful.
D. taking revenge.

Ans. D. taking revenge.

“Get a bit of his own back” means to seek revenge or retribution for a perceived wrong.

 (iii) How was Mr. Fisher planning to get his own back?

A. By telling Harold the truth about his father.
B.By persuading Mr. Bramble to change his mind.
C.By hitting Major Percy and Mr. Bramble.
D. By kidnapping Harold and blackmailing Brambles.

Ans. A. By telling Harold the truth about his father.

Mr. Fisher was planning to take revenge by revealing the truth about Harold’s father, Mr. Bramble, and the situation that had upset him.

 (iv) Mr. Fisher felt he had been treated badly because Mr. Bramble had

A. cheated him and lied
B. called off his fight with Murphy.
C. been spending time with Percy.
D. been insensitive and aggressive.

Ans. B. called off his fight with Murphy.

Mr. Fisher was upset because Mr. Bramble had cancelled the fight with Murphy, which was a significant event for him. He felt personally wronged by this decision, as it affected his expectations and plans.

Q2. Answer the following questions :

(a) Why was it necessary to keep Harold’s father’s profession a secret from him?

Ans. It was necessary to keep Harold’s father’s profession a secret because Harold was seen as a model of ideal behaviour, which made his parents feel inadequate or insecure. Mr. and Mrs. Bramble feared that if Harold learned his father was a professional boxer, it would diminish his respect for him. They worried that Harold might view boxing as uncultured or shady, leading them to conceal this aspect of his father’s identity.

(b) Describe Mr. Bramble as he has been described in the story.

Ans. Mr. Bramble is described as a thirty-one-year-old man with an athletic build, weighing eight stone four. He is celebrated for his exceptional boxing skills, capable of defeating anyone in a twenty-round contest. Despite his fame in the ring, Mr. Bramble is naturally timid and often gives in to his wife’s wishes. He is depicted as a devoted and overprotective father, and he demonstrates deep love and care for his family.

(c) Who was Jerry Fisher? What did he say to convince Bill to change his mind?

Ans. Jerry Fisher was Bill’s trainer, dedicated to preparing him for an upcoming boxing match. He first tried to convince Bill by mentioning the potential prize money. When that didn’t work, Jerry applied emotional pressure, arguing that if Bill withdrew, it would harm Jerry’s career and reputation as a trainer. He stressed that all their hard work together would be wasted, making it clear how much was at stake for both of them.

(d) Why was Harold upset that his father had not told him about his true identity? Give two reasons.
Ans. Harold was deeply upset to learn that his parents had kept a significant secret from him. He felt betrayed because he believed he had missed out on a chance to earn the respect of his classmates. If they had known that his father was the famous boxer, ‘Young Porky’, they would have admired him. This revelation made Harold feel that he had been deprived of an important part of his identity.

(e) Do you agree with Harold’s parents’ decision to hide from him the fact that his father was a boxer? Why/Why not?
Ans: Harold’s parents’ decision to hide the fact that his father was a boxer was misguided. They thought Harold would feel shame upon discovering that his father was known as ‘Young Porky’ and had a fierce reputation. However, Harold’s feelings were quite the opposite; he would have felt proud to learn about his father’s achievements in the boxing world. By keeping this information from him, his parents deprived him of the chance to understand and appreciate his father’s identity and the hard work that came with it.

(f) Why did Mr. Bramble decide at the last minute not to fight with American Murphy at the National Sporting Club?
Ans. Mr. Bramble decided not to fight American Murphy at the National Sporting Club because of the impact of letters and religious tracts he received from Percy. These messages made him rethink his choice regarding the match. In particular, Percy’s comments about Harold influenced Mr. Bramble to abandon boxing entirely and pursue a career as an instructor instead.

(g) ‘There are times when truth must be sacrificed.’ Do you agree? Why / why not?
Ans. No, I do not agree with this statement. Many people think it is acceptable to lie to others, especially children, believing that revealing the truth may cause them to feel anxiety or shame. However, lying often leads to more complications, as one must continually hide the truth. What people fail to realise is that the truth will eventually come out, making it better to tell the truth now rather than later.

(h) “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” Discuss with reference to Mr. Bramble’s personality.
Ans. Mr. Bramble presents a striking contrast between his appearance and his personality. Despite his sturdy build, he possesses a genial smile and is known as one of the mildest and most obliging individuals. While he has moments of wrath, he is easily persuaded and does not exhibit violence in his private life. This challenges the common perception that boxers are inherently aggressive. In the case of Mr. Bramble, the saying “Don’t judge a book by its cover” holds true, since his gentle nature contrasts sharply with the aggressive image of a boxer.

Q3. Answer in detail. 

(a) Did Harold react the way his parents expected him to on finding out about his father’s true profession? Give reasons for your answer.

Ans. No, Harold did not react as his parents expected when he discovered his father’s true profession. Bill, Jane, and Percy believed Harold would feel embarrassed and ashamed, as they viewed him as a gentleman, unlike Bill and Jerry, who were known for their anger. They thought he might even hate his father for being a boxer. However, Harold’s reaction was different; he was not upset about the job itself. Instead, he felt hurt that his father had kept such an important secret from him. Harold admired boxing and had even expressed a desire to fight Jimmy Murphy at the National. He wanted his father to be a boxer so he could stand up to bullies and win a bet with Dicky Saunders.

(b) Assuming you are Harold, write a letter to your father expressing how you have always admired Young Pokey, little realising it was his Pa.

Ans.

Dear Dad,

I hope this letter finds you well. I wanted to share something with you that’s been on my mind since I found out about your profession. Growing up, I always admired Young Pokey; he was such a strong and respected figure to me. Little did I know, he was you all along. Knowing this now has made me rethink everything I knew about you and about boxing.

I’ve always looked up to Young Pokey, and I still do, but now I see him differently, knowing he’s you. It’s like seeing two sides of the same person – the fighter in the ring and the caring father at home. I’m still trying to make sense of it all, Dad. I hope we can talk more about this when you’re ready.

With love and confusion,

Harold

(c) We often go with preconceived notions which are usually baseless. Do you think this was the case with Mrs. and Mr. Bramble? Give reasons for your answer.

Ans: Yes, I believe Mr. and Mrs. Bramble held baseless, preconceived ideas about their son Harold. They admired his intelligence and grace, which they felt were lacking in his brother Bill. Harold excelled in reading and writing, winning awards by the age of ten, leading his parents to view him as superior to them. Concerned that Harold might disapprove of his father’s profession as a boxer, they decided to keep this fact a secret from him. This decision was supported by the parish priest and Major Percy Stokes, but they failed to see that hiding such an important truth was wrong. They mistakenly believed that Harold would be ashamed of them because he was a gentleman.

(d) Imagine you are Bill Bramble, write a diary entry expressing how life changed after your son’s birth and how you feel currently after the truth about your profession has been revealed to your son.

Monday, July 12, 2015, 7:00 PM 

Dear Diary,

I have always been proud of being a professional boxer. It brought me fame, recognition, and money. Before my son Harold was born, I was deeply passionate about my boxing matches. However, as Harold grew up and showed exceptional talents and skills in many areas, I started feeling insecure and worried.

Now, I don’t want to continue my boxing career because I fear it might harm Harold. I worry that he might feel ashamed if he knew about my profession. He is such a talented and versatile child, and I’m afraid he might hesitate to tell his friends about my job. I’ve told him that I work as a commercial traveller, and he believed me easily because he’s always been focused on his studies.

For these reasons, I’ve decided to retire from boxing after my upcoming match with the American boxer, Jimmy Murphy. After this fight, there will be nothing left to hide from Harold, and I hope everything will be fine from then on.

Q4. Choose extracts from the story that illustrate the characters of these people in it.

 Ans. 

Q5. Many people are of the opinion that violent, physical sports such as boxing, kick boxing and wrestling, to name a few should be banned while others think otherwise. Express your opinion on the topic by either writing in favour of banning these sports or against banning them. While writing, you should also include the rebuttal to your questions. Try not to go beyond 200 words.

Ans. I am against banning violent, physical sports like boxing, kickboxing, and wrestling. These sports have been part of human culture for centuries, providing not only entertainment but also a platform for athletes to demonstrate their skills and dedication. Banning them would take away individuals’ freedom to engage in activities they enjoy and excel in. 
Moreover, these sports are governed by strict rules and safety measures designed to minimise risks to athletes. Participants undergo rigorous training and conditioning, which fosters discipline and commitment. Many athletes experience personal growth and character development, learning resilience, determination, and sportsmanship. Critics argue that these sports encourage violence and pose health risks, such as brain injuries. However, supporters maintain that athletes are aware of these risks and choose to participate willingly. Additionally, advancements in sports science and medical care continually enhance safety protocols. In conclusion, banning these sports would infringe on personal freedoms and overlook their positive aspects. Instead, promoting safety measures and educating participants about risks would be a more balanced approach to ensuring their continued existence while reducing potential harm.