Text Book Solutions All Class

Q1. The ‘Professor’ knew too much. How did he prove himself? Fill up the space with suitable examples from the story, using the given clues:

(a) About muzzle velocity: _________________

Ans: When the sergeant said the bullet’s speed was over 2000 feet per second, the Professor corrected him and said it was exactly 2440 feet per second.

(b) After a thirty mile walk: _______________

Ans: Even after a tiring 30-mile walk, Quelch seemed to be energetic and encouraged others to sing.

(c) His salute on payday: __________________

Ans: On payday, he would salute the officers by swinging his arms and marching to the canteen like a Guardsman.

(d) The loud sound of a high flying invisible aeroplane: _________________________________

Ans: Upon hearing a loud noise from a high-flying, invisible aeroplane, the Professor identified it as a North American Harvard Trainer.

(e) About hand grenades :

Ans: When Corporal Turnbull mentioned that a grenade breaks into many fragments, the Professor confidently stated it is divided into forty-four segments.

(f) During cookhouse duties: ______________

Ans: During his cookhouse duties, too, the ‘Professor’ protested against the unscientific and unhygienic method of peeling the potatoes, saying that it led to the loss of vitamins.

Q2. Based on your reading of the story, answer the following questions by choosing the correct options.

(a) Private Quelch was nicknamed ‘Professor’ because of _______________ .

(i) his appearance
(ii) his knowledge
(iii) his habit of reading
(iv) his habit of sermonising

Ans : (iv) his habit of sermonising.

(b) One could hammer nails into Corporal Turnbull without his noticing it because of _______.

(i) he was a strong and sturdy man
(ii) he was oblivious to his surroundings
(iii) he was a brave corporal
(iv) he was used to it

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

(c) The author and his friend Trower fled from the scene as _______________ .

(i) They had to catch a train
(ii) They could not stand Private Quelch exhibiting his knowledge
(iii) They felt they would have to lend a helping hand.
(iv) They did not want to meet the cooks.

Ans: (ii) They couldn’t stand Private Quelch exhibiting his knowledge.

(d) The main reason that the Professor remained unflinched despite the retaliation of his batch-mates was due to the fact that

(i) his desire to impress people overruled the humiliation he experienced each time.
(ii) his miraculously tireless personality couldn’t stop him from working extra hard.
(iii) he was so involved in excelling that he barely noticed sarcastic comments.
(iv) he knew that the only way to earn respect is through hard work.

Ans. (iii) he was so involved in excelling that he barely noticed sarcastic comments.

(e) Choose the expression that uses the same literary device as used in the line “he was so tough that you could hammer nails into him without his noticing it.”

(i) My mom made enough food to feed an army last night.
(ii) My alarm clock yells at me to get out of bed every morning.
(iii) The car complained as the key was roughly turned in its ignition.
(iv) Lightning danced across the sky like a fairy beating against the clouds.

Ans.  (i) My mom made enough food to feed an army last night.

Q3. Read the given extracts and answer the questions that follow:

(I)

Without even a glance upward, the Professor announced, “That, of course, is a North American Harvard Trainer. It can be unmistakably identified by the harsh engine note, due to the high tip speed of the airscrew.” What could a gang of louts like us do with a man like that?

(i) Choose the option that best describes the traits of the Professor in the given extract.

patience

awareness

knowledge

flamboyance

kindness

a) 1, 2, 3

b) 2, 3, 4

c) 2, 3, 5

d) 3, 4, 5

Ans. b) 2, 3, 4

ii) The author refers to himself and his peers as ‘louts’ to

a) bring out the contrast with the Professor.
b) comment on the expertise in other fields.
c) draw attention to the lack of teamwork in all.
d) accept the display of undisciplined behaviour.

Ans. a) bring out the contrast with the Professor.

(II)

In the silence that followed a dark flush stained the tan of the Corporal’s face. “Here,” he said at last, “you give this lecture”. As if afraid to say any more, he tossed the grenade to the Professor. Quite unabashed, Private Quelch climbed to his feet and with the attitude of a man coming into his birth-right gave us an unexceptionable lecture on the grenade.

 i) Choose the statement that is NOT TRUE about the depiction of the scene described in the above lines.

a) Private Quelch knew more about hand grenades than Turnbull.
b) Turnbull was not someone who would let things go easily.
c) The entire batch was stunned at Quelch’s audacity.
d) Quelch was able to impress Turnbull with his vast knowledge.

Ans. d) Quelch was able to impress Turnbull with his vast knowledge.

ii) The silence that follows Quelch’s remarks shows that the entire batch did not

a) wish to see Turnbull humiliated.
b) want Quelch embarrassed.
c) know how to react
d) care for the conversation.

Ans. c) know how to react

iii) The fact that Quelch delivered the lecture when asked to do so shows that he

a) wanted to teach Turnbull a valuable lesson.
b) failed to take the hint that Turnbull felt insulted.
c) knew when to flaunt his knowledge for his own benefit.
d) established himself as a man superior to Turnbull

Ans. c) knew when to flaunt his knowledge for his own benefit.

Q3. Answer the following questions briefly.

(a) What is ‘nickname’? Can you suggest one for Private Quelch?

Ans: A nickname is a funny or short name given instead of the real name. For Private Quelch, a suitable nickname could be “Mr. Show-off.”

(b) Private Quelch looked like a ‘Professor’ when the author first met him at the training depot. Why?

Ans. Private Quelch looked like a Professor because he was thin, wore spectacles, walked with a stoop, frowned, and looked serious.

(c) What does the dark, sun-dried appearance of the sergeant suggest about him?

Ans: The sergeant’s dark, sun-dried appearance suggested that he was a tough, experienced man, used to training in the open and dealing with hardships.

(d) How does Private Quelch expose his knowledge even further as the sergeant’s classes go on?

Ans. As the sergeant’s classes progressed, Quelch not only corrected the sergeant’s understanding of the rifle but also answered all questions posed to him. He excelled in providing technical definitions.

(e) What did the Professor mean by “intelligent reading”?

Ans. By “intelligent reading,” Quelch referred to his diligent nature, intelligence, and desire for knowledge. He effectively used his memory and knowledge at crucial moments to impress his instructors, which he termed as “intelligent reading”.

(f) What were the Professor’s ambitions in the army?

Ans. Professor Quelch wanted to race ahead of all his batch in getting a commission. His first step was to get a stripe.

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

Ans. Despite his ambition and diligence, Quelch’s approach to impressing his instructors ultimately backfired. His attempts to showcase his knowledge often irritated his superiors, leading to his relegation to the back quarters of the kitchen house.

(h) How did Private Quelch manage to anger the corporal?

Ans. He interrupted Corporal Turnbull during a grenade lesson and explained it in detail, making the Corporal feel insulted.

(i) Do you think Private Quelch learnt a lesson when he was chosen for cookhouse duties? Give a reason for your answer.

Ans:  No, Quelch was quite conceited and indifferent to others’ opinions.. Even in the cookhouse, he gave lectures about peeling potatoes. He never changed his habit.

(j) Elaborate on any one character trait of Corporal Turnbull with evidence from the text.

Ans. Corporal Turnbull is portrayed as a tough and disciplined leader, respected for his military experience despite his youth. His background, including experiences from Dunkirk, highlights his ability to handle challenging situations. He values organisation and practicality, even carrying a kitten in his pocket. Turnbull remains calm but can assert authority when needed, as seen in his interactions with Quelch. This balance of toughness and understanding earns him the respect of his squad.

(k) Infer the reason that left the squad horrified when Turnbull asked Quelch to deliver the lesson.

Ans. The squad was shocked by Private Quelch’s boldness in taking over the class from their respected instructor, who was a well-liked war veteran from Dunkirk. The other recruits found it highly disrespectful to challenge him, particularly as he was their teacher and they were still newcomers in the group. This bold act not only undermined the authority of their instructor but also created an uncomfortable atmosphere among the recruits, who were taken aback by Quelch’s unabashed behaviour.

Q4. Answer in detail 

(a) Quelch’s character teaches us that with hard work, one also needs to have social and emotional intelligence. Justify.

Ans.  Private Quelch was a new soldier who wanted to impress his instructors with his military knowledge. However, he often boasted and pointed out their mistakes, which annoyed the experienced veterans from battles like Dunkirk. This disrespectful behaviour led others to avoid him, showcasing his lack of social skills and emotional intelligence. His eagerness to demonstrate knowledge did not translate into respect from his peers, highlighting the importance of balancing hard work with interpersonal awareness.
(b) Seeking and sharing knowledge about things is perceived as a quality and not a trait that needs to be curbed. Analyse why the Professor’s knowledge made this quality turn sour.
Ans. Private Quelch’s habit of correcting his instructors’ minor mistakes about military equipment was unpopular. Recruits preferred to learn without interruptions, but when Quelch pointed out errors and repeated the information correctly, it embarrassed the instructors and caused others to avoid him. His actions displayed a lack of respect and tact toward instructors who had earned the trust and respect of the recruits.

(c) Private Quelch knew ‘too much’. Give reasons to prove that he was unable to win the admiration of his superior officers or his colleagues.

Ans. Private Quelch didn’t earn the respect of his superiors for several reasons:

(i) He boasted about his knowledge without realising he was hurting others’ feelings.
(ii) He showed off to make others feel bad, using his good behaviour to embarrass them.
(iii) He tried to be better than his colleagues, and jokes or criticism didn’t bother him.
(iv) He didn’t respect his superiors and took their roles without saying sorry.
(v) He kept criticising things, even in the kitchen and didn’t change his ways.

 Q5. Write down the positive and negative traits of Private Quelch’s character and instances from the story.

Ans.
Positive traits: Instances from the story
(i) Hardworking- He sat up reading books till late at night.
(ii) Confident – He had the guts to interrupt his instructors, like the sergeant and even Corporal Turnbull.
(iii) Sharp memory – He could remember technical definitions and other information very precisely.
(iv) Tireless – He could think of a song, even after 30 miles of the walk.

Negative traits: Instances from the story
(i) Stern-looking – He often appeared stern and unfriendly due to his frowning and serious expression. 
(ii) Show-off – He was very condescending to his teammates. He would pretend to help and show off in the bargain.
(iii) Rude –  He rudely interrupted his instructors and pretended to have superior knowledge to them.
(iv) Overbearing – Quelch’s worst flaw was his tendency to overshadow others. He needlessly tried to show his knowledge and belittle and humiliate others.

Q6. You are the ‘Professor’. Write a diary entry after your first day in the cookhouse. Describe the events that led to this assignment. Also, express your thoughts and feelings about the events of the day in about 150 words.

Army Training Depot, Liverpool. July 20, 1948
Dear Diary,
Today was my first day in the cookhouse. I felt very disappointed because I wanted to do outdoor training, not peel potatoes. Corporal Turnbull gave me this duty after I corrected him during class. My friends laughed at me, and that hurt.
In the kitchen, the soldiers were peeling potatoes carelessly. I tried to explain that they were wasting vitamins, but no one listened. I wanted to help, but instead they just mocked me. I still believe I was right, yet it seems nobody values my knowledge here.
It was a hard day, and I feel upset. Still, I will keep reading and preparing. One day, I will surely get a commission.
Yours,
Quelch

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

(a) With reference to Hooper, the author says, “Everything was going for him.” What does it imply?
(i) He had everything that a man aspires for.
(ii) People admired him.
(iii) He did what he wanted.
(iv) He was capable of playing games.

Ans: (i) He had everything that a man aspires for.

(b) Duke never jumped on Chuck again because _____________
(i) Duke was paralysed and unable to jump.
(ii) Chuck was angry with Duke for jumping at him.
(iii) Duke realised that Chuck was not well and could not balance himself.
(iv) Marcy did not allow Duke to come near Chuck.

Ans: (iii) Duke realised that Chuck was not well and could not balance himself.

(c) The author says that Duke ‘knew his job’. The job was _____________
(i) to look after Chuck.
(ii) to get Chuck on his feet.
(iii) to humour Chuck.
(iv) to guard the house.

Ans: (ii) to get Chuck on his feet.

(d) “_______ even Duke’s presence didn’t reach Chuck”. Why?

(i) Duke was locked in his kennel, and Chuck couldn’t see him.
(ii) Duke hid himself behind the bedpost.
(iii) Duke had come to know that Hooper was not well.
(iv) Hooper was lost in his own grief and pain.

Ans: (iv) Hooper was lost in his own grief and pain.

Q2. Answer the following questions briefly.

(a) In 1953, Hooper was a favoured young man. Explain.
Ans: Hooper was fortunate in every way. He was healthy, tall, happy and satisfied with life. Professionally, he was in the top slot, working as Zonal Sales Manager of a chemical company.

(b) They said that they would create a desk-job for Hooper at headquarters.

(i) Who are they?
Ans: ‘They’ refers to the people from Hooper’s chemical company who paid a visit to the hospital.

(ii) Why did they decide to do this?
Ans: Hooper remained on the critical list for a month. His condition showed no improvement; he was unable to move and could only breathe and see. So out of sympathy, the company people made this offer.

(c) What special qualities made Duke an extraordinary dog?
Ans: Duke was not only faithful and loyal, but he was also gifted with extraordinary intuition, foresight, and a deep understanding of human behaviour. He knew exactly how he could accomplish the impossible task of making Chuck walk.

(d) What problems did Chuck present when he returned to the company headquarters?
Ans: Hooper was not totally fit and yet wanted to join his work. The company people did not know how to handle Hooper. Seeing his positive spirit and enthusiasm, nobody in the company had the courage to tell him that he would not be able to handle his old job, which required 24-hour agility and movement. They found him a misfit for his old job.

(e) Why do you think Charles Hooper’s appointment as Assistant National Sales Manager is considered to be a tribute to Duke?
 Ans: The manner in which Duke helped Charles Hooper to get over his handicap proved that objectives can be realized if planned step by step. Dogged determination, ability and perseverance in little measures, one by one, can achieve the impossible. So, the promotion of Charles Hooper was an acknowledgement on the part of the company to recognize the contribution made by Duke.

(f) What thoughts do you think might have crossed Chuck’s mind when Marcy quietly went to work and Chuck was alone with his thoughts?

Ans. When Chuck was alone after Marcy left for work, he probably felt sad and frustrated. He couldn’t move much and couldn’t talk well because of his injury. He might have wondered how he would get better and if things would ever go back to how they were before the accident. He felt reduced to a paralysed, crippled man, forced to lie in bed alone with his thoughts.

(g) ‘Small wins help achieve big goals.’ Support, with evidence from the text, to show how this applies to Chuck.

Ans. Chuck’s journey shows that taking small steps every day can lead to big achievements:

• Starting to Walk: At first, Chuck could barely stand up without falling. But with Duke’s help, he took a few steps each day, slowly getting stronger.
• Daily Progress: Chuck and Duke set small goals, like walking to a new spot each day. They celebrated each little success, which kept Chuck motivated.
• Reaching Big Milestones: Over time, Chuck could walk longer distances. Eventually, he even walked to his office again, which seemed impossible at first.

These small victories helped Chuck recover and achieve his goal of returning to work, showing that small steps can lead to big changes.

Q3. Following dates were important in Charles Hooper’s life in some way. Complete the table by relating the description with the correct dates.

Ans:

Q4.  Read the diary entry written by Charles Hooper on the day he received the order, “……Charles Hooper is appointed Assistant National Sales Manager.”

March 1, 19….Thursday              

The last four years have been rather eventful. The day I brought Duke home…. (Marcy was almost impolite to him because she would have preferred a Pomeranian to a Doberman) …. to a stage on October 12, 1957 (when she would not allow anyone else to carry the injured Duke to the vet)… much water flowed under the bridge. 

From being a very fit, high-charging Zone Sales Manager, I was reduced to a paralysed cripple forced to lie on a bed alone with my thoughts due to a small error by a car driver. Despair had led me on to helplessness… Was I to be a vegetable for the rest of my life? I never wanted to be a burden on Marcy.

 Duke’s re-entry into my life lifted my numbed spirits. The day he made me take my first step, there was a rekindling of hope. Duke assumed all the responsibility to lead me back to my office desk … Life had taken a full circle. From shock to denial and helplessness to anger, Duke taught me to cope with the challenges and led me to accept the changed mode of my life. Today, I am happy to be living as well as working successfully. 

The order that I have just received is my tribute to Duke, who would always be alive with me and be a part of everything else I achieve in my life. 

When a person loses something, he is shocked and gets into a state of denial leading to anger. In such a situation coping well leads to acceptance and a changed way of living in view of the loss. Using Hoopers’s diary entry as a cue, write your views in the form of an article on ‘Coping with Loss’ in about 150 words. 

Ans. 

Gain and loss are two sides of life’s coin. Everyone faces loss at some point. A person’s true courage and strength are tested when they experience loss. Strong and brave people accept loss with resilience. They believe in enduring what cannot be changed. In contrast, weaker individuals struggle with loss. They lose their composure and react with shock, denial, and anger. This leads them to withdraw from life and feel disconnected.

In the story “A Dog Named Duke,” Hooper was once dynamic and successful until a tragic accident left him paralyzed and bedridden. Initially, despair overwhelmed him, but the Duke’s presence lifted his spirits. Hooper decided to face his loss and adapt to his new reality. With Duke’s support, he took small steps towards recovery and accepted a desk job. Determined to move forward, Hooper set a goal to work a full day again by March 1. His perseverance paid off, and he was eventually promoted to Assistant National Sales Manager.

Hooper’s journey illustrates that accepting and coping with loss can lead to personal growth and a new way of living.

Textbook Questions (Solved)

Ques 1. Now that you have enjoyed reading the story, answer the following questions by choosing the correct option.

(a) The grandmother could relate to the central character of the story ‘Kashi Yatre’ as ________.
(i) both were old and uneducated.
(ii) both had granddaughters who read to them.
(iii) both had a strong desire to visit Kashi.
(iv) both were determined to learn to read.
Ans: (iii) both had a strong desire to visit Kashi.
The correct answer is (iii) because both the grandmother and the character shared a deep longing to visit Kashi, which is central to the story’s theme. The other options do not accurately reflect their shared experiences.

(b) Why did the women at the temple discuss the latest episode of ‘Kashi Yatre’?
(i) To pass their time.
(ii) The writer, Triveni, was very popular
(iii) They could relate with the protagonist of the serial.
(iv) Women have a habit of discussing serials.
Ans: (iii) They could relate with the protagonist of the serial.
The correct answer is (iii) as the women found a connection with the protagonist’s experiences, prompting their discussions. While popularity and habits are factors, the emotional connection is key.

(c) The granddaughter found her grandmother in tears on her return as _________.
(i) the grandmother had been unable to read the story ‘Kashi Yatre’ on her own.
(ii) the grandmother had felt lonely.
(iii) the grandmother wanted to accompany her granddaughter.
(iv) she was sad she could not visit Kashi.
Ans: (i) the grandmother had been unable to read the story ‘Kashi Yatre’ on her own.
The correct answer is (i) because the grandmother’s tears stemmed from her frustration at not being able to read the story herself, highlighting her desire for independence and knowledge.

(d) Why did the grandmother touch her granddaughter’s feet?
(i) As a mark of respect to her teacher.
(ii) It was a custom in their family.
(iii) Girls should be respected.
(iv) She had read the story of ‘Kashi Yatre’ to her.
Ans: (i) As a mark of respect to her teacher.
The correct answer is (i) because the grandmother viewed her granddaughter as her teacher for helping her learn to read, thus honoring her with this gesture of respect.

(e). “Childishly I made fun of the old lady. But she just smiled.” The smile of the grandmother explains that she understood that her granddaughter 
(i) was determined to teach her.
(ii) might be too immature to understand her pain.
(iii) would ridicule her later.
(iv) could be contemplating. 
Ans. (ii) might be too immature to understand her pain.
The grandmother’s smile indicates that she understood her granddaughter’s immaturity in grasping the depth of her feelings. This suggests that:

• She recognised her granddaughter’s youthfulness.
• She was aware that her granddaughter might not fully comprehend her pain.

(f). “Those days, the transport system was not very good, so we used to get the morning papers only in the afternoon.” What can you infer from this?
(i) The transport system, especially the bus service, was running at loss.
(ii) The transport system, especially the bus service, was not fully functional in rural areas.
(iii) The transport system, had stopped services in villages.
(iv) The transport system failed to introduce the bus service in rural areas.
Ans. (ii) The transport system, especially the bus service, was not fully functional in rural areas.
The transport system was inadequate, particularly in rural areas, which led to delays in receiving the morning papers.

• The morning papers arrived only in the afternoon.
• Weekly magazines were often a day late.
• People eagerly awaited the bus that brought these items.

Answer the questions based on the extracts by selecting the correct options.

(I)  

Many times, I rubbed my hands over the pages wishing to understand what was written. But I knew it was not possible. If only I was educated enough …. I waited eagerly for you to return. I felt you would come early and read for me. I could have asked somebody in this village but I was too embarrassed to do so. I felt so very dependent and helpless. We are well-off, but what use is money when I cannot be independent?

i. What made the grandmother feel inadequate?
a. She was unable to read the story.
b. She was unable to stay attentive.
c. She was unable to buy the magazine.
d. She was unable to understand the story.
Ans. a. She was unable to read the story.
The grandmother felt inadequate because:

• She was unable to read the story.
• This made her feel dependent and helpless.
• She longed for independence through education.

ii. Select the relevant option that best supports the context of the given extract:
1. Grandmother was elated to get the magazine
2. Grandmother was embarrassed to ask for help
3. Grandmother eagerly waited for her granddaughter’s arrival
4. Grandmother loved gazing at the pictures from the story
a. only 1 and 2 
b. only 2 and 3
c. only 3 and 4 
d. only 1 and 4
Ans. b. only 2 and 3
Two sentences that indicate the grandmother’s desperation to know what happened in the story:

• “I rubbed my hands over the pages wishing they could understand what was written.”
• “I felt so very dependent and helpless.”

iii. Select the option that tracks the progression of emotions experienced by the grandmother in the given extract.
a. reassured – inquisitive – thankful – uncertain
b. surprised – grateful – perplexed – excited
c. yearning – uncertain – dejected – helpless
d. perplexed – uncertain – panic-stricken – appreciative
Ans. c. yearning – uncertain – dejected – helpless
The correct answer is c) yearning – uncertain – dejected – helpless because it accurately reflects the grandmother’s emotional journey from a desire to read to feelings of helplessness due to her illiteracy. The other options do not capture this specific emotional arc.

(II) 

She said, “I am touching the feet of a teacher, not my granddaughter; a teacher who taught me so well, with so much of affection that I can read any novel confidently in such a short period. Now I am independent. It is my duty to respect a teacher. Is it not written in our scriptures that a teacher should be respected, irrespective of the gender and age”? I did return namaskara to her by touching her feet and gave my gift to my first student. She opened it and read the title Kashi Yatre by Triveni and the publisher’s name immediately. I knew, then, that my student had passed with flying colours.

1. Choose the option that lists the most likely response to “…. I am touching the feet of a teacher”.
a. feel shy
b. get anxious
c. feel overwhelmed
d. get upset
Ans. a. feel shy
The act of touching a teacher’s feet is a sign of respect, which can evoke feelings of shyness in the person receiving the gesture. The other options do not align with the context of respect.

2. “A teacher should be respected irrespective of gender and age.” Select the quote that suggests a reason for this sentiment.
a. Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education.
b. A teacher aims to give equal attention to all the students.
c. A teacher elevates the mind and gives energy to the character.
d. Teaching is a profession that teaches all other professions.
Ans. d. Teaching is a profession that teaches all other professions.
This quote reflects the importance of education and respect for teachers, highlighting that the value of a teacher transcends gender and age. The other options do not directly address this sentiment.

3. Select the sentence that best brings out the meaning of ‘confidently’ as used in the extract.
a. Some of the information was confidently misleading.
b. The report asserts confidently that the world economy will boost from the market collapse.
c. The present memoir is confidently a tribute to his ability and character.
d. The pandemic has confidently brought down the market.
Ans. b. The report asserts confidently that the world economy will boost from the market collapse.
The correct answer is b as it illustrates the use of ‘confidently’ to indicate a strong assertion about the future of the economy, contrasting with the uncertainty implied in the other options.

4. Which of the given option stands closest in meaning to “flying colours”?
a. risky
b. courageous
c. profitable
d. successful
Ans. d. successful
The correct answer is d as ‘flying colours’ is an idiom that signifies achieving success or excellence, making it the most plausible choice among the options.

Ques 2. Answer the following Questions briefly.

(a) Why did the grandmother depend on her granddaughter to know the story?
Ans: The grandmother was not literate and had no knowledge of Kannada alphabet. Every Wednesday, the granddaughter would read the next episode of grandmother’s favourite story ‘Kashi Yatre’ and the grandmother would try to memorize it.

(b) Pick out two sentences which state that the grandmother was desperate to know what happened in the story.
Ans: Sentences indicating the grandmother’s desperation to know the story:

• I saw the picture that accompanies the story of Kashi Yatre and couldn’t understand anything that was written.
• I rubbed my hands over the pages, wishing they could understand what was written.

(c) Could the grandmother succeed in accomplishing her desire to read? How?
Ans: Yes, the grandmother succeeded in her desire to read through her strong commitment and hard work. Here’s how she achieved her goal:

• She showed dedication by deciding to learn the Kannada alphabet.
• Her diligence was evident as she practiced consistently.
• She set a clear deadline for herself, aiming to read a novel by the Dussehra festival.
• Her determination allowed her to recite, write, and read the alphabet fluently.

(d) Which of the following traits would be relevant to the character of the narrator’s grandmother?
 (i) determined (ii) selfish (iii) emotional (iv) mean
Ans: Determined and Emotional–

• Determined: The grandmother demonstrated her determination by learning with the same enthusiasm as a young student, proving that age does not limit one’s ability to learn.
• Emotional: She showed deep emotion through her connection to the main character’s struggles and her own feelings of sadness about not being able to read.

Give reasons for your choice

(e) Good fiction’s job is to comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.” How does this apply to the grandmother after she had finished reading Kashi Yatre? Explain with a reason. 

Ans. The quote “Good fiction’s job is to comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable” can be applied to the grandmother, Krishtakka, after she finished reading “Kashi Yatre” in the following ways:

1. Comfort the Disturbed: Before reading the novel, Krishtakka was disturbed by her inability to read and the sense of dependence and helplessness it brought. The novel provided her with a form of solace and inspiration. It immersed her in a world of storytelling that distracted her from her daily chores and made her forget her own challenges momentarily. It comforted her by giving her something to look forward to each week, with her granddaughter reading the story to her.
2. Disturb the Comfortable: On the other hand, “Kashi Yatre” disturbed Krishtakka’s comfortable acceptance of her illiteracy. It stirred within her a desire for change and personal growth. The protagonist’s journey in the novel, particularly the sacrifices made for the happiness of others, challenged Krishtakka’s perception of her own limitations. It made her uncomfortable with her status quo and motivated her to take action to learn to read, despite her age and previous beliefs about education.

In essence, “Kashi Yatre” both comforted Krishtakka by providing her with a source of joy and distraction, and disturbed her comfortable acceptance of her illiteracy by inspiring her to strive for education and independence. It exemplifies how fiction can simultaneously provide solace and provoke change, catering to both the disturbed and the comfortable aspects of one’s life.

(f) ‘Kashi Yatre,’ was the catalyst in the transformation of the grandmother. Support with an example.

The novel “Kashi Yatre” played a significant role in transforming the grandmother, Krishtakka. Before reading the novel, she was illiterate and felt a sense of dependence and helplessness due to her inability to read. However, her fascination with the story and her determination to understand it led her to make a profound decision: to learn to read despite her age and circumstances. This transformation is evident when she declares her intention to learn the Kannada alphabet and sets a goal for herself to achieve independence through literacy. Her determination and subsequent learning under her granddaughter’s guidance show how deeply the novel inspired her to change her life.

(g) What message does the story, “How I Taught My Grandmother” hold for the present generation and the elders?

The story carries several important messages for both the present generation and elders:

1. Value of Education: It emphasizes that education is empowering at any age. Krishtakka’s decision to learn to read late in life underscores the lifelong benefits of education.
2. Respect for Elders: It highlights the importance of respecting elders not just for their age but also for their wisdom and willingness to learn.
3. Inter-generational Relationships: It showcases the bond between the granddaughter and grandmother, demonstrating how mutual respect and support can lead to personal growth and transformation.
4. Overcoming Challenges: It encourages perseverance in the face of challenges. Despite initial doubts and obstacles, Krishtakka’s determination to learn shows that one can overcome any barrier with dedication.
5. Inspiration and Role Models: It suggests that elders can be a source of inspiration and role models for younger generations, challenging stereotypes about age and capability.

(h) Grandmother comes across a post online: ‘Don’t let age be a concern. Live your dream!’ As grandmother, write a short paragraph expressing your heartfelt emotion on your achievement.

Dear friends,

Today, as I reflect on my journey of learning to read at the age of sixty-two, I am overwhelmed with emotion. For so long, I believed that age was a barrier to my dreams, especially when it came to education. However, the support and encouragement from my dear granddaughter and the inspiration I drew from the novel “Kashi Yatre” changed everything. Learning to read has not only brought me independence but has also filled my heart with joy and accomplishment. I have realized that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams and that determination can overcome any obstacle. To anyone who feels hesitant because of their age, I say this: embrace your dreams, pursue them with passion, and never underestimate your own potential. Thank you all for believing in me and for celebrating this milestone in my life.

With gratitude, Krishtakka

Ques 3. Here are some direct Quotations from the story.
 Identify the speaker and write what each Quotation suggests about the speaker. You can use the adjectives given in the box and may also add your own.

Speaker

Quotation

Quality Highlighted

a

‘Awa, is everything all right? Are you O.K.?’

b

‘At times, I used to regret not going to school, so I made sure that my children and grandchildren studied well.’

c

‘Awa, don’t cry. What is the matter? Can I help you in anyway?’

d

‘We are well-off, but what is use of money when I cannot be independent.’

e

‘I will keep Saraswati Pooja day dining Dussehra as the deadline.’

f

‘For a good cause if you are determined you can overcome any obstacle.’

g

‘I am touching the feet of a teacher, not my granddaughter.’

Ans: (a) Speaker : The Narrator
Quality Highlighted : Sympathetic; tender; concerned

(b) Speaker : The Grandmother
Quality Highlighted : Wise; helplessness; sense of sacrifice

(c) Speaker : The Narrator
Quality Highlighted : Helpful; concerned; sympathetic; amiable

(d) Speaker : The Grandmother
Quality Highlighted : Wise; prudent; understanding

(e) Speaker : The Grandmother
Quality Highlighted : Determined; systematic, focused

(f) Speaker : The Grandmother
Quality Highlighted : Determined, enthusiastic; diligent

(g) Speaker : The Grandmother
Quality Highlighted : Humble; traditional; religious

Writing Task

Q4. Imagine you are the grandmother. How would you feel if your granddaughter gave you the novel ‘Kashi Yatre’? Write your feelings in your diary. 

Dear Diary,

Today was a wonderful day because my granddaughter gave me a special gift: the book “Kashi Yatre.” It’s a story that I used to listen to eagerly when she read it to me week by week. Now, having the whole book in my hands feels like a dream come true.

I feel so grateful and touched by her kindness. This book means a lot to me because it’s not just a story; it’s about courage and determination. The main character’s journey reminds me of my own dreams and hopes.

My granddaughter’s gift shows me that she believes in me and my ability to learn new things, even at my age. It’s a reminder that it’s never too late to start something new and follow your dreams.

I’m filled with happiness and excitement as I think about reading this book on my own. It’s a new chapter in my life, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me.

With love, 

Krishtakka

Q5: While the country has made significant progress in improving adult literacy over the years, it continues to be home to 313 million illiterate people; 59 percent of them are women. The story ‘How I Taught My Grandmother to Read’ showcases a young girl helping her unlettered grandmother grow self-sufficient. The story is also a subtle eye-opener for the youth that if they realise their moral obligation, they can take the country to greater heights. 

The story ‘How I Taught My Grandmother to Read’ beautifully illustrates the transformative power of education and the impact of intergenerational learning. In a country where 313 million people still struggle with illiteracy, with a majority being women, this narrative becomes particularly poignant.

The protagonist, a young girl, takes on the role of a teacher for her grandmother, who had never had the opportunity to learn to read. Through patience, dedication, and love, she helps her grandmother overcome barriers and achieve literacy. This act not only enriches her grandmother’s life but also empowers her with newfound independence and confidence.

Moreover, the story serves as a gentle reminder to the youth of their moral responsibility towards societal progress. By recognizing the importance of education and taking proactive steps to uplift those around them, they can contribute significantly to the country’s development. Each person has the potential to make a difference, as shown by the granddaughter in the story who, through her simple act of teaching, helps her grandmother grow self-sufficient.

In essence, ‘How I Taught My Grandmother to Read’ underscores the transformative impact of education on individuals and society at large. It encourages readers, especially the youth, to embrace their role in creating a more literate and empowered nation where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Read the following extracts and answer the questions given thereafter.

Q1. You are incorrigible. You will sell your candlesticks next. [CBSE 2011 (Term III)]

(a) Who speaks these words and to whom?

Ans. These words have been spoken by Bishop’s sister to Bishop.

(b) Why does the speaker consider the person incorrigible?

Ans. She considers him incorrigible because he had sold off his estate, furniture, and other valuables to help the poor and needy.

(c) What is special about the candlesticks?

Ans. Candlesticks were very special because they were a gift from his dying mother, whom he loved a lot.

Q2. Sold! Sold! Are you mad? Who sold them? Why were they sold? [CBSE 2011 (Term II)]

(a) Who is the speaker and who is he/she talking to?

Ans. The speaker is Bishop’s sister, Persome. She is talking to the Bishop.

(b) What has been sold?

Ans. The salt cellers, made of silver, have been sold.

(c) Who has sold them and why?

Ans. Bishop has sold the salt cellers to help an ailing lady by paying the rent of her house.

Q3. Tell you about it? Look here, I was a man once. I’m a beast now, and they made me what I am. They chained me up like a wild animal. [CBSE 2011 (Term II)]

(a) Who speaks these lines and to whom?

Ans. These lines have been spoken by the convict to the Bishop.

(b) Who made him a beast? How?

Ans. The police in the prison made him a beast by beating him and keeping him in unhealthy conditions.

(c) Which figure of speech has been used in the last line of the above extract?

Ans. The figure of speech used here is ‘similie’.

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

Q1. The convict says, “I am too old a bird to be caught with a chaff”. What does he mean by this remark?

Ans. He speaks this line when the Bishop wishes to go out to bring the keys of the cupboard to get him food. The convict is a hard-core criminal, and so he thinks that the
Bishop would go out and raise an alarm to get the police to arrest him. The convict has spent ten years in jail and is well aware of all the tricks and excuses that people make
to trap others. That is why he doesn’t believe the Bishop when he tries to go out to bring the cupboard keys.

Q2. Who was Jeanette? What was the cause of her death?

Ans. Jeanette was the wife of the convict. It was ten years back that a tragedy took place in his life. It was a bad year and he could not get any work. Jeanette was ill and there was no food in the house. So the convict stole to buy her food. But he was caught and given ten years imprisonment. The night he was sentenced, she died. It was the convict’s poverty that had led to her death.

Q3. “…..now I’m a number 15729 ——— I’ve lived in hell for ten years.” What was the background of this remark made by the convict?

Ans. By saying that he is not a man now but number 15729, the convict reveals the tragic life he had in the prison for the last ten years. The prison was like a hell where he was chained up like a wild animal and lashed like a hound. He was fed on filth, covered with vermin, slept on boards, and if he complained, he was lashed again. This torture had taken away his soul-changing him into a beast, so much so that he himself forgot that he was a human being and just remembered himself by the number given to him in the prison, i.e., 15729

Q4. The Bishop was God’s representative on earth in every sense of the term. Explain. [CBSE 2010 (Term II)]

OR

Why was Bishop loved and revered by everyone in the Parish? [CBSE 2010 (Term II)]

Ans. The Bishop is God’s representative on the earth as he has love, compassion, forgiveness, etc. for others to such an extent as is not possible for any normal human being. He feels deeply pained at others’ problems and irrespective of any inconvenience he may have to face, he goes ahead to bring relief to the person concerned. Serving humanity is the only concern in his life with no consideration to the status, material benefits, etc. No doubt he is loved by everyone in the parish.

Q5. “There is so much suffering in the world and I can do so little.” Bring out the character of the Bishop in the light of this statement, giving examples from the text. [CBSE 2010 (Term II)]

Ans. The Bishop is an extremely compassionate person. His heart pains to see so much suffering in the world. He wants to do everything possible to help such people, and feels bad at how little he is able to do for them. He sells his silver salt-cellars to help Mere Gringoire who is bedridden. He gives his muffler to Marie, the maid, so that she can keep herself warm. The love and affection, and forgiveness that he shows to the convict reforms him completely. He even sacrifices his most precious candlesticks to help the convict settle in his life.

Q6. Why is the Bishop in the habit of leaving his doors and windows unshuttered?

Ans. The Bishop has dedicated his entire life to charity and benevolence. He is always prepared to welcome any needy and deprived person. He is a true Christian and wishes to extend all kinds of help to the ailing and the sick. To remain accessible to all, he does not lock his doors or close any windows. Moreover, he is not afraid of any evil or crime and has immense faith in God.

QQ7. Who is Mere Gringoire? What help does she receive from the Bishop?

Ans. Mere Gringoire is an old sick woman, who has been bedridden for a long time. She lives at the top of the hill and she has not been able to pay her rent. The Bailiff has threatened to throw her out of the house, unless she pays the rent. The Bishop sells the silver salt-cellars to Monseigneur Gervais, who had often admired them so that he could get the money to pay the rent for Mere Gringoire.

Q8. Why does Persome feel that the people pretend to be sick?

Ans. Persome feels that the people take undue advantage of the Bishop’s generosity and exploit his goodness and charitable nature. She shouts at Marie, when she learns that the Bishop has gone to see her ailing mother in the extreme cold. She is also disgusted at Mere Gringoire who is bedridden. Persome believes that her brother is a simpleton who cannot see through the people who feign to be sick.

Q9. Why was Bishop attached to the candlesticks and what did he do with them in the end. [CBSE 2010 (Term II)]

Ans : The silver candlesticks were a prized possession for both the Bishop and his sister. The candlesticks were a parting gift from the Bishop’s mother, when she was on her
deathbed. The Bishop could never think of parting with this memento in his lifetime. In fact, the candlesticks were the only thing he was emotionally attached to. He assures Persome that he would always take care of them despite all odds. But in the end, he gave the candlesticks to a convict to restart an honourable life.

Read the following extracts and answer the questions.

1. “That was a month ago and now I have only one thought, that is to get the wretched place off my hands.”

(a) Who is speaking this line and to whom?

Ans. This line has been spoken by Julliette who desperately wants to sell her villa. She is talking to her maid.

(b) What is the thought dominating the speaker’s mind?

Ans. The thought of selling the villa at any cost is dominating her mind.

(c) Why does the speaker call her house a ‘wretched place’?

Ans. She called it so because even after a month of putting up ‘for Sale’ sign, she could not get any prospective buyer.

Q2. “A maid, Madam. They prefer the real article. They say maids are born, maids are not maids. They are giving me a hundred francs a morning for doing it”.

(a) Who is the speaker here?

Ans. The speaker here is Juliette’s maid.

(b) Who is ‘they’ referred to?

Ans. ‘They’ here is referred to the people from the film industry.

(c) What is meant by ‘real article’?

Ans. Here, it is meant ‘a real-life actor’.

Q3. “I tell you what I will do. I will be philanthropic and let you have it for two hundred thousand.”

(a) Who is the speaker here?

Ans. The speaker here is Julliette.

(b) What is meant by ‘philanthropic’?

Ans. It means a person who freely gives money or other help to people who need it.

(c) What is the speaker telling about selling?

Ans. The speaker is telling him that she is selling the villa for a paltry amount.

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

Q1. Why is Juliette fed up of the house? What was the reaction of the people when the villa was put up for sale?

Ans. When Juliette put up the ‘Villa for Sale’ sign, she had thought that the next day the entire world would be fighting to purchase it. But it so happened that nobody turned up to buy it. It has already been one month since she put up the sign for sale. In the past two weeks, there were four people who wanted to buy it but did not. Juliette was also fed up because after putting up the sign, she felt as if the villa did not belong to her. The neighbours looked at her in such a strange way that she began to think that they were mocking at her and that the whole thing was going to lead to a great disappointment.

Q2. “They say maids are born; maids not made maids.” Explain the context of the above statement.

Ans. This line is spoken by Juliette’s maid. She has got a role to play in a film at the Joinville Studio. She has got the role of a maid. While telling Juliette about her role, she tells her that the film-makers prefer people from the same profession as the role assigned to them. She says that maids are born as they are; nobody can pretend to be one. She implies that only a maid will be able to most successfully play the role of a maid in a film, so she is most suitable for it.

Q3. How was the French Hollywood proving to be a great attraction for the people?

Ans. Everybody around the French Hollywood was vying for a role in the films because of the huge financial benefit. Everybody looked up to getting just any role they could manage. People gave up their jobs temporarily to act in the films. Whether it was the butcher who didn’t open his shop or the policemen who were missing from their duty, shooting a fight scene — all were doing some or the other role; nobody thought about anything else round there the manager was offering a thousand francs for a real beggar who had nothing to eat for two days. The films were paying everybody so well that they were bound to be attracted towards them.

Q4. What advantages of the villa are presented by Juliette?

Ans. Juliette describes the villa as ‘a most delightful place.’ She says that although it appears modest but it has a charm of its own. She says that the house possesses a great many advantages — electricity, gas, water, telephone, and drainage. She also says that the bathroom is beautifully fitted and the roof was entirely repaired the previous year only. She says that she is ready to sell it with all the furniture and fixtures, except the little picture signed by Corot.

Q5. Why does Juliette find both Gaston and Jeanne to be perfectly suited to buy the villa? [CBSE 2010 (Term I)]

Ans. Juliette had put up a ‘Villa for Sale’ sign a month ago, and there had not been much response from the customers. She was fed up with waiting for the buyers. Now when Gaston and Jeanne came as customers, and when she saw so much of eagerness on Jeanne’s part to buy the villa, she felt that they were perfectly suited to buy it. She could clearly see that Jeanne was highly impressed and so tried to flatter her so that the deal could be finalised.

Q6. Why is Gaston not tempted to buy the villa even after Juliette decreases the rate?

Ans. Gaston was not ready to buy the villa even after Juliette had decreased the rate because he did not come with the intention of buying it. In the conversation between himself and Jeanne, when they were waiting for Juliette in the villa, he had told Jeanne clearly, “I told you before we crossed the road that I didn’t want it.” The reason he gave for his disinterest in it was that he knew very well that the villa would be used by Jeanne’s parents and her sister’s children throughout the year. There was no use investing in it when they (Jeanne and Gaston) would be staying there only for one month..

Q7. What is the case of mistaken identity between Mrs. Al Smith and Gaston? [CBSE 2010 (Term I)]

Ans. When the maid brings Mrs. Al Smith inside the house, only Gaston is there. After this, the maid goes out. There was no introduction between Gaston and Mrs. Al Smith. She was in such a hurry that she took Gaston as the owner of the house. Since money was not an issue or anything else, she talked with Gaston without a break —  all she wanted was to finalise the deal assuming Gaston to be the owner of the house, she gave him a cheque of three hundred thousand francs demanded by him. Gaston had understood Mrs. Smith’s ‘mistaken identity’ and cleverly remained quiet about it and made one hundred thousand francs in the deal with her.

Q8. Why does Gaston insist on taking the picture as a souvenir? [CBSE 2010 (Term I)]

Ans. The picture on the wall of the villa was a precious one as it was signed by Corot — a well-known painter, and thus had a lot of value. Gaston has already made a lot of money in the deal he had with Mrs. Smith. Now, he knows that Mrs. Smith was going to get the whole house knocked down which will destroy this painting also. He wanted to be a proud owner of it, and maybe, decided to make a lot of money by selling it as it was an antique painting.

Q9. In the play “Villa for sale,” who do you think is a better businessman and why? [CBSE 2010 (Term I)]

Ans. In the play, Gaston is a better businessman than Julliette. Julliette has no idea about real estate. She lacks the business acumen to take advantage of the fact that her villa was near French Hollywood. But Gaston was a shrewd businessman. He poses himself to be the owner of the villa to the American actor and makes a deal of thirty thousand francs. He pays Julliette twenty thousand francs for the villa and makes a net profit of one thousand francs.

Q10. Why is Gaston not interested in buying the villa in the beginning? [CBSE 2010 (Term I)]

Ans. In the beginning, Gaston was not interested in buying the villa because he knew very well that the villa would be used by Jeanne’s parents and her sister’s children throughout the year. He considered it useless in investing in it when he and Jeanne would be staying there for one month only. But in the end when he got a chance to earn one thousand francs, he at once bought the villa.

Q11. What was the suggestion given by maid to Juliette to end her financial hard up? [CBSE 2010 (Term I)]

Ans. In order to meet her financial hard up, Juliette wanted to sell her villa but was unable to get any prospective buyer. Her maid was greatly concerned with her crisis. She suggested Julliette that she should take up the role of a cook in the movie that way she would be able to earn one hundred francs a day.

Q12. Why did Ms. Al Smith want to buy the Villa? [CBSE 2010 (Term I)]

Ans. Al Smith was a big American actress. Money was not an issue for her in possessing the villa. Neither she was interested in knowing about its features. Even after buying the villa she wanted to knock it down and build a bungalow so that she was near the French Hollywood area where she was supposed to shoot for a film.

Q13. What are Jeanne and Gaston arguing about before Juliette enters the room? [CBSE 2010 (Term I)]

Ans. There is no uniformity between Jeanne and Gaston in the decision of buying the villa because Gaston is not ready to support Jeanne’s idea of buying the villa at any cost. He has come to see it with Jeanne just because she had persuaded him to see it. The reason he gives for not being interested in buying the villa is that Jeanne didn’t want it for herself and Gaston, but for her parents. Gaston was not fond of Jeanne’s parents and said that her parents would stay in the villa from April to September every year, whereas they themselves would be staying there only for one month. Moreover, he also knew that Jeanne’s parents would also bring along the ‘whole tribe’ of her sister’s children to stay there.

Read the following extracts and answer the questions that follow :

Q1. I am beautiful pearls plucked from the crown of Ishter by the daughter of Dawn to embellish the gardens

(a) Who does ‘I’ refer to in these lines?

Ans. ‘I’ is referred to as the rain.

(b) What does ‘I’ compare itself to?

Ans. I (the rain) compares itself to the beautiful pearls plucked from the crown of Ishter (goddess of fertility)

(a) What is meant by the phrase ‘to embellish the garden’?

Ans. It means to decorate the garden.

Q2. The field and the cloud are lovers and between them I am a messenger of mercy
 I quench the thirst of the one
 I cure the ailment of the other
 (a) Why are the field and the cloud called lovers ?

Ans. They are called lovers as they are far away from each other and desperately want to meet.

(b) How does the rain help the field and the cloud ?

Ans. The rain helps them by acting as a messenger of mercy. It quenches the thirst of one and cures the ailment of the other.

(c) In these lines ‘messenger of mercy’ refers to whom?

Ans. It refers to ‘the rain’.

Q3. 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.

(a) What declares the arrival of the rain?

Ans. The thunder announces the arrival of rain.

(b) How is the departure of the rain announced?

Ans. The departure of the rain is announced by the rainbow.

(c) How does the poet compare the rain to the earthly life?

Ans. Just like everything on the earth takes birth and dies, so does the rain. It has a beginning and comes to an end.

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

Q1. What are the various comparisons that have been made for rain? Discuss

Ans. The comparison made for rain is — dotted silver threads — beautiful pearls — earthly life — sigh of the sea — laughter of the field, the tears of heaven.

Q2. Discuss the theme of the poem ‘Song of the Rain’.

Ans. It is a song of rain. The poet has described in various beautiful ways calling it silver threads, a messenger of mercy, beautiful pearl drops, a sigh of the sea, laughter of the fields. The voice of thunder announces its arrival and the rainbow announces its departure. It satisfies the thirst of the field, it decorates the gardens. It makes the hills happy. It is a divine gift of God.

Q3. Describe the cyclic nature of rain as described by the poet. How does it differ from its scientific version?

Ans. The poet describes the cyclic nature of rain through — ‘Sigh of the sea’ refers to the process of evaporation of seawater-forming clouds, ‘a tear of rain’ refers to falling of raindrops from the sky, Thunder is the cry of the sky. The poet endows the rain with divine attributes, earthly beauty, human emotions. The scientific version is simply of evaporation, condensation and precipitation.

Q4. Why does the rain call itself ‘a messenger of mercy’?

Ans.  The poet says that rain is a messenger of mercy for the fields and the clouds which are lovers. The fields are thirsty, the rain quenches their thirst the clouds are overburdened and it relieves them of the excess water.

Q5. How is the arrival and the departure of rain announced?     [CBSE 2011 (Term II)]

Ans. The rain is a divine gift of God and it proves very blessed for the parched fields. It beautifies, adorns and rejuvenates fields, trees, flowers and spreads vitality everywhere. Since it spreads joy and freshness all around the thunder announces its arrival and the rainbow in the sky announces the departure of the rain.

Q6. What does the poet say about the field and the cloud in the poem?
 Or
 In the poem ‘Song of the Rain,’ how does rain help in establishing a bond between the field and the cloud?    [CBSE 2011 (Term II)]

Ans. The poet says that fields and the clouds are lovers. The fields are needy and the clouds are bursting with moisture, the rain acts as a messenger of mercy for them. It quenches the thirst of the fields and cures the ailment of the clouds by relieving them of the moisture.

Q7. How is the falling of rain like a ‘welcome song’? [CBSE 2011 (Term II)]

Ans. Falling of rain is like a welcome song. It proves very blessed for the parched and needy earth. It spreads joy and freshness all around. It beautifies, adorns and rejuvenates fields, trees and flowers, and spreads vitality everywhere. It cements relationship of love between fields and the clouds. It ties the earth and the heaven in a spiritual bond.

Read the following extracts and answer the questions that follow :

1. I wish I’d been more willin’
 When I had more teeth there than fillin’
 To pass up gobstoppers.
 From respect to me choppers,
 And to buy something else with my shillin’.
 [CBSE 2010 (Term II)]

(a) Name the poem and the poet :

Ans. These lines have been taken from the poem ‘Oh, I Wish I’d Looked After My Teeth’ composed by Pam Ayres.

(b) What is the poet’s wish?

Ans. The poetess wishes that she should have looked after her teeth in her childhood.

(c) What is the rhyme scheme of these lines?

Ans. The rhyming scheme is aa bb.

2. So I lay in the old dentist’s chair,
 And I gaze up his nose in despair,
 And his drill it do whine
 In these molars of mine
 “Two amalgum”, hell say “for in there”.
 [CBSE 2010 (Term II)]

(a) What made the poet feel upset?

Ans. She was upset because she was sitting in a dentist’s chair and had to undergo the drilling of her teeth.

(b) What did the dentist do to the poet’s teeth?

Ans. The dentist drilled the poet’s teeth and filled her cavities with a mixture of mercury and silver.

(c) What does ‘two amalgam’ mean?

Ans. It means the mixture of mercury and silver.

3. “When I had more tooth there than fillin’
 To pass the gobstoppers”

(a) Explain the first line :

Ans. The first line refers to the time when the poet had teeth and no cavities to be filled or otherwise. These were strong good teeth.

(b) What does ‘gobstopper’ mean?

Ans.Gobstopper means a large, hard sweet.

(c) Why did the poet eat it?

Ans. The poet in her youth had been very fond of sweets. She was not far-sighted or strong-willed to forego the temptation of eating them. She did not visualise the dangers of cavities and painful teeth and gums.

1. “When I had more tooth there than fillin’
 To pass the gobstoppers”
 (i) Explain the first line.
 (ii) What does ‘gobstopper’ mean?
 (iii) Why did the poet eat it?

Ans. (i) The first line refers to the time when the poet had teeth and no cavities to be filled or otherwise. These were strong good teeth.
(ii) Gobstopper means a large, hard sweet.
(iii) The poet in her youth had been very fond of sweets. She was not far-sighted or strong-willed to forego the temptation of eating them: She did not visualise the dangers of cavities and painful teeth and gums.

Q2. “All that hard peanut brittle My conscience gets horribly pricked.”
 (i) Why did the poet feel guilty?
 (ii) What damage was caused by hard peanut?

Ans. “The poet feels guilty when she thinks of all the sweets she had sucked and enjoyed specially peanut brittle which is a hard sweet made from nuts and sugar, which did a lot of damage to her teeth. The hard peanut brittle damaged her teeth. Constant eating of this hard brittle sweet was not good for her teeth which became weak with time.

Q3. Why did the poet laugh at her mother’s teeth?

Ans. The poet laughed at her mother’s false teeth which used to be kept in water. She was young irresponsible and quite ignorant of the importance of a good denture in one’s life. To her, it looked funny. But now finding herself in the same situation she realises their importance.

Q4. What is ‘reckoning’ time for the poet? Can it be helped now?

Ans. Reckoning means making amends for one’s mistakes. The poet neglected her teeth. Now when she faced with the danger of losing them and a number of painful cavities to deal with, she feels as if the time to give accountability for her negligence had come.

Q5. Give an appropriate proverb that conveys the message that this poem gives. Relate the proverbs to the poem.
 Or
‘Prevention is better than cure’. Explain with reference to the poem, ‘Oh, I wish I’d looked after my teeth’. [CBSE 2010 (Term II)]

Ans. No use crying over spilt milk — means you can achieve nothing by lamenting over the loss of something which cannot be retrieved. The poet is now lamenting that she should have taken good care of her teeth at the right time and not succumbed to the temptation of eating too many sticky sweets. She is forgetting that she cannot get her beautiful strong teeth back by regretting her mistakes. The message is that when the opportunity is there, we must take it; once it is lost it cannot be retrieved. This holds good in all situations.

Q6. What caused cavities in the teeth of the poetess? [CBSE 2010 (Term II)]
 Or
 How is the poetess responsible for spoiling her teeth ? [CBSE 2010 (Term II)]

Ans. The poet was very stubborn and negligent of dental hygiene during childhood. She was careless and never listened to the instructions of her mother. She was too tempted by lollies, candies, sherbets and other sticky sweets. Her mother cautioned her time and again that a tooth is like a friend, and it should be looked after well. But the poet could not resist sweets and thus spoiled her teeth.

Read the following extracts and answer the questions that follow :

1. All the world’s a stage and all the men and women merely players:
 They have exits and entrances;
 And one man in his time plays many parts,
 [CBSE 2010 (Term II)]

(a) What does the poet mean by the terms ‘exits and entrances?
Ans. In this line ‘exits and entrances’ symbolise death and life respectively.

(b) What parallelism has the poet drawn between the stage and the world?
Ans. Stage is a platform in a theatre where actors perform their act. Similarly, life is an also a theatre where men and women play their part and die.

(c) Which figure of speech has been used in the second line?
Ans. A figure of speech used in the second line is ‘Simile’.

Q2. Jealous in honour, sudden and quick in quarrel, Seeking the bubble reputation Even in the cannon’s mouth : [CBSE 2010 (Term II)]
(a) Who is the person being described in the above lines?
Ans. The person described in the above lines is a soldier.
(b) What traits characterise this stage?
Ans. A man in this stage is fierce and can be easily provoked. He is prone to jealousy and a desire to safeguard his reputation.
(c) Explain: ‘the bubble reputation’.
Ans. Eagerness to seek reputation.

Q3. At first, the infant Mewling and puking in the nurse’s arms Then the whining schoolboy, with his satchel And shining morning face, creeping like snail.
(a) How is the life of a person like an infant?
Ans. As an infant a man is totally dependent. Crying and vomiting milk in the nurse’s arms.
(b) How does a schoolboy appear?
Ans. A schoolboy appears to be sulking and unwillingly carrying his school bag to school.
(c) The schoolboy is depicted as ‘shining’ and ‘whining’? Why?
Ans. Since he is a small boy, his face is shining and whining depicts his unwillingness to go to school.

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

Q1. What is the theme of the poem ‘The Seven Ages’?
Ans. According to Shakespeare human life is transitory. There is nothing permanent in it. This poem is based on a speech given by a character Jacques who is a cynic in the well-known play ‘As You Like It. For Jacques there is nothing noble or praiseworthy in a man’s life. He makes fun of all the seven ages of man and calls birth as ‘entry’ and death as ‘exit’.

Q2. Why does the poet say that the schoolboy creeps like a snail to school?
Ans. The schoolboy is not very willing to go to school. He is disinterested and just walks slowly like a snail carrying his school bag. He is always whining and complaining.

Q3. Describe the fourth and fifth stages of man.
OR
What characteristics does the poet associate with fourth and fifth stages of man. [CBSE 2010 (Term I)]
Ans. The fourth stage is of a soldier. He is fierce like – a leopard full of vigour and can easily be provoked. He is jealous and always defensive to save his honour. In the fifth stage, he is fat and huge. There is somberness in his eyes and his beard gives him a formal look. He is always full of advice for others and performs the role of justice.

Q4. 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.

(a) Why does the poet call the world a ‘stage’?
(b) What does the poet mean by ‘exits’ and ‘entrances’?
(c) How can one-man play many parts?
Ans. (a) Stage is a platform in a theatre where actors perform their parts. Similarly, life is also a performance in which men and women play different parts. These roles are preordained and are in God’s power.
(b) The exits are deaths and entrances are births
(c) The various parts are the various stages in his life: Childhood, adolescence, youth, middle age and finally death.

5. At first the infant
 Mewling and puking in the nurse’s arms
 Then the whining schoolboy, with his satchel
 And shining morning face, creeping like snail.
 (a) How is the life of a person like an infant?
 (b) How does a schoolboy appear?
 (c) The schoolboy is depicted as ‘shining’ and ‘whining’ Why?
Ans. The first stage of man is of childhood an infant who cries and vomits in his nurse’s arms. He is helpless and depends on others for his every need. The next stage is of a schoolboy who carries his school bag, goes to school unwillingly and slowly like a snail. At this time his face is always scrubbed and shining. But he is not a very willing student, he keeps whining and complaining.

Q6. Explain ‘All the world’s a stage’ with reference to the poem. (CBSE 2010)
Ans. In this poem, life is compared to a play. First, as a man plays different roles in a play so also does he in a real life. As on a stage, there is a particular entry and a particular exit of actors; in the same way in life man comes when he is born and departs when he dies. Just as a part is assigned to an actor, in the same God decides man’s role in life, what he has to do at various stages. Noting is in man’s hand.

Q7. What is the theme of the poem ‘The Seven Ages’.
Or
What do you think has the poet referred to as ‘an eventful history’ in the poem, The Seven Ages and why? [CBSE 2010 (Term I)]
Ans. Shakespeare said that human life is transitory. There is nothing permanent in it. This poem is based on a speech given by a character Jacques, who is a cynic, in the
well-known play ‘As You Like It. For Jacques, there is nothing noble or praiseworthy in a man’s life. He makes fun of all the seven ages of man and calls birth as ‘entry’ and death as ‘exit’.

Q8. Write two characteristics of infant state mentioned in the poem ‘The Seven Ages’. (CBSE 2010)
 Or
 How does Shakespeare describe a man in the first stage of life? [CBSE 2010 (Term II)]
Ans. The two characteristics of an infant stage are crying and vomiting out his milk. Whenever he needs anything he cries, whether he is hungry, sick, or wet. The only language he knows is of crying which attracts the attention of those who care for him. The only reaction he gives regarding his behaviour is by vomiting out his milk. These two traits characterise an infant.

Q9. Why has been the last stage of a man’s life referred to as second childishness’? [CBSE 2010 (Term II)]
Ans. An infant has to depend on others for everything. Similarly, an old man is weak and ignorant of everything around him. He has no teeth, no sense of taste and is
absolutely helpless.

Q10. What are the problems faced by a person in ‘Soldier’ stage? [CBSE 2010 (Term II)]
 Or
How does man as a soldier behave? (The Seven Ages) [CBSE 2010 (Term II)]
Ans. The fourth stage of a man is of a soldier. He is heroic, seeking reputation, willing to face total annihilation. He is fierce like a leopard, full of vigour and is easily provoked. He is jealous and defensive. He risks his life to become immortal.

Read the following extracts and answer the questions given below :

1. Will none tell me what she sings?
 Perhaps the plaintive numbers flow
 For old, unhappy, far-off things,
 And battles long ago.

(a) Explain the use of ‘perhaps’ in the second line.

Ans. ‘Perhaps’ is used to show that the poet is not sure about the theme of solitary reaper’s song.

(b) ‘Flow’, – what quality of the solitary reaper song is expressed here?

Ans. The word ‘flow’ expresses the spontaneity of solitary reaper’s song.

(c) What is the poet’s guess?

Ans. He guesses that she might be singing about some unhappy things of the past or the battles fought long ago.

2. Or is it some more humble lay,
 Familiar matter of today?
 Some natural sorrow, loss or pain,
 That has been, maybe again.

(a) ‘It’ in the first line refers to :

Ans. ‘It’ in the first line refers to solitary reaper’s song.

(b) Explain ‘humble lay’.

Ans. It means that solitary reaper’s song may be about some ordinary people.

(c) What does the poet wish to convey by saying ‘that has been and maybe again’ ?

Ans. He wishes to convey that the song may be about some natural sorrow which can occur again.

3. Whatever the theme, the maiden sang
 As if her song could have no ending;
 I saw her singing at her work
 And o’er the sickle bending

(a) What other activities is the maiden doing besides singing?

Ans. Besides singing, the maiden is cutting and binding the grain.

(b) What makes the maiden’s song extraordinary?

Ans. Maiden’s voice makes her song extraordinary.

(c) What effect does the song have over the poet?

Ans. The song left an indelible mark on the poet’s heart.

4. I listened, motionless and still
 And, as I mounted up the hill,
 The music in my heart I bore,
 Long after it was heard no more.

(a) Where does the poet go?

Ans. The poet is climbing up the mountain.

(b) How did the song affect the poet?

Ans. The song left a permanent mark on the poet’s heart.

(c) What does the poet want to convey by ‘‘long after it was heard no more’’?

Ans. The poet wants to say that the music is eternal and can give pleasure even when you do not hear it.

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

Q1. Discuss the significance of the title of the poem.

Ans. The poem’s title and theme are based on the fact that once in the course of his walking tours of Scotland William Wordsworth, the poet, and his sister came across a solitary reaper, a young highland lass, who was reaping and binding corn as it was the harvest time. As she was working peacefully all by herself, she was singing. Her song had a touch of sadness. The memory of this lone girl and the melancholy notes of her song remained with the poet for all time. Wordsworth’s poem “The Solitary Reaper” somehow immortalises her.

Q2. ‘Solitary Reaper’ is a poem that depicts a simple peasant girl gifted with an extraordinary voice. What qualities make the girl unforgettable?

Ans. The melodious voice of the Solitary Reaper is unforgettable. It has tender melancholic strains, the sweetest human voice ever heard that haunted the poet for all time. He could not understand the dialect, nor the theme of her song. Her musical notes ran like water and surpassed the beauty of the songs of the nightingale and the cuckoo. The intensity and the enchanting quality of her song left an everlasting impression on the poet’s mind.

Q3. Give two examples of hyperbole and alliteration from the poem.

Ans. ‘Silence of the seas,’ and ‘sings a melancholy strain’ ‘perhaps the plaintive numbers flow,’ this poetic repetition of the ‘S’ sound and ‘P’ sound is a device used by poets called alliteration. Hyperbole in also a poetic device in which something written or described is made to sound more exciting, better or dangerous. “O’ listen! for the vale profound is overflowing with the sound”. The sound of the reaper’s song is so powerful that it fills the deep valleys, it is an exaggeration.

Q4. Why is the song of the solitary reaper compared to the nightingale’s song?

Ans. The nightingale is acclaimed as a songbird endowed with a sweet voice who is supposed to sing in a melodious and soothing way. The solitary reaper’s voice is also sweet and melodious. Her song is so sweetly melancholy that it leaves an indelible mark in the poet’s mind. Shady haunt is a cool resting place in an oasis in the Arabian desert where weary travellers are resting.

Q5. What arrested the attention of the poet out for a walk in the countryside? [CBSE 2010 (Term I)]

Ans. While walking in the countryside, the poet heard the solitary reaper’s song. He was struck by the fact that the girl was cutting the harvest alone and on a happy occasion singing a melancholy song. It was so melodious that it once caught poet’s attention. He finds her song sweeter than a nightingale and more thrilling than a cuckoo bird.

Q6. How could the poet hear the song of the Solitary Reaper, when it could be heard no more? [CBSE 2010 (Term I)]

Ans. One day, while climbing up a hill, the poet hears solitary reaper’s song. The song reminds him of a nightingale and a cuckoo. He finds the song so enchanting that it leaves an indelible mark on the poet’s mind and he believes that the memory of the song will remain with him forever. This also shows that music has a universal appeal.

Q7. How do we know that the highland girl was engrossed in her work? [CBSE 2010 (Term I)]

Ans. Once the poet comes across a highland girl while climbing up a hill. The young girl was reaping and binding the corn as it was harvest time. As she was working
peacefully all by herself, she was singing. The whole valley resounds with her melodious voice but she is ignorant of all this and is totally engrossed in her work.

Q8. What guesses does the poet make about the theme of the Solitary Reaper’s song? [CBSE 2010 (TermI)]

Ans. The solitary reaper was singing the song in a dialect. The poet was unable to comprehend its meaning but was able to gauge from its sad note that it probably relates to some unhappy memories, some battles fought long ago. The poet also guesses that the song may be about the commonplace things like joys and sorrows.

Read the following extract and answer the questions given below.

1. And both that morning equally lay
 In leaves, no step had trodden black
 Oh, I kept the first for another day!
 Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
 I doubted if I should ever come back.

(a) What decision does the speaker take of the ‘first’ road?

Ans. When the poet sees two roads diverging in a forest, he decides to take the second one and leave the first one for some other day.

(b) Explain: ‘‘In leaves, no step had trodden black.’’

Ans. It means that the leaves on the other road were intact. There were no marks that anyone had trodden on them.

(c) What doubt crops up in the speaker’s mind?

Ans. The poet was in a dilemma as to which road, out of the two, he should follow.

2. Two roads diverged in a yellow wood
 And sorry I could not travel both
 And be one traveller long I stood
 And looked down one as far as I could
 To where it bent in the undergrowth

(a) Why did the poet feel like travelling both the roads?

Ans. He wanted to do so because both the roads looked equally fair and promising.

(b) Why did the poet choose the other road?

Ans. He chose the other road because it was grassy, less travelled and wanted wear.

(c) What was the doubt in the poet’s mind?

Ans. The poet doubted if he would ever be able to come back to travel the first road.

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

Q1. Discuss the significance of the title ‘The Road Not Taken’.

Ans. It depicts the feeling of regret. After making a choice, he was plagued with the idea of not making the other choice. He regrets not adopting the other cause, the other road, the other choice. Even when we do well often making a choice we keep thinking of the games and success which could have been ours if we had taken the other choice.

Q2. Describe the two roads that the author finds. Which road does he choose? [CBSE 2010 (Term I)]

One day the poet comes to a bifurcation in the road and needs to decide which road he should take to continue his journey. One road was a beaten track. Many people had
walked on it. It was lost in the small shrubs. The other road was grassy and seemed less trodden. Being adventurous in nature, the poet chooses the second road which was grassy and less walked on and left the first one for some other day.

Q3. What was the poet’s dilemma in the poem ‘The Road Not Taken’? [CBSE 2010 (Term I)]

The poet faces a dilemma that every man faces in his life, i.e. making the right decision. One day during the walk the poet reached bifurcation in the road. Out of the two roads, he had to take only one. He decides to take the second road which was less frequented. Hence the road is a symbol of the choice. It is just not possible to make more than one choice and to take both the roads. So the poet decides to take the road less travelled.

Q4. Why did the poet keep the first road for another day? [CBSE 2010 (Term I)]

Once the poet had to make a decision as to which road he should travel out of two in front of him. He examines both the roads and finds the other road less travelled. He
didn’t want to follow a beaten track and decides to take the other road and keep the first road for some other day. But somewhere in his mind, he is troubled with the thought
that he may not be able to do so.

Q5. “I took the one less travelled by.” What do we come to know about the poet from this line ? [CBSE 2010 (Term I)]

Or

What does the choice made by the poet indicate about his personality in the poem ‘The Road Not Taken’?

This line reveals the adventurous nature of the poet because when he had to take a decision of making a choice, he did not take the beaten track. He chooses the path which is not frequented. He decides to leave the first road for some other day knowing fully well that he will not get a chance to go back to it.

Q6. Write a brief note on the theme of Robert Frost’s poem ‘The Road Not Taken.’ [CBSE 2010 (Term I)]

Robert Frost is known for writing poetry which had philosophical streaks. The poem ‘The Road Not Taken’ is based on the theme of making a difficult choice which has a universal appeal. It concerns making the right choice, the right decision. The road is a symbolic word which stands for a choice. It is just not possible to make more than one choice and to take both the roads. We have to make one choice, we have to take one road. While making our choice we do consider all the factors it is not still foolproof. So the element of regret remains which takes away our contentment. This is the great tragedy of life.

Q7. Why did the poet doubt his coming back on the same intersection in life? [CBSE 2010 (Term I)]

This poem is about choices, decisions and their consequences. It is a fact that once the choice has been made, there is no going back. The traveller standing on the road
of life, is confronted with a dilemma when both the paths or choices look equally promising. Once a road is chosen, the traveller has to move on. There is no rewinding. There
would never be a befitting time or opportunity for coming back and exercising the choice again. Time has changed, so has the psychology of the traveller. It will never be the same again. So one stick to the road one has taken and makes it lead to the destination already decided.