PRISONER OF ZENDA

Q1     Who persuades Rassendyll to impersonate as the King of Ruritania and why?

OR
Why does Rudolf Rassendyll disguise himself as Rudolf Elphberg?
OR
Despite the king being unconscious due to drugged wine, Black Michael could not succeed in his
conspiracy to be the king, why?
OR
Why was Rassendyll forced to impersonate as the king of Ruritania?

A1.   Colonel Sapt and Fritz Von Tarlenheim were the two trustiest and loyal fellows of King Rudolf
Elphberg. They persuaded Rassendyll to impersonate as the king. As a matter of fact, Rudolf
Elphberg was unconscious on the day of his coronation because of the drugged wine he drank the
previous night, which was a gift from Duke Michael.
There were many reasons for Rudolf to disguise / forced to impersonate as king. They were as
follows
1. Rudolf Rassendyll and Rudolf Elphberg were almost identical in appearance.
2. Duke Michael would seize the throne for himself if the king did not appear for the
coronation.
3. They could not give the excuse of his illness because people know his ‘illness’ too well.
4. Rassendyll had to be the King only for one day.
That’s why Black Michael could not succeed in his conspiracy to be the king.

Q.2      Describe briefly ‘The Coronation Ceremony’ of Rudolf Rassendyll.

OR

Describe any important incident of the novel ‘The Prisoner of Zenda’.

Ans.   The coronation ceremony was the experience of a lifetime for Rudolf Rassendyll. When he
dismounted at the cathedral, he was overcome with the sense of audacity. He could hardly notice
the people sitting in the nave as he passed through it. However, he quickly recognized Princess
Flavia and Duke Michael, who were standing side by side. Rassendyll marvelled at Flavia’s beauty,
and at the same time, noticed Michael’s state of shock and incredulity. Rassendyll knelt before the
altar and his head was anointed by the cardinal. After that, he set the crown on his head and took
the oath of the king. When he had received the Holy Sacrament, the marshal bade the heralds
proclaim him Rudolf the fifth was crowned king. First of all, Princess Flavia stepped forward and
kissed Rassendyll’s hand, then the Cardinal Archbishop kissed his hand and presented him with a
letter from the Pope, and then Michael came forward with trembling steps. Rassendyll kissed him
on the cheek as he had earlier done it with Flavia, but this time reluctantly. No one had even the

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slightest suspicion that Rassendyll was not the real king. Thus he successfully maintained the
impersonation of the king at the coronation.

Q.3      Comment briefly on the Tea-Table incident in the novel ‘The Prisoner of Zenda’.

Ans.     The tea-table incident occured in the summerhouse in Strelsau, the capital city of Ruritania.
Michael forced Madame de Mauban to write a letter to Rassendyll, asking him to come alone to
the summerhouse at midnight. When Rassendyll received the letter, he was determined to go
there, but Colonel Sapt suspected a trap.
However, they both went to the summerhouse. Sapt remained outside and Rassendyll went
in, holding a revolver in his hand. He found Antoinette de
there, who revealed Michael’s plan that three men were coming to kill him. She also
revealed her reason of betraying Michael.
As they were talking, Rassendyll heard footsteps outside. Detchard, De Gautet and Bersonin
spoke to him through the door and offered him fifty thousand pounds with a safe-conduct to the
frontier, if he would leave Ruritania right away.
He pretended to agree, but when they open the door of the summerhouse he charged upon
them holding in front of himself an iron-topped table. They fired their pistols but the bullets merely
hit the iron table-top. They all sprawled down the steps.
Rassendyll wounded Detchard with a pistol shot, escapes over the wall of the grounds by
means of a ladder that Madame de Mauban has told him of, and safely rejoined Sapt.

Q.4 Why did Madame de Mauban turn against Black Michael?

OR
What makes Lady Mauban to side with Rassendyll and his party?
OR
Did Madame De Mauban betray Michael rightly? Comment with reason.
OR
What does the tea table incident reveal about Antionette De Mauban character?
OR
Why did Antionette De Mauban not want Black Michael to ascend the throne?

Ans. Mauban was a rich widow and ambitious. She was an educated woman and highly
influential. She loved Michael with her heart and soul and wanted to marry him.
Michael only wanted to be the king and marry Flavia. He deceived her and used her for his evil
purposes.
She was loyal to him but when it dawned to her that he had no interest in her she started to help
the opponent part. She wrote letters to Rassendyll and Flavia and informed them about the evil
intentions of Black Michael. As she knew that Michael was not the legal king so she did not help
him in his evil plans.

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Q.5 Who was the prisoner of Zenda? Why was he imprisoned?

ANS. Rudolf Elphberg, the real King of Ruritania was actually the prisoner of Zenda. He was
imprisoned by his half-brother, Michael who kidnapped him from the shooting-lodge. Michael
imprisoned the king in a small room in his old castle of Zenda.
He was imprisoned so that Michael could plan for the establishment of his right to the
throne.

Q6. Describe the loyalty and wisdom possessed by Colonel Sapt.

A6. Col. Sapt Loyalty and Wisdom

Colonel Sapt was a well experienced court man and Loyal to the throne. King Rudolf was taken
prisoner by his half brother Black Michael. Colonel Sapt was very useful in all affairs and watchful in
guarding the king. He made a. plan with the help of Rassendyll and Fritz to rescue King Rudolf and
attacked the castle of Zenda where the king was imprisoned. He made Rassendyll a .disguised king
to save the throne and succeeded in his plan.

Q7. Give a comparison between Elphberg and Rassendyll?

A7. Points of Resemblance:

1. The name “Rudolf” was common to them both. Both had dark red hair.
2. Their noses were long.
3. They share same physical features
4. They had same stature and built.
5. Both of them had descended from the same King of Ruritania.

Points of Differences:

1. Rudolf Rassendyll is an English Aristocrat whereas Elphberg is a European Crown Prince.

2. Rudolf Rassendyll is shrewd, straight forward and proves discreet whereas Rudolf Elphberg
is indiscreet.
3. Rudolf Rassendyll is silent and reserved natured whereas Rudolf Elphberg is careless and
pleasure-seeking person.
4. Rudolf Rassendyll is a brave, courageous, challenging and full of spirit of adventure whereas
Rudolf Elphberg is weak, unchallenging and a shallow person.
5. Rudolf Rassendyll possess the quality of adaptability whereas Rudolf Elphberg lacks it.
6. Rudolf Rassendyll possess genius, active mind and free heart whereas Rudolf Elphberg has
no genius but only a good friend.

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Q8. What is a “Ball”? What is its significance in the novel?
OR
Describe the importance of the Ball.

A8. The ball is a dancing and music party. After the coronation of the King. There was increasing
restlessness among the masses due to the delayed betrothal of the King and the Queen. The
people were resented because of King’s nonchalance towards Queen. They wanted to see the King
and Queen married as soon as possible.
In order to avert the offended feelings of the masses Sapt arranges a ball for the Queen and the
King. The King and the Queen is the first pair to dance in the ball. The ball proved a great success to
please the people.

Q9. What were the steps taken by Rassendyll for the liberation of Rudolf Elphberg?

A9. The steps taken by Rassendyll for the liberation of Rudolf Elphberg were :

1. At First Rassendyll took Marshal Strakencz into confidence and asked him to guard Princess
Flavia
2. Then he went to Zenda and stayed at Fritz’s distant relative chateau to keep an eye on Black
Michael’s castle.
3. After that he managed to know about the secrets of the castle of zenda from Johann.
4. Rassendyll himself swam across the moat and with the help of Madame de Mauban
liberated the king from Black Michael’s castle.

Q10. What was Michael plan in case any attempt was made to rescue the king?

Ans. The king was imprisoned in a small room in the old part of the Castle of Zenda. The prison
had only one window close to the surface of the moat. The only entrance to this room was from an
inner room. Three of Michael’s six men were always on guard there. It was decided that if
somebody attacked them, one of them was to run in and kill the king. A large pipe had been built
from the window of the prison to the surface outside. The king’s body would be weighted and then
thrown through the pipe into the water. The bridge was drawn back at night. In this way any access
to the prison was impossible. Had Michael and his man not fought each other, the king would not
have been saved.

Q11. Rupert is more devilish than Michael. Discuss. Rupert is really a dare-devil. Comment.

Ans. Rupert was a devilish character. He was.a leading member of Black Michael’s ruffians but he
held a good position between the good and the evil. He wanted to kill the duke due to his devilish
nature.

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He also wanted to keep Rassendyll because he knew about his qualities. When Rupert killed Black
Michael he ran away by draw-bridge. Rassendyll followed him and challenged him to fight. There
was fight between Rassendytl and Rupert. Rupert wounded Rassendytl and he was about to kill him
but Fritz came there in the nick of time and Rupert run away by snatching a horse from a farm girl.

Q12. Black Michael was a clever consiprator but a coward. Discuss.

A12. He is the cousin and the half brother of the King. As a shrewd and cunning man he holds a
disloyal character.

(a) A Selfish Man:

He is a selfish man. He wants to get the throne and to marry princess flavia.

(b) A Cruel and Enemy:

He is a cruel enemy. He mixes a drug in the wine which is use of by the King and thus he is taken as
a prisoner. He keeps the king in the Palace in prison, which is surrounded by a ditch full of water.

(c) Villain of Novel:

He is the villain of the Novel, who wants to get the throne at any cost. He makes disturbances at
every step of the king. He is a man of mean nature. He makes several plots to kill the acting King, at
Summer House, at the Palace of Princess Flavia and at many other places. He goes to the extent of
offering bribe to Rassendyll to leave the country.

(d) Mixture of All Vices:

If one looks for a villain, he can find it in Black Michael. He is a mixture of all vices. He is selfish,
deceitful, cruel, a man having no principle, who is bent upon removing his enemy by foul means.
Due to his designs, he is disliked by the people.

(e) Faces Tragic Death:

At the end of the story, he is killed by one of his friends, Rupert, inside the Castle as a result of
differences. Thus the vice is punished and virture prevails.

Q13. Why could Duke Michael not succeed in his conspiracy to become the King of Ruritania?

A13. Duke Michael could not succeed in his conspiracy to become the king of Ruritania because
Rassendyll took Marshal Strakencz into confidence and asked him to guard Princess Flavia then he
went to Zenda and stayed at Fritz’s distant relative chateau to keep an eye on Black Michael’s
castle. After that he managed to know about the secrets of the castle of Zenda from Johann. Finally
Rassendyll himself swam across the moat and with the help of Madame de Mauban liberated the
king from Black Michael’s castle.

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Q14. Who killed Duke Michael and why?

A14. Rupert of Hentzau Killed Black Michael because Rupert was caught by the beauty of
Madame de Mauban One night Rupert was determined to have his lustful will. When she had gone
to her room, he, having furnished himself with a key to it, had made his entrance. Her cries brought
the duke, and there in the dark room, while she screamed, the men had fought; and Rupert, having
wounded his master with a mortal blow to save himself.

Q15. How does Princess Flavia react when she learnt the truth about Rudolf Rassendyll’s real
identity?

A15. When Princess Flavia learnt the about the real identification about Rudolf Rassendyll. She
found herself in real love with Rassendyll and not Rudolf the King. But for keeping her loyalty with
state and kingdom, she sacrificed her love with Rassendyll. In this connection, her own words “Love
is not all”

Q16 How did Princess Flavia prove herself loyal to her country and family?

A16 Princess Flavia is not at all portrayed by the author as a mere showpiece in the novel but an
extra dedicated, sincere and sensible type of young lady. In the end, her heart sustained a
shock when she came to know the shocking reality that the center of her love and devotion
was not he king but an English young man in the disguise of King Rudolf. She displays
remarkable courage and sense of duty. She confesses to Rassendyll that she loved him more
than her life but was determined to uphold her family honour and the prestige of her
homeland. She made it clear to him that she would prefer to sacrifice her love for the sake
of honour and duty. This noble and daring decision glourifies the character of Princess Flavia
and earned her great respect and love of the readers.

Q17 How did Rassendyll manage to escape from the Summerhouse?

OR
How did Rassendyll defend himself in the Summerhouse?

A17 Duke of Strelsau, Black Michael wanted to get rid of Rassendyll as the real king had already
been kidnapped and kept in his castle and for that purpose he deputed three professional killers to
kill him at the summerhouse.
When Madam De Mauban disclosed the plan and asked him to run for his life as the three
foreigners of Michael’s Six were about to arrive at the scene. Before Rassendyll could realize and
flee, Rudolf Rassendyll got trapped in Michael’s plan as his three villains approached and
surrounded him in the Summer House.
Michael’s men offered him a large bribe as well as safe conduct to the frontier.  He
pretended to agree, but when they open the door of the summerhouse he charged upon them
holding in front of himself an iron-topped table. They fired their pistols but the bullets merely hit
the iron table-top. They all sprawled down the steps.

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 Rassendyll wounded Detchard with a pistol shot, escapes over the wall of the grounds by
means of a ladder that Madame de Mauban has told him of, and safely rejoined Sapt.

Q18 What was the purpose of the gang of the Six?

OR
Why did Michael hire the Six?

A18 “The Six” are resolute and unscrupulous gentlemen in the service of the Duke of Strelsau.
Three are Ruritanians and three are foreigners. The foreign three are De Gautet who’s French,
Bersonin who’s Belgian and Detchard who’s English. Rests of the three who are Ruritanians include
Lauengram, Krafstein and Rupert of Hentzau.
The Six play devilish part in the evil plot of Black Michael. Three of them are always on guard with
the strict instruction of Black Michael to kill the king in case of any attempt to rescue him and other
three are always looking to grab a chance to kill Rassendyll. 
Q19 Why was Michael not selected as the king of Ruritania?
A19 A marriage in which the spouse belonging to lower rank nor any children have any claim to
the possessions or title of the spouse of higher rank in European royalty, is termed as morganatic
marriage. 
Black Michael was the elder / half brother of King Rudolf Elphberg. He was the late king’s son from
a morganatic marriage. Since he was not from the royal family, he could not be selected as the King
of Ruritania.
Q20 “Heaven doesn’t always make the right man king!” Who is referred here and why?
A20 Fritz is a very sincere and loyal servant to the king. He gives this remark due to the careless,
irresponsible and carefree attitude of the King that had put everyone in trouble. Rudolf Elphberg
doesn’t care for his coronation ceremony and drank too much. His behavior in the prison again
throws a shadow on his personality that he needs reformation and rebuilding of his character. It
gives a clear picture to the readers that he would make a very poor type of king but Heaven gives a
chance to such men to mend their ways and learn a lot from their sufferings.

Q21 Black Michael is a detestable character. Discuss.

A21 Black Michael, also known as Duke of Strelsau, is the half brother of the King Rudolf
Elphberg but he isn’t a legal heir to the throne. He appears to be a traditional villain of the novel
who is the owner of the Castle of Zenda and the surrounding states, still his thirst for power and
throne doesn’t quench.
In short Black Michael is all evil, selfish and unreliable character and being the villain of the novel
he betrays everyone. Consequently, he has no true friend. He never cares for blood relations not

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even for his love. Therefore, nature repays him in the same coin and he is killed by one of his own
men “Rupert of Hentzau”.

Q22 What was the importance of the first meeting of the hero with the King Rudolf and his
most loyal attendants?
A22 The first chance meeting of the hero with the king (both Rudolfs) and his most loyal
attendants were of vital and significant importance in the novel. They met in a forest near Zenda
just a day before the coronation. This was a meeting which shocked King Rudolf because he saw a
person who resembled him very much. The king was amused to know distant relation with
Rassendyll and took him to an informal supper where they ate and drank together with some
delightful conversation. There King Rudolf drank a rare old wine gifted by Michael which was
actually drugged. Hadn’t Rudolf Rassendyll met them all, Black Michael would surely have captured
the throne in absence of the King Elphberg.

Q23 Why did Black Michael kidnap the king?

A23 Black Michael wanted to be in King’s shoes. He wanted to get rid of the king by killing him
and was the Duke of Strelsau and half brother of King Elphberg. He kidnapped the king so that he
could disgrace him in front of his subjects and people of Ruritania by disclosing that he was a
drunkard. He wanted to destroy the reputation of Rudolf Elphberg by proving that he was ineligible
to become king and thus he could easily get to the throne by proving himself more capable of being
a king.

Q24 Why do you like Rudolf Rassendyll? Give reasons?

A24 Legally Rudolf Rassendyll is an Englishman, a foreigner in Ruritania and doesn’t classify to be
a King. However he possesses inborn qualities of leadership which weigh heavily in his favour. He is
enterprising, accepts the responsibility to step into the king’s shoes and becomes the imposter of
King and plays that role admirably. Though he falls deeply in love with Princess Flavia yet he stands
to his duties and makes his mind to do what is right. At the end when he has to choose between his
love and love of his lover (Princess Flavia) he chose to sacrifice his own desire and lets his lover win.

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 CHARACTER SKETCHES

Princess Flavia

Introduction

Princess Flavia is a character from the novel entitled The Prisoner of Zenda, written by Anthony
Hope.

Beautiful Aspects of her Role

Princess Flavia is a young, captivating and decent lady. She possesses a character full of virtues and
commands great respect and admiration among the people of Ruritania. They wish to see her as
the future queen of the country. She is a noble and kind-hearted woman.

Soberness and Intelligence

Princess Flavia is a wise woman. Her wisdom keeps her aware of the evil desires of Black Michael,
who is not a good man. She very intelligently keeps herself away from all sorts of intrigues. She is a
sensible person who has the courage to face the realities of life.

Romance

Princess Flavia is a lady with elements of love in her heart. These elements increase the fascination
and temptation in her character. She sincerely and quite confidently admits her inclination towards
Rassendyll, being impressed by his personality.

Devotion

The princess was a sincere and devoted lady, always worried about the security of
Rassendyll. She advised him time and again to be cautious of the wicked plans of Duke Michael.

The Great Sacrifice

In order to maintain peace in Ruritania and not to disgrace the royal family, Princess Flavia took a
sensible and daring step. She sacrificed her love for the sake of her homeland and parted with
Rassendyll forever. It was a noble and graceful decision in the interest of Ruritania and the Royal
family.

Conclusion

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Princess Flavia proves to be not only the leading female character of the novel but also the most
lively and integral personality. She holds the attentions of the readers because of her charm, duty
and incredible virtues. She respected the wishes of the people and the country and gave up her
love for the sake of her country. She is a complete symbol of love, beauty and sacrifice, which
makes her an admirable character.

Antoinette De Mauban

Political Adventuress

Antoinette De Mauban is a wealthy widow and a very popular figure in the aristocratic circles of the
society. She is a political adventuress, that is why she takes stocks of the political situation of
Ruritania and wants to exploit it.

Interested in Outward Glamour

She is interested in outward glamour and superficial things of life. This is the reason that she is
impressed by the outward appearance of life and people.

An Over Ambitious Lady

Antoinette De Mauban is an over ambitious lady. She loves Black Michael in the hope of becoming
the queen of Ruritania by marring him.

A symbol of Jealousy

When she comes to know that Black Michael has diverted his attention towards Princess Flavia in
order to fulfil his evil plans, she warns Rassendyll and Flavia about the evil intentions of Black
Michael. She is not ready to allow Black Michael to marry Princess Flavia.

Kind-Hearted, Sympathetic and helpful

She is kind-hearted, sympathetic and helpful. She cannot see others engulfed in troubles and
storms of life. She is very helpful in the attempts made by Rassendyll to rescue the real king of
Ruritania.

Sincere in love

Antoinette De Mauban loves Black Michael with the core of her heart. Her love is based on
sincerity. She trusts him and for quite sometime believes that he is going to marry her.

Colonel Sapt

Introduction

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Sapt is one of the dedicated and royal followers and personal attendants of King Rudolf.

He is an experienced military man, faithful and devoted to monarchy. The spirit of patriotism is
always alive in him, and he does not hesitate to put his life at the sake for safeguarding the throne.

A Staunch Supporter of Real King

Colonel Sapt is one of the strongest supporters of the real king of Ruritania. He is a monarchist and
serves the cause of the king with great devotion.

Loyal and Dutiful

He is always ready to stake his life for the sake of duty. Rassendyll pays tribute to Colonel Sapt by
saying:

A Brave, Devoted and Courageous Soldier

Colonel Sapt is a brave, chivalrous, faithful and courageous soldier and is extremely devoted to king
Rudolf Elphberg. He accompanies Rassendyll to the Summer House, and remains alert and vigilant
in case any harm come to the fair cousin of his King.

A Remarkable Psychologist

Colonel Sapt has a good knowledge of human psychology and possesses a rich and varied
experience of the ways of the world. He has a profound insight into Rassendyll’s character and
declares:

"Before God, you are the finest Elphberg of them all."

A reliable and an Intelligent Guide

Colonel Sapt is a good companion, an intelligent and reliable guide and a sober advisor to both
Rudolf Rassendyll and Fritz.

A Sincere Friend

Colonel Sapt is a sincere and devoted friend of Rudolf Rassendyll. After the restoration of the
throne to the real king of Ruritania. When Rassendyll is about to leave Zenda, Colonel Sapt
becomes very sad and despondent. It is rightly said:

"Sincerity is the essence of true friendship."

Had Control Over Passions

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Colonel Sapt is not a slave to his passions. He is never swept away by his emotions and always
avoids taking hasty, irrational decisions. He exercises a lot of restraint and self-control and is gifted
with the ability of adjusting himself to any given situation.

Fritz Von Tarlenheim

Introduction

Fritz Von Tarlenheim is an important supporting character of the novel, The Prisoner of

Zenda, created by Anthony Hope. He belongs to a rich and aristocratic family of Strelson. He is an
army man. He is young and athletic.

Loyal to King

As long as the king remains a prisoner in the castle of Zenda. Fritz cannot devote attention to
anything else except forming plans and schemes for the deliverance of the king.

Love and Regard for Rassendyll

Fritz has love and regard for Rassendyll whom he finds a friend, who can be relied upon in the
hours of need and who happily braves every kind of danger.

A Lover

He is a young man and is passionately in love with countess Helga. He meets her off and on, at the
residence of Princess Flavia. At last, after the political crisis of Ruritania elapsed, he married her and
passes a very happy marital life.

A Brave Man

He is brave and courageous man. In the face of difficulties he puts up a brave fight. He is a soldier
by professional and is ever ready to discharge his duties with responsibility and care. During the
melodramatic fights, which occur in the story, we always find him in the thick of the fight.

Conclusion

Fritz is a lovable character. He is youthful and has pleasant and affable manner. He proves himself
sincere, loyal, dutiful and brave with a simple nature and thus receives the admiration of the
readers.

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