STEWART SCHOOL

ENGLISH LITERATURE
QUESTION BANK (2020 - 2021)
Class- X

English Literature
Portia

1) How all the other passions fleet to air, a doubtful thoughts, rash-
embraced despair.
i. Where does the scene lake place? Who else are with Portia?

Ans: Belmont ,a room in Portia’s house.Bassanio, Gratiano, Nerissa are

there.

ii. Whichpassionfleet toair?

Ans: Doubts, despair,fear, green-eyed jealousy.

iii. Why did Bassanio mention the name of Midas?

Ans: - A wealthy king.

- He dashedthat all things whichhe touched should be turninto

gold.

- King Midas could not eatthe solid food (food that turned into
gold).

iv. What did Bassanio find inside the lead casket? Whatdid he think
about painter?

Ans: - Portia’s counterfeit(portrait).

- The painter is a demi-God.

- He made a picturewhich is so near tobeing alive.
 v. Portia:
There aresome shrewd contents in yonsame paper.
That steals the colour fromBassanio’s cheek.
i) What is the Paper?
Whatare the Shrewd contents?

Ans: Itis the letterwrittenby Antonio to Bassanio.

- Shrewd contents arethe unpleasant words.

ii) What observation has Portia made about Bassanio?
Whatdoes she request him?

Ans: -Hiscomplexionhas changed.

- He grows worse and worse.

- Portia requests him totell herwhat concerns her.

iii) What does Bassanioimagine hereafter?

Ans: - The letteris like the body of his friend.

- Everyword is like a gapingwound issuing life blood.

iv) What has Saleriosaid aboutShylocksometimes after?

Ans: - Shylockplies the duke morning and night.

- Impeachesthe freedom of the state if he is denied justice.

- The duke, twenty merchants, magnificoes of greatest

porthave all persuadedhimbut noone could stophim from
his envious plea of forfeiture, justice and his bond.

QUESTIONTubal
 Your daughter spent inGenoa,as I heardin one night
fourscoreducats.
i) Who is Tubal? What did he hearin Genoa?

Ans: - Tubal is another Jew, Shylock’s friend.

- In Genoa Jessica spentfourscore ducats in one night.

ii) How did Shylock react on hearing this?

Ans: - He felt grievedat heart.

- He said that Tubal pierceda dagger in him.

- He would never see his gold again.

iii) Whatdid Shylocksaywhen he heard aboutAntonio’s losses at

sea?

Ans: - Antoniohas become a bankrupt.

- A Prodigal.
- He can hardly show his heard on the …….
- He has been a beggar.
- He should be careful to redeem his bond in time.
iv) What has Shylock asked Tubal to do at the end of the scene?

Ans: - To engage for him a law officerby paying an advance fee.

- To meet him at the synagogue.

Question.

Read the extractgiven below and answer the questions that follow:

Some are meet for a maiden’s wrist,

 Silver and blue as the mountains mist,

Some are flushed like the buds that dream

On the tranquil brow of a woodland stream,

Some are aglow with the bloom that cleaves

To the limpid glory of new bornleaves.

(i) Mention the three types of bangles given in the extract. For whose
wrists these bangles aremeant? What do these bangles symbolies?
(ii) How have the maidens been compared to the buds? Which figure of
speech is used in ‘the buds set to dream’?
(iii) What is meant by ‘tranquil brow of a woodland stream’? Why is it
referred to in the poem?
(iv) Give the meaning of:
Some are aglow with the bloom that cleaves
To the limpid glory of new bornleaves
(v) State the three qualities associated with the bangles mentioned in
the extract.
(i) – Silver and blue colouredlike the mountains mist.
- Shades of pinkof yet toblossom flowers.
- Transparent colour of dew drops on a blooming flower.
These bangles are meant for the wrists of an unmarried girl.
These bangles are symbolic of purity, freshness and beauty of young
maidens.

(ii) – The maidens are fresh and beautiful like the buds.
- The maidens have dreams and aspirations of their future like the
buds which are yet to become flowers.
 - Personification; the budshave been attributed the trait of dreaming
like an unmarried girl.
(iii) – It means calm and quiet bank of a stream in a forest. It refers to the
buds of flowers growing on the bank of a stream in a forest.
- Theysymbolisethe freshness and purity of the young maidens.
(iv) – These lines mean that some bangles are transparent in colour like
the dew drops that stick to the new bornleaves.
(v) – Silver and blue like the mountains mist- changeability.
- buds that dream – beauty and freshness.
- dew drops and new bornleaves- new beginnings and promise of life.

Question.

. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:

(Oh yes, we know it keeps them still,

They don’t climb out the window sill,
Theynever fight or kick or punch,
They leaveyou free to cook the lunch
And wash the dishes in the sink-
But did you ever stop to think)

(i) The poet says “it keeps them still”. What keeps the children still?
How?
Television keeps the children still. Their mind getfilled with the
ghastly junk that is telecast on it. It keeps the children occupied.
(ii) How does television prove to be useful and convenient for the
parents?
Television keeps the children occupied. They never fight, nor kick nor
punch, So that lets their parents complete their household chores
 peacefully. They can freelycock the lunch and wash their dishes in the
sink.
(iii) According to the poet, whatill effects does TV have on children?
It rots (deteriorates) their senses in the head. It kills their
imagination. It clogs (block) their mind. It makes a child dull and
blind. He can no longer understand Fantasyor a Fairy land.Their
brains becomesoftas cheese.
(iv) How does TV kill the children’s imagination? Name and explain the
figure of speech used here.
- They get occupied, hypnotised and almost drunk with the
ghastly junk.
- Their minds are clogged & cluttered.
- They become dull and blind and can no longer
understandFantasyorafairyland.
- Personification – 'It kills imagination dead' - he attributes to
the television the human ability to kill something.
- Capitalization ……. to give emphasis.
(v) Do you think Dahl is critical of television in the lines above? Give
reasons for your answer.
Yes, Television …….. great negative impact in children.
Please Refer to (i) & (iii)

Question - The caged bird sings

With fearful trill
of things unknown.....

(i)Under whatcircumstancesdoes the caged bird sing? Whatdoes it tellus

abouthis condition?
 The cared bird is imprisoned within the cage.. Its wings are clipped,
feetare tied. The free bird enjoys the flight, but the caged bird is confined to
the narrowcage. His vision is limited.Itsmovements are restricted.So he open
his month to singfor freedom.

(ii) Why doesthe caged bird sing of“things unknown”?

The caged bird is deprived of its freedom. Freedom isunknown toit as it

is imprisoned in a narrow cage. It sings aboutthe things thatit has neverseen
butaspires to. It sings aboutthe things thatit has longed for or
wantedthroughtoutits life (freedom).

(ii) What is meant by: “fearfultrill”?Why is itsaid to be fearful?

Trill means a shrill note. The bird makes unsteadysound because it is

afraid. Fearfulbecause the bird is oppressed, hopeless. Its condition is
distressful.

(ii) What is the grave of dreams?Why does acaged bird stand on the grave of
dereams?

It can’tenjoyits freedom. It is deprived of its rights and privileges.

Itdreamsof pleasant winds and, fatworm.The ‘cage’isthe grave of dreams for
the caged bird.The caged bird’s condition is sodistressfulthatthe cagebecomes
the symbolof his grave of dreams. Its dreamfor freedomare buriedinthe
cageitself.

(iii)Whatmetaphorical implications do the following lineshave?

Hiswings are clipped andhis feetare tied

So he opens his throatto sing.

Restrictionof freedom,rights andprevileges.Clipped wings,tied feet depictthe
physical conditionof the caged bird. The loss of freedomof the blacks who were
oppressed and physically assaulted due to racial discrimination were
traumatised, resultingin acute mentalagony. So the singing of the caged birdis
symbolic of his rebellionagainst the oppression. It also symbolizes the
suffering, depression and agonydue to racial discrimination of the blacks.

(iv)Whatis the significance of the following expression 'fatworms waitingon a

dawnbrightlawn'?

Itrefers tothe unrestricted freedom of the freebird. The free bird wants
more and morefreedom.The freebird is notcontented with what it gets. It
desires for better worm on a lawnatsunrise, where asthe caged bird is
prevented from all these pleasures and privileges of life.

Q.IRead the extractgiven belowand answer the questions that follow:

“Most terribly cold it was; it snowed, and was nearly quite dark, and
evening - - the last evening of the year. In this cold and darkness
therewentalong the street a poor little girl,bareheaded, and withnakedfeet.
Whenshe lefthomeshe had slippers on, it is true; but what was the good of
that?”

(i)What wasspecial about the particular eveningin the story? Whatkind

weather was there in the evening?

- It was the lastevening of the old year.

- It was New year’s Eve.

- It was bitterly cold , gloomy/ snow was falling and everywhere it was very
dark. Chilly wind was blowing.
(ii) The girl had slippers on, but they were of no use. Why?

The slippers actually belongedto her mother. So they were very big
compared to her feet so she lost their.

- Sothey were of no use.

(iii) How can youconclude fromthe storythat the girl waspoor and dejected?

- She waswalking bareheaded and barefoot, throughthe streets.

- She was wearinghermother’s slipping.

- On a chilly winter evening she did not have enoughwarm clothes to

protectherself fromcold.

- She was sent by her father to sell matches.

- She had put on an old apron.

- She was trembling with cold and hunger.

(iv) Why was the girlout in the cold?Whatprevented her fromgoingback home?

- The girl was sent by her father to earnmoney by selling matches.

- She was scared to gohome for the fearof beingbeatenbyherfather.

- It was also very cold at home which only had a roof and cold wind whistled
through the cracks of the wall.

- She decided tosit outside in the snow,since nobodyhad bought anymatches

from her.

(v) How appropriate is the title of the story?

Yes, The title is apt because it revolves round a nameless, little girl,whosells
matches. The girlis very poor.She is sent byherfatherto sellmatches to
earnmoney.She suffers fromcold and hunger. She doesn’thave warmclothes
andshoes toprotectherself fromthe cold. She walks barefoot and batehead
throughthe snow. She finally diesof cold,hungerand abuse.

II.Read the extractgivenbelowand answer the questions that follow:

So the little maidenwalked on withhertinynaked feet,thatwere quite

redand blue fromcold.In her old apron she carried a great many matches,and
she had a packet of themin herhand.

(i) Who is referred to as the little maideninthe extractabove?How did she lose
her shoes?

The little maiden is the nameless poor girl who left home on a bitterly,
cold evening, the New Year's eve to sell matches.

She losther shoes as she ran across the streetto escape fromtwocarriages
thatwere being driven terriblyfast. One slipper couldn’t be found,and a boyhad
runoff with the other.

(ii)Whywas girlcarryingmatches with her?

The girl was sentby herfatherto sellthe matches and earnmoney. In the
Victorian age as begging was illegal, so the poor children were sent out to sell
matches as a front for begging to earn their living.As
nobodyboughtanythingfrom her,so she had allthe matches leftwithher.

III. Read the extractgiven below and answer the questions thatfollow:

“It’s a cruelthingto leaveher so.” “Then take her to the poorhouse: she’ll
have to gothere,” answeredthe blacksmith’s wife,springingaway,and
leavingJoe behind. For a little while the manstood witha puzzled air; thenhe
turned backand wentintothe hovelagain. Maggie withpainful effort, had raised
herself to anupright positionand was sittingon the bed,straining her eyes upon
the door outof whichallhad justdeparted. A vague terror had come into herthin
white face.
(i) Who are having a conversation in the above extract? What is the maintopic
of their conversation?
JoeThompson andtheblacksmith'wife.
The topic is whetherMaggie should be left there helpless. Joe thinks it to
be a cruelthing to leave her so. But blacksmith’s wife suggested to take the
little girl to the poor house.

(ii) Whywas Maggie’s effort to raise herself painful?

It is because two years backshe had fallen from a window and
hadinjured herspine and was crippled for life and was unable to move,Soit
waspainfulon her part to raise herself.
(iii) What thought terrified Maggie? What didshe exclaimto Mr.Thompson?
-A thought of being leftalone terrified Maggie.
- She exclaimed to Mr.Thomson not to leave her there all alone.
(iv)Whydo you think the man stood with a “puzzled air”? Whatdid he do
whenhe went into the hovel?
He was confused what to do. He was thinking over the suggestion of
blacksmith’s wife to take her to the Poorhouse. He stooped down over the
child and thenwrapped her with the gentleness of a woman in the cleanbed
clothes,then lifted her in his strongarms.
(v)What kind of manwas Joe Thompson? How canyousayso?

He had a rough exterior, butkind heartedand compassionate. He hadlove

and affection for the children.He was a soft-hearted person and was tender
and caring towardsMaggie.
IV. Readthe extractgiven below and answerthe questions that follow:

Mrs.Thompsonsaw him approaching fromthe window, and

withrufflingfeathers met him a few paces fromthe door, as he opened the
garden gate and came in. He bore a precious burden, and he feltit to be so. As
his arms held the sick child to his breast, a sphere of tenderness wentoutfrom
her, and penetrated his feelings. A bond had alreadycordeditself around them
both and love was springing into life.

(i) Whomdid Mrs.Joe Thompson see approaching? What“precious burden” was

he carrying? Whyis the burdenprecious?

Maggie was a precious burden because thougha sickand helpless child,

she was anangel who brought light and blessing to the Thomson's dark, cold
miserable home. She filled their lives with sunshine of love.

(ii)Whatdid Mrs.Thompson ask her husband? How did Joe Thompsonreactto it?

Mrs. Thommpson asked whetherJoe hadbrought that sickchild home.

JoeThompsononlyshowed a look that was pleadingand cautionary. He thentold

hertowait a moment for explanations and be gentle.

Drama

The Merchant of Venice

1. Bassanio:How many cowards, whose hearts are all as false

As stairs of sand, wear yet upon their chins
The beards of Hercules and frowning Mars;
Who, inward search’d, have livers white as milk;
And these assume but valor’s excrement
To render them redoubted!

1) What is the occasion of Bassanio’s speech? What is he doing at the moment?

Ans. Bassanio is about to make his choice of the casket. He is brooding over the
inscription on each of the caskets carefully so that he may get some clue to this
choice.

2) What has Bassanio to say about the dishonest and pretentious persons? What
has prompted him to say these words?

Ans. Bassanio says that many dishonest persons who are timid in reality put on the
looks of the brave with bearded faces and stern-looks. He has been prompted to say
these words on reading the inscription on the gold casket.

3) What does he say of ‘beautiful’ persons later?

Ans. According to him, persons who use most cosmetics often become ‘light’ (in
character) in proportion to the weight of the ‘aids’ they use. They become frivolous
and irresponsibly gay.

4) Why does reject gold and silver caskets?

Ans. He rejects gold casket because the outward glitter hides the reality. The gaudy
gold is like the hard food of Midas. He rejects the silver casket because silver is the
common drudge passing from man to man and is also the metal of commercial
coinage.

5) What makes him favour lead casket and win Portia? What does it reflect on his
character?

Ans. The pale look of the lead casket appeals to him. He accepts the challenge thrown
by the lead. He is prepared to ‘hazard’ all that he has to win Portia. It tells us that he is
bold, adventurous and self-sacrificing and was trueli in love with Portia.

Q2. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:

Salarino : Why, I am sure, if he forfeit, thou will not take

His flesh: what’s that good for?
Shylock : To bait fish withal: if it will feed nothing else,
It will feed my revenge. He hath disgraced me, and
hindered me half a million; laughed at my losses,
mocked at my gains, scorned my nation, thwarted my
bargains, cooled my friends, heated mine
enemies; and what’s his reason? I am a Jew.
 1) Where are the speakers now? Who is with them?

Ans. The speakers, Salarino and Shylock are now in a street in Venice. Salanio is with
them. Salanio and Salarino are obviously in a mood to tease and harass Shylock who
is distressed at the loss of his daughter and his ducats.

2) What prompts Salarino to ask Shylock about his intentions towards Antonio?

Ans. The news that Antonio has lost his ships and become a bankrupt is really
frightening. It prompts Salanio to ask Shylock what he would do in case Antonio
forfeited the bond.

3) What does Shylock reveal?

Ans. Shylock reveals his true intentions in taking revenge on Antonio. He hates
Antonio who has harmed and insulted him in many ways.

4) How has Antonio insulted Shylock?

Ans. Antonio has harmed his business interests. He has laughed at his losses. He has
scorned his community. He has sided with his enemies. According to Shylock,
Antonio has ill-treated him simply because he is a Jew.

5) Do you think Shylock has been greatly wronged? How would you justify his
hardened stance towards Antonio later?

Ans. Yes, we feel that Shylock has been greatly wronged. A man who has been
harmed and humiliated in public cannot do anything else but think of taking revenge.
Antonio’s behavior has been extremely provocative and unjustified.

3. Duke :
But, touched with human gentleness and love.
Forgive a moiety of the principal.

1) In what way does the Duke expect Shylock to mitigate his stand?

Ans. Shylock will show mercy at the last moment. He will give up the penalty of a
pound of flesh and will be touched with love and gentleness and will also forgive a
portion of the principal.

2) What is meant by ‘a’ moiety of the Principal’?

Ans. Moiety of the Principal means a portion or part of the principal (3000 ducats).

3) Who are the Turks and Tartars?What is said about then here?
Ans. Turks and Tartarswere certain Asiatic races. They were looked upon as
uncivilized, barbarians by the Elizabethans and had hatred towards the Christians.

4) Why does Shylockrefuse to have mercy on Antonio?

Ans. It is because he will not change his decision. This way he will feed fat, the
ancient grudge against Antonio. Moreover he has taken an oath by the holy Sabbath to
have the due and forfeit of his bond.

4. Grationo:

''O, be thoudamn’dinexhorable dog. And forthy life let justice be accused. Thou
almost makest me waver in my faith.''

1) How did Gratiano react and why ?

Ans. He got angry, reacted violently and called Shylock a damned inexhorable dog.

2) Who was Pythagorax?

Ans. He was the Greek Philosopher.

3) What was his theory ?

Ans. He believed in the transmigration of souls. He believed that souls of men and
animals appeared several times on the earth assuming sometimes higher and
sometimes lower forms of life.

4) How did the spirit of the wicked wolfenter intoShylock?

Ans. When the wicked wolf was hanged for human slaughter, the spirit escaped from
the gallows to enter the body of Shylock when he lay in the womb of his unhallowed
dam.

5) State clearly how Shylock ridicules Gratiano after the extract.

Ans. He said that Gratiano was just wasting the energy of his lungs.Though he railsso
loudly, he can’t remove the seal from his bond. He must cultivate a better sense of
humour.

5. Portia:
Therefore prepare thee to cut off the flesh.
 Shed thou no blood: nor cut thou less, no more.
But just a pound of flesh: If thou tak’st more.
Or less, than just a pound, be it but so much
As makes it light or heavy in the substance.
Or the division of the twentieth part
Of one poor scruple, nay, if the scale do turn
But in the estimation of a hair,
Thou diest, and all thy goods are confiscate.

Q.1. Who are the two people in conversation? The speaker lays down a condition,
what is it?

Ans. Portia – and Shylock – can take only a pound of flesh – not permit him to shed a
single drop of blood – must weigh a pound of flesh – accurately – without shedding
even a ‘jot’ of blood

Q.2. Another person, present here, applauds the speaker for his judgement. Who
is this person? Why does he react in this manner?
Ans. Gratiano – now seeing that the tables have turned against Shylock – applauds
and makes fun of Shylock

Q. 3. What would be the penalty if the law is broken?

Ans. If Shylock sheds a single drop of blood – all his property – confiscated – to face
a death sentence – would be at the mercy of the Duke

Q. 4. The tables have turned. How? Who is responsible for it?

Ans. Portia’s wit and intelligence – Antonio has lost all hope – Shylock has no choice
– he not only has to forget about getting his principal – but also loses all his property –
has to face the humiliation of turning into a Christian

Q. 5. What impression do you form about the speaker?

Ans. Woman of substance – beauty matches her intelligence – quick witted – comes
as an antidote to Shylock’s malice.

6. Prince of Morocco: But, alas the while !

If Hercules and Lichas play at dice
Which is the better man, the greater throw
May turn by fortune from the weaker hand:
So is Alcides beaten by his page:
And so may I, blind fortune leading me,
Miss that which one unworthier may attain,
And die with grieving.

Q. 1. Why does the prince of Morocco say, ‘but alas, the while’?
Ans. Is anxious whether he would make the right choice or not – situation is a matter
of chance – depends on luck

Q.2. Explain the reference to Hercules and Lichas, What could happen if they
played at dice?
Ans. Played a game of dice – a game of chance – is unpredictable – Hercules, the
brave man may be defeated – the servant Lichas might win – similar manner – Prince
of Morocco might fail – person not worthy as him will win Portia’s hand

Q. 3. What were Morocco’s achievements with his ‘scimitar’? What other acts of
bravery is the Prince willing to do, in order to prove his courage?
Ans. Killed Shah of Persia – conquered a Persian prince – defeated Sultan of Turkey
thrice – willing to take away the cubs from the mother bear – challenge the hungry
lion roaring for his prey to win Portia’s hand

Q.4. Why is fortune said to be blind? Explain ‘die with grieving’.

Ans. As she dispenses her favor in an unpredictable manner – Morocco says – if he
doesn’t get Portia, he’ll die with grief

Q. 5. What does Portia tell him before he decided to make the choice of caskets?
Where does she want to take him?

Ans. That he could either decide not to make the choice of caskets and go away – if he
loses, swear that he would never propose any lady – she asks him – to carefully think
before making his decision.

4. Bassanio: Therefore, thou gaudy gold,

Hard food for Midas, I will none of thee;
Nor none of thee, thou pale and common drudge
Tween man and man: but thou, thou meagre lead
Which rather threaten’st than dost promise aught,
Thy paleness moves me more than eloquence,
And here choose I :joy be the consequence!

Q1. What does the speaker say about beauty before this extract? What idea is
brought out there?
Ans. Can be purchased by weight in a chemist’s shop –who wear most of this artificial
make up are light in character. Gaudy things are for show: they lack value.

Q2. Why does the speaker talk about crispy golden locks earlier? What do they
turn out to be at times?

Ans. Reinforce the idea that appearance is deceptive –may be a wig –made by hair –
borrowed from another head –may be lying now in a tomb. Outward shows are
treacherous.

Q3. Who is ‘Midas’? What was hard food for Midas? Why?
Ans. Mythical king of Phrygia from Greek mythology –had asked for the boon i.e.
touch of gold –could not eat anything –gold was hard food for him –realised his
foolishness.

Q4. Why does Bassanio not choose the golden casket?

Ans. He feels that all that glitters is not gold –may invite you to its outward show –but
deceive in reality.

Q5. What does he find inside the lead casket? What does he say about the thing
found inside it?
Ans. Finds portrait of Portia –only demi-god could have created it –is almost like the
person herself –eyes seemed to move –lips slightly parted –hair as though a spider’s
golden web –to entrap hearts of men –but all these praises seemed to do injustice to
portrait –as it does underestimate the original beauty –i.e. Portia herself.

5. Lorenzo:
The man that hath no music in himself,
Not is not mov;d with concord of sweet sounds
Is fit for treason, stratagems and spoils,
The motions of his spirit are dull as night,
And his affections dark as Erebus;
Let no such man be trusted.

Q.1 According to the speaker what does a person, who does not like
music,deserve? Whom is he talking?

Ans. Is fit for treason –dull not to be trusted –spirits are dull as night, his affections
dark as Erebus –Lorenzo with his beloved Jessica.

Q2. The listener gives examples to prove the impact of music .What are they?
Ans.Untrained and youthful colts –who bellow and neigh –come to standstill at once –
savage eyes turn gentle – talks about Orpheus Greek musician- charmed even lifeless
objects with his music.

Q3. Who enters the scene? Where are they coming from?
Ans. Portia and Nerissa- though claim to come from monastery – actually came from
Venice- after winning the case against Shylock in favor of Antonio.

Q4. What philosophy does one of these two people highlight? Explain briefly.

Ans. Everything has its own worth – nothing is good alone- in the presence of greater
glories smaller deeds are hidden like in the absence of king – subordinate shines –but
with king’s presence his glory vanishes.
Q5. How would you compare this act in comparison to other acts of the play and
why?
Ans. A lighter act with happiness all around- all couples are reunited –serious
atmosphere of court scene contrast to jolly mood in this act- downfall of Shylock
contrast to happiness of couples –Portia and Nerissa play pranks on husbands-
everything falls into place miraculously – everyone is happy.

9. Salarino:

Why,yet it lives there unchecked, that

Antonio hath a ship of rich lading wrecked
on the narrow seas; the Goodwins, I think
they call the place; a very dangerous flat and
fatal, where the carcasses of many a tall ship
lie buried, as they say, if my gossip Report-
be an honest woman of her word.

1. What information does Salarino give Salanio?

Answer: Salarino informs that there ia a report still uncontradicted that one of
Antonio's vessels, with valuable cargo, has come to grief in the waters of the English
Channel. The exact spot of the wreck is the Goodwin Sands, the most perilous
sandbanks. It has proved to be the grave of many a gallant vessel.
2. Explain :' .....if my gossip Report be an honest woman of her word.'
Answer: In the above line rumour or report is personified as a tattling old woman,
Dame Rumour. The phrase 'my gossip Rumour' means a talkative woman named
Rumour.
The above phrase implies that if report or rumour, which is generally the bearer of
false news should prove to be correct this time, then Antonio's ship has been wrecked
on the Goodwin Sand.
3. Why does Salanio wish to say 'amen' quickly? Who appears just then? What
dowsSalanio remark? What superstition is referred to in Salanio's words?
Answer: Salanio wishes to say 'amen' meaning 'so be it'quickly, and add his prayer
to Salarino's before the devil has time to interfere and prevent it.
Just then Shylock is seen approaching. So Salanio remarks that his worst fears are
realized, because the devil is approaching in the person of the Jew, Shylock.
The old superstition was that a prayer would lose its virtue if a devil crossed the path
before the prayer was completed. Therefore when Salanio sees Shylock coming, he
pretends that he is the devil and quickly ends the prayer with the usual 'amen'.
4. What was Shylock's reply when Salarino asked whether he has heard about
Antonio's loss at sea?
Answer: Shylock tells Salarino that his question reminds him of another of his bad
bargains. He angrily calls Antonio a bankrupt and a spendthrift for lending money
gratis. He informs that Antonio is ashamed to appear on the Rialto as he has
mismanaged his affairs. Earlier he used to come there smartly dressed strutting among
the traders in the market place. Shylock warns him to better redeem the bond in time.
5. What does Shylock say about the curse on his nation? Explain.
Answer: Shylock says that the curse pronounced on the Jewish nation for their
rejection of Christ never fell upon their race till then and he has never felt it.
When Tubal tells Shylock that he has failed to trace his daughter, Jessica, he considers
the loss of his money and jewels as a greater injury than any that had ever fallen on his
race. He also feels that Jessica's falling away from the Jewish faith is a curse. Shylock
is selfish and he looks upon his misfortunes as a blow to the Jewish race.
6. What does Shylock instruct Tubal to do? Why does Shylock go to the synagogue?
Answer: Shylock now instructs Tubal to engage a lawyer to handle the case for him.
He tells him to engage him fifteen days before the bond falls due. If Antonio breaks
his agreement, he will exact the payment of the forfeit. Once Antonio is removed from
Venice, he can make as much profit as he likes. He asks Tubal to go ahead and do
what he has instructed him to do and then meet him at the synagogue without fail.
Shylock goes to the synagogue to swear an oath that he will take his revenge upon
Antonio. He believes in the old Mosaic Law which prescribed 'an eye for an eye and a
tooth for a tooth.'So he feels that he is justified in taking revenge against an enemy of
his religion and his race.
7. What does this scene reveal of Tubal?
Answer: Tubal's chief characteristic revealed in this scene is his malicious pleasure
in torturing Shylock by giving alternate accounts of Antonio's losses and Jessica's
extravagances. He is alternately elating and depressing his friend Shylock for no
apparent reason.

10. Portia :

Away, then! I am lock’d in one of them

If you do love me, you will find me our.-
Nerissa, and the rest, stand all aloof
Let music sound while he doth make his
choice
Then, if he lose, he makes a swan-like end,
Fading in music: that the comparison
May stand more proper, my eye shall be the
stream
And watery death-bed for him.

1. Why does Portia call for music when Bassanio is making his choice? What
purpose will music serve if Bassanio wins?
Answer:Portia asks for the music to be played as Bassanio chooses the casket. Firstly,
it will calm the riot of her own heart when Bassanio chooses. As she does not want to
reveal her tension, she defends her action by saying that if Bassanio fails she will bid
him his last farewell in the middle of music and he will thus be like the swan that
always sings before it dies. To make the comparison more realistic, Portia says that
she would weep and her eyes would be the stream and will serve as the last resting
place for Bassanio just as the river is for the swan.
If Bassanio wins, then music will be like the notes of trumpets at the coronation of a
newly crowned prince when royal subjects bow to him. The music will be like the
melodious sounds that creep into the ears of the bridegroom at daybreak and awakens
him heralding that his marriage day has come.
2. How does Portia describe Bassanio as he goes to make his choice? Referring to
Alcides explain the comparisons that Portia makes.
Answer: Portia says that Bassanio goes with much more dignity to choose the
casket than young Hercules did when he saved the Princess Hesione from the sea
monster. Bassanio displayed far greater love too.
In the classical story, a virgin, on this occasion, the daughter of Laomedon, king of
Troy, was tobe sacrificed to a sea monster. Hercules killed the monsterand saved her.
Portia compares herself to the virgin and Bassanio to Hercules and hopes that
Bassanio will save her from death. Therefore she says, "Go, Hercules! Live thou, I
live; with much more dismay, I view the fight that thou that mak'st the fray."
3. What does Bassanio go on to say about the cowards?
Answer: Bassanio says that there are many cowards who do not have any strength
in them like the unreliable steps of sand but they put on an air of bravery and heroism.
They pretend to possess the courage of Hercules and the fighting skill of Mars. But
their cowardice is exposed when it comes to a test. They are found with livers as white
as milk which is a symbol of cowardice. They only possess the outward growth of
valour i.e. a beard to give them the appearance of fearful warriors.
4. What is Bassanio's opinion on beauty?
Answer: Bassanio feels that beauty can be bought with money. Cosmetics transform
the users. The external, beautiful decoration proves deceptive. It is used by clever,
deceitful persons to mislead and can deceive even the most experienced people.

5. Which example of false beauty does Bassanio give? What does he say about it?
What custom of the Elizabethans does Shakespeare refer to?
Answer: Bassanio gives one example of false beauty i.e. false hair or wig. Bassanio
says that shining, golden tresses, whose ringlets are tossed about by the playful
breezes, seen on the head of a woman, appear to be real. Actually this is false hair. It
may originally belongto a dead woman who is lying in the grave.
Shakespeare is referring to the custom of wearing wigs which was very popular
among the fashionable Elizabethan women. Dark hair was considered unfashionable.
So, the use of false hair which was golden.
6. What is the second example that Bassanio gives of deception?
Answer: The second example that Bassanio gives of deception is from religion. The
greatest heresies in religious opinion can be glossed over if some reverend looking
preacher with a sober countenance gives them his approval and makes them appear
true and just. He gravely quotes Scripture in support of them, hiding their vileness in
the outward garb of fair and coloured words.
7. What does Portia give Bassanio as a token of her surrender to him? What warning
accompanies it? Why is this incident important to the play? What promise does
Bassanio make regarding the ring?
Answer: As a token of her surrender to Bassanio, Portia gives him a ring. She warns
him that if he allows it to pass out of his possession, if he loses it, or bestows it upon
another, then it will foretell the loss of his love and give her the right to reproach him.
This incident is important to the play as it starts the ring story.
Bassanio promises Portia that when the ring leaves his finger, then his spirit will flee
and his life will leave him. He will only part with the ring in death.

11. Shylock:

Gaoler, look to him: tell not me of mercy:

This is the fool that lent out money gratis:
Gaoler, look to him.

Antonio:
Hear me yet, good Shylock.
1. What type of a jail is Antonio in? Why is Antonio out in the street?
Answer: In earlier days when people imprisoned for debts were put in private jails,
which were like boardinghouses. The licensed proprietor, however, was under bond to
produce the prisoner when required. Antonio is in such a debtor's prison.
Antonio has persuaded his jailer to take him out so that he may see Shylock and beg
himto relent and show him mercy.
2. How does Shylock reply when Antonio beseeches him a second time to listen to
what he has to say ?
Answer: When Antonio beseeches Shylock a second time to listen to what he has
to say, Shylock replies that he will not listen to him. All he wants is his bond. He tells
Antonio that it is futile attempting to persuade him as he is not so stupid to yield to
persuasion or be shaken in his determination by pleadings of anyone or give up his
stand at the request of hIs Christian friends. He sternly asks Antonio not to go after
him as he has no intention of arguing with Antonio. He insists on agreement and the
bond. Saying this, Shylock leaves Antonio.
3. How does Antonio point out that his hope is in vain? Explain.
Answer: Antonio points out that the Duke cannot refuse to let the law take its own
course. The rights and privileges of trade that the foreigners have in Venice cannot be
denied. If they refuse to allow Shylock the privileges that have been granted to the
foreigners in Venice, then they will expose the justice of the state to reproach. In this
way Antonio points out that his hope is in vain.
The prosperity of Venice depends upon its trade with foreign nations. If any injustice
is done to Shylock, a foreigner, other foreigners belonging to the nations, who have
built up a profitable trade, will take alarm and raise objections. They will lose
confidence in the just and impartial administration of law in Venice and will have no
more dealings with Venice. Consequently, trade will suffer. So Antonio is certain that
Shylock's case is strong and that the Duke cannot change the law to favour Antonio.

12. Lorenzo:

Fair thoughts and happy hours attend onYou

Jessica:
I wish your ladyship all heart's content.

Portia:
I thank you for your wish, and am well pleas’d
To wish it back on you: fare you well, Jessica.
Now, Balthazar
As I have ever found thee honest-true,
So let me find thee still. Take this same letter,
And use thou all the endeavour of a man
In speed to Padua: see thou render this
Into my cousin's hand, Doctor Bellario;
And look what notes and garments he doth
give thee.

1. What does Portia say about the essential factors of friendship?

Answer: Portia says that when two people are close friends and are united by the
bond of mutual love and find their chief delight in each other's company, then the two
natures must be alike in many ways. There must be a certain similarity in features,
mind, behaviour and disposition. This makes her think that as Antonio is her
husband's bosom friend, he must be as noble and worthy a gentleman as her husband.
2. What instructions does Portia give Lorenzo?
Answer: Portia tells Lorenzo that she entrusts the entire management and care of her
mansion in his custody till the return of her husband. As for her, she has taken a
secret oath to pass the days in religious exercises and holy contemplation with none
other than Nerissa as her companion, until their husbands reach home again. Two
miles from the mansion there is a monastery where they will stay. She concludes by
telling Lorenzo not to refuse to carry out this task which her love and present
necessarily makes her place upon him.
3. After Lorenzo and Jessica accept the task assigned to them and depart, what does
Portia instruct Balthazar privately?
Answer: After Lorenzo and Jessica accept the task assigned to them and depart,
Portia privately instructs Balthazar, her honest and trustworthy servant, to bear a letter
from her to her cousin, the lawyer, Doctor Bellario of Padua. He has to hasten with all
the speed to Padua and deliver her letter to her cousin's hands. Then he has to obtain
certain letters, notes and robes. He has to be careful to bring them as quickly as
possible to the public ferry-boat which plies back and towards Venice. Portia tells
him not to waste time in talking but go speedily as she will be at the ferry before he
gets there.
4. How does Portia plan to behave and speak, so as to be taken for a young man?
Answer: Portia says that when she is dressed as a young man, she will wear her
dagger by her side with a more gallant air. She will speak in a husky broken voice of a
youth who is in transition from boyhood to manhood. She will walk with long manly
strides, each equal to two short and quick steps of a woman that she takes now. She
will talk of broils and fights like a boastful young man. She will tell fanciful stories, as
for instance how many great ladies have loved her and have died of a broken heart
because she did not love them in return. Then she will say that she could not help it
and pretend she is sorry for them and that she wished they did not die for her sake as it
was not her fault. She will go on with a score of other little inventions and lies until
people will believe that she has left school more than a year already. Portia says that
her mind is full of these thousands of pranks which these young, inexperienced and
bragging youths employ and she will try them all to prove herself.
5. In what state will their husbands see them, according to Portia?
Answer: According to Portia, their husbands will certainly see them, but in such
clothes that they will be completely deceived. They will think that they possess the
'the qualities of men', which they do not really possess.

6. Launcelot:
Yes truly; for, look you, the sins of the father
to be laid upon the children; therefore, I
promise you, I fear you. I was always plain
with you, and so now I speak my agitation
of the matter: therefore be of good cheer;
for, truly, I think you are damned.

Jessica:
I shall be saved by my husband; he hath made
me a Christian.

1. What reason does Launcelot give for Jessica being damned? Explain.
Answer: Launcelot tells Jessica that the wicked deeds of the parents have evil
consequences for the children. He is referring to a passage in the Bible which says that
even children and children's children will be punished for the sins of their fathers.
Launcelot means that Jessica will be damned because of her father's sin, that is
Shylock's determination to take revenge. Moreover, Christians in those days believed
that there was no salvation for the souls of Jews and non Christians. So, since Jessica
is the daughter of a Jew, she is sure to be damned.
2. According to Launcelot, why is Lorenzo to be blamed rather than praised for
Jessica's conversion?
Answer: According to Launcelot, Lorenzo is to be blamed rather than praised for
Jessica's conversion, for by converting her, he will addto the number of Christians of
whom there were enough already. This making of Christians will raise the price of
pork, for if no one is left who is forbidden to eat pork and everyone becomes pork
eaters, they shall soon not get a slice of bacon left to cook over fire.
3. How does Jessica assure Lorenzo that he need not be afraid about her friendship
with Launcelot? What does she report about their conversation?
Answer: Jessica assures Lorenzo that he need not be afraid of her friendship with
Launcelot as they both have just quarrelled.
She reports that Launcelot has just told her plainly that Heaven will show no mercy to
her as she is the daughter of a Jew. She informs that he also finds faults with Lorenzo.
He says that Lorenzo is not a good citizen and does injury to his fellow-citizens for he
makes pork dearer by converting Jews to Christians, thus adding to the number of
those who may eat it.
4. In what sense does Launcelot take the word 'cover'? What is his reply? Explain the
pun.
Answer: Launcelot pretends to take the word 'cover' in the sense of wearing hat. He
replies that he will not wear his hat in the presence of his superiors, Lorenzo and
Jessica as he knows his duty as a servant.
Launcelot is punning on the word 'cover'. One meaning is 'to lay the table' and the
second one is ' to put on one's hat,
5. In what terms of lofty praise does Jessica speak of Portia when Lorenzo asks about
her opinion ?
Answer: On being asked about her opinion regarding Portia, Jessica says that she
does not have words to express her love and admiration for Portia. Lord Bassanio
ought indeed be a good man, to have such a wife as Portia, for whom he is enjoying
the bliss of Paradise even in this world. Jessica says that if two gods enter into a
contest and stake two earthly women as prizes in the game, then if Portia be one of
them, then the other woman would have to have some addition to her worth so as to
make the stake equal. Jessica states that there is not another woman like Portia in this
rough world as she is priceless.

Extra questions and answers

1. What threat does Shylock utter to the Duke in the beginning of the trial
scene?
Answer: Shylock threatens the Duke by saying that if he refuses to let the
law be carried out, then the reputation of his city will suffer. The Duke has to
be prepared to face the danger of losing the very liberty of his state, by leading
to a revocation of the Imperial Charter which gives it.
2. What does Shylock mean when he says,' I'll not answer that'
Answer: By saying 'I'll not answer that', Shylock means that the law does not
require him to answer the Duke's question about why he would rather have a
pound of flesh than the money. He has a fancy for it, that is enough to satisfy
him.
3. What does Antonio tell Bassanio to remember? What three arguments
does he give to prove that his pleas are ineffective?
Answer: Antonio tells Bassanio to remember that he is arguing with the
Jew. He tells him, if he is hoping to soften his heart, it is futile.
Firstly, he might as well stand on the sea-shore and ask the tide not to rise so
high as usual.
Secondly, he may as well ask the wolf why he has made the mother sheep to
mourn for the lamb he has devoured.
Thirdly, he may as well expect the tall pines on the hillside not to wave their
high tops and not to make a noise when they are disturbed by the gales of
heaven.
He may attempt the hardest thing in the world rather than attempt a thing still
harder, that is, to soften Shylock's heart. These are the three arguments that
Antonio gives to prove that Bassanio's pleas are ineffective.
4. How does Shylock answer the Duke's question on mercy?
Answer: Shylock answers the Duke by saying that he need not fear any
punishment, because he has done no wrong, as he is asking for nothing but
justice. As for the railing at him because he does not treat others as he would
be treated himself, he says the Christians do not do any better. He says the
Christians all possess slaves, whom they employ in servile tasks, as they
employ their asses, dogs and mules. The reason why they justify themselves
for this treatment of them, is that they are theirs as they have purchased
them. He asks that if he tells them to give their slaves their freedom and allow
them to marry with their families, give them comfortable beds to sleep on and
rich food to eat, the Christians will reply that they can treat them as they
please as they are their property, having given payment for them. Shylock
confirms that his answer is the same. The pound of flesh which he claims from
Antonio has been bought by him at a high price. It is his own and he insists on
having it. If the Duke refuses him, then the Duke will be openly defying the law
of Venice. Shylock demands justice and asks the Duke whether he intends to
grant it to him or not.
5. Explain :' Thou almost makest me waver in my faith/To hold opinion with
Pythagoras,'
Answer: Gratiano asserts that the fiendish nature of Shylock's revenge upon
Antonio makes him almost lose faith in his own religion, Christianity, which
says that God made man in His own image and believe in the doctrine ofthe
transmigration of souls taught by Pythagoras. According to this theory, the
souls of some human beings pass after death into animals and those animals
into some men.
6. Why is the theory of Pythagoras apt in case of Shylock according to
Gratiano?
Answer: According to Gratiano, the theory of Pythagoras is very apt in the
case of Shylock, as all his inclinations are wolfish, bloodthirsty, greedy and
rapacious. Certainly the spirit dwelling in his heart must have formerly been
that of a wolf. When its former body was slain, it took refuge in the body of
Shylock when he was in his mother's womb.
7. How does Bellario recommend Balthazar to the Duke?
Answer: Bellario states that the extreme youth of Balthazar should not hinder
the Duke from obtaining his respect or esteem. He assures the Duke that he
knows of no one so young as he who possessedsuch wisdom. He commends
him, feeling confident that when he is put to test, his own skill will earn his
praise better than any recommendations from Bellario.
8. What is Portia's reply when Shylock demands why he should be merciful?
Answer: In reply to Shylock's question as to under what compulsion he must
be merciful, Portia replies that the very characteristics of mercy is that there
can be no compulsion in its exercise. It is beyond the power of man and the
law to compel a man to be merciful. Mercy is purely a voluntary action,
whereas justice has the compelling force of the law behind it. Its very nature is
to fall like rain and grace the earth. Just as no man can command rain to fall, so
also no man can command mercy. Mercy shows itself on its own accord. Just
as rain is pleasing and beneficial in its effect by refreshing the weary earth, so
mercy is an agreeable beneficial attribute of the human heart. It carries with it
a twofold power and a double blessing. It benefits and makes both the giver
and the receiver happy.
9. What is Shylock's reaction to Portia's statement that the law cannot be
altered?
Answer: When Portia states that the law cannot be altered, Shylock is very
happy and enthusiastically describes her as a marvellous young judge, as wise
as Daniel of the Jews. He calls her a second Daniel. He tells her how much he
respects her for being a wise judge.
10. When Shylock eagerly says that he has the scales ready, what important
thing does Portia ask him to do?
Answer: When Shylock eagerly says that he has the scales ready, Portia
asks Shylock to arrange for a doctor to be at hand, at his own expense, to stop
the flow of blood from Antonio's wounds, to prevent him from bleeding to
death.
11. What does Shylock remark in an aside about Christian husbands?
Answer: Shylock contemptuously remarks that Bassanio's and Gratiano's
words show how Christian husbands regard their wives. He wishes that his
daughter had married one of the family of the Jew, Barabbas, a notorious
criminal, rather than a Christian.
12. How does Portia finally trap Shylock?
Answer: Portia stops Shylock and tells that there is one more point. She
states that there is no mention in the bond of even the smallest drop of blood.
The words clearly say'a pound of flesh'. She tells Shylock to take the forfeit in
his agreement which is just a pound of flesh. However, in the process of cutting
it, if he sheds one jot of Christian blood, then all his wealth and possessions will
be confiscated by the Government according to the law of Venice.
13. When Portia tells Shylock to proceed in cutting off Antonio's pound of
flesh, what further legalities does she state to defeat him?
Answer: When Portia tells Shylock to proceed in cutting off Antonio's
pound of flesh, she defeats Shylock with further legalities. She tells him that
first of all to be careful not to spill a single drop of blood. Further, she tells him
to be careful to cut neither more or less than an exact pound. If he fails in
cutting that amount precisely and if he cuts more or less than one exact pound,
if it weighs lighter or heavier by the twentieth part of an insignificant grain, or
if the beam of the scales inclines by the breadth of a hair, he will suffer the
penalty of death, and all his possessions will be confiscated by the State.

14. Who detains Shylock as he is about to leave the court? Why? Explain.
Answer: Portia detains Shylock as he is about to leave the court.
She does so because she has another hold on him. She tells Shylock that he has
put himself into the power of the law in yet another way. One of the statutes
in the Venetian law declares that if a foreigner conspires against the life of any
citizen of Venice, either directly or indirectly, then the person whom he has
plotted against is entitled to half his wealth. The rest is to be handed over to
the privy coffer of the State and the life of the plotter himself depends solely
on the will of the Duke without appeal. She reminds Shylock that he has placed
himself in this awkward position, for it has been openly shown that he has
conspired against the very life of Antonio, the defendant, both directly and
indirectly. Therefore, he has brought upon himself the punishment which she
has just pronounced. She informs Shylock that his only hope lies in the Duke's
mercy. She advises him to kneel before the Duke and plead for mercy.
15. How does Gratiano taunt Shylock before the latter leaves?
Answer: Gratiano tauntingly suggests to Shylock that he should ask the Duke
permission to go and hang himself. He tells him even that is out of his power
then, for he has absolutely nothing left as all his possessions are confiscated,
so even the rope must be provided by the State.
16. What comments does Portia make when Bassanio continues to refuse to
give her ring?
Answer: When Bassanio continues to refuse to give her the ring, Portia tells
him to show plainly that he makespromises very freely, but does not keep
them. She asked for nothing until he urged her, and now he teaches her how a
beggar should be treated.
17. What does Portia request Gratiano to do? Why?
Answer: Portia requests Gratiano to direct Nerissa to the dwelling of Shylock.
She makes the request so that Nerissa, too can wheedle the ring out of
Gratiano.
18. What does Portia remark to Nerissa about the rings in a whisper?
Answer: Portia remarks in a whisper that she expects Nerissa will succeed in
getting Gratiano's ring. She also says their husbands will be kept busy swearing
that they have given the rings away to men, as a gift, but they will contradict
them and swear just as vehemently that they are deceiving them.

******

Poetry

A Collection of ICSE Poems

1. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:

With fire sword the country round

Was wasted far and wide,
And many a chiding mother then,
And new-born died;
But things like that, you know, must be
At every famous victory.

i. Who is the speaker? What did he describe in the preceding lines?

Ans. The speaker is old Kasper. In the preceding lines he described that his father
lived at Blenheimwhen the famous war was fought. The soldiers burned his house and
he was compelled to run away from there. He ran away with his wife and child and
had no place to rest.

ii. How was the country afflicted by the war?

Ans. The whole country was destroyed far and wide. Thehouses were burned
and the people were killed with swords.

iii. What is most tragic about the war hinted here?

Ans. The most tragic about this war that many pregnant women and new born
babies died in this war.

iv. How and why did the speaker try to justify the war?
Ans. The speaker tried to justify the war by repeating it time and again that it
was a famous victory. He is not able to tell his grandchildren what good came
of that great victory. In fact he is fed on such false ideas about war by those
who eulogies war. He is not ready to shed his illusions about war.

v. Soon after the victory old Kasper describes a shocking sight? What was it?

Ans. Soon after the victory the field presented a shocking sight. Thousands of
dead bodies lay rotting in the sun.

2. What does he plant who plants a tree?

He plants a friend of sun and sky;
He plants the flag of breezes free;
The shaft of beauty, towering high;
He plants a home to heaven anigh;
For song and mother-croon of bird
In hushed and happy twilight heard—
The treble of heaven's harmony—
These things he plants who plants a tree.

i. “What does he plant who plants a tree?” What is the implication of

this interrogatory line?

Ans. The very first line of the poem is interrogatory. Instead of narrating or describing
something, the poet asks a question, though he does not expect to get any answer to it.
In fact, this line creates curiosity in the mind of the reader to know what exactly is the
result of planting a tree.

ii. “The shaft of beauty, towering high:” – Explain the imagery.

Ans. A tree is described as a shaft of beauty, towering high. It is like a long beam of
light rising from the Earth touching the sky, holding its lofty head.
 iii. How does a tree welcome birds?

Ans. The tree welcomes the birds with its shade and shelter. They make it their home
by building their nests, enjoying a life of security and protection.

iv. Describe the functions of a tree.

Ans. A tree has many functions. It gives shade in summer. It brings rain and saves the
Earth from a dry spell. It yields seeds, from which plants grow into trees. Its buds
bloom into flowers. It adds beauty to the landscape.

v. “These things he plants who plants a tree.” – Why is this line

repeated?

Ans. The poet repeats this line to emphasize that a tree gives innumerable things to
those who plant it. It has its blessings for mankind.

vi. How is a tree “The harvest of coming age”?

Ans. A tree is the harvest of coming age. Someone sows a seed, tends the tender plant.
He is pleased to see the plant grow slowly. It takes a long time for it to become a tree.
So, it starts giving its service only to the coming generations. In this sense, it is a
harvest of the coming age.

vii. What is the ‘civic good’ in planting a tree? Refer to the concluding

stanza.

Ans. He who plants a tree does not imagine that he has done some civic good.
However, a tree benefits all people around him. It is useful for society at large.

viii. He who plants a tree is motivated by his love for his nation. How can
you say so?

Ans. A tree-planter loves his environment. Thus, he cares for his society and nation as
a whole. In a way, he holds in the hollow of his hand a nation’s growth from sea to
sea. His action is motivated by the noble sentiment of love for his nation.

ix. Why does the poet call the tree a friend of sun and sky?
Ans) The poet says that the tree is a friend of the sun and sky because it shares their
benefits like a friend and helps to create cool breeze to lessen the heat of the sun and
the glare of the sky .

x. What is the shaft of beauty, towering high?

Ans) The small sapling grows into a tall and high arrow like tree which stands stately
in beauty.

xi. For whom is the home to heaven a nigh ?

Ans) In the tree that rises towards the sky, the birds build their nests on the high
branches which seem close to heaven.

xii. What is meant by ‘the treble of heaven's harmony'?

Ans) The sound of the breeze, the rustling of the leaves, the crooning of the bird to
their young ones and the sound of the creatures in the twilight, all mingle together and
create music that seems like a combination of simultaneously sounded musical notes
which produce a divine effect.

xiii. What three things are created when a tree is planted according to
the poet?

Ans) When one plants a tree the things created are a friend , beauty, and music.

3. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:

Thus I entered, and thus I go !

In triumphs, people have dropped down dead.
Paid by the world, what dost thou owe
“Me?” – God might question; now instead,
`Tis God shall repay : I am safer so.

i. Explain : ‘Thus I entered, and thus I go !’

Ans. When the patriot entered, roses and myrtles were scattered in his path. People
from house tops were watching. Church-towers were blazing with victory-flags. It was
a year ago. Now that he is going, his hands are tied with a rope at the back. He feels
his forehead is bleeding. He is leaving in great humiliation and insult.
It also refers to his entrance to this world at birth and his exit at his death.

ii. What would have happened if the patriot had died in excess of joy at his
tumultuous welcome after his grand victory?

Ans. If the patriot had died a year ago at the height of glory – and some people
actually die, unable to bear excess of joy – it would not have been good for him. God
would have said; “you have been paid by the world for our good deeds, what more do
you expect from me.”

iii. What thought makes him feel safer?

Ans. The patriot feels consoled to think that now the world has not rewarded him for
his deeds, God would definitely reward him. In this sense he is quite safe.

iv. ‘I am safer so’, what irony is involved here?

Ans. The patriot feels that now he has not been rewarded by the people in this world,
he will certainly be rewarded by God in heaven. The irony lies in the fact that even in
intense defeat the patriot the patriot finds something to console him.

v. Is the patriot’s optimism unrealistic ?What do you think about it?

Ans. The patriot’s optimism is not unrealistic. He has purity of heart and unflinching
faith in God’s justice. Anyone who does his duty sincerely and conscientiously is sure
to develop this type of positive outlook of life. If the patriot has worked for his
country truthfully God would definitely reward him. There is nothing unrealistic in his
hope.

4. Their dying fire in need of logs

The first man held his back
For of the faces round the fire
He noticed one was black.

i. How did the first woman behave? Why did she behave that way?
Ans. The first woman held her log back. She noticed that one of the persons sitting
around the fire was black. She herself was a white woman who did not like the black.
So, due to racial discrimination, she could not do anything for them.

ii. How did six human beings happen to be together?

Ans. The six humans happened to be together just by chance. It was dark and very
cold. They found themselves trapped in this dangerous situation.

iii. “Saw not one of his church.” Explain the meaning.

Ans. The next man was to decide whether to give his stick of wood for the fire. He
looked around and found that one of the people there did not belong to his religion. He
himself was a Christian. Maybe, the other person was a Muslim, Jew or a Hindu. It
was likely that the other fellow was Protestant not a Roman Catholic.

iv. How did the man in tattered clothes behave?

Ans. The man in tattered clothes was a poor person. He too decided not too spare his
log to be put to use to provide warmth to idle rich.

v. Did he have any cogent reason for doing so?

Ans. He didn’t have any cogent reason for taking that decision. If he was poor , there
was no logic in his prejudice against the rich. He did not like the rich and thought they
were idle people who did not work hard to earn their livelihood but made his workers
toil.

vi. Why couldn’t the other three take a positive decision? What was
their reason?

Ans. The other three gave up the idea of surrendering their logs of wood for fire. Each
of them had one or the other reason to do so. But one thing was common, each one
was selfish, prejudiced and intolerant.

vii. What did the rich man think about his wealth ?
Ans. The rich man was possessive about his wealth, he always thought of keeping his
wealth secure with him. He could not use it for a common cause. He thought that he
had earned it through hard work so he should not spare it for the lazy,shiftless poor.

viii. The black man’s face bore expression of revenge. Who did he want
to take revenge on? What for?

Ans. The black man did not have a pleasant face .There was an expression of revenge
on it. He wanted to take revenge on the white people who always hated him and
treated him ruthlessly.

ix. Who are referred to as ‘this forlorn group’? How many were they?
How did they form the group?

Ans. Six human beings found themselves together in a situation. This happened just
by chance. It was dark and cold and they sat around a dying fire.

x. “Did naught except for gain.” Explain.

Ans. This man did nothing that did not benefit him. It was his principle not to do
anything without gain.

xi. “….death’s still hands” – What is meant by this expression?

Ans. The six people held six sticks of wood in their hands. They held them tight. They
took care not to let their sticks go from their hands even though it could benefit them
as well. These hands were like unmoving and closed fists of death. They invited death
for all which could easily have been avoided.

xii. How were they proof of human sin?

Ans. The poet’s idea is that each one of the human was afflicted with some kind of
prejudice or sin represented by the log of wood in each hand. Thesesins are greed,
spite, revenge, intolerance etc.

xiii. How did they finally die? Perhaps it was too cold to let them survive.
Is it true?
Ans. The fire was dying. It could be kept alive by putting logs of wood in it. But that
did not happen.If those people had given up their sticks (sins) to be consumed by
purifying fire, they would have surely survived. But the sinner preferred to die,
carrying their sins with them to the next world.

These six human beings died of cold but this cold was within their hearts not the cold
outside.

5. Oh yes, we know it keeps them still,

They don't climb out the window sill,
They never fight or kick or punch,
They leave you free to cook the lunch
And wash the dishes in the sink --
But did you ever stop to think,
To wonder just exactly what
This does to your beloved tot?
IT ROTS THE SENSE IN THE HEAD!
IT KILLS IMAGINATION DEAD!
IT CLOGS AND CLUTTERS UP THE MIND!
IT MAKES A CHILD SO DULL AND BLIND
HE CAN NO LONGER UNDERSTAND
A FANTASY, A FAIRYLAND!
HIS BRAIN BECOMES AS SOFT AS CHEESE!
HIS POWERS OF THINKING RUST AND FREEZE!
HE CANNOT THINK -- HE ONLY SEES!

i. How does television keep the children still?

Ans) Children do weird things like climbing a window. jumping over it, etc. they may
accidentally hurt themselves. So, it is better to switch on the television and let them
watch it to keep them still.

ii. What should parents do for the entertainment of their children?

Ans) Parents instead of making their children watch TV so that they would be busy,
should provide their kids with story books. Then children may develop the habit of
reading books and they will not feel like watching TV They will enjoy reading books
as it will help them imagine and be entertained.
 iii. Name some of the things that the poet has seen in the houses
which have televisions.

Ans) Children always are gaping at the TV screen. They loll, slop and lounge about
while watching the television. They sit in front of the TV and stare at it continuously.

iv. Describe the effects of television on children's mind.

Ans) Watching television, according to the poet, is not good for youngminds.
According to the poet, it kills their imagination; it clogs and clutters their minds and
makes them dull and blind, makes their brains soft as cheese and crusts and freeze
their power of thinking.

v. Explain the phrase ‘ that shocking ghastly junk ‘.

Ans) This phrase refers to all the useless, mind numbing visuals that the children
watch on the television.

6. The waves beside them danced, but that out did the sparking waves in glee.

i) How did the daffodils outdo the waves?

Ans:- The waves seemed to be dancing and sparklingdue to sun’s rays falling on them.
But the beauty of thousands of daffodilsfluttering and dancing in the breeze outdid or
surpassed the sparklingwaves.

ii) What is meant by jocund company ?

Ans. It is happy and gleeful company here the poet is referring to the company of the
fluttering and dancing daffodils.

iii) What is the wealth that the poet is referring to?

Ans. It is the wealth of happiness or joy. While wandering alone the poet could see the
beautiful sight of golden daffodilsfluttering and dancing happily in the breeze beside a
lake.

iv) What is the mood of the poet? Why is he in such a mood?

Ans. The poet is in a happy mood.He is in such a mood as he has seen the beauty of
the daffodils.

v) Why is Wordsworth called a nature poet?

Ans. Wordsworth was a great lover of Nature and was often inspired by common
people, sights and things.
This poem is an outcome of his real life experience. Here he has depicted the
influence of nature on man. The sight of the vast expanse of yellow flowers inspired
him to write this poem.

6. Bangle sellers are we who bear

Our shining loads to the temple fair
Who will buy these delicate, bright
Rainbow-tinted circles of light?
Lustrous tokens of radiant lives
For happy daughters and happy wives.

Q – What does the poet want to convey through the phrases ‘happy daughters’ and
‘happy wives’?

Ans. The poetess has mentioned the auspiciousness and the symbolic value of the
custom of wearing bangles by repeating ‘happy’. The ‘happy’ daughters look
forward to their marital bliss while ‘happy’ wives are content and proud in the
fulfillment which is a result of their marital status.

Q – Who will wear the bangles that are silver and blue?

Ans. Among the different varieties of bangles, there are those of silver and blue in
colour. These are meant for a maiden’s wrist. Unmarried women find these bangles
suitable for them.

Q – What is ‘limpid glory of new born leaves’ compared with?

Ans. Some of the bangles are bright and transparent. They are radiant like the bloom
of new born leaves.

Q – Earlier in the poem, these things are described as ‘lustrous tokens of radiant
lives’. Explain the significance of this expression.

Ans. These bangles are termed as ‘lustrous tokens of radiant lives’. They are not
mere ornaments. They are the symbols of a woman’s life, her dreams, hopes and joy.
Q – How are they “like the flame of her marriage fire”?

Ans. The bangles meant for the bride glow like the bride’s marriage flame. There is
something sacred with the marriage flame around which the bride and the bridegroom
walk seven times to confirm the vows of marriage. The bangles of this specific colour
represent that sacredness.

Q – What is like bridal tear? Why does the bride shed tears? How do you explain the
two opposites ‘bridal laughter’ and ‘bridal tear’ occurring at the same time?

Ans. ‘Bridal tear’ is tender. It is an expression of a very tender emotion. The bride
sheds tears when the time comes for her departure from her parents’ home. She is
deeply attached to her family. She is sad to take leave of her parents and her siblings.
She is overwhelmed to think that she is going away from his loved ones. So, tears well
up in her eyes.

The bride is both delighted and sad. She has her dreams of a happy married life. Her
laughter expresses the mood of jubilation. But she is heavy-hearted and tearful at the
same time. The two opposite moods co-exist. All this is perfectly natural.

Q – “Who has journeyed through life midway” – Who is referred to in this line?
What do you think has been her role in life?

Ans. It is the middle-aged woman who has journeyed through life midway. She wears
bangles that are purple in colour with gold and greyfleckers.She has played a very
important role in serving the family. She is a proud matriarch who has attained
fulfillment by performing her duties at different stages of her married life. She has
given birth to her children and reared them with utmost motherly care. She has cradled
her sons lovingly. She has been always by her husband's side performing religious
rites.

Q – “And worships the gods at her husband’s side.” – Does this line relate to some
known Indian tradition?

Ans. The married woman worships the gods at her husband’s side. It is a formal
practice in Hindu religion that the wife sits on the left side of her husband to worship
gods or perform any religious ceremony. Since it is prescribed that her place is on the
left side of her husband, she is called ‘vaama’ in Sanskrit.

Q – There are bangles of different colours, each suitable for a particular stage in life
of a woman. Describe each variety relevant to that stage.
Ans. There are bangles of many colours. In this poem, each stage in an Indian
woman’s life has been lyrically described. It is appropriately linked with the colour of
the bangle suitable to that stage. For maiden virgin who is always dreaming of a happy
married life, it is misty silver and blue. For the passionate bride, it is golden yellow
and red. For the mature matriarch, it is purple and gold-flecked grey.

Q – What picture of the Indian woman do you get from the description of an ideal
householder?

Ans. We get a clear picture of the Indian woman from the description of the ideal
householder. She is the great Indian woman who has served her household with
devotion and dedication. She has denied herself all comforts in order to perform her
perfect role at every stage of married life. She is a perfect wife and perfect mother.

7. She saw her brother Peterkin

Roll something large and round,
Which he beside the rivulet
In playing there had found;
He came to ask what he had found,
That was so large, and smooth, and round.

Qa – What did Wilhelmine see?

Ans. Wilhelmine who was sitting close-by, saw her brother Peterkin roll something
large and round like a ball.

Q – What is the dramatic significance of these lines?

Ans. The description of the scene and setting is important. The large round thing
proves to be the starting point of conversation between Old Kaspar and his
grandchildren. This logically leads on to the explanation about the battle of Blenheim.

Q – What was the subject of his enquiry? How did he feel curious?

Ans. The subject of his enquiry was a large round thing he had found while playing
near the rivulet. He couldn’t make out what that object was. He was curious to know
what actually it was.

Q – Why did he heave a sigh? In what sense was it a natural sigh?

Ans. Kaspar heaved a sigh because he felt sad at the sight of the human skull. It
reminded him of the death of many thousand soldiers who were killed in the battle of
Blenheim. It was a natural sigh expressing spontaneous human sympathy for the
person who might have died an avoidable death.
Q – Who is referred to as ‘poor fellow’? Why poor fellow?

Ans. According to old Kaspar, it was some poor fellow’s skull who lost his life in the
battle which resulted in a great victory for the British forces. The soldier who died in
that battle was an unlucky fellow who was made to pay the price of a futile war. So he
was indeed an unlucky fellow.

Q – How does he run into such objects so often?

Ans. Kaspar is an old farmer. He ploughs his fields. It often happens that the
ploughshare throws up human skulls that lieslightly buried in the Earth. These skulls
belong to soldiers who were killed in the battle of Blenheim. Many thousand men lost
their lives in that war.

Q – Why is Wilhelmine wonder-struck?

Ans. Wilhelmine is wonderstruckto see a human skull found by her brother while
playing near the rivulet. She is surprised to hear from her grandfather that there are
many such skulls found in the area closeby. His ploughshare often turns up such skulls
when he is ploughing his fields. When her brother wants to know the war Kaspar has
referred to, Wilhelmine looks up with wonder-waiting eyes, curious to hear the
answer.

Q – Who wants to know ‘all about the war’? Which war?

Ans. Young Peterkin wants to know about the war. His curiosity has been roused
when he has found a human skull while was playing. His grandfather has told him that
it must be the skull of some unfortunate soldier who lost his life in the Battle of
Blenheim. So the boy wants to know about the war.

8. Read the above lines and answer the questions that follow.

But a bird that stalks down his narrow cage

Can seldom see through his bars of rage
His Wings are clipped and his feet are tied
So he opens his throat to sing.

Q(a) Why does the caged bird sing?

Ans) The caged bird sings because it is the only way it knows to express itself.

Q(b)What does the word “clipped" mean in this poem?

Ans)Maya Angelou's poem "Caged Bird" is full of metaphors and imagery. The poem
itself is a metaphor .Angelou has a lot of experiences as a Black woman in the
racially-segregated United States following the Civil War and even beyond the Civil
Rights Movement. To this day many Black Americans face limitations based on a
systemic cycle of racial oppression which prevents class mobility. Thus
metaphorically the word 'clipped ' refers to the deprivation of the rights and privileges
of the Afro -Americans.
In talking of birds "clipping" involves trimming a bird's wing feathers so that they
cannot fly. Some bird owners or caretakers trim just one wing or enough feathers on
each side, so as to render the bird unstable in flight but leaving them able to glide for a
short distance. In Angelou's poem the bird longs for freedom but is restricted as not
only is it caged but its wings are also clipped.

Q(c) What is the main conflict in this poem?

Ans) The main conflict is that the caged bird wants the life of the free bird. The caged
bird also wants the freedom to do whatever he wants.

Q(d) What is the implied meaning of "his bars of rage" in the poem?

Ans) The poet is creating the image of a bird held in a barred cage which is in
opposition to a bird flying free that she describes in the first stanza. The bird is
"stalking" around in that cage which connotes anger and frustration. It is blinded by
that "rage' and understands that there is no escape from its bars of imprisonment. The
bird cannot visualize what the free bird can because it is caged with pent up anger.
The "bars of rage"is a metaphor for the feelings of people who are bound by slavery,
ignorance, and prejudice. Ms. Angelou goes on to explain that the bird cannot obtain
its freedom but it chooses to express itself through his song implying that although it
maybe be angry and unable to break those bonds, it will not be silenced.

9. The air broke into a mist with bells,

The old walls rocked with the crowd and cries.
Had I said, "Good folk, mere noise repels---
But give me your sun from yonder skies!"
They had answered, "And afterward, what else?

Q – What was the significance of scattering myrtle leaves over the path of reception?

Ans. Myrtle is an evergreen shrub which symbolizes victory. Its leaves were used to
honour victorious heroes. The patriot was coming after winning such a victory, that
myrtles were scattered on his path.

Q – “The church-spires flamed.” How?

Ans. The pointed church-tops were decorated with flags. The bright-coloured flags
added to the beauty of the church-spires and they shone and looked majestic.

Q – “On this very day” – Which day is referred to in the last line of the stanza?
Ans. While being escorted to the place of execution, the patriot is reminded of his
good time. A year ago , exactly on the same day. He was welcomed to the city as a
national hero. That was the time of his triumph and glory.

Q – Comment on the speaker’s mood.

Ans. The speaker is in a mood of retrospection. He sadly remembers the good old
days when he had touched the climax of his political career. He pathetically contrasts
his present miserable condition with his past glory.

Q –What did the ringing of bells indicate? Explain – ‘The air broke into a mist with
bells.’

Ans. In this context , the ringing bell indicated a mood of jubilation. The sound of
bells resounded as the bells suddenly started ringing together at the sight of a returning
hero.

Q – Did the speaker intend to give a gentle rebuke to the people? How? Why?

Ans. Yes, the speaker intended to give a gentle rebuke to the people who were making
noisy slogans. He wanted them to stop making that noise and do something
worthwhile for him. His rebuke indicated that he didn’t like their way of expressing
their emotions.

Q – What is meant by ‘leaping at the sun’?

Ans. The speaker means that he did impossible things for his countrymen. He tried to
jumat the sun to get it from the sky. He wanted to bring it down for his people,
perhaps he was wrong to do such radical things for the welfare of his people.

10. Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase!)

Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace,
And saw, within the moonlight in his room,
Making it rich, and like a lily in bloom,
An angel writing in a book of gold: -
Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold,

Q – Explain “may his tribe increase”.

Ans. Abou Ben Adhem was a pious man, the leader of his tribe. The poet introduces
him in his narrative poem, expressing his appreciation for Abou’s noble character. He
wishes that people like him may multiply and prosper in this world. Literally, it seems
to be a reference to the tribe Abou leads. But in a larger context, it refers to all good
and generous people. The world would be a better place if the tribe of such people
increases.
Q – What was the angel doing in the room? Does the ‘book of gold’ symbolize
anything?

Ans. The angel was writing something in a book of gold. The book of gold is indeed a
symbol. It symbolizes the richness a man encounters when he loves the Lord, a
richness of spirit that extends beyond this life.

Q – “The vision raised its head” – Who is described as vision in the poem? Why did
it raise its head? Why is the pronoun ‘it’ instead of ‘he’ is used?

Ans. An angel appeared in Abou’s room. Abou found the angel writing something in a
book of gold. He asked the angel what he was writing. The angel raised his head to
listen to the speaker.

The poet prefers to use the pronoun ‘it’ instead of ‘he’ for the angel. The possible
explanation is that angel is not a creature of flesh and blood. It is ethereal. So ‘he’
cannot be used to refer to it.

Q – Did Abou make any request to the angel? How did the angel respond?

Ans. Abou did not mind when he heard that his name nowhere appeared among those
who loved God. He then made an earnest request to the angel to write his name as a
person who loved his fellow men. The angel responded positively and wrote Abou’s
name among the lovers of mankind.

Q – Was Abou surprised at the end? Was he pleased too? Does the conclusion of the
poem convey any message? What is it?

Ans. The next night the angel reappeared. He had with him a list of names whom God
had blessed. Abou was surprised and overjoyed to hear that he had not only made to
the list but he led all the rest.

The conclusion of the poem conveys the message that loving one’s fellow men is the
way one loves the Lord, and in turn, is blessed by God.

11. The athletes had come from so many countries

To run for the gold, for the silver and bronze
Many weeks and months in training
All building up to the games.
All round the field spectators were gathered
Cheering on all the young women and men
Then the final event of the day was approaching
The last race about to begin.
Q – The setting of the poem is the Special Olympics. What do you know about these
Olympics? How are they different from the main Olympics?

Ans. Yes, the setting of the poem is Special Olympics. Olympics are held once every
four years. The Special Olympics is meant for differently-abled people who are
handicapped because of some trouble in any of his limbs.

The Special Olympics are timed differently and these are for handicapped people. The
main Olympics relate to the participation of able-bodied people.

Q – What were the participants aiming at?

Ans. The participants aimed at winning medals. These were the gold medals, the
silver medals and bronze medals. In fact, winning a medal in the Olympics is the
ultimate goal of every athlete all over the world.

Q – “The last raceabout to begin.” Which event of the day is referred to?

Ans. The final event of the day was the exciting one hundred metre race. The
participants were to be differently-abled young men and women. It was considered a
very special event because it displayed the grit and determination of the athletes who
had a problem with one or the other the body limbs.

Q – The word exploded is used for the firing of the pistol. What does the phrase in the
following line ‘so did the runners’ mean?

Ans. Yes, the word ‘exploded’ is used for the firing of the pistol. In the following line,
the same phrase is used in ‘so did the runners’. The comparison is appropriate. In case
of the pistol, it means ‘to go off with a bang’. In case of runners, it means a ‘violent
burst’. This happens particularly in the hundred metre race where every second
counts.

Q – Describe the setting for the action stated above.

Ans. The one hundred metre race was the final event of the day in the Special
Olympics. Runners had come from different countries to take part in it. They stood
ready on the track while the spectators gathered all around the field to cheer and
encourage the runners.

Q – What happened to the youngest of them?

Ans. Just as the race started, the youngest among them stumbled and staggered and
then fell on his knees to the ground. He gave a cry of pain and frustration.

Q – How were his efforts dashed in the dirt? What efforts had he made?
Ans. The fallen athlete was almost heart-broken. His dreams had been shattered. His
efforts were dashed in the dirt. Before coming to compete with others, he had
undergone a rigorous training. He had made all efforts to prepare for that prestigious
event. With his accidental fall, all his efforts ended in smoke.

Q – Why did the eight athletes stop in their tracks?

Ans. The eight athletesstopped when they heard the young contestant’s painful cry.
They couldn’t ignore him and press forward for their medals. They couldn’t be callous
and selfish towards one of the sports person.

Q – “The one hundred metres reduces to a walk.” – Explain.

Ans. It was a one hundred metre race. The participants had to run at the highest
possible speed to reach the line in the shortest possible time. It is always the speed that
decides the winner for the coveted medal. But it was an unusual event when the race
turned into a walk :

“The one hundred metres reduced to a walk.”

There was yet another strange feature of this race reduced to a walk. No participant
was a rival to the other any longer. No one strove to win by defeating others. All were
equal. All were winners.

******

Prose

A Collection of ICSE Short Stories

Q1. "Ready ?"

"Ready."
"Now ?"
"Soon."
"Do the scientists really know? Will it happen today, will it ?"

i. Where are the children?

Answer: They are in a Schoolroom on the planet Venus.

ii. How did they happen to be here?

Answer: Their parents, referred to as rocket men and women had come tothe
planet Venus, to set up their civilization and live their lives.

iii. What was the main characteristic of the weather here?

Answer: It rains on Venus continuously for seven years and the sun will appear
every seven years only for a couple of hours and then it would continue to rain.

iv. How is the rain described after this extract?

Answer: It has been raining for seven years

- A thousand forests had been crushed under the rain

- There were tidal waves over the islands.
v. Who is Margot?

Answer: She is a girl who had come to the planet Venus from earth, five years
ago.

vi. What did she remember about the sun?

Answer:

- She had been 4 years old when she had last seen it.
- She remembered that the sun was like a penny and like a ball of fire
- She wrote a poem on the sun for her class exercise.
vii. How is Margot described in the story?

Answer:

- Margot is described as a very frail girl who looked as if she had been lost
in the rain for years.
- The rain had washed out the blue from her eyes and the red from her
mouth and the yellow from her hair
- She was like and old photograph dusted from an album and whitened
away

2. It had no eyes, ears, nose or mouth. It was just a round smooth head – with
a school cap on top of it ! And that’s where the story should end. But for Mr.
Oliver it did not end here.
The torch fell from his trembling hand. He turned and scrambled down the
path, running blindly through the trees and calling for help. He was still
running towards the school buildings when be saw a lantern swinging in
the middle of the path. Mr. Oliver stumbled up to the watchman, gasping
for breath. ‘What is it Sahib?’ asked the watchman. ‘Has there been an
accident? Why are you running?’

(i) What had no eyes, nose or mouth?

 Ans. The figure of a boy sitting alone on a rock had no eyes, ears, nose or mouth. It was just a
round smooth head with a school cap on top of it.

(ii) Why did Mr. Oliver call for help?

Ans. Mr Oliver called for help because he was terribly frightened to see a boy who had no
eyes, nose or mouth.

(iii) In what condition did the watchman find Mr. Oliver? What did the watchman ask
Oliver?

Ans. The watchman found Mr. Oliver in a very bad condition. He was gasping for breath. The
watchman asked Mr. Oliver if there had been some accident that he was so much stunned and
out of breath.

(iv) What answer did Mr. Oliver give when watchman asked him why he was running?

Ans.Mr. Oliver told the watchman that he had seen something horrible. He added that he
had seen a boy weeping in the forest and he had no face.

(v) What did the watchman do?

Ans. The watchman raised the lamp to his face to show him his own face which had no eyes,no
ears, no features at all.

3. There was a time when our people covered the land as the waves of a wind-
ruffled sea cover its shell-paved floor, but that time long since passed away
with the greatness of tribes that are now but a mournful memory. I will not
dwell on, nor mourn over, our untimely decay, nor reproach my paleface
brothers with hastening it, as we too may have been somewhat to blame.
Youth is impulsive..

Q (a)What does Chief Seattle tell about the condition of his people earlier?

Ans) The Chief Seattle says that earlier his people occupied the land in large numbers just like waves
of the sea covers the shell-paved floor of the sea.

Q(b)What hint does he give regarding the cause for the depletion of his race?

Ans) The Chief Seattle said that he did not blame the aggression of the White man for the depletion
of his race but he does hint at it being the most plausible reason.

Q(c)What happened when the tribal young man became angry?

Ans) Seattle said that youth is impulsive and the young men of his race were no exception. When the
young men grew angry at some real or imaginary wrong and they painted their faces with black
paint, it denoted that their hearts were up to some revengeful acts, and then they were often cruel
and relentless.

Q(d)When did the hostilities between the Trials and the White men begin?

Ans) The hostilities began when the White men started pushing the tribals out of their land and
occupying it and the tribal were forced to move westward.

Q(e)Why did Seattle want to end up the hostilities?

Ans)The Seattle wanted the hostilities to end because no one would have any gain rather everything
would be lost as the young men considered revenge as gain, even at the cost of their own lives .

4. Suddenly all the tension seemed to ebb out of my body as the truth of what
he said hit me.

i) Why was Owenstense? What released his tension?

Ans:-Owens was tensed because, he fouled on his first two attempts in the trials for long jump.
Only one attempt was left for qualifying suddenly, he could feel, Luz Long’s hand on his shoulder.

ii) What did Owens do the night he qualified for the finals?

Ans. That night he walked over to luzLong’s room in the Olympic village to thank him. They sat
in his quarters and talkedfor two hours about track and field, themselves and the world
situation.

iii) Briefly show how Luz and Owens performed in the Olympics?

Ans. Luz broke his own past record. Jesse won the gold medal and Olympic record of 26 feet
5.5/16 inches. He was the first American to win a gold medal in the Olympic history.

5. At Denver there was an influx of passengers into the coaches on the

eastbound B. & M. express. In one coach there sat a very pretty young
woman dressed in elegant taste and surrounded by all the luxurious
comforts of an experienced traveller. Among the newcomers were two
young men, one of handsome presence with a bold, frank countenance and
manner the other a ruffled, glum- faced person, heavily built and roughly
dressed. The two were handcuffed together. As they passed down the aisle
of the coach the only vacant seat offered was a reversed one facing the
attractive young woman. Here the linked couple seated themselves. The
young woman's glance fell upon them with a distant, swift disinterest; then
with a lovely smile brightening her countenance and a tender pink tingeing
her rounded cheeks, she held out a little gray-gloved hand.

Q(a)Describe the young woman in the coach.

Ans) In one of the coaches there sat a young woman who was very pretty and dressed in elegant
taste and surrounded by all the luxurious comforts of an experienced traveller. When she spoke her
voice was full, sweet and deliberate proclaiming by its tone that its owner was accustomed to speak
and be heard.
Q(b) What is strange about the way the two men are travelling? Why do you suppose they are like
this?

Ans)The two men who entered from Denver were an odd pair. One had a handsome presence with a
bold, frank countenance and manner; the other was a ruffled, glum-faced person, heavily built and
roughly dressed. And what was really strange about them was that they were handcuffed together

Q(c) Why does the author call the two men as the 'linked couple?'

Ans)The author addresses the two men as the linked couple because they are handcuffed to each
other and so linked like a couple.

Q(d) What was the reaction of the young women to them initially? Why did her manner change?

Ans)Initially the young woman glanced at them with a distant and swift disinterest, but then her
manner changed when she recognised one of them as an old friend, Mr Easton.

Q(e) Why was Mr Easton embarrassed when the young woman recognised him?

Ans)Mr Easton was embarrassed because he was handcuffed and he felt she would not appreciate
seeing him in that condition.

6. Lights were shining from every window, and there was a savoury smell of
roast goose, for it was New-year's eve—yes, she remembered that. In a
corner, between two houses, one of which projected beyond the other, she
sank down and huddled herself together. She had drawn her little feet
under her, but she could not keep off the cold and she dared not go home,
for she had sold no matches, and could not take home even a penny of
money. Her father would certainly beat her; besides, it was almost as cold
at home as here, for they had only the roof to cover them, through which
the wind howled, although the largest holes had been stopped up with
straw and rags.

Q(a) Where did the girl seek some shelter from the cold?

Ans) The girl in order to escape the freezing cold huddled in a corner, between two houses, one of
which projected beyond the other. She had drawn her little feet under her, but she could not keep
off the cold.

Q(b) Why could the girl not go home?

Ans) The little girl did not dare to go home, for she had sold no matches, and could not take home
even a penny of money Her father would certainly beat her for earning no money.

Q(c) Describe her home.

Ans) Her house was in as poor a condition as her. It was almost as cold at home as on the street
because they had only the roof to cover them. They lacked adequate woollens to keep themselves
warm. There also the wind howled through the cracks, although the largest holes had been stuffed
up with straw and rags.
Q(d) How did she try to keep herself warm?

Ans) She thought of lighting her matches to keep herself warm.

Q(e) What did she imagine when she lighted the first match?

Ans) When she lighted the first match it seemed to give a warm, bright light, like a little candle. It
was really a wonderful light. It seemed to the little girl that she was sitting by a large iron stove. with
polished brass feet and a brass How the fire burned! and it seemed so beautifully warm that the
child stretched out her feet as if to warm them.

7. "What is to be done with the children?" That was the

chief question now. The dead mother would go underground,
and be forever beyond all care or concern of the villagers. But
the children must not be left to starve. After considering the
matter, and talking it over with his wife, farmer Jones said
that he would take John

Q – The woman was survived by three children. Describe them.

Ans. The deceased woman was survived by three children. Of these, the oldest was John, a boy
of twelve. He was a stout lad. Next to him was Kate, who was between ten and eleven. She was a
bright, active girl. The youngest was poor little Maggie, a diseased child. She had injured her
spine by falling from a window, and had not been able to leave her bed since that day.

Q – Was Mrs. Ellis motivated by compassion?

Ans. Mrs. Ellis pretended to be motivated by compassion. But her decision was not an act of
charity. She was getting a maid who would work all day in return for food and shelter.

Q – What was the suggestion about getting Maggie a home? Did she get a home ultimately?
Ans. One of the villagers suggested that Maggie may be taken to the poorhouse which would be
her home for future. However, it so happened that a kind-hearted man Joe Thompson took the
poor innocent girl to his home. Thus, she had a home where she was cared for and loved.
Q – How did Maggie feel when all had just departed?
Ans. Many sympathetic villagers had gathered to do something for the three children. They
departed with Maggie’s brother and sister. Maggie felt terribly upset to find that she had been
left alone. A vague terror came over her thin face.

Q – Was she in distress? Give two reasons.

Ans. Yes, Maggie was in distress. Her mother lay dead. She herself was a diseased child confined
to the bed. Secondly, her two siblings had been taken away by villagers to adopt them. But she
had been left behind.

Q – What is the writer’s assessment of Joe Thompson’s wife?

Ans. According to the writer, Mrs. Thompson’s wife was childless. She was not a woman of
saintly nature. She did not possess a compassionate heart. She was not inclined to do any self-
sacrifice for the good of others.

Q – Joe’s look was pleading and cautionary? Why was it so? What did he mean to say?
Ans. Joe didn’t want the child to get scared. He knew that his wife lacked sympathy and
understanding. He only conveyed his message through a pleading and cautionary look, asking
his wife to keep quiet and be gentle till he had explained the whole matter to her.
Q – How did Joe support his view by referring to the Bible? Did it help him to convince his wife?
Ans. Joe used all arguments to make an appeal to his wife’s emotions. He told her about the
miserable condition in which the poor diseased child had been abandoned by the villagers while
taking away her two able-bodied siblings. When nothing convinced the hard-hearted woman, he
referred to the Biblical episode in which Jesus Christ had rebuked his disciples who had not
taken care of little children. He had said that those who gave these children even a cup of cold
water should not go unrewarded. This reference did convince the woman that her husband was
right.

Q – Give two reasons why the food was taken with a keen relish.
Ans. The food served to the child was eaten by her with relish. The most important reason why
she enjoyed eating it was that she was a half-starved, poor child. Secondly,Mrs. Thompson had
toasted a slice of bread, and softened it with milk and butter. It was served with a cup of tea. It
was indeed a delicious dinner for the poor child.

Q – How did the sick and helpless child bring light and blessing to the home of Joe and Jane
Thompson?
Ans. The sick, poor and helpless child brought light and blessing to the home of Joe Thompson.
The presence of a child always gives a home its true character. Maggie’s arrival gave them what
they had lacked in life. The child filled all the dreary chambers of Thompson's house with the
sunshine of love.

8. With her ebony hair and great eyes, and her skin of oiled
brown cream, she was a happy immature child-woman about
twelve years old. Bare foot, of course, and often goosey-cold
on a winter morning, and born to toil.

Q – Why was timber floated down the river?

Ans. Trees were cut from the forests high up to be carried down to the plains below. For that
purpose they depended upon the downstream of the river. These sleepers were floated down
and carried by the water current.

Q – What is meant by the statement that “he lived by his brainless craft”?
Ans. The crocodile did not have to learn through a slow process. His instincts were powerful
enough to drive him to actions to meet his basic needs. This was his brainless craft.

Q – How was she an immature child woman? Can you explain this description by referring to the
ending of the story?
Ans. Sibia is describes as an immature child-woman. She behaved like an innocent child. She had
the desires peculiar to a woman. This conclusion is based upon her behavior at the end of the
story. She had saved the gujar woman from the crocodile. But that was nothing to boast of. For
her the blue bead she had found was most important. That is the instinct of a woman.

Q – “But Sibia….” – ‘But’stands for continuation of something said before. What was that?
Ans. It was said that there was no end to the wonders of the world. Sibia walked through the
bazaar and watched the things being sold and bought. The sweetmeat stall tempted her. A shop
displayed rolls of new cotton cloth. Someone was selling beautiful silks. But all that was not for
her.

Q – They had plenty to laugh and bicker about. Was there any reason for them to bicker among
themselves?
Ans. They were glad to be in a friendly company. They laughed as they shared jokes. They
bickered light-heartedly. There was no reason for them to quarrel seriously.

Q – Why did Sibia not join the women going back to their homes? What is the dramatic
significance of her decision to linger there?
Ans. When the other women were going back to their homes, Sibia did not feel like going with
them. After all, she was a playful girl. After the day’s work, she wanted to loiter for some time to
find whether her moulded earthen pots inside the cavelets had hardened.
Sibia’s decision to stay back has the dramatic significance in the context. She was going to play
her crucial role in fighting the crocodile and saving the gujar women.

Q – What happened to the gujar woman? Did she find herself in a very difficult situation?
Ans. Just when the gujar woman stepped within a yard, the crocodile moved and shot out of the
water and made a sudden thrust and a cutting stroke at her leg. She was caught in a critical
situation.

Q – How did Sibia behave while dealing with the serious emergency?
Ans. Sibia sprang as soon as she heard the gujar woman in distress. From boulder to boulder,
she came leaping like a rock goat. Though she was tired, she displayed remarkabl be speed. She
came on wings to rescue the woman in trouble and help her in a situation of serious emergency.
In one moment, she was beside the shrieking woman.
Q – How do you think “heroism of the jungle” is compared with a thorn tree? Which figure of
speech is this?
Ans. “Heroism of the jungle” refers to people living in the jungle. They are known for their
courage. They act boldly almost by instinct. Their boldness is as common as a thorn tree in the
jungle. It is a simile.
Q – What was good about the blue bead? How did Sibia feel in getting it in her palm?
Ans. The blue bead was perfect in its shape and colour. It had another advantage for the excited
girl that it was already pierced. So it was ready for use. She could pass the thread through it to
make herself a necklace.
Sibia’s heart went up in flames of joy. She had longed to wear a necklace. She wanted to make a
necklace with coloured seeds. But she didn’t have a needle to pierce them. Now the blue bead
came to her as a windfall.

9. I wasn’t too worried about all this. I’d trained, sweated and disciplined
myself for six years, with the Games in mind. While I was going over on the
boat, all I could think of was taking home one or two of those gold medals. I
had my mind especially in the broad jump.

Q – “I wasn’t too worried about all this.” – What was Owens thinking about?

Ans. Owens was going to take part in the 1936 Olympics held in Berlin. Hitler claimed
that the Germans belonged to the master race. Their performers were born to win. None
could surpass them. Thus, their nationalistic feelings were at an all-time high. Owens
was thinking about all this.

Q – Why was Owens thinking about Long? Who was Long?

Ans. Long was a German athlete taking part in the Olympics. Hitler was sure that he
would win the gold medal easily. He had kept him as his best bet. At the broad jump
trials, he easily lept twenty-six feet, thus posing a threat to Owens’ hopes of winning.
Owens was thinking about him.

Q – How was Owens feeling when he was walking from the pit? Why was he in such a
mood?
 Ans. Owens was feeling disgusted as he walked a few yards from the pit where he had
failed to qualify for the broad jump. He had come to secure a gold medal. It was shameful
for him to fail at the trial level.

Q – What did the other fellow tell the demoralized athlete to encourage him? Did it have
the desired effect?
Ans. Long told Owens that he could qualify with his eyes closed. He wanted to say that
Owens had the potential to cross that initial barrier. It was an easy affair for a trained
athlete like Owens. Owens heard these comforting words, which created the desired
effect on his mind.

Q – What helped to calm Owens down?

Ans. Owens was feeling very bitter at his own failure. He blamed himself for having
made a fool of himself at trial level when he had the ambition of winning the gold medal.
It was then that a German jumper approached him, spoke to him in a friendly manner
and encouraged him by assuring him that he could qualify with his eyes closed.

Q – All the tension seemed to ebb out of his body. What brought about that positive
change?
Ans. It was a moment of psychological crisis. Owens was then approached by a German
jumper who was to be his rival at the final show. His name was Luz Long. This athlete
encouraged Owens by assuring him that he could easily qualify only if remained calm.
These words cheered Owens up and he felt confident of doing better. This brought about
the positive change in his attitude.

10. It had been raining for seven years; thousands upon thousands of days
compounded and filled from one end t to crushed again the other with rain,
with the drum and gush of water, with sweet crystal fall of showers and the
concussion of storms so heavy they were tidal waves come over the
islands. A thousand forests had been crushed under the rain and grown
110 a thousand times to be crushed again.

Q – What was the way of life on the planet Venus?

Ans. The violent rains caused destruction of forests and the fertile land gave birth to more
forests to be destroyed again. This process of destruction and regeneration continued. This was
the way of life on the planet Venus.
Q – What is referred to as ‘raining world’? Who had come to this world and for what?
Ans. The planet Venus is referred to as a raining world. People from the Earth had come to
Venus after being transported by rockets. They were called rocket men and women. They had
come here to set up civilization and make this planet as their permanent home.
Q – There is an interesting simile about these children. Explain the comparison.
Ans. These children pressed each other like so many roses, so many weeds, intermixed, peering
out for a look at the hidden sun. This simile suggests that there were flowers and weeds mixed
together. There were good and bad children who made the class.
Q – How were these children dreaming about the sun, its shape or colour?
Ans. They were dreaming of gold or a yellow crayon large enough to buy the world with. They
had learnt that the sun is round, large and warm. They could compare it only with things they
knew.
Q – Why was Margot not liked by other children?
Ans. Margot was different from others. She did not join them in school activities. She did not
play games. She did not sing. Above all, she did not like being forever on Venus. She
remembered how the sun looked like on Earth. Other children had not seen the sun.
Q – The children hated Margot. What were their reasons for hating her?
Ans. The children hated Margot for being different from them. The fact that she was going to be
taken back to Earth made the other children dislike her. They didn’t like her pale white face, her
waiting silence and her thinness. Most importantly Margot had experienced the sun when on
earth whereas these children were completely oblivious of the sun as they had never seen it.
Q – Earlier in the context, the frail girl, Margot had been ill-treated by other children. What did
they do with her?
Ans. The children had become intolerant of Margot who did not mix with them. William started
bullying the frail girl. Other children ganged with him. They caught her up and bored her
through a tunnel in the closet. Then they locked her up there.
Q – Weren’t the children malicious in bothering the harmless girl and enjoying all that at her
cost? .
Ans. Yes, they thus derived sadistic pleasure. When they pushed her towards the closet, she was
protesting, pleading and crying. When the door was shut and locked, her muffled cries could be
heard. But the children went away smiling.
Q – How did the children react?
Ans. For the children, the bright sun was a wonderful experience. They seemed to have been
released from their spell as they rushed out yelling into the springtime.
Q – How did the children enjoy themselves out under the sun?
Ans. They greatly enjoyed themselves out under the sun. They laylaughing, on the jungle
mattress. They ran among the trees, they slipped and fell, they pushed each other, played hide-
and-seek.

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