The Adventures of An Understudy

1., The game had begun. What was the 'game'?
What would happen if they won or lost 'the game'?
Ans: The game' refers to the elaborate ruse that Rassendyll was going to execute with the help of
Col. Sapt and Fritz, in which he would take the place of King Rudolf and participate in the latter's
coronation ceremony.
It was essential that the King showed up for this politically significant event failing which the King's
half-brother, Black Michael, would take over the throne. But the King had been found unconscious
and in no state to attend the ceremony which led to his look-alike, Rassendyll, playing the King's part
for a day. If they won the game, all would be well and the King himself could rule over Ruritania but
if their ploy was discovered, Black Michael, King Rudolf's half-brother would seize the throne of
Ruritania.
2. How did Rassendyll prepare for the role he was to play?
Ans: Rassendyll prepared for the role by taking instructions from Colonel Sapt. He told Rassendyll
about King Rudolf's personal history, his family, tastes, pursuits, weaknesses, friends, companions
and servants. This was to make Rassendyll prepared to pose as King Rudolf at the coronation. He was
also trained in the etiquette of the Ruritanian Court. Outwardly, he was dressed in royal clothes with
a sword in its scabbard, a revolver and a helmet to look the part he was supposed to play.
3. Which line in para 6 shows us that Rassendyll feared for his life? Find other lines in the story
where Rassendyll, Sapt and Fritz express the same fear.
Ans: The line, "The last thing did was to feel if my revolver was handy and my sword loose in the
scabbard." in para 4 indicates that Rassendyll was well aware of the mortal threat involved in the
risky endeavour he had chosen to undertake. However, at the same time he was trying to manage
his fears as best as he could.
This fear for their lives was rife in the hearts of Col. Sapt and Fritz Col. Sapt prayed, "God send we
may be alive tonight!" to which Fritz replies, "Amen!" thus revealing the same fear.
4. Sapt and Fritz put their lives in danger to save the throne from Michael. What can we infer about
the relationship between king Rudolf and Sapt and Fritz from the text?
Ans: Sapt and Fritz proved themselves to be worthy and loyal friends of King Rudolf when they
agreed to put their lives in danger to save the throne from Michael. Even in the absence of the king
they agreed to the dangerous ploy just for the sake of the king and his kingdom.
5. Does the text tell us why Rassendyll would agree to such a risk task? Do you think he was brave,
foolish or adventurous? What choice would you have made in such a situation?
Ans: In many occasions throughout the text, Rassendyll has expressed his thrill at playing the part of
the king. He has a sense of adventure and is brave enough to take risks. He travels a distance
without his entourage to generate trust in the people. It is a mark of goodwill. There are many
instances where his fear of getting caught almost compelled him to flee, particularly when faced
with the keen scrutiny of Michael. However, he continued resolutely and was eventually
successful. On one hand Rassendyll comes across an adventurous, risk-loving person and on the
other he shows bravery in the face of adversities. (Free response for what choice the student would
have made) order to
6. Why is the text called The Adventures of an understudy? Do you think Rassendyll was a good
understudy? Give at least two example to support your answer.
In regular use, the word "understudy" refers to a person who learns the lead actor's role in be able
to act at a short notice in the absence of the actor.
The text is called, The Adventures of an Understudy because it brings out the story of Rassendyll, a
simple man who, just like an understudy played the part of a real king in the latter's absence. He
looked exactly like King Rudolf and hence played his part, attending his coronation in order to save
the throne from a usurper. He proved himself to be a good understudy who prepared well for his
role with the help of Sapt and Fritz, so that he could portray the king as accurately as possible. Since
this ploy was a great adventure for Rassendyll, the real-life understudy of King Rudolf, the title is
justified as The Adventures of an Understudy

The Adventures of An Understudy

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1., The game had begun. What was the 'game'?

What would happen if they won or lost 'the game'?

2. How did Rassendyll prepare for the role he was to play?

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