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Unit 4  Prose XI   ENGLISH 117

U
N 4 TIGHT CORNERS
I Edward Verrall Lucas
PROSE
T

About the Author

Author : Edward Verrall Lucas

Born : 12th June, 1868 - London.
Education : Walden School
Career :  Essayist  Playwright  Biographer  Publisher  Poet
 Novelist  Short Story Writer  Editor
Famous Works :  Four and Twenty Toilers (1900) Poems  A Wanderer in Holland (1905)
 A Wanderer in London (1906)  One day and another (1909)
 Cloud and Silver (1916)
Speciality : Humour
Died : 26th June, 1938.

SUMMARY

The essay ‘Tight Corners’ has been written by E V Lucas an English humourist, essayist, playwright
and poet. In the humorous essay “Tight Corners”, E. V. Lucas points out that tight corners can be both
mental as well as physical but the mental tight corners are too difficult to bear.

Once the narrator went with his friend to Christie’s, an Art Gallery and an auction-sale hall,
where Barbizon pictures were put up. The narrator had neither knowledge about art pictures nor
had enough money to participate in the bidding. He had only sixty-three pounds, that too in the
bank. He had no securities either. The auction was started and the narrator, not understanding the
seriousness, started raising the bid amount marginally. By that time, a Daubigny picture was put on for
sale. A rich man bid four thousand guineas for it. As usual, the narrator, just for fun, raised the bid by fifty
guineas more.

Lucas thought that someone would raise the bid further. But, to his surprise, nobody else raised
the bid after that. The narrator was panic-stricken. No doubt, he unwittingly got into a (mental) tight corner.
He could not find ways as how to collect such a huge amount. Sensing the impending danger, his friend had
already left the place. Finally, the narrator decided to confess his poverty to the auctioneer himself and get
rid of the critical situation.

Occasionally luck favours someone who is honest. In this case, our narrator is favoured by luck.
All of a sudden, the unexpected incident happened. At that time of critical situation, a rich bidder’s agent
approached the narrator and offered fifty guineas, provided he passed on the art picture to the bidder. The
narrator was immensely relieved. He was about to weep in joy. Yet, he had the presence of mind to demand
a hundred guineas. When a cheque for that amount was given to him, his joy doubled.
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118 XI   ENGLISH Unit 4  Prose

GLOSSARY Page: 108

Brittany – a region on the coast of North–West France

St. James’ Street, King Street – well-known commercial streets in London
bloatocrat – a fat and rich person of high station – a term coined by E.V.
Lucas by blending the words ‘bloated’ and ‘aristocrat’
electrified – shocked by something unexpected
crescendo – progress towards a climax
congealed – thickened as if frozen (through fear etc.)
smothered – suppressed
nonchalantly – unconcernedly, coolly
glibly – smoothly but not sincerely
note of hand – promissory note
rectitude – honesty, good behaviour
farthing – as low as a paise
baize – coarse woollen material
guile – cunning, deceit
indelible – cannot be rubbed out or removed

MEANINGS

critical dangerous, grave comprise contain

tide high wave skin of his teeth narrow escape
torpedoed destroyed persuaded convinced
tremendous wonderful (here huge) bloatocrat rich
quite fairly, remarkably electrified shocked
rustle whisper terrible horrible, awful
horror fear shot his bolt reached the highest
congealed frozen curious strange
smothered suppressed pickle trouble
remote far off stunned shocked, confused
dazed confused sufficiently enough
nonchalantly unconcernedly pondering thinking
glibly superficially speculating guessing
confessing accepting rectified corrected
outskirts boundary, outer edge knot (here) group
preferred liked rammed pushed, struck
colder feet fear rectitude honesty
guile cunning grave serious
indelibly cannot be removed
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Unit 4  Prose XI   ENGLISH 119

ADDITIONAL EXERCISES

EXERCISE WITH ANSWER

Choose the correct synonym for each of the following from the options given.

1. I was nodding away to the auctioneer like a bloatocrat.

a) rich b) poor c) clever d) foreigner

2. Some well-known dealer who had bought quite a number, electrified the room.
a) current b) electricity c) shocked d) lighted

3. My heart stopped; my blood congealed.

a) flowed b) frozen c) shown d) came out

4. There was no sound but a curious smothered noise from my friend.

a) strange b) suppressed c) expressed d) great

5. Stunned and dazed as I was, I pulled myself together sufficiently to hand over my card
nonchalantly to the clerk.
a) interestingly b) unconcernedly c) happily d) immediately

6. Wondering if the moneylenders who talk so glibly about ‘note of hand’ really mean it.
a) superficially d) insincerely c) meaningfully d) confidently

7. I realised that a career of rectitude sometimes has rewards beyond the mere consciousness
of Virtue.
a) dishonesty b) pleasure c) passion d) honesty

8. But how near the surface and ready even in the best of us is worldly guile!
a) honesty b) cunningness c) happiness d) meritorious

9. “It is indelibly branded in letters of fire on my heart.”

a) quickly b) erasable c) temporary d) permanently

10. ........ those of us whose lives were adventurous enough to comprise any.
a) contain b) press c) know d) praise

11. A fourth was torpedoed in the War.

a) escaping b) participating c) saved d) destroyed

12. There was a rustle of excitement.

a) rustic b) whisper c) noise d) silence

13. A terrible silence followed.

a) peaceful b) long c) short d) horrible

14. Then I set to pondering on the problem what to do next.

a) closing b) opening c) thinking d) looking
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120 XI   ENGLISH Unit 4  Prose

15. He rammed his handkerchief in his mouth and again disappeared.

a) pushed b) gave c) pulled d) bought

Answers
1. a 2. c 3. b 4. b 5. b 6. b 7. d 8. b 9. d 10. a
11. d 12. c 13. d 14. c 15. a

SELF EVALUATION

Choose the correct synonym for each of the following from the options given.
1. The talk was running on the critical situations.
a) cunning b) strong c) easy d) dangerous

2. One man had been caught by the tide in Britany as escaped by the skin of the teeth.
a) easy escape b) narrow escape c) never escaped d) escape with the skin

3. He persuaded me to look in at the sale-room.

a) pushed b) pulled c) convinced d) rejected

4. They were selling Barbizon pictures, and getting tremendous sums for each.
a) simple b) huge c) little d) trendy

5. I realised now, as I ought to have done at first, that he had shot his bolt.
a) raised his arrow b) sent the arrow c) reached the highest d) pulled his arrow

6. There was no sound but a curious smothered noise from my friend.

a) strange b) popular c) big d) strong

7. There was no sound but a curious smothered noise from my friend.

a) strange b) suppressed c) expressed d) great

8. That was nice pickle to be in!

a) taste b) bitter c) trouble d) saved

9. My friend as I afterwards discovered in order to find a remote place in which to lean

against the wall and laugh
a) near by b) close by c) peaceful d) far off

10. Stunned and dazed as I was, I pulled myself together sufficiently to hand over my card
nonchalantly to the clerk.
a) delighted b) saddened c) shocked d) weak

11. Stunned and dazed as I was, I pulled myself together sufficiently to hand over my card
nonchalantly to the clerk.
a) concerned b) dashed c) closed d) confused

12. _____ speculating on the possibility of confessing my poverty to one of the Christie’s staff
a) wondering b) asking c) fighting d) guessing
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Unit 4  Prose XI   ENGLISH 121

13. _______ speculating on the possibility of confessing my poverty to one of the Christie’s
staff.
a) shouting b) admitting c) conferring d) controlling

14. A genuine mistake of such a kind would have been rectified at once.
a) requested b) invited c) corrected d) promised

15. Naturally I preferred to be the last.

a) ignored b) rejected c) liked d) looked

OPPOSITES

critical × ordinary surely × doubtfully

tight × loose persuade × dissuade
borrow × lend nonchalantly x concernedly
higher × lower modestly × aggressively
gradual × immediate curious × indifferent
remote × near sufficiently × deficiently
surface × deep guile x innocence
rectitude x dishonesty displayed x concealed

ADDITIONAL EXERCISES

EXERCISE WITH ANSWER

Choose the most accurate of the four given words which is opposite to the usage of the
underlined word in the following sentences.

1. The talk was running on the critical situation in which we had found ourselves.
a) ordinary b) peculiar c) extraordinary d) dangerous

2. He persuaded me to look in at the sale-room.

a) compelled b) dissuaded c) implanted d) removed

3. Although the previous lots had run into four figures they had all been moderately started.
a) aggressively b) normally c) sensibly d) senselessly

4. There was no sound but a curious smothered noise from my friend.

a) strange b) serious c) light d) indifferent

5. Surely they can be tighter when they are mental.

a) truly b) often c) doubtfully d) always

Answers
1. a 2. b 3. a 4. d 5. c
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122 XI   ENGLISH Unit 4  Prose

SELF EVALUATION

Choose the most accurate of the four given words which is opposite to the usage of the
underlined word in the following sentences.

1. The tightest corner I was ever in was at Christie’s.

a) narrow b) broad c) weak d) loose

2. I had not enough securities to borrow five hundred on.

a) get b) receive c) lend d) loan

3. A red-faced man who had bought quite a number electrified the room.
a) moderately b) fairly c) very few d) plenty

4. ............ at fifty guineas or hundred guineas with a gradual crescendo to which I had been
safely contributing.
a) slow b) immediate c) fast d) quick

5. In order to find a remote place in which to lean against the wall and laugh.
a) far off b) near by c) inconvenient d) unsafe

6. But how near the surface and ready even in the best of us is worldly guile!
a) bottom b) top c) area d) self

TEXTUAL EXERCISES Page: 105-107

Comprehension questions based on the lesson.

a) Describe the activity that was going on in the sale-room at King Street.
Christie’s, the famous auction house was situated at King Street. Auctions for Barbizon pictures were
going on in Christie’s and people were buying them for thousands of guineas.
b) What can you say about the author’s attitude when he high-handedly participated in the
auction?
The author wanted to enjoy the fun out of bidding. He thought he could be safe if he bid in the
beginning stage.
c) Why was the author sure he would not be caught?
He was adding a few pounds in the beginning and he was hopeful that others would ask for more. So
he was sure that he would not be caught.

d) What made the author ignore his friend’s warning?

He was very careful to add something in the beginning of the bidding and so far he was safe. He
thought he would not be caught so he ignored his friend’s warning.

e) How had the author managed the auction without getting involved in the deal?
He was careful to add something in the beginning so that the bid would be raised by others. In this
way he was escaping from being caught.
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Unit 4  Prose XI   ENGLISH 123

f) What came as a shock to the author?

Usually the auctions for pictures started with modest sums. But when a new picture was displayed a
dealer made a high bid for four thousand guineas. Without realizing the value of the bid he as usual
added fifty more to the bid. Unfortunately the dealer gave up his bid. This was a big shock to the author.

g) What did the falling of hammer indicate?

The falling of hammer indicated that the bidding was over.

h) What made the friend laugh heartily?

His friend warned him not to play with the bidding. But he went on adding something raising the
bidding rate. Finally he was caught. So his friend laughed heartily.

i) What kind of excuses did the narrator think he could make?

He thought that he could confess his poverty to one of the staff of Christie’s and ask him to put up the
picture again for sale.

j) Why did the friend desert the narrator a second time?

When the narrator was standing in the queue his friend came to him but he could not control his
laughter. So he left the narrator to find a suitable place to laugh.

k) How does the narrator describe the man who approached him?
The man who approached him was like a messenger of high gods with green baize apron who spoke
in husky Cockney tone.

l) How does the narrator show presence of mind in the sudden turn of events?
The man who approached him informed him that the dealer was willing to give him fifty guineas for
the picture. But he asked for a hundred guineas and got the money. Thus he showed his presence of
mind.

m) The narrator would not forget two things about his friend. What are they?
One is his laughter when the narrator was caught. Another one is persuading him to get into the
auction room.

1. Choose the most appropriate answer for the following questions. Page: 108

a. ‘Tight Corner’ means a _______.

i. difficult situation ii. crowded corner iii. tragic incident iv. fierce fight
b. Barbizon refers to a _______.
i. kind of paint ii. type of architecture iii. region in Britain iv. French school of painters

c. The narrator visited the sale-room as he _______. Page: 109

i. wished to see an auction ii. had a painting to sell
iii. was persuaded by his friend iv. wanted to buy a painting
d. The narrator had been a safe contributor at the auction, as _______.
i. there were bidders quoting higher prices ii. he had a sound financial background
iii. his friend had lent him money iv. he did not make any bidding
e. “And I got it”. Here ‘it’ refers to the _______.
i. picture he wanted to buy ii. money he asked for
iii. card to participate in the auction iv. amount he had to pay
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124 XI   ENGLISH Unit 4  Prose

2. Answer the following questions.

a) What is a tight corner? What happens when one finds oneself in a tight corner?
Tight corner means difficult situation. When one finds oneself in a tight corner one will be afraid and
one will try his best to come out of the situation.
b) What is the difference between a physical and mental tight corner?
Physical tight corner is the one where a person’s safety is in trouble. Mental tight corner is the one
where dilemmas and difficult choices are involved.
c) Why did the narrator visit Christie’s?
The narrator entered the Christie’s because he was persuaded by his friend to see the auction inside.

d) The narrator heard his own voice saying ‘and fifty’. What does this suggest?
The narrator without his knowledge and any understanding of the situation said ‘and fifty’.
e) What was the narrator’s financial condition?
He had only sixty three pounds in his bank. He did not have securities even for five hundred pounds.
f) The narrator could not pretend to have made a mistake in bidding. Why?
The narrator had made many other bids before he was caught. Moreover a genuine mistake of this kind
must have been rectified in the beginning itself. So he knew that no would believe him.
g) What could have been the best way for the narrator to get himself out of the tight corner?
The best way for the narrator to get himself out of the tight corner could have been to confess his
mistake to one of the Christie’s staff and make him put up the picture again for auction.
h) Why did the narrator feel he could have welcomed a firing party?
The narrator did not have enough money to pay for the picture after the auction was over. He could
have welcomed a firing party because that would bring his death and he need not be humiliated in
front of others.
i) What was the bidder’s offer to the narrator?
The bidder offered the narrator fifty guineas.
j) How did the narrator take advantage of the situation?
When the bidder sent a man to ask the narrator whether he was ready to give the picture for fifty
guineas he wanted to take advantage of the situation. He asked for one hundred guineas and he got
it for the picture.
3. Form a meaningful summary of the lesson by rewriting the numbers in the correct sequence.
a) The narrator had only 63 pounds with him and did not know how to manage the situation. 8

b) The narrator thought of all his relations from whom he could borrow. 9

c) Unfortunately he had made the highest bid. 6

d) The narrator entered Christie’s as his friend persuaded him to visit the sale-room. 1

e) Every time someone else made a higher bid and the narrator was not caught. 3

f) The narrator on a sudden impulse added 50 more guineas to the amount offered. 5

g) His friend joined him then but left immediately unable to control his laughter. 12
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Unit 4  Prose XI   ENGLISH 125

h) He even thought of borrowing from moneylenders and considered the possibilities of

confessing the truth to the staff at Christie’s. 11

i) The picture was declared sold to the narrator. 7

j) After sometime a picture was put up and a bid for 4000 guineas was raised. 4

k) A sudden stroke of luck befell the narrator when he heard that the gent who had made
13
the bid of 4000 guineas would offer him the additional 50 guineas and buy the picture.

l) The narrator kept the bidding just for fun. 2

m) The picture was given to the other bidder and the narrator was saved from humiliation. 15

n) His friend had left the place roaring with laughter at the narrator’s predicament. 10

o) The narrator was quite happy at the offer but demanded 100 guineas instead of the 50.
14
Now there was no need for him to make any payment.

4. Answer the following questions in a paragraph of about 100 - 150 words. Page: 110

a) Narrate the circumstances that led to the narrator getting into a tight corner by his own
folly.
Title Tight Corners
Author Edward Verrall Lucas
Theme Mental tight corners are more challenging than physical tight corner

Yes, I had been passing along the King Street afterwards,

my friend persuaded me to look in at the sale-room

E V Lucas in his essay ‘Tight Corners’ tries to explain how the mental tight corner is worse
than physical tight corner. The narrator entered Christie’s, the famous auction house persuaded by his
friend. He saw Barbizon pictures were being sold and they were auctioned for very high prizes like four
thousand guineas. The narrator did not want to buy any pictures but he simply stood there to see what
was going on. He wanted to enjoy fun of taking part in the auction cautiously. Though the pictures
were auctioned for huge sum it started very moderately. So he was adding something to the deal in
the beginning. It was a safe game. His friend warned him that he might be caught and he asked him
to stop his game. But he was sure that he was very cautious and he would never be in trouble. It went
on for some time very safely. When a picture was put up for auction a dealer who had bought many
other pictures asked for four thousand guineas. Others were excited to hear that. But the narrator
without realizing the value of the call simply said, “And fifty”. There was a dead silence and the dealer
who had bid four thousand guineas was silent and the sale fell on the narrator.

Just because you can’t understand it doesn’t mean it isn’t so

b) Trace the thought that went on in the mind of the narrator when the picture after picture
was put up and sold at the auction.
Title Tight Corners
Author Edward Verrall Lucas
Theme Mental tight corners are more challenging than physical tight corner
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126 XI   ENGLISH Unit 4  Prose

I was running over the names of uncles and other persons

from whom it might be possible to borrow

E V Lucas in his essay ‘Tight Corners’ tries to explain how the mental tight corner is worse
than the physical tight corner. The narrator entered Christie’s, the famous auction house persuaded
by his friend. He saw Barbizon pictures were being sold and they were auctioned for very high prizes
like four thousand guineas. The narrator did not want to buy any pictures but he simply stood there
to see what was going on. He wanted to enjoy fun of taking part in the auction cautiously. His friend
warned him that he might be caught and he asked him to stop his game. But he was sure that he was
very cautious and he would never be in trouble. But unfortunately he was caught. He had to find four
thousand and fifty guineas to buy a picture which he did not want. He was in real trouble. Pictures
after pictures were being sold. He did not mind about them. He was trying to get some names of his
relatives who would be kind enough to lend him money. He did not get anybody in his mind. He thought
it would be good to confess his poverty to the Christie’s staff. But he knew that after participating in
many other auctions he could not do that. Moreover a genuine mistake of this kind could have been
rectified at once.

I know it’s not easy for you, living this life, but try to remember,
always try to remember, you’re not the only one with troubles

c) Explain how the narrator got out of the tight corner that he was in.

Title Tight Corners

Author Edward Verrall Lucas
Theme Mental tight corners are more challenging than physical tight corner

I realised that a career of rectitude sometimes has reward

beyond the mere consciousness of virtue.

E V Lucas in his essay ‘Tight Corners’ tries to explain how the mental tight corner is worse
than physical tight corner. The narrator entered Christie’s, the famous auction house persuaded by
his friend. He saw Barbizon pictures were being sold and they were auctioned for very high prizes like
four thousand guineas. The narrator did not want to buy any pictures but he simply stood there to see
what was going on. He wanted to enjoy fun of taking part in the auction cautiously. His friend warned
him that he might be caught and he asked him to stop his game. But he was sure that he was very
cautious and he would never be in trouble. But unfortunately he was caught. When the auctions were
over the bidders were standing in a queue to give the payment. He decided to stand in the outskirt.
As he was standing a new man came to him and asked him whether he was the one who had bought
the particular picture. When he said yes, the other man asked him whether he was ready to sell the
picture to the one who had made a bid for four thousand guineas for the picture. He was ready to give
him fifty guineas for the picture. His presence of mind pushed him to ask him a hundred guineas and
he got it. Thus he escaped from the tight corner with a cheque for 100 guineas.

I don’t go for trouble; trouble usually finds me.

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Unit 4  Prose XI   ENGLISH 127

d) As the narrator make a diary entry about the tight corner you faced at Christie’s and how
you were saved from the dire situation.
10th June,
11 a.m.
• Entered the Christie’s with my friend.
• Many pictures were being auctioned.
• Started bidding in the low level for fun.
• My friend warned me.
• I was safe and I did not bother about the warning from my friend.
• A new picture was put up for auction.
• One rich dealer made his bid with 4 thousand guineas.
• Without realizing the value of the money I said fifty more.
• To my surprise and shock the other dealer stopped his bidding.
• The picture was in my name.
• I had only sixty three pounds in my bank.
• I tried to get the names of my relatives to borrow money.
• I decided to confess my poverty to the Christie’s staff but it was too late.
• Stood last in the queue.
• Met by a man who was sent by the rich dealer.
• He asked me to give the picture for 50 guineas, I asked for 100.
• He gave the cheque and got the picture.
• Immense relief after harrowing experience.

ADDITIONAL PARAGRAPH

Answer the following questions in a paragraph of about 100 - 150 words.

1. How was the narrator’s attempt successful at the end in the ‘Tight Corner’?

Title Tight Corners

Author Edward Verrall Lucas
Theme Mental tight corners are more challenging than physical tight corner

When I found my friend I was laughing too, but he became grave

at once on seeing the cheque

The essay ‘Tight Corners’ was written by E V Lucas. Once the narrator went with his
friend to Christie’s, an Art Gallery and an auction-sale hall. The narrator had neither knowledge about
art pictures nor enough money to participate in the bidding. The auction was started and the narrator,
not understanding the seriousness, started raising the bid amount marginally. By that time, a Daubigny
picture was put on for sale. A rich man bid four thousand guineas for it. As usual, the narrator, just for
fun raised the bid by fifty guineas more. Lucas thought that someone would raise the bid further. But,
to his surprise, nobody else bid after that. No doubt, he unwittingly got into a (mental) tight corner. He
could not find ways about how to raise such a huge amount. At that time of critical condition, the rich
bidder’s agent approached the narrator and offered fifty guineas, provided he passed on the art picture
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128 XI   ENGLISH Unit 4  Prose

to the bidder. The narrator was immensely relieved. Yet, he had the presence of the mind to demand a
hundred guineas. When a cheque for that amount was given to him, his joy doubled.

The real man smiles in trouble, gathers strength from

distress, and grows brave by reflection

VOCABULARY

i) Auction House Puzzler. Page: 111

You have come across many terms associated with an auction, in the lesson. Now solve the
crossword puzzle with words from the lesson. Make use of the clues given.

2B 4A
B A
3C
C A R D
1D 3C
D R T C

A B H
1A
A U C T I O N E E R

B Z I

4B
B I D O S

G N T

2A
A P R O N I

Y E

Across Down
1. conducts auction 1. painter
2. a protective garment 2. school of painting
3. strip with numbers 3. auction house
4. offer 4. painting
ii) Idioms:
l An idiom is an expression in English with a special meaning of its own. Idioms do not give the literal
meaning of the individual words used in them.
l You come across the idiom ‘by the skin of one’s teeth’ in the lesson. It means ‘a narrow
escape’.
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Unit 4  Prose XI   ENGLISH 129

A. Use the idioms in your own sentences.

1. tight corners : We should be careful in life not to get into tight corners.
2. shot his bolt : In the discussion he shot his bolt and other had to accept his view.
Page: 112

3. in a nice pickle : When the headmaster called me for making a noise in the class I was in a nice
pickle.
4. have cold feet : When I was chased by a dog I had cold feet.

B. Match the following idioms related to difficult situations with their meanings.

No. A B Ans
1. alarm bells ringing a) abandoning one who is in difficulty c

2. back to the wall b) try any method to overcome a crisis d

3. grasp/clutch at straws c) sign of something going wrong b

4. saved by the bell d) in serious difficulty e

5 hang out to dry e) help at the last moment rescuing one from a difficult situation a

C. We use a variety of idioms in our daily life to describe various situations. Describe the
narrator’s situation in your own words, making use of some of the new idioms you have just
learnt.
The narrator and his companion entered the auction hall just to watch how the sale would be
conducted. The mischievous narrator raised the bidding rate out of fun. When there was total silence, he
heard the alarm bells ringing in his mind. As the rich man did not raise the bidding rate, the narrator
understood that he had shot his bolt. The narrator was in a nice pickle because he did not have enough
money to pay for the picture. The hammer fell thrice, and the narrator was caught in a tight corner. In
the mean time, his friend left the place, unable to control his laughter. Indeed, he hanged out to dry. The
narrator found himself being pushed back to the wall. He speculated on the possibility of borrowing and
confessing his poverty to one of the staff. He was trying to clutch at straws. He had cold feet as the clock
ticked by. Dame Luck smiled at him finally. A messenger approached him to offer 50 guineas more to hand
over the picture. Immense relief swept over him because he was saved by the bell.

iii) Phrasal Verbs

Use the following phrasal verbs in sentences of your own.
stand
i) up – Your statement will not stand up as proof in the court of law.
ii) for – My father always stands for truth and honesty.
iii) by – Come what may, I will stand by you.
look
i) into – The manager looked into the matter seriously.
ii) at – When the stranger made a curious noise we all looked at him.
iii) through – I have been looking through your cookery book for inspiration.
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130 XI   ENGLISH Unit 4  Prose

run Page: 113

i) over – The class was very interesting and it ran over the time.
ii) away – The thief ran away when he saw the police.
iii) into – I ran into my class teacher when I visited the Government Exhibition.
put
i) on – She put on her dress after her bath.
ii) up – He could not put up with his noisy neighbour.
iii) off – The umpire put off the match on account of dim light.

LISTENING ACTIVITY

Complete the following sentences based on your listening.

i. The programme is organised by the Department of School Education.
ii. The topic of the seminar is ‘Career Guidance and Counselling’.
iii. The programme is to be held at 3 pm at Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam Auditorium.
iv. Students are instructed to carry a notebook and a pen to the programme hall.
v. Students who wish to attend the second session should register with School Pupil Leader.
vi. The main purpose of the programme is to provide information on numerous course options and the
various institutions that offer relevant courses.

SPEAKING ACTIVITY

a) Work with a partner. Your friend has lost her books just before the annual examination
and she is upset. How will you help her? Take up roles and enact the situation.
Gita : Mary, what has happened to you? You look worried.
Mary : I lost my text books somewhere.
Gita : Don’t worry. By mistake, you would have kept them in some place in your house.
Mary : You see. I never keep my books in any room other than my study room.
Gita : Did you search carefully?
Mary : Yes, but I could not find them anywhere.
Gita : Did you enquire your mischievous sister?
Mary : Yes, but she said she had no idea about my missing books.
Gita : That’s all right. Let’s share our books. Exam is fast approaching.
Mary : Thank you, Gita. Group study makes learning easy and fast.
Gita : You’re absolutely right.

b) You have recently shifted to a new locality. You cannot find your way home. Your uncle
spots you and takes you home. Narrate the incident to the class.
We shifted to a new residence as my father got transferred. It was a totally new locality for
me. The way to reach there is like a maze. There are so many lanes to walk through before we reach
there and all look alike. Just after settling down there, I wanted to see my old friend. So I came out
of my house and walked the distance. After spending some good time with him I started to go back
home. After crossing the first lane I was confused; I didn’t know which lane to take. Unfortunately I
took the wrong lane, and it took me away from my house. As I was wandering about my uncle came
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that way and saw me. He enquired me where I was heading for. Then I told him about my inability. He
took me back to my house.

c) As a friend of the narrator, describe how you would have behaved at the auction.
I would certainly warn him of the serious consequences of his mischief. I would try to stop
him every time he raised the rate. I would try even physically to push him out of Christie’s. He would
not heed to me and finally he would be caught in a tight corner by raising fifty guineas to four thousand
guineas. No doubt I could not help him financially. I could try to get the names of some of my friends
who might lend money. I would stand by him through his ordeal. When the man approached him to
get the picture for fifty guineas, I would persuade him to accept it.

READING Page: 115

The Stationmaster’s supreme sacrifice

Sanchari Pal

Read the passage and answer the questions that follow.

i. Why was the accident at Union Carbide unparalleled in the world’s industrial history?
In the accident Union Carbide pesticide plant released 30 tons of highly toxic gas. Nearly 6000000
people were exposed to the deadly gas. It left thousands of people dead and many became chronic
patients.

ii. How was Dastagir affected by the poisonous gas?

Dastagir was the deputy stationmaster at Gorakhpur. When he entered the platform he felt his eyes
burn and an itching in his throat. By the time the deadly gas had enveloped the station.

iii. What was the action taken by the superintendent? Page: 116

The superintendent tried to stop the trains reaching the station in the previous stations. But Gorakhpur
express came to the platform and waited for its departure after 20 minutes. With his support staff he
sent the train immediately without getting permission from his authorities.

iv. How did Dastagir and his staff break rules?

The Gorakhpur train was waiting in the platform for its departure after 20 minutes. But the poisonous
gas was engulfing the station. So Dastagir and his staff sent the train immediately without getting
permission from their authorities.

v. What was the cause of Dastagir’s death?

The cause of his death was prolonged exposure to toxic fumes that was emitted from Union Carbide.

vi. Find the words from the passage which means the opposite of the following.
a. safeguard x risk
b. common or familiar x queer
c. prompt x delay
d. cause x effect
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GRAMMAR

Conditional Clauses
i) Complete the following with appropriate conditional clauses. Page: 117

a) We will miss our train, if we are late.

b) Jayashree would travel to France, if she had time.
c) People get sun-burnt, if they are exposed to sun for a long time.
d) Vicky would have passed, if he had studied well.
e) I wouldn’t refuse, if I got the same offer.
f) Sunder would have waited, if he had known about his arrival.
g) Vijayashree will be busy, if she joins the course.
h) Adhvika will not go to play, if she has homework to do.

ii) Complete the following paragraph.

Did you hear about that boy who won one crore in a game show? If I had won (win) that much money,
I would have quit (quit) my job the next day. I would travel (travel) round the world and stay (stay) in
the most luxurious hotels. If I wanted (want) anything, I would buy (buy) it. If I saw (see) a Mercedes
that I wanted, I would buy (buy) it. I could (can) do anything in the world if I had one crore rupees.
Oh, I am starting to sound a little materialistic. Well, I will do (do) good things with the money as well.
If anybody needs (need) help I will take (take) care of their needs. I will donate (donate) money to
charities. I will give (give) money to help support the arts. If I won (win) that much money, I wouldn’t
keep it all for myself. I would help (help) as many people as possible.

iii) Fill in the blanks in the following dialogue.

Gopal : What’s wrong, Muthu? You look terrible!
Muthu : Well, you will look (look) terrible today, too, if you have (have) a day like mine yesterday.
My car slid into a tree, because the road was slippery.
Gopal : Oh! I was driving on the slippery road yesterday and I didn’t have such trouble. What
happened?
Muthu : Well, I think if I had not driven (drive not) so fast, I would not have slid (slide, not) into the
tree.
Gopal : Slippery road and speed don’t mix. If drivers speed (speed) on the wet roads, they’re likely
to spin their car in a circle.
Muthu : I know. But I have one more problem. I didn’t have my driver’s license with me. If I had
had (have) it I would not have had (have to, not) to pay an extra fine in the court next
week.
Gopal : Why were you driving without your license?
Muthu : Well, I lost my wallet some days ago. It slipped out of my pocket, while I was riding the
bus to work. Page: 118
Gopal : Oh, Muthu! If you had not taken (take, not) that bus, you would not have lost (lose, not)
your wallet. If you had not lost (lose, not) your wallet, you would have had (have) your
driver’s license with you when you hit the tree. If you had had (have) your driver’s license
with you, you would not have had to pay (have to pay, not) a big fine when you go to court
to the next week. And of course if you had not driven (drive, not) too fast, you would not
have run (run into, not) a tree, and you would not have been (be, not) in this mess now. If
I were you I would take (take) it easy for a while and just stay (stay) home where you are safe.
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Unit 4  Prose XI   ENGLISH 133

Muthu : Enough about me. How about you?

Gopal : Well, things are really looking up for me. I’m planning to take off for Goa as soon as I finish
my finals. I’m sick of all this old, rainy weather we’ve been having.
Muthu : I wish I would go (go) with you. How are you planning on getting there?
Gopal : If I have (have) enough money I will fly (fly). Otherwise I will take (take) the bus. I wish
I could drive (drive) my own car because it would be (be) nice to drive there, but it’s such
a long trip. I’ve been looking for a friend to go with me and share the driving.
Muthu : I have a super idea! Why don’t I go with you? I can share the driving. I’m a great driver!
Gopal : Oh, Muthu! I can’t believe it.

Framing questions

A. Seema goes to a hotel for lunch. The waiter explains to her the different items available
at that time. Here is the conversation between them. Complete the dialogue. You may
use modals to frame questions.
Seema : Could I get something to eat immediately?
Waiter : Yes Ma’m. We have full meals and other tiffin items too.
Seema : Do you have chappati?
Waiter : Yes Ma’m. It is available.
Seema : Will it take much time?
Waiter : It should not take long. Do you want coffee?
Seema : Yes bring that too. Will you bring them as early as possible?
Waiter : Ok Ma’m. How do you like your coffee?
Seema : I prefer it cold. Do you have ice-cream?
Waiter : Sorry Ma’m we don’t have ice cream served here. But you can get it in the outlet next door.
Seema : Oh that’s fine. Ok, please get these quickly.
Waiter : Sure Ma’m.

B. Answer the questions after reading the story. Page: 120

1. Did Mrs. Umar see the thief?

No, Mrs. Umar did not see the thief.

2. What was Mrs. Umar doing when the thief broke into the house?
Mrs. Umar was watching a movie when the thief broke into the house.

3. Was Mr. Umar watching movie with his wife when the thief broke into the house?
No, Mr. Umar was not watching movie with his wife when the thief broke into the house.

4. What was Mr. Umar doing in the kitchen?

Mr. Umar was preparing tea in the kitchen.

Frame suitable questions for the following statements.

1. Mr. Umar was at home when the event occurred.
Where was Mr. Umar when the event occurred?

2. Yes, Mr. Umar saw the thief entering the neighbour’s house.
Did Mr. Umar see the thief entering the neighbour’s house?
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134 XI   ENGLISH Unit 4  Prose

3. Mrs. Umar was watching the movie while her husband was drinking water.
What was Mrs. Umar doing while her husband was drinking water?
4. The thief broke into the house while they were watching a movie.
When did the thief break into the house?

1. Questions Tags. Page: 121

A. Add appropriate question tags to the following sentences.

1. Cities are increasingly becoming urbanized. aren’t they?
2. They experiment with ways to improve air quality. don’t they?
3. The aim should be to reduce congestion. shouldn’t it?
4. There is an urgent need to provide clean, reliable and affordable energy to
their growing populations. isn’t there?
5. Automation and shared mobility will play a key role in this transformation. won’t they?
6. It changes the way people commute in cities. doesn’t it?
7. Before long, a fleet of electric autonomous vehicles (AVs) could drive people to
their destination. couldn’t it?
8. These shared AVs will run at higher utilisation rates. won’t they?
9. They can substantially reduce the cost of mobility and congestion. can’t they?
10. These should not be thought of as luxury but as necessity. should they?

B. Add appropriate question tags and role play the dialogue with your friend.
Jeyanth : Hello, Anish! It’s your physics exam today, isn’t it?
Anish : Yes. They have set a very long paper. Yet, I managed to finish the paper, didn’t I?
Jeyanth : True. My maths paper too was very long. I couldn’t finish it, could I?
Anish : I could not solve my paper properly, could I?
Jeyanth : Ok. Actually, my question paper was very easy, wasn’t it?
Anish : Mine wasn’t easy. I made a silly mistake, didn’t I?
Jeyanth : Tell me about your English paper, will you?
Anish : The story comprehension was very easy. I am sure to score more than ten marks on fifteen.
I wrote it very well. There wouldn’t be any mistake, would there?
Jeyanth : For me, my letter- writing was the best. I didn’t make a single mistake, did I?
Anish : Ok. I’ve got lots to study for tomorrow’s exam, haven’t I?
Jeyanth : Me too. So, see you later. All the best, bye.
Anish : Thank you. Wish you the same, bye.

WRITING Page: 122

A. Read the information in the table and answer the following questions.

No. Event Year Affected Area

1. Earthquake 2001 Bhuj, Gujarat
2. Tsunami 2004 Coastline TN, Kerala, A.P., A&N Islands, Pondicherry.
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Unit 4  Prose XI   ENGLISH 135

No. Event Year Affected Area

3. Floods July 2005 Maharashtra
4. Earthquake 2008 Kashmir
5. Floods 2008 North Bihar
6. Cyclone 2008 Tamil Nadu
7. Floods 2009 Andhra Pradesh & Karnataka
8. Cyclone 2011 Tamil Nadu / Cuddalore
9. Flash floods June 2013 Uttarkhand
10. Cyclone Oct. 2013 Coastline of Orissa & Jharkhand
11. Floods Dec. 2015 Tamil Nadu / Chennai
12. Cyclone Dec. 2016 Tamil Nadu / Chennai

1. What kinds of natural disasters have occurred before 2005?

Earthquake and tsunami occurred before 2005

2. Name the disasters that are common in India.

Floods and cyclones are common in India.

3. Mention the states often affected by disasters.

Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh are often affected by disasters.

4. List out the disasters that are common in North India.

Earthquakes and floods are common in North India.

5. Write three sentences on your inference about the data given.

India is prone to natural calamities. Almost every 3 years some part of India gets affected.
Our Government should be always ready to help people when they are affected by such natural
calamities.

B. Study the pie-chart carefully and answer the questions that follow.
Percentage of people who speak each language as their first language
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136 XI   ENGLISH Unit 4  Prose

1. Which language is spoken by most people? Page: 123

Most of the people speak Mandarin.

2. What are the Indian languages that rank among the top five spoken languages?
Hindi is the only language that ranks among the top five spoken languages.

3. Which are the languages that are spoken by less than three percent of people?
Hindi, Bengali, Portuguese, Russian, Japanese, German and Japanese are the languages that are
spoken by less than three percent of people.

4. With the help of the question and answers draw your own conclusions from the pie chart.
Then write a paragraph on the popular spoken languages.
Generally people are known by their mother tongue or the language which they speak. As per the
pie chart 12.44% of people speak Mandarin. Apart from this most of the people speak English and
Spanish. Only two Indian languages – Hindi and Bengali find their place in this pie chart. Some of
the languages are spoken by very few people when compared with other languages. For example,
Japanese and German are spoken by 1.80% and 1.33% respectively. The languages which appear in
the pie chart make for nearly 40% of the people.

Dialogue Writing

Read the dialogue between two friends on Pollution and complete the following story board
with an interesting conversation.
Mary : Shall we order fried rice?
Mani : No, Mary. It’s not good for health.
Mary : What’s wrong with it?
Mani : It will upset our stomach.
Mary : What about burger?
Mani : No, No. Such junk food is harmful.
Mary : Ok. You can place order.
Mani : Let’s take idlies. It is ideal for people of all ages.
Mary : Yea. My parents say the same-thing. They never allow me to take junk food lila pizza, burger,
fried rice etc.
Page: 125
Write conversations on the following situation.

i) Between two friends about uses and abuses of mobile phones.

Velu : Hi, Balu, is it a new mobile? It looks beautiful.
Balu : Yes, I bought it yesterday. It is an Android phone. It has many facilities.
Velu : Balu, do we use all the facilities? Basically a phone is meant for listening and speaking.
Are these facilities essential?
Balu : It depends on how we use it.
Velu : Do we use it or abuse it?
Balu : It is a good question. Again let me tell you we can use it properly if we want.
Velu : That is true. But we have many chances to misuse or abuse it.
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Unit 4  Prose XI   ENGLISH 137

Balu : I do accept it. If we have a facility like google in the phone, we can get many information
just with a touch. But if we go to some negative sites it is abuse. Who does it? Only
the person, not the mobile.
Velu : You say it depends on the individual to use it or abuse it.
Balu : Exactly. It is almost like a sharp knife. You should use it with care and caution. Without
any control, all bad things and confusion will surround you.
Velu : You are right Balu. The facilities are boons.
Balu : I am happy you understood my point.

ii) Between two friends about planting trees.

Bharathi : Hi, Mala, Tomorrow is your birthday, isn’t it? Anyway my advance birthday wishes.
Mala : Why, tomorrow will you not be here to wish me?
Bharathi : Surely I will be here. What’s big plan about your birthday?
Mala : Not much, I will call all my friends for a small party in the evening. I have planned to
plant some trees in the morning.
Bharathi : Yes, that’s a good idea. I’ll also join you.
Mala : I will be happy if you join me. Are you also interested in planting trees?
Bharathi : Of course yes. This is the only service we can do to the society.
Mala : You see, when we read certain reports about the future weather condition it is
really shocking. This situation is created by us – our generation and our previous
generation.
Bharathi : You are right. It is our bounden duty to do something for this. We cannot stop
Government cutting down trees for some development. What we can do is to plant
one tree when one is cut for development.
Mala : You are right. You have understood the situation well. If our generation do not take
this seriously we will find the life on earth very difficult.

iii) Between two friends about the importance of reading newspaper.

Abel : Hi, David, what do you have in your hand?
David : Newspaper for my father. Today the paper boy didn’t turn up. So I went to the market
and bought the paper.
Abel : Why is your father so particular about the newspaper?
David : Yes, everyday morning he reads the paper before he takes breakfast.
Abel : Do you think it is very important for us too?
David : Yes surely. That’s the only way to know about our society.
Abel : Now TV news is more than enough to know about that.
David : Newspaper reading not only gives you news. It improves your language. Some time
we may read the news which we know but reading will give an understanding of the
language.
Abel : That is very true.
David : Not only that, newspaper has many column writers who give their expert opinion on
certain issues like demonetization or GST. Such things have different angles.
Abel : True, when we read such items we will get to know them in a better way.
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138 XI   ENGLISH Unit 4  Prose

David : Moreover the newspaper gives opinion about movies, sports and other items. It gives
some opening to know what we can do after +2 and where we can study and which
course.
Abel : You are right. I will make it a point to read at least one news paper daily.
David : Good. Now my father will be waiting, I’ll go.
Abel : Ok, see you again.

iv) Between two friends about the uses of the internet.

Shiela : Mabel, what do you think about the internet?
Mabel : Why, it is an important invention of this century. Without internet we cannot have this
knowledge explosion.
Shiela : That’s true. I am thinking about the knowledge it spreads around the world. But at the
same time things like ‘Blue Whale’ pose serious problems.
Mabel : One way your concern is right. In everything we have something good and bad. What
you choose is important.
Shiela : You see without this internet our life will not be that easy. We send messages quickly
and big companies cannot have its business without internet. But when we think of an
individual who uses it, I have my reservations.
Mabel : Take for example a student. If he has some problem in understanding a concept in a
subject he has a chance to clear his doubt using the internet. He will go to the right
site and get it cleared. I will never say it will substitute a teacher.
Shiela : We will take the same example. We can’t say he will stop with clearing his doubts. You
mention the right site. If he is tempted to go to the other sites his mind will be spoilt
and may lead him away from the right path.
Mabel : In this modern world what is important is self-discipline. This world is a combination of
good and evil. It depends on the individual to take what he wants.
Shiela : I understand. Anyway it is clear we cannot live in this world now without internet.

v) Between a father and son on the choice of career.

Father : My dear son, you have completed your Higher Secondary Course. Now you are ready
for choosing your career. Your choice of course should be connected with your career
in the future.
Son : Yes dad. Since my childhood days I have been ‘aspiring’ to be an IPS or IAS officer.
Father : Then you have to write the entrance exam after your graduation.
Son : Yes dad. I have to select a course which will be suitable for this career.
Father : Any graduate course is ok. But you have to prepare for that from the first year itself.
Son : I understand dad. Should I take some course in Arts College or Engineering College?
Father : Engineering College will be better. Your analytical power will increase and that will help
you for the entrance exam. That’s why most of the present IAS and IPS officers are
engineers.
Son : That’s not a bad idea. But I have to spend four years to complete the course. If it is
from Arts College three years are enough to complete the course.
Father : But it is worth. Any way you have to join a coaching centre in the second year.
Son : Ok dad. I will follow your idea. I will join Engineering Course. Preferably I will select
CSE.
Father : Ok, we will choose the best college.
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Unit 4  Prose XI   ENGLISH 139

vi) Between you and a bookseller on buying books.

Bookseller : Yes, what can I do for you? Do you like to get some books?
Kannan : Yes sir, I am interested to get some personality improvement books.
Bookseller : We have plenty of books on this subject.
Kannan : Can I see some of them?
Bookseller : Sure, we have Robin Sharma series like ‘Leader without Title’, ‘Discover Your Destiny’,
‘Daily Inspiration’ and many more.
Kannan : Any other author?
Bookseller : Shiv Khera, Rhonda Byrne, Dale Carnegie and some more
Kannan : I am interested in Shiv Khera and Robin Sharma.
Bookseller : Ok, I will show their books to you. You can select.

vii) Between two friends on the benefits of early rising.

Usha : Hi, Uma, how are you?
Uma : I am fine, what about you?
Usha : I am also fine. When do you normally get up in the morning?
Uma : Yes, what happened? Why do you ask such a question now? I usually get up at 6.00
am.
Usha : You see, we say ‘early to bed and early to rise’. I want to know how far it is good for
us.
Uma : I really go with this. When we rise early we will have enough time to do our daily
chores. We need not be in a hurry.
Usha : You are right, but I find it difficult to rise in the morning. Even if I keep the alarm, I put
off and then sleep.
Uma : It happens in the beginning. Everything is a habit. If you do something regularly it will
become your habit.
Usha : If I realise that early rising will help me I can do this. I always have a doubt about it.
Uma : You can be sure that it will help you to put things in order. You will have a lot of time
to do your work at home. Moreover you need not be in a hurry to get ready to go to
college. You will have at least one hour in the morning to go through your lessons.
Usha : 6 am is not enough. We should get up at least 5.30. Now I am trying it. I will succeed.
Uma : I will also try to get up at 5.30 from tomorrow.

viii) Between two friends on an exciting cricket match.

Raja : Vinod, how was the IPL yesterday?
Vinod : Oh my God! It was really thrilling. CSK and MI are equal in strength. The match was
swinging from one team to another.
Raja : Did you think CSK would win?
Vinod : In the beginning I thought it was possible for CSK. But after 12 overs I was not sure.
Raja : We should give credit to Mumbai Indian team also. They played well and raised the
score to 201. It was a very challenging score in that ground.
Vinod : Very true. CSK openers gave some life to the match but after their fall it was difficult
to push the score. One time the asking rate was almost 12 per over.
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140 XI   ENGLISH Unit 4  Prose

Raja : When Dhoni came in I thought he would do his part well. But he disappointed us.
Vinod : But Bravo was sent at the right time. Fortunately he had enough overs to play his
shots.
Raja : Yes, he was the hero of that day. CSK won because of his incredible run chase.

ix) Between two friends on the importance of punctuality.

Prince : Hi, Abdul, where were you yesterday? I couldn’t see you in Kumar’s function.
Abdul : I am sorry, I had to take my uncle to hospital. I thought I could make it in time. It
crossed 6’o clock. Even if I tried I could make it only at 7. So I decided to stay back.
Prince : You could have come.
Abdul : No, the function must have started at 6. Then how could I come at 7?
Prince : Are you that particular about punctuality?
Abdul : Of course yes. I want to be punctual and I want others also to be punctual.
Prince : Abdul, that’s very good. We should be punctual in everything.
Abdul : We should never postpone things. You should start your work in time and finish it in
time.
Prince : But these days it is difficult to find people of that sort.
Abdul : That’s why we suffer in the society. If I postpone doing my work it will give trouble to
many people. In the same way because I am late many will be waiting for me. So
punctuality is very important for everyone.
Prince : I understand. Do you think we should be that punctual to attend a party?
Abdul : We should observe punctuality. It will give time to relax.
Prince : Abdul, thank you so much for impressing me on punctuality. I will try to be punctual
hereafter.

x) Between two friends on a picnic they enjoyed recently.

Sam : Suresh, how did you enjoy our picnic to Kodaikannal?
Suresh : It was wonderful. We should thank Balaji for having arranged everything perfectly.
Sam : You are right. From the vehicle to our food everything was wonderful.
Suresh : Did you like the game we had near the lake?
Sam : Of course yes. Everyone participated well.
Suresh : The boating was good. It was a new experience for me. I never had a chance to go
for boating.
Sam : I enjoyed the walk to the suicide point. The rock pillar was really good.
Suresh : The place we selected for eating our lunch was beautiful. We could see a lot of flowers
around there.
Sam : So everything went on well. Next year also we should arrange a picnic to a summer
resort.

]]]]
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Unit 4  Poem XI   ENGLISH 141

U MACAVITY -
N 4 THE MYSTERY CAT
I T S Eliot
POEM
T
About the Author
Author : Thomas Stearns Eliot (T.S. Eliot)
Born : 26th September, 1888 - St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
Education : Ph.D in Hardvard University.
Career :  Poet  Dramatist  Editor  Critic
Famous Works :  The Wasteland  ‘Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock’
 Ash Wednesday  Four Quarters  Journey of the Magi
 After Strange Gods  Naming of Cats  Murder in the Cathedral
Awards : Nobel Prize for Literature (1948)
Died : 4th January, 1965.

Warm Up Page: 126

A. A French proverb goes thus: ‘The dog may be wonderful prose, but only the cat is poetry.’ You
may have observed that all animals possess a number of unique qualities. Fill in the columns
with words and phrases associated with each of the following animals.

Dog Cat Wolf Elephant

faithful stealthy cunning mighty
Dog’s life Cat call wolf whistle elephant ear
Dog in a manger Let the cat out of the bag Keep the wolf from the door An elephant in the room

B. People admire some of these animal qualities. What are they? Have you noticed some of them
in yourself or in others? Share your views with the class.
l Faithfulness, love and care for the master are the important qualities associated with dog. Stealthiness
is associated with cat. Wolf is known for voraciousness whereas elephant is associated with might.
l I am loyal and faithful to my friends. They are also faithful to me. So we work together well. In my
neighbour’s behaviour I observe the cat’s quality namely stealthiness. Whenever a meeting of the
residents in our area takes place, he enters without others’ notice and leaves the place as stealthily as
a cat.

SUMMARY

T.S Eliot was an essayist, critic, playwright and poet of twentieth century. T.S Eliot, in his poem
‘Macavity – The Mystery Cat’ describes the mysterious qualities of a cat of villainous character. Macavity is a
tall and thin cat who is always up to some crime. He is too clever to leave any evidence of his guilt. He is an
enigma to every detective agency in the world including Scotland Yard and Flying Squad who are specialized
in investigating crime. There is never enough proof to arrest him and “he’s a mile away” from all crime spots.
Not only does he break the human law but also breaks the law of gravity. His brows are deeply lining as a
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142 XI   ENGLISH Unit 4  Poem

result of continuous planning of crime. Macavity has sunken eyes and “his head is highly domed”. He never
combs his whiskers. His movements resemble those of a snake. He spends his time plotting for his criminal
acts and planning how to carry them out. The poem accuses Macavity of misbehaviour, such as stealing milk,
but also holds him responsible for major crimes. He is referred to as a “fiend in feline shape”. He has been
suspected of vandalism, theft, cheating at cards, and spying. He has also controlled an organized crime with
Mungojerrie, Rumpleteazer and Griddlebone among the members.

GLOSSARY Page: 128

defy – to resist or to challenge

bafflement – total confusion
Scotland Yard – the headquarters of London Metropolitan Police Service
Flying Squad – a police force ready to plunge into action
levitation – the action of rising and floating in air
fakir – a holy person who lives on alms and has the power to levitate
ginger – alert and cautious
fiend – demon
feline – cat
depravity – evil quality
larder – cupboard for storing food
rifle – ransack to steal
Peke – a Pekinese dog
stifle – to suppress someone from acting
trellis – wooden bar used as a support for creepers
Admiralty – a Government Department that administered the British Navy
deceitfulness – cunningness
suavity – confidence and sophistication
alibi – a claim of evidence that one was elsewhere when a crime was committed

MEANINGS

mystery secret, furtive defy challenge

bafflement confusion despair dejection
levitation flying fakir a holy person
seek search sunken lowered
lined with full of domed arched
sways moves fiend demon
feline cat monster huge
depravity evil quality larder cupboard for storing food
rifled stolen Peke a Pekinese dog
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Unit 4  Poem XI   ENGLISH 143

stifled suppressed trellis wooden bar used as a

support for creepers
disclosed revealed scrap tussle, fight
suavity confidence deceitfulness cunningness
Napoleon of crime leader of criminals deed action

TEXTUAL EXERCISES Page: 128

A. Based on your understanding of the poem answer the following questions in a sentence or two.

i. What is Macavity’s nickname?

Macavity’s nickname is Hidden Paw.

ii. Why is the Flying Squad frustrated?

When the Flying Squad reaches the scene of crime they could not find Macavity. So it is frustrated.

iii. Which law does Macavity break? Page: 129

Macavity breaks the human law.

iv. What makes the fakir stare in wonder?
Macavity’s power of levitation makes the fakir stare in wonder.
v. Describe Macavity’s appearance.
Macavity is tall and thin and its eyes are sunken.
vi. Where can you encounter Macavity?
We can encounter Macavity in a by-street and in the square.
vii. Why does the poet say Macavity is outwardly respectable?
Mecavity is always preoccupied with some serious thoughts. His coat is dusty and his whiskers are
unkempt.
viii. Who does the Secret Service suspect when a loss is reported?
The Secret Service suspects Macavity when a loss is reported.
ix. What is Macavity expected to be doing after committing a crime?
He is expected to be relaxing happily or doing difficult division sums.
x. Mention any two qualities of Macavity.
Macavity breaks all human laws, It has power of levitation and it escapes from the scene of crime
immediately.
xi. Which two characters does the poet refer to as examples of wicked cats?
The poet refers to Mungojerrie and Griddlebone as examples of wicked cats which are mentioned in
the poet’s book ‘Old Possom’s Book of Practical Cats.’
xii. Why is Macavity called the ‘Napoleon of Crime?
Macavity is responsible for all the crimes that happen in its place. So it is called ‘Napoleon of Crime’
which means leader of criminals.
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144 XI   ENGLISH Unit 4  Poem

B. Read the poem once again and complete the summary using the words given in the box.

‘Macavity – The Mystery Cat’ is a humorous poem, where the poet T.S, Eliot describes the mysterious
(a) qualities of a shrewd vile cat. He commits a crime at every possible opportunity. He is an elusive master
(b) criminal who leaves no evidence after he commits a crime. Even the Scotland Yard, the London (c)
detective agency is unable to arrest him. The Flying Squad is (d) desperate because every time they rush to
the crime spot to seize Macavity, he is not there. He breaks the human law as well as the law of (e) gravity.
He baffles even a (f) fakir with his powers of levitation. Macavity appears tall and thin with (g) sunken
eyes. He is always preoccupied with some serious (h) thoughts. His coat is dusty and his (i) whiskers are
unkempt. Macavity is a (j) devil in the guise of a cat. He appears to be outwardly (k) respectable but his
actions disprove it. Macavity loots the (l) larder, ransacks the jewels-case and breaks (m) greenhouse glass
but wonder of wonders is he is not to be found anywhere there. He is always a mile away from the scene of
crime, happily relaxing or doing difficult (n) division sums. He is clever at making up an (o) alibi every time
he plots a crime. All the notorious cats are nothing but the (p) agents of Macavity, The Napoleon of Crime.

larder respectable devil sunken agents alibi fakir gravity

whiskers criminal thought division detective desperate qualities greenhouse

C. Read the poem and answer the following in a short paragraph of 8 or 10 sentences.
i. What are the mysterious ways in which Macavity acts?

Poem Macavity – The Mystery Cat

Poet T S Eliot
Theme Mysterious qualities of a shrewd vile cat

His powers of levitation would make a fakir stare,

And when you reach the scene of crime – Macavity’s not there

T. S. Eliot was an essayist, a critic, a playwright and a pioneering of the twentieth century. He won
the Order of Merit and received the Nobel Prize for Literature in the year 1948. In T.S Eliot’s poem,
“Macavity: The Mystery Cat”, he describes the mysterious qualities of a cat of villainous character.
Macavity is a tall and thin cat who is always up to some crime. He is too clever to leave any evidence
of his guilt. He is an enigma to every detective agency in the world including Scotland Yard and Flying
Squad who are specialized in investigating crime. There is never enough proof to arrest him and “he’s
a mile away” from all crime spots. His brows are deeply lining as a result of continuous planning of
crime. The poet accuses Macavity of misbehaviour, such as stealing milk but also holds him responsible
for major crimes. He has been suspected of vandalism, theft, cheating at cards and spying. He breaks
the human law as well as the law of gravity. He comes out with an alibi everytime he plots a crime.
Thus macavity acts in mysterious ways.

His brow is deeply lined with thoughts, his head is highly domed.

ii. Give an account of Macavity’s destructive mischief.

Poem Macavity – The Mystery Cat

Poet T S Eliot
Theme Mysterious qualities of a shrewd vile cat
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Unit 4  Poem XI   ENGLISH 145

And when the larder’s looted, or the jewel-case is rifled

Or when the milk is missing, or another Peke’s been stifled

T. S. Eliot was an essayist, a critic, a playwright and a pioneering of the twentieth century. He won
the Order of Merit and received the Nobel Prize for Literature in the year 1948. The poem accuses
Macavity of misbehaviour, such as stealing milk, but also holds him responsible for major crimes. He
is referred to as a “fiend in feline shape”. He has been suspected of stifling Pekes, vandalism, theft,
cheating at cards, and spying. After the crime he will not be found in the place; he will be miles away
from the spot of crime. He always keeps an alibi for his crime. He breaks the human law as well as
the law of gravity. He is always preoccupied with some serious thoughts. Macavity loots the larder,
ransacks the jewel-case and breaks greenhouse glass but wonder of wonders is that he is not found
anywhere there.

And when the loss has been disclosed, the Secret Service say:
‘It must have been Macavity!’ but he’s a mile away

iii. Describe the appearance and qualities of Macavity.

Poem Macavity – The Mystery Cat

Poet T S Eliot
Theme Mysterious qualities of a shrewd vile cat

Macavity, Macavity there’s no one like Macavity

For he’s fiend in feline shape, a monster of depravity

T. S. Eliot was an essayist, a critic, a playwright and a pioneering of the twentieth century. He won
the Order of Merit and received the Nobel Prize for Literature in the year 1948. Macavity’s brows are
deeply lined as a result of continuous planning of crime. Macavity has sunken eyes and “his head is
highly domed”. He never combs his whiskers. His movements resemble those of a snake. He spends
his time plotting for his criminal acts and planning how to carry them out. He is tall and thin. He is a
monster of depravity; he has all evil qualities. His coat is untidy and his whiskers are uncombed. He
breaks all human laws and he has the power of levitation. Moreover he is very cunning. He is an elusive
master criminal who leaves no evidence after he commits a crime. Even the Scotland Yard is unable to
arrest him. Macavity loots the larder, ransacks the jewel-case and breaks greenhouse glass but wonder
of wonders is that he is not found anywhere there.

He’s outwardly respectable. (They say he cheats at cards)

And his footprints are not found in any file of Scotland Yard’s

ADDITIONAL PARAGRAPH

Answer in a paragraph about 100 – 150 words.

1. What does T S Eliot say about Macavity, the Mystery cat?

Poem Macavity – The Mystery Cat

Poet T S Eliot
Theme Mysterious qualities of a shrewd vile cat
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146 XI   ENGLISH Unit 4  Poem

Macavity’s a Mystery Cat: he’s called the Hidden Paw

For he’s the master criminal who can defy the law

T.S Eliot was an essayist, critic, playwright and poet of twentieth century. T.S Eliot, in his
poem ‘Macavity – The Mystery Cat’ describes the mysterious qualities of a cat of villainous character.
Macavity is a tall and thin cat who is always up to some crime. He is too clever to leave any evidence
of his guilt. He is an enigma to every detective agency in the world including Scotland Yard and Flying
Squad who are specialized in investigating crime. His brows are deeply lined as a result of continuous
planning of crime. Macavity has sunken eyes and “his head is highly domed”.. He spends his time
plotting for his criminal acts. The poem accuses Macavity of misbehaviour, such as stealing milk, but
also holds him responsible for major crimes. He is referred to as a “fiend in feline shape”. He has been
suspected of vandalism, theft, cheating at cards, and spying.

He always has an alibi, and one or two to spare:

At whatever time the deed took place, MACAVITY WASN’T THERE!

D. Read the given lines and answer the questions that follow.
i. ‘Macavity’s a Mystty Cat: he’s called the Hidden Paw..’
a) Does the poet talk about a real cat?
In the poem it seems that he talks about a real cat. But he may mean a skilled and mysterious
thief.
b) Why is he called a Hidden Paw?
He is called a Hidden Paw because he is always hidden from the Scotland Yard and Flying Squad.
ii. ‘He’s a bafflement of Scotland Yard, Flying Squad’s despair Page: 130
For when they reach the scene of crime – Macavity’s not there!’
a) What’s Scotland Yard?
Scotland Yard is the headquarters of London Metropolitan Police Service. Here it means the police
head quarters of London.
b) Why does the Flying Squad feel disappointed?
The flying squad is disappointed because when they reach the spot of crime, Macavity will never
be there. So they cannot arrest him.
iii. ‘He sways his head from side to side with the movements like a snake
And when you think he’s half asleep he’s always wide awake……’
a) Explain the comparison made here.
Macavity’s movement of his head is compared to the movement of a snake, moving its head from
left to right and right to left.
b) What does he pretend to do?
He pretends to sleep.
iv. ‘For he’s a fiend in feline shape, a monster of depravity’.
a) How is the cat described in this line?
The cat is a demon in the shape of a cat and it is full of evil qualities.
b) Explain the phrase ‘monster of depravity’
Monster means huge and depravity means evil quality. So it means the cat is full of evil qualities.
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Unit 4  Poem XI   ENGLISH 147

v. ‘And his footprints are not found in any file of Scotland Yard’s’.
a) What seems to be a challenge for the Scotland Yard?
To find an evidence for Macavity’s crime is a challenge for the Scotland Yard.
b) Why do they need his footprints?
They need his footprints as an evidence to arrest him.
vi. ‘It must have been Macavity!’ but he’s a mile away’
a) What is Macaity blamed for?
Macavity is blamed for a theft.
b) Where is he?
He is one mile away from the spot of crime.

vii. ‘There never was a Cat of such deceitfulness and suavity’.

a) Which cat is talked of here?
Macavity is the cat which is talked of here.
b) How is he different from the rest?
In deceitfulness and confidence this cat is different from the rest. This is the most deceitful and
confident cat.

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS

Read the following lines and answer the questions that follow

1. ‘Macavity, Macavity, there’s no one like Macavity,

He’s broken every human law, he breaks the law of gravity’

a) Why is there no one like Macavity’?

There is no one like Macavity because he is a criminal who cannot be caught by the police.

b) Which human law does he break?

He breaks the law of gravity.

2. ‘Macavity’s a ginger cat, he’s very tall and thin;

You would know him if you saw him, for his eyes are sunken in’.

a) What kind of cat is Macavity?

Macavity is very alert and cautious.

b) What kind of eyes does he have?

He has sunken eyes.

3. ‘You may meet him in a by-street, you may see him in a square –
But when a crime’s discovered, then Macavity’s not there!’

a) Where is Macavity found normally?

Normally Macavity is found in cross-streets and square.

b) What is the specialty mentioned about Macavity?

Macavity may be found in the cross street or square but when a crime is committed he cannot be
found anywhere.
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148 XI   ENGLISH Unit 4  Poem

4. ‘Or the green house glass is broken and the trellis past repair
Ay, there’s the wonder of thing! Macavity’s not there!’

a) What are the crimes mentioned here?

The crimes mentioned here are breaking the glass of the green house and damaging the support
to the creepers.

b) What is the wonder of thing?

When the crimes like breaking the glass of green house and damaging the support to the creepers
are committed, Macavity, who is responsible for this, is not found anywhere.

TEXTUAL EXERCISES

E. Explain the following lines with reference to the context.

i. ‘His power of levitation would make fakir stare’

Reference :
This line is taken from ‘Macavity-The Mysterious Cat’ written by T.S. Eliot.
Context :
The poet wants to say that Macavity has some extraordinary powers.
Explanation :
He describes a notorious cat which cannot be arrested by the police. It breaks the human laws and
law of gravity. It has the power of levitation i.e. flying above. This power makes a holy man who has
the power levitate wonder at the cat .

ii. ‘And when you think he’s half asleep, he’ always wide awake’
Reference :
This line is taken from ‘Macavity-The Mysterious Cat’ written by T.S. Eliot.
Context :
The poet wants to emphasise that Macavity is cunning.
Explanation :
He describes about a notorious cat which cannot be arrested by the police. The cat is tall and thin and
its eyes are sunken. It moves its head from one side to the other like a snake. It is a deceitful cat and
it pretends to be sleeping. When we think that it is half asleep it will be fully awake.

iii. ‘And his footprints are found in any file of Scotland Yards’.
Reference :
This line is taken from ‘Macavity-The Mysterious Cat’ written by T.S. Eliot.
Context :
The poet says that Macavity has a way to cheat even Scotland Yard, the London detective agency.
Explanation :
He describes a notorious cat which cannot be arrested by the police. It is such an elusive cat, that
the police could not catch it though they are sure that Macavity is the criminal. It does not leave
any evidence of its presence in the spot of crime. The Scotland Yard Police never finds any proof of
Macaviity’s criminal activities.
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Unit 4  Poem XI   ENGLISH 149

iv. ‘There may be a scrap of paper in the hall or the stairs’.
Reference :
This line is taken from ‘Macavity-The Mysterious Cat’ written by T.S. Eliot.
Context :
The poet describes Macavity’s appearance.
Explanation :
He describes a notorious cat which cannot be arrested by the police. The poet wants to make it clear
that even if the police find some small evidence like scrap of paper in the spot of crime it is not possible
to arrest him. It is useless to try to catch Macavity because he will not be found in that palce.

v. ‘He always has an alibi, and one or two to spare’

Reference :
This line is taken from ‘Macavity-The Mysterious Cat’ written by T.S. Eliot.
Context :
The poet wants to say that Macavity has its own way of escaping from the crime he commits.
Explanation :
He describes a notorious cat which cannot be arrested by the police. Macavity has its own way of
escaping from the place of crime. He always has an alibi when he commits a crime. Alibi means a claim
that one was elsewhere when a crime was committed. Macavity is good at providing an alibi and has
some more alibis in store.

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS

Explain the following lines with reference to the context.

1. ‘His brow is deeply line with thoughts, his head is highly domed;
His coat is dusty from neglect, his whiskers are uncombed’.
Reference:
These lines are taken from ‘Macavity-The Mysterious Cat’ written by T.S. Eliot.
Context :
The poet wants to emphasise that Macavity is always in deep thoughts.
Explanation:
He describes a notorious cat which cannot be arrested by the police. He cannot be found anywhere by
the police when a crime is discovered. He is always with serious thoughts so his eye brow is with lines.
His head is doomed. His coat is dusty and his whiskers are unkempt. He is never worked about how
he looks outside.
2. ‘And when the larder’s looted, or the jewel-case is riffled,
Or when the milk is missing, or another Peke’s been stifled,’
Reference:
These lines are taken from ‘Macavity-The Mysterious Cat’ written by T.S. Eliot.
Context :
The poet mentions some of the crimes committed by Macavity.
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150 XI   ENGLISH Unit 4  Poem

Explanation:
He describes a notorious cat which cannot be arrested by the police. He is a known criminal. The
poet accuses him of stealing food from the cupboard, ransacking the jewel-case and small thefts like
stealing milk. He suppresses the Pekinese dog of the house from acting. Though he commits all these
crimes he cannot be found by the authorities.

3. ‘You’ll be sure to find him resting, or a licking of his thumbs,

Or engaged in doing complicated long division sums’.
Reference:

These lines are taken from ‘Macavity-The Mysterious Cat’ written by T.S. Eliot.
Context :
The poet emphasises that Macavity is seen in places different from the place of crime.
Explanation:
He describes a notorious cat which cannot be arrested by the police. He is a well-known criminal. But
when a crime is committed he will be a mile away from the spot of the crime. He will be found happily
relaxing or licking his thumbs or doing some difficult division sums. So it is not possible for the police
to connect him with the crime.

4. (I might mention Mungojerrie, I might mention Griddlebone)

‘Are nothing more than agents for the Cat who all the time
Just controls their operations: the Napoleon of Crime’.
Reference:

These lines are taken from ‘Macavity-The Mysterious Cat’ written by T.S. Eliot.
Context :
The poet brings the names of fictitious petty thieves.
Explanation:
He describes a notorious cat which cannot be arrested by the police. He is a well-known criminal. He
has been suspected of stifling Pekes, vandalism, theft, cheating at cards, and spying. He has also
controlled an organized crime with Mungojerrie and Griddlebone. He is called the Napoleon of Crime
because he leads the criminals as Napoleon led the soldiers in the battle successfully. Mungojerrie and
Griddlebone are fictional characters specialised in petty thefts and mischief in T.S. Eliot’s book ‘Old
Possom’s Book of Practical Cats’

F. Eliot has used many figures of speech to present the poem to the readers in an interesting way.
He has attributed human qualities to a cat in this poem.

i. Identify the literary devices used in the following lines:

a. He sways his head from side to side with movements like a snake.
Simile.

b. They say he cheats at cards

Parenthetical brackets.
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Unit 4  Poem XI   ENGLISH 151

ii. Give four instances where the poet has used alliteration in this poem.
Macavity is a Mystery Cat: he’s called the Hidden Paw
Macavity’s ginger cat he’s tall and thin
His brow is deeply lined with thought, his head is highly domed;
For he’s fiend in feline shape, a monster of depravity.

iii. What is the rhyme scheme used in the poem?

aabb.

iv. Pick out the pair of rhyming words used in the poem.

law - paw despair - there Macavity - gravity stare - there

thin - in domed - uncombed snake - awake Macavity - depravity
square - there cards - yards repair - there Macavity - suavity
astray - way Rifled - stifled thumbs - sums spare-there
known - Griddlebone time - crime stair - there say - away
spare - there air-there

G. LISTENING ACTIVITY

First read the following sets of limericks with missing words. Now, listen to them being
read out aloud by your teacher or played on the recorder. As you enjoy the absurd
fun, complete the verse with what you hear. You may listen to them again, if required.
Page: 131
I
A wonderful bird is the (i) Pelican.
His beaks can hold more than his (ii) belly can
He can hold in his beak
Enough food for a (iii) week!
But I’ll be darned if I know how the Peli-can?

II
There once was a (iv) bear at the zoo
Who always had something to do
When it (v) bored him, you know, to go to and fro,
He (vi) reversed it and went to fro and to.

III
There once was a (vii) cute little bunny,
Who I thought was sweet and (viii) funny
He ate all the carrots,
And looked at the (ix) parrots,
And that was my cute little (x) bunny.
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152 XI   ENGLISH Unit 4  Poem

H. SPEAKING ACTIVITY

a. ‘The phrase, `cat’s paw` originates from the fable ‘The Monkey and the Cat’. Explain how
Macavity contradicts the phrase ‘cat’s paw’.
‘Cat’s paw’ means a person who is used by someone else to achieve his end. One who acts does it, not
for him but for somebody else. Macavity does not use others for his crime. He is not used by others
also. He commits the crime for his own purpose. So he contradicts the phrase ‘cat’s paw’.

b. ‘When the mouse laughs at the cat, there is a hole nearby’. Explain the meaning of this
statement to your friends.
When there is a way to escape the mouse will also laugh at the cat. The mouse is sure that if the cat
jumps on him he can escape maybe by entering the hole which is close by. In the same way, if a weak
person is happily facing a strong man in a fight, it is clear he has a way to escape from him.

c. Compose your own limericks on an elephant, a peacock and a butterfly. Read it out to
your class.

Elephant Peacock

Elephants sleep standing up, Peacock is a sight for people to see

and can’t really drink from a cup. Multi coloured and muscular is he
They like a good bath, He has majestic walk
but are rotten at math, And entices others to talk
and eat from sundown to sun up. A true peacock he might really be

Butterfly
Woke up this morning ready to fly
Each day’s an adventure for you and I
Spread the coloured wings
Sweet songs to sing
Move around like a lady pretty

]]]]
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Unit 4  Supplementary XI   ENGLISH 153

U
N 4 WITH THE PHOTOGRAPHER
I SUPPLEMENTARY
Stephen Leacock

T
About the Author
Author : Stephen P. H. Butler Leacock
Born : 18th December, 1869 - Canada.
Education : Upper Canada College
Career :  Writer  Teacher  Political Scientist
Famous Works :  Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town  Arcadian Adventures
 With the Idle Rich  Economic Prosperity in the British Empire
 The Dawn of Canadian History  Moonbeams from the Larger Lunacy
 The Unsolved Riddle of Social Justice  My Discovery of England
Awards :  Governor General’s Literary Awards for English Language non - fiction
 Lource Pierce Medal
Died : 14th November, 1944.

Warm Up Page: 132

1. What are the occasions when photographs are taken?

e.g. birthday parties Valedictory functions

Wedding ceremony Tours
Graduation Day Cultural programmes
Inaugural functions School Annual Day

2. Why are photographs taken?

e.g. to freeze our favourite moments
For official purposes like passport, driving licence, voters’ ID
To show them to others
To relive the past experience
An evidence
SUMMARY

Stephen Leacock was a Canadian teacher, political scientist, writer and humourist. He in his
short story ‘With the Photographer’ describes his experiences at a photo studio. Once the author went to
a photographer. He wanted his photograph taken. The photographer looked at the author and said that
his face was quite wrong. The author accepted that he knew that his face was wrong. The photographer
added that it would look better if it was three quarters full. He also discussed various types of faces found
in the world.
The photographer wanted to take the best photograph and wanted to prove his skill. He took the
author’s head in his hands and twisted it sideways and looked at it. He didn’t like the author’s head. He
asked him to open the mouth and then close it. He felt that the author’s ears were bad so he asked him to
drop them a little more. He asked the author to roll his eyes under the eyelids, to put the hands on knees,
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154 XI   ENGLISH Unit 4  Supplementary

to turn the face little upward, to expand the lungs, to bend the neck and to contract the face. He wanted
the best feature and expression of the author so he took much time in all type of arrangements, suggestions
and criticism.
The photographer was continuously criticizing the author’s face as he felt that the face was not
appropriate for a photograph. The author felt humiliated. He couldn’t bear the insult anymore. He had lived
with it for forty years and he knew its faults. Though it was not beautiful, it was his face- the only one that
the author had. Thus because of humiliation and unfair comments about his face, the author was angry
with the photographer. As the author started to rise from the seat, the photographer took his photograph.
At that time the photographer looked pleased as he had caught the features just in a moment of animation.
On Saturday, the author went back to the photographer to see the proof. The photographer
showed his photo. Looking at it the author was surprised as the photographer made so many changes in
his eyes, eyebrow, mouth etc. He removed the eyebrows and retouched the eyes. The photograph didn’t
look like the author’s photo at all. So the author asked “is it me? The photographer was a strange kind of
person. He made so many changes in the photograph of the author’s face that it did not look like his own.
He removed the eyebrows and he had retouched the eyes. He wanted to fix ears all right in the print. There
was a process then for removing the ears entirely.
The author wanted a photograph that would have looked like himself. He wanted something that
would depict the face as God gave it to him. He wanted something that his friends might have kept after his
death to reconcile them to his loss. But what the author wanted was not done at all. The photographer had
almost changed the author’s eyes, eyebrow, mouth etc. The photograph never looked like the author’s face.
So angrily he asked the photographer to keep the photo for himself.

GLOSSARY Page: 135

drooping – bending animation – excitement

unwarrantable – illegal, wrongful beckoned – called
pursuits – quest superficies – surface / outer face
frantic – mad, desperate withering scorn – disapproving hatred
grave – serious depict – show, give a picture of
boundless – limitless reconcile – to comfort and heal
ceased – stopped emboss – cause to bulge out
trifle – bit bauble – a thing of no value
staggering – shaking or vibrating

TEXTUAL EXERCISES

1. Based on your understanding of the story, answer the following questions in two or three
sentences each.
a. Why did the author go to the photo studio?
The author went to the photo studio to get him photographed.
b. Describe the photographer.
The photographer was a man with a bend on his back. He wore a gray suit and he had dim eyes.
c. Bring out the significance of what Leacock was reading at the photographer’s.
He read some very old magazines like ‘Ladies Companion’, ‘The Girls’ Magazine’ and ‘The Infants
Journal’. All the magazines were old numbers and they had no connection with him.
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Unit 4  Supplementary XI   ENGLISH 155

d. Why did Leacock assume that the photographer was praying?

The photographer entered into the black cloth which covered the camera and then he was very quiet
there. So he thought he was praying.
e. How did the inner room get light?
The inner room received the sunlight that filtered through a sheet of factory cotton. It was hung
against a frosted skylight.
f. Why did the photographer take a long time to photograph Leacock?
The photographer thought that Leacock’s face was quite wrong and he wanted to get a good photo
out of it. He tried to make a lot of adjustments. So the photographer took a long time to photograph
Leacock.
g. What angered the author?
The photographer asked him to adjust all the parts of body like ears, eyes, hands, face etc. Finally he
said that still he did not like his face. This angered the author.
h. Why did the photographer feel happy after taking the photograph? Page: 136
The photographer was happy after taking the photograph because he could click the camera at the
right time with animation.
i. Why did Leacock visit the studio on Saturday?
Leacock visited the studio on Saturday because the photographer had asked him to come back on
Saturday to see the proof of his photo.
j. How did the author react on seeing his photograph?
The photo did not resemble him. So he asked ‘Is it me?’ He showed his unhappiness to the photographer.
k. What changes had the photographer effected on Leacock’s face in the picture?
The photographer had made changes in the eyes, eyebrows and the mouth.
l. What was the human side of the photographer?
The photographer suggested some ideas to make his photo look better. That was the human side of
the photographer.
m. Why was the photographer proud to receive Leacock on Saturday?
He was proud to receive Leacock on Saturday because he was about to show the photo in which he
had used his talents and knowledge to change certain parts to make it look better.
n. What was the only similarity between Leacock’s face and the photograph?
Only the ears in the photograph had similarity with his face.

2. Based on your understanding of the lesson, complete the sentence given below to make a
summary of the story ’with the Photographer’.
a. The narrator went to the photographer to get his photograph taken.
b. The photographer made the author wait for one hour.
c. While waiting in the studio the narrator kept reading some old magazines.
d. The photographer told him to come inside.
e. The narrator got angry because the photographer was going on criticising his face.
f. The photographer was pleased after the photograph had been taken.
g. He was called on Saturday to see the proof of the photograph.
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156 XI   ENGLISH Unit 4  Supplementary

h. On seeing the photograph the narrator was upset.

i. The photographer had made changes on his eyes, eyebrows and mouth.
j. The photographer did not look like the narrator.
k. The narrator was frustrated as the photographer had made many changes to make the photo look
better.
l. He left the studio saying that the photo was a worthless bauble.

3. Answer the following questions in a paragraph of 100 – 150 words.

a. Stephen Leacock’s visit to the photo studio turns out to be an annoying experience for
him. Discuss citing relevant instances from the story.

Leacock in a photo studio – get his photo taken – kept the camera – serious look – commented on his
face – instructed him – irritated Leacock – to get up – clicked the camera – made many changes – keep
photo for him

Stephen Leacock describes his experiences in a photo studio where he wanted to get his
photograph taken. The photographer was a drooping man who looked like a scientist. Leacock waited
for one hour and he was called inside. He kept the camera in the middle of the room and had a look at
Leacock. He looked very grave and shook his head. He said that his face was not good and Leacock
accepted it. He came out of the camera and adjusted Leacock’s head and hand. Even then he was
not satisfied. He asked Leacock to open his mouth and then close it. He said that the ears were not
good and gave a lot of instructions which irritated Leacock. Then Leacock angrily said that he was
living with his face so far and he loved it. As he was about to get up the photographer clicked and the
photo was taken. When he went to the studio again to see the proof, he was shocked to see that many
changes had been made to make the photo look better. Leacock came out of the studio angrily asking
the photographer to keep the photo for him, as it was a worthless bauble.

b. “To me it is a worthless bauble.” Why did the photographer’s touch of technical expertise
appear a worthless bauble to Leacock?

Leacock in a photo studio – get his photo taken – kept the camera – serious look – adjusted face – not
satisfied – commented on face – irritated – about to get up – clicked the camera – changed a lot –
looked better – no resemblance to him – explained changes – angry Leacock – keep the photo for the
photographer

Stephen Leacock describes his experiences in a photo studio where he wanted his
photograph taken. The photographer was a drooping man who looked like a scientist. Leacock waited
for one hour and he was called inside. He kept the camera in the middle of the room and had a look at
Leacock. He looked very grave and shook his head. He said that his face was not good and Leacock
accepted it. He came out of the camera and adjusted Leacock’s head and hand. Even then he was
not satisfied. He gave a lot of instructions to adjust his ears, eyes and mouth. Leacock was irritated
and said that he was happy to live with this face. As he was about to get up the photographer clicked
and the photo was taken. When he went to the studio again to see the proof, he was shocked to
see that many changes had been made to make the photo look better. The photo did not resemble
Leacock. The photographer explained that he had changed his eyes, eyebrows and mouth. They were
retouched to get a better look. He said that he used modern technology to do such changes. Since it
did not resemble him, it had no value for him. So it was a worthless bauble to Leacock. He asked the
photographer to keep it for himself and his friends.
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ADDITIONAL PARAGRAPHS

Answer the following questions in a paragraph of 100 – 150 words.

1. Describe Leacock’s experiences with the photographer?

went to photographer – face quite wrong – accepted – twisted the head – did not like head, mouth,
ears – wanted best features and expression – felt humiliated – clicked at the moment of animation –
went to see the proof – did not match himself – angry – lot of changes – left the photo with the
photographer
Stephen Leacock was a Canadian teacher, political scientist, writer and humourist. He in
his short story ‘With the Photographer’ describes his experiences at a photo studio. Once the author
went to a photographer to have his photograph taken. The photographer looked at the author and
said that his face was quite wrong. The author accepted that he knew that his face was wrong. He
took the author’s head in his hands and twisted it sideways and looked at it. He didn’t like the author’s
head, mouth, ears etc. He wanted the best feature and expression of the author so he took much time
in all types of arrangement, suggestions and criticism. The author felt humiliated. As the author started
to rise in anger from the seat, the photographer took his photograph in a moment of animation. On
Saturday, the author went back to the photographer to see the proof. Looking at it the author was
surprised as the photographer made so many changes in his eyes, eyebrow, mouth etc. So the author
asked “is it me? The photographer narrated the changes he had made. The photograph never looked
like the author’s face. So angrily he asked the photographer to keep the photo for himself.

2. Why did the photograph not resemble Leacock? Was he happy with the photographer’s
work?

went to photographer – face quite wrong – accepted – twisted the head – did not like head, mouth,
ears – wanted best features and expression – felt humiliated – clicked at the moment of animation –
went to see the proof – surprised to see the changes – angry – explained the changes – left the photo
with the photographer
Stephen Leacock was a Canadian teacher, political scientist, writer and humourist. He in
his short story ‘With the Photographer’ describes his experiences at a photo studio. Once the author
went to a photographer to have his photograph taken. The photographer looked at the author and
said that his face was quite wrong. The author accepted that he knew that his face was wrong. The
photographer was continuously criticizing the author’s face. As the author started to rise in anger
from the seat, the photographer took his photograph in a moment of animation. On Saturday, the
author went back to the photographer to see the proof. Looking at it the author was surprised as the
photographer made so many changes in his eyes, eyebrow, mouth etc. He removed the eyebrows and
retouched the eyes. The photograph didn’t look like the author’s face at all. He made so many changes
in the photograph of the author’s face that it did not look like his own. He removed the eyebrows and
he had retouched the eyes. He wanted to fix ears all right in the print. The author wanted a photograph
that would have looked like himself. He wanted something that would depict the face as God gave it
to him. But what the author wanted was not done at all. The photographer had almost changed the
author’s eyes, eyebrow, mouth etc. So the photograph did not look like the author’s face.

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