Object

Object 43
24
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22
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20
15
14
13
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11
10
25
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31
32
33
34
36
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42
9
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3

Object 16
Object 17

• The Last Lesson Important Questions Short Answer Type Questions (3-4 Marks)
Object 19

Question 1.
What was the mood in the classroom when M. Hamel gave his last French lesson? (Delhi 2009)
Answer:
When M.Hamel was giving his last French ; lesson, the mood in the classroom was solemn and sombre. When he
announced that this was their last French lesson everyone present in the classroom suddenly developed patriotic
feelings for their native language and genuinely regretted ignoring their mother tongue.
Object
Object18
2
1 Objec

Question 2.
What had the narrator counted on to enter the school, unnoticed? (Delhi 2010)

Answer:
The narrator (Franz) had counted on the hustle and bustle that was usual when the school began in order to enter
there unnoticed. He had thought he could depend on the commotion to get to his desk without anybody noticing
that he was late for the class.
Question 3.
“This is your last French lesson.” How did Franz react to this declaration of M.Hamel? (Delhi 2010)
Answer:
When M.Hamel declared that it was their last French lesson a grim realisation dawned on Franz that he had so
much more yet to learn. He felt sorry for whiling away his time and skipping his lessons. Now he did not want to
part with his books, which he had earlier consi¬dered a nuisance. He was also deeply pained at the thought that
M.Hamel was leaving.
Question 4.
“What a thunder clap these words were to me!” Which were the words that shocked and surprised little Franz?
(Delhi 2010)
Answer:
When M.Hamel mounted on the chair and announced that he was there to teach his last French lesson that day,
Franz was shocked and surprised. He felt very guilty for deliberately ignoring to learn his native language and he
suddenly developed a strange fascination for his language and his school.
Question 5.
What changes came over little Franz after he heard M.Hamel’s announcement? (All India 2010)
Answer:
When M.Hamel announced that this was to be their last French class a grim realisation dawned on Franz that he
could hardly write his language and now he was being deprived of the opportunity to learn it. He felt very guilty
of neglecting his classes and escaping school. The thought of losing his teacher, M. Hamel, also pained him.
Question 6.
What was tempting Franz to keep away from school That morning’? (Comptt. Delhi 2010)
Answer:
Franz was very late for school ‘that morning’. M. Hamel was to question the students on participles and Franz
knew nothing and feared a scolding. The bright weather, woods, fields and chirping of birds tempted him to
spend the day outdoors.
Question 7.
What was unusual about M. Hamel’s dress and behaviour on the day of his last French lesson? (Comptt. Delhi
2010)
Answer:
On the day of his last French lesson M. Hamel was unexpectantly kind. He had put on his beautiful green coat,
frilled shirt and an embroidered black silk cap that he normally wore only on inspection and prize days. In his
last lesson he explains everything with unusual patience as if he wants to teach them everything he has ever
learned in their last French class.
Question 8.
Why had the bulletin-board become a centre of attention during the last two years? (Comptt. All India 2010)
Answer:
The bulletin-board had become a centre of attention because for the last two years all the bad news had come
from there. It was the source of all bad news-the lost battles, the draft and the orders of the commanding officers.
Question 9.
What was Franz expected to be prepared with for the school that day? (Delhi 2011)
Answer:
Franz had started very late for school that morning. He feared facing his class-teacher, M. Hamel. Because he
was expected to be prepared with his grammar lesson on participles and he did not know even the first word
about them. So he feared a scolding.
Question 10.
What had been put up on the bulletin board? (Delhi 2011)
Answer:
A notice had been put up on the bulletin board informing the people about the order from Berlin which declared
that only German was to be taught in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine. They had also been informed that the
new German teacher was coming on the following day.
Question 11.
Who did M.Hamel blame for the neglect of learning on the part of boys like Franz? (Delhi 2011)
Answer:
Mr. Hamel blamed various people for different reasons for neglect of learning on the part of boys like Franz.
First he blamed the parents for not being anxious to have their children learn and rather engaging them into
household work. He blamed the boys themselves for preferring to work on mills and farms. He also blamed
himself for sending boys on errands for his convenience.
Question 12.
Franz thinks, “Will they make them sing in German, even the pigeons?” What does this tell us about the attitude
of the Frenchmen? (All India 2011)
Answer:
During his last French class Franz hears the pigeons cooing and wonders if the Prussians would make them sing
in German too. His thought reveals the Frenchmen’s fear of complete domination by the Germans whereby they
would try to enslave even their minds.
Question 13.
“What a thunderclap these words were to me!” – Which were the words that shocked and surprised Franz? (All
India 2011)
Answer:
When M.Hamel mounted on the chair and announced that he was there to teach his last French lesson that day,
Franz was shocked and surprised. He felt very guilty for deliberately ignoring to learn his native language and he
suddenly developed a strange fascination for his language and his school.
Question 14.
“What announcement did M. Hamel make? What was the impact of this on Franz? (All India 2011)
Answer:
When M.Hamel declared that it was their last French lesson a grim realisation dawned on Franz that he had so
much more yet to learn. He felt sorry for whiling away his time and skipping his lessons. Now he did not want to
part with his books, which he had earlier consi¬dered a nuisance. He was also deeply pained at the thought that
M.Hamel was leaving.
Question 15.
What did M. Hamel tell the people in the class about French language? What did he ask them to do and why?
(Comptt. Delhi 2011)
Answer:
M. Hamel told the people in his class that French was the most beautiful, the clearest and the most logical
language in the world. He advised them to guard it among themselves j and never to forget it because it would
prove to be the key to their prison when they were I enslaved.
Question 16.
What was the mood in the classroom when M.Hamel gave his last French lesson? (Comptt. All India 2011)
Answer:
When M.Hamel was giving his last French; lesson, the mood in the classroom was solemn and sombre. When he
announced that this was their last French lesson everyone present in the classroom suddenly developed patriotic
feelings for their native language and genuinely regretted ignoring their mother tongue.
Question 17.
What changes did the order from Berlin cause in the school? (Delhi 2012)
Answer:
The shocking order from Berlin that only German would be taught in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine
saddened and hurt the pride of the French people. So as a gesture to express their solidarity for their language the
village elders also attended school for the last French lesson. The usual hustle and bustle was missing from
school and it was unusually quiet. M. Hamel was also dressed in his formal suit which he wore only on special
occasions.
Question 18.
How did M.Hamel say farewell to his students and the people of the town? (All India 2012)
Answer:
To bid farewell to his students and the people of the town M.Hamel wore his formal suit on the day he gave his
last French lesson. He assumed the role of a mentor and advised the villagers to safeguard their language, which
was the most beautiful and logical language in the world. Being rimmed up with emotions, he wrote “Vive La
France” which mean Tong live France’ in order to inculcate a feeling of patriotism within everyone.
Question 19.
What were Franz’s regrets after M. Hamel’s announcement of his last lesson? (Comptt. Delhi 2012)
Answer:
When M. Hamel announced that it was their last French lesson, Franz realised he had so much more to learn. He
felt sorry for whiling away his time and skipping his lessons. He was also deeply pained at the thought of M.
Hamel leaving the school.
Question 20.
What change was there in Franz’ attitude towards M. Hamel? (Comptt. All India 2012)
Answer:
Franz’s attitude towards M. Hamel underwent a complete change on the day of the last French lesson. He
developed a strange fascination for his school and the French language. When M. Hamel read out a grammar
lesson to the class, Franz was amazed at how well he understood it. All M. Hamel said seemed so easy to Franz
and he genuinely regretted ignoring M. Hamel’s classes and lessons.
Question 21.
Why did M. Hamel not scold Franz when the latter fumbled with the rule for the participle? (Comptt. All India
2012)
Answer:
Since it was M. Hamel’s last class in Alsace, he did not scold Franz when the latter fumbled with the rule for the
participle. He told Franz that he would not scold him as he knew that Franz was already feeling terrible enough
and reproaching himself a great deal.
Question 22.
How did Franz react to the declaration that it was their last French lesson? (Delhi 2013)
Answer:
When M.Hamel declared that it was their last French lesson a grim realisation dawned on Franz that he had so
much more yet to learn. He felt sorry for whiling away his time and skipping his lessons. Now he did not want to
part with his books, which he had earlier considered a nuisance. He was also deeply pained at the though that
M.Hamel was leaving.
Question 23.
“What a thunderclap these words were to me !” What were the words that shocked and surprised the narrator?
(Delhi, Comptt. All India 2013)
Answer:
When M.Hamel mounted on the chair and announced that he was there to teach his last French lesson that day,
Franz was shocked and surprised. He felt very guilty for deliberately ignoring to learn his native language and he
suddenly developed a strange fascination for his language and his school.
Question 24.
What did M. Hamel tell them about the French language? What did he ask them to do and why? (Delhi 2013)
Answer:
M. Hamel told the people in his class that French was the most beautiful, the clearest and the most logical
language in the world. He advised them to guard it among themselves j and never to forget it because it would
prove to be the key to their prison when they were I enslaved.
Question 25.
What was the order from Berlin and what changes did it cause in the school? (All India 2013)
Answer:
The shocking order from Berlin that only German would be taught in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine
saddened and hurt the pride of the French people. So as a gesture to express their solidarity for their language the
village elders also attended school for the last French lesson. The usual hustle and bustle was missing from
school and it was unusually quiet. M. Hamel was also dressed in his formal suit which he wore only on special
occasions.
Question 26.
Why did Franz think of running away from the school that morning? (Comptt. Delhi 2013)
Answer:
Franz was tempted to run away and spend the day outside instead of attending school as it was a warm and bright
day and he wanted to watch the Prussian soldiers’ drill. Moreover he had not done his lesson on participles from
which his teacher, M. Hamel was going to question and feared a scolding from his teacher.
Question 27.
What did Franz see when he passed the town hall? (Comptt. Delhi 2013)
Answer:
When Franz passed the town hall he saw there was a crowd in front of the bulletin board. For the last two years
all the bad news of lost battles, the draft etc. had come from there and Franz thought to himself what the matter
was then and what bad news awaited them.
Question 28.
When Franz reached his school, what unusual situation did he observe? (Comptt. Delhi 2013)
Answer:
The usual hustle and bustle of the morning hours could not be seen on the day of the last lesson. It was all very
still and quiet as it used to be on a Sunday morning. The din of opening and closing of desks and the rapping of
the teacher’s ruler on the table could not be heard. The students had already taken their places and even the
village elders had gathered there.
Question 29.
After sitting down at his desk what unusual things did Franz observe about M. Hamel? (Comptt. All India)
Answer:
Franz realised that M. Hamel was not his usual cranky self and said nothing to him even though he was late for
the class. Moreover their teacher was wearing his beautiful green coat, his frilled shirt and the little black silk
cap, all embroidered, that he wore only on special days in school.
Question 30.
“But the thing that surprised me most was to see ” What surprised Franz most in the class? (Comptt. All India
2013)
Answer:
The thing that surprised Franz the most when he entered the classroom was to see the village people sitting as
quietly as the students on the back benches of the class that were always empty. This included old Hauser, the
former mayor, the former postmaster and several others.
Question 31.
What tempted Franz to stay away from school? (Delhi 2014)
Answer:
Little Franz was tempted to run away and spend the day outside instead of attending school as it was a warm and
bright day with the birds chirping merrily. Moreover, he was tempted to watch the Prussian soldiers’ drill. All
these things appeared rather tempting considering he did not know his participles and feared the French teacher
M. Hamel’s scolding on that day.
Question 32.
Why were the elders of the village sitting in the classroom? (All India 2014)
Answer:
The elders of the village were sitting in the classroom as a mark of respect which they wanted to show for their
language and their country. They felt sorry for not having learnt their language and wanted to thank M. Hamel
for his forty years of faithful service.
Question 33.
What words did M. Hamel write on the black¬board before dismissing the last class? What did they mean?
(Comptt. Delhi 2014)
Answer:
Before dismissing the last French class, M. Hamel turned to the blackboard, took a piece of chalk and wrote as
large as he could -“Vive la France!” These words meant “Long Live France”. He then made a gesture with his
hand that the class was dismissed.
Question 34.
Who were sitting on the back benches during M. Hamel’s last lesson? Why? (Comptt. Delhi 2014)
Answer:
The village elders were sitting on the back benches during M. Hamel’s last lesson. They included old Hauser, the
former mayor, the former postmaster and several others. They were there to show their respect for their language
and their country.
Question 35.
Why is the order from Berlin called a thunderclap by Franz? (Comptt. Delhi 2014)
Answer:
The order from Berlin is called a thunderclap by Franz, because it was a complete shock for him. He had never
thought that he would be deprived of the right of learning his native language. He realised he had so much more
yet to learn and was going to lose the opportunity.
Question 36.
Why does M. Hamel reproach himself for his students’ unsatisfactory progress in studies? (Comptt. All India
2014)
Answer:
M. Hamel reproaches himself for his students’ unsatisfactory progress in studies. He had often sent them to water
his flowers instead of learning their lessons. And when he wanted to go fishing, he gave them a holiday.
Question 37.
What made M. Hamel cry towards the end of his last lesson? (Comptt. All India 2014)
Answer:
Towards the end of his last French lesson, as the church clock struck twelve and the trumpets of the Prussians
sounded under the window, M. Hamel was completely overwhelmed with emotions. Feeling choked, he was
unable to talk further and dismissed the class by making a gesture with his hand.
Question 38.
What was unusual about M. Hamel’s dress on his last day in the school? (Comptt. All India 2014)
Answer:
In honour of his last French lesson in the school, M. Hamel had put on his fine Sunday clothes. He had on his
green coat, his frilled shirt and the little black, all embroidered silk cap that he never wore except on inspection
and prize days.
Question 39.
Who occupied the back benches in the classroom on the day of the last lesson? Why? (Delhi 2015)
Answer:
The village people occupied the backbenches in the classroom on the day of the last lesson. They included the
old hauser, the former mayor, the former postmaster and several others. They had come there to thank their
master for his valuable service and to show their respect for their language and country which was no longer
theirs.
Question 40.
Why did M. Hamel write ‘Vive La France’ on the blackboard? (Delhi 2015 )
Answer:
Before dismissing the class, M. Hamel writes ‘Vive La France’ (Long Live France) on the blackboard. He was
extremely patriotic and he does this to make the Alsacians conscious that they had to safeguard their language
and identity among themselves as this was the key to their prison.
Question 41.
“We’ve all a great deal to reproach ourselves with”, said M. Hamel. Comment. (Delhi 2015)
Answer:
M. Hamel blamed everyone for putting off learning till the next time and thus losing out on the opportunity to
learn their native language, French. The parents preferred to put their children to work on a farm or at the mills
so that they could earn more money. M. Hamel too sent them to water his flowers and gave them a holiday when
he wanted to go for fishing.
Question 42.
How did the order from Berlin change the situation in the school? (All India 2015)
Answer:
The shocking order from Berlin after the defeat of France shocked the French people. It declared that all the
schools in the two French districts of Alsace and Lorraine would now teach only German. This not only
saddened but also hurt the pride of the people of France. On the day of the French teacher M.Hamel’s last lesson,
even the village elders came to show their respect to him for serving the community faithfully for forty years.
The usual hustle and bustle too was missing from school and Franz found it unusually quiet as it used to be on a
Sunday morning. M.Hamel was dressed in his formal suit. Even though Franz reached late M.Hamel did not
scold him. He then went on to praising the French language at length by referring to it as the most beautiful
language. He called upon the French people to safeguard their language among themselves and not to forget it
ever.
Question 43.
Whom did M.Hamel blame for Franz’s inabil¬ity to answer his questions? (Comptt. Delhi 2015)
Answer:
Hamel blamed the parents who sent the children to work instead of sending them to school. He blamed himself
for making them water the plants and giving them a holiday when he wanted to go fishing. He also blamed the
students themselves for delaying the learning of their lessons thinking that there was plenty of time.
Question 44.
How did M.Hamel display his love for the French language? (Comptt. Delhi 2015)
Answer:
M. Hamel had great love for the French language which he had been teaching for forty years. For him it was the
most beautiful, most logical and clearest language. He wanted the French people to preserve it among
themselves and this would enable them to be free from foreign rule.
Question 45.
What was the bulletin board news that caused a change in the school? (Comptt. All India 2015)
Answer:
The bulletin board news that caused a change in the school was that, that day was going to be the last French
lesson for the schools of Alsace and Lorraine. The order had come from Berlin to teach only German in the
schools and their new German teachers would come the next day.
Question 46.
Who were sitting on the backbenches on the day of the last lesson? Why? (Comptt. All India 2016)
Answer:
The village people occupied the backbenches in the classroom on the day of the last lesson. They included the
old hauser, the former mayor, the former postmaster and several others. They had come there to thank their
master for his valuable service and to show their respect for their language and country which was no longer
theirs.
Question 47.
Why were people standing in front of the bulletin board in ‘The Last Lesson’? Why did Franz not join the
crowd? (Comptt. All India 2016)
Answer:
For the past two years the bulletin board had been the bearer of all bad news—the lost battles, drafts, orders from
the commanding officer. That day an order had come from Berlin that from the next day a new teacher would
teach German instead of French in the school. Franz could not join the crowd as he was already late for his class
and could not afford further delay.
Question 48.
Why did Franz not want to go to school that day? (Delhi 2016)
Answer:
Franz was tempted to run away and spend the day outside instead of attending school as it was a warm and bright
day and he wanted to watch the Prussian soldiers’ drill. Moreover he had not done his lesson on participles from
which his teacher, M. Hamel was going to question and feared a scolding from his teacher.
Question 49.
Why was Franz not scolded for reaching the school late that day? (Delhi 2016)
Answer:
It was to be their last French lesson that day. The order from Berlin allowed only German language to be taught
in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine. Hence their teacher, M. Hamel, was in a sad and sombre mood. So he did
not scold Franz for reaching school late that day.
Question 50.
What did Franz wonder about when he entered the class that day? (Delhi 2016)
Answer:
Franz wondered about a number of things when he entered the class that day. He wondered as to why he was not
given a scolding by his teacher, M. Hamel for being late, why his teacher was wearing his formal clothes which
he wore only on inspections and prize days and why the village elders were sitting on the backbenches in the
classroom.
Question 51.
Why were some elderly persons occupying the backbenches that day? (All India 2016)
Answer:
The elders of the village were sitting in the classroom as a mark of respect which they wanted to show for their
language and their country. They felt sorry for not having learnt their language and wanted to thank M. Hamel
for his forty years of faithful service.
Question 52.
“What a thunderclap these words were to me!” (Franz). What were those words and what was their effect on
Franz? (All India 2016)
Answer:
When M.Hamel mounted on the chair and announced that he was there to teach his last French lesson that day,
Franz was shocked and surprised. He felt very guilty for deliberately ignoring to learn his native language and he
suddenly developed a strange fascination for his language and his school.
Question 53.
How were the parents and M. Hamel respon¬sible for the children’s neglect of the French language? (All India
2016)
Answer:
M. Hamel blamed everyone for putting off learning till the next time and thus losing out on the opportunity to
learn their native language, French. The parents preferred to put their children to work on a farm or at the mills
so that they could earn more money. M. Hamel too sent them to water his flowers and gave them a holiday when
he wanted to go for fishing.
Question 54.
How is the title ‘The Last Lesson’ appropriate? (Comptt. Delhi 2016)
Answer:
The title ‘The Last Lesson’ is appropriate because it was M. Hamel’s last lesson and also the last French lesson
in the school. During the last lesson, the teacher, as well as all those who were attending it, were feeling
nostalgic and repentant.
Question 55.
What changes did the order from Berlin cause on the day of the last lesson? (Comptt. Delhi 2016)
Answer:
The shocking order from Berlin that only German would be taught in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine
saddened and hurt the pride of the French people. So as a gesture to express their solidarity for their language the
village elders also attended school for the last French lesson. The usual hustle and bustle was missing from
school and it was unusually quiet. M. Hamel was also dressed in his formal suit which he wore only on special
occasions.
Question 56.
How different did M.Hamel look that particu¬lar morning in ‘The Last Lesson’? (Comptt. All India)
Answer:
In honour of his last French lesson in the school, M. Hamel had put on his fine Sunday clothes. He had on his
green coat, his frilled shirt and the little black, all embroidered silk cap that he never wore except on inspection
and prize days.
Question 57.
What was M.Hamel’s regret on the day of the last lesson? (Comptt. All India 2016)
Answer:
M. Hamel’s regret on the last day of the French lesson was that they all had put off learning their language till
the next day and now most of them who claimed to be Frenchmen could neither speak nor write their language.
For this they all, including M. Hamel himself, had a great deal to reproach themselves with.
Question 58.
How different was the scene in the classroom on the day of the last lesson? (Comptt. All India 2016)
Answer:
The usual hustle and bustle of the morning hours could not be seen on the day of the last lesson. It was all very
still and quiet as it used to be on a Sunday morning. The din of opening and closing of desks and the rapping of
the teacher’s ruler on the table could not be heard. The students had already taken their places and even the
village elders had gathered there.
The Last Lesson Important Questions Long Answer Type Questions (5-6 marks)
Question 59.
What did the French teacher tell his students in his last French lesson? What impact did it have on them? Why?
(All India 2009)
Answer:
M. Hamel told his students that a new order from Berlin has declared that all schools of Alsace and Lorraine
would teach only German so this was going to be their last French lesson. This new order aroused patriotic
feelings in him and he, in turn, wanted to arouse similar patriotism in his students and the village elders. He
made them conscious of the glory and value of the French language and told them to safeguard it among
themselves and keep it alive at all costs as it was the key to their unity and liberation. Everyone listened to him
sadly but with rapt attention and respect. Even little Franz listened to his teacher’s words with a new-found
interest. He felt sorry that he had neglected learning French. Everyone from the village assembled in the class to
thank Mr. Hamel for his forty years of faithful service to the community.
Question 60.
How different from usual was the atmosphere at school on the day of the last lesson? (All India 2015)
Answer:
Acquiring power over the Alsacians made the Prussians so dominating that they even imposed their language on
them. This way the Prussians intended to dominate the hearts and minds of the Alsacians and wanted them to
even think in their language and thereby lose their complete identity. An order had been received from Berlin
that only German would be taught in schools of Alsace and Lorraine. So there was something unusual about the
school on the last day of the French lesson. The usual hustle and bustle was missing. Everything was ‘strange
and solemn’ as on a Sunday morning. The village elders were seated on the back desks.
M.Hamel, who had been teaching French at the school for the last forty years, was wearing his formal suit in
honour of the last French lesson. While delivering the last lesson, he called upon his students and the village
elders to guard the French language among themselves and never forget it, declaring French to be the most
beautiful language in the world. Franz developed a sudden fascination for school and the French language and a
sudden respect for M.Hamel. He wanted his teacher to stay and felt very guilty for having neglected his French
lessons as now he was being deprived of the opportunity of learning his language.
Question 61.
Everybody during the last lesson is filled with regret. Comment. (All India 2015)
Answer:
The one common feeling that fills each and every person who is present in the last French lesson is an acute
sense of regret. M. Hamel reproaches himself for putting off his students’ learning till the next day and sending
them to water his flowers instead of learning their lessons. He also gave his students a holiday when he wanted
to go fishing. Franz felt sorry for not learning his lessons and escaping school. He wished he had attended his
classes more often and even the thought of losing his teacher saddened him. The village elders occupied the back
benches of the class to atone for their guilt and express their regret for not having attended school regularly. They
were now showing their respect for the country that was theirs no more.
Question 62.
Our language is part of our culture and we are proud of it. Describe how regretful M.Hamel and the village
elders are for having neglected their native language, French. (Delhi 2016)
Answer:
The feeling of regretfulness for having neglected their native language, French comes quite late to M. Hamel and
the village elders. They realise rather late that their language is part of their culture and they should be proud of
it. It is only after they have been deprived of learning their language that they understand its value. The
imposition of German language made them suddenly realise the authority of their captors and they felt a loss of
freedom. So on the day of the last French lesson the village elders are seated on the back desks and M. Hamel,
who had been teaching French at the school for the last forty years, was wearing his formal suit as a mark of
respect for the last French lesson. M. Hamel expressed how they all had a great deal to reproach themselves for
as most of the people of Alsace could neither speak nor write French. Parents preferred to put their children to
work on farms or mills.
M. Hamel regretfully said how he himself sometimes sent his students to water his flowers instead of learning
their language lessons. While delivering the last lesson M. Hamel called upon his students and the village elders
to guard the French language among themselves, declaring it to be the most beautiful language tn the world.
Each one of them felt guilty for having ignored the French lessons.
Question 63.
Our native language is part of our culture and we are proud of it. How does the presence of village elders in the
classroom and M.Hamel’s last lesson show their love for French? (All India 2016)
Answer:
Acquiring power over the French made the Prussians so dominating that they decided to impose even their
language on them. So on the day of the last French lesson the village elders were seated on the back seats of the
classroom. They felt sad and sorry for not having gone to school more often. Their presence was also their way
of thanking their master, M.Hamel for his forty years of faithful service. M.Hamel himself had put on his fine
Sunday clothes in honour of the last French lesson. Assuming the role of mentor he advised the class to
safeguard and preserve their language among themselves and never forget it. He called French the most beautiful
and logical language in the world. By the end of the class M.Hamel was so choked with emotion and could not
speak so he took a piece of chalk and wrote on the blackboard “Vive la France!” (Long Live France) and then
dismissed the class.
Question 64.
Describe the atmosphere in the class on the day of the last lesson. (Comptt. Delhi 2016)
Answer:
On the day of the last French lesson the atmosphere in the class was strange and solemn. The school was as quiet
as if it was a Sunday morning. The teacher (M.FIamel) moving in the class with his ruler under his arm was
wearing his special dress for the last class. The elders of the village were sitting on the backbenches of the
classroom. All the students were studying with complete attention and the teacher was teaching with full
dedication. All this was due to an order from Berlin that from the next day German would be taught instead of
French by a new teacher. While delivering the last lesson, the teacher called upon his students and the village
elders to guard the French language among themselves and never forget it, declaring French to be the most
beautiful language in the world.
Lost Spring Important Questions Short Answer Type Questions (3-4 marks)
Question 1.
What does the writer mean when she says, ‘Saheb is no longer his own master’? (Delhi 2000)
Answer:
Since Saheb now works in a tea-stall, he is now bound to his master and feels burdened. The steel canister he
carries is very heavy as compared to his light plastic bag. The bag was his own and the canister belongs to his
master whose orders he now has to follow. So he is no longer his own master.

Question 2.
Is it possible for Mukesh to realize his dream? Justify your answer? (All India 2000)
Answer:
Mukesh’s determination is going to prove instrumental in helping him to realize his dream. His dream can
become a reality only if he is able to find a garage where he can be taken in as an apprentice and then he will
have to learn how to drive a car. He will then be able to graduate himself to be a good mechanic.
Question 3.
Do you think Saheb was happy to work at the tea stall? Answer giving reasons. (All India 2000)
Answer:
Since Saheb now works in a tea-stall, he is now bound to his master and feels burdened. The steel canister he
carries is very heavy as compared to his light plastic bag. The bag was his own and the canister belongs to his
master whose orders he now has to follow. So he is no longer his own master.
Question 4.
What does the title, ‘Lost Spring’ convey? (All India 2000)
Answer:
The title ‘Lost Spring’ conveys how millions of children in India lose out on living the ‘spring’ of their lives, that
is their childhood. The best phase of life is lost in the hardships involved to earn their livelihood. Poverty forces
these young children to work in the most inhuman conditions as a result of which they miss out on the fun of
childhood which hampers their growth.
Question 5.
Why does the author say that the bangle makers are caught in a vicious web?(All India 2010)
Answer:
The author says that the bangle makers are caught in a vicious web which starts from poverty, to indifferences,
then to greed and finally to injustice. Mind-numbing toil kills their hopes and dreams. They cannot organise
themselves into cooperatives and have fallen into a vicious circle of ‘sahukars’, middlemen and the police so
they get condemned to poverty and perpetual exploitation.
Question 6.
What does the writer mean when she says, ‘Saheb is no longer his own master’? (Comptt. All India 2011)
Answer:
Since Saheb now works in a tea-stall, he is now bound to his master and feels burdened. The steel canister he
carries is very heavy as compared to his light plastic bag. The bag was his own and the canister belongs to his
master whose orders he now has to follow. So he is no longer his own master.
Question 7.
Who is Mukesh? What is his dream? (Delhi 2012)
Answer:
Mukesh is a child labourer in a glass factory in Firozabad. Belonging to a family of bangle makers, he shows no
fascination towards bangle-making and insists on being his own master. He dreams of becoming a motor
mechanic. He desires to go to a garage and get the required training for this job.
Question 8.
Is Saheb happy working at the tea stall? Why/ Why not? (Delhi 2012)
Answer:
No, Saheb is not happy working at the tea stall. Even though, he now gets a fixed income of ?800 alongwith all
his meals, he has lost his freedom and his carefree days. He is no longer his own master and is bound and
burdened by the steel canister he now has to carry.
Question 9.
Why could the bangle-makers not organise themselves into a co-operative? (All India 2012)
Answer:
The bangle-makers are caught in a vicious web which starts from poverty to indifferences then to greed and
finally to injustice. Mind-numbing toil kills their hopes and dreams.
The bangle makers of Ferozabad were not able to organise themselves into a cooperative because they had got
trapped in a vicious circle j of the sahukars, the middlemen, the policemen, j the bureaucrats and the politicians.
Together they had imposed a baggage on these people 1 which they could not put down.
Question 10.
Mention any two problems faced by the bangle sellers.(Comptt. All India 2012)
Answer:
The bangle makers had to work in the glass furnaces with high temperatures, in dingy cells without air and light.
They are exposed to various health hazards like losing their eyesight as they work in abysmal conditions in dark
and dingy cells. They were also caught in a web of poverty, burdened by the stigma of caste in which they were
born and also caught in a vicious circle of sahukars, middlemen and policeman.
Question 11.
Garbage has two different meanings—one for the children and another for the adults. Comment. (Comptt. All
India 2012)
Answer:
For the children garbage has a different meaning from what it means for the adults. For the children it is wrapped
in wonder, their eyes light-up when they find a rupee or a ten-rupee note in it. They search the garbage excitedly
with the hope of finding something more. But for the elders it is a means of survival.
Question 12.
Why didn’t the bangle makers of Ferozabad organise themselves into a cooperative? (Comptt. All India 2012)
Answer:
The bangle-makers are caught in a vicious web which starts from poverty to indifferences then to greed and
finally to injustice. Mind-numbing toil kills their hopes and dreams.
The bangle makers of Ferozabad were not able to organise themselves into a cooperative because they had got
trapped in a vicious circle j of the sahukars, the middlemen, the policemen, j the bureaucrats and the politicians.
Together they had imposed a baggage on these people 1 which they could not put down.
Question 13.
How is Mukesh’s attitude towards life different from that of his family? (Comptt. Delhi 2013)
Answer:
Unlike his family Mukesh insists on being his own master. He dreams to be a motor mechanic which in itself is a
daring thought because he wants to break away from the family’s work of making bangles wherein his
forefathers have spent generations working around furnaces.
Question 14.
Why can’t the bangle makers of Ferozabad organize themselves into a cooperative? (Comptt. Delhi 2013)
Answer:
The bangle-makers are caught in a vicious web which starts from poverty to indifferences then to greed and
finally to injustice. Mind-numbing toil kills their hopes and dreams.
The bangle makers of Ferozabad were not able to organise themselves into a cooperative because they had got
trapped in a vicious circle j of the sahukars, the middlemen, the policemen, j the bureaucrats and the politicians.
Together they had imposed a baggage on these people 1 which they could not put down.
Question 15.
Why is Saheb unhappy working at the tea i stall? (Comptt. Delhi 2013)
Answer:
Saheb was unhappy while working at the tea- stall because he was no longer the master of his own life. He lost
his freedom and carefree look. He had to live and work under the instructions of the owner of the tea-stall. He
was not at liberty to go out and spend time with his friends.
Question 16.
Survival in Seemapuri means rag-picking. , Comment. (Comptt. All India 2013)
Answer:
Survival in Seemapuri means rag-picking. Over the years it has acquired the proportions of a fine art. For the
slum dwellers of Seemapuri, rag-picking is their daily bread, it gives them the roof over their heads and is the
very means for their survival.
Question 17.
It is ‘a tradition to stay barefoot ‘ What is the attitude of the rag-pickers of Seemapuri towards wearing shoes?
(Comptt. All India 2013)
Answer:
The rag-pickers of Seemapuri have different attitudes towards wearing shoes. One boy does not feel like wearing
shoes. Another boy who has never owned a pair of shoes all his life wants them. But the author feels it its not
lack of money but a tradition to stay barefoot for these poor people.
Question 18.
A young man in Ferozabad is burdened under the baggage of two worlds. What are they? (Comptt. All India)
Answer:
The two worlds that burden a young man in Ferozabad include one of the family, caught in the web of poverty,
burdened by the stigma of ” caste in which they are born; the other a vicious circle of the sahukars, the
middlemen, the policemen, the keepers of law, the bureaucrats and the politicians.
Question 19.
How is Mukesh different from the other bangle makers of Firozabad? (Delhi 2014)
Answer:
Mukesh was different from other bangle makers because he wanted to be his own master. He had a dream of
becoming a motor mechanic whereas other bangle makers did not even dare to dream but had accepted their fate.
Question 20.
What job did Saheb take up? Was he happy? (Delhi 2014)
Answer:
Saheb took up a job in a tea stall. Though he gets 800 rupees and all his meals, he is not happy and his face has
lost the carefree look. He is bound and burdened as he now has to follow the orders of his master and is no
longer his own master.
Question 21.
Why did Saheb’s parents leave Dhaka and migrate to India? (Comptt. Delhi 2014)
Answer:
Saheb’s home was set amidst the green fields of Dhaka. His mother told him that many storms had swept away
their fields and homes. For this reason his parents were forced to leave Dhaka and migrate to India, looking for
gold in the big city where they now live.
Question 22.
What is Mukesh’s dream? Do you think he will be able to fulfil his dream? Why? Why not? (Comptt. Delhi
2014)
Answer:
Mukesh’s dream is to learn to drive a car and become a motor mechanic. His dream is likely to be fulfilled
because one can sense a kind of determination in him to ensure the fulfillment of his dream. Though the garage
is a long way from his home he is willing to walk to learn despite the odds against him.
Question 23.
In what sense is garbage gold to the ragpickers? (Comptt. All India 2014)
Answer:
The rag-pickers of Seemapuri consider garbage as nothing less than gold. For the elders it is their only means of
survival as it provides them with their daily bread. For the innocent chil¬dren it is wrapped in wonder as they
marvel at the chance of finding a coin, a currency note or a curio that really thrills them and gives them a hope of
finding more elusive notes.
Question 24.
Whom does Anees Jung blame for the sorry plight of the bangle makers’?(Comptt. All India 2014)
Answer:
Anees Jung blames the family of the bangle makers, who are caught in a web of poverty, burdened by the stigma
of the caste in which they are born and the vicious circle of the sahukars, the middlemen, the policemen, the
keepers of law, the bureaucrats and the politicians for the sorry plight of the bangle makers.
Question 25.
To which country did Saheb’s parents originally belong? Why did they come to India? (Comptt. All India 2014)
Answer:
Saheb’s parents originally belonged to Dhaka in Bangladesh. His home, which was set amidst the green fields of
Dhaka, had been swept away due to the storms and that was when his parents had left their native place and
come to the big city in search of livelihood.
Question 26.
Most of us do not raise our voice against injustice in our society and tend to remain
mute spectators. Anees Jung in her article, l “Lost Childhood” vividly highlights the I miserable life of street
children and bangle makers of Firozabad. She wants us to act. Which qualities does she want the children to
develop? (Comptt. Delhi 2014)
Answer:
Anees Jung feels that there is dire need to provide these poverty-stricken children a life of dignity and respect.
This can mainly be done j through the medium of education, which will further provide them with opportunities
wherein they will be able to pursue their dreams. There is utter lack of compassion and concern for unfortunate
children like Saheb and Mukesh. They are caught in a vicious circle of poverty and exploitation. The author
wants all i children to become aware of their basic rights which will empower them and enable them to j organise
themselves into cooperatives whereby j they will not be ruthlessly exploited.
Question 27.
What does Saheb look for in the garbage 1 dumps? (All India 2015)
Answer:
According to the author Saheb scrounges for ‘gold’ in the garbage dumps. ‘Gold’ here infers . to items that are
valuable to him like used clothes, shoes, plastic scrap, stray coins or 1 currency notes. For children like Saheb, i
garbage is ‘wrapped in wonder’.
Question 28.
What did garbage mean to the children of Seemapuri and to their parents? (All India 2015)
Answer:
The rag-pickers of Seemapuri consider garbage as nothing less than gold. For the elders it is their only means of
survival as it provides them with their daily bread. For the innocent chil¬dren it is wrapped in wonder as they
marvel at the chance of finding a coin, a currency note or a curio that really thrills them and gives them a hope of
finding more elusive notes.
Question 29.
“It is his karam, his destiny.” What is Mukesh’s family’s attitude towards their situation? (All India 2015)
Answer:
Mukesh’s family have accepted their misery and impoverished condition as factors that have been ordained by
destiny. Years of depravation and suffering has made them accept their condition passively in the name of fate or
destiny. They feel that a God-given lineage can never be broken and have accepted bangle making as his destiny.
Object 44

Question 30.
Describe the irony in Saheb’s name. (Delhi 2016)
Answer:
Saheb’s full name is Saheb-e-Alam which means ‘Lord of the Universe’. But ironically Saheb is a poverty-
stricken ragpicker who scrounges the garbage dumps to earn his livelihood. His name is in complete contrast to
his miserable existence.
Question 31.
What does the reference to chappals in ‘Lost Spring7 tell us about the economic condition of the rag pickers?
(All India 2016)
Answer:
The reference to chappals in ‘Lost Spring’ tells us that the ragpickers were poverty-stricken. The fact that they
are not able to buy chappals reflects their extreme state of poverty because of which they are unable to buy basic
things.
Question 32.
How was Mukesh different from other bangle makers? (Comptt. Delhi 2016)
Answer:
Mukesh was different from other bangle makers because he wanted to be his own master. He had a dream of
becoming a motor mechanic whereas other bangle makers did not even dare to dream but had accepted their fate.
Question 33.
Why was Saheb unhappy while working at the tea-stall? (Comptt. Delhi 2016)
Answer:
Saheb was unhappy while working at the tea- stall because he was no longer the master of his own life. He lost
his freedom and carefree look. He had to live and work under the instructions of the owner of the tea-stall. He
was not at liberty to go out and spend time with his friends.
Question 34.
Which industry was a boon and also bane for the people of Firozabad? How? (Comptt. Delhi 2017)
Answer:
The glass-bangles making industry was a boon and also bane for the people of Firozabad. The industry has given
them a means of livelihood but the hazardous working conditions in the hot furnaces take a toll on their physical
health.
Question 35.
How are Saheb and Mukesh different from each other? (Comptt. All India 2017)
Answer:
Mukesh’s attitude towards life was different from that of Saheb. Unlike Saheb he was optimistic about his future
and so he dared to dream. He wanted to become a motor mechanic and also wanted to learn to drive a car. Saheb
lacked determination so he harboured no dreams or ambitions about his future.
Lost Spring Important Questions Long Answer Type Questions (5-6 marks)
Question 36.
The bangle-makers of Ferozabad make bea-utiful bangles and make everyone happy but they live and die in
squalor. Elaborate. (Delhi 2010)
Answer:
Through the story of the bangle-makers of Ferozabad, the author expresses her concern over their exploitation in
the hazardous job of bangle-making. Extreme poverty, hard work and dismal working conditions result in the
loss of the childhood of children who are in this profession. The working conditions of all bangle-makers are
pathetic and miserable. They work in high temperature, badly lit and poorly ventilated glass furnaces due to
which child workers especially are at risk of losing their eyesight at an early age and get prone to other health
hazards. The stinking lanes of Ferozabad are choked with garbage and humans and animals live together in these
hovels. There is no development or progress in their lives with the passage of time. They have no choice but to
work in these inhuman conditions. Mind-numbing toil kills their dreams and hopes. They are condemned to live
and die in squalor, subjected to a life of poverty and perpetual exploitation.
Question 37.
Why did Saheb become a ragpicker? What did j he look for in the garbage dumps? (Comptt. Delhi 2010)
Answer:
Saheb belongs to a Bangladeshi refugee family that migrated to Delhi from Dhaka in the wake of the 1971 Indo-
Pak war. Here he finds himself in a vicious circle of social stigma, poverty and exploitation. He represents a
growing number of refugee migrant poor population who are forced to lead a life of penury. This migratory
population settle on the periphery of big cities and start doing menial jobs to earn a living. Due to extreme
poverty Saheb’s parents are unable to provide for him and so he ends up picking rags for his own survival as well
as to support his parents. The author says that Saheb scrounges for ‘gold’ in the garbage. Anything valuable like
used clothes, shoes, bits of metal, plastic scrap, stray coins and currency notes can be termed as gold for them.
Question 38.
What change did Anees Jung see in Saheb when she saw him standing by the gate of the neighbourhood club?
(Comptt. Delhi 2010)
Answer:
Saheb was a poor ragpicker who later takes up a job at a tea-stall in an attempt to be a master of his own destiny.
But unfortunately this move further enslaves him. His new job replaces his light polythene bag with a heavy steel
canister.
It even deprives him of roaming around with his friends without a care in the world. Earlier, though he did not
have the security of a regular income, he had his freedom, and later he did have an assured income at the end of
the month but he had lost his freedom. He was no more a free bird and his own master. He appeared burdened
and forlorn. He was now a bonded labour who had surrendered his freedom. From being a spirited free bird who
was not answerable to anyone he has become bound. He lives in a society where there is utter lack of
compassion and commitment for the upliftment of these unfortunate children.
Question 39.
Describe the life of squatters at Seemapuri. (Comptt. All India 2010)
Answer:
Most of the squatters at Seemapuri were refugees from Bangladesh.
Also:
Most of the people like Saheb-e-Alam settled in Seemapuri were refugees from Bangladesh
who had fled their country and migrated to Delhi from Dhaka in the wake of the 1971 Indo- Pak war. Their
dwellings were structures of mud, tin and tarpaulin with no sewage, drainage or running water. Picking garbage
and rags helped them to earn their daily bread, gave them a roof over their heads and was their only means of
livelihood and survival. Though these squatters of Seemapuri have no identity but they do have valid ration cards
that enable them to buy grain. Living in Seemapuri, which is on the periphery of Delhi, is like living in hell.
Children here grow up to become partners in survival to their parents. An army of barefoot children appears
every morning, carrying their plastic bags on their shoulders and disappear by noon. They are forced to live a life
of abject poverty that results in the loss of childhood innocence.
Saheb, a ragpicker, roamed in the streets, scrounging for garbage, barefoot and deprived of education. Later he
starts working in a tea stall but he loses his freedom and carefree life as he is no longer his own master.
Question 40.
What does Anees Jung tell us about life at Mukesh’s home in Ferozabad? (Comptt. AT 2010)
Answer:
Mukesh’s father represents the underpaid, over exploited bangle makers of Ferozabad who is a victim of his own
caste and is caught in a vicious circle of Sahnkars, middlemen, politi¬cians and policemen. He leads a hand-to-
mouth existence in a shack with his family which includes two elderly parents, two sons and a daughter-in-law.
Lack of education and awareness, the stigma of caste and a vicious nexus of people who exploit them have killed
all initiative and drive in the young and the old. Time seems to stand still in Mukesh’s home in Ferozabad. There
is no progress and no development despite years of mind- numbing toil. All the labourers of Ferozabad are
victims of middlemen and touts. Their desire to dream and dare is snubbed in their childhood. They have no
choice but to accept their subservience silently as their spirit is broken and their initiative dormant.
Question 41.
Give a brief account of the life and activities of the people like Saheb-e-Alam settled in Seemapuri. (Delhi 2011 )
Answer: Refer to Question 49, Page 166
Question 42.
‘Lost Spring’ explains the grinding poverty and traditions that condemn thousands of people to a life of abject
poverty. Do you agree? Why/Why not? (All India 2011)
Answer:
‘Lost Spring’ does indeed highlight the miserable plight of thousands of poor people whose life is completely
marred by abject poverty and thoughtless traditions. They work extremely hard in the most pathetic conditions
and accept poverty and exploitation as their destiny. Through the lives of Saheb-e-Alam, a ragpicker, and
Mukesh, a bangle maker, the author highlights the vicious circle of social stigma and poverty which these people
are subjected to. Saheb and Mukesh also represent a growing number of refugee migrants and people who are
forced to live a life of penury. No one shows any kind of compassion or sensitivity to their pathetic plight and
there is also no initiative or commitment for the upliftment of these downtrodden people. Acute poverty, no
education and no infrastructural development has drained their energy and willpower and they have no choice
but to accept their destiny of inevitable poverty.
Question 43.
What circumstances forced Mukesh not to pursue his family business of bangle making? Instead, what did he
decide to do?
(Comptt. Delhi 2012)
Answer:
Mukesh dares to dream of a different life and decides not to pursue his family business of bangle-making. He
does not want to accept his life of misery in the name of destiny. Though he is born in a poverty-ridden family in
the caste of bangle makers he dreams of a better future. He wants to break free from the vicious circle of
sahukars and middlemen and carve a new beginning for himself by becoming a motor- mechanic. He knows
what it is like to work in glass furnaces that are neither well-lit nor well- ventilated. They are dingy hovels with
high temperatures. He has seen that the youngsters are weighed down by the baggage of generations of
subservience and have forgotten to dream of an alternative world. So Mukesh’s dream of going to a garage and
learning to be a motor-mechanic is an attempt to break free off the mind-numbing toil.
Question 44.
In 1971 Bangladeshi migrants came to Delhi ‘looking for gold in the big city’. What kind of life are they living
in Seemapuri now?
(Comptt. Delhi 2012)
Answer:
Most of the people like Saheb-e-Alam settled in Seemapuri were refugees from Bangladesh
who had fled their country and migrated to Delhi from Dhaka in the wake of the 1971 Indo- Pak war. Their
dwellings were structures of mud, tin and tarpaulin with no sewage, drainage or running water. Picking garbage
and rags helped them to earn their daily bread, gave them a roof over their heads and was their only means of
livelihood and survival. Though these squatters of Seemapuri have no identity but they do have valid ration cards
that enable them to buy grain. Living in Seemapuri, which is on the periphery of Delhi, is like living in hell.
Children here grow up to become partners in survival to their parents. An army of barefoot children appears
every morning, carrying their plastic bags on their shoulders and disappear by noon. They are forced to live a life
of abject poverty that results in the loss of childhood innocence.
Saheb, a ragpicker, roamed in the streets, scrounging for garbage, barefoot and deprived of education. Later he
starts working in a tea stall but he loses his freedom and carefree life as he is no longer his own master.
Question 45.
Describe the difficulties the bangle makers of Firozabad have to face in their lives. (Delhi 2015 2012)
Answer:
Through the story of the bangle-makers of Ferozabad, the author expresses her concern over their exploitation in
the hazardous job of bangle-making. Extreme poverty, hard work and dismal working conditions result in the
loss of the childhood of children who are in this profession. The working conditions of all bangle-makers are
pathetic and miserable. They work in high temperature, badly lit and poorly ventilated glass furnaces due to
which child workers especially are at risk of losing their eyesight at an early age and get prone to other health
hazards. The stinking lanes of Ferozabad are choked with garbage and humans and animals live together in these
hovels. There is no development or progress in their lives with the passage of time. They have no choice but to
work in these inhuman conditions. Mind-numbing toil kills their dreams and hopes. They are condemned to live
and die in squalor, subjected to a life of poverty and perpetual exploitation.
Question 46.
Describe the circumstances which keep the workers in the bangle industry in poverty. (Delhi 2015)
Answer:
Through the story of the bangle makers of Firozabad, the author expresses concern over their exploitation in the
hazardous job of bangle making and addresses the circumstances which keep the workers in poverty. They live in
stinking lanes, choked with garbage in homes. Their houses are hovels with families of humans and animals
coexisting in a primeval state. They cannot organise themselves into cooperatives. Their families are caught in a
web of poverty and in a vicious circle of the sahukars, the middlemen, the keepers of law, the policemen, the
bureaucrats and the politicians who impose on them a baggage which they cannot put down. They move in a
spiral from poverty, to apathy, to greed and to injustice.
Question 47.
How is Mukesh’s attitude towards his situation different from that of Saheb? Why? (Delhi 2015)
Answer:
Mukesh’s attitude towards his situation is different from that of Saheb. Mukesh is more of a rebel who dares to
be different and wishes to become a motor mechanic. Though, Mukesh too, like his community, is working in
back breaking, mind-numbing glass industry but unlike his peers, the spark in him has not extinguished. He
wants to break free from the vicious circle which his community has been caught in. Saheb, on the other hand,
has enslaved himself. By taking up work in the tea stall he is no longer his own master. The difference in their
attitude towards their situation can be attributed to the fact that Saheb is a rootless migrant from Bangladesh and
Mukesh is a citizen of India. Moreover, Mukesh dares to dream. The author too senses a flash of daring in
Mukesh and this is what makes his attitude a little more aggressive than Saheb.
Question 48.
“It is his karam, his destiny” that made Mukesh’s grandfather go blind. How did Mukesh disprove this belief by
choosing a new vocation and making his own destiny?
(Comptt. Delhi 2015)
Answer:
Mukesh disproved the belief of “his karam, his destiny” by choosing a new vocation in an attempt to make his
own destiny. He decided to become a motor mechanic. He mustered the courage to break free from the family
lineage of bangle making. He had seen his parents and others suffering because of the vicious circle of poverty
and exploitation that they were caught in. Mukesh was ready to walk a long distance to reach the garage to learn
the vocation of car mechanic. His determination is going to prove instrumental in helping him to realize his
dream. Mukesh dares to dream of a different life and decides not to pursue his family business of bangle-making.
He does not want to accept his life of misery in the name of destiny. Though he is born in a poverty-ridden
family in the caste of bangle makers he dreams of a better future. He wants to break free from the vicious circle
of sahukars and middlemen and carve a new beginning for himself by becoming a motor-mechanic. He knows
what it is like to work in glass furnaces that are neither well-lit nor well-ventilated. They are dingy hovels with
high temperatures. He has seen that the youngsters are weighed down by the baggage of generations of
subservience and have forgotten to dream of an alternative world. So Mukesh’s dream of going to a garage and
learning to be a motor-mechanic is an attempt to break-free off the mind-numbing toil.
Question 49.
What kind of life did Saheb lead at Seemapuri? (Comptt. All India 2016 )
Answer:
Most of the people like Saheb-e-Alam settled in Seemapuri were refugees from Bangladesh
who had fled their country and migrated to Delhi from Dhaka in the wake of the 1971 Indo- Pak war. Their
dwellings were structures of mud, tin and tarpaulin with no sewage, drainage or running water. Picking garbage
and rags helped them to earn their daily bread, gave them a roof over their heads and was their only means of
livelihood and survival. Though these squatters of Seemapuri have no identity but they do have valid ration cards
that enable them to buy grain. Living in Seemapuri, which is on the periphery of Delhi, is like living in hell.
Children here grow up to become partners in survival to their parents. An army of barefoot children appears
every morning, carrying their plastic bags on their shoulders and disappear by noon. They are forced to live a life
of abject poverty that results in the loss of childhood innocence.
Saheb, a ragpicker, roamed in the streets, scrounging for garbage, barefoot and deprived of education. Later he
starts working in a tea stall but he loses his freedom and carefree life as he is no longer his own master.
Question 50.
Describe the living conditions prevailing in Firozabad. Mention why the bangle making business does not give
bangle makers a comfortable life. (Comptt. All India 2016)
Answer:
Through the story of the bangle-makers of Ferozabad, the author expresses her concern over their exploitation in
the hazardous job of bangle-making. Extreme poverty, hard work and dismal working conditions result in the
loss of the childhood of children who are in this profession. The working conditions of all bangle-makers are
pathetic and miserable. They work in high temperature, badly lit and poorly ventilated glass furnaces due to
which child workers especially are at risk of losing their eyesight at an early age and get prone to other health
hazards. The stinking lanes of Ferozabad are choked with garbage and humans and animals live together in these
hovels. There is no development or progress in their lives with the passage of time. They have no choice but to
work in these inhuman conditions. Mind-numbing toil kills their dreams and hopes. They are condemned to live
and die in squalor, subjected to a life of poverty and perpetual exploitation.
Question 51.
‘Garbage to them is gold’. How do ragpickers of Seemapuri survive? (Delhi 2017)
Answer:
Garbage, for the ragpickers of Seemapuri, is considered to be nothing less than gold. Picking garbage helps them
to earn their daily bread, gives them a roof over their head and is their only means of livelihood and survival. For
the innocent children garbage is wrapped in wonder as they marvel at the prospect of finding a coin, a currency
note or a curio that sustains their hope. These children grow up to become partners in survival with their parents.
Seemapuri houses around 10,000 ragpickers mostly Bangladeshi refugees, who have lived there for more than
thirty years without an identity and without permits. These people live in mud structures with roofs made of tin
and tarpaulin. The ration cards that enable them to get their names on voters’ lists and enable them to buy grain
and garbage are their means of survival. Food is more important to them for survival than an identity.
Question 52.
“For the children it is wrapped in wonder, for the elders it is a means of survival.” What kind of life do the rag-
pickers of Seemapuri lead? (Comptt. All India 2017)
Answer:
Garbage, for the ragpickers of Seemapuri, is considered to be nothing less than gold. Picking garbage helps them
to earn their daily bread, gives them a roof over their head and is their only means of livelihood and survival. For
the innocent children garbage is wrapped in wonder as they marvel at the prospect of finding a coin, a currency
note or a curio that sustains their hope. These children grow up to become partners in survival with their parents.
Seemapuri houses around 10,000 ragpickers mostly Bangladeshi refugees, who have lived there for more than
thirty years without an identity and without permits. These people live in mud structures with roofs made of tin
and tarpaulin. The ration cards that enable them to get their names on voters’ lists and enable them to buy grain
and garbage are their means of survival. Food is more important to them for survival than an identity.

Deep Water Important Questions Short Answer Type Questions (3-4 Marks)

Question 1.
How did Douglas finally get rid of the fear he had of water? (Delhi 2009)
Answer:
The terror that seized Douglas because of his misadventure with water twice was so intense that he sought
professional help to overcome this fear. He engaged a swimming instructor who gave him intensive training for
six months to ensure he overcame his fear of water which he eventually did.
Question 2.
How did the incident at the YMCA pool affect Douglas? (All India 2009)
Answer:
Douglas, a ten year old boy, was standing alone at the YMCA pool when a big bully of a boy picked him up and
tossed him into the deep end and at once he was at the bottom of the pool. Though he did manage to come up
with extreme difficulty, he could never again go back to the pool. He started fearing and avoiding water.
Whenever he went near water a haunting terror would seize him.
Question 3.
Why was Douglas keen to overcome his fear of water? (All India 2009)
Answer:
Douglas was determined to overcome his fear of water because this phobia had ruined his fishing trips.
Moreover, he had also never been able to enjoy water sports like canoeing, boating, and swimming. He was
determined to get an instructor and learn swimming to get over his fear of water.
Question 4.
When Douglas realised that he was sinking, how did he plan to save himself? (Delhi 2010)
Answer:
When Douglas realised he was sinking he was frightened out of his wits and it was then that he decided to make
a big jump and come up to the surface. He thought of lying flat on water for some time and then to paddle to the
edge of the pool.
Question 5.
What did Douglas experience as he went down to the bottom of the pool for the first time? (Delhi 2010)
Answer:
When Douglas is pushed into the pool, he at once goes to the bottom of the pool. The nine feet deep pool appears
like ninety feet to him. He feels a sense of acute uneasiness and as if his lungs are ready to burst. Despite feeling
absolutely suffocated he makes desperate efforts for survival.
Question 6.
What sort of terror seized Douglas as he went down the water with a yellow glow? How could he feel that he
was still alive? (Delhi 2010)
Answer:
When Douglas went down the water with a yellow glow it was a nightmarish experience for him. His legs were
almost paralysed, his lungs were aching and his head was throbbing. He felt the thumping of his heart and the
pounding in his head and these made him realize that he was still alive.
Question 7.
Why did William Douglas develop aversion to the water when he was three or four years old? (Comptt. Delhi
2010)
Answer:
William Douglas developed an aversion to water when he was three or four years old. He stood at a beach with
his father when a wave Swept over him and knocked him down. He was buried under water and became
breathless. He was petrified and developed a permanent fear for water.
Question 8.
What misadventure did William Douglas experience at the YMCA pool? (Comptt. All India 2010)
Answer:
A misadventure at the YMCA pool wherein Douglas was thrown into the deeper end of the pool by a big boy
made Douglas afraid of water. He went down into the water three times but failed to come up. Though he was
ultimately saved, a terror of water developed in him as his lungs filled with water. His head throbbed and his legs
felt paralysed thus making him fear water permanently.
Question 9.
Why was Douglas determined to get over his fear of water? (Delhi 2011)
Answer:
Douglas was determined to overcome his fear of water because this phobia had ruined his fishing trips.
Moreover, he had also never been able to enjoy water sports like canoeing, boating, and swimming. He was
determined to get an instructor and learn swimming to get over his fear of water.
Question 10.
Why did Douglas go to Lake Wentworth in New Hampshire? (Delhi 2011)
Answer:
Douglas went to Lake Wentworth in New Hampshire to test whether he still had any fear of water. After his
vigorous swimming practice he was still not very sure if his terror for water had left him. So he wanted to try out
his swimming skills at Lake Wentworth. He dived into the lake and only after swimming across the shore and
back did he feel certain his terror of water had fled.
Question 11.
Which factors led Douglas to decide in favour of YMCA pool? (All India 2011)
Answer:
When Douglas decided to overcome his childhood fear of water he preferred to go to YMCA swimming pool to
learn swimming because it was safe. It was only two or three feet deep at the shallow end; and although it was
nine feet at the other end, the drop was quite gradual.
Question 12.
What did Douglas learn from his experience at the YMCA pool? (Comptt. Delhi 2011)
Answer:
His experience of drowning at the YMCA pool had a very deep impact on Douglas. He became extremely
terrorised and fearful of death. He had experienced both the sensation of dying and the terror that fear of it can
produce. So his will to live grew in intensity. He learnt slowly to become a swimmer brushing aside his fear
gradually.
Question 13.
Why was Douglas determined to get over his fear of water? (Delhi 2012)
Answer:
Douglas was determined to overcome his fear of water because this phobia had ruined his fishing trips.
Moreover, he had also never been able to enjoy water sports like canoeing, boating, and swimming. He was
determined to get an instructor and learn swimming to get over his fear of water.
Question 14.
Why did Douglas go to Lake Wentworth in New Hampshire? How did he make his terror flee? (All India 2012)
Answer:
Douglas went to Lake Wentworth in New Hampshire to test whether he still had any fear of water. After his
vigorous swimming practice he was still not very sure if his terror for water had left him. So he wanted to try out
his swimming skills at Lake Wentworth. He dived into the lake and only after swimming across the shore and
back did he feel certain his terror of water had fled.
Question 15.
What efforts did Douglas make to get over his fear of water? (All India 2012)
Answer:
Douglas was determined to get over his fear of water. He engaged a professional instructor who understood the
intensity of his fear and decided to not just teach him how to swim but ‘build’ a swimmer out of him slowly and
steadily.
Question 16.
Which two frightening experiences did Douglas have in water in his childhood? (Comptt. Delhi 2012)
Answer:
Douglas’ first frightening experience in water was when he was three or four years old. He was knocked down
by waves while surfing at California beach. He had been terror-struck at that time. Years later, his experience at
the YMCA pool revived unpleasant memories when an eighteen year old boy had hurled Douglas into the deep
end of the pool. Both these experiences led Douglas to develop a fear of water.
Question 17.
How did the instructor turn Douglas into a swimmer? (Delhi 2013)
Answer:
To ‘build a swimmer’ out of Douglas, the instructor began his training with extreme caution. He attached a rope
to a belt and put it around Douglas. The rope went through a pulley that ran on an overhead cable. Supported by
the cable, they went to and fro in the pool and practiced for weeks together. The instructor taught Douglas to put
his face underwater and exhale and to raise his nose and inhale. He then taught him to kick in water for many
weeks. Finally after seven months, the instructor told him to swim the length of the pool and Douglas’ persistent
fear started fading.
Question 18.
How did Douglas make sure that he conquered the old terror? (All India 2013)
Answer:
Douglas went to Lake Wentworth in New Hampshire to test whether he still had any fear of water. After his
vigorous swimming practice he was still not very sure if his terror for water had left him. So he wanted to try out
his swimming skills at Lake Wentworth. He dived into the lake and only after swimming across the shore and
back did he feel certain his terror of water had fled.
Question 19.
How did William Douglas’s aversion to water begin? (Comptt. Delhi 2013)
Answer:
William Douglas developed an aversion to water when he was three or four years old. He stood at a beach with
his father when a wave Swept over him and knocked him down. He was buried under water and became
breathless. He was petrified and developed a permanent fear for water.
Question 20.
Why did William Douglas use the YMCA pool and not Yakima river to learn swimming? (Comptt. Delhi 2013)
Answer:
Douglas used the YMCA pool and not the Yakima river to learn swimming because the river was treacherous His
mother continually warned him against it and kept the details of each drowning in the river fresh in his mind. On
the other hand the YMCA pool was safe, only two or three feet deep at the shallow end.
Question 21.
What happened when ‘a big bruiser of a boy’ tossed Douglas into the YMCA pool? How did Douglas plan to
come out? (Comptt. Delhi 2013)
Answer:
Douglas landed inside the pool in a sitting position, swallowed water and went at once to the bottom. He was
frightened but on the way down he planned how he would come out. When his feet would hit the bottom, he
would make a big jump, come to the surface, lie flat on it and paddle to the edge of the pool.
Question 22.
Which two incidents in Douglas’ early life made him scared of water? (Comptt. Delhi 2014)
Answer:
Douglas’ first frightening experience in water was when he was three or four years old. He was knocked down
by waves while surfing at California beach. He had been terror-struck at that time. Years later, his experience at
the YMCA pool revived unpleasant memories when an eighteen year old boy had hurled Douglas into the deep
end of the pool. Both these experiences led Douglas to develop a fear of water.
Question 23.
Why did Douglas prefer to go to YMCA swimming pool to learn swimming? (Comptt. Delhi 2014)
Answer:
When Douglas decided to overcome his childhood fear of water he preferred to go to YMCA swimming pool to
learn swimming because it was safe. It was only two or three feet deep at the shallow end; and although it was
nine feet at the other end, the drop was quite gradual.
Question 24.
What did Douglas feel and do when he was pushed into the swimming pool? (Comptt. All India 2014)
Answer:
Douglas landed in the pool in a sitting position, swallowed water and went at once to the bottom. Though he was
frightened, on the way down he planned that when his feet would hit the bottom he would make a big jump and
come to the surface.
Question 25.
How did his swimming instructor ‘build a swimmer’ out of Douglas? (Comptt. All India 2014)
Answer:
To ‘build a swimmer’ out of Douglas, the instructor began his training with extreme caution. He attached a rope
to a belt and put it around Douglas. The rope went through a pulley that ran on an overhead cable. Supported by
the cable, they went to and fro in the pool and practiced for weeks together. The instructor taught Douglas to put
his face underwater and exhale and to raise his nose and inhale. He then taught him to kick in water for many
weeks. Finally after seven months, the instructor told him to swim the length of the pool and Douglas’ persistent
fear started fading.
Question 26.
Why did Douglas’ mother recommend that he should learn swimming at the YMCA swimming pool? (Delhi
2015)
Answer:
Douglas’ mother recommended that he should learn swimming at the YMCA pool because it was safe. It was
only two to three feet deep at the shallow end; and while it was nine feet deep at the other end, the drop was
gradual.
Question 27.
How did Douglas remove his residual doubts about his fear of water? (Delhi 2015)
Answer:
To remove his residual doubts about his fear of water, Douglas went up the Tieton to Conrad Meadows, up the
Conrad Creek Trail to Meade Glacier. He camped in the high meadow by the side of the warm lake. There he
dove into the warm lake, swam across to the other shore and back just as Doug Corpron used to do.
Question 28.
How did Douglas’s experience at the YMCA pool affect him? (Delhi 2015)
Answer:
The drowning experience left Douglas weak and trembling. He was unable to eat that night and was haunted by
extreme fear for days. The slightest exertion would upset him, making his knees wobble and his stomach sick.
He developed a complete aversion to the swimming pool and this aversion stayed with him for years.
Question 29.
What lesson did Douglas learn when he got rid of his fear of water? (Comptt. Delhi 2015)
Answer:
After getting rid of his fear of water Douglas realized that ‘what one has to fear is fear itself’ and if he is able to
overcome that fear he can achieve anything he wants.
Question 30.
How did the instructor turn Douglas into a swimmer?
Answer:
To ‘build a swimmer’ out of Douglas, the instructor began his training with extreme caution. He attached a rope
to a belt and put it around Douglas. The rope went through a pulley that ran on an overhead cable. Supported by
the cable, they went to and fro in the pool and practiced for weeks together. The instructor taught Douglas to put
his face underwater and exhale and to raise his nose and inhale. He then taught him to kick in water for many
weeks. Finally after seven months, the instructor told him to swim the length of the pool and Douglas’ persistent
fear started fading.
Question 31.
How did his experience at the YMCA swimming pool affect Douglas? (Delhi 2016)
Answer:
The drowning experience left Douglas weak and trembling. He was unable to eat that night and was haunted by
extreme fear for days. The slightest exertion would upset him, making his knees wobble and his stomach sick.
He developed a complete aversion to the swimming pool and this aversion stayed with him for years.
Question 32.
What deep meaning did his experience at the YMCA swimming pool have for Douglas? (All India 2016)
Answer:
After his experience at the YMCA there was a haunting fear in Douglas’ heart. The experience of fear and death
and its conquest made him live intensely. Conquering fear made him realise the true value of life and helped him
enjoy every moment.
Question 33.
‘All we have to fear is fear itself.’ When did Douglas learn this lesson? (All India 2016)
Answer:
Douglas learnt this lesson after he had conquered his fear of water completely. He went to Lake Wentworth,
dived into the warm lake, and swam across to the other shore and back. He shouted with joy at finally having
con¬quered his fear of water and realized the meaning of Roosevelt’s words.
Question 34.
When did Douglas first become afraid of water? (Comptt. Delhi 2016)
Answer:
Douglas first became afraid of water when he was three years old and had gone to the California beach with his
father. He went under a wave for a few seconds and though he was not in any kind of danger, yet he developed a
fear of water.
Question 35.
When did Douglas’ dislike of water first begin? (Comptt. All India 2016)
Answer:
Douglas’ dislike of water first began when he was three years old and had gone to the Cali-fornia beach with his
father. He was knocked down by the waves which swept over him and he was buried under the water. His breath
was gone and he developed a fear of water.
Question 36.
How did his experience at the YMCA pool make Douglas feel scared of water? (Comptt. All India 2016)
Answer:
A misadventure at the YMCA pool wherein Douglas was thrown into the deeper end of the pool by a big boy
made Douglas afraid of water. He went down into the water three times but failed to come up. Though he was
ultimately saved, a terror of water developed in him as his lungs filled with water. His head throbbed and his legs
felt paralysed thus making him fear water permanently.
Question 37.
What shocking experience did Douglas have at YMCA pool? (Delhi 2017)
Answer:
A misadventure at the YMCA pool wherein Douglas was thrown into the deeper end of the pool by a big boy
made Douglas afraid of water. He went down into the water three times but failed to come up. Though he was
ultimately saved, a terror of water developed in him as his lungs filled with water. His head throbbed and his legs
felt paralysed thus making him fear water permanently.
Question 38.
Why did Douglas fail to come to the surface of the pool as he hoped to? (All India 2017)
Answer:
Douglas had hoped that when his feet hit the bottom of the pool, he would make a big jump and come to the
surface but before he touched the bottom his lungs were ready to burst. Then when his feet hit the bottom and he
summoned up all his strength to spring upwards, he came up slowly and saw nothing but water.
Question 39.
How did Douglas’ introduction to YMCA pool revive his childhood fear of water? (All India 2017)
Answer:
Douglas’ introduction to the YMCA swimming pool revived unpleasant memories and stirred his childish fears
when he was knocked down and swept over by the waves in a beach in Cali¬fornia and had been buried in water.
Thereafter he had an aversion to water when he was near it.
Question 40.
When did Douglas first start fearing water? (Comptt. All India 2017)
Answer:
Douglas first became afraid of water when he was three years old and had gone to the California beach with his
father. He went under a wave for a few seconds and though he was not in any kind of danger, yet he developed a
fear of water.
Question 41.
What was the deep fear in William Douglas’ mind? How did he get over it? (Comptt. AI 2017)
Answer:
William Douglas had a deep fear of water. Douglas had to resort to professional assistance to overcome his fear
of water. He employed an instructor to teach him how to swim. He practiced five days a week, an hour each day
with the instructor and piece by piece the instructor built a swimmer out of Douglas.
Question 42.
What happened to Douglas at the YMCA pool?
Answer:
As Douglas was sitting on the side of the YMCA pool waiting for others, a boy who was around eighteen years
old came there and yelled, ‘Hi, Skinny! How’d you like to be ducked?” saying this, he picked up Douglas and
tossed him into the deep end of the pool.
Deep Water Important Questions Long Answer Type Questions (5-6 MARKS)
Question 43.
” There was terror in my heart at the overpowering force of the waves.” When did Douglas start fearing water?
Which experience had further strengthened its hold on his mind and personality? (All India 2010)
Answer:
As a child of three or four years, Douglas had been knocked down by the waves at California beach. The waves
swept over him and he was buried under them. The overpowering force of water terrorized him and he developed
an aversion for water. This aversion to water resurfaced once again when Douglas was eleven years old and
further strengthened its hold on his mind and personality. An eighteen years old boy tossed little Douglas into the
deep end of the pool. This downward journey into water for the second time was a nightmarish experience. His
legs were almost paralysed, his lungs ached, his head throbbed and he felt suffocated. Keeping his wits intact, he
pushed himself up to the surface of the swimming pool but all his efforts proved futile. Finally when he came to
his senses he was lying on his stomach beside the pool. Now the haunting fear of water gripped his heart and he
continued to be mortally scared of water for a very long time.
Question 44.
How did Douglas develop an aversion to water? (Delhi 2011)
Answer:
When Douglas was three or four years old, his father had taken him to the beach in California. As he and his
father had stood together in the surf, the waves had knocked him down and swept over him. He was buried in
water. His breath was gone and he was frightened. Then, when he was about ten or eleven years old and had
decided to learn to swim, he had gone to the YMCA pool. There an eighteen year old boy picked him up and
tossed him into the deep end of the pool. After this incident he never went back to the pool. He developed a fear
of water and avoided it whenever he could. Even when he went wading or boating in water the terror that had
seized him during these experi¬ences would come back and take possession of him completely. His legs would
become paralysed and icy horror would grab his heart.
Question 45.
How did Douglas try to save himself from drowning in the YMCA pool? (Delhi 2011)
Answer:
When his feet hit the bottom of the pool Douglas summoned up all his strength and made a great spring upwards
thinking he would bob to the surface like a cork. But when nothing like that happened Douglas tried to yell but
no sound came out. Now a great force was pulling him under. He was paralysed under water stiff and rigid with
fear. Then in the midst of the terror came a touch of reason that he should remember to jump when he hit the
bottom. As soon as he felt the tiles under him he reached out his toes towards them and jumped again with all his
strength. Yet again the jump did not make any difference. The water was still around him. Stark terror took an
even deeper hold on him and he shook and trembled with fright. He could not move his arms and legs. He tried
to call for help but nothing happened. Finally he ceased all his efforts and decided to relax as blackness swept
over his brain.
Question 46.
How did the instructor make Douglas a good swimmer? (All India 2011)
Answer:
The instructor put in serious efforts to ‘build a swimmer’ out of Douglas. He understood Douglas’ mortal water-
phobia and practiced five days a week, an hour each day, with him. He devised a unique way to teach him how to
swim. He attached a rope to Douglas’ belt that went through a pulley which ran over an overhead cable. Holding
the end of the rope in his hand, he made Douglas move back and forth in the pool without causing him much
fear. Douglas was taught how to exhale under water and raise his nose to inhale.
This exercise was repeated numerous times and they went to and fro across the pool week after week. The
instructor then taught Douglas to kick with his legs. At first his legs would not work but finally he was able to
control and command them. Finally he was transformed into quite a perfect swimmer by his instructor.
Question 47.
What horrific experiences did Douglas have in his childhood? What impact did they have on him? (Comptt. All
India 2011)
Answer:
When Douglas was three or four years old, his father had taken him to the beach in California. As he and his
father had stood together in the surf, the waves had knocked him down and swept over him. He was buried in
water. His breath was gone and he was frightened. Then, when he was about ten or eleven years old and had
decided to learn to swim, he had gone to the YMCA pool. There an eighteen year old boy picked him up and
tossed him into the deep end of the pool. After this incident he never went back to the pool. He developed a fear
of water and avoided it whenever he could. Even when he went wading or boating in water the terror that had
seized him during these experi¬ences would come back and take possession of him completely. His legs would
become paralysed and icy horror would grab his heart.
Question 48.
What misadventure did Douglas experience at the YMCA swimming pool? (Comptt. All India 2013)
Answer:
As the timid Douglas sat alone at the side of the YMCA swimming pool waiting for other people to come, a big
bruiser of a boy, probably eighteen years old came there. He asked Douglas whether he would like to be ducked.
Saying this he picked up Douglas and tossed him into the deep end of the pool. Douglas landed inside the pool in
a sitting position, swallowed water and went at once to the bottom of the pool. Though Douglas was extremely
frightened he had his wits intact so on his way down he started to plan. He decided that when his feet would hit
the bottom he would make a big jump, come to the surface, lie flat on it and then paddle to the edge of the pool.
At that moment the nine feet deep pool seemed like ninety feet to him and before he touched the bottom he felt
his lungs were ready to burst.
Question 49.
Describe the efforts made by Douglas to save himself from drowning in the YMCA swimming pool. (Comptt.
All India 2013)
Answer:
Douglas was picked up and tossed into the deep end of the YMCA swimming pool. At that time those nine feet
seemed a long way down. As his feet hit the bottom he summoned all his strength and made an upward spring.
He came up slowly, opened his eyes and saw only water. He reached up as if to grab a rope and his hands
clutched only at water. He flailed at the surface of the water, swallowed and choked. He tried to bring up his legs
but they hung as if paralysed. He again started on a journey back to the bottom of the pool.
Then he remembered the strategy —he would spring from the bottom of the pool and come like a cork to the
surface. He would lie flat on the water, strike out with his arms and thrash with his legs. Then he would get to the
edge of the pool and be safe. Yet again the jump made no difference and finally Douglas ceased all efforts and
relaxed as blockness swept over his brain.
Question 50.
How did Douglas’s experience at the YMCA pool affect him and how did he overcome his fear of water?
(Comptt. All India 2013)
Answer:
The big bully of a boy found Douglas alone at the pool. He picked him up and tossed him into the deep end of
the pool. Douglas was thrown at the bottom of the pool and feared that he would be drowned. This
‘misadventure’ caused Douglas a lot of trouble and agony. He developed an aversion to water as he experienced
a series of fears and emotions. Icy horror grabbed his heart and made him panicky. This experience had a lasting
effect on Douglas. It deprived him of the joys of boating and swimming. This fear of water ruined his fishing
trips. He never went back to the pool. This fear of water stayed with him as the years rolled by.
Whenever he tried to enter water, he was seized by fear. Wherever he went his joys of fishing, boating and
swimming were ruined. This fear of deep waters stayed with him for years and firmly held him in its grip.
Douglas had to resort to professional assistance to overcome his fear of water. He employed an instructor to
teach him how to swim. He practiced five days a week, an hour each day with the instructor and piece by piece
the instructor built a swimmer out of Douglas.
Question 51.
The story “Deep Water” has made you realize that with determination and perseverance one can accomplish the
impossible. Write a paragraph in about 100 words on how a positive attitude and courage will aid you to achieve
success in life. (Delhi 2014)
Answer:
Douglas was afraid of water from a very young age. His misadventure at the YMCA pool further increased his
water phobia. He was unable to enjoy fishing and boating trips. Finally he decided he had to overcome his fear.
He could not do it without seeking professional help, so he appointed an instructor who gradually made him an
excellent swimmer. Still Douglas was not satisfied. He made use of every opportunity to swim and dive in water
thus challenging his fear. He was able to overcome his fear completely and this led him to make the statement
that what one is afraid of is fear itself and if we are able to overcome that fear then we can achieve anything in
life.
Question 52.
Desire, determination and diligence lead to success. Explain the value of these qualities in the light of Douglas’
experience in “Deep Water”. (Comptt. All India 2014)
Answer:
Determination and perseverance is a combination of attributes and abilities that drive people to set goals for
themselves and then to take the initiative to achieve these goals. Douglas was able to overcome his fear of water
by the values of positive attitude and courage. Initially he was afraid of water but his grit and determination
made him get an instructor and overcome his fear. Determination today leads to our success tomorrow. It is that
innate quality in our soul, which comes to surface when an incident irks it. It is a reflection of our values taught
to us by society and circumstances and enables us to overcome all obstacles.
There is always admiration for heroes like William Douglas who face challenges courageously and finally
emerge successful. For years the fear of water haunted him. It deprived him of the joy of canoeing, swimming,
fishing and boating. However, it was deliberate, planned and continuous efforts that enabled Douglas to get over
his fear. He was absolutely determined to get rid of his fear and it was due to his perseverance and resoluteness
that he emerged victorious.
Question 53.
“All we have to fear is fear itself.” Describe Douglas’s experiences which led to the making of this statement.
(Comptt. Delhi 2015)
Answer:
Douglas was afraid of water from a very young age. His misadventure at the YMCA pool further increased his
water phobia. He was unable to enjoy fishing and boating trips. Finally he decided he had to overcome his fear.
He could not do it without seeking professional help, so he appointed an instructor who gradually made him an
excellent swimmer.
Still Douglas was not satisfied. He made use of every opportunity to swim and dive in water thus challenging his
fear. He was able to overcome his fear completely and this led him to make the statement that what one is afraid
of is fear itself and if we are able to overcome that fear then we can achieve anything in life.
Question 54.
With the help of courage one can achieve a lot. How did Douglas overcome his fear of water? (Comptt. Delhi
2016)
Answer:
Douglas was afraid of water from a very young age. His misadventure at the YMCA pool further increased his
water phobia. He was unable to enjoy fishing and boating trips. Finally he decided he had to overcome his fear.
He could not do it without seeking professional help, so he appointed an instructor who gradually made him an
excellent swimmer. Still, Douglas was not satisfied. He made use of every opportunity to swim and dive in water
thus challenging his fear. He was able to overcome his fear completely and this led him to make the statement
that what one is afraid of is fear itself and if we are able to overcome that fear then we can achieve anything in
life.
Question 55.
We always admire those as heroes who face challenges bravely in different phases of life and emerge
successfully. Elaborate on this statement with reference to William Douglas. (Comptt. Delhi 2017)
Answer:
Determination and perseverance is a combination of attributes and abilities that drive people to set goals for
themselves and then to take the initiative to achieve these goals. Douglas was able to overcome his fear of water
by the values of positive attitude and courage. Initially he was afraid of water but his grit and determination
made him get an instructor and overcome his fear. Determination today leads to our success tomorrow. It is that
innate quality in our soul, which comes to surface when an incident irks it. It is a reflection of our values taught
to us by society and circumstances and enables us to overcome all obstacles.
There is always admiration for heroes like William Douglas who face challenges courageously and finally
emerge successful. For years the fear of water haunted him. It deprived him of the joy of canoeing, swimming,
fishing and boating. However, it was deliberate, planned and continuous efforts that enabled Douglas to get over
his fear. He was absolutely determined to get rid of his fear and it was due to his perseverance and resoluteness
that he emerged victorious.

•
The Rattrap Important Questions Short Answer Type Questions (3-4 Marks)
Question 1.
Why did the peddler sign himself as Captain von Stahle? (All India 2009)
Answer:
Edla Willmansson had been rather nice to the peddler and had treated him with the honour that was due to a
Captain. The peddler, through this mistaken identity, got an opportunity to raise himself and get above the petty
temptations of the world. So he signed himself as Captain von Stahle.
Question 2.
Why did the peddler think that the world was a rattrap? (All India 2009)
Answer:
The peddler considered the whole world as a big rattrap, its sole purpose being to set baits for people. The joys
and riches of this world are nothing but tempting baits and anyone who is tempted by them was captured by the
rattrap which completely closed in on him.
Question 3.
Why was Edla happy to see the gift left by the peddler? (All India 2010)
Answer:
Edla was happy to see the gift left by the peddler as he had respected her faith in him. Edla had retained him in
her house even after knowing his real identity and he, in turn, had shown her that the guest she had honoured was
as honourable as the Captain. The latent goodness of his heart had been awakened and he had been able to
overcome the bait of the rattrap.
Question 4.
Which act of the crofter surprised the peddler? Why? (Comptt. Delhi 2010)
Answer:
The peddler was always shunned away wherever he went. No one treated him with kindness and so he had lost
all hope of being shown any kind of warmth. But when he approached the crofter’s roadside cottage he was
surprised by the latter’s warm welcome and generous hospitality.
Question 5.
How was the peddler treated at the crofter’s cottage? (Comptt. All India 2010)
Answer:
At the crofter’s cottage the peddler was welcomed warmly and received generous hospitality. The crofter was an
old and lonely man and the prospect of getting the peddler’s company overjoyed him. So he poured all his
warmth and friendly courtesy on the peddler.
Question 6.
Why was the crofter so talkative and friendly with the peddler? (Delhi 2011)
Answer:
The crofter was lonely. He lived alone in his cottage without a wife, a child or any companion. Since he suffered
from acute loneliness he was extremely happy when he got the peddler’s company. That is why he was so
talkative and friendly with the peddler.
Question 7.
Why was the peddler surprised when he knocked on the door of the cottage? (All India 2011)
Answer:
At the crofter’s cottage the peddler was welcomed warmly and received generous hospitality. The crofter was an
old and lonely man and the prospect of getting the peddler’s company overjoyed him. So he poured all his
warmth and friendly courtesy on the peddler.
Question 8.
What made the peddler finally change his ways? (All India 2011)
Answer:
The peddler was touched by Edla’s kind treatment. She treated him like a Captain in spite of knowing his real
identity. This awakened the latent goodness of his heart because he wanted to show Edla he was worthy of the
honour she had given him. So he finally changed his ways.
Question 9.
Why did the peddler keep to the woods after leaving the crofter’s cottage? How did he feel? (All India 2011)
Answer:
The peddler discards the public highway and keeps to the woods after leaving the crofter’s cottage because he
wants to avoid being caught with the thirty kronors that he had stolen from the crofter’s house. He walks through
mazes of forest paths but lands nowhere. When he realizes he has been trapped he feels extremely tired and sinks
to the ground in despair.

Question 10.
Did the stranger agree to go to the ironmaster’s house? Why or why not? (Comptt. Delhi 2011)
Answer:
Initially the stranger declined the ironmaster’s invitation. He had the stolen thirty kronors on him and thought it
was like going into the lion’s den. But then he accepted the ironmaster’s invitation because Edla’s sympathy and
compassion allayed his fears and her friendly manner made him to have confidence in her.
Question 11.
Why did the peddler decline the invitation of the ironmaster? (Delhi 2012)
Answer:
The peddler declined the ironmaster’s invitation because he had the stolen thirty kronors on him. He feared that
he would be caught there for stealing the crofter’s money. For the peddler going to the manor house of the
ironmaster would be like throwing himself voluntarily into the lion’s den.
Question 12.
Why was the crofter so friendly and talkative with the peddler? (Delhi 2012)
Answer:
The crofter was lonely. He lived alone in his cottage without a wife, a child or any companion. Since he suffered
from acute loneliness he was extremely happy when he got the peddler’s company. That is why he was so
talkative and friendly with the peddler:
Question 13.
Who was the owner of Ramsjo iron mills?
Why did he visit the mills at night? (All India 2012)
Answer:
The ironmaster was the owner of the Ramsjo iron mills. He was very particular about the quality of his products.
So he made nightly rounds of inspection to his mill to inspect the quality control.
Question 14.
How did the ironmaster react on seeing the stranger lying close to the furnace? (All India 2012)
Answer:
When the iron master saw the stranger lying close to the furnace he walked up to him and looked him over
carefully. Mistaking him for an old acquaintance, a comrade from his regiment, he got very excited and invited
him to come to his cottage.
Question 15.
Why didn’t the stranger tell the ironmaster that he was not Nils Olof? (All India)
Answer:
When the ironmaster mistakes the stranger for Captain Nils Olof, an old regimental comrade, the stranger
decides not to correct him as hopes to get a couple of kronors from the ironmaster. So he does not want to
undeceive him all at once.
Question 16.
Why was the crofter happy when the peddler knocked on his door? (Comptt. All India 2013)
Answer:
The crofter was very lonely. He lived alone in his cottage without a wife, a child or any companion. Since he was
suffering from acute loneliness he felt very happy when the peddler knocked on his door. He treated the peddler
in the most kind and hospitable manner.
Question 17.
How was the crofter ‘generous with his confidences’ when he spoke to the peddler? (Comptt. All India 2013)
Answer:
The crofter was generous not just with his porridge and tobacco but also with his confidences with the peddler.
He informed the peddler that he had been a crofter but now his cow supported him. She would give milk for the
creamery every day, and last month he had even received thirty kronors as payment.
Question 18.
What did the peddler do to keep his body and soul together? (Comptt. All India 2013)
Answer:
The peddler made and sold rattraps but his business was not really profitable so he had to resort to both begging
and petty thievery to keep his body and soul together.
Question 19.
Why did the peddler derive pleasure from his idea of the world as a rattrap? (Delhi 2014)
Answer:
The world had never been kind to the peddler so it gave him unwanted joy to think ill of it by considering it as a
rattrap. It became his cherished pastime to think of people he knew who had let themselves be caught in the
dangerous snare and of others who were still circling around the bait in the rattrap.
Question 20.
Why did Edla plead with her father not to send the vagabond away? (All India 2014)
Answer:
Edla pleaded with her father not to send the vagabond away as it was Christmas eve and she wanted to keep the
spirit of Christmas alive. She wanted to provide the vagabond with a day of comfort and solace. She justified that
they had invited him against his will and since he was lonely she wanted to do something special for him on
Christmas eve.
Question 21.
In what sense was the world a big rattrap according to the peddler? (Comptt. Delhi 2014)
Answer:
According to the peddler the whole world with its lands, seas, cities and villages was nothing but a big rattrap. It
only existed to set baits for people. If offered riches and joys, shelter, food and clothing as the rattrap offered
cheese and pork and as soon as anyone let himself be tempted to touch the bait, it closed on him and then
everything came to an end.
Question 22.
Why did the peddler knock on the cottage by the roadside? How was he treated by the owner of the cottage?
(Comptt. Delhi 2014)
Answer:
The peddler knocked on the cottage by the roadside to ask shelter for the night. The owner, who was an old man,
without a wife or child, greeted him warmly, served him supper and played cards with him as he was happy to
get someone to talk to in his loneliness.
Question 23.
What conclusion did the ironmaster reach when he heard that the crofter had been robbed by the peddler?
(Comptt. All India 2014)
Answer:
When the ironmaster heard that the crofter had been robbed by a man who went around selling rat-traps, he
sarcastically remarked to his daughter that she had let a fine man into the house and was wondering as to how
many silver spoons were left in their cupboard by that time.
Question 24.
What were the contents of the package left by the peddler as a Christmas gift for Edla Willmansson? (Comptt.
All India 2014)
Answer:
The package that the peddler left as a Christmas gift for Edla Willmansson contained a small rattrap which had a
letter he had written in large, jagged characters and in it also lay three wrinkled ten kronor notes.
Question 25.
How was the peddler received by the crofter? (Comptt. Delhi 2015)
Answer:
The crofter was a lonely person who received the peddler warmly, gave him supper and tobacco to fill his pipe
and played a game of cards with him. He was very friendly with the peddler. He shared the details of his life with
him and showed him the thirty kronor notes he had received as payment.
Question 26.
What brought about a change in the life of the peddler? (Comptt. All India 2015)
Answer:
Edla’s warmth, sympathy and compassion brought about a change in the life of the peddler. He is touched by the
kind treatment Edla gives him despite knowing his real identity. The latent goodness of his heart is awakened
and he actually behaves like a true Captain.
Question 27.
At the crofter’s home, why did the peddler feel very happy? (Comptt. All India 2015)
Answer:
The peddler was received very warmly and received generous hospitality at the crofter’s home. The crofter, an
old and lonely man, served him porridge, treated him kindly and the two smoked and played cards. This made
the peddler feel very happy.
Question 28.
Why was the peddler amused at the idea of the world being a rattrap? (Delhi 2016)
Answer:
The world had never been very kind to the peddler. So it gave him unwanted joy to think of the world with its
lands and seas, cities and villages as nothing but a big rattrap that sets baits for people in the form of riches, joys
and other necessities, and as soon as one got tempted, it closed in on him.
Question 29.
What hospitality did the peddler receive from the crofter? (Delhi 2016)
Answer:
Instead of the sour faces which normally met the peddler, the crofter who was an old and lonely man received
the peddler most warmly and offered him generous hospitality. He gave him porridge for supper and the two
smoked tobacco and played cards. The crofter also shared his confidences with the peddler.
Object 45

Question 30.
What do we learn about the crofter’s nature from the story, ‘The Rattrap’? (All India 2016)
Answer:
The crofter was an old man who was very lonely as he had no family. He was very happy when the peddler
knocked on his door as he got someone to talk to in his loneliness. He treated the peddler most courteously and
offered him food and tobacco. The crofter was as generous with his confidences as he was with his hospitality.
Question 31.
Why did the crofter show the thirty kroner to the peddler? (All India 2016)
Answer:
The crofter was too happy to get someone to talk to in his loneliness so he was generous with his confidences
with the peddler. The stranger must have seemed doubtful, for the crofter took down a leather pouch hanging on
a nail near the window and showed the thirty kroner notes to the peddler.
Question 32.
Why did the ironmaster speak kindly to the peddler and invite him home? (All India 2016)
Answer:
The ironmaster mistook the peddler to be an old acquaintance Nils Olof, his old regimental comrade, so he spoke
kindly to the peddler and invited him to his house. He and his daughter Edla did not have any company for
Christmas so he wanted the peddler to join them for Christmas dinner.
Question 33.
Why did Edla invite the peddler? (Comptt. Delhi 2016)
Answer:
Edla invited the peddler because she wanted to celebrate Christmas in the true spirit of the festival by having a
guest over for Christmas supper. Moreover, she wanted to give the peddler a day of peace.
Question 34.
Describe the crofter’s meeting with the rattrap peddler. (Comptt. All India 2016)
Answer:
The crofter gave the rattrap peddler shelter for a night. He was very hospitable with the peddler. He gave the
peddler supper, tobacco to smoke, played cards with him and even shared his confidences with him.
The Rattrap Important Questions Long Answer Type Questions (5-6 MARKS)
Question 35.
Describe how the story, ‘The Rattrap’ shows that basic human goodness can be brought out by understanding and
love. (Delhi 2006)
Answer:
The theme of the story ‘The Rattrap’ is that most human beings are prone to fall into the trap of material gains.
However, love and understanding can transform a person and bring out his essential human goodness. The
peddler had been treated very cruelly by the world. So even though the old crofter was kind and hospitable to
him, he betrayed his trust and stole thirty kronors from him. He was not impressed by the ironmaster’s invitation
also. But Edla Willmansson’s compassion and understanding brought about a transformation in his nature. Her
human qualities helped in raising him to be a gentleman. He was easily able to overcome petty temptations. The
peddler who always considered the whole world to be a rattrap finally felt released from this rattrap due to the
sympathetic, kind, loving and generous treatment of Edla Willmansson that was able to bring out his basic
human goodness.
Question 36.
Give examples from the story, “The Rattrap” to show how the iron master is different from his daughter. (Delhi
2006)
Answer:
The character of Edla Willmansson and that of the iron master are in stark contrast to each other. Despite being
young, the daughter displays a better sense of maturity than her father who acts impulsively and behaves .
casually. He jumps to conclusions without thinking. First he mistakes the peddler to be an old regimental
comrade and without confirming his identity he instantly invites him to the manor house and again on realising
his mistake he refers the matter to the sheriff thoughtlessly. Edla, on the other hand, displays a keen sense of
observation. She rightly judges that her guest is a tramp and has a sympathetic attitude towards him. She
persuades her father to allow the guest to stay, leads him courteously to the dining table and makes him eat
despite her father’s protest. It is because of her compassion and generosity that the peddler undergoes a change
of heart and redeems himself from dishonesty. He leaves behind thirty kronors to be given back to the old crofter
and a Christmas present for Edla.
Question 37.
The story ‘The Rattrap’ focuses on human loneliness and the need to bond with others. Explain. (Delhi 2010)
Answer:
The main focus of the story ‘The Rattrap’ is on human loneliness. All the characters, whether it is the peddler, the
crofter, the ironmaster or his daughter, suffer from loneliness. The peddler is a lonely man who has always been
shunned by society’s cold and unkind words. When he knocks at the door of the old crofter’s cottage he does not
expect hospitality but the crofter welcomes him as he is too happy to get someone to talk to after being alone for
so long. By serving the peddler the crofter is in fact serving himself. He serves the peddler with supper, gives
him tobacco and plays ‘mjolis’ with him. He is a very good host. The iron¬master and his daughter too miss
company and this makes them all the more lonely on the occasion of Christmas. So the ironmaster, who mistakes
the peddler for his old regimental comrade, invites him to his manor house for Christmas. The ironmaster’s
daughter, Edla, extends this invitation again and tells the peddler he can leave any time after Christmas. Thus the
need to bond is the main focus of the story ‘The Rattrap’.
Question 38.
Describe how the story, ‘The Rattrap’ shows that basic human goodness can be brought out by understanding and
love. (Comptt. All India 2011)
Answer:
The theme of the story ‘The Rattrap’ is that most human beings are prone to fall into the trap of material gains.
However, love and understanding can transform a person and bring out his essential human goodness. The
peddler had been treated very cruelly by the world. So even though the old crofter was kind and hospitable to
him, he betrayed his trust and stole thirty kronors from him. He was not impressed by the iron-master’s
invitation also. But Edla Willmansson’s compassion and understanding brought about a transformation in his
nature. Her human qualities helped in raising him to be a gentleman. He was easily able to overcome petty
temptations. The peddler who always considered the whole world to be a rattrap finally felt released from this
rattrap due to the sympathetic, kind, loving and generous treatment of Edla Willmansson that was able to bring
out his basic human goodness.
Question 39.
How are the attitudes of the ironmaster and his daughter different? Support your answer from the text. (Delhi
2011)
Answer:
The character of Edla Willmansson and that of the iron master are in stark contrast to each other. Despite being
young, the daughter displays a better sense of maturity than her father who acts impulsively and behaves .
casually. He jumps to conclusions without thinking. First he mistakes the peddler to be an old regimental
comrade and without confirming his identity he instantly invites him to the manor house and again on realising
his mistake he refers the matter to the sheriff thoughtlessly. Edla, on the other hand, displays a keen sense of
observation. She rightly judges that her guest is a tramp and has a sympathetic attitude towards him. She
persuades her father to allow the guest to stay, leads him courteously to the dining table and makes him eat
despite her father’s protest. It is because of her compassion and generosity that the peddler undergoes a change
of heart and redeems himself from dishonesty. He leaves behind thirty kronors to be given back to the old crofter
and a Christmas present for Edla.
Question 40.
Describe the peddler’s interaction with the ironmaster’s daughter. To what extent was he influenced by her?
(Comptt. Delhi 2011)
Answer:
The peddler first meets Edla Wilmansson, the ironmaster’s daughter when, on her fathers insistence, she comes
to invite him to their manor house for Christmas. He was so touched by the sincerity in her voice that he could
not refuse her invitation. Later, she comes to know of the peddler’s real identity but it does not change her
warmth, friendliness and hospitality towards him. She continues to treat him like a Captain and the peddler quite
spontaneously, starts behaving like a real Captain. He leaves a rattrap as a Christmas gift for Edla and encloses a
letter of thanks and a note of confession in it. He leaves behind the stolen money to be restored to its rightful
owner, the crofter, thus redeeming himself from his dishonest ways. Edla Wilmansson’s sympathy, compassion
and understanding give the peddler an opportunity to redeem and reform himself.
Question 41.
Describe the crofter’s interaction with the peddler. How did the latter get tempted? (Comptt. Delhi 2011)
Answer:
When the peddler knocked on the door of the crofter’s cottage he was greeted by the lonely old man who was
just too happy to get someone to talk to. He served the peddler with extreme hospitality and even played cards
with him. He also shared his confidences with the peddler telling him that he had been a crofter at Ramsjo
Ironworks during his days of prosperity and now his cow supported him. Last month he had received thirty
kronors in payment for the cow milk he had sold. He even showed the peddler the leather pouch on the window
where he had kept the thirty kronors thus tempting the peddler. The next day the peddler after leaving the
crofter’s cottage came back there again, smashed the window pane, stuck in his hand and got hold of the pouch
that contained the thirty kronors. Then hanging the leather pouch back very carefully, he went away.
Question 42.
‘The Rattrap’ highlights the impact of compassion and understanding on the hidden goodness in human beings.
Substantiate with evidence from the story. (Comptt. All India 2011)
Answer:
The theme of the story ‘The Rattrap’ is that most human beings are prone to fall into the trap of material gains.
However, love and understanding can transform a person and bring out his essential human goodness. The
peddler had been treated very cruelly by the world. So even though the old crofter was kind and hospitable to
him, he betrayed his trust and stole thirty kronors from him. He was not impressed by the ironmaster’s invitation
also. But Edla Willmansson’s compassion and understanding brought about a transformation in his nature. Her
human qualities helped in raising him to be a gentleman. He was easily able to overcome petty temptations. The
peddler who always considered the whole world to be a rattrap finally felt released from this rattrap due to the
sympathetic, kind, loving and generous treatment of Edla Willmansson that was able to bring out his basic
human goodness.
Question 43.
Given his temperament, Edla’s father would have failed in reforming the peddler. How did Edla succeed?
(Comptt. All India 2011)
Answer:
Unlike her father Edla is a compassionate, sympathetic and understanding girl and because of these virtues she
succeeded in reforming the peddler. The ironmaster, on the other hand, is impulsive and whimsical. He invites
the stranger to his house without confirming the latters identity and as soon as the peddler’s true identity is
revealed he decides to refer the whole matter to the sheriff. But Edla continues to be nice and hospitable to him
and does not turn him out of their house on Christmas eve. She treats the peddler like a real captain and he too
behaves like one. She thus awakened the potential goodness of his heart and before leaving the manor house he
leaves behind a rattrap as a Christmas gift for Edla and the money he had stolen from the crofter’s cottage
alongwith a letter in which he confesses his crime and requests Edla to return the thirty kronors to the old crofter.
Question 44.
How did the peddler feel after robbing the crofter? What course did he adopt and how did he react to the new
situation? What does his reaction reveal? (Delhi 2013)
Answer:
After robbing the crofter the peddler felt quite pleased with his smartness. He immediately realised that he could
not dare to continue with his journey on the public highway so he turned off the road, into the woods. During the
first few hours his decision caused him no difficulty but later it became worse for he had gotten into a big and
confusing forest. He continued to walk and when he came to the end of the forest he realized that he had been
walking around in the same part of the forest. Then he recalled his thoughts about the world and the rattrap and
knew his own turn had come. He had let himself be fooled by a bait of thirty kronors and had been caught. His
reaction reveals his gloom and despair as he realized the forest had closed in open upon him like an impenetrable
prison from which he thought he could never escape. It also reveals that he was basically a good person at heart
and was repentant of his folly.
Question 45.
There is a saying, ‘Kindness pays, rudeness never’. In the story, ‘The Rattrap’ Edla’s attitude towards men and
matters is different from her fathers attitude. How are the values of concern and compassion brought out in the
story, ‘The Rattrap’? (All India 2013)
Answer:
Edla Willmansson displays qualities of compassion and understanding that transform the peddler and brings out
his essential human goodness. Her human qualities help in raising him to the level of a gentleman and he is able
to overcome petty temptations. The peddler, who always considered the whole world to be a rattrap, was finally
able to release himself from this rattrap due to the sympathetic, kind and generous treatment of Edla and thus
redeems himself from his dishonest ways. Despite knowing his real identity Edla continues to treat him like a
Captain and the peddler quite spontaneously starts behaving like a real captain. Edla’s compassion and the
peddler’s reformation arouses our optimism and belief in the essential goodness of man and other human values.
Question 46.
How does the peddler respond to the hospitality shown to him by the crofter? (Comptt. Delhi 2013)
Answer:
The peddler responds to the crofter’s hospitality by betraying him. One dark evening
when the peddler was walking along the road he knocked on the door of a cottage to seek shelter for the night.
To his surprise, he was welcomed by an old man, the crofter, who lived alone in the cottage. The lonely crofter
was happy to find a man whom he could talk to. He served the peddler supper, gave him tobacco and played a
game of cards with him. The old crofter then went to the window and took down a leather pouch. He counted
three ten kronor notes and put them into the pouch. This provided a big bait for the peddler who was tempted to
steal the notes. The peddler unwillingly allowed himself to be tempted to touch the bait and was thus trapped in.
He stole the money and thus committed a breach of trust. So he betrayed the confidence reposed in him by his
host.
Question 47.
How did the seller of rattraps realize that he himself was caught up in a rattrap after he left the crofter’s cottage?
(Comptt. Delhi 2013)
Answer:
After robbing the crofter the peddler felt quite pleased with his smartness. He immediately realised that he could
not dare to continue with his journey on the public highway so he turned off the road, into the woods. During the
first few hours his decision caused him no difficulty but later it became worse for he had gotten into a big and
confusing forest. He continued to walk and when he came to the end of the forest he realized that he had been
walking around in the same part of the forest. Then he recalled his thoughts about the world and the rattrap and
knew his own turn had come. He had let himself be fooled by a bait of thirty kronors and had been caught. His
reaction reveals his gloom and despair as he realized the forest had closed in open upon him like an impenetrable
prison from which he thought he could never escape. It also reveals that he was basically a good person at heart
and was repentant of his folly.
Question 48.
Why did the peddler accept Edla’s invitation when he had already declined the iron¬master’s to go home with
him? (Comptt, Delhi 2013)
Answer:
The peddler first meets Edla Willmannson, the ironmaster’s daughter, when on her father’s insistence she comes
to invite the peddler to their manor house for Christmas. The peddler who had earlier refused to accept the
ironmaster’s invitation could not decline Edla’s invitation. She looked at him with compassion because she
immediately noticed that he was afraid. So she spoke to him in such a friendly and warm manner that the peddler
felt a kind of confidence in her. Infact the peddler even tells her that it would never have occurred to him that she
would bother herself over him and he would come with her immediately. So he accepted the fur coat which
Edla’s valet handed him and followed the young lady out to the carriage.
Question 49.
The peddler declined the invitation of the ironmaster but accepted the one from Edla. Why? (Delhi 2015)
Answer:
The peddler first meets Edla Willmannson, the ironmaster’s daughter, when on her father’s insistence she comes
to invite the peddler to their manor house for Christmas. The peddler who had earlier refused to accept the
ironmaster’s invitation could not decline Edla’s invitation. She looked at him with compassion because she
immediately noticed that he was afraid. So she spoke to him in such a friendly and warm manner that the peddler
felt a kind of confidence in her. Infact the peddler even tells her that it would never have occurred to him that she
would bother herself over him and he would come with her immediately. So he accepted the fur coat which
Edla’s valet handed him and followed the young lady out to the carriage.
Question 50.
Edla proved to be much more persuasive than her father while dealing with the peddler. Comment. (Delhi 2015)
Answer:
Edla does prove to be much more persuasive than her father while dealing with the peddler. When the ironmaster
invites the peddler to his manor house the latter vehemently refuses to go. Despite trying to allay the peddlers’s
fears, the ironmaster is unable to convince him to give them company for Christmas. He finally gives up after the
peddler’s repeated refusals and goes away. Later Edla arrives, approaches the peddler and extends the invitation
once again. She assures him he can leave after Christmas anytime. The peddler is touched by Edla’s warmth,
friendly and sympathetic nature. So he agrees to accompany Edla.
Question 51.
Why did the crofter repose confidence in the peddler? How did the peddler betray that and with what
consequences? (Delhi 2015)
Answer:
One dark evening when the peddler was walking along the road he knocked on the door of a cottage to seek
shelter for the night. To his surprise, he was welcomed by an old man, the crofter, who lived alone in the cottage.
The lonely crofter was happy to find a man whom he could talk to. He served the peddler supper, gave him
tobacco and played a game of cards with him. The old crofter then went to the window and took down a leather
pouch. He counted three ten kronor notes and put them into the pouch. This provided a big bait for the peddler
who was tempted to steal the notes. The peddler unwillingly allowed himself to be tempted to touch the bait and
was thus trapped in. He stole the money and thus committed a breach of trust. So he betrayed the confidence
reposed in him by his host. After stealing the crofter’s money he turned off the road, and ventured into the
woods. There he got completely lost in the big and confusing forest. Later the whole forest seemed to close in
upon him like an impenetrable prison from which he could just not escape.
Question 52.
To be grateful is a great virtue of a gentleman. How did the peddler show his gratitude to Edla? (Comptt. Delhi
2015)
Answer:
Edla knew that her father was mistaken when he invited the peddler home thinking he was his long lost friend.
Later it was revealed that he was a complete stranger and not a straight forward man. Despite this Edla begged
her father not to send him away on Christmas eve. She invited him home and gave him food, shelter and clothes.
Her kindness, compassion and sympathy brings out the goodness in the tramp. He leaves a packet for her as a
Christmas gift which contains a rattrap and three ten kronor notes stolen from the crofter. It also contains a letter
in which he signs himself as captain. Edla’s care and concern changes the peddler into a dignified gentleman.
Question 53.
How did Edla treat the peddler? (Comptt. Delhi 2016)
Answer:
Edla was the daughter of the ironmaster. She was a warm, sensitive and compassionate person. She understood
in the first meeting that the peddler was scared of someone and he had not had a single day of peace. So she
decided to let him spend Christmas with them in their house. She assured him that he could leave anytime he
wanted after celebrating Christmas with them. Edla woke him up to eat food only. Otherwise, she let him sleep
for two days. She showed genuine goodness which brought about a positive transformation in the peddler. She
continues to treat him like a captain and the peddler, quite spontaneously, starts behaving like a real captain.
Question 54.
The peddler thinks that the whole world is a rattrap. This view of life is true only of himself and of no one else in
the story. Comment. (Delhi 2017)
Answer:
The peddler had naturally been thinking of his rattraps when he was struck by the idea that the whole world was
nothing but a big rattrap. It only existed to set baits for people. When someone let himself be tempted to touch
the bait, it closed on him, and then everything came to an end. But this view of life is true only of the peddler
himself and of no one else in the story. The three ten kronor notes of the old crofter provide a bait for the peddler
and after he steals the money, he gets lost in the big and confusing forest. He then recalls his thoughts about the
world and the rattrap and knew his . turn had come. He had let himself be tempted by a bait and had been caught
in the rattrap. He realized the forest had closed upon him like an impenetrable prison from which he thought he
could never escape. The theme of the story of ‘The Rattrap’ is that most human beings are prone to fall into the
trap of material benefit. However, love and understanding can transform a person and bring out his essential
human goodness. So even though the old crofter was kind and hospitable to him, he betrayed his trust and stole
thirty kronors from him. He was not impressed by the iron¬master’s invitation also. But Edla Willmansson’s
compassion brought out a transformation in his nature. Human qualities helped in raising him to be a gentleman.
Question 55.
The peddler believed that the whole world is a rattrap. How did he himself get caught in the same? (All India
2017)
Answer:
The peddler had naturally been thinking of his rattraps when he was struck by the idea that the whole world was
nothing but a big rattrap. It only existed to set baits for people. When someone let himself be tempted to touch
the bait, it closed on him, and then everything came to an end. But this view of life is true only of the peddler
himself and of no one else in the story. The three ten kronor notes of the old crofter provide a bait for the peddler
and after he steals the money, he gets lost in the big and confusing forest. He then recalls his thoughts about the
world and the rattrap and knew his turn had come. He had let himself be tempted by a bait and had been caught
in the rattrap. He realized the forest had closed upon him like an impenetrable prison from which he thought he
could never escape. The theme of the story of ‘The Rattrap’ is that most human beings are prone to fall into the
trap of material benefit. However, love and understanding can transform a person and bring out his essential
human goodness. So even though the old crofter was kind and hospitable to him, he betrayed his trust and stole
thirty kronors from him. He was not impressed by the iron master’s invitation also. But Edla Willmansson’s
compassion brought out a transformation in his nature. Human qualities helped in raising him to be a gentleman.
Question 56.
The people we meet in life leave an impression on us. How is the rattrap peddler affected by meeting the crofter
and Edla? (Comptt. All India 2017)
Answer:
The good people we meet sometimes leave an impression on us. Compassion and understanding can transform a
person and bring out his essential human goodness. As is the case with the rattrap peddler whose meeting with
the crofter and Edla bring about a positive transformation in his nature. The lonely old crofter was extremely
kind to the peddler. Despite his hospitality the peddler stole his money and committed a breach of trust. Edla too
treated him nicely, even after she came to know his true identity. The peddler who had always considered the
world to be a rattrap that enclosed upon people finally felt released from this rattrap due to the kind, generous
and sympathetic treatment of the crofter and Edla. He leaves behind a letter of thanks for Edla with a Christmas
gift and the money he had stolen from the crofter, to be restored to its rightful owner.
Indigo Important Questions Short Answer Type Questions (3-4 MARKS)
Question 1.
Why did Gandhiji agree to the planters’ offer of a 25 percent refund to the farmers? (Delhi 2009)
Answer:
Gandhiji had asked the indigo planters for a 50 percent refund to the farmers but they offered only 25 percent.
Gandhiji still agreed to their offer because for him the amount of the refund was of less importance. More
important was the fact that the planters had been forced to surrender part of their rights. So he agreed to their
settlement.
Question 2.
How was Gandhiji able to influence the lawyers at Champaran? (All India 2009)
Answer:
Gandhiji chided the lawyers for over-charging the poor peasants. When the peasants were so poor and crushed, it
was inhuman to charge heavy fees from them. Gandhiji’s selfless service and devotion to the cause of the
peasants put the lawyers to shame.
Question 3.
How did Gandhiji help the peasants of Champaran? (All India 2009)
Answer:
At Champaran, the British landlords forced all the tenants to plant 15 per cent of their holding with indigo and
then surrender the entire harvest as rent. This increased the misery of the poor tenants. But when synthetic indigo
was developed and indigo plantation was no longer profitable, the landlords obtained fresh agreements from
sharecroppers to pay them compensation for releasing them from the 15% arrangement. Gandhiji came in at this
time and through non-violent civil disobedience he forced the landlords to refund 25 per cent of the
compensation money to the peasants.
Question 4.
Why did the servants think Gandhiji to be another peasant? (Delhi 2010)
Answer:
In Patna, Rajkumar Shukla led Gandhiji to the house of Rajendra Prasad who was a lawyer. The servants knew
Shukla as a poor peasant of Champaran who often came to Rajendra Prasad’s house and pestered him to take up
the cause of the indigo sharecroppers of Champaran. Since a simple-clad Gandhiji accompanied Shukla the
servants mistook him to be another peasant.
Question 5.
Why did Gandhiji agree to the planters’ offer of a 25% refund to the farmers? (Comptt. All India 2011 )
Answer:
Gandhiji had asked the indigo planters for a 50 percent refund to the farmers but they offered only 25 percent.
Gandhiji still agreed to their offer because for him the amount of the refund was of less importance. More
important was the fact that the planters had been forced to surrender part of their rights. So he agreed to their
settlement.
Question 6.
How were Shukla and Gandhiji received in Rajendra Prasad’s house? (Delhi 2012)
Answer:
In Patna Shukla led Gandhiji to the house of a lawyer, Rajendra Prasad. He was out of town but his servants
knew Shukla as a poor peasant who pestered Rajendra Prasad (their master) to help the indigo sharecroppers. So
he was allowed to stay there with his companion. But Gandhiji was not permitted to draw water from the well
lest he be an untouchable and some drops of water from his bucket pollute the entire source.
Question 7.
What made Gandhiji demand 50% refund from the British landlords? (Comptt. Delhi)
Answer:
Gandhiji demanded 50% refund from the British landlords in the form of repayment of money which the
landlords had illegally and deceitfully extorted from the poor sharecroppers.
Question 8.
Why did Gandhiji accept 25 percent compensation? (Comptt. All India 2012)
Answer:
Gandhiji had asked the indigo planters for a 50 percent refund to the farmers but they offered only 25 percent.
Gandhiji still agreed to their offer because for him the amount of the refund was of less importance. More
important was the fact that the planters had been forced to surrender part of their rights. So he agreed to their
settlement.
Question 9.
While at Champaran how did Gandhiji keep a long distance watch on his ashram? (Comptt. All India 2012)
Answer:
During his long stay in Champaran, Gandhiji kept a long distance watch on his Ashram. He sent regular
instructions by mail and asked for financial accounts. He even wrote to the residents that it was time to fill in the
old latrine trenches and dig new ones.
Question 10.
“The battle of Champaran is won.” When and why did Gandhiji exclaim this? (Comptt. AI 2012)
Answer:
When several prominent lawyers told Gandhiji that they were ready to follow him to jail, Gandhiji exclaimed,
“The battle of Champaran is toon”. Gandhiji made this statement because he had been able to shake the lawyers
out of their stupor and they were ready to support Gandhiji.
Question 11.
Why did Gandhiji feel that taking the Cham-paran case to the court was useless? (Delhi 2014)
Answer:
Gandhiji felt taking the Champaran case to the court was useless as taking such cases to the courts did little
good. Where the peasants are so crushed and fear-stricken, law courts prove useless. The real relief for these
peasants was to be free from fear.
Question 12.
What made the Lieutenant Governor drop the case against Gandhiji? (Comptt. All India 2014)
Answer:
The Lieutenant Governor was forced to drop the case against Gandhiji because the lawyers had told Gandhiji
that they would follow him into jail. So the Lieutenant Governor wrote to the Magistrate ordering him to drop
the case against Gandhiji.
Question 13.
How did the Champaran peasants react when they heard that a Mahatma had come to help them? (Comptt. All
India 2014)
Answer:
As the news of Gandhiji’s advent and the nature of his mission spread, the peasants began arriving on foot and
by conveyance to get a glimpse of their champion. The lawyers, who had represented the peasant groups in
court, also came to brief Gandhiji.
Question 14.
Why did Gandhiji agree to 25% compensation? (Comptt. All India 2015)
Answer:
Refer to Question 20, Page 185
Question 15.
How did Rajkumar Shukla establish that he was resolute? (All India 2015)
Answer:
Rajkumar Shukla wanted Gandhiji to visit Champaran to take up the cause of the poor sharecroppers who were
being exploited by the English landlords but Gandhiji said he had appointments in various parts of India. Shukla
started following Gandhiji everywhere the latter went and for weeks he never left Gandhiji’s side thus
establishing his resoluteness.
Question 16.
How was Gandhi treated at Rajendra Prasad’s house? (All India 2015)
Answer:
In Patna Shukla led Gandhiji to the house of a lawyer, Rajendra Prasad. He was out of town but his servants
knew Shukla as a poor peasant who pestered Rajendra Prasad (their master) to help the indigo sharecroppers. So
he was allowed to stay there with his companion. But Gandhiji was not permitted to draw water from the well
lest he be an untouchable and some drops of water from his bucket pollute the entire source.
Question 17.
What were the terms of the indigo contract between the British landlords and the Indian peasants? (All India
2015)
Answer:
The arable land in the Champaran district was divided into estates which were owned by Englishmen and
worked by Indian tenants. The chief commercial crop was indigo. The landlords compelled all tenants to plant 15
per cent of their holdings with indigo and surrender the entire indigo harvest as rent.
Question 18.
Why is Raj Kumar Shukla described as being ‘resolute’? (Comptt. Delhi 2015)
Answer:
Shukla wanted Gandhiji to visit Champaran to take up the cause of the sharecroppers but Gandhiji said he had
appointments in Cawnpore and other parts of India. Shukla did not leave Gandhiji’s side for weeks begging him
to fix a date for Champaran. Gandhiji was impressed by his determination and resoluteness and Shukla finally
managed to convince Gandhiji to accompany him to Champaran.
Question 19.
Why was Gandhiji opposed to C.F. Andrews helping him in Champaran? (Delhi 2016)
Answer:
Though Gandhiji’s lawyer friends thought it would be a good idea for C.F.Andrews to stay in Champaran and
help them, Gandhiji vehemently opposed it. He said that if they had an Englishman on their side it would show
the weakness of their heart. They should not attempt to seek a prop in Andrews just because he happened to be
an Englishman. Gandhiji wanted Indians to be self-reliant.
Question 20.
Why did Gandhiji agree to a settlement of mere 25 percent? (Delhi 2016)
Answer:
Gandhiji had asked the indigo planters for a 50 percent refund to the farmers but they offered only 25 percent.
Gandhiji still agreed to their offer because for him the amount of the refund was of less importance. More
important was the fact that the planters had been forced to surrender part of their rights. So he agreed to their
settlement.
Question 21.
Why was Gandhiji unhappy with the lawyers in Muzzafarpur? Why was he against taking cases to the law
courts? (Comptt. All India)
Answer:
Gandhiji was unhappy with the lawyers in Muzzafarpur as they were collecting a huge fee from the peasants. He
was against taking the case to the law courts as he knew the fear stricken peasants would be further crushed and
exploited in the court. Gandhiji wanted to free the farmers from the fear of Britishers.
Indigo Important Questions Long Answer Type Questions (5-6 MARKS)
Question 22.
Describe the difficulties faced by Gandhi at Champaran. (Comptt. Delhi 2010)
Answer:
Gandhiji came to Champaran to fight against the injustice of the landlord system there. Most of the land in
Champaran was divided into large estates owned by Englishmen who hired Indian tenants to grow indigo there.
The Indian peasants were sharecroppers and had to surrender 15 per cent of the indigo harvest as rent to the
British. After synthetic indigo was developed the Englishmen obtained fresh agreements from sharecroppers to
pay them compensation. Many refused to sign and others wanted their money back. At this point Gandhiji
arrived in Champaran with an aim to free the peasants from fear. He collected all the facts and met the
commissioner who tried to bully him and advised him to leave the place. Gandhiji did not leave. In the course of
securing justice for the oppressed farmers of Champaran, Gandhiji had to clash with the British authorities
several times before he could persuade them to agree to his viewpoint.
Question 23.
How was a solution to the problem of indigo sharecroppers of Champaran found?(Comptt. Delhi 2010)
Answer:
The entire harvest of indigo, the chief commercial crop produced by the peasants in the 15 per cent of their land
had to be paid as rent to the British landlords. After Germany developed synthetic indigo, it brought a steep fall
in indigo prices. Now the landlords very cleverly wished to give up this arrangement and get compensation for
releasing the farmers land. Gandhiji at this time appeared in Champaran and fought a year long battle to get the
poor peasants justice. Gandhiji decided to accept a settlement of 25 per cent of the compensation money to break
the deadlock between the landlords and their tenants. The moral victory of the farmers to make the landlords
own-up their dishonesty and surrender their money and prestige mattered more to Gandhiji. So he was successful
in defeating the nefarious designs of the British landlords and also made the farmers courageous and conscious
of their rights.
Question 24.
Why and how did Raj Kumar Shukla persu-ade Gandhiji to visit Champaran? (Comptt. AI 2010)
Answer:
Raj Kumar Shukla was an illiterate and oppressed indigo farmer from Champaran who came to invite Gandhiji
to visit his district where injustice and oppression was rampant. He wished Gandhiji to accompany him to
Champaran and sort out the problems of the miserable peasants. Gandhiji mentioned about his prior
engagements to Shukla but he did not give up and followed Gandhiji everywhere. He kept urging Gandhiji to
visit Champaran. Finally his persistent and patience bore fruits and Gandhiji agreed to accompany him to
Champaran immediately after his Calcutta visit. Gandhiji’s truthfulness, sincerity of purpose and undeterred
efforts spelled the triumph of the campaign against the unjust British rulers. What began as an attempt to fight
for justice against the hapless peasants later turned out to be a clear proclamation that the Indians would not
submit to British tyranny meekly.
Question 25.
How was the Champaran incident a turning point in Gandhiji’s life? (Comptt. All India 2010)
Answer:
Gandhiji came to Champaran to fight against the injustice of the landlord system there. Most of the land in
Champaran was divided into large estates owned by Englishmen who hired Indian tenants to grow indigo there.
The Indian peasants were sharecroppers and had to surrender 15 per cent of the indigo harvest as rent to the
British. After synthetic indigo was developed the Englishmen obtained fresh agreements from sharecroppers to
pay them compensation. Many refused to sign and others wanted their money back. At this point Gandhiji
arrived in Champaran with an aim to free the peasants from fear. He collected all the facts and met the
commissioner who tried to bully him and advised him to leave the place. Gandhiji did not leave. In the course of
securing justice for the oppressed farmers of Champaran, Gandhiji had to clash with the British authorities
several times before he could persuade them to agree to his viewpoint.
The Champaran episode turned out to be Gandhiji’s loud pronouncement that the Britishes could not order him
about in his own country. It established the effectiveness of non¬cooperation as a means of fighting for justice.
The Champaran episode revealed Gandhiji’s principles in the political field. Even after winning the peasants’
battle against the English landlords Gandhiji stayed in Champaran for the cultural and social upliftment of the
poor and the backward of the villages of Champaran.
Question 26.
Why do you think Gandhiji considered the Champaran episode to be a turning-point in his life? (All India 2011)
Answer:
Gandhiji came to Champaran to fight against the injustice of the landlord system there. Most of the land in
Champaran was divided into large estates owned by Englishmen who hired Indian tenants to grow indigo there.
The Indian peasants were sharecroppers and had to surrender 15 per cent of the indigo harvest as rent to the
British. After synthetic indigo was developed the Englishmen obtained fresh agreements from sharecroppers to
pay them compensation. Many refused to sign and others wanted their money back. At this point Gandhiji
arrived in Champaran with an aim to free the peasants from fear. He collected all the facts and met the
commissioner who tried to bully him and advised him to leave the place. Gandhiji did not leave. In the course of
securing justice for the oppressed farmers of Champaran, Gandhiji had to clash with the British authorities
several times before he could persuade them to agree to his viewpoint.
The Champaran episode turned out to be Gandhiji’s loud pronouncement that the Britishes could not order him
about in his own country. It established the effectiveness of non¬cooperation as a means of fighting for justice.
The Champaran episode revealed Gandhiji’s principles in the political field. Even after winning the peasants’
battle against the English landlords Gandhiji stayed in Champaran for the cultural and social upliftment of the
poor and the backward of the villages of Champaran.
Question 27.
How did Gandhiji use satyagraha and non-violence at Champaran to achieve his goal? (2011)
Answer:
Gandhiji reached Champaran with a goal to alleviate the peasants’ sufferings at the hands of the British
landlords. He met the Secretary of the Landlords’ Association and the Commissioner who told him to leave
Champaran. They signed the order but also wrote that Gandhiji would disobey it and sent a full report to the
Viceroy. This was followed by spontaneous demonstrations by thousands of peasants around the court house.
The lawyers too resolved to follow Gandhiji to jail forcing the case against him to be dropped. This was the first
victory of Civil Disobedience. Then an official enquiry into the indigo sharecroppers’ situation was instituted and
the landlords agreed to refund the peasants. The sharecropper accepted the 25 per cent refund. The landlords
surrendered a part of the money with a part of their prestige. So Gandhiji achieved his objective in removing the
fear of the poor peasants and getting justice for them through ‘satyagraha’ and ‘non-violence’.
Question 28.
Give an account of Gandhiji’s efforts to secure justice for the poor indigo sharecroppers of Champaran. (All
India 2012)
Answer:
Gandhiji took up the cause of the indigo sharecroppers at Champaran. He fought against the injustice of the cruel
British landlords who extorted money from the poor sharecroppers. Gandhiji collected all the facts and met the
Commissioner. He tried to threaten Gandhiji and advised him to leave from there. But Gandhiji was undeterred.
He decided to launch a peaceful ‘satyagraha’ and non-violent movement. This led to spontaneous
demonstra¬tions in Motihari. Thousands of peasants challenged the Britishers and the government was baffled.
Despite earlier hesitations the prominent lawyers declared their uncondi¬tional support to Gandhiji. Finally
Gandhiji’s peaceful and non-violent civil disobedience bore the desired results. The indigo share¬croppers at
Champaran secured justice and the landlords agreed to refund 25 per cent of the compensation money.
Question 29.
The Champaran episode was a turning point in Gandhiji’s life. Elucidate. (All India 2012)
Answer:
Gandhiji came to Champaran to fight against the injustice of the landlord system there. Most of the land in
Champaran was divided into large estates owned by Englishmen who hired Indian tenants to grow indigo there.
The Indian peasants were sharecroppers and had to surrender 15 per cent of the indigo harvest as rent to the
British. After synthetic indigo was developed the Englishmen obtained fresh agreements from sharecroppers to
pay them compensation. Many refused to sign and others wanted their money back. At this point Gandhiji
arrived in Champaran with an aim to free the peasants from fear. He collected all the facts and met the
commissioner who tried to bully him and advised him to leave the place. Gandhiji did not leave. In the course of
securing justice for the oppressed farmers of Champaran, Gandhiji had to clash with the British authorities
several times before he could persuade them to agree to his viewpoint.
The Champaran episode turned out to be Gandhiji’s loud pronouncement that the Britishes could not order him
about in his own country. It established the effectiveness of non¬cooperation as a means of fighting for justice.
The Champaran episode revealed Gandhiji’s principles in the political field. Even after winning the peasants’
battle against the English landlords Gandhiji stayed in Champaran for the cultural and social upliftment of the
poor and the backward of the villages of Champaran.
Question 30.
Why did Rajkumar Shukla invite Gandhiji to Champaran? How did Gandhiji solve the problem of the indigo
farmers? (All India 2012)
Answer:
Rajkmar Shukla who was an illiterate and oppressed indigo farmer from Champaran invited Gandhiji to visit his
district so that he could alleviate the problems faced by the miserable peasants at the hands of the British
landlords. He kept urging Gandhiji to visit Champaran. Gandhiji’s truthfulness, sincerity of purpose and
undeterred efforts enabled him to solve the problem of the indigo farmers. He began by trying to get the facts.
The British landlords as well as Commissioner of Tirhut were non-cooperative. Lawyers from Muzaffarpur
briefed him about court cases of these peasants. Gandhiji and the lawyers collected depositions by about ten
thousand peasants. Notes were made on other evidence. Documents were collected. The whole area throbbed
with the activities of the investigators and forceful protests of landlords. The Lieutenant Governor summoned
Gandhiji. After four protracted interviews an official commission of inquiry was appointed to look into the
indigo sharecroppers’ situation. Gandhiji was the sole representative of the peasants. The official inquiry
assembled huge quantity of evidence against the big planters. After negotiation a settlement of 25 per cent refund
to the farmers was agreed on. This was a moral victory of the peasants. They recognised their rights and learned
courage.
Question 31.
Exploitation is a universal phenomenon. The poor indigo farmers were exploited by the British landlords to
which Gandhiji objected. Even after our independence we find exploitation of unorganized labour. What values
do we learn from Gandhiji campaign to counter the present day problems of exploitation?(Delhi 2013)
Answer:
Gandhiji’s campaign in Champaran is relevant even in the present day to counter the problems of exploitation.
What we must keep in mind is to teach the downtrodden to be courageous. Unless the labour class overcomes the
fear within them, they will never be able to fight for their rights. Therefore, priority has to be given to
empowering and making the labour class bold and fearless and to give them the courage to oppose injustice and
exploitation. Another thing we must remember is to focus not on the problems of the labour class but on the
solution of their problems. We must possess a humanitarian approach and should be ready to brave hardships
with non-violence, patience and perseverance. Only then can we overcome the present-day problems of
exploitation.
Question 32.
Why did Gandhiji agree to a settlement of 25 per cent refund to the farmers? How did it influence the peasant-
landlord relationship in Champaran? (All India 2013)
Answer:
Gandhiji had demanded the indigo planters for a 50 per cent refund to the farmers but they offered only 25 per
cent. But Gandhiji agreed to their offer because for him the amount of the refund was of less importance. More
important was the fact that the planters had been forced to surrender part of their rights. It was a moral victory
for the farmers. Gandhiji’s main aim was to break the deadlock between the landlords and their tenants and to
enable the peasants to recognise their legal rights. Within a few years the British planters abandoned their estates,
which reverted to the peasants and finally indigo sharecropping disappeared.
Question 33.
Attempt the following in about 100 words:
Our scriptures tell us that determination and perseverance are cardinal virtues of a good human being. Raj
Kumar Shukla succeeded in taking Gandhiji to Champaran with the help of these two.
How can young students today use these two qualities to make successful careers for themselves? (Comptt. Delhi
2013)
Answer:
Determination is your decision to do something against all odds. Perseverance is to keep doing something for the
time needed to achieve your goal no matter how long or difficult the path is. No wonder these two qualities
should be the ‘mantra’ for young students to make a successful career for themselves. If there is one quality, one
personal trait that is most correlated with success it is the trait of per¬sistence—the ability to endure till the end.
With a little more perseverance what once seemed a hopeless failure may turn to glorious success. Determination
and perseverance give us hope that the righteous suffer no other failure except that of giving up and no longer
trying.
Question 34.
Why is the Champaran episode considered to be the beginning of the Indian struggle for Independence? (All
India 2014)
Answer:
The Champaran episode was a landmark in the Gandhian style of fighting against the British. It was a long-
drawn out but peaceful agitation. It was also a turning point in Gandhiji’s life. During this struggle Gandhiji
decided to urge the departure of the Britishers. It did not begin as an act of defiance but it grew out of an .
attempt to make the sufferings of the poor peasants less severe. It was the triumph of the first civil disobedience
movement. The Champaran episode taught the farmers to be courageous and made them aware of their rights. It
was a spontaneous demonstration around the courtroom and the beginning of the peasant liberation from the fear
of Britishers. In the Champaran episode, self-reliance and freedom struggle went hand in hand.
Question 35.
Gandhiji’s was not a loyalty to abstractions; it was a loyalty to living human beings. Why did Gandhiji continue
his stay in Champaran even after indigo sharecropping disappeared? (All India 2014)
Answer:
Gandhiji never contented himself with large political and economic solutions. He saw the cultural and social
backwardness in the villages of Champaran and wanted to do something about it immediately. So he continued
his stay in Champaran even after indigo sharecropping disappeared. He appealed to two young men, who were
teachers and their wives to engage volunteers for improving conditions of health and hygiene. Since the health
conditions were miserable in Champaran, Gandhiji got a doctor to volunteer his services for six months. He
noticed the filthy state of women’s clothes and asked his wife, Kasturba to talk to them about it. During his long
stay in Champaran Gandhiji also kept a long distance watch on the ashram. In everything Gandhiji did, he tried
to mould a new free India that could stand on its own feet.
Question 36.
Describe how, according to Louis Fischer, Gandhiji succeeded in his Champaran campaign? (Comptt. Delhi
2014)
Answer:
According to Louis Fischer, the Champaran campaign began as an attempt to fight against the injustice towards
the helpless peasants to alleviate their sufferings. It later turned out to be Gandhiji’s loud pronouncement that the
Britishers could not order him about in his own country. Gandhiji took up the cause of the indigo sharecroppers
at Champaran. He fought against the injustice of the cruel British landlords who extorted money from the poor
sharecroppers. Gandhiji collected all the facts and met the Commissioner. He tried to threaten Gandhiji and
advised him to leave from there. But Gandhiji was undeterred. He decided to launch a peaceful ‘satyagraha’ and
non-violent movement. This led to spontaneous demonstrations in Motihari. Thousands of peasants challenged
the Britishers and the government was baffled. Despite earlier hesitations the prominent lawyers declared their
unconditional support to Gandhiji. Finally Gandhiji’s peaceful and non-violent civil disobedience bore the
desired results. The indigo sharecroppers at Champaran secured justice and the landlords agreed to refund 25
percent of the compensation money.
Question 37.
What did Gandhiji do to remove the cultural and social backwardness in the Champaran villages? (Comptt. Delhi
2015)
Answer:
Gandhiji never contented himself with large political and economic solutions. He saw the cultural and social
backwardness in the villages of Champaran and wanted to do something about it immediately. So he continued
his stay in Champaran even after indigo sharecropping disappeared. He appealed to two young men, who were
teachers and their wives to engage volunteers for improving conditions of health and hygiene. Since the health
conditions were miserable in Champaran, Gandhiji got a doctor to volunteer his services for six months. He
noticed the filthy state of women’s clothes and asked his wife, Kasturba to talk to them about it. During his long
stay in Champaran Gandhiji also kept a long distance watch on the ashram. In everything Gandhiji did, he tried
to mould a new free India that could stand on its own feet.
Also add: Gandhiji was different from other politicians. His politics was concerned with the day to day problems
of the people. His aim was to mould the Indians who could stand on their own feet and make India free. The
purpose of
Gandhiji’s visit to Champaran was to bring justice to the sharecroppers. But after that was achieved he stayed on
to alleviate the sufferings of the people in Champaran. He started schools and clinics. His friends, wife and sons
volunteered to help him. Gandhiji stayed nearly for a year in Champaran.
Question 38.
How did a visit to Champaran become a turning point in Gandhi’s life? How does this show Gandhi’s love and
concern for the com¬mon people of India? (Comptt. All India 2015)
Answer:
The Champaran episode began as an attempt to fight against the injustice towards the hapless peasants to
alleviate their sufferings. It later turned out to be Gandhiji’s loud pronounce-ment that the Britishers could not
order him about in his own country. It established the effectiveness of non-cooperation as a means of fighting for
justice. Gandhiji did not get intimidated either by the British officials or by their offers. The Champaran episode
was not an outcome of defiance of authorities but it was a result of sincere efforts to relieve the suffering of the
masses. It revealed Gandhiji’s principles in the political field. After winning the peasants’ battle against the
English landlords Gandhiji stayed on in Champaran for the cultural and social upliftment of the poor and
backward villages of Champaran.
Question 39.
Gandhiji had great love for the poor. What did he do for the indigo farmers of Champaran? (2016)
Answer:
The indigo sharecroppers in Champaran were being exploited by the British landlords. Gandhiji was called for
help to alleviate their sufferings. At first he removed the peasants’ fear and united them. He then changed the
professional mindset of the lawyers. He also made the landlords agree to return 25 per cent of the compensation.
The landlords finally left Champaran. Then Gandhiji started his second mission of solving the problem of the
cultural and social backwardness in Champaran. He spread awareness regarding sanitation, health and education.
Since the health conditions were miserable, he got a doctor to volunteer his services for six months. After
winning the peasants’ battle Gandhiji started working for the cultural and social upliftment of the poor and
backward villagers.
Question 40.
Gandhiji, Father of our nation, is a great leader whose values have been admired by one and all. Describe at least
three characteristics of Gandhiji you get to know from ‘Indigo’, which you wish to adopt into your own life
quoting suitable instances from the story. (Comptt. Delhi 2017)
Answer:
There is no denying the fact that Gandhiji’s values and ideologies have been admired by one and all. In the
lesson ‘Indigo’ we get a glimpse of his certain traits that we should adopt in our own life. When Gandhiji
reached Champaran, his main aim was to solve the problem of the sharecroppers and he worked towards that
cause relentlessly. This quality enabled him to overcome all obstacles. Despite his unassuming and simple
personality Gandhiji did not get intimidated by the British. He dared to face each situation fearlessly and nothing
could deter him from his path. After having resolved the issue of compensation of the sharecroppers he focussed
his attention on the social and cultural problems of the people of Champaran. Here too he displayed an extreme
sense of sincerity towards this mammoth task. If we adopt these characteristics of Gandhiji in our life we too are
bound to achieve success in our endeavours.
Question 41.
Leadership is all about a strong concern for others. What light does Champaran episode throw on Gandhiji’s
leadership? (Comptt. All India 2017)
Answer:
There is no doubt about the fact that a good leader is one who has a strong concern for others. Not only does he
have a mass appeal but he even rises from the masses. He is a man of principles and his life is an open book.
Gandhiji’s sincere efforts to get justice for the Champaran sharecroppers and his conscientious endeavours to
uplift the people there are proof enough of the true leadership qualities that he possessed. His primary concern
was the welfare of the common man because Gandhiji never contented himself with large political or economic
solutions. Seeing the cultural and social backwardness in the Champaran village he wanted to do something
about it immediately. His politics was always intertwined with the practical day-to-day problems of the millions
and through his selfless actions he displayed what true leadership was all about.
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Poets and Pancakes Important Questions CBSE Class 12 English

1. Answer each of the following questions in about 30-40 words:
Question 1.
Why is the Englishman’s visit referred to us as unexplained mystery? (2002 Delhi)
Answer:
The visit of the Englishman raised many queries and doubts in the minds of those who were working in Gemini
Studios. The Englishman’s name was unfamiliar and his credentials too were unconfirmed. No one could
understand his speech so everyone wondered why he had come to a film studio that made Tamil films for simple
people who had no interest in English poetry.

Question 2.
Who was the English visitor to the studios and what was the purpose of his visit? (2004 Delhi; 2011 Comptt.
Delhi)
Answer:
The Englishman who visited the studios was Stephen Spender. He was an English poet and the editor of a British
periodical, ‘The Encounter’. He visited the studio to deliver a speech at the invitation of Mr. Vasan who was the
boss of Gemini Studios. He was unable to establish a rapport with his dazed audience. No one really understood
the purpose of his visit. Even his identity was discovered by Asokamitran years later, that too by sheer chance.
Question 3.
What was MRA and why it was welcomed at the Gemini Studios? (2005 Delhi)
Answer:
The MRA, the Moral Rearmament Army, was a kind of counter movement to international communism. They
were welcomed at the Gemini Studios due to their political affiliations. The big boss of the studio, Mr. Vasan
literally played into their hands. Also, people at the Gemini Studios were averse to communism. So the Moral
Rearmament Army could not have found a better host in India than the Gemini Studios, who welcomed them
warmly.
Question 4.
How does the author describe the incongruity of an English poet addressing the audience at Gemini Studios?
(2006 Delhi)
Answer:
The English poet’s address was a complete misfit in the midst of the Tamil knowing audience at Gemini Studios.
His speech was incongruous and his accent so indistinct that no one actually understood a word of what he said.
He was talking about the thrills and travails of an English poet to a dazed audience. Finally, neither the
Englishman himself nor his audience understood why they were going through the entire ordeal.
Question 5.
Why did everybody in the studio think of giving the author some work to do? (2008 Delhi)
Answer:
The author’s job was to cut out newspaper clippings on a wide variety of subjects and store them in files. Most
people saw him doing this and considered it as useless work as they felt he was doing next to nothing. So
everyone in the studio thought of giving the author some work to do.
Question 6.
Why did the ‘boy’ in the makeup department come to the author? Why was the author praying for crowd
shooting all the time? (2008 Outside Delhi)
Answer:
The ‘boy’ in the makeup department thought that he had a great literary talent and he wanted to enlighten the
author how this talent was being allowed to go waste and that the department was fit for barbers and perverts.
The author was very eager to avoid his epical narrations so he prayed for crowd-shooting all the time to keep the
‘boy’ busy.
Question 7.
Who was Subbu’s enemy? Why? (2008 Delhi)
Answer:
Subbu’s enemy was the ‘boy’ at the make-up department. All his anger and frustration were directed against him.
The boy was convinced that Subbu was the cause of his woes and miseries. This ‘boy’ was jealous of Subbu’s
rising stars, his success and his intimacy with the boss.
Question 8.
What were the positive qualities of Subbu that the writer admired? (2009 Delhi; 2011 Comptt. Outside Delhi)
Answer:
The writer admired Subbu as he was a multi¬faceted genius and gave a new direction and . definition to Gemini
Studios. Subbu knew the technicalities and details of film-making and was a good actor and writer. He was civil,
friendly and completely devoted to his boss, Mr. Vasan.
Question 9.
Account for Subbu’s importance in Gemini Studios. (2009 Outside Delhi)
Answer:
Subbu was a multi-faceted genius. He was a poet, a writer and a great actor. He gave a new meaning and
direction not only to Gemini Studios but also to the art of film-making by using all his energy and creativity to
the company’s advantage. Moreover, because of his noble and charitable nature he was loved by almost
everyone.
Question 10.
Why was Subbu considered number two at Gemini Studios? (2009 Outside Delhi; 2012 Comptt. Delhi)
Answer:
Subbu was a go-getter and made a position for himself in the studios by pushing his way to the forefront with
flattery. Mr. Vasan was the boss at Gemini Studios and Subbu, his right-hand man, became the number two at
Gemini Studios. Subbu used his entire creativity to his boss’s advantage. He was a multi-faceted genius and if a
producer was not satisfied Subbu would come up with fourteen alternatives. With Subbu around, film-making
became a sheer pleasure. Moreover Subbu gave direction and definition to Gemini Studios during its golden
years.
Question 11.
How did the people of Madras and those at Gemini Studios respond to the plays staged by the Moral Re-
Armament Army? (2010 Outside Delhi )
Answer:
The Moral Re-Armament Army presented two plays ‘Jotham Valley’ and ‘The Forgotten Factor’ in a very
professional manner. The people at Gemini Studios saw the plays over and over again. Though the message was
plain, the costumes and sets were first rate. These plays ran several shows in Madras and left a great impact on
the studios and on Madras in general. For some years almost all Tamil plays imitated the scenes of sunrise and
sunset of ‘Jotham Valley’.
Question 12.
Why was the Moral Re-armament Army welcomed at the Gemini Studios? (2010 Outside Delhi; 2011 Outside
Delhi)
Answer:
The Moral Re-armament Army was a kind of counter movement to International Communism. The big boss of
Gemini Studios, Mr. Vasan literally played into their hands. People at the Gemini Studios had an aversion to
communism. So the Moral Re-armament Army could not have found a better host in India than the Gemini
Studios who welcomed them warmly.
Question 13.
Give one example to show that Gemini Studios was influenced by the plays staged by MRA. (2010 Outside
Delhi)
Answer:
The MRA staged two plays ‘Jotham Valley’ and ‘The Forgotten Factor’. These were presented in the most
professional manner. The six hundred strong Gemini family saw these plays numerous times because of their
fabulous sets and costumes. For years the Gemini Studios copied the sets and costumes in the manner of ‘Jotham
Valley’. Also for some years almost all Tamil plays had a scene of sunrise and sunset in the manner of ‘Jotham
Valley’.
Question 14.
Which example of national integration in Gemini Studios is given in ‘Poets and Pancakes’? (2010 Comptt.
Delhi)
Answer:
The make-up department of the Gemini Studios gave a rare example of national integration. The department was
first headed by a Bengali who was succeeded by a Maharashtrian. He was assisted by a Kannadiga from
Dharwar, an Andhra, a Madras Indian Christian and an Anglo-Burmese. Then there were the usual local Tamils.
All this gave ample proof of national integration.
Question 15.
Why did Asokamirtan pray for crowd¬shooting all the time? (2010 Comptt. Outside Delhi)
Answer:
Asokamirtan was wrongly believed to have nothing to do so the office-boy often came to his cubicle to give an
outlet to his frustrations and stress the fact that a great talent was being wasted. The author was bored with the
office boy’s never-ending babble and prayed for crowd-shooting all the time so that the boy remained busy and
did not pester him.
Question 16.
Why did the author appear to be doing nothing at Gemini studios? (2011 Delhi; 2012 Delhi)
Answer:
The author’s job was to sit at his desk and tear up newspapers all day. He used to cut newspaper clippings on a
wide variety of subjects and stored them in files. His job was not directly related to film making at the studio. So
he appeared to be doing nothing at Gemini Studios.
Question 17.
How did the author discover who the English visitor to the Studios was? (2012 Delhi)
Or
How did Asokamitran come to know that the English visitor to the Gemini Studios was Stephen Spender? (2012
Comptt. Outside Delhi)
Answer:
Years later, when Asokamitran was out of Gemini Studios he bought a pile of brand new books at a reduced price
from a footpath in front of Madras Mount Road Post Office. In a book ‘The God That Failed’ six eminent writers
had described their journeys into communism. It was in this book that he came across the name of Stephen
Spender and finally discovered the identity of the English visitor to the Studios.
Question 18.
What made the lawyer lose his job? What does the writer find so funny about the situation? (2012 Delhi; 2013
Delhi)
Answer:
The lawyer was the legal adviser of an assembly of writers of the Gemini Studio’s Story Department. One day,
the Boss terminated the services of the poets and writers as he found their contribution to the Studio negligible.
With the closure of the Story Department the lawyer too lost his job. The writer found this situation funny
because the lawyer lost his job as the poets and writers were told to go.
Question 19.
Why was the office boy disappointed with his job in the Gemini Studios? (2012 Outside Delhi)
Answer:
The office boy had come to work in the Gemini Studios in the hope of becoming a star or a renowned screen
writer, director or lyricist. But he felt disappointed because in spite of having crossed the age of forty he had not
been able to fulfil any of his dreams.
Question 20.
Kothamangalam Subbu was treated with regard in the Gemini Studios. Why? (2012 Comptt. Outside Delhi)
Answer:
Kothamangalam Subbu was treated with regard at Gemini Studios. He held the No. 2 position there. His sense of
loyalty made him turn his entire creativity to his Boss’ advantage. Moreover, he had the ability to inspire when
commanded and he made the art of film¬making appear very easy. He was a most charitable and improvident
man.
Question 21.
Why is the Englishman’s visit to the Gemini Studios referred to as an unexplained mystery? (2012 Comptt.
Outside Delhi)
Answer:
The Englishman addressed a dazed and silent audience at Gemini Studios. No one knew who he was and what he
was talking about. His accent also defeated any attempt to understand what he was saying. The Englishman
himself looked equally baffled due to the incongruity of his talk. So his visit is referred to as an unexplained
mystery.
Question 22.
Why did Asokamitran pray for crowd¬shooting all the time?
Answer:
Asokamitran was wrongly believed to have nothing to do so the office-boy often came to his cubicle to give an
outlet to his frustrations and stress the fact that a great talent was being wasted. The author was bored with the
office boy’s never-ending babble and prayed for crowd-shooting all the time so that the boy remained busy and
did not pester him.
2. Answer each of the following questions in about 125-150 words.
Question 23.
Kothamangalam Subbu was a ‘many-sided genius’. Elaborate. (2000 Delhi)
Or
Why is Subbu described as a many-sided genius? Give a reasoned answer. (2013 Comptt. Outside Delhi)
Answer:
It is through the character of Kothamangalam Subbu, that the author depicts a caricature of the so-called ‘go-
getters’ who are not really talented but manage to create an aura of talent around themselves. Though officially
on the rolls of the Story Department at Gemini Studios, he was always with the boss. Subbu directs all his
energies and creativity to his boss’ advantage. He delves into the various spheres of film-making successfully
giving the impression of being a brilliant story-writer, a talented actor and a man who is always ready with many
solutions for any problem. He makes the art of film-making appear rather easy for his boss. Thus Subbu with his
scheming nature takes advantage of his boss’ gullibility and passes off himself as a multi-sided genius with
multi-faceted abilities.
Question 24.
Asokamitran has used humour and satire effectively in ‘Poets and Pancakes’. Discuss. (2001 Delhi)
Or
How does humour and satire enliven the account of the events and personalities at Gemini Studios as portrayed
by Asokamitran in ‘Poets and Pancakes’? (2013 Outside Delhi)
Answer:
In the chapter, ‘Poets and Pancakes’, Asokamitran uses a lot of subtle humour and satire to highlight human
foibles. Petty professional differences and inconsequential differences not only keep our minds occupied but also
bring out a subtle humour that is spontaneous without being superfluous. The characterisation of the office boy,
Subbu and the legal advisor, have subtle touches of humour. Asokamitran’s chatty style changes from one
thought to the other rather quickly. For example, he makes fun of the makeup applied to artists which can change
any decent looking person into a hideous crimson hued monster. Such references invoke laughter. The purpose of
the visits of the Moral Rearmament Army and the English poet also baffles everyone. Satire is also directed
towards people who are against communism and can go to any length to oppose it. The writer’s tone of ridicule
is devoid of the slightest trace of mockery, which is most commendable.
Question 25.
Subbu was ‘tailor-made for films’. How did he use his genius in various activities in the Gemini Studios? (2008
Outside Delhi)
Answer:
The author portrays Subbu as a man of versatile abilities who could delve into various aspects of film-making
successfully. Subbu had mastered all the arts related to film-making ranging from story-writing to poetry and
characterisation. He was in fact ‘tailor-made’ for film-making. Film-making seemed rather easy with an expert
like Subbu walking around as he understood all the trivialities and technicalities of film-making. Subbu was the
one who gave ‘a new direction and definition’ to the Gemini Studios during its golden years. Subbu directed his
entire energies and creativity to his boss, Mr. Vasan’s advantage. If his boss was dissatisfied with one scene
Subbu would offer him many alternatives. He understood all the complications of film-making and could
showcase his talent in every artistic arena.
Question 26.
Why and how was the Moral Re-Armament Army welcomed at the Gemini Studios? (2008 Outside Delhi)
Answer:
Frank Buchman’s Moral Re-Armament Army comprising of a group of two hundred people belonging to twenty
nationalities visited Madras in 1952. The MRA was seen to be a counter movement to international communism
and people at the Gemini Studios did not think highly of communism and communists. But Mr. Vasan, the boss
at Gemini Studios was fascinated by the MRA, so they could not have found a ‘warmer’ host than Gemini
Studios in India. The MRA presented two plays ‘Jotham Valley’ and ‘The Forgotten Factor’ in the most
professional manner. Six hundred people of the Gemini Studios saw the plays many times. These plays conveyed
simple messages but their sets and costumes were ‘first rate’. They impressed both the Tamil drama community
and the Gemini Studios. The sunrise and sunset scenes of ‘Jotham Valley’ continued to be copied for years to
come.
Question 27.
‘Subbu was a troubleshooter.’ Do you agree with this statement? Give an account of Subbu’s qualities of head
and heart. (2012 Outside Delhi)
Answer:
Subbu was a perfectly selfish go-getter whose obsequiousness brought him close to his boss and shot him to
number two position at Gemini Studios. He was a very conniving person who took advantage of his boss’
gullibility and portrayed himself as a rather competent and able person. Though he was undeserving and lacked
talent, he always remained cheerful and did not let anything dampen his spirits. He always had something good
to say about everyone. Film-making appeared easy with an expert like Subbu around. He used all his energy and
creativity to his boss’ advantage. Subbu was also a great poet and an amazing actor. He wrote truly original
poems for the masses and as an actor he played secondary roles better than the main actors. His sycophancy to
his boss earned him enemies. Also he angered many such people who considered themselves much more talented
and deserving than him.
Question 28.
What political significance does Gemini Studios’ invitation to Moral Re-Armament army and Stephen Spender
show? (2012 Outside Delhi)
Answer:
The Moral Re-Armament army was a kind of counter movement to Communism and the people at the Gemini
Studios had a natural aversion towards Communists and Communism. They considered that the aim of
Communists was to spread unrest and violence. So by being a ‘warm host’ to the Moral Re¬Armament army the
people at the Gemini Studios actually displayed a counter movement to the ideas of Communism. By inviting
Stephen Spender, once again the purpose of the Gemini Studios was to highlight how a renowned English poet,
who was once attracted to Communism, was later completely disillusioned by it. This further strengthened their
aversion to Communism and they were able to publicly display this aversion.

The Interview Important Questions CBSE Class 12 English

1. Answer each of the following questions in about 30-40 words:
Question 1.
Why did Umberto Eco prefer himself to be called an academician than a novelist? (2000 Delhi)
Answer:
Despite achieving fame as a novelist, Eco preferred to associate himself with the academic community because
his non-fictional work occupied him for the first fifty years of his life. He wrote his first novel at the age of
around fifty. He identified himself more with the academic community and resorts to writing fiction only when
he’was not pursuing some scholarly work.
Question 2.
Why do most celebrity writers despise being interviewed? (2003 Delhi)
Or
What are the views of writers like V.S. Naipaul and Lewis Carroll on interviews? (2005 Delhi)
Answer:
Celebrities like V.S. Naipaul, Rudyard Kipling, Lewis Carroll and H.G. Wells have expressed their strong
despise for interviews. They consider interviews immoral -‘an assault’ because they feel interviews leave a rather
disparaging effect on their personalities and are an encroachment on their privacy.
Question 3.
What was unique and distinctive about Eco’s academic writing style? (2004 Delhi)
Or
What do you learn about Umberto Eco’s distinctive style in his doctoral dissertation? (2013 Outside Delhi)
Answer:
Umberto Eco’s academic writing style is personal, informal and playful. He fills his research stories with all the
trials and errors so that even his research work has the uniqueness . of creative writing and reading. It is not only
informative but also interesting.
Question 4.
State the reason for the huge success of the novel, “The Name of the Rose”. (2008 Delhi)
Answer:
There is no one reason for the huge success of the novel “The Name of the Rose’. Umberto Eco himself calls its
success a mystery. It is possible that this detective story that delved into metaphysics, theology and medieval
history, interested the readers because the time in which it was written was most appropriate, neither a decade
earlier nor a decade later.
Question 5.
“The Name of the Rose” deals with medieval history. Was it responsible for the novel’s success? (2008 Delhi)
Answer:
The success of the novel ‘The Name of the Rose’ did not depend on merely one factor. Many other novels dealt
with medieval history but did not achieve much success. Its success is more attributed to the timing of its
publication, its narrative style and detective yarn and also the fact that it delves into metaphysics and theology
along with medieval history.
Question 6.
What did the publisher think of ‘The Name of the Rose’? (2008 Delhi; 2012 Delhi)
Answer:
The American publisher of ‘The Name of the Rose’ loved and liked the novel but did not expect to sell more than
3,000 copies. No one goes to a cathedral or studies Latin in America so it was really difficult to sell such a novel
there. But the publisher was proved wrong as two to three million copies of the novel were sold in America.
Question 7.
What drawbacks of interviews have been pointed out by Lewis Carrol? (2010 Delhi)
Answer:
Lewis Carrol considers interviews as an ‘unwarranted intrusion’ that is immoral and an offence against his
person. He shunned interviews for fear of being projected as larger than life. His vehement refusal for interviews
enabled him to keep his fans as well as interviews at an arm’s length.
Question 8.
Why do most celebrity writers hate to be interviewed? (2010 Comptt. Delhi)
Answer:
Most of the celebrity writers shun interviews as they feel that interviews leave a disparaging effect on their
personalities. They consider them as an encroachment on their privacy. Writers like V.S. Naipaul feel they are
being wounded by interviews and thus losing a part of themselves.
Question 9.
How did Lewis Carroll react to the interviews? (2012 Comptt. Outside Delhi)
Or
What was Lewis Carroll’s attitude towards being interviewed? (2010 Comptt. Outside Delhi)
Answer:
Lewis Carrol shunned interviews for the fear of being projected as larger than life. He vehemently refused to
give interviews and kept his fans, acquaintances and interviewers at an arm’s length. This give him a great sense
of satisfaction.
2. Answer each of the following questions in about 125-150 words.
Question 10.
What made the American publisher think that the novel ‘The Name of the Rose’ won’t sell in America? What
actually happened? What was the secret of its success? (2013 Delhi)
Or
What is the reason for the huge success of the novel “The Name of the Rose” according to Umberto Eco? (2002
Delhi)
Answer:
The American publisher believed that people like trash whereas ‘The Name of the Rose’ delved into
metaphysics, theology and medieval history and people do not like these difficult reading experiences. Through
his novel, which sold between 10 to 15 million copies, Umberto Eco reached only a small percentage of readers.
But, according to him, it is those kind of readers who do not want easy experiences, or at least, do not always
want this. Umberto Eco cannot categorically state the reason for the huge success of the novel, ‘The Name of the
Rose’. He himself refers to its success as a mystery. He feels this detective story that delved into metaphysics,
theology and medieval history interested the readers as it was written at the most appropriate time. Had it been
written a decade earlier or later, it would not have been so successful. The way the book stormed the literary
world, once it was out, surprised everyone. Even though it contained somewhat heavy reading, the book attracted
a mass audience and Eco became famous as a novelist, rather than an academic scholar the world over.
Question 11.
What do you think about Umberto Eco? Does he like being interviewed? Give reasons in support of your answer
from the text ‘The Interview’. (2006 Delhi)
Answer:
Unlike various other celebrities who express a strong dislike for interviews and consider it an encroachment
upon their privacy, Umberto Eco seems to kind of enjoy giving interviews considering the spirited manner in
which he answers the questions put forth to him by the interviewer, Mukund Padmanabhan. Eco readily and
truthfully answers all the questions in the most humble and sincere manner, delving into details, thus revealing
the fact that he actually does not mind sharing his experiences with others. At no point does he display any kind
of haste to wind up the interview. In fact, he explicitly answers all the questions that Padmanabhan asks him
giving the interviewer a feeling of warmth and being welcome.
Question 12.
Why did Umberto Eco start writing novels and when? What does Eco say about the huge success of his novel,
‘The Name of the Rose’ in spite of it being a difficult and very serious novel? (2008 Outside Delhi)
Answer:
Umberto Eco was essentially an academician who pursued his scholarly pursuits through academic writings. He
wrote about forty non¬fictions and as he himself says, ‘he became a novelist by accident’. That was the reason
he started writing novels at the age of almost fifty. Eco considers himself ‘a university professor who writes
novels (only) on Sundays’. He is not even very sure about any one single reason for the huge success of his
novel ‘The Name of the Rose’. He feels perhaps the timing of the novel’s publication was the most important
factor of its success. The fact that at one level it appears to be a detective yarn but also delves into metaphysics,
theology and medieval history also adds to its appeal. Though the novel is quite a heavy reading experience, it
attracted a mass audience and made Eco popular more as a novelist rather than an academic scholar.
Question 13.
What impression do you form about Umberto Eco as a scholar and writer on the basis of ‘The Interview’? (2010
Outside Delhi)
Or
What was distinctive about Eco’s academic writing style? (2011 Delhi)
Answer:
Umberto Eco’s style is narrative, written in the manner of a story. This is in contrast to a regular academic style
which is invariably depersonalised, dry and boring. His scholarly work has a certain playful and personal quality
to it. He pursued his philosophical interests through his academic work and novels. He also wrote books for
children on non-violence and peace.
Umberto Eco, a professor at the University of Bologna, in Italy, is an authority on Semeiotics, the study of signs.
He is also a well known novelist. His scholarly works include academic texts, essays, childrens’ books and
newspaper articles. He pursues his philosophical interests through his academic writings and novels. In spite of
having reached the zeniths of intellectuality, Eco is a humble and modest scholar. He brushes aside compliments
and never boasts about his achievements. He is keen to share his experiences with others and shares the secret of
accomplishing so much work by revealing the facts that he makes use of time- gaps between different pieces of
work. Eco follows an informal and playful style of writing with a narrative aspect. Even his research work has a
quality of creative writing and makes informative as well as interesting reading.
Question 14.
Eco’s academic work has certain playful and personal quality about it. Comment. (2013 Comptt. Outside Delhi)
Answer:
Eco presents his arguments very logically and with a subtle wit and playfulness to it. He himself says that he
started writing novels by accident. He essentially considers himself a university professor who wrote novels on
Sunday. This non-fictional writing is a marked departive from the regular depersonalised style which is often dry
and boring. Even his research work has the quality of creative writing and makes not only information but also
interesting reading. In his doctoral dissertation, Eco tells the story of his research including his trials and errors.
His: essays too always have a narrative aspect.
Question 15.
Umberto Eco is an academic as well as a famous novelist. Comment. (2013 Comptt. Delhi)
Answer:
Despite getting famous as a novelist, Umberto Eco always associated himself with the academic community. He
has written only five novels as compared to the forty scholarly works of non-fiction. He considers himself as a
university professor who writes novels on Sundays. When he presented his first Doctoral dissertation in Italy,
one of the professors was impressed by the way he told the story of his research, including his trials and errors.
His essays always have a narrative aspect. He started writing novels quite late, at the age of 50, by accident to
satisfy his taste for narration.
Question 16.
Why do some celebrity writers not like being interviewed?
Answer:
Some celebrities see themselves as victims, and despise the interview as an unwarranted intrusion into their
lives. They feel that it somehow diminishes them, just as in some primitive cultures it is believed that ‘if one
takes a photographic portrait of somebody then one is stealing that person’s soul’. V.S. Naipaul feels that ‘some
people are wounded by interviews and lose a part of themselves’. Lewis Carroll says that he has ‘just a horror for
the interviewer’ and he never consented to be interviewed. Rudyard Kipling expressed an even more
condemnatory attitude towards the interviewer. His wife reports her husband as saying that he considered an
interview as a crime and immoral and thus it merits punishment.

Going Places Important Questions CBSE Class 12 English

Going Places Important Questions Short Answer Type Questions (3-4 MARKS)
Question 1.
“Damn that Geoff, this was a Geoff thing not a Jansie thing.” Why did Sophie say so? (Delhi 2010)
Answer:
Sophie had cooked up the story of her meeting with Danny Casey to impress Geoff who was a great fan of the
football prodigy. She knew this news would be of great interest to her brother. She had also thought her brother
would keep her secret. She did not want Jansie, who was ‘nosey’, to know about this. So when Geoff told Jansie,
Sophie cursed him because she knew Jansie would spread her story in the entire neighbourhood.
Question 2.
Why did Sophie like her brother Geoff more than any other person? (All India 2010)
Answer:
For Sophie, her brother Geoff was the only person who listened to her fantasies and long cherished dreams. She
only trusted Geoff to keep all her secrets to himself.
Question 3.
Why didn’t Sophie want Jansie to know about her story with Danny? (All India 2010)
Answer:
Jansie told Sophie that Geoff had given her the news of her (Sophie’s) meeting with Danny Casey. Sophie cursed
Geoff for telling Jansie this because it was meant to be something special between Geoff and her. ‘It wasn’t the
jansie kind of thing at all’. Jansie was ‘nosey’ and now the whole neighbourhood would come to know her story.
Question 4.
What did Sophie tell Geoff about her meeting with Danny Casey? (All India 2010)
Answer:
Sophie told Geoff that she had met Danny Casey, the wonder footballer. As she was looking at the clothes in a
shop’s window Casey came and stood beside her. Geoff did not believe her. Sophie then went on to tell him that
Casey had green and gentle eyes and he was not very tall.
Question 5.
Why didn’t Sophie want Jansie to know about her story with Danny? (Delhi 2011)
Answer:
Sophie did not want Jansie to know anything about her meeting with Danny Casey because she knew Jansie was
good at spreading rumours. Telling anything to Jansie was like telling the whole town. Sophie had made up this
story only for her family and she did not want this story to spread in the town.

Question 6.
Did Geoff keep his promise to Sophie? How do you know? (Delhi 2011)
Answer:
No, Geoff did not keep his promise to Sophie. He told Sophie’s secret to Jansie’s brother Frank who in turn told
Jansie about it. We know this because Jansie questions Sophie about her meeting with footballer, Danny Casey
and Sophie is startled that Jansie knows about this meeting.
Question 7.
How did Sophie’s father react when Geoff told him about her meeting with Danny Casey? (Delhi 2011)
Answer:
When Geoff told their father about Sophie’s meeting with Danny Casey he did not believe it and suspected it was
one of Sophie’s wild stories. He was filled with disdain and did not want to encourage her in any way. So he
warned her to keep herself out of any kind of trouble.
Question 8.
What thoughts came to Sophie’s mind as she sat by the canal? (All India 2011)
Answer:
Sophie considers the spot along the canal the best place for a date, as it is away from the rush of the city. As she
sits by the canal she is lost in the world of her dreams. She imagines Casey coming along the river and her own
excitement thereafter.
Question 9.
Which was the only occasion when Sophie got to see Danny Casey in person? (All India 2011)
Answer:
The only occasion when Sophie got to see Danny Casey in person was when she had gone to see the football
match with her family. Sitting among the spectators, she saw Danny Casey from a distance.
Question 10.
Why did Jansie discourage Sophie from enter¬taining thoughts about the sports-star, Danny Casey? (All India
2011)
Answer:
Jansie is a practical girl who lives in the real world. She knows that Danny Casey, a sports- star is far beyond
Sophie’s dreams and imagination. So she discourages Sophie from entertaining any kind of wild thoughts about
him.
Question 11.
Did Geoff keep his promise? How do you know? (Comptt. Delhi 2011)
Answer:
No, Geoff did not keep his promise. He told Frank about Sophie’s meeting with Danny Casey though he had
promised her he would not disclose it. Even Jansie came to know about it. Sophie was happy to know that Geoff
had at least not revealed the date of her meeting with Casey.
Question 12.
Why did Sophie not want Jansie to know any¬thing about her meeting with Danny Casey?(All India 2012)
Answer:
Sophie did not want Jansie to know anything about her meeting with Danny Casey because she knew Jansie was
good at spreading rumours. Telling anything to Jansie was like telling the whole town. Sophie had made up this
story only for her family and she did not want this story to spread in the town.
Question 13.
What do you think of Sophie’s dream about her career? (Comptt. Delhi 2012)
Answer:
Sophie’s dreams of her future life are far removed from her reality. She dreams of owning a boutique, of
becoming an actress but the fact was that she was earmarked for the biscuit factory. Sophie drifts into a world of
fantasy and wants to live her dreams by stepping out of her middle-class status.
Question 14.
Though Sophie and Jansie were good friends, how were they basically different from each other? (Comptt. All
India 2012)
Answer:
Although Sophie and Jansie were good friends they were completely different from each other.
Sophie lived in a world of dreams and fantasy, a world which was far removed from reality. Jansie, on the other
hand, was a sensible and realistic girl who was grounded to her reality.
Question 15.
Why did Sophie want to keep her story with Danny a secret from Jansie? (Comptt. All India 2012)
Answer:
Sophie did not want Jansie to know anything about her meeting with Danny Casey because she knew Jansie was
good at spreading rumours. Telling anything to Jansie was like telling the whole town. Sophie had made up this
story only for her family and she did not want this story to spread in the town.
Question 16.
Why did Sophie like her brother, Geoff more than any other person? (Delhi 2013)
Answer:
For Sophie, her brother Geoff was the only person who listened to her fantasies and long cherished dreams. She
only trusted Geoff to keep all her secrets to himself.

Question 17.
Why was Sophie jealous of Geoff’s silence? (All India 2013)
Answer:
Sophie’s brother’s hallmark is his silence. Sophie feels “words have to be prized out of him like stone out of the
ground.” She is jealous of his silence and is very keen to enter the recesses of his mind. There is so much about
her brother that Sophie only suspects because she has never really known anything about him.
Question 18.
Did Geoff keep up his promise? How do you know? (All India 2013)
Answer:
No, Geoff did not keep his promise. He told Frank about Sophie’s meeting with Danny Casey though he had
promised her he would not disclose it. Even Jansie came to know about it. Sophie was happy to know that Geoff
had at least not revealed the date of her meeting with Casey.
Question 19.
What is unrealistic about Sophie’s dreams of her future life? (Comptt. Delhi 2013)
Answer:
Sophie’s dreams of her future life are far removed from her reality. She dreams of owning a boutique, of
becoming an actress but the fact was that she was earmarked for the biscuit factory. Sophie drifts into a world of
fantasy and wants to live her dreams by stepping out of her middle-class status.
Question 20.
Why does Jansie discourage Sophie from living in a world of fantasy? (Comptt. Delhi 2013)
Answer:
Jansie was a realistic and practical girl who knew both she and Sophie were earmarked for the biscuit factory. So
she discouraged Sophie from living in a world of fantasy. Whenever Sophie expressed her wishes aloud Jansie
became melancholic and told Sophie to behave sensibly.
Question 21.
Why did Sophie not want Jansie to know about her story with Danny? (Comptt. Delhi 2013)
Answer:
Sophie did not want Jansie to know anything about her meeting with Danny Casey because she knew Jansie was
good at spreading rumours. Telling anything to Jansie was like telling the whole town. Sophie had made up this
story only for her family and she did not want this story to spread in the town.

Question 22.
How do we know that Sophie’s family lived in poor circumstances? (Comptt. All India 2013)
Answer:
We know that Sophie’s family lived in poor circumstances as her father worked hard as a manual labourer. Her
mother’s back had become crooked due to the burden of household work. Their house was rather small, easily
suffocated with steam from the stove.
Question 23.
Why did Sophie want to be admitted into Geoff’s affections? (Comptt. All India 2013)
Answer:
Geoff was an apprentice mechanic who traveled to the far side of the city every day. Sophie wished she could be
admitted into Geoff’s affections so that someday he might take her with him to meet those exotic and interesting
people whom he never spoke about.
Object 46

Question 24.
Whom did Sophie like more than anyone else in the story? Why? (Comptt. All India 2013)
Answer:
Sophie liked her brother Geoff more than anyone else. She was most fascinated by his evasiveness and wanted to
travel with him to his enigmatic world. Her brother’s lost and inquisitive eyes captivated her and his silence
intrigued her.
Question 25.
Why did Sophie long for her brother’s affection? (All India 2014)
Answer:
Sophie longed for her brother’s affection because she trusted him more than any other member of her family. He
symbolised freedom and she wanted to be a part of his exotic and adventurous world. He was the only one to
whom she could look for approval as her father was critical and disapproving and she hero- worshipped him.
Question 26.
How are Jansie and Sophie different from each other? (Comptt. Delhi 2014)
Answer:
Although Jansie and Sophie are classmates and friends, their approach to life is completely different from each
other. While Jansie is practical and grounded to reality, Sophie lives in a make-believe world of her own, which
she ‘invents’ in her imagination.
Question 27.
Why is Sophie attracted to Danny Casey? (Comptt. Delhi 2014)
Answer:
Danny Casey is an Irish football prodigy and Sophie is attracted to him because like most youngsters she idolizes
and hero-worships him. So she envisions her meetings with the football star and also gives vivid details of their
meetings.
Question 28.
What was Sophie’s ambition in life? How did she hope to achieve that? (Delhi 2017)
Answer:
Sophie’s ambition in life was either to have her own boutique and be a fashion designer or to be an actress. She
wanted to do something a bit sophisticated. She hoped to achieve her ambition by being a manager at a boutique
to start with and then save enough money to have her own boutique.
Question 29.
Why did Jansie discourage Sophie from hav-ing dreams? (All India 2017)
Answer:
Jansie was a realistic and practical girl who knew both she and Sophie were earmarked for the biscuit factory. So
she discouraged Sophie from living in a world of fantasy. Whenever Sophie expressed her wishes aloud Jansie
became melancholic and told Sophie to behave sensibly.
Going Places Important Questions Long Answer Type Questions (5-6 MARKS)
Question 30.
Contrast Sophie’s real world with her fantasies. (Delhi 2009)
Answer:
Sophie belongs to a lower middle class family and lives a humble life with her parents and elder brother. But her
dreams far supercede the reality in which she is living. Her dreams are far beyond her reach. So she wishes to
open a boutique, entertains the idea of being an actress and also aspires to be a fashion designer. Her dreamy
disposition and romantic allusions lead her to hero-worship the wonder-footballer, Danny Casey towards whom
she develops a romantic fascination. Though she sees him only once in person she sits for hours imagining
Danny Casey coming to her. The incurable dreamer in her remains an escapist who wants to remain away from
her real world.
Question 31.
Describe the character of Sophie’s father and the role played by him. (Delhi 2009)
Answer:
Sophie’s father is a happy-go-lucky and carefree man. He does not appear to be either soft or even sophisticated.
He is a heavy breathing man. He usually sits in his vest at the table. Sophie, it appears, fears him. He does not
believe in his daughter’s ‘wild stories’ and so he ignores her completely and prefers to go and watch television
than listen to her. Even when his son Geoff tells him that Sophie had met the Irish prodigy Danny Casey, he
completely ignores this news. He is extremely interested in football and, like all his children, he also adores
Danny Casey. He is a middle-class man who goes to the pub on his bicycle to celebrate his team’s victory and
the fact that Casey had scored a second goal. He is a rather dominating person and a typical representation of the
lower middle-class family of that time.
Question 32.
Jansie is just as old as Sophie but she is very different from her. Bring out the contrast bet¬ween the two friends
citing relevant instances from the story, “Going Places”. (All India 2009)
Answer:
Sophie and Jansie were classmates as well as friends. They both belonged to lower middle- class families. But
that is where their similarity ends. There is a striking contrast between their characters. Sophie is a day-dreamer
and Jansie is practical. Sophie lives in a world of dreams and does not want to come out of this fairyland. She is
an incurable escapist and dreams of having a boutique, becoming an actress or a fashion designer. Jansie, on the
other hand, is very grounded. Jansie has her feet firmly planted on the ground and knows they are both
‘earmarked for the biscuit factory’. She knows big things require big money and experience which they lack
desperately. She advises Sophie to be sensible and not entertain wild dreams. Sophie and Jansie’s temperaments
differ greatly. While Sophie shares her dreams only with one person, her brother Geoff, Jansie on the other hand
is nosey. She takes an interest in learning new things about others and can spread stories in the whole
neighbourhood.
Question 33.
Contrast Sophie’s real world with her fantasies. (Comptt. All India 2011)
Answer:
Sophie belongs to a lower middle class family and lives a humble life with her parents and elder brother. But her
dreams far supercede the reality in which she is living. Her dreams are far beyond her reach. So she wishes to
open a boutique, entertains the idea of being an actress and also aspires to be a fashion designer. Her dreamy
disposition and romantic allusions lead her to hero-worship the wonder-footballer, Danny Casey towards whom
she develops a romantic fascination. Though she sees him only once in person she sits for hours imagining
Danny Casey coming to her. The incurable dreamer in her remains an escapist who wants to remain away from
her real world.
Question 34.
Compare and contrast Sophie and Jansie high¬lighting their temperament and aspirations. (Delhi 2012)
Answer:
Sophie and Jansie were classmates as well as friends. They both belonged to lower middle- class families. But
that is where their similarity ends. There is a striking contrast between their characters. Sophie is a day-dreamer
and Jansie is practical. Sophie lives in a world of dreams and does not want to come out of this fairyland. She is
an incurable escapist and dreams of having a boutique, becoming an actress or a fashion designer. Jansie, on the
other hand, is very grounded. Jansie has her feet firmly planted on the ground and knows they are both
‘earmarked for the biscuit factory’. She knows big things require big money and experience which they lack
desperately. She advises Sophie to be sensible and not entertain wild dreams. Sophie and Jansie’s temperaments
differ greatly. While Sophie shares her dreams only with one person, her brother Geoff, Jansie on the other hand
is nosey. She takes an interest in learning new things about others and can spread stories in the whole
neighbourhood.
Question 35.
Attempt a character sketch of Sophie as a woman who lives in her dreams. (Delhi 2012)
Answer:
Sophie belongs to a lower middle class family and lives a humble life with her parents and elder brother. But her
dreams far supercede the reality in which she is living. Her dreams are far beyond her reach. So she wishes to
open a boutique, entertains the idea of being an actress and also aspires to be a fashion designer. Her dreamy
disposition and romantic allusions lead her to hero-worship the wonder-footballer, Danny Casey towards whom
she develops a romantic fascination. Though she sees him only once in person she sits for hours imagining
Danny coming to her. The incurable dreamer in her remains an escapist who wants to remain away from her real
world.
Question 36.
Why did Sophie enjoy living in a world of dreams? Describe some of her dreams. (All India 2012)
Answer:
Sophie, like most girls of her age, enjoyed living in her world of dreams which provided to her the refuge she
needed from her middle – class reality. Through her dream world she visualised for herself a life that she would
like to lead. Her imagination drew into her life all the things she desired and people she idolised but could never
make a part of her real life. Sophie dreams of having her own boutique after she leaves school, a boutique which
will be the most amazing in the city. Becoming an actress or a fashion designer is also her dream. She was
conscious of a vast world which waited for her and she was very sure that she would adjust easily in that world.
In her dream world, Sophie dreams of meeting the sensational footballer Danny Casey. She even fixes a date
with him and actually travels to that place and waits for him to come. In her world of fantasy, Sophie moves
rapidly from one dream to another through the leaps of her mind.
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Question 37.
Has Sophie met Danny Casey? What details of her meeting with Danny Casey did she narrate to her brother?
(Delhi 2014)
Answer:
No, Sophie had never met Danny Casey. Her story is merely a part of her fantasy. Her fertile mind made up the
story of her encounter with him. She told her brother that she had met Danny Casey in the arcade. When she was
looking at the clothes in Royce’s window someone came and stood beside her and she looked around and saw
Danny. She also told Geoff that Danny Casey has gentle, green eyes and he is not as tall as one would think him
to be. She also asked Danny for his autograph but could not get it as none of them had a paper or pen with them.
Sophie’s dream world makes her travel into those aspects of life which she may never be able to achieve in
reality.
Question 38.
What were Sophie’s plans for her future? Why would you call her dreams unrealistic? (Delhi 2014)
Answer:
Sophie had rather unrealistic plans for her future. She wanted to own a boutique and have the most amazing shop
in the city. She also dreamed of being an actress or a fashion designer. Considering her meagre resources and
family’s position, her dreams are quite unrealistic, in fact they are in sharp contrast to her reality. Her father
works hard for a living and so she is never likely to be a part of the sophisticated world. Her mother bears the
back-breaking burden of household chores. I Ier brother works as an apprentice mechanic. Considering her
circumstances she would actually have to work in the biscuit factory. So her dreams would just remain dreams
and never become a reality.
Question 39.
Sophie lives in a world full of dreams which she does not know she cannot realise. Comment. (All India 2015)
Answer:
Sophie, like most girls of her age, loves to fantasize and live in a world full of dreams which is far away from
reality. She envisions a life for herself which she would like to lead not knowing that she might never be able to
realise her dreams. She dreams of owning a boutique which again she might never be able to fulfil. The best part
of her fantasy is that she is unaware of the fact that her dreams may never materialise. Though her friend Jansie
tries her best to keep her grounded, Sophie is undeterred. Sophie’s dream world makes her traverse into those
spheres of life which she may never be able to achieve in reality and this does not cause her any anxiety. She
blissfully ignores the fact that she comes from a lower middle class family and continues to dream on.
Question 40.
How different is Jansie from Sophie?(All India 2015)
Answer:
Sophie and Jansie were classmates as well as friends. They both belonged to lower middle- class families. But
that is where their similarity ends. There is a striking contrast between their characters. Sophie is a day-dreamer
and Jansie is practical. Sophie lives in a world of dreams and does not want to come out of this fairyland. She is
an incurable escapist and dreams of having a boutique, becoming an actress or a fashion designer. Jansie, on the
other hand, is very grounded. Jansie has her feet firmly planted on the ground and knows they are both
‘earmarked for the biscuit factory’. She knows big things require big money and experience which they lack
desperately. She advises Sophie to be sensible and not entertain wild dreams. Sophie and Jansie’s temperaments
differ greatly. While Sophie shares her dreams only with one person, her brother Geoff, Jansie on the other hand
is nosey. She takes an interest in learning new things about others and can spread stories in the whole
neighbourhood.
Question 41.
It is not unusual for a lower middle class girl to dream big. How unrealistic were Sophie’s dreams? (All India
2015)
Answer:
Sophie belongs to a lower middle class family and lives a humble life with her parents and elder brother. But her
dreams far supercede the reality in which she is living. Her dreams are far beyond her reach. So she wishes to
open a boutique, entertains the idea of being an actress and also aspires to be a fashion designer. Her dreamy
disposition and romantic allusions lead – her to hero-worship the wonder-footballer, Danny Casey towards
whom she develops a romantic fascination. Though she sees him only once in person she sits for hours
imagining Danny Casey coming to her. The incurable dreamer in her remains an escapist who wants to remain
away from her real world.
Her friend Jansie continued to ground her to reality by stating that they were earmarked for the biscuit factory.
Her father also stated that if she ever had enough money she would first buy them a decent house to live in.
Sophie’s little brother Derek too feels that his sister thinks money grows on trees.
Question 42.
Every teenager must dream big. Yet the dream should also be rooted to the ground. Write a character sketch of
Sophie in the light of this remark. (Comptt. All India 2015)
Answer:
Every teenager must dream big. Yet the dream should also be rooted to the ground. This statement is so true for
Sophie whose dreams are larger than life and far supercede her real life. Sophie had rather unrealistic plans for
her future. She wanted to own a boutique and have the most amazing shop in the city. She also dreamed of being
an actress or a fashion designer. Considering her meagre resources and family’s position, her dreams are quite
unrealistic, in fact they are in sharp contrast to her reality. Her father works hard for a living and is never likely
to be a part of the sophisticated world. Her mother bears the back-breaking burden of household chores. Her
brother works as an apprentice mechanic. Considering her circumstances she would actually have to work in the
biscuit factory. So her dreams would just remain dreams and never become a reality.
Question 43.
Teachers always advise their students to dream big. Yet, the same teachers in your classrooms find fault with
Sophie when she dreams. What is wrong with Sophie’s dreams? (Delhi 2016)
Answer:
There is nothing wrong with having big dreams. Infact it is an advice given to us by our teachers. But then our
dreams must not be in j complete contrast to our reality. This is the fault with Sophie’s dreams. Her dreams are
not ! only over-ambitious but also most impractical. She is an incurable escapist and lives in the world of her
dreams. She drifts into the world of her fantasy and wants to make her dreams her reality. Dreaming the
unachievable can have a negative impact on one’s personality. It can lead to depression. Sophie blissfully ignores
the fact that she comes from a lower middle class family and is ear-marked for the biscuit factory. She dreams of
owning a boutique, becoming a fashion designer or an actress, dreams which she may never be able to fulfill.
Sophie not only dreams big but concocts stories about her imaginary meeting with the Irish prodigy, Danny
Casey. She envisions her meeting with the football star and also gives vivid details of the meeting. Such
unrealistic dreams need to be discouraged.
Question 44.
Every teenager has a hero/heroine to admire. So many times they become role models for them. What is wrong if
Sophie fantasizes about Danny Casey and is ambitious in life? (All India 2016)
Answer:
Dreams and fantasies are an integral part of every teenager’s life. Their dreams motivate them to achieve their
goals. Every teenager has an idol to admire and these idols become role models for them. Same is the case with
Sophie who idolizes Danny Casey. The only thing wrong with Sophie’s fantasy is that she nurtures unrealistic
dreams which are in sharp contrast to her reality. Her ambitions too are way beyond the confines of her lower
middle class status. Sophie has never met Danny Casey but she envisions her meeting with the football star and
even invents vivid details of this meeting. Her over-imaginative mind concocts stories and she starts living in her
make-believe world. Through her dreams Sophie escapes from the harsh realities of life and such people find it
difficult to cope with reality.
Question 45.
Describe the fantasies Sophie had about Danny Casey. (Comptt. All India 2016)
Answer:
Sophie had never met Danny Casey. Her story is merely a part of her fantasy. Her fertile mind made up the story
of her encounter with him. She told her brother that she had met Danny Casey in the arcade. When she was
looking at the clothes in Royce’s window someone came and stood beside her and she looked around and saw
Danny. She also told Geoff that Danny Casey has gentle, green eyes and he is not as tall as one would think him
to be. She also asked Danny for his autograph but could not get it as none of them had a paper or pen with them.
Sophie’s dream world makes her travel into those aspects of life which she may never be able to achieve in
reality. Sophie imagines Danny Casey coming to her, her own excitement and subsequent disappointment.
Question 46.
Geoff and Sophie are different from each other, though they belong to the same family. Com¬ment with
examples from the text. (Comptt. All India 2016)
Answer:
Though Geoff and Sophie belong to the same family they are very different from each other. Geoff, Sophie’s
elder brother is an apprentice mechanic who travelled to work to the far side of the city everyday. He lived in
reality and spoke little. In fact Sophie felt that words had to be prized out of him like stone out of the ground. He
had a life of his own and though he listened to Sophie’s fantasies, he did not believe her. Sophie, on the other
hand, lived in a dream world. She dreams of having a boutique, becoming an actress or a fashion designer. She is
a day-dreamer and an incurable escapist. She imagines meeting the football prodigy Danny Casey. Geoff is the
most important member of her family for Sophie who wishes to be admitted into her brother’s affections so that
some day he might take her with him to meet the exotic and interesting people whom he never spoke about.