Two Gentlemen Of Verona Textbook Questions

Question 1: What are the qualities of a “gentleman”?

Answer 1: The qualities of a gentleman are:
 Respectful
 Courteous
 Chivalrous
 Understanding
 Considerate
 Wise
Question 2: Does a gentleman have consideration for others and their feelings?
Answer 2: Yes, a gentleman has consideration for others and their feelings. A real gentleman is one who is
sensitive and thoughtful towards the people around him.
Question 3: Based on your reading of the story answer the following questions by ticking the correct
options.
1. The driver did not approve of the narrator buying fruit from the two boys because
(a) the boys were untidy and poorly dressed
(b) the strawberries were not fresh
(c) they were asking for a heavy price
(d) the driver did not approve of small boys who worked
Answer: (a) the boys were untidy and poorly dressed
2. The narrator was most impressed by the boys’
(a) desire to earn money
(b) willingness to work
(c) ability to perform many tasks
(d) sense of fun
Answer: (b) willingness to work
3. Nicola was not pleased when Jacopo asked the narrator to drive them to Poleta as he
(a) did not want a stranger to become involved with their plans
(b) preferred going to Poleta by train so that he could enjoy the scenery
(c) did not want to ask anyone for favours
(d) did not want to take help from someone he did not know well
Answer: (c) did not want to ask anyone for favours
4. The narrator did not go inside Lucia’s room as
(a) he did not want to intrude into their privacy
(b) he thought that the boys would object
(c) Lucia would not welcome a stranger
(d) the boys would feel he was spying on them
Answer: (a) he did not want to intrude into their privacy
5. The boys were the first to join the resistance movement against the Germans because
(a) the Germans had hurt their sister
(b) the Germans ruled the city
(c) the Germans had ruined their family
(d) the Germans had destroyed their home
Answer: (d) the Germans had destroyed their home
6. The author did not speak to the boys on their return journey because
(a) he thought the boys would prefer to keep their secret
(b) he thought the boys were ashamed of their sister’s condition.
(c) he thought they wouldn’t tell him the truth
(d) he thought the boys might ask him for money for their sister
Answer: (a) he thought the boys would prefer to keep their secret

Question 4: What do you understand by the following statements

1.”We do many things, sir,” Nicola answered seriously. He glanced at us hopefully.
Answer: The boys, Nicola and Jacopo did various jobs in order to earn money. Nicola was serious about the
work they did which reflects their willingness to work and gather money.
He looked at the narrator hopefully as he wished that the narrator would also engage them in some work.
2. He coloured deeply under his sunburn, then grew pale.
Answer: Upon hearing the narrator’s question, Nicola became cheerful and excited. He blushed suddenly.
The pink colour on his face was so prominent that it was even visible beneath his dark sun burnt skin. Just
then he had an afterthought which aroused emotions in him. He was reminded of his ailing sister. They were
collecting money for her treatment. This thought of his sister’s ailment made him sad and his face turned
pale, dull and colourless.
3. He smiled uncomfortably. “Just plans, sir,” he answered in a low voice.
Answer: Nicola is uncomfortable while answering personal questions asked by the narrator. He does not
want to share his problems with anyone. His reluctance is evident from his short reply and low voice.
Neither does he want to disclose his reality to the narrator nor does he want to lie to him, so, he speaks in a
low voice.
4. Yet in both these boyish faces there was a seriousness which was far beyond their years.
Although the boys were childish, simple and natural; there was a grave seriousness on their faces. This was
indicative of the rude and harsh life which they had faced at such an early age. As they had lost their parents
and home; and their sister was battling an ailment, the young boys were serious towards life. They had lost
their childhood.
This expression of seriousness was in contrast to their young age and their otherwise childish behavior.

Q2 Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
A As we made the rounds, my interest was again provoked by their remarkable demeanour. They were
childish enough, and in many ways quite artless. Jacopo was as lively as a squirrel. Nicola’s smile was
steady and engaging. Yet in both their boyish faces there was a seriousness which was far beyond their
years. In the week which followed we saw them frequently, for they proved extremely useful to us.
1. We can say that the demeanour of the two boys was remarkable because they were_____________.
Select the correct option.
A. innocent but clever
B. lively but serious
C. young but mature
D. childish but engaging
Ans C. young but mature
2. What does the writer wish to imply via the comparison of Jacopo to a squirrel?
Ans The writer wishes to imply that Jacopo is cheerful and lively via the comparison to a squirrel.
3. How did the boys prove useful for the narrator and his companion? Select the most appropriate
option.
1. Brought them newspapers.
2. Guided them to good restaurants.
3. Found American cigarettes for them.
4. Sold fruits to them.
A. (1), (3) and (5)
B. (2), (3) and (4)
C. (1), (2) and (5)
D. (1), (2) and (4)
Ans B. (2), (3) and (4)
4. Select the suitable word from the extract, to complete the following. happy : sad::
pacify :_____________
A. provoke
B. remarkable
C. steady
D. engage
Ans A. provoke
5. Select a phrase from the extract that means the same as, ‘to circulate’.
Ans. made the rounds
B I said, “Nicola, the way you and Jacopo work, you must earn quite a bit. You spend nothing on clothes.
You eat little enough… when I see you have a meal it’s usually black bread and figs. Tell me, what do you
with your money?” He coloured deeply under his sunburn, then grew pale. He looked to the ground. “You
must be saving up to emigrate to America,” I suggested. He looked at me sideways, spoke with an effort.
1. What does the narrator’s remark ‘… the way you and Jacopo work…’refer to?
A. Sale of certain products.
B. Manner of working.
C. Readiness to lend aid.
D. Open to doing add jobs
Ans. D. Open to doing add jobs
.
2. How did the narrator’s question impact Nicola? It made him feel_____________.
A. surprised
B. embarrassed
C. confused
D. scared
Ans. B. embarrassed
3. State one aspect that might have led the narrator to think that the boys must be saving to emigrate
to America.
Ans. The boys were doing several jobs which made the author think that the boys must be saving to
emigrate to America.
4. Which of the following remarks shows that the narrator observed things keenly?
A. ‘The way you and Jacopo work, you must earn quite a bit.’
B. ‘When I see you have a meal it’s usually black bread and figs.’
C. ‘What do you do with your money?’
D. ‘You must be saving up to emigrate to America.’
Ans. B. ‘When I see you have a meal it’s usually black bread and figs.’
5. What does the sunburn help you deduce about Nicola?
Ans. Nicola’s sunburn shows that he was uncomfortable and embarrassed by the narrator’s questions.

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

Answer the following questions in 40 words.
Q1. Justify the title ‘Two Gentlemen of Verona’.
Ans. The story centres on two little boys who, despite their age, were already true gentlemen, therefore the
term is entirely appropriate. They were respectable, diligent, truthful, and hard workers. They put in a lot of
effort without searching for assistance from anyone to take care of their sister Lucia and pay her medical
bills. They led honourable lives full of pride.
Q2. Why were the narrator and his companion impressed by the two boys?
A2. The narrator and his companion were attracted to the boys. The boys’ had seriousness towards their
work which was unusual for their age. The narrator and his companion were also impressed by their
eagerness to work. The boys’ childish behaviour and their natural reactions drew the narrator close to them.
Q3. Why was the author surprised to see Nicola and Jacopo working as shoeshine boys?
A3. The narrator was surprised to see Nicola and Jacopo working as shoe shine boys because he thought
they picked fruit for a living. The day before the narrator had bought strawberries from them. So, the next
day he was in for a surprise to see them shining shoes.
Q4. How were the boys useful to the author?
A4. The boys helped the author in many ways- they fetched American cigarettes for him, bought him seats
for the opera and even told him the name of a good restaurant in the town.
Q5. Why were the boys in the deserted square at night? What character traits do they exhibit?
A5. They boys were waiting for the last bus from Padua and so they were in the deserted square at midnight.
They wanted to sell all their unsold newspapers to the travellers in the bus.
The traits exhibited by the boys are that they were hard working and had self – determination.
Q6. The narrator asks the boys, “Must you work so hard? You both look rather tired.” The boys
reply, “We are not complaining, sir.” What do you learn about the boys from their reply?
A6. The boys’ reply shows that they were working hard because of their own will. It was not forced upon
them. The boys were brave, courageous and had a strong will power to face the challenges which life threw
upon them. They did not feel sad and dejected which indicates that they took every challenge in life
confidently.
Q7. When the narrator asks the boys about their plans, they are evasive. Why don’t they disclose their
problems?
A7. The boys are evasive and do not disclose their problems to the narrator. They do want sympathy and
help from anyone. The boys are hardworking and determined to fight their own battle of life. They do not
want to feel weak and so do not disclose their problems to anyone problems?
Q8. Do you think the boys looked after Lucia willingly? Give reasons for your answer.
A8. Yes, I think the boys looked after Lucia willingly. The amount of hard work they did and the kind of
sincerity and determination they had towards their work cannot be forced upon a person. It was their own
dedication towards their sister and so they were willing to look after her.

LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS

Answer the following questions in 150 words.
Q 1. Appearances are deceptive. Discuss with reference to the two boys.
Ans. “Appearances are deceptive”, is appropriate for the boys. At the first glance, when the author met them
at the foothills of the Alps selling wild strawberries, they looked childish, natural and simple. They were just
like any other young boys who seemed to be doing petty jobs in order to earn their livelihood.
As the story progresses and the narrator interacts with them he sees seriousness in their eyes. This serious
expression is in contrast to their otherwise childish behaviour. No one can make out the true purpose of their
sincerity towards their work. It is only when the narrator visits the hospital and meets the nurse that he
comes to know the harsh truth of their life. It is then that he discovers their purpose for gathering all the
money they can by working continuously. The narrator is surprised by their devotion towards their elder
sister which is unrealistic for such small children of their age.
It can thus be said that ‘appearances are deceptive’. The boys were not saving money for themselves, but
they were selflessly earning to afford their sister’s treatment.
Q 2. How does the story ‘Two Gentlemen of Verona’ promise hope for society?
Ans. The story – ‘Two Gentlemen of Verona’ by ‘A. J. Cronin’ is a heart touching story about two small
boys who work hard and honestly to earn money to pay for their sister’s treatment. Through the hardships
that the two boys face, the message of the story that one can be successful, if one does not lose hope, can be
derived.
If we take a glance at our society, we shall find the people working for only their own interests. Nobody
thinks about others and everybody wants to enjoy his/her life. This tendency of people will kill any hope for
humanity. "Two Gentlemen of Verona" is a story of hope for society in general. Nicola and Jacopo, are
mature beyond their age as they selflessly work for the well-being their sister Lucia, who is suffering from
tuberculosis of the spine. They want to save her life at any cost. They do many odd jobs to earn money for
her treatment. They don't fear the difficulties that come in their way. They have faith on their hard work.
They don't beg for help from others. To achieve their goal, they never adopt any wrong way. They are
honest, loving, brave and sincere. They believe in sacrifice, sincerity and devotion. They promise a new
hope for society.

Q3. Give a brief character sketch of Nicola and Jacopo.

Ans. Nicola, aged 13, and Jacopo, aged 12, had a poor physical appearance that reflected their hardships.
They were thin and pale, their faces lined with exhaustion beyond their years. Their clothes were shabby and
tattered, barely protecting them from the elements. Their feet were often bare or covered in worn-out shoes
that had long lost their shape. Despite their rough and unkempt look, their eyes shone with determination
and resilience, revealing an unbreakable spirit.
Having lost both their parents in the war and their home to bombings, they refused to give in to despair.
Instead, they took on multiple jobs—selling newspapers, shining shoes, and even guiding tourists—to
support themselves and pay for their ailing sister Lucia’s treatment in a hospital. They never sought pity but
carried themselves with dignity and self-respect. Their honesty, patriotism, and sacrifices stood as a
testament to their unwavering strength and noble character.
Q 4. As the narrator, write an article on the lesson of love, faith and trust that you have learnt from
the two young boys of Verona.
Ans.
Strength of Human Virtues
The tale of Nicola and Jacopo imparts a profound moral lesson about trust, faith and love. These virtues are
essential for human existence and are endowed upon us by the Almighty. Without them, living in harmony
with others would be nearly impossible. The brothers, despite their hardships, never lost faith in humanity
and continued to support their ailing sister with unwavering dedication. Their story teaches us that
selflessness and compassion are the true pillars of strength in difficult times.
In today’s world, selfishness and insensitivity often overshadow kindness and empathy. People sometimes
act egotistically, disregarding the feelings and needs of others. However, we must remember that caring for
our parents, siblings, friends and neighbours is not just a responsibility but a necessity for a well-balanced
society. If we fail to look after one another, who will take care of us in our time of need? Without trust and
concern, the world would descend into chaos, much like a jungle where only the strongest survive by
preying on the weak.
Mutual understanding, love and concern are what make us human. Unlike animals, we possess the ability to
show empathy, build relationships and uplift one another. The best thing that God has created is humankind
and it is our virtues that set us apart. Only by embracing love, faith and trust can we create a world where
people support each other and live in harmony.

Question 6: Match the phrases to their meanings.

MEANING
PHRASE

1. set up a. to tolerate a situation or a person

2. break down b. to start on a journey

3. set off c. to try to get help/advice/ sympathy from someone

4. put up with d. to meet or find by chance

5. put off e. to start/ establish a company

6. put in f. to lose control of your feelings and start crying

7. come in g. to refuse/ reject

8. come across h. to wear

9. come up against i. to postpone

10. turn down j. to be faced with or opposed by

11. turn in k. to enter

12. turn to l. to inform on or deliver up

Answer: 1-e,2-f,3-b,4-a,5-i,6-h,7-k,8-d,9-j,10-g,11-l,12-c

PHRASE MEANING

1. set up to start/ establish a company

2. break down to lose control of your feelings and start crying

3. set off to start on a journey

4. put up with to tolerate a situation or a person

5. put off to postpone

6. put in to wear

7. come in to enter

8. come across to meet or find by chance

9. come up against to be faced with or opposed by

10. turn down to refuse/ reject

11. turn in to inform on or deliver up

12. turn to to try to get help/advice/ sympathy from someone

Question 7: Use the phrases given in the previous question to complete the following sentences.
1) The landlord was suspicious of the two men staying in his flat so he called the police and _______ them
___.
2) Early in the morning we packed our bags and _______ for a hike over the mountain.
3) Janvi _______some photographs of her grandfather in the old trunk.
4) My father ______ his own business 10 years ago.
5) The Bank __________ Paul’s request for a loan.
6) The Corporation’s decision to reduce the leave of the employees ____________ a lot of opposition.
Answer 7:
1. turned, in
2. set off
3. come across
4. set up
5. turned down
6. came up against