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SOS HERMANN GMEINER SCHOOL QUESTION BANK – XII ENGLISH (Flamingo- Prose)
Higher Order Thinking Skills
THE LAST LESSON Alphonse Daudet
Q.1. “When a people are enslaved, as long as they hold fast to their language it is as if they had the key
to their prison” Comment with reference to the lesson ‘The Last Lesson’.
Q.2. Describe the measures linguistic minorities take to keep their languages alive. What would happen if
they do not take measures to keep their language and culture alive?
Q.3. Explain the term ‘linguistic chauvinism’ with reference to the extract ‘The Last Lesson’.
Q.4. Why is the extract entitled ‘The Last Lesson’? Describe in your own words Mr. Hamel’s thoughts and
feelings on the last day in school.
Q.5 The last lesson is a story that dwells upon universal human nature .comment .
Ans – Man relies the worth of what he has, only after is taken away from him.
- People realized how precious their mother tongue was .
LOST SPRING Anees Jung
1. The extract ‘Lost Spring’ describes the plight of street children forced into labour early in life and denied
the opportunity of schooling. Explain this with reference to the extract.
.2. The story ‘Lost Spring’ gives us an authentic picture of child labour prevalent in India. What measures
would you suggest to stop child labour?
.3. The extract ‘Lost Spring’ tells us about the callousness of society and the political class to the
sufferings of the poor. Is this true of contemporary India. Cite examples.
4. What are the two distinct worlds referred by Anees Jung in the lessons ‘Lost Sprint’
Q-5 The beauty of the glass bangles of Firozabad contrasts with the misery of the people who produce
them comment.
Ans – One of the family caught in web of poverty , burdened by the stigmer of caste.
- The other , vicious circle of the Sahukars, the middlemen, the policemen, the keepers of law etc.
Ans – Bangles are colorful, bright, symbol of suhag of a married Indian woman, considered auspicious fill
colors and happiness.
- Life of its producers- impoverished , dark, deprived lose eyesight, slog their day- light hours in dark
stingy cells in front of hot furnaces , familities and animals coexist in the primeval state.
DEEP WATER William Douglas
1. It is Douglas’ will power that enabled him to overcome his fear of water. This reveals that with a
strong will human beings can overcome all kinds of fear. Explain with two illustrations from real
life.
Short Answer Type Questions (3 Marks, 30-40 words)
2. Which two incidents in Douglas’ early life made him scared of water? (Compartment 2014)
Answer. When Douglas was three or four years old, his father took him to a beach in California.
There he was knocked down by strong waves, was almost buried under water, and got breathless.
Though he hung on to his father, he was quite frightened. Secondly, when Douglas was ten or
eleven, a big bully of a boy tossed him into the deep end of the YMCA pool. He could not come to
the surface, in spite of all his efforts, and became panicky. These two incidents made Douglas
scared of water.
3. Why did Douglas prefer to go to YMCA swimming pool to learn swimming?(Compartment 2014)
or
4. Which factors made Douglas to decide in favour of YMCA pool? (All India 2011)
Answer. According to Douglas, the YMCA pool was safer compared to the Yakima River. The river
was quite deep and there were several cases of drowning reported about it. As against the
uncertain depth of the river, the pool was only two or three feet deep at the shallow end. Though
its depth was about nine feet at the deeper end, yet the drop was gradual, and Douglas could rely
on it.
5. What did Douglas feel and do when he was pushed into the swimming pool?
6. (Compartment 2014)
7. What were the series of emotions and fears that Douglas experienced when he was thrown into
the pool? (Foreign 2011)
Answer. When Douglas was thrown into the pool, he did not lose heart and planned to push
himself up with all his force. He thought that once he came to the surface, he would paddle to the edge of
the pool. Thrice, he tried to come to the surface, but unfortunately his strategy did not work and terror
gripped him. His lungs were ready to burst; he was breathless and instead of air, sucked water.
8. How did his swimming instructor ‘build a swimmer’ out of Douglas? (Compartment 2014)
or
How did the instructor turn Douglas into a swimmer? (Delhi 2013)
Answer. The instructor adopted a systematic method to turn Douglas into a swimmer. He first
made Douglas shed his initial fear of water by making him cross a pool suspended by a rope attached to
a pulley. The instructor held the other end of the rope and relaxed and tightened it from time to time. Then
he taught the narrator to breathe while swimming, and finally the leg movements and other strokes.
9. How did Douglas make sure that he conquered the old terror? (All India 2013)
Answer. After the instructor had trained Douglas in the art of swimming, Douglas was still not sure of
himself. He felt tiny vestiges of the fear now and then. So, he went to Lake Wentworth and swam. Once
when terror returned, he challenged it and did not let it overcome him. Finally, Douglas went to the Warm
Lake. There he swam and the fear didn’t return to haunt him again.
10. What efforts did Douglas make to get over his fear of water? (Delhi 2012)
Answer. After several individual attempts to overcome his fear, Douglas finally engaged an instructor.
The instructor built a swimmer out of him. But Douglas was not sure. To confirm that the terror would not
strike him when he was swimming alone, Douglas decided to go to Lake Wentworth in New Hampshire.
At last, he made his terror fly away by swimming across the Warm Lake.
11. Why was Douglas determined to get over his fear of water? (DeM20ii, 2009)
Answer. The misadventure of having a near-drowning experience left a deep mark on Douglas’ mind.
The phobia of water hampered all his joys of enjoying different water sports like fishing,canoeing, boating
and swimming. He did not want to live with this handicap and so was determined to overcome his fear of
water
12. What did Douglas experience when he went down to the bottom of the pool for the first time? (Delhi
2011,2010)
Answer. When the author was going down to the bottom of the pool for the first time, those nine feet felt
almost like ninety feet. His lungs were ready to burst, but somehow he summoned all his strength and
sprang upwards, hoping to reach the surface, but he didn’t pop up to the surface like a cork, as he had
imagined. When he opened his eyes he saw nothing but water, his hands too grabbed only water.
13. Why did Douglas go to Lake Wentworth in New Hampshire? (Delhi 2011)
Answer. Douglas was not satisfied with his practice so he decided to go to Lake Wentworth. There when
he was swimming in themiddle of the lake, only once did the terror return, but he finally overcame it, and it
made him feel better.
14. When Douglas realised that he was sinking, how did he plan to save himself? (Delhi 2010)
Answer. When a big boy threw Douglas into the water, he went straight down. He was completely
frightened. Still, he did not lose his wits and thought of a strategy to make a big jump when his feet
touched the bottom, so that he could reach the surface. He even thought that he would lie flat on the
surface and finally paddle to the edge of the pool.
15. 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 found himself deep down into the water with a yellow glow, stark terror gripped
him. The terror ripped him apart and he had no control over it. He felt paralysed, stiff and rigid with fear.
Even the screams in his throat were frozen. It was only his throbbing heart that made him realise that he
was still alive.
Long Answer Type Questions (6 Marks, 120-150 words)
.1. “I crossed to oblivion, and the curtain of life fell.” What was the incident which nearly killed Douglas
and developed in him a strong aversion to water? (Foreign 2014)
Answer. The incident which nearly killed Douglas occurred when he was ten or eleven years old. He had
decided to learn swimming at the YMCA pool, and thus get rid of his fear of water. One . morning, when
he was alone at the pool, waiting for others, a big bully of a boy tossed him into the deep end of the pool.
Though he had planned a strategy to save himself as he went down, his plan did not work. He went down
to the bottom and became panicky. Thrice he struggled hard to come to the surface, but failed each time.
He was almost drowned in the pool. He lost his consciousness and felt that he would die. Though he was
ultimately saved, this misadventure developed in him a strong aversion to water.
2. Douglas fully realised the truth of Roosevelt’s statement, “All we have to fear is fear itself.” How did this
realisation help him brush aside his fear and become an expert swimmer? (Foreign 2014)
Answer. Douglas had experienced both the sensation of dying and the terror that the fear of death can
cause. Strong will, hard determination, courage and toil as well as honest labour won over all his terrors
and fears. The will to live brushed aside all his fears. In reality all our fears are only psychological, and
can be easily won over, if we can control our mind. This realisation makes Douglas resolve to learn
swimming by engaging an instructor. This instructor, piece by piece, built Douglas into a swimmer.
However, his first step was to drive away Douglas’ fear of water, before training him in swimming
techniques. When Douglas tried and swam the length of the pool up and down, small traces of his old
terror of water would return. So, he went to Lake Wentworth, dived at Triggs Island and swam two miles
across the lake to Stamp Act Island. Finally, he was certain that he had conquered his fear of water.
3. Desire, determination and diligence lead to success. Explain the value of these qualities in the light of
Douglas’ experience in ‘Deep Water.’ (Compartment2014)
Answer. The terror of water followed Douglas wherever he went. To get rid of it, he made a strong
determination. He decided to overcome his fear through his “will.” He engaged an instructor who would
perfect him in swimming. The instructor first helped him drive away his fear, and then gave him many
exercises besides teaching him to exhale and inhale in water. The practice went on for months together,
during which his fear came back to haunt him, but his desire and firm will made him persist in his- efforts.
It was only through sheer determination and diligence that Douglas could not only counter his terror, but
also become an expert swimmer.He swam across and back lakes to ensure that his fear of water did not
return. He had now completely lost his fear. His desire, determination and diligence succeeded in
banishing his fear of water.
4. How did Douglas develop an aversion to water? (Delhi2012)
or
“…….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. Douglas developed an aversion to water in his early childhood, When he was three or four years
old, his father took him to a beach in California. The waves knocked him down and swept over him. He
was buried in water. He was frightened but his father was laughing. Perhaps this was the moment his fear
of water took root inside his mind.Further, when Douglas was ten or eleven years old, he decided to learn
to swim and went tothe YMCA pool. Here an incident took place that finally established his aversion to
water as a big fear. One day when Douglas was alone at the pool sitting on the edge and waiting for
others to come, a big boy of 18 years of age threw him into the deep end of the pool.What followed was a
nightmarish experience for him. Douglas tried very, hard and applied all his knowledge to come to the
surface of the water but to no avail. Somehow, he was saved. Thus after this fearful incident, his fear of
water got implanted in his heart and mind permanently.
5. How did the instructor make Douglas a good swimmer? (All India 2012)
Answer. To overcome his fear of water, Douglas finally decided to get an instructor to learn
swimming. The instructor started working with him five days a week, an hour each day. The instructor put
a belt around Douglas. A rope was attached to the belt that went through a pulley that ran on an overhead
cable. The instructor held on to the end of the rope and , along with Douglas went back and forth, across
the pool, hour after hour, day after day,
week after week. On each trip across the pool a bit of panic seized Douglas. It took almost three months
before the tension reduced.
Then the instructor taught him to put his face under the water and exhale and to raise his nose and
inhale. For weeks, his instructor made him kick with his legs. Until, he was able to command his legs at
his will.
In this way, piece by piece, his instructor made Douglas a swimmer. When Douglas perfected each piece,
his instructor put them together into an integrated one. As a result, in nearly six months Douglas was able
to swim, dive, crawl and so on.
THE RAT TRAP Selma Lagerlof
1. The story ‘The Rattrap’ exemplifies the truth that essential goodness of human beings can be
awakened through understanding and love. Discuss.
2. The readers’ sympathy lies with the peddler in the story ‘The Rattrap’. Explain why?
3. How would you react if you were Elda Wilmanson?
4. The story is both entertaining and philosophical. Explain.
5. The story focuses on human loneliness and the need to bond with others. Explain.
6. The metaphor of the rat trap serves to highlight the human predicament. What is the human
predicament?
INDIGO Louis Fischer
1. What according to you are the qualities of a good leader? Explain with illustrations.
2. Truth and non-violence were the weapons with which Gandhiji succeeded everywhere. Explain
with reference to the extract ‘INDIGO’.
3. What did Gandhiji do for the social, economic and spiritual upliftment of the masses of India.
GOING PLACES A.R. Barton
1. The extract ‘Going Places’ is about adolescent fantasizing. Who are the adolescents and what are their
dreams?
2. The extract ‘Going Places’ deals with hero worship. Explain with reference to the story.
3. How does Sophie’s family react to her dreams, thoughts, and actions? Who in the family is
sympathetic towards her?
4. Sophie is representative of contemporary youth and their aspirations. Explain with reference to the
extract.
5. Adolescents worship icons. Why do they do this? Is this characteristic of adolescence?
Explain with examples.
ENGLISH (Flamingo-Prose)
Higher Order Thinking Skills
1. My mother at Sixty-Six by Kamala Das
1. My mother at sixty six, Kamala Das has pointed out at close relationships in an objective manner
comment.
2. Why did the poet suddenly recall ‘the last Friday morning’?
3. “My parents home”. Was the poet possessive in her thought? If so why?
4. Why is human relationship subtle and complex. How is Kamala Das trapped in this maze?
5. Kamala Das refers to her fear as “Childhood fear”. Do you think every time she was overpowered
with this she kept smiling or was it different this time. Describe the word ‘SMILE’.
2. An Elementary School Classroom in a slum
1. What are the consequences of the distorted form of education given to the under privileged
children?
2. The strength of a nation depends on its system of education. Comment
3. How can the indifference of those in power be social threat comment with reference to this poem?
4. The education in slum schools is a violation of human rights of children. How?
5. The children of the slum hope to have a life of mental and physical freedom. Comment
6. If class inequalities exist in the West, how are education and social changes effect in the Indian
context?
3. A thing of Beauty is a joy forever
1. How is a thing of beauty a joy forever?
2. Why do we wreathe a flowery band? How?
3. List out the over darkened ways made for our suffering .
4. Beauty is heaven’s immortal drink. Is the peace that we derive from beauty also immortal?
5. Who are the ‘mighty dead’ and how and why is ‘grandeur’ associated with them?
6. How are the ‘Daffodils’ and the rills the sources of joy pleasure?
4. Keeping Quiet
1) Why does the poet count up to 12? What is the significance of 12?
2) What are the Environmental issues mentioned in the poem?
3) How is the idea of ‘universal brotherhood’ brought out in the poem?
4) Silence can be very eloquent sometimes. Mention when is silence preferred to language?
5) The poem begins with “ Now we will count “ and ends with “ Now I’ll count and you keep quiet’.
What does the shift in the pronoun signify?
5. A Roadside Stand
1. Do the phrases like ‘greedy good doers’ or ‘beneficent beasts of prey’ sound odd? How? What
poetic device is used here?
2.Do you think the poem ends on a positive note or is it the other way round? Justify your answer.
3. What does the poet mean when he says that the shopkeeper is not pleading for ‘a dole of
bread’?
4. What does the poet mean when he says, ‘as I came back to sane’?
5. What is the poet’s pain as referred to in the last line of the poem? Who does he expect to
relieve him of his pain?
6.Why does the poet term the hope of the shopkeeper and other poor people as ‘childish
longings’? What does if suggest?
7. You must have seen many impoverished roadside stands / shops as described in the poem.
What kind of feelings do these evoke in your mind?
8. What is the attitude of the poet towards the urban civilization?
9. The poet seems to hold the modern manmade civilization responsible for the misfortunes of the
destitute in the society. Do you agree with the poet’s opinion? Give reasons to justify your
answers.
10. What does the poet mean when he says, ‘destroy their sleep in the ancient way’.?
11. What was the reaction of the city folk to the roadside stand that was set up by the poor rural
people and what does it signify?
12. The poet appeals to the readers ‘to come to me and offer to put me gently out of my pain’.
What provokes the poet to make this statement? What is the poet trying to suggest by this
statement.
13. The economic well being of a country depends on a balanced development of the villages and
the cities. Comment with reference to the poem “A Roadside Stand”.
6. AUNT JENNIFER’S TIGERS
Read the questions and answer the questions that follow.
1. Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers chivalric certainty.
a) How is the movement of the tiger different from that of Aunt Jennifer? (1)
b) How is the contrast between the two brought out ? (1)
c) What role does the word ‘men’ play in the poem? (1)
d) How does the poet employ the imageries of movement and colour in the poem? (1)
2. Aunt Jennifer’s fingers fluttering through the wool
Find even the ivory needle hard to pull.
The massive weight of uncle’s wedding band
Sits heavily upon Aunt Jennifer’s hand.
a) Bring out the significance of the word ‘fluttering’ in the first line. (1)
b) State which aspect of Aunt Jennifer’s character is projected here. (1)
c) The wedding band which is traditionally looked upon as a bond of mutual love and respect
that keeps two people together, has been used in a different context here.
Do you agree? Explain the difference between the two contexts. (2)
3. When Aunt is dead her terrified hands will lie
Still ringed with ordeals she was mastered by
The tigers in the panel that she made
Will go on prancing, proud and unafraid.
a) “Terrified hands”-What is the poetic device used here? (2)
b) In your opinion why does a person like Aunt Jennifer weave the design of prancing tigers (2)
4. Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers express her repressed emotions aesthetically on a canvas-justify.
5. In spite of her limitations Aunt Jennifer displays her rebellious attitude. How?
6. Discuss the relevance of the poem in the light of contemporary women’s movement.
7. Do you agree that a strain of rebellion against male chauvinism runs through the poem? Elaborate.
8. How do you relate the theme highlighted in the poem to Indian social context?
9. Why do you think that the tigers are referred to as Aunt Jennifer’s tigers?
10. Discuss the use of colours in the poem.
11. Can Aunt Jennifer be taken as the spokesperson for all women around the world?
12. Art is a form of creative expression. Do the tigers in the poem present creative freedom or a form
Of escape from reality?
13. Can you say that Aunt Jennifer found an outlet for her emotions? If yes, how?
14. How would you describe Aunt Jennifer?
ENGLISH (The Invisible man)
Higher Order Thinking Skills
1. The stranger’s arrival at the inn was an unusual event. Moreover, his behaviour was very rude. Why
did Mrs Hall put up with the antics of the stranger then?
Answer. It was February when the stranger arrived at the “Coach and Horses” inn in Iping. It was a time
of biting cold with wind and snow. Not many people visited Iping in winters and hence, the inn business
must have been low. To have a guest at that time of the year was something unheard of. Mrs Hall was
very happy. Moreover, the stranger did no bargaining. He gave her two gold coins. However, he was a
very rude character. He snubbed her many times and even destroyed some property of the inn. However,
Mrs Hall kept her cool because every time she confronted him for the damage, he told her to bill him
down. The money kept coming in and Mrs Hall didn’t want to lose the customer until it was holiday
season again.
Q 2. Describe the appearance of the stranger when he arrived at the inn. Why was Mrs Hall scared out of
her wits by his appearance?
Answer. The stranger was wrapped from head to toe and the large hat that he wore hid every inch of his
face except the shiny tip of his nose. Mrs Hall gave him a room. When she went there, she noticed that
his clothes were still on. He was also wearing big blue spectacles with sidelights and had a bush side-
whisker over his coat-collar that completely hid his cheeks and face. The next time she went into the
room, she saw that the stranger had taken off his overcoat and hat. He was holding a handkerchief to his
mouth that hid the lower portion of his jaw and that made his voice muffled. But what was more startling
was that his whole face, except his pink nose, was covered in bandages. His hair bent through the
bandages and gave him the most grotesque appearance. It gave Mrs Hall the shock of her life.
Question 3. Describe Teddy Henfrey’s first impression of the Invisible Man.
Answer. The Invisible Man was sleeping when Mrs Hall came with Mr Teddy Henfrey, the clock-jobber.
He woke up with a startle. When Teddy entered, he was ‘taken aback’ by the bandaged appearance of
the man. Getting his consent, Mr Teddy Henfrey proceeded to work. But he worked as slow as possible.
He wanted to know more about the stranger. The stranger kept staring at him and the silence of the room
made Teddy nervous. He tried to start a conversation, but the stranger snubbed him. Moreover, the
stranger told him that he was wasting time and he should concentrate on his work and leave. Mr Teddy
was really annoyed at this behaviour. He was the first one to spread rumours about the Invisible Man. He
thought that the man was bandaged as he was trying to run away from the police. He told Mr Hall the
same thing and asked him to take a note of the situation.
Question 4. “It’s a rummy case altogether.” What was the ‘rummy case’? What possible explanation was
given for it?
Answer. The unusual stranger was staying in the ‘Coach and Horses’ inn at Iping. He was eagerly
waiting for his luggage to arrive. Fearenside, the cart-driver brought the luggage and was standing
outside the inn with Mr Hall. The Invisible Man came running down. Just as he was about to reach the
cart, Fearenside’s dog attacked him. His glove and trousers were torn apart. But he said that he was not
hurt. Later, Mr Teddy and Fearenside met at the bar and discussed the incident. Fearenside said that the
man was black as when he saw through the tore trousers, he expected that his skin would be pinkish. But
it was complete blackness. Mr Teddy Henfrey said that it was a ‘rummy case’ because his nose was pink.
Fearenside said that the man was probably a piebald. He thought that the man was half-breed and
therefore, kept himself covered all the time
Question 5. “It’s a most remarkable story.” What made Mr Bunting say this?
Answer. Mr Cuss, the general practitioner at !ping village, was a curious cat by nature. He heard about
the stranger staying at (ping. The news of him being covered in bandages excited his professional
interest. He was also jealous to learn that the stranger had numerous bottles of chemicals with him. He
made the excuse of a subscription and was able to arrange a meeting with him. Unfortunately, the
interview ended abruptly and he ran straight to another bar where Mr Bunting was sitting. He told Mr
Bunting that the stranger got irritated with him and what happened next made him shiver and ran thinking
that he had gone insane. Actually, Griffin had scared him by showing his empty sleeve and poking his
nose with his invisible hand. Though Mr Bunting looked suspiciously at Mr Cuss, he said that “it’s a most
remarkable story.”
Question 6. How did Griffin move about in the village of Iping? What were the rumours revolving around
regarding his bandages?
Answer. Griffin’s behaviour was very unusual. He did not go to church. Some days he would be
continuously busy in his work and on others, he would just pace up and down in his room. His temper
was very unpredictable. Moreover, he rarely went abroad by daylight and had no communication with the
outside world. However, he always kept himself covered whether it was cold or hot. Griffin would walk on
the loneliest paths and among the shades of the trees. People often got scared when they met him
walking down the street. Moreover, his appearance made him the talk of the town. Mrs Hall kept telling
everybody that he was an `experimental investigator’. However, many also believed that he was a
criminal trying to hide himself in bandages. Some thought that he was an anarchist. Then there were
people like Fearenside who believed that he was a piebald.
Question 7. Describe the burglary that took place at Mr Bunting’s house in your own words.
Answer. In the wee hours of Whit Monday, Mrs Bunting was woken up by a strong impression that the
door of the bedroom had opened and closed. When she was sure that there was an intruder in the house,
she woke Mr Bunting up. Mr Bunting didn’t act in haste and after making sure that a burglar was at work,
armed himself with a poker and went down. The couple could hear the study drawers being opened and
rustle of papers. A match was lit in the study. Mr Bunting tried to peek, but he could spot no one.
Suddenly, they heard the chink of money and realised that the burglar had found the reserve. Mr Bunting
barged into the room only to find the room perfectly empty. They were completely astonished. The candle
was lit and the money was gone, but there was no one in the room. Then they ran towards the sound
coming from the kitchen but not a soul was to be found.
Question 8. “My good old furniture! “Twas in that very chair my poor dear mother used to sit when I was a
little girl. To think it should rise up against me now!” What had happened to Mrs Hall’s furniture?
Answer. In the early hours of Whit Monday, the Halls woke up to attend a private matter. They were to
add sarsaparilla to their beer. Mr Hall went upstairs to get the bottle and was surprised to notice that the
stranger’s door was open Then he found the front door open which they had bolted last night. Curiously,
he knocked at the door of the room but the room was empty. He called Mrs Hall up. All the stranger’s
clothes were lying here and there. Mrs Hall touched them and concluded from the coldness that he had
been out for long. Just then, the bed clothes gathered themselves aside. The stranger’s hat attacked Mrs
Hall’s face. The chair jumped came to life and charged at Mrs Hall’s face. The chair threw the couple
outside. Mrs Hall thought that her furniture was haunted and it was the stranger who put spirits in them.
Question 9. Why did the narrator say that Mrs Hall had the better of the Invisible Man in the bar?
Answer. After the attack by the furniture, the Halls were thinking of throwing out the stranger. Mrs Hall
was very upset at what had happened. Moreover, when Mr Hall demanded an explanation, the stranger
was very rude and asked to be left alone. The Halls had enough of his temper and Mrs Hall decided that
she would not serve him any longer. She could hear the stranger in rage and ringing the bell, but she was
resolute. When the stranger asked for her, she immediately demanded her payment and asked him to
keep his swearing to himself. Her furiousness made the stranger back down and it was felt in the bar that
Mrs Hall had had the better of him. She also accused him of stealing and demanded explanation for his
unusual disappearances.
Question 10. The people of Iping village were no match for the Invisible Man. What happened when they
all tried to get him arrested?
Answer. The stranger was very furious when Mrs Hall accused him of stealing money from Mr Bunting’s
house. In a fit of rage, the stranger unveiled himself. The inn was not prepared for this sight and the
panicked people ran outside. Mr Jaffers came with the warrant to arrest him. He said that head or no
head, he would arrest the man. A fight ensued between the stranger and him and Mr Jaffers got brutally
beaten up. However, with the help of Mr Hall, Mr Wadgers and others, the Invisible Man was subdued.
But before anyone could suspect, the Invisible Man took off all his clothes and the people were left
fighting with an invisible figure. Obviously, they were no match for him. Anyone who tried to catch him
was hit. Mr Jaffers tried his best to get hold of him but was so forcefully hit that he was rendered flat on
the gravel.
Question 11. “Pull yourself together,” said the Voice, “for you have to do the job I’ve chosen for you.” Why
had the Invisible Man chosen Mr Marvel? Did Mr Marvel prove his worth?
Answer. After running away from the Iping village, the Invisible Man was filled with murderous rage. He
was hungry and without shelter or clothes in the biting cold. It was then that he spotted Mr Thomas
Marvel. He perceived Marvel to be an outcast like him and thought that he could be of great help. He
wanted Marvel to aid him and act as a sidekick. The Invisible Man promised him rewards for his services.
But he also threatened him of dire consequences if Marvel tried to cheat him. However, Mr Marvel was an
opportunist. He tried to run away from him at Iping, but was caught. He also tried to reveal the secret to a
mariner at Port Stowe. He managed to escape from Griffin at Burdock, with his invaluable three books
and all his heist. Thus, we can conclude that, he was a poor sidekick and very much responsible for
Griffin’s downfall.
Question 12. Mr Cuss and Mr Bunting tried to play investigators, but Griffin humiliated them and still
managed to escape with his three precious books. Elaborate.
Answer. The Invisible Man escaped from the ‘Coach and Horses’ even though many villagers tried to
stop him. They were all perplexed and nobody knew about his true identity. Mr Cuss and Mr Bunting
appear to be the most lettered persons of the village. They started to investigate the Invisible Man’s
belongings. Mr Marvel was successful in letting Griffin enter into the room. Before they could realise,
Griffin started banging their heads. He was angry and wanted his books. The two were no match for him
and easily gave in. He made Mr Cuss wear a kilt and took away all the vicar’s clothes. Aided by Mr
Marvel, Griffin was able to get away with his books. In this way, he humiliated and ridiculed the two
investigators. He managed to sneak out the books right under their noses.
Question 13. The Invisible Man lost his temper and left the village of Iping in ruins. Comment.
Answer. The Invisible Man, Griffin, had planned with Mr Marvel that they would get his books back. The
plan went good until Mr Marvel was suspected of thievery and Mr Huxter started chasing him. His chase
was brought to a halt by Griffin. However, the whole village also started chasing him. Mr Marvel had
Griffin’s precious books. If he would have been caught, Griffin would have had a major setback. Hence,
he started hurting the pursuers. Initially he wanted to aid Mr Marvel’s escape, but then he lost his temper.
He set to smiting and overthrowing people for the mere pleasure of causing harm. Then he broke all the
windows of the ‘Coach and Horses’ and thrust a street lamp through the parlour window of Mrs Gribble.
The streets of Iping were left deserted, all kinds of stuff lay scattered and no soul was to be seen.
Question 14. Why did Mr Marvel want to resign from the post of Griffin’s sidekick? Did Griffin let him go?
Answer. Mr Marvel was able to get away with Griffin’s things with some help from the latter. But he tried
to sneak away from Griffin too. However, Griffin caught up with him and probably hurt him. He also
threatened to kill Mr Marvel if he tried that sort of thing ever again. Initially, Mr Marvel had to give in before
Griffin as he was chosen for his work. He was also promised to be rewarded handsomely. But perhaps,
the heist that he had to do at ‘ping was too much for him. He no longer wanted to be a part of Griffin’s
plans. He told him that he was a very bad aid and would probably get his plans failed. But Griffin was not
ready to let go of him. He could easily empower the short man and needed him to carry his things around.
Moreover, Mr Marvel could prove to be of more help. He didn’t want to lose this advantage by giving up
his services.
Question 15. At Port Stowe, a mariner got talking to Mr Marvel. Describe their meeting in your own words.
What kind of a person was the mariner?
Answer. Mr Marvel was sitting anxious on a bench in Port Stowe. A mariner came to him and started
talking about a news published in the newspaper. It was about the Invisible Man. Mr Marvel was nervous.
He tried to relate to the mariner that he knew many things about the Invisible Man. However, Griffin was
just around him and started hurting him. Mr Marvel got up abruptly and leaving his listener hanging, left
the place. The mariner was left irate. He shouted at Mr Marvel and said that he had no elementary
manners. The mariner appears to be a lonely sort of a guy who would seek company in awkward news
and wouldn’t mind talking to tramps. He was also easily influenced as he believed that the story of the
Invisible Man was true because it came from a real place, equipped with names and details. He held his
temper when Mr Marvel ignored him, but when he lost it, he came out shouting curses at him.
Question 16. How did the people at the ‘Jolly Cricketers’ react when Mr Marvel came running to them
asking for refuge?
Answer. The atmosphere at the ‘Jolly Cricketers’ was relaxed when they heard shouting down the street.
Suddenly, Mr Marvel opened the door and shouted that the Invisible Man was after him. He told the
crowd that the Invisible Man wanted to murder him. The people there were quick to react and the
policeman asked the door to be closed. The black beard man said that Mr Marvel was safe. Then there
was rapping on the door. The barman provided Mr Marvel refuge. They were all brave and swift. They
made a plan to catch the Invisible Man. The black beard man got his revolver out, but the policeman told
him that he just couldn’t kill a man. He replied that he knew his laws and wanted to shoot at the legs.
Griffin entered through the back door and got Mr Marvel. But they all jumped to save him. Finally, the
struggle ended when the black beard man fired all ends out.
Question 17. “All men, however highly educated, retain some superstitious inklings.” How did the eerie
feelings take over Dr Kemp?
Answer. Dr Kemp was busy in his study when the bell of his front door rang. He expected that someone
would come up, but upon inquiring with his maid, he found that it was a runaway call. This made him very
uneasy. He worked till late and went to bed around two o’clock. However, he got thirsty and came down.
Near the stairs he found a dark spot and wondered what it was. He was burdened with thoughts. He
touched the stain and it was drying blood. When he came to his room, he found that the door-handle of
his own room was blood-stained. His room was also in a mess and there was more blood over there. The
bedclothes were depressed as if someone had been recently sitting there. Then, he heard his own name
being taken and heard a movement across the room. The ‘eerie feelings’ took over him at this point.
Question 18. Do you think that Griffin himself was responsible for his tragic end or the society forced him
to turn against his own kind?
Answer. Griffin was a gifted scientist. But it is also true that he was eccentric. He was the only one to be
blamed for his tragic end. He might derive sympathy from the reader when he was chased for being
different. However, on a deeper level, we have realised that he adopted many evil ways to accomplish his
desires. When he ran out of money, he robbed his own father which led to his suicide. He also hurt the
owner of the costume shop. Though he was misunderstood by the people at Great Portland street, where
all the fiasco started, he burned the whole house down just to hide his discovery. He wanted to establish
a reign of terror and believed that his invisibility provided him with godly powers. He turned against his
own race and died a tragic end.
Question 19. Griffin got into the Omniums empty handed and left empty handed. How had his planned
failed?
Answer. Griffin was stark naked and without food and shelter in the streets of London. Then he got a
brilliant idea. He managed to enter the huge shop. He clambered up a collection of bedsteads and waited
till the shop was completely empty. After the place was immersed in silence, Griffin got down. He went
straight towards the clothing section and adorned many things—from socks to hat. Then his next hit was
the food. Near the toy department, he had another brilliant idea. He could fake an appearance by using
false items. Finally, he went to sleep and was at peace after a long time. Unfortunately for him, he slept till
late and the store opened. He was spotted. The workers ran after him. Griffin tried to hide, but somebody
saw him. He resorted to hurting his pursuers and created a mess at the store. Finally, he had to take all
his clothes off to go out of sight.
Question 20. Griffin thought that as he was invisible, he could easily rob anyone. However, the
hunchback made it a hard task. Elaborate.
Answer. Griffin reached the desired shop in Drury Lane. There was no one in the shop when Griffin
entered. The gate had a clanking bell and immediately the owner of the house, a short hunched man,
came running down. Griffin tried to follow the man, but he sensed it. The quickness of his ear surprised
Griffin. The man was busy washing his plates when Griffin put some coal in the fire. Immediately, the man
came running upstairs. When Griffin was following him on the stairs, he suddenly stopped and was just
an inch away from Griffin’s face. Griffin was nearly caught when he was searching for clothes. This made
the hunchback furious. He started locking the doors of the house and before Griffin could do anything, he
was locked in a room. Griffin could hardly control himself and he knocked him out cold. He explained that
the hunchback gave him no choice.
Question 21. How did Dr Kemp’s plan to get the Invisible Man arrested fail?
Answer. Even before Dr Kemp had heard of the sinister works of the Invisible Man, he had decided to
turn him over to the police. He had written a note that very night Griffin came into his house, informing
Colonel Adye about his presence. Griffin was narrating the incidents that had led to his invisibility and
further his encounter with Dr Kemp. Dr Kemp saw some men coming up to the house and he tried to keep
Griffin busy. He asked about Griffin’s plans. Just then, sounds were heard from downstairs. 1.1164, Dr
Kemp knew that it was the police and he tried to divide Griffin’s attention. But when Griffin tried to open
the door, he blocked him. In an instant, Griffin realised that Dr Kemp had cheated him. He took his
clothes off, hit Dr Kemp as hard as he could and before anyone could make a move, he made his escape
from Dr Kemp’s house.
Question 22. How did Dr Kemp use the knowledge given to him by Griffin himself to get him arrested?
Were his attempts fruitful?
Answer. After the plan to get Griffin arrested failed, Dr Kemp informed Colonel Adye that Griffin was mad.
He further told him that Griffin must be stopped or he will next turn to killing people. Dr Kemp used the
knowledge given to him by Griffin against him. He wanted that every available man should be put to hunt.
He wanted to stop Griffin from escaping. He knew that the only thing that could stop him from leaving the
place was his three books. Dr Kemp said that they must stop him from eating or sleeping and every single
person should be on alert. Dr Kemp further said that they should use dogs as they could smell him.
Another important thing was that the food eaten by Griffin was visible until it had been absorbed. He also
wanted powdered glass on the roads s Griffin was are feet. Alas! In spite of these elaborate plans Griffin
was able to sleep and eat.
Question 23. How did Griffin meet his tragic end?
Answer. Griffin was filled with murderous rage. His confidant, Dr Kemp, had cheated him. He decided to
murder Dr Kemp to set an example. He laid siege on his house. However, Dr Kemp was saved by two
policemen and Griffin was hurt. Dr Kemp ran towards the village and Griffin followed. Dr Kemp kept
running, but he couldn’t make up his mind about where to seek shelter. Meanwhile, many people saw him
and hearing his shouts came out to help him. They started running towards him and tried to provide him
with some cover. As others were trying to defend Dr Kemp, Griffin started beating him. Dr Kemp held his
broken arm and Griffin cried. Suddenly, a labourer hit him with a spade. Griffin started to bleed. They all
held him down and he started crying for mercy. Dr Kemp asked everybody to leave him. However, it was
too late and Griffin had died in the struggle. The ‘gifted physicist’ met a tragic end.
Question 24. Do you think that Dr Kemp was really a traitor as he cheated Griffin and let out all his
secrets? Give reasons.
Answer. Griffin and Dr Kemp were old acquaintances and both were scientists. However, Griffin wanted
to establish a reign of terror and Dr Kemp thought about the social conditions of the future. Griffin was an
eccentric scientist. He wanted to smite everyone who came in his way. On the other hand, Dr Kemp
thought of the greater good. Even before Griffin had mentioned his sinister plans, Dr Kemp had decided
to turn him over to the police. After hearing his plans, Dr Kemp was shocked. Realising the threat that
Griffin posed to the society, he was hell-bent upon capturing him. Therefore, it is not right to call Dr Kemp
a traitor. Though he had cheated Griffin, he was thinking about the betterment of the society. He wanted
to save the society from the devil that Griffin was.
Question 25. What forced Griffin to burn down the house in Great Portland Street?
Answer. Griffin had found an accommodation in a slum near the Great Portland Street. He filled the room
with the apparatus that he needed to carry on with his experiment. His long labour bore fruit and he was
able to make a woollen cloth disappear. Then he tried to make a cat invisible. The noises made by the cat
brought her owner to Griffin’s footsteps. She suspected him of vivisection. Next day, the landlord came
asking questions. Griffin behaved rudely with him and threw him out. This was a crisis situation. He
carried out the experiment on himself and became invisible. However, he was insecure and thought that
someone could understand what he was doing. He dismantled all his apparatus, but still he was not sure.
He feared that his discovery would become public. Therefore, he burned down the house to cover his
trails.
Question 26. What were the difficulties faced by Griffin to achieve his dream of invisibility? Were the ways
adopted by him morally correct?
Answer. Light fascinated Griffin and he dropped medicine to pursue physics. He worked like a slave.
After six months of hard labour, he found a general principle of pigments and refraction and deduced a
formula. He researched and concluded that to make something invisible in air, its refractive index must be
lowered so as to equate with that of air. He also knew that humans were also transparent theoretically.
After six years of toil, and with ideas in his mind, he went to London. He hid his experiments from
everyone, including his professor. For three more years, he fought with exasperation and realised that he
was out of money. At this point he robbed his father which led to his death. His secret nature made
people suspicious. Finally, at Great Portland Street, he had to carry out the experiment in haste. He
burned the house down to cover his trails. No, the methods that he adopted for achieving his dream were
not moral. His ways were vile and sinister.
Question 27. Griffin’s invisibility. It was like having a godly power. Still he cried with helplessness. Why did
Griffin grow so much hopeless?
Answer. Griffin was having a hard time adjusting with his newly acquired filled with power. Even his walk
was clumsy. However, he was great joy and his mind was busy in the things he could do without behind.
The man carrying being seen. Suddenly, he was hit from the basket was greatly surprised and this made
Griffin laugh. A cabman rushed to catch the basket and his hands met Griffin’s neck. Griffin was hurt and
the crowd rushed to the scene. Griffin was in the danger of being discovered. So, he ran away from the
place. On the street, his feet got stamped, his shoulder got bruised and most of all he was stark naked
and thus, caught a cold. Griffin’s initial happiness had flown away and he thought how he was going to
get out of the mess he was in. He was feeling so helpless that he nearly cried.
Q 28. What had happened to Wicksteed? What effect did it have on the people of Burdock?
Answer. Mr Wicksteed was a man of forty five or forty six. His demeanor could hardly entice anyone to
cause any harm to him. But he was found brutally murdered. The incidents leading to his death were not
clear. The author says that his murder was a mystery as no one had seen what actually happened.
However, everyone suspected that it was the Invisible Man who carried out the killing. The narration takes
an imaginative turn. The author says that probably Griffin was filled with rage and carried an iron rod. The
flying rod caught Mr Wicksteed’s attention and he went after it. Griffin did not want to be discovered so he
attacked him and as a result Mr Wicksteed was killed. Burdock was immersed in a thrill of horror after
this.
Question 29. Illustrate is the ending of the novel “The Invisible Man” happy and just? What is your
reaction when Griffin gets killed and Marvel gets to keep all the stolen money? Are you glad that the
invisibility formula is hidden from Kemp , who could use it? (CBSE Sample Paper Question)
Answer. The novel, The Invisible Man ends on a happy note. As science is always viewed by humans
from an ethical angle, this novel clearly indicates that when science and its findings are vitiated for
personal gain or against the good of humanity, it not only gets destroyed by the forces of good but also
makes sure that the originator of the evil perpetration is also destroyed in the bargain. In this work, the
evil genius Griffin not only meets a sad end but also suffers untold miseries because of his misuse of his
findings and his personal behaviour under the influence of drugs and medication
30. Illustrate whether the ending of the novel justified? What is your reaction when Griffin gets killed and
Marvel gets to keep all the stolen money? Are you glad that the invisiblity fomula is hidden from Kemp,
who could use it?
Value Points:
As there is always an element of nemesis in order to justify man's doings. The novelist also to provide
poetic justice to the story gets Griffin killed as the thing he did was against mankind and however
innovative and ambitious the plan may be, if it proves fatal to the mankind it needs to be curtailed. As
such the ending is thoroughly justified. Though Griffin deserves punishment his melodramatic killing on
the part of the public was too severe and a little bit unfair as a second chance might have worked for his
transformation. It was just unwholesome and surprising that undeserving and a turn coat Marvel got hold
of Griffin's money in the end, which also shows the irrationality pervading in the world.In other way round
it was right that Marvel who could not do any thing of the formulae of invisibility, was found to have
possessed with the books otherwise they could be misused by Kemp or if not by him, by any other
scientist as we can hardly assertain about the mind of man.
31. Justify the title ‘The Strange Man’s Arrival’.
Value Points:
the first chapter is aptly entitled as it is about the arrival of the stranger which triggers the exposition of the
novel.
The plot of the novel depends on his arrival, and creates an atmosphere of suspense and mystery that
hangs on till the end of the novel.
The unusual appearance of the stranger. (Give illustrations)
The equally unusual behaviour to all who venture in into Griffin's room.
32. What impressions do you form of the stranger by his strange appearance and the intermittent
conversation with Mrs. Hall?
Value Points:
A person of mysterious nature.
A man of weird intention who keeps all his intention and designs to himself.
Having a very secret mission which he does not want to let anyone know and only for this purpose he
came to this solitude (Iping) or rather 'dropped form infinity'.
A very laconic and unsociable person having no regard for the people and their affection.A man who
perhaps deliberately wills to remain a mystery.
33. Mrs. Hall tried to prove the best of hosts but the regular snubbing on the part of the stranger frustrated
all her efforts. Comment.
OR
What different conversational advances did Mrs. Hall try to make? How did the stranger respond and Why
did he do so?
Value Points:
Having a guest at Iping in the dead time of the year was undoubtedly an unheard piece of luck and that
too the person who was no haggler.
Keeping this thing in mind she did not wish to let him go on account of reluctant services.
Started being the best of hosts by insuring every thing ready in time. (Give examples).
However she failed to assess him and sometimes went too far in her considering him, and as such, had
to face rebukes. (Give examples).
Taking the advantage of offering tea or lunch sometimes, about his asking for getting his luggage brought
and telling the story of her nephew.
Though seemed sometimes sociable but cautious at the same time of the unwarranted intrusion in his
private life in any way, he frustrated all her efforts to sneak into his life.He did it as talking casually might
result in giving some clue about his mysterious identity and secret objective.
34. What difference do you find in Mrs. Hall’s treatment of the stranger and her husband? How much
importance did Mrs. Hall give to Mr. Hall’s observations, remarks and suggestions about the strange
guest that she had taken into the “Coaches and Horses” inn? What traits of her character are highlighted
by her approach?
Value Points:
Mrs Hall was dominating kind of wife who perhaps had low opinion of her husband.
Mr Hall too was a little sluggish in his approach to personal, professional and familial life and as such,
failed to be the bread and butter winner, leaving only a poor impression on his wife's mind. On the other
hand she had an opportunity to earn money even in off season time. She, therefore, did not want to
entertain any opposite idea on the part of other people about the stranger.There could be a tinge of
jealousy in Mr Hall which she noticed and as such, regarded his observations being little bit prejudiced
about the stranger.By this way it can be concluded that she was a credulous, somewhat irresponsible (in
believing the stranger even without confirming his identity) about her family's well-being and judgmental
about her husband (not giving any respect to what he said).
35. Describe the stranger’s behaviour while unpacking the crates. What does it indicate about his
personality?
Value Points:
Impatient, and eager for the accomplishment of his task i.e. preparing the antidote of his
invisibility.Careless about any other consideration like spoiling the room of Mrs. Hall.The behaviour also
shows how desperate he is to get his previous form back as this invisibility has frustrated him to the
core.A very diligent, concerned, laborious, guy he is to his work.He is very objective in his approach to his
work.
ENGLISH (Flamingo-Vistas)
Higher Order Thinking Skills
Short questions:
Q.1 Why did the astrologer offer to become an Insurance agent?
Astrologers were called at the birth of the king, who prophesied on the request of the baby king
about the manner of his death that he would be killed by the hundredth tiger, killed by the king.
If his prophecy about the death of the king by a tiger proves wrong he offered to become an
Insurance agent.
Long questions:
Q.1 “The operation is successful. The maharaja is dead.” comment on the
irony of the situation.
The three famous surgeons were called from Madras to treat the Maharaja.
The whole incident is a satire on the life of rich and people in power.
Everything in their life should be grand be it a disease, purchases or treatment.
So when the Maharaja got hurt by a wooden splinter, specialist from Madras were called
The surgeons discussed and debated for some time and decided to operate
At the end of the operation they said the operation was successful but the Maharaja was dead.
As if the procedure was important to them but life had no meaning for them.
The job of doctors is to save people and not highlight the technicalities of the treatment.
But here it was just that, poor Maharaja was relegated to a nonentity whose life was not of much
consequences to them.
LESSON: The Enemy
Short Questions:
Q.1 Why was not Dr Sadao sent along with the Japanese troops though he was such a good
surgeon?
Sadao- very able doctor and famous scientist- should have ideally been sent with the troops-
would have served the Japanese troops.
Wasn’t sent because he was perfecting a discovery that was likely to render wounds clean
Also because the General was ailing and might need him for his operation.
Q.2 Why did the messenger’s visit frighten Hana?
The messenger had come because the General was in pain and needed the services of Mr
Sadao
However Hana had thought that the servants had given them away before the police and he had
come with summons to arrest them.
So she was mortally scared.
Long Questions:
Q.1 Dr Sadao’s instinctive affinity transcends national and cultural prejudices and barriers. Discuss.
As a young boy he obeyed his father and honoured the fact that his education was his father’s
chief concern.
Sadao was skilful Japanese surgeon who lived in Japan during World War II.
Together with his wife Hana, and the servants, Sadao had a comfortable life.
Earlier, he had several years in the United states during medical school.
While in the United States, Sadao experienced cultural prejudice and bias first hand. Even though
he did have a positive experience including that of a teacher and landlady Americans did.
Is a dutiful son, an excellent husbandand a thorough professional- believes that it is a “cardinal
sin” on part of a surgeon not to know the human body completely
Faces a dilemma whether to help the POW or to assert loyalty to the country and finally gives in
to the call of humanity.
His instinctive affinity transcends cultural and national prejudices and barriers.
Q.2 Sadao and Hana were true patriots and human beings. Justify with reference to the story.
Both full of patriotism, proud of Japan and its culture.
Hated Americans, found them repulsive, full of prejudices against Japanese.
Both Sadao and Hana considered humanity above patriotism
As a doctor, he could not leave his patient in distress, could not stop himself from saving
the life of the wounded American soldier.
Both risked their lives and reputation by helping and sheltering the soldier
Hana was equally compassionate- washed the soldier’s wounds herself when Yumi
refused.
Considered every soldier as a human being in distress.
Did not hand him over to police initially as the soldier was weak and could die.
Did not want to keep the American soldier when he fully recovered.
Sadao told the General about the soldier. He had no objection if the soldier was killed by
the assassins- but was ill-at ease and worried that harm may come to him- shows that he
is essentially kind.
Helped the soldier to escape, gave him food, clothes and water on his boat.
Sadao found relief when thwe soldier did not give any signal through his flash light as he
was safe.
Saved the soldier as true human beings.
Wanted to get rid of him as true patriots.
Lesson 5:SHOULD WIZARD HIT MOMMY?
-John Updike
In 'Should Wizard Hit Mommy?" John Updike presents the worldview of a little child. Jo warmly responds
to her father's story-telling. But she can't excuse Roger Skunk's mother for making poor little Roger smell
bad again. Her hero must smell like roses and must not stink at any cost. So she wants her father to
make a little change in the story. She wants him to tell a different story in which the wizard takes a magic
wand and hits Roger Skunk's mommy.
SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
1.Father has felt empty after two years of story telling to Jo. What idea do you form about his
skill in the art of story telling ?
Ans. It would be wrong to say that Jo's father is a bad story teller. In fact, with all his
histrionics, sound effects and gestures, he is quite effective in the art. His only problem is that
his stories lack variety and he ends up telling the same old story again and again with slight
variation here and there. He feels empty because he has been telling stories for over two
years now and has quite naturally run short of ideas.
2.Do you think the father in the story is, more or less, an alter ego of the author, as far as the
childhood is concerned?
Ans.John Updike's childhood was tortured by 'psoriasis' and stammering and he had to suffer
humiliation and ridicule at the hands of his classmates on account of this. Like him, Jo's
father too recalls certain moments of 'humiliation of his own childhood. ''Thus the father more
or less, was an alter ego of the author.''
3.What was Roger Skunk's problem? How did he get rid of it?
Ans.Roger Skunk was a delightful child. His only problem was that he smelled awful. As a
result nobody liked to befriend him and play with him. He got rid of his bad smell with the help
of wizard who cast a magic spell to change the smell into that of roses.
4.Why did the woodland creatures avoid Roger Skunk ? How did their behaviour affect
Roger?
Ans.The woodland creatures avoided Roger Skunk because of his awful smell. As soon as
they saw him coming they would cry "Uh-oh, here comes Roger Stinky Skunk and they would
run away. Roger Skunk would stand there all alone and weep silently.
5. How was Jo affected by Jack's story telling?
Ans. Jo would be immensely engrossed in the story. She liked the way her father used to tell
story particularly his dramatization of it, through gestures and changing voices. She also liked
the predictable way the story would unfold for it allowed her to make guesses, draw
conclusions and ask questions. The whole world of the story would come alive before her and
she would twitch and turn in excitement as the story progressed.
6. This was a new phase, just this last month. 'What new phase is referred to here in the story
"Should Wizard Hit Mommy"?
Ans. Children's physical and mental growth is very speedy. Earlier Jo used to accept father's
word about magic etc, but now she has started having apprehensions about such spells. She
has become more inquisitive and less credulous.
7.Why does the wizard instruct the Skunk to "Hurry up"?
Ans.The wizard asks Skunk to hurry up because he is used to living alone and does not like
company for a long time and secondly he was keen to have his full payment for the task
performed. Another reason can be that he could not stand Skunk's smell for long.
8. How did the woodland creatures react to the Skunk's new smell? What did Skunk feel
about the new change ?
Ans.The woodland creatures found Roger Skunk's new smell to be ''so good''. They gladly
took him in their fold as a friend and played with him many games. Naturally, Roger was
happy to have been accepted by others as their friend Moreover, his inferiority complex had
disappeared.
9. After the Skunk started smelling of roses Jo "thought the story was all over." Why did she
think so?
Ans. Viewed from a child's angle, Skunk's smelling of roses is a befitting ending for the story,
because first, Skunk's long standing desire has been fulfilled and secondly he is able to do
what is dearest to his heart-play with other woodland creatures.
10.Why in you opinion is the smell of roses obnoxious for the Skunk mother "or How did
Skunk's mother react to his new smell ?
Ans.Nature keeps its own balance and has its own way. The Skunk's smell is obnoxious for
other creatures, but certainly not for other Skunks. Skunks are born with this particular smell
and any deviation is violation of Nature. So the mother Skunk does not like the rose smell of
Roger Skunk.. She believes that what is natural is not disgraceful.
11. The Skunk accepts Mom's order like a tame lamb and follows her to the wizard without
demur, but Jo chooses to differ from her father with regard to changing the rose smell. How
would you account for this difference in attitude between the two ?
Ans. Roger Skunk as a character symbolizes Jack's own personality as a child. He loved and
obeyed his mother very much. She in turn taught him courage and self-regard in dealing with
his hurt and humiliation on account of his psoriasis and stammering. Thus, Skunk is as
unquestioningly obedient as Jack himself was. Jo on the other hand is a happy-go-lucky child
of four who has no upset and humiliation to deal with. She is naturally inquisitive and is
curious to know more and more. It is not surprising that she is full of questions. The attitudes
of both Skunk and Jo are shaped by their life experience.
12. Why did Jo not approve of Skunk's mother scolding him for his new smell?
Ans. Jo was very happy to hear that Skunk had got rid of his awful smell and had been
accepted by the woodland creatures. She did not like Skunk's mother scolding him for his
new smell because Jo thought it was a pleasant smell and the one that had won Skunk so
many friends. Skunk's mother, she thought, was wrong in scolding him for his new smell.
13. What is the under lying idea behind the wizard's taking the beating and tamely changing the
rose smell?
Ans. By making the wizard take his beating by Skunk's mother quietly, Jack and through him
the author wishes to bring home the idea that mothers are always right and that we should
accept what is natural. The wizard also sees the point and tamely changes Skunk's rose
smell into his original Skunk smell.
14. Why does mother Skunk hug and pat her son as he prepares to sleep ?
Ans. The obedience shown by Roger Skunk impresses the mother and she pats and hugs
him as he prepares himself for sleep. The idea behind her action is that obedient children will
always be loved and patted by mothers. The mother's gesture is also an expression of her
satisfaction at her little one getting back his Skunk smell.
15. What inference do you draw from the narrator's statement, "eventually they (woodland
creatures) got used to the way he (the Skunk) was and did not mind it at all" ?
Ans.The woodland creatures learnt the lesson that what is natural is not disgraceful and
should be accepted as an integral part of one's being. One should not hate or avoid others
because of something they cannot help. One should instead be courageous and tolerant
enough to accept is. This is how the woodland creatures got used to the way Skunk smelled.
Long answer type questions
16. What is the moral issue that the story raises?
Ans. Although "Should Wizard Hit Mommy?" reads like a typical bed time story elders tell little
children, it does raise a moral question - Should parents always decide what is best for their
children and should children always obey their parents unquestioningly ?
Roger Skunk is a very obedient child but he feels very sad and upset because he smells so
awful that nobody wants to befriend him and play with him. One day he gets a change to get
his bad smell replaced with the smell of roses. He feels excited about the change for
everyone likes his new smell and readily agrees to play with him. However Roger's mother
does not like the change. For her, Roger was better off with his original smell. So, she makes
the wizard restore Skunk's original smell. Roger meekly accepts his mother's decision and
other children get used to Roger's awful smell and don’t complain about in any more.
But the narrow world view of the little girl, Jo likes to spell out the slogan of equality for all.
She believes in the axiom "Tit for Tat". She feels that mothers is wrong in getting her son's
original smell back and wants her to be spanked by the wizard for her mistake. Her father,
who has modeled Skunk's story on his own story, strongly defends the mother Skunk's
decision.
Thus, the author through this story raises a moral question of how much authority parents
should exercise in teaching their children what is wrong, what is right, what they should do
and what not. Since, there is no single correct answer to the question, he leaves it for the
readers to answer it on the basis of their beliefs, cultures and values.
17.Why is an adult's perspective on life different from that of a child's ?
Ans.As the child grows into maturity his perspective and vision of life change gradually. A
child views things at superficial and sensory level but a grown up's vision is realistic,
reflective, philosophical and even psychological. Viewed from the study of the story "Should
Wizard Hit Mommy?" Jo, a child of four, like most children of her age, prefers to live in
dreams and fantasies. She is hostile by nature and would like to wreak vengeance on
Skunk's mother and wants the wizard to retaliate.
She is annoyed because the father refuses to accept her suggestion. The father has a
mature perspective and sees beyond the surface and explores the philosophical and
moralistic aspect of the entire situation. The wizard had unwittingly interfered with nature and
had thus done a great deal of harm and deserved to be punished. According to him the
punishment meted out to the wizard is well merited and retaliation is out of the question.
Thus the story makes it clear that the perspective of a child and that of an adult is totally
different.
Lesson 6:ON THE FACE OF IT
By Susan Hill
Short Answer type Questions:
1. Though the play ends with Mr. Lamb’s death there is still an element of
hope. Explain.
*positive change in Derry’s attitude by Mr. Lamb will be permanent,
his life will get better.
2. There was a major difference in the manner Mr. Lamb and Derry dealt with their disabilities. What
was that difference?
*Lamb was positive & welcoming; Derry had bitterness which made him negative.
3. “It’s got nothing to do with my face and what I look like.” What attitudinal change do Derry’s words
to his mother indicate?
*Derry attitude is now positive & he looks forward to a better life, no longer hiding from others.
4. “When I look in the mirror...I’m afraid of me.” Why does Derry say so?
*burn scar on his face, curious looks by people make him conscious,
avoids meeting others, sour experiences have made him bitter.
5. What is ironical about his mother’s behaviour towards Derry?
*her over-protective attitude stops Derry from meeting new people, discourages him, instead of
making him brave –makes him timid.
6. What is it that draws Derry towards Mr. Lamb?
*Lamb makes Derry feel comfortable, doesn’t question him about his disability, instills confidence
in him, is a good friend to him.
7. Mr. Lamb has successfully learnt to cope with his loneliness. How?
*keeps busy by gardening, rearing bees, making apple jam etc. Also
keeps windows and doors open, welcomes all company.
8. What advice does Lamb give to Derry?
*to keep learning by watching, listening and thinking, be positive, not to
shut out the world.
9. What had caused Derry to be so startled on seeing Mr. Lamb?
*had expected to be alone in the garden, avoids company, is conscious of
his scar.
10. Will Derry change again after Mr. Lamb’s death?
*positive attitude will be permanent, will change his manner of living, will be more open to meeting
strangers, deeply inspired by Mr. Lamb.
Long Answer type Questions:
1. The sense of alienation felt by the persons with disabilities is often greater than the actual pain or
inconvenience caused by their physical impairment. Discuss with reference to On the face of it.
*need for acceptance by fellow beings, pain of being ignored ...don’t want to be reminded of
disabilities again and again, emotional scars deeper than physical ones.
2. A positive attitude helps to tackle all difficulties in life. Elaborate with reference to Mr. Lamb in On
the face of it.
*positive attitude makes one more understanding, friendly towards life and people, provides
confidence, ability to face the hardships of life, realize one’s potential.
3. “Acid…ate my face up. It ate me up.” Describe the miseries suffered by Derry after the
unfortunate incident he refers to.
*ignored by others or has to face curious looks, glances and questions,
feels awkward and abnormal, sense of isolation, unkind comments, over-
protective attitude of mother, no true friends.
4. Various factors can lead to psychological changes in one’s personality. Discuss with reference to
Derry’s experiences in On the face of it.
*burn scars and unkind attitude of others make him negative,
encouraging, positive and kind attitude of Mr. Lamb changes his attitude.
5. Physically challenged people don’t want sympathy, they just need acceptance. Comment with
illustrations from On the face of it.
*need for acceptance by fellow beings, pain of being ignored ...don’t want to be reminded of
disabilities again and again, emotional scars deeper than physical one, sympathy weakens them,
need to be inspired
and encouraged..
Lesson 7: EVAN TRIES AN O- LEVEL
By Colin Dexter
SAQS
1. What was the unusual request made by Evans?
Hints : night classes started in O - Level German in September
Dead keen to get some sort of academic qualification
2. Do you think Evans was conscious of his appearance ?
Hints : No,Evans had long hair , wore grubby string vest , filthy looking , red and white bobble hat
upon his head.
3. What was the usual scene that Stephens observed in the cell ?
Hints : Scene more or less same , Evan’s pen between his lips , sat staring straight in front of him
towards the door seeking- it seemed – some sorely needed inspiration from some where
4.Did Stephens observed something different, as he walked besides McLeery to the main gates ?
Hints : McLeery’s Scots accent seem broader than ever and his long black over coat reached almost
to his knees, it fostered the illusion that he had suddenly grown slimmer
5. How did the Governor find out Evan’s wear about ?
Hints: By translating the correction slip from German to English
LAQs
1. The ego-tussle between Jackson and Stephens has helped Evans to prepare his plan with ease.
Narrate.
Hints : Jackson and Evans were trying to get closer to the Governor and were ever at each
other’s throat. This was noticed by Evans who exploited the opportunity to his own advantage. He
just thrived on this weakness and created a favorable field for his escape.
2. In spite of his hyper vigilant attitude, the Governor unwittingly helped Evans to escape prison.
Explain.
Hints :The governor made plenty of tactical mistakes, e.g, from not checking the antecedents of the
German tutor to the prison to the soft corner he has for him to the wrong judgment of allowing Evans
to escape in the guise of the Invigilator to the final one of not taking enough force to nab him at the
hotel. (Find out the other shortcomings)
3. Sometimes the lackadaisical attitude of the Police officers often helps hard-core criminals to
escape from jail. Discuss in light of Evans…. O-Level.
Hints :From the Governor to Stephens to Jackson- all had a soft corner for Evans for his antics and
intelligence. They broke a series of mistakes; allowed him to wear cap, did not spring clean his cell,
forgot to oversee him in the last five minutes etc. This gave him enough room to plan his escape with
ease.
Lesson 8: Memories of Childhood(Zitkala-Sa)
Sub-title –The Cutting of my Long Hair
Short answer type questions-
1.”It is better to have tried&failed than never to have tried at all”.How would you relate this observation to
the author of the episode “The cutting of my Long Hair.”?
Hints : Revolt Against the practice , thoughts coming in to her related to a culture or ultimate forceful
cutting of hair.
2.Interpret Judewin’s personality on the basis of her comment “We have to submit,because they are
strong “.
Hints : Judewin’s character – submissive , cowardly .
3.What contrast do you find between the author & her friend,Judewin’s view about hair-shingling ?
Hints : Author opposed, Judewin’s accepted ,that is their character traits.
4.Why does the author feel that she has been deprived of freedom in the hostel?
Hints : Moccasins not allowed in the hostel,different uniform from white students,long hair- cut,loss of
freedam
5.From your study of the episode & the intensity with which the author misses her mother,what idea do
you form about the role of a mother in a child’s life?
Hints : Mother first friend , guide , facilitator, moulds the entire life of a child.
Long answer type Questions
1. Describe Zitkala-Sa’s ordeal in school on her first day.
Hints : explanation of two incidents , first in the dining room and second the hair cutting episode.
2. Sparks of rebellion can be witnessed right from one’s childhood. Explain co-relation between the
text “ The Cutting Of My Long Hair” and the society at large.
Hints : Her revolt against her cutting of the hair.
3. “ The cold weather outside was in rhyme with the cold attitude of the authorities inside the hostel”.
Explain
Hint : Cold weather to be linked with the lack of love ,compassion , understanding on the part of the
authorities.
4. Elicit an example of discrimination which you may have witnessed in the society around you. How
did it affect your personality?
Hints : the untouchables not allowed in the temple – felt sympathy towards them.
PART II – WE TOO ARE HUMAN BEINGS… BAMA
SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
1. It took almost an hour for Bama to reach back home from school. Why?
(HINTS) attracted by various charms –the performing monkey—the shops with sweets and fruits—the
bicycle rider who did not get down for more than a week etc.
2. Mention two attractions which held Bama’s attention on her way back home.
(HINTS) loud political speeches given by political leaders--- oxen going round on the grain floor and
beating the grain out of straw.
3. How does the writer use the statue of Gandhi to create satire in ‘Memories of Childhood’?
(HINTS) statue of Mahatma Gandhi located in the market—somebody started selling fish sitting very
close to the statue Gandhi Ji was Vegetarian .
4. When Bama narrated to her brother, the funny sight of the elder man holding the packet of
‘vadais’by the string, he was not amused. Give reason.
(HINTS) knew that it was not funny but a humiliation to their caste.
5. What was Annan’s advice to Bama?
(HINTS) to work hard and study diligently and be successful--- people would recognize it and would like
to be friends.
LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
1. Humanity is beyond caste, creed and race. Elucidate the thought in the light of the story
‘Memories of Childhood.’
HINTS:- humanity-the supreme religion—discrimination on the basis of caste, creed is inhuman—god
made all as equals—all are equal in the eyes of god—should be no discrimination b/n one man and
another—limitless torture and atrocities in the name of caste or religion—all humans have same
feelings—empathetic attitude should be developed—scientific and logical thinking – the need of hour—
references to the text to be included.
2. How does ‘Memories of Childhood.’ Bring out the plight of marginalized communities in India?
HINTS: - the text –experiences of two small girls from marginalized communities—forced to accept the
rules laid by people of so called high caste—both humiliated and tortured for being from low caste—
throws light on how they had to sacrifice their self right to self esteem and were subjected to unbearable
humiliation—characters symbolize communities—personal experiences universalized – compels the
reader to think how humane is the human world.
3. How does education play an important role in eradicating caste distinction and securing
respectable status for marginalized communities in the society?
HINTS:-education empowers—the greatest tool to fight injustice—education developed the personality
to maximum extent and empowers an individual to make his own way to success—successful people
respected everywhere—education brings awareness of rights and duties—also the ability to protect
one’s rights—education brings respect and dignity.
4. It is through education only that one can differentiate between facts and fiction. Elucidate the role
played by Annan in the life of Bama.
HINTS:-education is like rudder to a boat—gives direction to life—develops mind and the ability to
distinguish between facts and fiction—opens a window to the world—gets us connected to the outside
world and enables us to assimilate the best around—imparts us the power to fight back injustice –
brings awareness of rights and duties—makes us complete human beings—ensures a life of dignity
and respect
