CHAPTER 01 -TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA

Question 2:
Based on your discussion above, what do you think the
story is about?
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
Answer :
The story could be about whether the protagonists are
truly gentlemanly or not, based on the qualities listed
above.
PAGE 08
Q uestion 4-(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
Question 4-(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
Question 4-(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 :
(a) did not want a stranger to become involved with
their plans
Question 4-(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
Question 4-(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 :
(c) the Germans had ruined their family
Question 4-(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
PAGE 09
Question 5-(a):
"We do many things, sir," Nicola answered seriously. He
glanced at us hopefully.
Answer :
The narrator was surprised to see the boys shining
shoes because he thought that they sold fruits for a
living. However, when he questioned the boys regarding
this, Nicola said that they also did a lot of other things
for a living. The boys hoped that the narrator would ask
for their services and in return would earn some good
money.
Question 5-(b):
He coloured deeply under his sunburn, then grew pale
Answer :
The narrator was astonished to see that boys worked
hard day and night and yet lived meagerly. He wanted
to know what the boys did with the money they earned.
When he questioned Nicola, he appeared
uncomfortable. Perhaps the boys were not used to
anybody questioning them regarding their earnings, and
the narrator’s question embarrassed them.
Question 5-(c):
He smiled uncomfortably. "Just plans, sir," he answered
in a low voice.
Answer :
When the narrator suggested that the boys were saving
to emigrate to the States.
Nicola responded that how much ever they wished to
do that, currently they had other plans, which he was
unwilling to and uncomfortable sharing with the
narrator.
Question 5-(d):
Yet in both these boyish faces there was a seriousness
which was far beyond their years.
Answer :
Although the boys were small and innocent, there was a
maturity in their demeanour, which was unbelievable at
their age.
Question 6-(a):
Why didn't Luigi, the driver, approve of the two boys?
Answer :
Luigi judged the two boys by their appearance. He did
not approve of the two boys because they were
shabbily dressed and he thought that they might sell
bad fruit
Question 6-(b):
Why were the narrator and his companion impressed by
the two boys?
Answer :
The narrator and his companion were surprised that
the boys were doing so many things at such a young
age. Under the hot sun they sold fruits, newspapers, ran
errands and were tourist guides as well. They did any
odd job that they were asked to do. Their willingness to
do any kind of work impressed the narrator and his
companion.
Question 6-(c):
Why was the author surprised to see Nicola and Jacopo
working as shoeshine boys?
Answer :
The narrator was surprised to see Nicola and Jacopo
shining shoes because he thought that selling fruits was
their only occupancy.
Question 6-(d):
How were the boys useful to the author?
Answer :
The boys did everything the narrator and his
companion asked them to do: they showed them
around the city, bought tickets for the opera for them,
told them about good restaurants and ran all their
errands.
Question 6-(e):
Why were the boys in the deserted square at night?
What character traits do they exhibit?
Answer :
The boys were waiting for the last bus from Pauda so
that they could sell all their papers. This explains the
fact that the two boys were very hardworking and
dedicate
Question 6-(f):
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?
Answer :
The boys were very focused and committed. Their only
motive was to pay for their sister’s treatment. They did
not care for their comfort but tirelessly worked hard to
earn money.
Question 6-(g):
When the narrator asks the boys about their plans, they
are evasive. Why don't they disclose their problems?
Answer :
The two boys did not want the narrator to know of
their problems because they were strong and
courageous kids in the face of adversity who did not
want a stranger to sympathise with them. They were
confident kids who would rather work hard and earn in
order to find solutions of the same on their own
Question 7-(a):
Appearances are deceptive. Discuss with reference to
the two boys.
Answer :
The narrative began with description of the shabby
appearance of the two boys—Nicola and Jacopo. In
spite of their appearance, the narrator bought fruit
from them. In the following days, the narrator
discovered that the boys did a lot of other things apart
from selling fruit: they sold newspapers, they were
shoeshine boys, tourist guides and ran errands. All this
made the narrator think that the boys were working so
hard to save money to emigrate to America. However, it
is revealed during the course of the story that their only
motive was to be able to pay for their sister’s treatment.
War had destroyed most of their family and yet it had
not filled them with despair. The boys were working day
and night to save whatever was left. Behind their
shabby appearances were hidden two noble souls
whose dedication and selflessness promises a new hope
for mankind.
Question 7-(b):
Do you think the boys looked after Lucia willingly? Give
reasons for your answer.
Answer :
The boys loved their sister. She was the only family left
after the war was over. When they realized that their
sister had tuberculosis of the spine, they got her
admitted to a hospital. They worked hard day and night
to pay for her treatment. They visited their sister every
Sunday in the hospital. They could have emigrated to
the states but they chose to stay back and look after
their sister. They didn’t want to lose her.
PAGE 10
Question 9:
Two Gentlemen of Verona is written in the first person.
A story written in the first person is a first-hand
account of events told or narrated through the eyes of
a single character, typically the main character. Stories
written in the first person are easily identified by the
use of the pronoun 'I' rather than 'he or she'.
The reader will see phrases such as "I said, I thought,"
rather than "he said, she thought." Everything is
experienced through the eyes of a single character, and
all thoughts and observations are limited to that one
person. There can be no outside observer. If the
narrator does not see or experience an event first-hand,
it cannot be a part of the story. All scenes in the story
are filtered through this person's unique perception.
The third-person is a narrative mode in which both the
reader and author observe the situation either through
the senses and thoughts of more than one character, or
through an overarching godlike perspective that sees
and knows everything that happens and everything the
characters are thinking. In this mode of narration, the
narrator can tell the reader things that the main
character does not know, or things that none of the
characters know.
Answer :
Note: This question is to be answered on the basis of
your own understanding, experience and thoughts. It is
strongly recommended that you prepare the solution
on your own. However, one sample solution has been
provided for your reference.
The driver waited outside until the boys rejoined him,
and then drove them back to the city. They sat beside
him, not speaking. The driver did not say a word. He
thought the boys would prefer to feel that they had
safely kept their secret. Yet their devotion had touched
him deeply. War had not broken their spirit. Their
selfless action brought a new nobility to human life,
gave promise of a greater hope for human society.
PAGE 11
Question 10-(a:
The love and devotion, and the family values Nicola and
Jacopo display.
Answer :
Note: This question is to be answered on the basis of
your own understanding, experience and thoughts. It is
strongly recommended that you prepare the solution
on your own. However, some pointers for discussion
have been provided for your reference.
Their lives before the war;
Small family: father, two brothers and a sister
How war devastated their lives.
In spite of contrary circumstances, how they are driven
to get back to their family.
Question 10-(b:
Their pride in themselves and their family
Answer :
Note: This question is to be answered on the basis of
your own understanding, experience and thoughts. It is
strongly recommended that you prepare the solution
on your own. However, some pointers for discussion
have been provided for your reference.
The boys never complain of their circumstances and the
hardships they face.
They don’t want to reveal as why they are working day
and night.
They don’t disclose their reason for going to Poleta.
Question 10-(c:
The trust they place in the narrator
Answer :
Note: This question is to be answered on the basis of
your own understanding, experience and thoughts. It is
strongly recommended that you prepare the solution
on your own. However, some pointers for discussion
have been provided for your reference.
How the boys are useful to the narrator and his
companion.
Jacopo requests the narrator to send them to Poleta in
their car which they might not have asked anybody.
After initial disagreement between the brothers and
reassurance from the narrator they agree to go with
him.
They are very comfortable and trust him completely.
Question 10-(d:
The reason the narrator does not disclose to them that
he knows their secret.
Answer :
Note: This question is to be answered on the basis of
your own understanding, experience and thoughts. It is
strongly recommended that you prepare the solution
on your own. However, some pointers for discussion
have been provided for your reference.
Nicola initially is not comfortable with the narrator
driving them to Poleta.
After some thinking they agree.
The moment they reach their destination they jump out
of the car and do not ask the narrator to come with
them. On the other hand, they suggest him to spend
time at a café in the village.
The narrator understands their reluctance to share their
purpose of visit with him and, therefore, does not
disclose to them that he knows their secret.
Question 11:
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.
Answer :
Note: This question is to be answered on the basis of
your own understanding, experience and thoughts. It is
strongly recommended that you prepare the solution
on your own. However, some pointers have been
provided for your reference.
The narrator’s initial impression of the two boys.
Their willingness to do any kind of job.
Their behaviour and innocence.
The maturity they display.
Their usefulness to the narrator
The reason behind their hard work
War had not destroyed their spirit but filled them with a
new energy
They set to build what was left after the war
Love for their sister.
Their regular weekly visits to meet their sister.
Their making sure that they regularly pay for her
treatment.
Their dedication, sacrifice, selflessness.
Question 12:
After her brothers' visit, Lucia writes a page in her diary
about her past life and her present situation. As Lucia
write the diary entry in about 150 words.
Answer :
Note: This question is to be answered on the basis of
your own understanding, experience and thoughts. It is
strongly recommended that you prepare the solution
on your own. However, some pointers have been
provided for your reference.
The war had destroyed my home.
We almost died of starvation and extreme cold.
My brothers hated the Germans. They joined the
resistance movement.
After the war was over, they came back to me but
unfortunately I was afflicted with tuberculosis of spine.
They admitted me in a hospital.
They come here to meet me every week
I look forward to their visit.
They are working very hard to pay for my treatment.
Today they came in a car unlike other times when they
cycle 30 kms just to meet me.
They told me about this gentleman who especially drove
them here.
They had shown him Verona. They ran small errands for
him.
I pray I feel better and be able to walk and sing again.
I am grateful for such lovely brothers

CHAPTER 02 -MRS PACKLETIDE'S TIGER

CHAPTER 02 -MRS PACKLETIDE'S TIGER
PAGE 12
Question 2-(a):
Why did Mrs. Packletide want to kill a tiger?
Answer :
Note: This question is to be answered on the basis of
your own understanding, experience and thoughts. It
is strongly recommended that you prepare the
solution on your own. However, sample solutions have
been provided for your reference.
Mrs. Packletide wished to shoot a tiger and get her
pictures published. This was to show off in front of
Loona Bimberton who had recently obtained a tiger-
skin and couldn’t stop boasting about it.
Question 2-(b):
What does it tell you about her?
Answer :
Note: This question is to be answered on the basis of
your own understanding, experience and thoughts. It
is strongly recommended that you prepare the
solution on your own. However, sample solutions have
been provided for your reference.
Mrs. Packletide is full of vanity. She is a selfish person
who seems to be jealous at other people’s success.
Question 2-(c):
What is the tone of the storywriter?
Answer :
Note: This question is to be answered on the basis of
your own understanding, experience and thoughts. It
is strongly recommended that you prepare the
solution on your own. However, sample solutions have
been provided for your reference.
It seems that the story has humour laced with satire.
Question 2-(d):
Do you think she was successful in her mission?
Answer :
Note: This question is to be answered on the basis of
your own understanding, experience and thoughts. It
is strongly recommended that you prepare the
solution on your own. However, sample solutions have
been provided for your reference.
The story begins on a note that suggests that Mrs.
Packletide’s has made up her mind to shoot a tiger.
With this firm resolve, it seems that she was successful
in her mission.
Question 2-(e):
What do you think the story is all about?
Answer :
Note: This question is to be answered on the basis of
your own understanding, experience and thoughts. It
is strongly recommended that you prepare the
solution on your own. However, sample solutions have
been provided for your reference.
I think the story is all about Mrs. Packletide’s hunting
expedition.
PAGE 16
Question 4-(a):
Why did Mrs. Packletide wish to kill a tiger?
Answer :
Mrs. Packletide wished to kill a tiger so that she could
counter to Loona Bimberton’s claim who had been
carried eleven miles in an Algerian aviator.
Question 4-(b):
What made her decide to give a party in Loona
Bimberton's honour? What did she intend to give
Loona on her birthday?
Answer :
Mrs.Packletide decided that once she shot a tiger, she
would invite Loona Bimberton for a luncheon party. At
the party she would display the newly-acquired tiger
skin. The party would be an appropriate time to show
off the tiger skin and talk about her tiger-shooting
experience to Loona Bimberton. She intended to give a
tiger-claw brooch to Loona Bimberton on her
birthday.
Question 4-(c):
How was the tiger shooting arranged? What kind of a
tiger was chosen for the purpose?
Answer :
Mrs.Packletide offered a thousand rupees to villagers
for arranging an opportunity to shoot a tiger without
much risk or exertion. An old tiger that had given up
hunting and confined himself to eating domestic
animal was chosen for this purpose.
Question 4-(d):
In what way did the villagers help Mrs. Packletide
shoot the tiger?
Answer :
The villagers were very excited at the prospect of
earning a thousand rupees. They posted children at
the outskirt of the jungle to keep a watch on the tiger
in case he wanders off to new hunting grounds. Goats
were scattered to keep him satisfied and to prevent
him from straying. Mothers with babies walked quietly
through the jungle so as to not to disturb its sleep. The
villagers were only worried about the tiger that should
not die of old age before the day of shoot.
Question 4-(e):
Who was Miss Mebbin? Was she really devoted to Mrs.
Packletide? How did she behave during the tiger
shooting?
Answer :
Miss Mebbin was a paid companion. Mrs. Packletide
had acquired her so that she could witness the
shooting of the tiger. She was very materialistic. She
didn’t want to do more than she was paid for. In fact
she also instigated Mrs. Packletide not to pay for the
goat if the tiger did not eat it. She was not at all
devoted to Mrs. Packletide. She was there only for the
money.
Question 4-(f):
Mrs. Packletide was a good shot. Discuss.
Answer :
Mrs.Packletide was definitely a good shot. She did
manage to shoot an animal although it was only the
goat. The tiger merely died of a heart-failure caused by
the sound of the gun shot.
Question 4-(g):
What comment did Miss Mebbin make after Mrs
Packletide had fired the shot?
Why did Miss Mebbin make this comment? How did
Mrs Packletide react to this comment?
Answer :
Miss Mebbin brought to everybody’s notice that
Mrs.Packletide had not killed the tiger but the goat.
The tiger died because of a heart-failure caused by the
sound of the gun shot. Miss Mebbin intended to
blackmail Mrs. Packletide with this piece of
information. She wanted to take more money from
her. Mrs. Packletide was very annoyed at this
disclosure. However, she told herself that Miss Mebbin
was only a paid companion who would keep the secret
to herself if given more money.
Question 4-(h):
How did the villagers react to the tiger's death?
Answer :
The villagers were only bothered for their thousand
rupees. They did not pay any heed to Miss Mebbin’s
revelation that Mrs. Packletide had not killed a tiger
but a goat. They readily believed that Mrs. Packletide
had shot the beast lest they lose their money.
Question 4-(i):
Do you think Mrs. Packletide was able to achieve her
heart's desire? Give reasons for your answer.
Answer :
At the very beginning of the story it is made clear that
Mrs. Packletide had made up her mind to shoot a tiger
and get her pictures published in newspapers to show
off to Loona Bimberton. She managed to shoot an
animal, the goat. The tiger died of heart-failure. She,
however, got her pictures with the dead tiger
published in the newspapers. She also gifted a tiger-
claw brooch to Loona Bimberton. She also hosted a
luncheon party for Loona Bimberton which the latter
declined to attend. Thus Mrs. Packletide achieved what
her heart desired.
Question 4-(j):
How did Miss Mebbin manage to get her week-end
cottage? Why did she plant so many tiger lilies in her
garden?
Answer :
Louisa Mebbin blackmailed Mrs. Packletide into buying
her the weekend cottage or else she would have told
Loona Bimberton that it was not the tiger but a mere
goat that Mrs. Packletide had shot. The tiger lilies
would always remind of how she had procured the
cottage.
Question 4-(k):
"The incidental expenses are so heavy," she confides
to inquiring friends. Who is the speaker? What is she
referring to here?
Answer :
Mrs. Packletide is the speaker. The lines are said in
response to questions regarding why she did not hunt
anymore. Mrs. Packletide is referred to the expenses
that she incurred when she hunted for the first time,
she paid the villagers, she paid Louisa Mebbin and
even had to buy her a cottage.
PAGE 17
Question 5-(a):
Do you think the tiger shooting organized by the
villagers was a serious affair?
Give reasons for your answer.
Answer :
The tiger shooting organised by the villagers was a
serious affair. They were very keen to earn their
thousand rupees. They posted children at the outskirts
of the jungle to keep a watch on the tiger in case he
wanders off to new hunting grounds. Goats were
scattered to keep him satisfied and to prevent him
from straying. Mothers with the babies walked quietly
through the jungle so as to not to disturb its sleep. The
villagers had only one worry that the tiger should not
die of old age before the day of shoot.

CHAPTER 04 - A SHADY PLOT NCERT SOLUTIONS

CHAPTER 04 - A SHADY PLOT
PAGE 33
Question 1:
Given below is a list of words related to
ghosts and ghost stories with their jumbled
up meanings against them. Match the words/
expressions with their correct meanings:
Apparition
a feeling of anticipation of or anxiety over a
future event
Poltergeist
a reanimated corpse that is believed to rise
from the grave at night to suck the blood of
sleeping people
Clairvoyance
a conjurer who expels evil spirits by
conjuration
Crystal Ball
a spelling board device intended to
communicate with and through the spirit
world, obtaining answers to questions
Eerie
beyond the range of normal experience or
scientific explanation
Medium
any of a set of 22 playing cards bearing
allegorical representations, used for fortune
telling
Transmigration
a supernatural appearance of a person or
thing, a ghost, spectre or phantom
Psychic
so mysterious, strange, or unexpected as to
send a chill up the spine
Ouija Board
the supposed power to see objects or events
that cannot be perceived by the senseS
Exorcist
a person through whom the spirits of the
dead are alleged to
be able to contact the living
Premonition
a globe of quartz crystal in which images,
believed to portend the future, are
supposedly visible to fortune tellers
Paranormal
to pass into another body after death: going
from one state of existence or place to
another
Tarot Card
capable of extraordinary mental processes,
such as extrasensory perception and mental
telepathy
Vampire
German word, meaning "noisy ghost"-a
troublesome spirit
that announces its presence with
unexplainable sounds and
the creation of disorder
Answer :
Match the words/expressions with their
correct meanings:
Apparition
a supernatural appearance of a person or
thing, a ghost, a spectre or phantom
Poltergeist
German word, meaning “noisy ghost”−a
troublesome spirit that announces it’s
presences with unexplainable sounds and the
creation of disorder
Clairvoyance
the supposed power to see objects or events
that cannot be perceived by the senses
Crystal Ball
a globe of quartz crystal in which images,
believed to portend the future, are
supposedly visible to fortune tellers
Eerie
so mysterious, strange, or unexpected as to
chill up the spine
Medium
a person through whom the spirits of the
dead are alleged to be able to contact the
living
Transmigration
to pass into another body after death: going
from one state of existence or place to
another.
Psychic
capable of extraordinary mental processes,
such as extrasensory perception and mental
telepathy
Ouija Board
a spelling board device intended to
communicate with and through the spirit
world, obtaining answers to questions.
xorcist
a conjurer who expels evil spirits by
conjuration
Premonition
a feeling of anticipation of or anxiety over a
future event
Paranormal
beyond the range of normal experience or
scientific explanation
Tarot Card
any of a set of 22 playing cards bearing
allegorical representations, used for fortune
telling
Vampire
a reanimated corpse that is believed to rise
from the grave at night to suck the blood of
sleeping people
PAGE 34
Question 2:
The title of the story is A Shady Plot. The
dictionary defines the words as:
Shady adjective
(a) Full of shade; shaded.
(b) Casting shade: a shady grove.
(c) Quiet, dark, or concealed; hidden.
(d) Of dubious character or of questionable
honesty.
Plot noun
(a)
(i) a small piece of ground, generally used for
a specific purpose: a garden plot.
(ii) a measured area of land
(b) a ground plan, as for a building; a
diagram
(c) storyline- the plan, scheme, or main story
of a literary or dramatic work, as a play,
novel, or short story
(d) a secret plan to accomplish a hostile or
illegal purpose; a scheme.
Answer :
Note: This question is to be answered on the
basis of your own understanding, experience
and thoughts. It is strongly recommended
that you prepare the solution on your own.
However, one sample solution has been
provided for your reference.
The story probably will be surrounding
something that is concealed and hidden,
possibly about a place that is dubious, like a
thick forest. It might be about a vague or
unclear exploration.
PAGE 46
Question 4-(1):
The narrator earns his living by
………………………….
(a) writing ghost stories
(b) working as a reader for a magazine
(c) working as a stenographer
(d) working as an accountant in a lumber
company
Answer :
(d) working as an accountant in a lumber
company
Question 4-(2):
The writer was overconfident about his ability
to write ghost stories because ……
(a) whenever magazines wanted a ghost story,
they got in touch with him
(b) he was always able to write a ghost story
whenever he had to write one
(c) the readers appreciated his ghost stories
(d) he knew the ghost lady would help him
write a good ghost story
Answer :
(b) he was always able to write a ghost story
whenever he had to write one.
Question 4-(3):
The sight of the ghost materialising in his
room filled the narrator with ………
(a) fear
(b) excitement
(c) joy
(d) anticipation
Answer :
(a) fear
Question 4-(4):
The ghost wanted John to
…………………………………………..
(a) stop his wife from using the Ouija board
(b) stop using the Ouija board himself
(c) stop his guests from using the Ouija board
(d) stop people from using the Ouija board
Answer :
(d) stop people from using the Ouija board
Question 4-(5):
John wants the ghost to disappear before his
wife enters the room and waves his arms at
the ghost with something of the motion of a
beginner when learning to swim. His
movement shows his ………………………
(a) fear
(b) amusement
(c) desperation
(d) anxiety
Answer :
(d) anxiety
Question 4-(6):
When the narrator says his wife is never so
pretty as when she's doing something she
knows he disapproves of, his tone is
…………………….
(a) amused
(b) ironic
(c) angry
(d) irritated
Answer :
(b) ironic
Question 4-(7):
The ghost says "It's all your fault.'It' here
refers to ………………………
(a) the narrator’s wife’s anger
(b) the ghost's anger
(c) the narrator's wife leaving him
(d) the ghost materialising in sections.
Answer :
(d) the ghost materialising in sections.
Question 4-(8):
Gladolia wishes to leave the narrator's house
as ………………….
(a) she does not like the Ouija boards
(b) she is afraid of the ghost
(c) she is afraid of magic and hoodoo
(d) she likes Ouija boards and hoodoo
Answer :
(c) she is afraid of magic and hoodoo
PAGE 48
Question 5-(a):
What genre of stories does Jenkins want the
narrator to write? Why?
Answer :
Jenkins had always called upon Hallock
whenever he wanted a ghost story to be
published in his magazine. John’s ghosts were
live propositions as Jenkins called them. This
time again Jenkins wanted Hallock to come up
with another supernatural thriller, which
would give the readers horrors and that is
what the public wanted too.
Question 5-(b):
Does the narrator like writing ghost stories?
Support your answer with evidence from the
story.
Answer :
The narrator lacked the self confidence as he
himself talked of how he didn’t specialise in
ghost stories; instead, he said that the ghost
stories specialised in him. His first story had
been a ghost fiction too; however, for that
also he had to chase inspiration in vain for
months. This all shows that the narrator was,
though natural, an accidental ghost fiction
writer.
Question 5-(c):
What makes Helen, the ghost, and her other
co-ghosts organize The Writer's Inspiration
Bureau?
Answer :
Helen and other co-ghosts organised The
Writer’s Insipiration Bureau because they felt
there were many writers without ideas,
however, with a vulnerable mind who were
looking for an inspiration to write ghost
stories. The bureau would assign a ghost to
such a writer so that he/she could write good
ghost stories.
Question 5-(d):
Why had Helen, the ghost been helping the
narrator write ghost stories? Why was she
going on strike? What condition did she place
for providing continued help?
Answer :
Helen provided inspiration to the narrator to
write ghost stories. She and co-ghosts were
going on a strike because they were tired of
answering questions of Ouija board fanatics.
They felt they were disturbed too often to
answer silly questions. She urged the narrator
to influence his friends and acquaintances to
stop using the Ouija board. It was on this
condition she promised to help the narrator
to write stories.
Question 5-(e):
How does the ghost undermine the narrator's
faith in his ability to write ghost stories?
Answer :
Helen tells the narrator that she had helped
him write his ghost stories. She tells the
narrator of the many times when she had
leaned on the narrator’s shoulder and had
given him ideas, when he was thinking hard
while writing a ghost story. Helen tries to tell
the narrator that had she not been there for
him as a muse, he would not have been able
to write good ghost stories.
Question 5-(g):
Why does the narrator hesitate to be a
partner to Laura Hinkle during the Ouija
Board Party?
Answer :
Helen, the ghost, had asked the narrator to
influence his friends to stop using the Ouija
board. It was only on this condition that
Helen promised to help the narrator to write
ghost stories. If Helen sees him now himself
trying to communicate ghosts through Ouija
board, he fears how and what she would do
to him. That is why the narrator was reluctant
to be a partner to Laura Hinkle during the
Ouija Board party.
Question 5-(f):
Why does John want the ghost to disappear
before his wife appears on the scene? What
impression of his wife's character do you
form from his words?
Answer :
Lavina is a sensitive woman and is subject to
hysterics. If she sees John talking to a ghost
she would lose it all. Lavinia is crazy about
every new fashion and fad, so much feminine
in nature that John fears the thought of how
she would react in such a situation.
Question 5-(h):
What message does the ghost convey to the
group that had assembled in the narrator's
house? What is their reaction to the message?
Answer :
Helen called John a traitor as he bluffs her.
He had promised Helen that he would
convince his friends to stop contacting
ghosts; rather here he himself was doing the
same. She is annoyed and filled with anguish
and so goes to everyone’s Ouija board one by
one and tells that Mr. Hallock is a traitor.
After this revelation everybody suspected
John of cheating upon his wife, later John
clarified to his wife and she even understood.
Question 5-(i):
Do you agree with the narrator calling the
assembly of women "manipulators?" Give
reasons.
Answer :
The narrator felt that everybody in the room
was looking at him suspiciously. That is why
he called the assembly of women
“manipulators”. The women were not
manipulating things. However, they were just
reporting what was happening at their Ouija
Board.
Question 5-(j):
Why is John's wife angry? What does she
decide to do?
Answer :
John’s wife is angry because she, like other
women, believed what the spirit said through
the Ouija board, about her husband. A
woman even reported that Helen has called
John a traitor. Lavinia thought that her
husband was cheating on her. She decided to
go to her grandmother’s house. She also
decided to separate from her husband.
Question 5-(k):
Why does John wish he were dead?
Answer :
John wished he was dead because a brief
meeting with a ghost had created such
situations that he was about to lose his wife,
whom he loved dearly; it destroyed his
happiness and home.
Question 5-(l):
When confronted by Lavinia about his
flirtations over the Ouija Board, John insists
that 'the affair was quite above-board, I
assure you, my love'. Bring out the pun in
John's statement.
Answer :
John assures his wife that his flirtations with
Helen the ghost are above board. He tries to
tell her that whatever that has happened
between him and Helen is over the board of
Ouija and there was nothing that he wished to
hide from his wife; in fact there was nothing
to tell.
Question 5-(m):
John's apprehensions about his wife's reaction
to her encounter with the ghost are
unfounded. Justify.
Answer :
John thought that his wife would become
hysterical if she saw the ghost Helen;
however, when the encounter happened, she
confidently spoke to the ghost and was not at
all scared of it.
PAGE 49
Question 7:
The narrator and his wife reveal something
about their character in their words and
actions. We also learn about them from what
other people say. Can you pick out the words
that describe them from the box given below?
Also, pick out lines and instances from the
story to illustrate your choice.
shy
arrogant
loyal
clever
overconfident
Manipulative
protective
self-disparaging
suspicious
sceptical
jealous fearless
Firm
shrewd
strong
gullible
sly
creative
Loves novelty and thrills
Person
Extract from story
What it tells us about the character
John Hallock
1. …in the end things had always come my
Hallock way….. somehow I'd always been able
to dig one (plot) up for him, so I'd begun to
get a bit cocky as to my ability (to write
stories).
1. ______________
2. "But my ghosts aren't a bit like you----".
2. sceptical
3. We scout around until we find a writer
without ideas and with a mind soft enough to
accept impression.
3. gullible
4. __________________________
__________________________
4. creative
5. __________________________
__________________________
5. protective
Lavinia Hallock
1. __________________________
__________________________
1. loves novelty and thrills
2. __________________________
__________________________
2. Spendthrift
3. __________________________
__________________________
3. suspicious
4. __________________________
__________________________
4. jealous
5. Buys the Ouija board but says it is for
John's research
5. manipulative
6. Does not flinch when she meets the ghost
but talks to her casually.
6. strong
Answer :
Person
Extract from story
What it tells us about the character
John Hallock
1. …in the end things had always come my
Hallock way….. somehow I'd always been able
to dig one (plot) up for him, so I'd begun to
get a bit cocky as to my ability (to write
stories).
1. Overconfident, self-disparaging
2. "But my ghosts aren't a bit like you----".
2. sceptical
3. We scout around until we find a writer
without ideas and with a mind soft enough to
accept impression.
3. gullible
4. A ghost story had been the first fiction I
had written. Curious how that idea for a plot
had come to me out of nowhere after I had
chased inspiration in vain for months! Even
now whenever Jenkins wanted a ghost, he
called on me.
4. creative
5. I threw a protecting husbandly arm about
her to catch her when she should faint.
5. protective
Lavinia Hallock
1. …and how on earth I was going to cure her
of her alarming tendency to take every new
fad that came along and work it to death.
1. loves novelty and thrills
2. You know I bought the loveliest thing this
afternoon.
2. Spendthrift
3. Lavinia stopped and began to look at me
through narrowed lids much as she had done
in the library the evening before.
3. suspicious
4. She went on, “It is bad enough to have you
flirt over the Ouija board with that hussy…..
She thrust me back with sudden muscle. “I
will see who’s behind you! Where is that
Helen?”
4. jealous
5. Buys the Ouija board but says it is for
John's research
5. manipulative
6. Does not flinch when she meets the ghost
but talks to her casually.
6. strong
PAGE 50
Question 8:
Gladolia, the narrator's cook, is an African.
The language she speaks is different from that
of the others. This is known as Dialect. A
dialect consists of words or phrases that
reflect the regional variety of a language. An
author often uses a regional dialect to make
the dialogue more authentic. Initially a
dialogue may seem a little difficult to
understand. However, as you continue
reading, the language will become more
comprehensible.
Working in groups, write what Gladolia's
words mean as shown
Column A
Column B
Misto Hallock
Mister Hallock
de Missus
sho t'inks you's lost!
she done 'phone you dis mawnin'
fo' de lawd's sake
not to stop to argify now
I's gwine t' quit.
I don't like no hoodoos.
I'se done lef' dis place
I is
Answer :
Column A
Column B
Misto Hallock
Mister Hallock
de Missus
the Mrs.
sho t'inks you's lost!
she thinks you are lost
she done 'phone you dis mawnin'
she called you this morning
fo' de lawd's sake
for the Lord’s sake
not to stop to argify now
don’t stop to argue now
I's gwine t' quit.
I am going to quit
I don't like no hoodoos.
I don’t like voodoo magic
I'se done lef' dis place
I am done with this place and I am going to
leave this place.
I is
I am
Question 9:
Read and understand the following ghost
phrases and expressions:
(a) To give up the ghost-- to die or to stop
trying
(b) A ghost of a chance-- a poor chance, not
likely to happen
(c) The ghost at the feast-- something or
someone that spoils your enjoyment by
reminding you of something unpleasant
(d) Ghost town-- a town where most people
have left-abandoned and deserted
(e) Ghost-write- to write for someone else
(f) Lay the ghost of something/somebody (to
rest)-- to finally stop being worried or upset
by something or someone that has worried or
upset you for a long time
(g) Ghost image -- secondary image, esp. one
appearing on a television screen as a white
shadow, caused by poor or double reception
or by a defect in the receiver
(h) the ghost of a smile - faint trace of a
smile
(i) As white as a ghost- very pale or white in
the face
Now complete the following story by using
the appropriate phrases in the blanks given
below:
I was alone in a place that bore a deserted
look like that of a ________________. I increased
the pace of my footsteps as I walked through
the dark forest. I felt someone walking
behind me. I turned immediately and spotted
the contour of a figure in the form of a
___________________ .
It smiled at me wickedly .I started shaking
with fear and perspiring profusely when I felt
its skeletal hand upon my neck. I woke up
with a start, relieved that it was only a
nightmare.
This was not the first time I had had one. It
had all started when I had watched the
horrendous horror
film with a eerie ghost character that had a
scary ghost of a smile on its face.It had been
almost a month. The strange thing was that I
saw a similar face at the station the next
morning. That was uncanny.
I was to attend a dinner at my friend's at
Northanger Abbey that night. I had decided to
narrate my experience to the group that
would assemble there although I knew there
was _________________________ that they would
be convinced.
After everyone had finished pouring their
drinks to themselves, I cleared my throat and
started narrating my spooky experience.
However, every one of the group started
accusing me of being _______________________
and held me responsible for spoiling the
spirit of revelry. I gave up the ghost and sat
quietly waiting for the party to be over. Back
at home, the fears returned .I knew I had to
talk about my experience to somebody to feel
better. I have now decided to ______________
and publish my experience under a
pseudonym. Only then can I
____________________.
Answer :
I was alone in a place that bore a deserted
look like that of a ghost town.
I increased the pace of my footsteps as I
walked through the dark forest. I felt
someone walking behind me. I turned
immediately and spotted the contour of a
figure in the form of a ghost image .
It smiled at me wickedly .I started shaking
with fear and perspiring profusely when I felt
its skeletal hand upon my neck. I woke up
with a start, relieved that it was only a
nightmare.
This was not the first time I had had one. It
had all started when I had watched the
horrendous horror film with a eerie ghost
character that had a scary ghost of a smile on
its face.It had been almost a month. The
strange thing was that I saw a similar face at
the station the next morning. That was
uncanny.
I was to attend a dinner at my friend's at
Northanger Abbey that night. I had decided to
narrate my experience to the group that
would assemble there although I knew there
was a ghost of a chance that they would be
convinced.
After everyone had finished pouring their
drinks to themselves, I cleared my throat and
started narrating my spooky experience.
However, every one of the group started
accusing me of being the ghost at the feast
and held me responsible for spoiling the
spirit of revelry. I gave up the ghost and sat
quietly waiting for the party to be over. Back
at home, the fears returned .I knew I had to
talk about my experience to somebody to feel
better. I have now decided to ghost write and
publish my experience under a pseudonym.
Only then can I lay the ghost .
PAGE 52
Question 11:
Do you think a story has an atmosphere?
Complete the following blanks to make up
your ghost story by choosing the correct
options.
A Ghost Story
She opened the _________________ (secret door/
spaceship's hatch/ door of the cottage/
cemetery gate/ door of the castle/ cockpit)
_________________ (brashly/ loudly/ silently/
stupidly/ fearfully/ joyously).
Standing in front of her was a ________________
(terrifying/ handsome/ smelly/ anonymous/
tiny/ huge/ bossy) ___________ (policeman/
spy/ apparition/ witch/ prince/ wizard) with a
_________________ (wand/ rose/ rod/ knife/
scythe/ coded message) in his/ her (its)
_________________ (ghoulish/ bony/ beautiful/
fair/ manly/ gloved/ magical) hand.
Now that you have shared a ghost story/
anecdote as well as completed a guided story
in the class, create your own Ghost story on
the basis of the starters given below:
(a) Stephen knew he would never sleep. The
noises, those horrid sounds, would keep him
awake...
(b) Tap, tap, tap. Was it the branches of the
nearby tree, or fingernails against the
window?
(c) People often say, 'There's no such thing as
ghosts....
Answer :
A Ghost Story
She opened the secret door silently.
Standing in front of her was a huge
apparition with a rose in his/ her (its) gloved
hand.
Note: This question is to be answered on the
basis of your own understanding, experience
and thoughts. It is strongly recommended
that you prepare the solution on your own.
However, one sample solution has been
provided for your reference.
M G road was unusually lonely and deserted.
It generally is crowded at the time. It was
only half past six in the evening. Maybe the
unusual downpour had forced people to leave
their offices early. Darkness had descended
earlier than the usual. Stephen had to stop
and wait for the storm to halt. He had to
break his journey that night. The weather did
not seem to favour him. He spotted a motel
and pulled in. He turned the car into their
driveway. His room was on the top floor.
Stephen knew he would never sleep; new
places always unsettled him. As he tossed and
turned in the bed, he heard strange noises.
The noises died down after sometime, they
returned again. Those horrid sounds were
keeping him awake. He decided to investigate.
Suddenly, he heard tap, tap on the window
pane. Was
it the branches of the nearby tree, or
fingernails against the window? Stephen could
not see anything. Maybe it was just a figment
of his imagination. He tried going back to
sleep; however, the incessant tapping on the
window pane kept him awake. Maybe it was a
ghost.
The storm seemed to abate a little. Stephen
decided to go for a walk. The motel was all
quiet except for a faint light at the reception.
Stephen saw a frail figure bent over a book,
probably trying to read something in that
faint light. Stephen was happy. He had
company now. He approached the reception.
The old man’s back was against him. Stephen
cleared his throat to get his attention. As the
old man turned around to face
Stephen…….Stephen screamed in horror….he
had no face….there were just balls of fire in
his eye sockets. Stephen ran out of the motel
and sped away in his car.
And they say, ‘There is no such thing as
ghosts’.
Question 12:
While conventional Ghost stories are scary
and gruesome, several modern versions are
humorous. The Canterville Ghost, by Oscar
Wilde, is one of the best ghost stories written
in the vein of laughing satire. The story that
you just read is another example in case.
Humour arises out of the narrator's ability to
laugh at himself, clever use of language as
well as comic situations. Discuss within your
groups what makes the Shady Plot humorous.
Share your views during a whole class
discussion.
Answer :
Note: This question is to be answered on the
basis of your own understanding, experience
and thoughts. It is strongly recommended
that you prepare the solution on your own.
However, a few pointers for discussion have
been provided for your reference.
The author has a distinctive style of writing.
The ghost story instead of being spooky,
exciting and gripping is rather amusing.
All the characters have a lighter side to them.
The narrator and his preoccupation with
ghost stories is mocked in a subtle way. He is
not scared of the ghost in his room, rather he
is worried how is his wife going to react if
she sees the ghost.
Lavinia and her spendthrift ways. Her
obsession to try out new trends and fashions.
Helen threatens the narrator that if he did
not agree to her conditions she will stop
inspiring him.
The Ouija board party instead of being
thrilling resulted in a misunderstanding
between Mr. and Mrs. Hallock.
Gladolia the narrator’s cook, who wants leave
her job for a trivial reason, is scared of
Voodoo and black magic and does not want to
work in their house.

CLASS X CHAPTER 05 NCERT - PATOL BABU, FILM STAR

CHAPTER 05 - PATOL BABU, FILM
STAR
PAGE 55
Question 1:
With your partner answer the following
questions:
What are your strengths?
Strengths
Why do you feel so?
What is your dream career?
I want to become a …..
Is there any correlation between your
strengths and aspirations?
Do you think you can achieve your dreams?
Give reasons
Answer :
Note: This question is to be answered on the
basis of your own understanding, experience
and thoughts. It is strongly recommended
that you prepare the solution on your own.
However, a brief idea on the solutions has
been provided for your reference.
Strengths
Why do you feel so?
Strong-willed
I complete all work assigned to me.
passionate
I try to do everything with perfection.
focused
I am sure of what I want to achieve.
hardworking
I put in a lot of effort in whatever I do.
I want to become a successful sportsman.
I feel my above strengths are necessary pre
requisites for a good sportsman.
I am very determined to achieve my dreams.
I take coaching in cricket and football. I
keenly follow these sports. I follow a strict
diet and fitness regime to keep myself
physically fit.
PAGE 67
Question 3-(a):
What was the news that Nishikanto Ghosh
gave Patol Babu?
Answer :
Nishikanto Babu told Patol Babu that his
brother-in law, who was in the film business,
was looking for an actor for a film they were
shooting. The character he described
reminded Nishikanto Babu of Patol Babu so
he gave him his address and asked him to get
in touch with him.
Question 3-(b):
How did Patol Babu react? Why?
Answer :
Patol Babu was taken aback by the acting
offer. He was surprised as it seemed
unbelievable to him that a 52-year old
nobody like him was getting a chance to act
in a film.
Question 3-(c):
Why had Patol Babu lost his first job in
Calcutta?
Answer :
The Second World War had resulted in Patol
Babu being retrenched from his nine-year-old
clerical job at Hudson and Kimberley.
Question 3-(d):
How does Patol Babu reconcile to the
dialogue given to him?
Answer :
Initially, Patol Babu was shocked to see his
monosyllabic dialogue. However, after
rehearsing his dialogue, he felt that a true
actor could make his mark even with a single
syllable. His mentor’s words rang in hismind
who had once said that each word spoken in
a play was like a fruit in a tree. Not everyone
in the audience has access to it. So, the actor
must know how to pluck it, get at its essence,
and serve it up to the audience for their
edification. These words helped Patol Babu
perform the role assigned to him with
conviction.
Question 3-(e):
Who was Mr. Pakrashi? How do his words
help Patol Babu in enacting his role?
Answer :
Mr. Pakrashi was Patol Babu's mentor. He
said, "Remember one thing, Patol; however
small a part you're offered, never consider it
beneath your dignity to accept it." These
words influenced Patol Babu a lot and they
helped him enact his role with confidence and
determination. From these words, Patol Babu
drew spirit, energy, inspiration and dignity to
enact such a small role. He no more felt his
role in the movie to be condescending.
Question 3-(f):
How do we know that Patol Babu was a
meticulous man?
Answer :
Patol Babu was a meticulous man with a lot
of perseverance. He was a very talented man
who was gifted with the art of acting. He
never lost faith in reality and overtook all
challenges in life and faced all difficulties. He
was offered a part in a movie in this story
and he took it up. He was meticulous because
he calculated the number of steps he needed
to take before crashing into Chanchal Kumar.
Similarly, he practised the variation in the
dialogues with different tones. He was also a
self concerned man because he ordered for a
ginger tea with his wife the day before the
movie was to be shot so that his voice will be
loud and clear on the day of the movie. At
last, he was a very grateful man and never
gave up the responsibilities that were given to
him even though he was a very mixed up man
and a confused personality.
Question 3-(g):
Why did Mr. Mullick turn down Patol Babu's
request for a rehearsal?
Answer :
Patol Babu suggested that he should rehearse
his scene. But Mr. Mullick turned down his
request for the rehearsal, showing impatience
at his suggestion. This was because Mr.
Mullick wanted to quickly shoot the scene in
the sunlight and he could see a large patch of
cloud approaching the sun, which was making
him impatient.
Question 3-(h):
What were the special touches that Patol
Babu gave to his role to make it more
authentic?
Answer :
Patol Babu rehearsed the exact number of
steps for colliding with the hero, added a
small grey moustache to his look and held a
newspaper open in his hand. These were the
special touches which he gave to his look for
making his role seem more authentic.
Question 4-(a):
'I hope the part calls for some dialogue?'
Who says this? Why does he /she ask this
question?
Answer :
These lines are said by Patol Babu. He had
been a stage actor for many years before
work forced him to come to Calcutta. He was
a very passionate actor; in fact he was
obsessed with acting. There was a time when
people would buy tickets just to see him
perform.
After many years, Patol Babu was offered a
role in a film. He was both surprised and
happy to receive this offer. He enquired
about his role so that he could rehearse for
it. He was told that his role was that of a
pedestrian. He wanted to know if the role had
any dialogues because he was very keen to
show off his acting prowess.
Question 4-(b):
'Were these people pulling his legs? Was the
whole thing a gigantic hoax?
A meek, harmless man like him, and they had
to drag him into the middle of the city to
make a laughing stock out of him. How could
anyone be so cruel?' Why does
Patol Babu have these thoughts?
Answer :
The reason for Patol Babu having such kind
of thoughts was that the dialogue that he was
given shocked him. It was for the first time
that Patol Babu has got an opportunity to act
in a film. Till now he had acted on the stage.
He was very excited. He reaches the shooting
site at the designated time. After watching the
film shoot for sometime, he asked for his
dialogue so that he could memorise and
rehearse it.
All he had to do was to collide with the hero
and utter “oh”. He was very disappointed. He
expected a small role with some dialogues but
here he just had to utter a monosyllable.
Patol Babu was a very good actor and he
thought that by giving him such an
insignificant role they had made a mockery of
him and his acting skills.
Question 4-(c):
Patol Babu is an amateur actor for whom
walk-on part in a movie turns into an
ultimate challenge.
Discuss.
Answer :
Patol Babu is initially very disappointed
because of the small role he had been given.
Then he is reminded of his mentor’s words
that “however small a part, never consider it
beneath your dignity to accept it”. Motivated
by these words, Patol Babu decides to
rehearse his part before the final shoot. He
chooses a reclusive spot to practice. As he
practices, he realises that a monosyllabic
exclamation could be said in different ways
and carried different meanings. He also
rehearsed how he would react physically
when the collision took place - he would twist
his face in pain, fling his arms, and crouch to
show pain and surprise. He really worked
hard at his part and performed it to
perfection.
Question 4-(d):
Do you agree with the statement that Patol
Babu is a practical man who comes to terms
with whatever life has to offer? Give reasons
for your answer.
Answer :
Patol Babu had a passion for acting. In fact,
there was a time when people used to buy
tickets just to watch him. But he left all this
and moved to Calcutta from Kanchrapara
because he was offered a job with a better
salary. In Calcutta, he gave up his plans of
starting a club in his neighbourhood and
dabbled in various jobs to make his ends
meet. When an acting offer came by, he
readily agreed to do it. Though he was
initially disturbed by the triviality of the role,
he performed the part to perfection without
taking any payment for it. Patol Babu
believed it was not about whether the role
that an actor plays is major or minor, rather
performance of the actor mattered the most.
Thus, we can say that Patol Babu was a
practical man who accepted whatever came
his way.
Question 4-(e):
Why does Patol Babu walk away before he
can be paid for his role? What does this
reveal about his character?
Answer :
Patol Babu executed his part to perfection.
However, he wondered whether the immense
effort he had put in to enact a small role
would be appreciated by everybody or not.
The film unit usually got hold of some people,
made them do their parts and paid them a
small amount. They were not bothered about
the quality of performance.
Although Patol Babu performed a small role,
he felt that taking money for it would be
trivialising his performance. He was a true
actor for whom creative satisfaction was
foremost and not money.
Question 4-(f):
Do you think making a movie is an easy job?
Discuss with reference to the story
Answer :
The story, Patol Babu, Film Star, describes a
film shoot. Filmmaking is a long and tedious
process. Every scene has to be rehearsed
many times before it is finally shot. Plenty of
heavy equipments and expensive cameras are
used. Film actors have to shoot in extreme
weather conditions, sometimes in front of
large crowds. The noise and extreme weather
can, at times, distract an actor. The
production unit has to see minor details,
arrange for actors for small roles, and
arrange for props. In short making a film is a
combined effort of many people.
PAGE 68
Question 5-(b):
Here are some lines from the lesson. What do
they tell us about Patol Babu's character?
passionate actor
diligent
unassuming
talented
genial
mercenary
short-tempered
introvert
meticulous
modest
humble
arrogant
Indeed, there was a time when people bought
tickets especially to see him_
Answer :
Indeed, there was a time when people bought
tickets especially to see him —talented
Question 5-(c):
Here are some lines from the lesson. What do
they tell us about Patol Babu's character?
passionate actor
diligent
unassuming
talented
genial
mercenary
short-tempered
introvert
meticulous
modest
humble
arrogant
'I was with Hudson and Kimberley for nine
years and wasn't late for a single day.'
Answer :
'I was with Hudson and Kimberley for nine
years and wasn't late for a single day.' —
punctual
Question 5-(d):
Here are some lines from the lesson. What do
they tell us about Patol Babu's character?
passionate actor
diligent
unassuming
talented
genial
mercenary
short-tempered
introvert
meticulous
modest
humble
arrogant
It didn't matter if the part was small, but, if
he had to make the most of it, he had to
learn his lines beforehand. How small he
would feel if he muffed in the presence of so
many people _
Answer :
It didn't matter if the part was small, but, if
he had to make the most of it, he had to
learn his lines beforehand. How small he
would feel if he muffed in the presence of so
many people—meticulous
Question 5-(e):
Here are some lines from the lesson. What do
they tell us about Patol Babu's character?
passionate actor
diligent
unassuming
talented
genial
mercenary
short-tempered
introvert
meticulous
modest
humble
arrogant
Patol Babu cleared his throat and started
enunciating the syllable in various ways.
Along with that he worked out how he would
react physically when the collision took
placehow his features would be twisted in
pain, how he would fling out his
arms, how his body would crouch to express
pain and surpriseall these he performed in
various ways in front of a large glass
window_
Answer :
Patol Babu cleared his throat and started
enunciating the syllable in various ways.
Along with that he worked out how he would
react physically when the collision took
placehow his features would be twisted in
pain, how he would fling out his
arms, how his body would crouch to express
pain and surpriseall these he performed in
various ways in front of a large glass window
—passionate actor
Question 5-(f):
Here are some lines from the lesson. What do
they tell us about Patol Babu's character?
passionate actor
diligent
unassuming
talented
genial
mercenary
short-tempered
introvert
meticulous
modest
humble
arrogant
It is true that he needed money very badly,
but what was twenty rupees when measured
against the intense satisfaction of a small job
done with perfection and dedication?
_
Answer :
It is true that he needed money very badly,
but what was twenty rupees when measured
against the intense satisfaction of a small job
done with perfection and dedication? —
humble
Question 6:
(a)
Then he had a job in a Bengali firm which he
gave up in disgust when his boss began to
treat him in too high-handed a fashion
stimulate the imagination
(b)
A faint memory was stirred up in
Patol Babu's mind.
to surrender or relinquish
(c)
At first he opened a variety store which he
had to wind up after five years.
staged
(d)
In Jatras, in amateur theatricals, to gain
control over one's actions in plays put up by
the club in his neighbourhood, Patol Babu
was always in demand
to gain control over one's actions
(e)
Patol Babu was about to step forward when
he was pulled up short by a voice shouting
'Silence!'
shut down
(f)
Patol Babu pulled himself together
Stopped
Answer :
(a)
Then he had a job in a Bengali firm which he
gave up in disgust when his boss began to
treat him in too high-handed a fashion
to surrender or relinquish
(b)
A faint memory was stirred up in
Patol Babu's mind.
stimulate the imagination
(c)
At first he opened a variety store which he
had to wind up after five years.
shut down
(d)
In Jatras, in amateur theatricals, to gain
control over one's actions in plays put up by
the club in his neighbourhood, Patol Babu
was always in demand
staged
(e)
Patol Babu was about to step forward when
he was pulled up short by a voice shouting
'Silence!'
stopped
(f)
Patol Babu pulled himself together
to gain control over one’s action.

Class X ncert Chapter 6 Virtually true

CHAPTER 06 - VIRTUALLY TRUE
PAGE 71
Question 1:
(a) Do you play computer games? How many
hours do you spend playing games on the
computer as compared to outdoor games?
(b) Make a list of your favourite games. Have
a class discussion on the advantages and
disadvantages of computer games.
Before reading the story, attempt the
following working in groups of four or five.
(c) Look in your dictionaries / computer to
find synonyms for the word 'virtual'
(d) Look at the K.W.L. chart given below.
Based on the infomation you have gathered
till now, complete the K and W columns. You
may work with your partner. After reading
the story complete the third column.
K- what I know
W −what I want to know
L-what I learnt
Virtual reality
Virtual Environment
3-D/ three- dimensional
Simulation games
Computer Simulation
Interactive psycho-drive games
Teleporting
Answer :
Note: This question is to be answered on the
basis of your own understanding, experience
and thoughts. It is strongly recommended
that you prepare the solution on your own.
PAGE 78
Question 3-(a):
Why did the news of the 'miracle recovery'
shock Michael?
Answer :
The news article mentioned that a fourteen-
year-old boy called Sebastian Shultz, who had
gone into a coma following the accident, had
miraculously recovered. Michael was shocked
to read this. When he saw the picture of
Sebastian, he realised that he was the same
person whom he had met in the virtual world
and was trying to rescue him. Michael
couldn’t understand that how he could meet
Sebastian if he was in coma.
Previous
Question 3:
In what way did the second game seem very
real?
Answer :
There are various instances in the chapter to
describe that the second game seemed very
real, such as “As I lowered myself down I felt
the dragon's fiery breath”, “And the whole
time I could hear and feel and even smell the
evil dragon following in close pursuit”, etc.
Question 4:
The last game has tanks, jeeps, helicopters,
guns and headings would you put this and the
other games under?
Answer :
Warzone can be categorised under simulation
games. Wildwest is a strategy game.
Dragonquest is a fantasy role-playing game
and Jailbreak is an action game.
Question 5:
What was Michael's theory about how
Sebastian had entered the games?
Answer :
According to Michael, Sebastian was probably
playing those games when he banged his head
in the accident. The computer had saved his
memory into its own. Michael bought a lot of
games at the fair. Some of them were the
stolen ones of Sebastian. When Michael was
playing those games, the computer was trying
to retrieve Sebastian’s memory.
EXERCISE
Question 1:
According to the newspaper, what had
happened to Sebastian Shultz?
Answer :
Sebastian Shultz was badly injured in a car
accident. His condition was described by
doctors as critical but stable. In spite of
doctors’ efforts Sebastian could not regain
consciousness. He went into coma.
REFERENCE TO CONTEXT
Question 2-b-(:
'That was my idea' said Sebastian excitedly.' If
only it would go a big faster’.
Where was Sebastian when he spoke these
words?
Answer :
Sebastian had just broken a jail with help of
Michael and was on the rooftop.
Question 2-b-(:
'That was my idea' said Sebastian excitedly.' If
only it would go a big faster’.
What was his idea, and what was he referring
to?
Answer :
Sebastian was referring to be rescued by a
helicopter from the jail, before the guards
catch up on him
Question 2-b-(:
'That was my idea' said Sebastian excitedly.' If
only it would go a big faster’.
Was the idea a good one, and did it
eventually succeed? How?
Answer :
The idea of helicopter rescuing Sebastian was
good. However, the helicopter was slow in
landing. The jail guards and dogs caught up
with Sebastian. The dogs hurled at Sebastian.
To escape the dogs, Sebastian stepped
backwards and slipped and fell on the
concrete below. Eventually, Sebastian was
able to board the helicopter and was rescued.
Thus, Michael succeeded in saving and
bringing Sebastian back to life.
UNIT 6
Question 3-(a):
Why did the news of the 'miracle recovery'
shock Michael?
Answer :
The news article mentioned that a fourteen-
year-old boy called Sebastian Shultz, who had
gone into a coma following the accident, had
miraculously recovered. Michael was shocked
to read this. When he saw the picture of
Sebastian, he realised that he was the same
person whom he had met in the virtual world
and was trying to rescue him. Michael
couldn’t understand that how he could meet
Sebastian if he was in coma.
Question 3-(b):
Michael's meeting with Sebastian Shultz had
been a chance meeting. Where had it taken
place and how?
Answer :
Michael’s chance meeting with Sebastian had
taken place in the virtual world. He had met
Sebastian for the first time in a game called
Wildwest.
Question 3-(c):
What kind of computers fascinated Michael
and his dad? Why?
Answer :
Michael and his dad had recently bought a
Pentium 150 MHz processor, with 256 of
RAM, a 1.2 GB hard disk drive and 16 speed
CD ROM, complete with speakers, printer,
modem and scanner. This computer could do
anything: paint, play music, create displays
and even make rubbish homework look
fantastic.
Question 3-(d):
Describe the first place where Michael was
virtually transported.
Answer :
The first place Michael was transported was
the time period between the American Civil
war and end of the 19th century. (mid
1830’s-1920). Geographically, it was west
America. Michael was playing a game called
Wildwest where he was a Sheriff caught in a
gun fight in a saloon.
Question 3-(e):
What help did Sebastian Shultz ask Michael
for? How did he convey this message?
Answer :
Sebastian Shultz was in the virtual world when
his accident took place. As a result he got
stuck there. He encountered Michael in this
virtual world. He wanted Michael to rescue
him. He sent a message to Michael which
appeared on his printer.
Question 3-(f)
:Why did Michael fail in rescuing Sebastian
Shultz the first time?
Answer :
Michael couldn’t rescue Sebastian the first
time because before he could save him, he
was shot by gunmen.
Question 3-(g):
The second attempt to rescue Sebastian Shultz
too was disastrous. Give reasons.
Answer :
Sebastian chopped the princess’s long plaits
and tied them together to form a rope and
managed to flee from the tower. He and
Michael headed towards the dungeons.
However, the dragon followed them. As they
were going down the steps, the dragon
appeared and caught Sebastian. Michael tried
to kill the dragon but he had already taken
Sebastian. Thus, the second attempt to save
Sebastian failed as well.
Question 3-(h):
Narrate the accident that injured Sebastian
Shultz.
Answer :
Sebastian Shultz was badly injured in a car
accident. He had banged his head. When he
was brought to the hospital, the doctors
described his condition critical but stable.
Despite doctors’ efforts Sebastian could not
regain consciousness. He had gone into coma.
Question 3-(i):
How had Sebastian Shultz entered the games?
Answer :
At the time of the accident, Sebastian was
using his laptop to play one of the psycho-
drive games. He was plugged on to the
computer when his head banged in the
accident. The computer had saved his
memory in its own. Thus, Sebastian had
entered the games but could not come out of
it.
Question 3-(j):
How was Sebastian Shultz's memory stored on
Michael's disk? Did Michael discover that?
Answer :
At the time of the accident, Sebastian was
plugged on to the computer. The computer
had saved his memory in its own. When
Sebastian’s family was in the hospital,
somebody stole their whole lot of games.
Some of them ended up at Computer Fair,
where they were bought by Michael. Michael
discovered this when he read an article on
the internet about Sebastian’s miraculous
recovery.
PAGE 79
Question 4:
Sebastian Shultz had a close brush with death.
After he recovers, he returns to school and
narrates his experience to his classmates. As
Sebastian Shultz, narrate your experience.
Answer :
Note: This question is to be answered on the
basis of your own understanding, experience
and thoughts. It is strongly recommended
that you prepare the solution on your own.
However, one sample solution has been
provided for your reference.
Hi friends, great to see you all. I had almost
lost hope to meet you all again ever. Six
weeks ago, I was on my way out of town with
some friends for a weekend. I had my laptop
with me. It was a four-hour journey to our
destination. So, to engage myself, I logged on
to one of my psycho-drive games. After an
hour of driving on the highway, the car
suddenly screeched to a halt. Since we were
driving at a great speed, the driver lost
control of the car and car somersaulted
before falling into a ditch. As the car fell into
the ditch, my head hit against the roof of the
car and everything blacked out. I don’t
remember what happened to me after that.
I was told that I had slipped into coma and
only a miracle had brought me back. Another
miraculous thing happened to me. At the time
of the accident, I was in the midst of a game.
Although, I entered it I couldn’t come out of
it. Somebody stole my lot of games while I
was in the hospital. Some of those were
bought by a person called Michael, who
rescued me and got me out. So, indirectly he
is my saviour. I am planning to meet him
soon. It is great to be back friends! I have
had a harrowing time, VIRTUALLY!!
Question 5:
Continue the story.
Will Michael and Sebastian Shultz meet in real
life? Will they be friends? Will they try to re-
enter the virtual world together? You may use
the following hints:
How the accident occurred
Transfer of memory
Meeting with Michael
Appeals for help
Rescue and recovery
Answer :
Note: This question is to be answered on the
basis of your own understanding, experience
and thoughts. It is strongly recommended
that you prepare the solution on your own.
However, one sample solution has been
provided for your reference.
After the car accident, the Shultz family was
in depression. They were waiting for a miracle
to happen. And a miracle did happen:
Sebastian did recover and came out of coma.
Sebastian’s games were stolen while he was in
hospital. They ended up with Michael who
had bought the games at the computer fair.
Michael logged on to one of these games.
That is where Sebastian met him. At the time
of the accident, Sebastian had entered one of
the psycho-drive games but couldn’t get out.
Sebastian appealed Michael to rescue him.
After three failed attempts. Michael finally
rescued him. This coincided with his recovery
from coma. Sebastian sent him an email
thanking for his help. Sebastian wanted to
meet Michael personally. They decided to
meet next Friday after school.
Michael and Sebastian waited anxiously for
Friday. Finally Friday came. They met at a
café. This was the first time they were
meeting outside the virtual world. However,
somehow, they weren’t uncomfortable. It
seemed as if they had known each other for
sometime now. They were not strangers to
each other. They chatted for a while. Later,
they said goodbye with a promise to keep in
touch both in the virtual as well as the real
world.

Class X Not marble nor the gilded monuments chapter 9 NCERT SOLUTIONS

UNIT 9
Question 1-(a):
Look at the following picture carefully.
What has Time been portrayed as? Why?
Answer :
Note: This question is to be answered on the
basis of your own understanding, experience
and thoughts. It is strongly recommended
that you prepare the solution on your own.
However, sample solutions have been
provided for your reference.
Time has been portrayed as a man carrying
the banner in his hands. The image looks
much similar to that of Lord Christ. It has
been portrayed so because there is nothing
more powerful than man, although man’s
identity and importance is very small in
relation to time. Secondly, time has been
portrayed as a human being because the
poem is meant for them.
Question 1-(b):
What are the other symbols associated with
Time?
Answer :
Note: This question is to be answered on the
basis of your own understanding, experience
and thoughts. It is strongly recommended
that you prepare the solution on your own.
However, sample solutions have been
provided for your reference.
Other symbols related to that of time might
belong to nature, like the sun.
Question 2-(a):
What are the things that last for centuries?
List a few things around you that will survive
four to five hundred years into the future.
Answer :
Note: This question is to be answered on the
basis of your own understanding, experience
and thoughts. It is strongly recommended
that you prepare the solution on your own.
Previous
Question 2-(b):
Think of things that will perish and/or be
forgotten with the passage of time.
Answer :
Note: This question is to be answered on the
basis of your own understanding, experience
and thoughts. It is strongly recommended
that you prepare the solution on your own.
Previous
PAGE 104
Question 6-(a):
The rich and powerful got ornate monuments
made in order to _
i. show off their wealth
ii. display their power
iii. show their artistic talent
iv. be remembered till posterity
Answer :
iv. be remembered till posterity
Question 6-(b):
The poet addresses his sonnet to
_
i. time
ii. war
iii. the person he loves
iv. powerful rulers
Answer :
iii. the person he loves
Question 6-(c):
In the line 'The living record of your
memory', living record refers to
i. the sonnet the poet has written for his
friend
ii. an existing statue of his friend
iii. his friend who lives in the poet's memory
iv. the autobiography of the poet's friend
Answer :
iii his friend who lives in the poet's memory
Question 6-(d):
The poet's tone in the poem is
_
i. despairing
ii. optimistic
iii. loving
iv. admiring
Answer :
iii. loving
Question 6-(e):
The poem is set in _
i. the place where the poet meets his friend
ii. a battlefield where Mars is fighting a battle
iii. a city ravaged by war
iv. the poet's study where he is writing
Answer :
iv. the poet's study where he is writing.
PAGE 105
Question 7-(a):
Why do you think the rich and powerful
people get monuments and statues erected in
their memory?
Answer :
In order to be remembered till posterity, the
rich and powerful people get monuments and
statues erected in their memory.
Question 7-(b):
Describe how the monuments and statues
brave the ravages of time.
Answer :
The monuments and statues brave the ravages
of time. However, in the process, they get
ruined, disfigured, broken or spoiled, if not
taken proper care of.
Question 7-(c):
Why does the poet refer to Time as being
sluttish?
Answer :
The poet refers to Time as sluttish because it
spoils the marbled or gilded monuments. It
discolors them, spoils them and ruins them
gradually through its various agents or forces.
These agents are like air, rain, natural
vegetation, etc.
Question 7-(d):
The poet says that neither forces of nature
nor wars can destroy his poetry. In fact, even
godly powers of Mars will not have a
devastating effect on his rhyme. What quality
of the poet is revealed through these lines?
Answer :
The permanence of his poetic art and the
immortality of his verse is a characteristic
trait which can be noticed in the quality of
the poet. It is a well known fact that like
Time and Nature, literary art is also immortal
and permanent, making poets live through
their work, for thousands of years.
Question 8:
Shakespeare's sonnet has been divided into
three quatrains of 4 lines each followed by a
rhyming couplet. Each quatrain is a unit of
meaning. Read the poem carefully and
complete the following table on the structure
of the poem
Rhyme Scheme
Theme
Quatrain 1
Comparison between poetry and monuments.
Quatrain 2
Ravages of time on monuments contrasted
with _.
Quatrain 3
The recorded memory of __
posterity.
Quatrain 4
Poetry immortalizes friend.
Answer :
Rhyme Scheme
Theme
Quatrain 1
ABAB
Comparison between poetry and monuments.
Quatrain 2
CDCD
Ravages of time on monuments contrasted
with living record of the poet’s beloved’s
memory.
Quatrain 3
EFEF
The recorded memory of his beloved shall
find room even in the eyes of posterity.
Quatrain 4
GG
Poetry immortalizes friend.
Question 9-(a):
(a) The poet uses alliteration to heighten the
musical quality of the sonnet.
Working in pairs, underline the examples of
alliteration in the poem.
Answer :
A few instances of alliteration in the poem
are:
Unswept stone besmear’d with sluttish time;
When wasteful war;
Nor Mars his sword nor war’s;
Praise shall still;
Lover’s eyes.
Question 9-(b):
Identify Shakespeare's use of personification
in the poem.
Answer :
“The living record of your memory” has been
personified here in the sonnet as a man. He
shall pace forth against death, bereavement,
etc. He shall live life even in the eyes of all
posterity.

Class X Mirror chapter 8 NCERT SOLUTIONS

UNIT 08
PAGE 97
Question 1-(a):
When do you generally use a mirror?
Answer :
A mirror is usually used to look into one’s
own s
Question 1-(b):
Is a mirror essential for us?
Answer :
Yes, a mirror is very essential for us, as it
helps us look presentable before we meet
people.
Question 1-(c):
Given below is a list of possible reasons why
a person uses a mirror. Tick the ones you
agree with:
(i) to check one's appearance
(ii) to look beautiful
(iii) to make sure one is neat and tidy before
going out
(iv) to check for a pimple or grey hair
(v) to apply make-up
(vi) to make a phone call
(vii) as a decorative item at home
Answer :
(i) to check one's appearance;
(ii) to make sure one is neat and tidy before
going out;
(iii) to apply make-up.
PAGE 98
Question 3-(a):
When the mirror is being described as being
'unmisted by love or dislike' we understand
that the mirror is
i. not misted
ii. not prejudiced
iii. has four angles
iv. silver in colour
Answer :
ii. not prejudiced
Question 3-(b):
The other word for 'contemplation' is………..
i. contempt
ii. meditation
iii. mediation
iv. thoughtful
Answer :
iv. thoughtful.
Quistion 3-(c):
When the mirror says 'it has no
preconceptions' it means that:
i. it reflects back an image objectively
ii. it modifies an image as it reflects it
iii. it beautifies an image as it reflects it
iv. it gives a biased view of a person/object
Answer :
i. it reflects back an image objectively
Question 3-(d):
The mirror has been called 'a four-cornered
god' because:
i. it is square shaped
ii. like God it watches you unbiased and fair
from all four angles
iii. it reflects back all that it sees
iv. it never stops reflecting
Answer :
ii. like God it watches you unbiased and fair
from all four angles
Question 3-(e):
The 'speckles' refer to:
i. a pink object
ii. the opposite wall which has spots on it
iii. a person with pink pimples
iv. pink spots in general
Answer :
ii. the opposite wall which has spots on it
Question 3-(f):
The phrase 'agitation of the hand' suggests
that the person is:
i. Very ill
ii. Very upset
iii. Very angry
iv. Very happy
Answer :
iii. Very angry
Question 3-(g):
By saying 'Now I am a lake' the narrator
wants to show that
i. the poem is not only about external beauty
but also the inside of a person
ii. the lake can also reflect surfaces
iii. the depth of the lake is important
iv. the lake does not show as exact an image
as a mirror
Answer :
i. the poem is not only about external beauty
but also the inside of a person
PAGE 99
Question 4-(a):
What is the poetic device used when the
mirror says 'I swallow'?
Answer :
‘I swallow’ personifies the mirror. The mirror
seems to say that the image on it is deep
enough to swallow everything, passively. The
objectivity of the mirror is significant.
Question 4-(b):
How does the mirror usually pass its time?
Answer :
The mirror meditates on the wall.
Question 4-(c):
What disturbs the mirror's contemplation of
the opposite wall?
Answer :
Appearances of faces and darkness disturb
the mirror’s contemplation of the opposite
wall.
Question 4-(d):
Why does the mirror appear to be a lake in
the second stanza? What aspect of the mirror
do you think is being referred to here?
Answer :
The mirror, appearing to be a lake,
symbolises depths of reality. The aspect of
reflecting back an image objectively, is
referred to over here.
Question 4-(e):
What is the woman searching for in the
depths of the lake?
Answer :
The woman is searching for her true identity.
Question 4-(f):
How does the narrator convey the fact that
the woman looking at her reflection in the
lake is deeply distressed?
Answer :
It seems that the woman in the poem is
deeply distressed because when she sees
herself ageing in the mirror, she turns away
to find her answers in the candles and the
moon. She has tears in her eyes and her
agitated hands express her distress.
Question 4-(g):
What makes the woman start crying?
Answer :
Faithful picture of the mirror, of her true
ageing personality, makes her cry. She cries
because the truth is bitter and too harsh for
her to bear.
Question 4-(h):
What do you think the 'terrible fish' in the
last line symbolizes? What is the poetic device
used here?
Answer :
The ‘terrible fish’ symbolises the bitter truth
which puts human beings to a fatal end. The
poetic device used here is a simile.
PAGE 100
Question 5-(a):
List out the adjectives that have been used to
describe the mirror. Add a few more
adjectives to the list.
Answer :
Adjectives used in the poem to describe the
mirror:
Exact, unmisted, truthful, not cruel, faithful,
important
A few more adjectives for the same are listed
below:
Deep, significant, reality, bitter, fair, honest
Question 5-(b):
In the second stanza why has the narrator
replaced the mirror with a lake? What is he/
she trying to focus on?
Answer :
The mirror is replaced with a lake to display a
deep image of personality, against the fake,
superficial beautification of life.
Question 6:
Find the various instances of personification
used in this poem.
Answer :
The various instances of personification used
in the poem are:
Whatever I see, I swallow immediately;
I am not cruel, only truthful;
Now, I am a lake;
The eye of a little god;
I am important to her.
Question 7-(a):
A woman bends over me,
Searching my reaches for what she really is.
Then she turns to those liars, the candles or
the moon.
What is the woman bending over?
i. the mirror
ii. the lake
iii. the opposite wall
iv. the moon and the candles
Answer :
i. the mirror
Question 7-(b):
A woman bends over me,
Searching my reaches for what she really is.
Then she turns to those liars, the candles or
the moon.
Why have the candles and the moon been
called 'liars'?
i. because they make people beautiful
ii. they hide the blemishes of people with
their soft light
iii. they hide the blemishes and make people
look beautiful in their soft glow
iv. they can't talk
Answer :
iii. they hide the blemishes and make people
look beautiful in their soft glow
Question 7-(c):
A woman bends over me,
Searching my reaches for what she really is.
Then she turns to those liars, the candles or
the moon.
Why does she turn to them in spite of calling
them 'liars'?
i. the reality is too harsh for her to bear
ii. she is desperately looking for someone to
comfort her
iii. she wants to be told that she is still
beautiful
iv. she can hide her signs of graying in their
light
Answer :
i. the reality is too harsh for her to bear

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