Class 6th. The Storm English Literature

 The Storm 

Summary

A young boy, Alec is sailing home to America. The ship is also carrying a beautiful black untamed stallion. One night, a massive storm strikes and the ship is damaged. Just as Alec is about to get on to a lifeboat, he remembers the stallion and runs back to help it. He sets the stallion free
and it gallops past him, across the railings and into the sea.

In the process, Alec too is thrown into the waves. When Alec resurfaces, he sees that the ship is completely destroyed and finds the stallion swimming close by. He grabs the stallion’s rope and ties it around his waist. After hours, they
come across an island. When the horse’s hooves hit land, Alec struggles to undo the knot which has swelled in the water. Just in time, he remembers the pocket knife that his uncle had given him and uses it to set himself free.

This is an exciting adventure about a boy’s experience of a storm at sea. The descriptive language makes the story come alive as we read it. Young readers will look up to Alec in admiration as he manages to show presence of mind in various situations thus saving his life as well as that
of the horse. 

Understanding the Text


A. 1. Alec could not turn his eyes away—he could not believe such a perfect animal existed.


2. But Alec knew that it would not be wise to get any closer and so, placed the sugar on the sill.

3. The storm began to subside a little and Alec felt new hope.


4. His startled eyes took in the scene about him. The Drake, struck by lightning, seemed almost cut in half!


5. If the stallion was alive, he was going to set him free and give him a chance to fight for life.


6. If he was to die, he would rather die with the mighty stallion than alone.



B.

1. Alec was happy that the horse didn’t turn away because he loved horses and had wanted to make friends with the Black since he first saw him. As this was the first time that the horse hadn’t turned away, Alec felt that the horse was finally accepting his presence.


2. Alec hurt himself when he fell down as the ship shook from battling the waves. When he regained consciousness, he realized that the ship’s engines were dead and that the situation had become very serious—people were in a state of panic, screaming and shouting while trying to get into lifeboats.


3. Alec had to wait for the next boat because the lifeboat was full by the time his turn to enter it came. If he had gotten on this boat, he might not have survived as none of the lifeboats appeared to have gone past the storm (not a single lifeboat was visible when Alec came up to the surface of the water which means that all of them had sunk in the storm). Moreover, the stallion would have likely died in the ship since nobody else had thought about him.


4. Alec was setting out to free the stallion so he could have a chance to survive. His actions are significant because he was the only person—a mere child at that—on the ship who had attempted to help the stallion. This tells us that Alec is thoughtful, considerate and brave.


5. The two instances that tell us that Alec is quick-thinking are as follows. One is where he grabs onto
the rope attached to the stallion’s halter while they are both in the ocean. Another is when he can’t untie the rope—and remembers his pocketknife, quickly choosing to use that instead.


6.

a. It suggests that the horse is intelligent and perceptive. He treats people with kindness when they treat him with kindness.

b. The horse has probably been mistreated thus far. If his previous owners had been harsh with him, it makes sense that he would not want anyone to come near him.

c. Alec had treated the horse with respect consistently. Not only did he bring him sugar cubes and then back off when the stallion did not seem to want him to come any closer, but he also went to save the horse during the storm. That is why the horse behaved differently with him. 

Act 2 Scene 7. The Merchant of Venice.

The Merchant of Venice, Act 2 Scene 7

Extract I

Portia:

Go draw aside the curtains…..make your choice

1. Who is asked to draw aside the curtains? Who is asked to make his choice?

Portia asks one of her attendants to pull apart the curtains so that the different caskets are made visible. The prince Morocco is asked to make the choice.

2. What does Portia say later to the prince regarding the right casket?

After reading the inscription on the three caskets, Morocco asks Portia how he will know if he chooses the right casket. Portia replies that her portrait will be in the right  casket. If he selects that one, then she will be his wife.

3. Which casket does the Prince of Morocco finally choose? What are the reasons for his choice?

The Prince of Morocco finally chooses the golden casket. Morocco argues that base lead cannot  contain such a saintly person like Portia. Silver which is ten times inferior to gold also cannot hold Portia as he is such a rich gem. So he concludes that Portia, whom many men desire  and is most precious must be contained  in the golden  casket. Besides, the English have a gold coin which with the figure of an angel engraved on it. Portia is an angel and hence her portrait may be in the golden casket.

4. For what reasons does the prince reject the other two caskets?

He rejects the base lead arguing that it cannot contain such a noble person like Portia  and silver which is ten times inferior to gold cannot contain Portia as she is such a rich gem.

5. What does the prince find when he opens the casket?

When the prince opens the casket he finds a skull and in its eyeless socket a scroll.


6. How does the prince bid farewell to Portia? What does Portia say when the prince leaves the place?

Morocco bids farewell to Portia with the warm-heartedness of a lover and says he must accept the cold comfort of the rejected. He says that his sorrow is too great for many words. Those who have lost their hearts’ desire depart thus sadly.

When the prince leaves the place, Portia calls it a good riddance and wishes that every suitor like him should make a similar choice.



Extract II

Morocco
Who chooseth me shall……in love I do deserve.

1. On which casket do the words, who chooses me shall get as much as he deserves?

On the silver casket

2. Why does Morocco initially doubt his worth to deserve the lady?

Morocco initially doubts his worth to deserve the lady because he thinks that though by his own standard, his merits may be very high, yet those merits may not be sufficient enough to deserve Portia, as her reputation is greater than his.

3. Why does he change his mind and say that he deserves the lady?

Morocco, after having doubts about his worth to win Portia, later on changes his mind. He feels that he deserves Portia because of his royal birth, his wealth, his virtues and his upbringing. Above all, he is worthy of her because of his deep affection for her.

4. Give the meaning of:

A) And weigh thy value with an even hand

And compare your personal worth impartially.

B) A weak disabling of myself

A sign of weakness which would bring discredit  on myself.

5. Why does Morocco think that Portia’s picture is not in the lead casket?

Morocco read the inscription on the lead casket which stated that whosoever selects it must  be prepared to give all and to risk everything. Morocco declares that no one except a fool will be prepared to risk everything for the sake of dull lead. He argues that lead cannot contain such a noble person like Portia.



Extract III

From the  four corners of the earth…..to see fair Portia.

1. Who speaks these words? Where is he? What has he said about his courage in an earlier scene?

The prince Morocco speaks these words. He is in a room in Portia’s house getting ready to make his choice of caskets. In an earlier scene, Morocco said that with his sword he had slain the emperor of Persia and a Persian Prince, who had defeated Solyman of Turkey thrice. He boasted that  he was courageous enough to confront  a hungry lion, defy the most valiant warrior on earth and face the wrath of a mother-bear by separating its young ones from her.

2. What is the significance of the words Shrine and Saint in the context?


Shrine is a place where any sacred relic of a holy  person  or the image of a saint is kept. In this context, the saint is Portia and the shrine is Belmont. The breathing saint is a reference to Portia. Morocco says that people came from every part of the globe to worship at the holy place which enshrines this living object of adoration-Portia.

3. What warning is given by Porita to the speaker before he makes the choice?

Before he makes the choice, the speaker is told by Portia that the correct casket contains her picture and if he chooses it, she will be his wife.

4. Who are ‘they’ that are referred to  in the extract? What difficulties do they face while coming?

‘They’ the  refers to the many suitors who come to Belmont from all parts of the globe to woo Portia. While coming they travel through Persian deserts, wilderness of Arabia and even cross the ocean.

5. Give the meaning of:

a) Hyrcanian deserts

Hyrcania was a province of the ancient Persian empire. Hyrcanian deserts were deserts lying in the South of Caspian sea.

b) Watery kingdom: The oceans and its fierce waves do not stop suitors

6. Why does the speaker reject the lead casket?

The speaker rejects the lead casket since on it was written that whoever selects it must be prepared to give all and to risk everything for the dull lead. He thinks lead is too crude a metal even to enclose the winding sheet when she is buried in the grave. He asserts that the lead casket cannot hold Portia’s picture and so he rejects it.

Because silver is ten times inferior to gold and such a rich gem can never be set in anything less than gold.



Extract IV

Or shall I think in silver she’s immured…….and thrive I as I may.

1. Why does the prince think that Portia’s picture not in the silver casket?

Sinful thought is the thought that Portia is contained in the silver casket because silver has only a tenth of the value of gold and a rich gem like Portia can never be set in anything less than gold.

2. What is the sinful thought, why is it so?

Sinful thought is the thought that Portia is contained in the silver casket because silver has only a tenth of the value of gold and a rich gem like Portia can never be set in anything less than gold.

3. Describe the coin referred to in the extract. What is the difference between an angel on the coin and the angel in the casket?

The coin referred to in the extract is the gold coin in England on which the figure of Archangel Michael standing and piercing a dragon was engraved on one side. The coin was called an angel and its value was about ten shillings.

Morocco says that the figure of the angel on the coin is engraved on the surface of the coin. It is outside, whereas Portia is an angel, who lies on a golden bed within the casket entirely hidden from view.

4. After opening the casket, the Prince finds a dead skull and a scroll. Explain what is written on the scroll?

On the scroll it is written that things which make the most brilliant show are not always the truest metal. For the sake of mere gold, hundreds have risked and sacrificed their lives. Costly gold plated tombs may be erected, but they have no real value. Decay and death are all they contain.

5.Explain how the theme of appearance and reality is shown in the choice made by the prince.

Write your own opinion.

Act 2, Scene 6. The Merchant of Venice

The Merchant of Venice: Act 2, Scene 6.


Extract I

Gratiano:  And it is marvel he out-dwells……..are with more spirit chased than enjoyed.

1. Where does this scene take place? Who has out-dwelt his hour? Normally what do the lovers do as far as the appointed time is concerned?

This scene takes place in the street outside Shylock’s house. Lorenzo has out-dwelt his hour to meet Gratiano and Salarino for the masque. Lovers generally rush to  the meeting  place long before  the appointed hour.

2. Who is Venus? How do the Venu’s pigeons behave as far as love is concerned?

In Greek mythology, Venus is the goddess of love. Salarino comments that the doves that draw the chriot of Venus, the goddess of love, fly  ten times faster when they are journeying  to bind  new love more firmly, than they do when love is already pledged and certain.

3. How does Gratiano explain in the extract the state of people in love?

According to Gratiano, people in love are anxious to meet each other. They rush to their meeting places much before the appointed time. Thus, people in love keep punctuality in their  meetings and never delay.

4. Give the meaning of:

a). He out dwells his hour
He overstays the time fixed by him to meet.

b). To seal love’s bonds new-made
To bind new love more firmly

5. Explain the meaning of:
 Where is the horse that doth untread again
His tedious measures with the unabated fire

The above lines mean that you will not find even a house travel again over the same  road on its return journey with the same energy and animation with which it set out.

6.     All things that are,
Are with more spirit chased than enjoyed

How far is this statement brought out by giving  the example of a ship?

It means that the pursuit of any desired object is more enjoyable a task and gives more  joy compared to  the pleasure one gets  on its attainment. The truth of the statement is brought about by the example of a ship.  A ship  with its sails spread and flags flying, sails out from the harbour like a high-spirited spendthrift youth in search of  pleasure. But after being tossed about and hugged by the rough wind, it comes back to the port with broken planks and torn sails. It looks like the returning  of the prodigal son, ruined by the faithless gales.



Extract II

Lorenzo:
Sweet friends, your patience for my long abode…..who’s within?

1. Where is Lorenzo and who are his sweet friends?

Lorenzo is in the street outside Shylock’s house. His sweet  friends are Salarino and Gratiano.

2. What did his friends say about the  anxiety of those  in love?

His friends said that lovers generally rush to meet  each other before the appointed time. Salarino commented that the doves that draw the chariot of  Goddess of love, fly ten times  faster, when they are journeying to find new  love than  they do when love is once pledged and certain.

3. What were the affairs that kept the speaker away so long?

The speaker was kept away so long due to his business affairs. Also he had to plan for  the masquerade, in which he would elope with his lady-love, Jessica.

4. What is meant by ‘to play the thieves for wives’? How apt are these  remarks in the context?

‘To play the thieves for wives’ means if ever any of them wishes to do what  he is doing that night  and steal away a fair lady to be his wife, he will wait as long as they  have  done to help him on the occasion. These  remarks are quite relevant  because  Lorenzo wants to give the reason for his delay as well as thank his friends, whom he has kept waiting for a long time.

5. What does Lorenzo ask Jessica to do later in the scene? What is Jessica’s reaction to his request?

Later in the scene, Lorenzo tells Jessica to come down in the street quickly and that she has to play the part of his torch-bearer in the masque that night. Jessica is shocked and embarrassed at the suggestion. She asks Lorenzo whether she must hold a light to show up her shameful acts-her elopement, theft and male dress.

6. Who appears on the stage after the extract? In what condition does the person appear?

After this extract, Jessica appears on the stage. She appears on the stage dressed in a boy’s clothes, as a page-boy.



Extract III

Jessica:
Here, catch this casket…..thus transformed to a boy.

1. What do you think is sent down in the casket? How can you conclude that the contents in the casket are valuable?

The casket must have valuables like jewellery which Jessica has stolen from her house. We can conclude that the contents in the casket are valuables since Jessica hands over the casket only after making sure that the person to whom she is giving the casket is her love, Lorenzo. Besides, she tells Lorenzo that it is worth carrying the casket.

2. What is meant by ‘I am much ashamed of my exchange.’? Why is the exchange needed?

The above words mean that Jessica is much ashamed that she has to change her dress to that of  a page boy. This exchange was needed for her to elope with Lorenzo.

3. In what way is love blind in the context? Who is referred to as Cupid? Why would he blush?

Love is blind in the context since it makes Jessica dress like a page boy, steal jewellery and money from her house and be ready to elope with Lorenzo, a Christian. Cupid is the classical God of love who is always represented as a blind boy with bows and arrows. Jessica says that Cupid, the little blind God of love himself would be shocked and blush if he saw her dressed like a boy.

4. What is meant by a torch bearer? In what way Jessica would hold a candle to her shames, if she were a torch bearer?

Masquerades were dramatic performances where players wore masks and costumes and took part in a torch like procession playing drums and fife. Jessica was to carry the torch light or candle. If she carries the candle, she will show up her shameful acts- her male attire, the casket containing her theft and the fact of her elopement.

5. Give the meaning of:

Why it’s an office of discovery, love;
And I should be obscured

These lines mean: ‘The duty of a torch bearer would expose me to all when I should be concealed.’ Jessica means that her shameful disguise of a pageboy’s dress is too frivolous and Lorenzo should not light them further by having her as a torchbearer.


6.     How is Jessica’s feminine nature is highlighted in the extract?

Jessica’s feminine nature is highlighted in the extract. Her shyness at her male clothes shows her feminine modesty as in Elizabethan times women never wore men’s clothes. Also she comes down from her house after making sure that the person who has come to take her is Lorenzo, her lover. 

Act 2 Scene 5. The Merchant of Venice

 

The Merchant of Venice: Act 2, Scene 5

Act 2 : Scene 5


Extract I

Shylock:
I am bid forth to supper, Jessica…….dream of money-bags tonight.


1.    Why does Shylock accept the invitation to dinner? On what grounds did Shylock refuse to accept an invitation to dinner  earlier in the play?

Shylock accepts the invitation to dinner out of hatred and to eat the food of the extravagant Christian, Bassanio. In act I, Scene 3 when Bassanio invites him for dinner he refuses to dine with Christians since they were pork-eaters. He asserted then that he would never eat, drink or pray with Christians although he is ready to do business with them.

2.    Why is Shylock unhappy to accept the invitation this time too? Who is the prodigal Christian? Give the significance of a the word: prodigal.

Shylock is unhappy to accept the invitation this time too as he feels premonition of some misfortune about to take place. The previous night he had a dream about money-bags which was considered as a bad omen.

Bassanio is referred to as the prodigal Christian because he is a wasteful, who spends  money extravagantly which he has borrowed from Shylock. Prodigal is a reference to the prodigal son described in the Bible who wasted his share of wealth by lavish and careless living.

3.    Give the meaning of:

a)    I am not bid for love: I am not invited our of love.

b)    I am right loath to go: I hate to accept the invitation to dinner.

4.    How do Jessica and Lorenzo take advantage of Shylock’s absence from home during dinner?

Jessica and Lorenzo taking advantage of Shylock’s absence from home makes a plan to elope. Jessica uses the occasion to leave home with her father’s money and jewellery. Lorenzo uses the occasion to arrange the masquerade in which Jessica will be the torch-bearer and thus easily elope with him.

5.    What sort of a bad omen did Shylock have which made him think that there is some evil being plotted against him?

Shylock had a dream about money bags on the previous  night. To dream about money and all kinds of coins was considered as a bad omen. This made Shylock think that there was some evil being plotted against him.



Extract II

Lock my doors; and when you……feasting forth to-night.


1.    Who is the speaker of the above lines? To whom is he giving his advice? Why should the doors be locked?

Shylock is the speaker of the above lines. He is giving this advice to his daughter, Jessica. When Launcelot tells him about the masquerade, he is alarmed for fear that such revelry may become unruly. He hates their frivolity. Hence, he asks Jessica to lock the doors of the house so that no sound of foolish displays may enter his serious house.

2.    Where is the speaker going? What reason does he give for his going out? Who was Jacob? Why does the speaker swear by Jacob’s staff?

The speaker is going for Bassanio’s dinner party. He is going out for dinner out of hatred for the Christian  and to eat the food of the extravagant, Bassanio. Jacob was the grandson of Abraham, the founder of the Jewish race. According to the Bible,  Jacob, the ancestor of Shylock had a staff that proved a blessing to him. In Genesis 32:12, Jacob boasts that he had crossed river Jordan only with a staff yet returned with companies of men.

3.    Give the meaning of:

a)    Clamber not you up to the casements

Do not climb up to see from the windows.

b)    Sound of shallow foppery

Shrill notes of the fife

4.    Who are the ‘Christian fools with varnished faces’? What were they planning against the speaker? What warning did the speaker have of it earlier?

Christian fools with varnished faces refer to the Christians taking part in the masquerade at Bassanio’s  dinner party. They were planning to make the speaker’s daughter to elope with a Christian, Lorenzo with the speaker’s money and jewellery. The speaker had warning of this in the form of a ‘dream where he saw money bags and coins.’

5.    Does the person to whom the advice  is given, follow the speaker’s advice? Why?

The advice was given to Jessica by her father, Shylock. She did not follow the advice and used the occasion of masquerade to elope with Lorenzo.

6.    Summarize the advice of the speaker in your own words.

The speaker advices his daughter, Jessica to lock up the doors. He tells her not to go up to the windows when she hears the drums ad the shrill notes of the fife. He tells her not to stretch her neck out to gaze over the public street to look at Christian fools with painted faces. he instructs her to close all the windows of his house so that no sound of the foolish display enters his sober house.



Extract III

Shylock:
The patch is kind enough, but a huge………stale in thrifty mind.


1.    What is meant by the ‘patch’ in the extract? What reasons does Shylock give to Jessica for parting with Launcelot?

The word ‘patch’ in the extract means the clown or the fool or the jester. In olden days, the professional fools or jesters used to wear multicoloured patched costumes. So the word patch is used in the extract for Launcelot. Shylock says that he is sending Launcelot ot Bassanio as he would assist Bassanio in his spendthrift habits and waste his borrowed money.

2.    Whom does Shylock wish to be ruined? Why?

Shylock wishes Bassanio to be ruined because he wants to take revenge upon Antonio and can do so if Basanio and Antonio fail to repay the loan on a stipulated date.

3.    What does Shylock mean by saying, ‘drones hive not with me’?

By the above words, Shylock means that lazy people cannot live with him. Shylock says that Launcelot is lazy and cannot be his servant, so he allows him to join Bassanio’s service.

4.    What is meant by the ‘borrowed purse’? For what purpose was it borrowed?

‘Borrowed purse’ refers to the three thousand ducats borrowed by Bassanio from Shylock on the basis of the bond signed by Antonio. The money was borrowed to enable Bassanio to go to Belmont and win Portia in marriage after participating in the lottery of caskets.

5.    Why does Shylock ask Jessica to shut doors? Give the meaning of: Fast bind, fast find.

Shylock asks Jessica to shut the doors to make his house safe from revellers taking part in the masquerade. He quotes an old proverb ‘fast bind, fast find,’ which means that if you lock  a thing up, you will find it safe. (leave secure and you will find all secure)

6.    Describe briefly how Shylock becomes an instrument of fate in this scene.

In this scene, Shylock becomes an instrument of fate to further the action in the plot. On the one hand, his desire for revenge upon Antonio is revealed because he goes to the supper  to help to consume  Bassanio’s borrowed money. He overlooks  his religious  principles  which forbade him dining with Christians. He even ignores the premonitions of impending  evil because of his revengeful nature. This provided Jessica an occasion to flee from home with money and jewellery and to elope with Lorenzo, a Christian. Thus, fate has used Shylock to further its plans.

An Angle in Disguise

An Angel in Disguise

Extract I

Death touches the spring of our common humanity…….. tumble-down hut.

1.    Which woman is referred to here? How did she die?

  The mother of the three children John, Kate and Maggie, who was hated by everyone in their village. The  woman died of intoxication.

2.    What kind of relations did the woman have with others? Why do you think it was so?

She did not have good relations with others. She was hated by nearly everyone in his village.  The reason for this could be idleness,  immoral behavior and her habit of excessive drinking.

3.    What did the neighbours take to the old hut?

Some neighbours took grave clothes  for the woman’s decent burial, while some carried food for the starving children.

4.    What kind of living condition were the woman and her children subjected to?

The woman and her children were subjected to pathetic living conditions. Their hut was old and in a tumble down condition. The woman did not  even have decent clothes of her own to be used for her burial.

5.    What was the prospective future of the children after the death of their mother?

John , the oldest, a boy of twelve was adopted by farmer Jones. Kate, a girl between ten and eleven was taken in by Mrs Ellis. Maggie who had injured her spine two years ago and was crippled for life, was not wanted by anyone.


Extract II

Pitying glances were cast…… a bed ridden child?

1.    Who was glanced at with pity? Why?

Maggie was glanced at with pity because she looked innocent  but nobody wanted to take her, as she was crippled for life.

2.    Give the meaning of:

a)    Her wan and wasted form

Maggie, the youngest child of the dead woman looked pale and thin.

b)     Even knocked at them for entrance

Maggie’s innocence and sadness attracted everybody requesting  them to take her.

3.     Which incident made the child bed-ridden?

Two years ago Maggie had fallen from a window and had injured her spine, this made her bed-ridden.

4.    Which shelter was suggested by one of the neighbours for the bed-ridden child? Why?

It was suggested that Maggie should be taken to the poorhouse because for her it would be  a blessed change  where she would  be kept clean,  given healthy food and provided medical care.
5. What role does the child play in the life  Joe Thompson?

After the arrival of Maggie, Joe Thompson’s life completely changed. There was not a man in all the neighborhood who drank daily of a more precious wine of life than he. An angel, disguised as a sick, helpless, and miserable child, entered his home and life and filled all its dreary chambers with the sunshine of love.

What role does the child play in the life of Jane Thompson?

Life of Mr and Mrs Thomspson had been dark, cold and miserable because Mrs Thompson had nothing to love and care for, and so became sore, irritable, ill-tempered, and self-afflicting in the desolation of her woman’s nature. The sweetness of the sick child, looking ever to her in love, patience, and gratitude, was as honey to her soul, and she carried her in her heart as well as in her arms, a precious burden.



Extract III

It’s cruel thing to leave…….a vague terror had come into her thin white face.


1.Who are having a conversation in the above extract? What is the main topic of their conversation?

Joe Thompson and his  wife were discussing the options that would be best for Maggie since her mother had died.

2. Why was Maggie’s effort to raise herself painful?

It was because she was a crippled child who had injured her spine two years ago by falling from a window.

3. What thought terrified Maggie? What did she exclaim to Mr Thompson?

The thought of being left alone terrified Maggie. She cried out to him that she should  not be left there all alone.

5.    Why do you think the man stood with a puzzled air? What did he do when he went into the hovel?

He was puzzled because he did not know what to do. Neither did he want to leave Maggie alone, nor did he wish to send her to the poor house. He was thus confused.

When he went into the hovel, he supported Maggie and told her she would not be left  there alone. He wrapped her gently in clean bedclothes and took her home.

6.    What kind of man was Joe Thompson? How can you say so?

He was a rough and strong man from his looks. But unlike his external  appearance , he was a kind-hearted  and compassionate  man. It was he who decided to take Maggie home when everybody else in the village wanted her to be sent to a poorhouse. He liked children and loved to spend time with them. He was an intuitive man, who was aware of a woman’s nature in general and his wife’s  feelings in particular. Joe Thompson was aware of the fact that his wife would gradually accept  Maggie into their home as their daughter.



Extract IV

Mrs Thompson saw him approaching form the window……. Love was springing into life.

1.    Whom did Mrs Thompson see approaching? What precious burden was he carrying? Why is the burden precious?

She saw her husband Joe Thompson approaching. Maggie is the precious burden he was carrying. The moment Joe took her in arms he felt as if love had sprung into his life.

2.    What did Mrs Thompson ask her husband? How did Joe Thompson react to it?

Seeing the child in her husband’s arm, Mrs. Joe Thompson sharply questioned: “What have you there?”

Joe did not reply immediately but pleaded and cautioned his wife with his looks, that asked her to be gentle.  Joe spoke to angry wife only after comfortably placing Maggie on a bed.

3.    Describe Joe Thompson’s behavior since the day he brought the sick child home?

Joe formed a bond with the child as soon as he lifted her in his arms. Usually Joe Thompson kept rigidly silent in front of his wife but that day he displayed a firmly-set  countenance and a resolute pair of eyes.

He also answered his wife with real indignation for Maggie , something which he never did before.

4.    What reason did Joe Thompson give his wife for bringing the child home?

Joe told his wife that he had brought Maggie home because she could not have walked by herself to the poorhouse. He would take her there the next day speaking to the guardians of the poor house regarding it.

5.What was the reaction of Mrs Thompson when the sick child was brought in? How did her attitude  change later?

Mrs Thompson is hard-hearted at the beginning of the story. She scorns at her husband for bringing the invalid child home, but she is transformed  at the end. It appears as if the woman had turned bitter earlier because of being  childless, but as soon as the love of a child  touches her, she is transformed.



Extract V

 Mrs Thompson did not reply, but presently turned towards……. It was a good omen.

1.    What made Mrs Thompson move towards Maggie in the little chamber?

The lover and concern that Joe reflected for Maggie made his wife move towards Maggie in the little chamber.

He had told her  how Christ rebuked those who would not  receive children with happiness. He reminded her of Maggie’s dead mother and the loneliness, pain and sorrow, which Maggie was undergoing at the moment. This moistened his eyes and brought a change of heart in Mrs Thompson.

2.    Why did Joe consider light shining through the windows a good omen?

Thus, the light shining through the window was seen as a good omen because it suggested to Joe that his wife must be spending  time with the child. The light gave him hope and positivity. The light symbolized  to him the sunshine of love that would now fall upon their home.

3.    What did Joe see when he came back home from his shop?

Joe saw Maggie lying in a little raised position with the lamp shining full upon her face. He saw his wife sitting by  Maggie’s bed and talking to her.

4.    What did Joe gather from Maggie’s facial expression? To what extent, did it relieve him?

From Maggie’s expressions Joe gathered that Jane was sad and tender but not bitter toward the child.

This relieved him and he felt as if a weight had lifted from his heart.


5.    How did Joe behave on coming back home from his shop? What did he ask his wife?

On coming back Joe acted ignorant; as if he does not  know of the love fostering  between Maggie and his wife. He did not go immediately to the little chamber but to the kitchen. He did not ever refer to the child  in front  of his wife. Acting indifferent towards Maggie he asked, “ How soon will supper be ready?”

Notice Writing

 Notice Writing

Question- Your school is organising Republic Day Celebration. Write a notice for your school informing them of the event.         (5 Marks)


Answer-


                              Let Us Remember Our Freedom Fighters
                                          Republic Day Celebration
                                              on 26th January 2021
                                               from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
                             at Activity Hall, Springer Public School

All students from Classes I to XII who wish to participate can submit their names to Cultural Incharge on or before 20th January 2021.

Question- Your school is organising Dancing Competition. Write a notice for your school informing them of the event.         (5 Marks)

Answer-


                                                 Put on Your Shoes
                                              Dancing Competition
                                              on 15th January 2021
                                               from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
                                at Activity Hall, Springer Public School 

All students from Classes I to XII who wish to participate can submit their names to Cultural Incharge on or before 5th January 2021.