Questions and Answers

Treasure Chest Workbook Answers Chapter 7 The Elevator

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Treasure Chest Workbook Answers Chapter 7 The Elevator

Treasure Chest Workbook Answers Chapter 7 The Elevator

The Elevator Comprehension Questions Answers

Read the extracts and answer the following questions:

Passage – 1.

It was an old building with an old elevator – a very small elevator, which could carry only three people. Martin, a thin twelve-year-old, felt nervous in it from the first day he and his father moved into the apartment. Of course he was always uncomfortable in elevators, afraid that they would fall, but this one was especially unpleasant. Perhaps this was because of the poor lighting and the dirty walls.

Perhaps it was because of the door, which never stayed open long enough, and slammed shut with a loud clanging noise. Perhaps it was the way the elevator shuddered each time it left a floor, as if it was exhausted. Maybe it was simply too small. It seemed crowded even with only two people in it.

1. How was the building where Martin lived?
2. How old was Martin?
3. What type of boy Martin is?
4. Why did Martin think about the old elevator?
5. Why the elevator of the building was uncomfortable to Martin?
Answer:
1. Martin lived in an old building with one old elevator.
2. Martin is only 12 years old.
3. Martin is a boy of 12 years with thin and skinny body. He is very nervous and coward. He does not love games and sports.
4. Martin thinks the that old elevator may fall as it is very small and can accommodate only two or three persons at a time.
5. Martin feels uncomfortable in the old elevator because the lighting is dim and the walls are dirty. The door of the elevator stays open for a brief period and it slammers shut with a loud clanging noise.

Passage – 2.

The Stairs were no better. Martin tried them one day after school. There were no windows, and the lights were not working. Martin’s footsteps echoed behind him on the cement, as though there was another person climbing, getting closer. By the time he reached his home on the seventeenth floor, he was gasping for breath.

1. How was the stairs of the building?
2. When did Martin try the stairs?
3. What happened to Martin then?
4. In which floor of the building Martin lived?
5. What was the condition of Martin when he reached his flat?
Answer:
1. The stairs of the building was in a very bad condition. There were no windows and the lights were not working.
2. One day when Martin was returning from his school he tried the stairs to reach his flat.
3. Martin’s footsteps echoed behind him on the cement as though another person climbing and getting closer.
4. Martin lived in the 17th floor of the building.
5. Martin was gasping for breath when he reached his flat in the 17th floor of the building.

Passage – 3.

Martin’s father worked at home. He wanted to know why Martin was out of breath. ‘Why didn’t you take the elevator?’ he asked, frowning at Martin. You’re not only skinny and weak and bad at sports, his face seemed to say, but you are also a coward. After that, Martin always took the elevator. He would have to get used to it, he told himself, just like he got used to being bullied at school.

1. Where did Martin’s father work?
2. What did Martin’s father want to know?
3. What was father’s impression about Martin?
4. When did Martin begin to take the elevator?
5. How was Martin bullied at school?
Answer:
1. Martin’s father worked at home.
2. Martin’s father wanted to know why Martin was out of breath reaching his flat.
3. Martin’s father thought that he was skinny, weak and bad at sports. Above all he was also a coward.
4. Martin used the elevator when his father rebuked him for not using the elevator.
5. Martin was a coward boy. He was also thin and weak. So, his classmates bullied at him in the class.

Passage – 4.

One morning the elevator stopped at the fourteenth floor, and a fat lady got on. She was wearing an old green coat that ballooned around her. As she waddled into the elevator, Martin was sure he felt it sink under her weight. She was so big that her coat brushed against him, and he had to squeeze himself into a corner. There was no room for anybody else. The door closed quickly behind her, and instead of facing it, she turned around and stared at Martin.

1. Where did the elevator stop?
2. Who did get into the elevator?
3. How did the lady dress?
4. Why had Martin to squeeze himself?
5. Whąt did she do to Martin?
Answer:
1. The elevator stopped at the 14th floor of the apartment.
2. A fat old lady got in to the elevator when the elevator stopped at 14 th floor.
3. The lady wore an old green coat that ballooned around her. She was so fat that her coat brushed against him and Martin had to squeeze himself into a corner in the elevator.
4. The elevator was small to accommodate only three persons. When the fat lady entered into the elevator Martin had to squeeze himself.
5. When the door of the elevator closed quickly behind her she turned round and stared at Martin.

Passage – 5.

Martin looked away, but the woman didn’t turn around. Was she still looking at him? He glanced at her quickly, then looked away again. She was still watching him. He wanted to close his eyes, he wanted to turn around and stare into the corner, but how could he? The elevator creaked down to twelve, then eleven. The piggy eyes were still looking at him. She had to be crazy. Why else would she stare at him like this? What was she going to do next?

1. What did Martin do?
2. What did the woman do?
3. What did Martin want to do?
4. Where did Martin stare?
5. How were the eyes of the lady?
Answer:
1. Martin looked away from the fat lady but she did not turn around.
2. The fat lady was looking at Martin sternly. Although Martin looked at her and turned round but the lady was still watching him.
3. Martin wanted to close her eyes and to turn around and to look at the corner avoiding the lady.
4. Martin did not want to face the lady so he tried his best to avoid her, but it was quite impossible to him.
5. The lady had piggy eyes to stare at Martin.

Passage – 6.

She did nothing. She only watched him, breathing loudly, until the elevator reached the first floor at last. Martin wanted to run past her to get out, but there was no room. He could only wait as she turned and moved slowly out into the lobby.

Then he ran. He didn’t care what she thought. He ran nearly all the way to school. He thought about her all day. Did she live in the building? He had never seen her before, and the building was not very big. May be she was visiting somebody? But 730 in the morning was too early for visiting.

1. What did the lady do?
2. What did Martin want to do?
3. When did Martin Run?
4. What did Martin think about the lady?
5. What were Martin’s speculation about the lady?
Answer:
1. The lady did nothing but to watch at Martin who was breathing loudly until the elevator reached the first floor.
2. Martin wanted to run past her to get out but there was no room.
3. Martin had to wait till the lady slowly went out of the elevator. As soon as she went out Martin ran nearly all the way to school?
4. Martin thought if the lady lived in the same apartment where he lived as he did not see her before.
5. Martin speculated that perhaps she was going to visit somebody but 7-30 am was too early to visit a person.

Passage – 7.

Martin felt nervous when he got back to the building after school. But why should he be afraid of an old lady? He felt ashamed of himself. He pressed the button and stepped into the elevator, hoping that it would not stop, but it stopped on. the third floor. Martin watched the door slide open, revealing a green coat, a piggish face and blue eyes which were already staring at him as if she knew he would be there. It wasn’t possible. It was like a nightmare.

But there she was. ‘Going up!’ said Martin, his voice little more than a squeak. She nodded, and stepped on. The door slammed. He watched her pudgy hand move towards the buttons. She pressed, not fourteen, but eighteen, the top floor. The elevator trembled and began to go up. The fat lady watched him.

1. Why was Martin ashamed of himself?
2. Where did the elevator stop?
3. What did Martin see?
4. What was nightmare to Martin?
5. Which button did she press?
Answer:
1. Martin was ashamed for himself because he was afraid of that fat lady.
2. The elevator stopped in the 3rd floor and Martin was amazed to see that.
3. Martin saw that a green coat with a piggish face and blue eyes stared at him as if she knew he would be there.
4. The entry of the old fat lady into the elevator proved to be a nightmare to him.
5. She pressed the 18th-floor button instead of fourteenth floor that she pressed earlier.

Passage – 8.

This morning she got on at the fourteenth floor, so why did she get on at the third floor today and go up to eighteen? The elevator seemed to be moving more slowly than usual. Martin wanted to press seven, so that he could get out and walk up the stairs, but he couldn’t reach the buttons without touching her, and he didn’t want to do that.

When the elevator stopped on his floor, she hardly moved out of his way. He had to squeeze past her, rubbing against her horrible scratchy coat. He was afraid the door would close before he could get out. She turned and watched him as the door slammed shut. ‘Now she knows I live on seventeen,’ he thought.

1. How did the elevator move?
2. Why did Martin want to press 7th?
3. Why could not Martin reach the button?
4. Why Martin had to squeeze?
5. What did Martin think at last?
Answer:
1. The elevator moved more slowly than usual on that particular day.
2. Martin wanted to press seven to run away from the fat lady.
3. Martin could not reach the button as the fat lady stood before the button.
4. In the short space of the elevator where the fat lady stood Martin had to squeeze.
5. Martin at last thought the lady perhaps understood that Martin lived on 17 th floor.

Passage – 9.

Martin knew he was probably making a mistake, but he had to tell somebody about the woman, ‘She was in the elevator with me twice today. She just kept staring at me. She never stopped looking at me for a minute.’
‘What are you so worried about now?’ his father said, turning impatiently away from the television. ‘What am I going to do with you, Martin? Honestly, now you’re afraid of some poor old lady,’
‘I’m not afraid.’
‘You’re afraid,’ said his father. ‘When are you going.
to grow up and act like a man? Are you going to be timid all your life?’

1. What did Martin decide?
2. What was Martin’s impression about the lady?
3. What did Martin’s father ask?
4. What was Martin’s father’s problem?
5. What did he tell Martin finally?
Answer:
1. Martin decided that perhaps he was making a mistake as she met the fat old lady twice in the elevator and she staired at him.
2. About the fat old lady Martin thought that she would never looking at him for a minute.
3. Martin’s father asked Martin why he was so worried about the old fat lady.
4. Martin’s father’s problem was that his son Martin was afraid of some poor old lady although he denied.
5. His father asked finally if he was going to be timid all his life for the old fat lady.

Passage – 10.

Martin started running down the stairs, The stairs were dark and he fell. His father was silent on the way to hospital, disappointed and angry with him for being a coward and a fool. Martin had broken his leg and needed to walk on crutches. He could not use the stairs now. Was that why the fat lady had smiled? Did she know what would happen?

At least his father was with him in the elevator on the way back from the hospital. There was no room for the fat lady to get In, and If she did, his father would see her and may be he would understand. When he got home, he could stay in the apartment for a few days. The doctor said that he had to rest as much as possible. Martin felt quite safe from the fat lady now.

1. Why did Martin fall in the stairs?
2. Why was Martin’s father disappointed?
3. What happened to Martin?
4. Why did Martin feel safe from the fat lady?
Answer:
1. As the stairs were dark Martin fell.
2. Martin’s father was disappointed as Martin remained a coward and fool.
3. Martin had broken his leg and he needed to walk on the crutches.
4. Martin felt safe from the fat old lady as he was advised bed rest by the doctor and he had to remain in bed rest. So, he felt quite safe from the old lady.

The Elevator About the Story

In the story ‘The Elevator’ the author explores the theme of the irrational fears of childhood in contrasting the characters of a sensitive boy with an’ insensitive father. The story is about a 12 years old boy named Martin. He is worrisome and is often bullied by his classmates at the school class. His father wants him to conquer his fears and become strong in mind. He is afraid of using elevators. His father moves to a new apartment and Martin is compelled to use the elevator although he feels nervous and uncomfortable.

His problem improves a lot when he meets an obese woman in the elevator. The elevator is very small and narrow only to carry two or three persons at a time. Martin feels suffocated when he and the obese woman enters into the elevator.

He wants to avoid the lady. So, he takes the stairs. While running on the stairs he falls down the flight of stairs and fractures his leg. He has to stay away from that lady and he is quite safe. His father wants to remove the fear from his mind. So, he leaves him alone on the elevator to help a neighbour.

The Elevator About the Author

William warner Sleator III is popularlyes known as William Sleator. He is an American Science fiction writer. He was born on 13th February 1945, at Havre de Grace, Maryland USA. He had his education at Harvard University. His famous books are: ‘House of Stairs’, ‘Interstellar Pig’, Singularity and The Boxes. His plots are based on fantasy, Science Fiction, horror and suspense. He died on 3rd August, 2011 in Thailand at the age of 66.

The Elevator Brief Summary

Martin a 12 years old boy lived in the 17th floor of an apartment. He had to go up and down and to use the elevator. The old building had dirty walls. The elevator is too narrow and small. It looked crowded if there were two or three persons.

Martin was always afraid of it lest it should fall. The lighting arrangement was very poor. The stairs were also with dim light. When Martin used the stairs his footsteps echoed behind him and he thought about the presence of other people behind him. After reaching his 17th floor he became breathless.

Martin’s father used to work at home. He saw Martin breathless and asked him why he did not use the elevator. He called Martin a coward. He advised Martin to shed his fear of the elevator. But it was hard for Martin to overcome his fear of the elevator. He had a fear if the elevator stopped suddenly he would be trapped inside it for hours.

One day in the morning the elevator stopped at the 14th floor and a fat lady got in. Her entry into the elevator scared Martin and he thought that it would sink under the heavy weight. Martin tried to avoid her but she stared at him. So, Martin was seriously upset.

Martin failed to understand why she was behaving with him that way. The elevator reached the first floor. Martin wanted to get out of it until the lady got down from it. As soon as she got out of it he ran nearly all the way to school. Always he thought about the lady. He had never seen him before and he was in doubt if the lady lived on that apartment.

After school when Martin got back home he was afraid of the lady. Martin pressed the button for 17 th floor. The elevator stopped in the 3rd floor and the same fat lady got into it. She was staring at him as before. Martin asked her if she was going upto 18th floor. As the lady had no fixed floor of entry Martin was nervous.

Martin asked his father if he knew the fat lady. In reply his father told him if he was afraid of her. He advised Martin to grow up and leave all his fears. His advice was to avoid fear and worry throughout his life. But the advice fell flat and Martin could sleep very little.

Next morning the fat lady was waiting for Martin when the elevator door opened. He at once started running down through stairs. In the dark stairs he fell Martin had broken his leg. His father was disappointed and angry with Martin as he was a fool and coward.

Now he needed to walk on crutches. He had to stay confined in the apartment. Martin’s father made a plan to dispel the fear of him. His father pressed nine getting into the elevator. Martin pleaded to accompany his father to meet Ullman there. As he went out the elevator the door was closed. The elevator stopped at 10th floor and Martin met the fat lady again. She called Martin by his name and laughed to press the stop button.

Glossary :

1. Slammed — Closed with a bang.
2. Shuddered — trembled.
3. exhausted — tired.
4. frowning — angry look.
5. gasping — panting.
6. bullied — teased by somebody.
7. trapped — caught.
8. waddled — walked in short steps.
9. Squeeze — shrink.
10. Piggy — small and unattractive.
11. nightmare — frightening bitter dream.
12. Squeak — high pitched sound.
13. Pudgy — fat.
14 scratchy — a rough uncomfortable texture.
15. impatiently — restlessly.
16. hobbled walked — with difficulty.

Plot : The story is set in a small building and the atmosphere for ominous possibilities is worked upon with grim details like creating, narrow elevator, dim lights and dirty wall. Martin, a boy of 12 years has to use the elevator that shakes, horribly and which is very small to accommodate more than two persons. The entry of an unkown fat lady makes the matter worse for Martin.

Though his father tells him to give up fear repeatedly and to grow up he fails to overcome the fear. Each time he tries to avoid the lady but her unexpected entry into the elevator makes Martin more nervous. In this way the conflict begins in his mind with his severe fear of the elevator.

It gets servere and reaches the climax when after getting fractured he is left to face the same old lady in the elevator. There are some questions in the mind of the readers if Martin is able to give up his fear, if he is confident to use the elevator alone. Thus, the plot has an open ending and we are startled.

Theme : Martin a twelve years old boy has skinny body and he has no interest in games and sports. But he has fears about the elevator, strangers and classmates who bully him at the school. He does not confront his fears boldly but runs away from them and is got trapped in them.

Gradually his nervousness grows. His father advises him to give up fears and he also tries to overcome his fears. Once Martin is thrown to his lot in the elevator in the presence of the same fat lady who stares at Martin. Fears are to be confronted and the protest against it can only resolve our predicament of fear. This has been beautifully depicted in the story instead of running away from them. Running away from your fears will simply end up in meeting the fate as Martin.

Title : The title of the story ‘The Elevator’ is appropriate as the story deals with the elevator. The elevator described in the story is very small and it can only accommodate two or three passengers at a time. Martin, the 12 years old boy is terribly afraid of the elevator. When a fat lady enters into the elevator Martin is terribly fearful. The elevator is very small, old and exhausted. The lighting arrangement is very poor and the walls are dirty. It seems to sink under the heavy weight of the fat lady.

The entire story takes place in the elevator of the old building. Once Martin runs down the stairs as he does not want to share the narrow elevator with the fat lady. Martin’s efforts to avoid the elevator becomes futile and so the lady never appears before Martin. Martin’s father does not know why Martin is afraid of the elevator. He advises to give up the fear of the elevator and the strange people. In this way we find the entire story revolves round the old elevator. So, the title is apt and appropriate.

The Elevator Characters

Martin is the central character of the story. He is a 12 years old boy. He is weak and skinny. He has no interest in sports and games. His father thinks that Martin is of coward and nervous nature. He fears the small elevator of the building. He is bullied by his classmates and strangers. When a fat lady enters the elevator with him he almost breaks down. He becomes nervous as soon as he meets the fat lady. At last he gets fractured when he takes the stairs to avoid the fat lady.

Martin has no normal upbringing as it does not seem that to have normal relations with his father. The condition of the old building doubles his fear. His father tries to create favourable conditions to stand by him in the grim fight with the odd situations still he is unable to grow up properly.

Martin’s Father :

Martin’s father is unnamed in the story. His relationship with his son is not friendly. He is concerned about the infirmities of Martin. Like an ideal father he wants his son to be mentally and physically strong. But we see that his advice falls flat to his son Martin a 12 years aged boy. He chids his son as he has no interest in games and sports.

His father is worried as he is very weak and skinny body and his schoolmates bully him regularly. He is also concerned that Martin fears the old fat lady as he meets her. He always advises his son to give up fear from all aspects.

He tries to create some conditions by which Martin can fight the fears alone. He makes a plan to leave Martin alone in the elevator in the presence of the fat lady so that Martin is capable of fighting fear independently. This psychological technique to remove Martin’s fear is praiseworthy. He does not want to prepare his son as spoon fed boy.

The Lady :

In the story the lady is described as fat. She wears an old green coat. She has large fleshy cheeks and no chin with just a huge man of neck. She has tiny blue eyes, Which are sharp also. She glances at Martin and her eyes seen to be boring into his face. In the elevator she occupies almost the entire space as Martin has to stand squeezed. Martin wants to get out of her presence. He feels trapped in the elevator. He is scared of her. He being fearful and to avoid her takes to the stairs and breaks his leg.

The lady adds to the fear of Martin. He feels insecured, shaken and nervous in her presence. Martin always tries to fight shy of her. At last he is compelled to bear her when he is left alone in the elevator in her presence. It is not clear from the story if the lady lives in that particular apartment where Martin lives. But the fat lady plays an important role in the story.

Setting :

The setting of the story is in a building with 18 floors and the use of an elevator in almost essential. But the elevator is small and only three passengers are able to use it at a time. The elevator is in a very bad condition and it slams shut with a clanging sound. The lighting condition is very poor and the dirty walls make the matter worse to create a scary condition.

Martin is scared of the elevators. The unexpected entry of a fat lady and her staring to Martin make the matter worse to Martin. He tries to escape her. In doing so, he uses the stairs only to get fractured. The author creater an atmosphere of suspense and fear. So the setting is congenial for the scary atmosphere.

Style :

From the very beginning the author wants to create an atmosphere of suspense and fear. The entire action of the story takes place in an old building where the elevator is small and old and it creakes as it moves along. The door of the elevator does not stay open long enough.

Thus, the author is able to create a spooky atmosphere. The sudden and unexpected entry of a fat lady adds to the problem of Martin a 12 years old boy. The tone of the story is suggestive and implied. We can easily guess the mental condition of Martin, who is of nervous nature. Martin’s trauma in using the creaking elevator and the presence of fat lady is easy to understand.

The Elevator Critical Appreciation

Martin, a 12 years old boy is of nervous nature. The old building, the creaking and shuddering elevator, dirty walls with poor lighting arrangement set the proper atmosphere of a scary story. The entry of the fat lady in the elevator rises the trauma of Martin, who is bullied by the classmates. Thus, we can easily feel how traumatic such atmosphere can be to a timid boy like Martin.

The situation is nicely created for the fear of Martin. The repeated and unexpected meeting with the fat lady tears the mind of the boy Martin. To avoid the lady he takes the stairs to go down and gets fractured. Once he is left to face the lady alone in a helpless condition and we are left to his speculation about the boys fate. The character of Martin comes to our mind. We have sympathy for Martin although he is a nervous fellow. Martin’s father and the fat lady play their role in Martin’s fears. But the father wishes that his son should grow up and overcome his fears.

The Elevator Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Question 1.
The elevator could carry only – persons …………..
a. one
b. two
c. three
d. four.
Answer:
c. three.

Question 2.
Martin’s father worked at …………..
a. in office
b. at home
c. in a factory
d. in the fields
Answer:
b. at home.

Question 3.
Martin was ………….. years old.
a. 10
b. 11
c. 12
d. 13
Answer:
c. 12

Question 4.
Martin was a ………….. boy.
a. weak
b. skinny
c. brave
d. fearless
Answer:
c. skinny.

Question 5.
Martin lived on the ………….. floor.
a. 3
b. 4
c. 17th
d. 18
Answer:
c. 17th.

Question 6.
The old lady wore a ………….. coat.
a. red
b. green
c. black
d. brown
Answer:
c. black.

Question 7.
The lady has ………….. eyes.
a. blue
b. red
c. brown
d. none of the above.
Answer:
a. Blue.

Question 8.
The stairs of the building was …………..
a. dark
b. lighted
c. narrow
d. none of the above.
Answer:
a. dark.

Question 9.
The elevator stopped at ………….. floor.
a. 7th
b. 8th
c. 9th
d. 10th floor.
Answer:
d. 10th floor.

Question 10.
‘You are also a coward’: ………….. said by.
a. mother
b. father
c. brother
d. none of the above
Answer:
b. father.

Question 11.
He ran nearly all the way to …………..
a. home
b. road
c. school
d. none of the above.
Answer:
c. school.

Question 12.
The top floor of the building was …………..
a. 18th
b. 17th
c. 16
d. 15
Answer:
a. 18th.

Treasure Chest A Collection of ICSE Chapter Workbook Answers

Treasure Chest Workbook Answers Chapter 6 With the Photographer

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Treasure Chest Workbook Answers Chapter 6 With the Photographer

Treasure Chest Workbook Answers Chapter 6 With the Photographer

With the Photographer Comprehension Questions Answers

Read the extracts and answer the following questions:

Passage – 1.

‘I WANT my photograph taken,’ I said. The photographer looked at me without enthusiasm. He was a drooping man in a gray suit, with the dim eye of a natural scientist. But there is no need to describe him. Everybody knows what a photographer is like.

1. How did the photographer look at the narrator?
2. How was the photographer?
3. What Was the narrator’s experience about the photographer?
4. How did the narrator spend his time?
5. Why the photographer did not look at the narrator enthusiastically ?
Answer:
1. The photographer did not look at the narrator without enthusiasm.
2. The photographer was a drooping man in a gray suit with the dim eyes of a natural scientist.
3. The narrator’s experience with the photographer was very bad.
4. The narrator spent his time by reading the magazines and journals.
5. The narrator is not looked enthusiastically by the photographer because there was nothing to describe him.

Passage – 2.

I waited an hour. I read the Ladies Companion for 1912, the Girl’s Magazine for 1902, and the Infants Journal for 1888. I began to see that I had done an unwarrantable thing in breaking in on the privacy of this man’s scientific pursuits with a face like mine.

1. How long did the narrator wait?
2. How long did The narrator wait?
3. What did the narrator do?
4. How long did the narrator wait?
5. How did the Photographer break the privacy?
Answer:
1. The narrator waited for an hozer in the Studio.
2. The narrator read the Ladies Companion for 1912, the girl’s Magazine for 1902, and the Infant’s Journal for 1988.
3. The narrator did an unwarrantable thing to break the privacy.
4. The narrator waited an hour before entering the studio.
5. The photographer broke the privacy for scientific pursuits with the narrator’s face.

Passage – 3.

He was only in it a second,-just time enough for one look at me,- and then he was out again, tearing at the cotton sheet and the window panes with a hooked stick, apparently frantic for light and air. Then he crawled back into the machine again and drew a little black cloth over himself. This time he was very quiet in there. I knew that he was praying and I kept still.

1. Who was he?
2. Was he at peace with himself?
3. How was the studio?
4. What was the photographer doing?
5. What is thought to be the problem with the face of the narrator?

1. Who was he?
2. Was he at peace with himself?
3. How was the studio?
4. What was the photographer doing?
5. What is thought to be the problem with the face of the narrator?
Answer:
1. ‘He’ was the photographer.
2. No, he was not at peace with himself ultimately.
3. The studio was an old one. It lacked the modern instruments.
4. The photographer was tearing the cotton sheet and the window panes with a hooked stick for light and air.
5. The narrator has a problem with his face according to the photographer.

Passage – 4.

‘I’m sure it would,’ I said enthusiastically, for I was glad to find that the man had such a human side to him. ‘So would yours. In fact,’ I continued, how many faces one sees that are apparently hard, narrow, limited, but the minute you get them three-quarters full they get wide, large, almost boundless in But the photographer had ceased to listen. He came over and took my head in his hands and twisted it sideways. I thought he meant to kiss me, and I closed my eyes.

1. What was the narrator sure of ?
2. What did the narrator wish to convey about the man?
3. How are the faces of human beings made to look better?
4. What was the tone of narrator when he said that human faces are made to look better?
5. Why did the narrator close his eyes?
Answer:
1. The narrator was sure that the face would be better three quarters full.
2. The narrator wished to convey that the man had a human side to him.
3. The faces of human beings were made to look better with three quarters full.
4. The narrator was not willing to change the original position of his face.
5. The narrator closed his eyes as thought that the photographer meant to kiss him.

Passage – 5.

‘The ears are bad’, he said; ‘droop them a little more. Thank you. Now the eyes. Roll them in under the lids. Put the hands on the knees, please, and turn the face just a little upward. Yes, that’s better. Now just expand the lungs! So! And hump the neck – that’s it – and just contract the waist – ha! – and twist the hip up toward the elbow now! I still don’t quite like the face, it’s just a trifle too full, but- -”

1. Which body figures are asked to be improved upon?
2. Do you think that the narrator was satisfied with the photographer?
3. What things are to be right?
4. What organs were adjusted by the photographer?
5. Did the photographer get full approval of the narrator?
Answer:
1. All the facial figures are asked to be improved.
2. No, I think the narrator was not satisfied with the photographer.
3. The organs of the narrator’s body was adjusted with ears, eyes, hands, face, lungs, neck and waist.
4. The photographer adjusted the ears, eyes, hands, face and neck of the narrator.
5. The narrator was not satisfied with the photographer because he tried to improve the facial feature by means of technical skills and chemicals.

Passage – 6.

‘Stop’, I said with emotion but, ! think, with dignity. ‘This feels my face. It is not yours, it is mine. I’ve lived with it for forty years and I know its faults. I know it’s out of drawing. I know it wasn’t made for me, but it’s my face, the only one I have-‘ I was conscious of a break in my voice but I went on-‘such as . it is, I’ve learned to love it. And this is my mouth, not yours. These ears are mine, and if your machine is too narrow – ‘Here I started to rise from the seat.

1. What does the narrator think?
2. How old was the narrator?
3. What does the narrator know?
4. What was the narrator conscious about?
5. Why did the narrator start to rise from the seat?
Answer:
1. The narrator thinks the photographer to stop activities of experiment on his face.
2. The narrator was about forty years old as he loved his figures for last forty years.
3. The narrator knows the faults of his face and his figure.
4. The narrator was conscious about to break in his voice for a moment.
5. The narrator started to rise from his seat that he did not like the instruments to experiment on his face by the photographer.

Passage-7.

The photographer beckoned me in. I thought he seemed quieter and graver than before. I think, too, there was a certain pride in his manner. He unfolded the proof of a large photograph, and we both looked at it in silence.
‘Is it me?’ I asked.
‘Yes,’ he said quietly, ‘it is you,’ and we went on looking at it.

1. Who beckoned the narrator to go in?
2. What did the narrator think about the photographer?
3. What was in his manner?
4. What did the photographer unfold?
5. How did the narrator look at the photograph?
Answer:
1. The photographer in the studio beckoned the narrator to go into the studio.
2. The riarrator thought that the photographer was graver and quieter than before.
3. The photographer had a pride in his manner.
4. The photographer unfolded the negative of a large photograph.
5. The narrator looked at the photograph amazingly because he had a doubt if the negative was of his own.

Passage-8.

‘The eyes’ I said hesitatingly, ‘don’t look very much like mine’
‘Oh, no,’ he answered, ‘I’ve retouched them. They come out splendidly, don’t they?’
‘Fine,’ I said, ‘but surely my eyebrows are not like that?’
‘No,’ said the photographer, with a momentary glance at my face, ‘the eyebrows are removed. We have a process now – ‘the Delphide – for putting in new ones. You’ll notice here where we’ve applied it to carry the hair away from the brow. I don’ like the hair low on the skull.

1. What did the narrator say about his eyes?
2. What did the narrator say about his eyebrows?
3. Why did the eyebrows of the narrator look so?
4. What did the photographer apply to remove the eyebrows?
5. ‘We have a process’ – What is the process?
Answer:
1. The narrator said that his eyes in the photograph did not look very much like his own eyes.
2. The narrator said that his eyebrows were not about his own eyebrows.
3. The eyebrows of the narrator were removed by applying chemicals.
4. To remove the eyebrows the photographer applied Delphide a chemical.
5. The process of removing eyebrows was to apply the Delphide for putting the new ones as the photographer did not like the hair low on the skull.

Passage-9.

I interrupted, drawing myself up and animating my features to their full extent and speaking with a withering scorn that should have blasted the man on the spot. ‘Listen! I came here for a photograph-a picture-something which (mad though it seems) would have looked like me.

I wanted something that would depict my face as Heaven gave it to me, humble though the gift may have been. I wanted something that my friends might keep after my death, to reconcile them to my loss. It seems that I was mistaken.

1. Why did the narrator interrupt?
2. Why did the narrator blast the photographer?
3. What did the narrator say to the photographer?
4. ‘I was mistaken’- why was the narrator mistaken?
5. What was the desire of the narrator and what happened actually?
Answer:
1. The narrator was interrupted because he was dissatisfied with his negative and told the photographer to stop.
2. The narrator blasted the photographer as he changed his face with his technical skills and application of chemicals.
3. The narrator said to the photographer that his face was the gift of heaven and he did not like any distortion of that.
4. The narrator wanted to have a Snap as he wanted to gift his photo to his friends by which they could remember him after his death. So, he was mistaken with the change.
5. The narrator liked to have his original condition in the photo. Actually the photographer changed his facial feature almost.

Passage-10.

Take your negative, or whatever it is you call it, – dip it in sulphide, bromide, oxide, cowhide, – anything you like, -remove the eyes, correct the mouth, adjust the face, restore the lips, reanimate the necktie and reconstruct the waistcoat. Coat it with an inch of gloss, shade it, emboss it, gild it, till even you acknowledge that it is finished. Then when you have done all that-keep it for yourself and your friends. They may value it. To me it is but a worthless bauble’

1. What did the narrator say to the photographer?
2. What are the process of modification?
3. What was the condition of the narrator?
4. What was his words to the photographer?
5. Why did the narrator break into tears?
Answer:
1. The narrator was angry with the photographer and told him to keep The negative With him and he would not receive it.
2. The processes of modifications were shading embossing and giding.
3. The narrator was amazed to see his own image as the photographer had done many changes through his technical skill and application of chemicals.
4. The last words of the narrator to the photographer were that the photographer would keep the negative to him and he would not take the photograph.
5. The narrator broke into tears because he was angry and displeased on the photographer as he made changes without his proper consent.

With the Photographer About the Story

Source : The story ‘With the photographer’ is taken from Leacock’s literary collection ‘Behind the beyond and other contribution to Human Knowledge.’

Delta Story : In the story the author Shares his personal experiences as he visits a photographer’s shop to have his snap taken as he wants to keep that as a treasure of his memory for his friends after his death.

The photographer made unwanted facial changes to show a better appearance of the author. The photographer uses his technical skills to bring an improvement with the author’s face. The author experiences anguish, annoyance and insecurity as the photographer finds fault in the author’s face, eyes and ears, which he tries to improve upon with his technical ability. For this the photograph fails to show a true picture of the narrator. Being shocked and disgusted he left studio without taking his photograph.

With the Photographer About the Author

Stephen Leacock was a teacher of Canada; He was also a political Scientist and author. He is famous for his light humour and mild criticisms of people’s foibles. He was born in England but was educated at Toranto University, Canada. Later in the same university he was the departmental head of Economics and Political Science. He wrote humourous stories and essays.

He was internationally famous as a humourist, educator, lecturer and author. He wrote more than 30 books of light humour. Literary lapses, Nonsense Novels. Further Foolishness and ‘The Garden of Folly’ are his famous writings. His humour is based on comic perception of social foibles.

With the Photographer Brief Summary

One day the author decided to visit a studio for his photograph. The author was asked to wait a bit though there was no second customer. So, the author was humiliated with the behaviour of the photographer. He spent his waiting time reading the journals and magazines. The author felt as if he was an intruder into the privacy of the photographer.

After an hour of waiting the author was called into the studio. The room was dimly lighted and in the middle the photographer placed his Camera. Actually, his studio was an old fashioned room without any attractive design.

The author entered into the room. The photographer rolled his camera into the middle. The photographer was not satisfied with the light so, he tore the cotton sheet and the broke window panes with a hooked stick. He skipped back in to the machine to draw a little back cloth over himself.

At past he came out with grim face and he began to shake his head. The photographer was not satisfied with the face of the author. The author felt humiliated as the photographer told that his face was quite wrong although he knew that his face is not photogenic. The photographer told that he was capable to transform a human face to make that attractive.

For that purpose. the photographer suggested many trifling postures. The author was annoyed with this. He remarked that he was a man of forty years and he is satisfied with his facial condition. The author was about to rise from his seat and then the photographer took a snap in a moment of animation.

The photographer had produced a negative copy of the author’s face. On the next Sunday the author came to the studio to take his photograph. Seeing the photograph the author was shocked. The author was disgusted also. Many unwanted things on the face were removed and he had retouched the mouth. Only the ears remained intact.

The author was furious and he blasted the photographer with a bitter rebuke. The photographer used his professional skills but the author said that his face and photographed are not identical. He would not be able to gift that to his friends and it was a worthless bauble. The author left the studio with tears in his eyes.

Glossary:

1. Drooping — bending
2. unwarrantable — wrongful
3. Breaking in — intruding
4. Frantic — desperate
5. Persuits — quest
6. grave — Serious
7. Ceased — stopped
8. apparently — seemingly
9. twisted — turned on
10. hump — heave
11. staggering — shaking
12. animation — excitement
13. beckoned — called
14. splendidly — nicely
15. withering — disapproving
16. scorn — hatred
17. Superfices — surface
18. depict — show
19. reconcile — to come to terms
20. emboss — cause to burge up
21. bauble — valueless thing

Plot :

The plot of the story “With the photographer” is set in a dull studio room. Anunnamed narrator of 40 years visits the photographer to have a snap of him. His main purpose is to get a photograph that his friends could keep it as a memory of his.

The narrator enters the studio and asks to click a photo. The narrator is asked to wait, though there was no other customer. Later after an hour he is called into the room. The photographer does not like the facial condition of the narrator. He gives many commands and suggestions. The narrator feels fear, annoyance and insecurity. The photographer’s suggestion humiliate the narrator to some extent.

The narrator obeys the suggestions of the photographer. The narrator desires to have a simple snap of his but photographer thinks otherwise he wants to produce a better face by means of his technical skills. Next Sunday the narrator visits the studio to take the photo.

He sees the negative of the photograph and thinks that it is For removed from reality and that creates a shocking and disgusting feelings to the narrator. The narrator sees the negative and his disgust tends to shake the tendency of the photographer. of creating models instead of ordinary humans. The photographer has retouched and adjusted the authors features. Being disgusted the narrator leaves the studio and tells the photographer to keep his photo to him. He calls the entire incident a worthless bauble

Theme :

The theme of ‘With the photographer deals on the original self and the distorted self. A young narrator of forty years visits a photographer to have his photograph taken. He is waiting reading the magazines about the model’s look.

When he enters and gets ready to take the photograph the photographer gives many suggestions to keep his mouth and posture more attractive than his real face. The narrator agrees to his suggestions although he thinks it is unnecessary. The photographer tells the narrator that his face, eyes, ears, are not photogenic. The photographer wishes to mould the narrators features.

When the narrator sees his negative there is a shock and annoyance. He is unable to recognise himself as the photographer with his technical skills improved upon the original. It is just the distort of reality which causes disgust, annoyance and anger of the narrator. rarrafor has a desire to have a photograph with an eye to present his friends for his remembrance after his death.

But the photograph becomes a nightmare to The narrator to break his confidence. In frustration the narrator begins to cry when he leaves the studio. In the story the narrator feels, that our face is our face, a gift of God. No one should humiliate it.

Outer appearances are meaningless as they do not tell the real story. Behind the make up there can be an ugly face. We should grant and respect what we Get from the God. The narrator regains his confidence and faith after leaving the studio. keeping the photograph with the narrator.

With the Photographer Characters

Narrator:

The narrator, The hero of the story ‘With the photographer’ is a 40 years old man. It is clear from the story that the narrator does not have attractive physical features. The photographer finds fault in his face. It is not photogenic. He becomes conscious of his face and submits to the suggestion of the photographer to have a better image of his face.

So, he abides by the photographer’s suggestions. The narrator feels an insecurity and humiliation when he compares his face with that of a model. He comes to know that the photographer depends on outer appearance rather than his inner quality. The narrator declares that he knows it for last forty years but he loves it as a gift from God.

The narrator accepts the reality and the wish of the God. Man should accept that as it is the grace of God and there should not be complain. He openly tells photographer that his face is of his own and it is a gift of the God.

The narrator is satirical of the ways of the professionals. The photographer tries to impose his own standards. He considers the photographer is an intruder in his life. We should avoid these type of people in our personal life.

Photographer:

The photographer is a drooping man in a gray suit. He has the dim eye of a natural scientist. His camera is placed in a room covered with black cloth through which he keeps an eye to take a photo. The narrator has to sit down in a beam of sunlight that filtered through a sheet of factory cotton hung against a frosted skylight.

It seems the photographer is a professional. He is critical of the face of the narrator. He wishes to improve his face with his profesional skills. He suggests the narrator to improve his facial condition. He is proud as he can bring about a great change in the face by his professional skills if the customer agrees.

The photographer has his own style. Even he does not listen to the customer. The narrator is annoyed and frustrated. At the end the narrator leaves his studio without taking the photograph, which is not identical of his real identity.

Setting :

The story is set in an old fashioned studio with minimum equipments and gadgets. The photographer resorts to digital techniques and gives special effects in the modern studies with highly sophisticated cameras. But this studio is weird. It has its effects on the narrator and loses his temper easily.

Title :

The story tells the narrator’s bitter experience with a photographer who tries to impose his own will and whims on the narrator. Actually, the story deals with an encounter with the photographer and the narrator. The photographer tells that the narrator’s face is wrong and it is insulting to the narrator. The narrator tells that he knows his face for forty years and he likes it.

The photographer remains deaf to all the suggestions of the narrator. The photographer believes in improving the features by his technical skills or chemicals. Thus, his ability can create new features or make an ugly one disappear. Thus, trying to create some magic the originality is the first culprit. Thus, the title is appropriate. The story Centres round the photographer and his dealing with the narrator who remains far from satisfaction.

Style :

The first person narration is used in the story. It gives authenticity to the bitter experiences of the narrator while getting his photograph taken. There are two different characters in the story, the narrator and the photographer. The author has used the humour, satire, irony and contrast in depicting the characters.

The narrator is a man of self respect and the photographer is an egoist, who is proud of his profesional skills. Here in this story humour is created in a subdued tone. The writer has used the technique of suggestion to say a lot in a few words. The picture of the photographer is clear when he is described as ‘everybody knows what a photographer is like’. The last words of the narrator ‘I broke into tears and left’ suggest his anger and frustration and his acceptance of the tings as they are.

With the Photographer Critical Appreciation

The story ‘With the Photographer’ by Stephen Leacock deals with the bitter experiences of the narrator with a professional photographer as the narrator goes to have a photograph of his own. But the narrator faces a very awkward situation as the photographer terms his face as wrong. The narrator has no complaint against the photographer and about his facial features.

The narrator has to grapple with fear, humiliation and inferiority complex. The writer employs the tool of satire, wit, humour and irony to bring out the theme clearly. He satires the professional photographers, who use technical skills.to present improved image of a person with different techniques. The narrator chids the photographer harshly. Thus, the narrator leaves the studio being frustrated.

The characters of the narrator and the photographer stand in contrast with each other. The narrator has to accept the humiliation and the photographer is indifferent to the feelings of others. He appears ridiculous in his approach. Thus, the story has a well-knit plot with the unity of peace and action. Thus, the story is told beautifully with a mild humour.

With the Photographer Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Question 1.
The colour of the photographer’s suit is-
a. red
b. black
c. grey
d. yellow.
Answer:
c. Grey.

Question 2.
The narrator had to wait in the studio for-
a. an hour
b. two hours
c. three hours
d. four hours.
Answer:
a. an hour.

Question 3.
The photographer looked very-
a. sad
b. joyful
c. grave
d. none of the above.
Answer:
c. Grave.

Question 4.
The photographer: looked at the narrator-
a. cheerfully
b. enthusiastically
c. without enthusiasm
d. indifferently
Answer:
c. without enthusiasm.

Question 5.
The studio was …………..
a. big
b. modern
c. dim lighted
d. furnished
Answer:
c. dim lighted.

Question 6.
The photographer had the looks of …………..
a. a sick man,
b. an angry man
c. a craoked politician
d. a natural scientist.
Answer:
d. a natural scientist.

Question 7.
When the narrator visits the photographer he was …………..
a. 50
b. 40
c. 30
d. 60 years old.
Answer:
b. 40 years.

Question 8.
The narrator met the photographer on …………..
a. Monday
b. Sunday
c. Saturday
d. Tuesday
Answer:
c. Saturday.

Question 9.
The face of the narrator was …………..
a. Wrong
b. right,
c. nice
d. none of the above.
Answer:
a. Wrong.

Question 10.
The photographer had pulled a …………..
a. Chair
b. bench
c. curtain
d. string
Answer:
d. string.

Question 11.
The photographer had a …………..
a. pride
b. love
c. hatred
d. none of the above.
Answer:
a. pride.

Question 12.
The narrator wanted to gift his photograph to his …………..
a. relatives
b. friends
c. daughter
d. brother
Answer:
b. friends.

Treasure Chest A Collection of ICSE Chapter Workbook Answers

Treasure Chest Workbook Answers Chapter 5 The Boy Who Broke The Bank

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Treasure Chest Workbook Answers Chapter 5 The Boy Who Broke The Bank

Treasure Chest Workbook Answers Chapter 5 The Boy Who Broke The Bank

The Boy Who Broke The Bank Comprehension Questions Answers

Read the extracts and answer the following questions:

Passage – 1.

Nathu grumbled to himself as he swept the steps of the Pipalnagar Bank, owned by Seth Govind Ram. He used the small broom hurriedly and carelessly, and the dust, after rising in a cloud above his head settled down again on the steps. As Nathu was banging his pan against a dustbin, Sitaram, the washerman’s son, passed by. Sitaram was on his delivery round. He had a bundle of freshly pressed clothes balanced on his head.

1. Who was Nathu?
2. Why did he grumble?
3. Who met Nathu?
4. Where was he going?
5. What did the passer’s by ask Nathu?
Answer:
1. Nathu was a sweeper boy in the Pipalnagar Bank.
2. He grumbled because he did not get his salary till the 20th day of next month.
3. Sitaram the son of a washerman on his delivery round met Nathu when he was working in the bank.
4. Sitaram, the son of a washerman was on his delivery round as he had a freshly pressed clothes bundle balanced on his head.
5. The passer’s by told Nathu not to raise dust in that manner. He also asked Nathu if he was annoyed with the bank authority as they do not pay him an extra two rupees a month.

Passage – 2.

‘Well, I wish you luck’, said Sitaram. ‘I’ll keepa lookout for any jobs that might suit you.’ And he plodded barefoot along the road, the big bundle of clothes hiding most of his head and shoulders. At the fourth home he visited, Sitaram heard the lady of the house mention that she was in need of a sweeper. Tying his bundle together, he said; T know of a sweeper boy who’s looking for work. He can start from next month. He’s with the bank just now but they aren’t giving him his pay, and he wants to leave.’

1. What did Nathu tell Sitaram?
2. What assurance did Sitaram give Nathu before leaving?
3. Who was the lady of the house?
4. What did Sitaram hear?
5. What did Sitaram tel’ Mrs. Srivastava?
Answer:
1. Nathu earlier told Sitaram that he was not paid regularly from the bank and so, he wanted to leave the job to join another service.
2. Sitaram assured Nathu that he would look out a job for Nathu.
3. Sitaram mentioned Mrs. Srivastav, as the lady of the house.
4. Sitaram heard that the lady of the house was in need of a sweeper.
5. Sitaram told Mrs. Srivastava that Nathu, the sweeper is thinking of leaving his job and to join a new position. Mrs. Srivastava told Sitaram to send him the next day.

Passage – 3.

A large shady tamarind tree grew at one end of the bazaar, and it was here that Mrs. Srivastava found her friend Mrs. Bhushan sheltering from the heat. Mrs. Bhushan was fanning herself with a large handkerchief. She complained of the summer, which she affirmed, was definitely the hottest in the history of Pipalnagar.

She then showed Mrs. Srivastava a sample of the cloth she was going to buy, and for five minutes they discussed its shade, texture and design. Having exhausted this topic, Mrs. Srivastava said, ‘Do you know, my dear, that Seth Govind Ram’s bank can’t even pay its employees? Only this morning I heard a complaint from their sweeper who hasn’t received his wages for over a month!’

1. Where did Mrs. Srivastava find her friend Mrs. Bhusan?
2. What was Mrs. Bhusan doing?
3. What did they discuss about?
4. What did Mrs. Srivastava say to Mrs. Bhusan?
5. How did she know the position of Bank?
Answer:
1. Mrs. Srivastava found her friend Mrs Bhusan under the large shady tamarind tree to have a shelter from the summer heat.
2. Mrs. Bhusan was fanning herself with a large handkerchief. She complained about the hottest summer.
3. They were discussing about the cloth that she was going to buy. They discussed about the shade, texture and design of the cloth.
4. Mrs. Srivastava said to Bhusan that Seth Govind Ram’s Bank could not even pay its employees.
5. She knew the position of the bank from the complaint of Nathu, the sweeper who had not received his wages for over a month.

Passage – 4.

‘Shocking!’ remarked Mrs. Bhushan. ‘If they can’t pay the sweeper they must be in a bad way. None of the others could be getting paid either. She left Mrs. Srivastava at the tamarind tree and went in search of her husband, who was sitting in front of Kamal Kishore’s photographic shop, talking with the owner.
‘So there you are!’ cried Mrs. Bhushan, ‘I’ve been looking for you for almost an hour. Where did you disappear?’
‘Nowhere,’ replied Mr. Bhushan. ‘Had you remained stationary in one shop, I might have found you. But you go from one shop to another, like a bee in a flower garden.’

1. Where did Mrs. Srivastava go?
2. Where was her husband?
3. How long Mrs. Bhusan was waiting for his husband?
4. Why she could not find her husband?
5. How was he compared for his position?
Answer:
1. Mrs. Srivastava went in search of her husband leaving Srivastava at the tamarind tree.
2. Her husband was sitting in front of Kamal kishore’s photographic show talking to the owner.
3. Mrs. Bhusan was looking for her husband for almost an hour.
4. She could not find her husband because he was vising shops one after another.
5. He was compared to a bee for his position like a bee in the flower garden.

Passage-5.

Deep Chand who was cutting the hair of an elderly gentleman, was so startled that his hand shook and he nicked his customer’s right ear. The customer yelped with pain and distress: pain, because of the cut, and distress because of the awful news he had just heard. With one side of his neck still unshaven, he sped across the road to the general merchant’s store where there was a telephone.

He dialled Seth Govind Ram’s number. The Seth was not at home. Where was he, then? The Seth was holidaying in Kashmir. Oh, was that so? The elderly gentleman did not believe it. He hurried back to the barber’s shop and told Deep Chand : The bird has flown! Seth Govind Ram has left town. Definitely, it means a collapse.’ And then he dashed out of the shop, making a beeline for his office and cheque book.

1. Who was Deep chand? What was he doing?
2. What had happened to Deep Chand’s customer?
3. Why did the customer yelp?
4. Why did he go to the merchant’s store?
5. The bird has flown What does the sentence mean?
Answer:
1. Deep chand was a barber. He was cutting the hair of an elderly gentleman.
2. Deep chand’s hand shook and he nicked his customer’s right ear.
3. The customer yelped with pain and distres of the cut as the news of the bankrupt spread very rapidly.
4. With one side unshaven he sped across the road to the general merchant’s shop. Where there was a telephone.
5. The quoted sentence meant that Seth Govind Ram, the owner of the bank had left the town and the customers were in great distress.

Passage-8.

Old Ganpat the beggar, had a crooked leg. He had been squatting on the pavement for years, calling for alms. In the evening someone would come with a barrow and take him away. He had never been known to walk. But now, on learning that the bank was about to collapse, Ganpat astonished everyone by leaping to his feet and actually running at top speed in the direction of the bank. It soon became known that he had a thousand rupees in savings!

1. Who was old Ganpat?
2. What is Ganpat’s profession?
3. Who would take Ganapat away and when?
4. Why did he run to the Bank?
5. What is his savings?
Answer:
1. Old Ganapat was a beggar. He had a crooked leg.
2. By profession Ganpat is a beggar. He had been squatting on the pavement for years and is calling for alms.
3. In the evening someone would come with a barrow take his away. He never knew how to walk.
4. When he learnt that the bank was about to collapse Ganapat ran at top speed in the direction of the bank.
5. Ganapat had a thousand rupees savings although know about his savings earlier.

Passage-7.

Men stood in groups at street corners discussing the situation. Pipalnagar seldom had a crisis, seldom or never had floods, earthquakes or drought; and the imminent crash of the Pipalnagar Bank set everyone talking and speculating and rushing about in a frenzy.

Some boasted of their farsightedness, congratulating themselves on having already taken out their money, or on never having put any in; others speculated on the reasons for the crash, putting it all down to excesses indulged in by Seth Govind Ram. The Seth had fled the State, said one. He had fled the country, said another, he was hiding in Pipalnagar, said a third. He had hanged himself from the tamarind tree, said a fourth, and had been found that morning by the sweeper-boy.

1. What were the men discussing?
2. What was the condition of Pipalnagar earlier?
3. What the men were thinking?
4. What were the rumours about Seth?
5. Were the rumours true?
Answer:
1. The men were discussing about the Collapse of Pipalnagar Bank at street corners.
2. Pipalnagar seldom has a crisis earlier. It had never floods, earthquakes or draught.
3. The men were thinking about their farsightedness and congratulated themselves as they have already taken out their money.
4. There were contrasting rumours about Seth. Some said that Seth had fled from the state, some also said that he had left the country. Some said that he was hiding in Papalnagar and said that he had hanged himself from the tamarind tree.
5. No, the rumours were not true as Seth had gone to Kashmir on a family tour.

Passage-8.

By noon the small bank had gone through all its ready cash, and the harassed manager was in a dilemma. Emergency funds could only be obtained from another bank some thirty miles distant, and he wasn’t sure he could persuade the crowd to wait until then. And there was no way of contacting Seth Govind Ram on his houseboat in Kashmir.

People were turned back from the counters and told to return the following day. They did not like the sound of that. And so they gathered outside, on the steps of the bank shouting ‘Give us our money or we’ll break in!’ and ‘Fetch the Seth, we know he’s hiding in a safe deposit locker’ Mischief makers who didn’t have a paisa in the bank, joined the crowd and aggravated their mood.

1. Why the manager was in a dilemma?
2. Where from emergency funds were available?
3. Why Seth Govind Ram could not be contacted?
4. What were told to the people?
5. Who aggravated their mood?
Answer:
1. The manager was in a dilemma because all the ready cash had gone out and the mob was protesting.
2. Emergency funds were available from a bank which was about thirty miles away.
3. Seth Govind Ram could not be contacted because he was in a family tour in Kashmir.
4. People were told to go to home and to come on the following day.
5. Mischief makers who had no accounts in the bank joined the agitating crowd and aggravated their mood.

Passage – 9.

The manager stood at the door and tried to placate them. He declared that the bank had plenty of money but no immediate means of collecting it; he urged them to go home and come back the next day. ‘We want it now!’ chanted some of the crowd. ‘Now, now, now!’ And a brick hurtled through the air and crashed through the plate glass window of the Pipalnagar Bank.

Nathu arrived next morning to sweep the steps of the bank. He saw the refuse and the broken glass and the stones cluttering the steps. Raising his hands in a gesture of horror and disgust he cried: ‘Hooligans! Sons of donkeys! As though it isn’t bad enough to be paid late, it seems my work has also to be increased!’ He smote the steps with his broom scattering the refuse.

1. How did the manager try to Placate the crowd?
2. What was the reaction of the people?
3. Why did Nathu come to the bank the next morning?
4. Why was Nathu disgusted?
5. How did he smote the steps?
Answer:
1. Standing on the door of the Bank the manager tried to placate them. He declared that the bank had plenty of money but there was no way to collect that money. He urged the people to go home and come back the next day.
2. The people did not pay heed to his words. Someone hurled a brick and broke the plate glass windows of the Pipalnagar Bank.
3. The next morning Nathu came to the bank to sweep the steps of the bank.
4. Nathu was disgusted because his work increased to clean the men.
5. Nathu smote the steps with his broom scattering the refuse.

Passage-10.

‘Good morning, Nathu’, said the washerman’s boy, getting down from his bicycle. ‘Are you ready to take up a new job from the first of next month? You’ll have to I suppose, now that the bank is going out of business.’
‘How’s that?’ said Nathu.
‘Haven’t you heard? Well you’d better wait here until half the population of Pipalnagar arrives to claim their money.’ And he waved cheerfully – he did not have a bank account – and sped away on his cycle.
Nathu went back to sweeping the steps, muttering to himself. When he had finished his work, he sat down on the highest step, to await the arrival of the manager. He was determined to get his pay.

1. What did the washerman’s boy say to Nathu?
2. Why did Sitaram speed away?
3. What did Nathu decide?
4. Why did Nathu decide to wait for the manager?
5. Why did Nathu wonder?
Answer:
1. Sitaram asked Nathu if he was ready to take up a new job from the first day of next month.
2. Sitaram sped away from the bank area as he had no account in the bank.
3. Nathu decided for the manager to arrive as he was determined to get his pay. He would wait in the highest step of the bank.
4. Same as above.
5. Nathu wondered because he could not expect such an incident would come for his remark with Sitaram, the washerman’s boy.

The Boy Who Broke The Bank About the Story

In the story Ruskin Bond shows us that carelessly spoken words can wreak an institution. The story is almost allegorical in its narrative. It is a humourous story that deals with the plight of the underpaid or unpaid boys. In The beginning of the story we see a sweeper Nathu talks about irregular payment of his salary in the Pipalnagar Bank. It becomes a remour and creates a panic among the Pipalnagar area.

They start to protest in front of the bank. Their demand is to give them their money or they would break in. Some mischief mongers joined with the protestors and they start to pelt stones and break the glass windows of the bank. Ultimately the rumour results in the collapse of a sound bank. It is astonishing that Nathu and leader of the incident has nothing to do about the breaking of the bank.

The Boy Who Broke The Bank About the Author

Ruskin Bond is an Indian author who writes in English. He has written more than 500 short stories, essays and novels including 64 books on the children. Ruskin Bond was born in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh on 19.05.1934.

His father worked in the Royal Air Force from 1939-1944. Bond spent his early childhood in Jamnagar, Gujrat and Shimla. He went to live with his grandfather in Dehradun when his father passed away. He was brought up by his mother and stepfather. His school and college life was in Shimla. In 1951 when he was only 16 years old he wrote the short story ‘untouchable’.

He spent his childhood in the foothills of the Himalayas. So, his works were influenced by the hilly region and nature. In 1952, at the age of 17 his first novel The Room on the Roof was written. Bond’s works reflect the Anglo Indian experiences and the changing political, social and cultural aspects of India.

The Boy Who Broke The Bank Brief Summary

In the Pipalnagar Bank Nathu was a poor sweeper. In the start we see Nathu grumbling as he is not paid his salary at the 20th day of the month. Sitaram, the son of washerman passes that way. Talking with Nathu he comes to know the complaints of Nathu and he informs him that Nathu has a plan to leave the job after getting the salary. Sitaram welcomes his decision and assures him to look for a suitable job for him.

Sitaram meets Mrs. Srivastava’s house and comes to know that he needs a sweeper. He informs that Nathu of Pipalnagar Bank is ready to leave his job as he is paid late or unpaid. Srivastava tells Sitaram to tell Nathu to come the next day.

Sometime later Srivastava meets her friend Mrs Bhusan in the market. He informs that Seth Govindram’s Bank is unable to pay the salary to its employees properly as Nathu the sweeper is yet to receive his salary. She tells her husband that the bank is going bankrupt. The news spread rapidly and there is panic and confusion. They say that the bank has gone bankrupt.

The rumour regarding bankrupt spreads very fast. Some say that Govind Ram has fled the state or has fled from the country. Some say that Seth has hanged himself from a tree. But the actual story is that Seth has gone to Kashmir on a holiday.

The panic striken people rush to the bank to withdraw their deposits. They refuse to hear the pleas of the manager. They believe that Seth hides himself inside the bank’s locker. Mischief makers join the agitation. They start to pelt stones and break the glass window of the bank.

The news spread that the sweeper is yet to be paid and the they destory the bank. Through the story the author warns us that we should not be guided by a rumur as it is fatal for the life of the people.

Glossary:

1. Hurriedly — Quickly
2. grumbled — Complained
3. annoyed — angry
4. Plodded — walked with heave steps
5. hoisted — raised/lifted
6. ayah — maid servant
7. tamarind — An african tree
8. Stationary — Static motionless
9. Bankrupt — insolvent
10. Collapse fall down
11. yelped — cried
12. astonished —- amazed/surprised
13. imminent — near
14. frenzy — madness
15. dilemma — predicament
16. parsuade — influence
17. aggravated — exasperated
18. Placate — pacify
19. hurtled — moving in high speed

Plot : The short story The boy who broke the bank by Ruskin Bond has a very simple and well knit plot.

Nathu is a sweeper at Pipalnagar Bank has not received his salary till the 20th of the next month. He is in a mood to leave the job. He tells Sitaram about his problem. Sitaram informs Mrs. Srivastava about Nathu as she is looking for a sweeper as he has not been paid his salary. Mrs Srivastava shares this with Mrs. Bhushan and she talks about it to her husband.

Consequently, the rumour spreads that the bank employees are not getting their salary as the bank is in a bad position. Many people withdraw their money from the bank. Other customers fail to contact With Seth Govind Ram. Seth Govind Ram has gone to kashmir to enjoy holidays. There are contrasting rumours that he has fled to other country or he has committed suicide.

The customers rush to the bank to withdraw their deposits. So, the bank goes out of cash. The public start throwing bricks and stones breaking the window glass. Nathu hears that the bank is out of cash he is amared. Thus, we can say that the plot of the story is well built, and it is an interesting humourous story.

Theme: ‘The Boy who Broke the Bank’ deals with the underpaid or unpaid boys although they are forced to do hard work regularly. Nathu, a sweeper of the bank has not received his salary till the 20th day of the next month. In this way the story is the exploitation of the poor by persons or institutions in authority.

The author also wants to mean about the rumour mongering and mob psychology. Sitaram informs Mrs. Srivastava that Nathu the sweeper wants to leave his job as he does not get his salary regularly. In turn Mrs. Srivastava informs of the matter to Mrs. Bhusan who tells that to his husband.

Thus, the remour spreads that the bank is not in a position to pay his employees regularly and it is short of funds. The depositors rush to the bank to withdraw their money. Eventually the bank is on the verge of collapse. The anthor points out clearly that remours can cause damages and we should aware of it.

Title : Regarding titles of his articles Ruskin Bond is always perfect. His titles are meaningful, significant and appropriate. The story The Boy who broke the Bank’ is not an exception to it.

Sitaram is the son of a washerman. He is on his way to delivery round. He meets Nathu a sweeper boy on the way named Nathu who works in Pipalnagar Bank. Nathu in his depressed mood tells Sitaram that he has not yet received his salary although it is 20th day of next month. His desire to leave bank’s job is informed to Mrs. Sivastava.

He does not know his little information will create rumour in the society. That eventually results in the breaking of the bank. In this way the information of Nathu spreads like a fire fauned by the strong wind. The entire story revolves round the information passed on by Sitaram. Thus, the title is apt and justified.

The Boy Who Broke The Bank Characters

Nathu :

Nathu is a sweeper boy. He works hard in Pipalnagar Bank. He expects increments of Rs. two every month with his salary. But its a pity that he is not paid his salary upto the 20th day of the next month. He feels restless and thinks of leaving the job.

At that time Sitaram, his friend asks him why he is not working. He informs that he has not received his monthly salary yet and so he is very sad. Nathu is a simple innocent boy. He cannot expect that his conversation with Sitaram is misreported. In the end of the story when the bank is broken he wonders.

Sitaram :

Sitaram, the son of a washerman and Nathu’s friend. He is simple and innocent like Nathu. On his meeting with Nathu during delivery time Nathu looks sad. He informs to leave the job as he is ill-paid and not paid regularly. The casual talk of Nathu is carried forward to Mrs. Srivastava who needs a sweeper. She informs her husband that the bank is in a very bad condition and it is unable to pay the regular salary of his employees.

In the innocent remark of Sitaram the rumour grows. Ultimately the rumour brings down the bank due to public agitation and stone and brick pelting. A simple conversation between two simple friends Nathu and Sitaram the bank fails only by rumour. It’s pity that often simple conversations result in a big failure/as is the case of bank failure.

Setting :

The story is in a semi town called Pipalnagar. Almost all the characters belong to the same town. Nathu, a poor sweeper works in Pipalnagar Bank. Although he performs his duty well but he is not paid well regularly. Sitaram, a delivery boy of the washerman is his friend. The people of this area are lazy and rumour mongers. One day when a mob surrounds the bank although they have no connection with the bank. Most of the people know each other but they like fun and that is why they assemble in front of the bank.

Style :

Ruskin Bond the writer writes this story in a traditional manner. He narrates the story in the third person and he does not give his own comments. To make the story interesting the author adds a touch of humour in his story.

The reactions of the different people about the news of bankrupt are elaborately described here. Deep chand, the barber is startled to such an extent that he nicks the customer’s ear. Ganpat with a crooked leg begins to run at top speed. In the entire story the author uses a very easy and simple language which is sutiable for the residents of Pipalnagar.

The Boy Who Broke The Bank Critical Appreciation

‘The Boy who Broke the Bank’ by Ruskin Bond is a highly gripping story that deals with the plight of the underpaid and ill-paid workers. The author clearly indicates the exploitation, innocence of children, role of rumours, anxiety and mob psychology in the story.

In the story there are many humourous situations that provoke laughter and entertain the readers.
The language used by the writer is very simple and it is approprite for the residents of Pipalnagar a semi town. The humourous situations created by the author make the story entertaining to read. The characters of the story are very common in our society and we meet daily.

The Boy Who Broke The Bank Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Read the questions given below and tick the correct answer:

Question 1.
The Bank is owned by …………..
a. Seth Govinda Ram
b. Nathu
c. Sitaram
d. none of the above.
Answer:
a. Seth Govinda Ram.

Question 2.
Nathu grumbled because …………..
a. the manager rubuked him
b. he had to work hard
c. he was not given his salary
d. all of above
Answer:
c. He was not given salary.

Question 3.
Nathu expected to be paid by the bank …………..
a. due respect
b. a chair to sit
c. a new broom every month
d. extra two rupees a month
Answer:
d. extra two rupees a month.

Question 4.
Nathu banged the pan against the dustbin several times to …………..
a. show protest
b. emphasize his point
c. warn to bank employees
d. none of the above
Answer:
b. emphasize his point.

Question 5.
Mrs. Bhusan was farming himself with a …………..
a. fan
b. handkerchief
c. book
d. none of the above
Answer:
b. handkerchief.

Question 6.
Deep chand was a …………..
a. farmer
b. teacher
c. barbar
d. none of the above
Answer:
c. barbar.

Question 7.
Old Ganpat was a-
a. beggar
b. washerman
c. sweeper
d. teacher
Answer:
a. beggar.

Question 8.
Seth Govind Ram went to-
a. Kolkata
b. Benaras
c. Delhi
d. Kashmir
Answer:
d. Kashmir.

Question 9.
Nathu arrived next morning to sweep declares
a. pleasure
b. displeasure
c. disgust
d. none of the above
Answer:
c. disgust.

Question 10.
The general tone of the story is-
a. humorous
b. sentimental
c. didactic
d. all of the above
Answer:
a. humourous.

Question 11.
Finishing his work Nathu sat on the-
a. highest step
b. lowest step
c. corridor
d. at the doorstep.
Answer:
a. highest step.

Treasure Chest A Collection of ICSE Chapter Workbook Answers

Treasure Chest Workbook Answers Chapter 4 The Homecoming

by
Treasure Chest Workbook Answers Chapter 4 The Homecoming

Treasure Chest Workbook Answers Chapter 4 The Homecoming

The Homecoming Comprehension Questions Answers

Read the extracts and answer the following questions:

Passage – 1.

Phatik Chakraborti was ringleader among the boys of the village. A new mischief got into his head. There was a heavy log lying on the mud-flat of the river, waiting to be shaped into a mast for a boat. He decided that they should all work together to shift the log by main force from its place and roll it away. The owner of the log would be angry and surprised, and they would all enjoy the fun. Every one seconded the proposal, and it was carried unanimously.

1. Who was Phatik Chakraborty?
2. What new mischief got into Phatik’s head?
3. Why was the log lying in the mud?
4. What did Phatik decide?
5. What was the proposal of Phatik?
Answer:
1. Phatik Chakraborty was the ringleader among the boys of the village.
2. Phatik decided that they should all work together to shift the log by force to roll it to the river.
3. The log was lying because the owner of the log decided to make a mast for the boat.
4. Phatik decided to enjoy the fun when the owner would become angry and surprised.
5. The proposal was to roll the log in the river and to enjoy the fun. His companions agreed to the proposal.

Passage – 2.

But just as the fun was about to begin, Makhan, Phatik’s younger brother, sauntered up, and sat down on the log in front of them all, without a word. The boys were puzzled for a moment. He was pushed, rather timidly, by one of the boys and told to get up but he remained quite unconcerned. He appeared like a young philosopher meditating on the futility of games. Phatik was furious. ‘Makhan,’ he cried, “if you don’t get down this minute I’ll thrash you!”

1. Who was Makhan?
2. Where did Makhan sit?
3. Why was Phatik furious?
4. How was Makhan then?
5. What did Phatik say to Makhan?
Answer:
1. Makhan was the younger brother of Phatik Chakraborty.
2. Makhan sat on the log which was decided to roll in the river by Phatik and his mates.
3. Phatik was furious because his brother Makhan was against his proposal to roll the log into the river.
4. Sitting on the log Makhan was like a philosopher meditating on the futility of games.
5. Phatik warned Makhan to thrash him if he objected to roll the log.

Passage – 3.

Phatik wiped his face, and sat down on the edge of a sunken barge on the river bank, and began to chew a piece of grass. A boat came up to the landing, and a middle-aged man, with grey hair and dark moustache, stepped on shore. He saw the boy sitting there doing nothing, and asked him where the Chakrabartis lived. Phatik went on chewing the grass, and said: ‘Over there,’ but it was quite impossible to tell where he pointed. The stranger asked him again. He swung his legs to and fro on the side of the barge, and said; “Go and find out,” and continued to chew the grass as before.

1. Why Phatik had to wipe his face?
2. Who was the middle aged man?
3. What did the man ask Phatik? What was the reply?
4. How was Phatik’s behaviour with the strange man?
5. Who came to take Phatik home?
Answer:
1. Phatik had to wipe his face because he toiled hard to roll the log to the river.
2. The middle aged man was his maternal uncle Bishwambharbabu who came from Calcutta.
3. The man asked Phatik where the Chakrabarty family lived. Phatik replied vaguely that was over there.
4. Phatik’s behaviour with the stranger was rude in a sense as he did not point the location correctly.
5. Phatik’s maternal uncle came to take Phatik to Calcutta for his proper education if his mother agreed.

Passage – 4.

But when his mother stepped back and looked at the stranger, her anger was changed to surprise. For she recognised her brother, and cried: ‘Why, Dada! Where have you come from?’ As she said these words, she bowed to the ground and touched his feet. Her brother had gone away soon after she had married, and he had started business in Bombay. His sister had lost her husband while he was in Bombay. Bishwambhar had now come back to Calcutta, and had at once made enquiries about his sister. He had then hastened to see her as soon as he found out where she was.
1. Who is grey haired stranger?
2. Why was Phatik’s mother angry?
3. How did she welcome the stranger?
4. What was the tragic incident?
5. How do you know that Bishwambhar was a caring brother?
Answer:
1. The grey haired stranger was Bishwambharbabu, Phatik’s maternal uncle.
2. Phatik’s mother was angry because Phatik behaved improperly with his brother.
3. She welcomed the stranger and touched his feet to ask where from he was coming to her house.
4. The tragic incident was the father of Phatik passed away suddenly.
5. Bishwambhar was a caring brother because he came to his sister’s house as soon as he returned from Mumbai to see her condition.

Passage – 5.

When they reached Calcutta, Phatik made the acquaintance of his aunt for the first time. She was by no means pleased with this unnecessary addition to her family. She found her own three boys quite enough to manage without taking on any one else. And to bring a village lad of fourteen into their midst was terribly upsetting. Bishwambhar should really have thought twice before committing such an indiscretion.
1. Who are they?
2. Where from had they come?
3. What was the reaction of Phatik’s aunt?
4. Why was the aunt unhappy?
5. Describe your idea about Phatik’s aunt.
Answer:
1. ‘They’ referred to Phatik and his maternal uncle Bishwabharbabu.
2. They had come to Calcutta from Phatik’s village home.
3. Phatik’s aunt was displeased with the addition of Phatik in her family because she had three sons.
4. The aunt had one helping hand and it was quite impossible for him to manage the four children.
5. Phatik’s aunt was a selfish woman. She was unwilling to take an extra burden of Phatik, a boy of fourteen years. Phatik’s uncle should think otherwise.

Passage – 6.

In this world of human affairs there is no worse nuisance than a boy at the age of fourteen. He is neither ornamental nor useful. It is impossible to shower affection on him as on a little boy; and he is always getting in the way. If he talks with a childish lisp he is called a baby, and if he answers in a grown-up way he is called impertinent. In fact any talk at all from him is resented.

Then he is at the unattractive, growing age. He grows out of his clothes with indecent haste; his voice grows hoarse and breaks and quavers; his face grows suddenly angular and unsightly. It is easy to excuse the shortcomings of early childhood, but it is hard to tolerate even unavoidable lapses in a boy of fourteen. The lad himself becomes painfully self-conscious. When he talks with elderly people he is either unduly forward, or else so unduly shy that he appears ashamed of his very existence.

1. What is the biggest nuisance?
2. What is impossible?
3. Describe the physical growth of a boy of fourteen.
4. Why the shortcomings of a fourteen years boy can not be excused?
5. Why a young lad’s heart crave at this age?
Answer:
1. In this world of human affairs there is no biggest nuisance than a boy at the age of fourteen. He is neither ornamental nor useful.
2. It is impossible to show affection on him as on a little boy. He is always getting in the way.
3. A boy of fourteen grows unattractively. He grows out of his clothes with indecent haste. His voice grows hoarse and breaks and quavers. His face grows suddenly angular and unsightly.
4. The shortcomings of early childhood can be excused but it is hard to put up with even unavoidable lapses. The lad himself becomes painfully self conscious.
5. While talking with elderly people he is either unduly forward or so unduly shy that he appears ashamed of his very existence.

Passage – 7.

For a boy of fourteen his own home is the only Paradise. To live in a strange house with strange people is little short of torture, while the height of bliss is to receive the kind looks of women, and never to be slighted by them. It was anguish to Phatik to be the unwelcome guest in his aunt’s house, despised by this elderly woman, and slighted, on every occasion. If she ever asked him to do anything for her, he would be so overjoyed that he would overdo it; and then she would tell him not to be so stupid, but to get on with his lessons.

1. What is the result of continuous scolding on a 14 years old boy?
2. What is the height of bless?
3. How did Phatik feel in his uncle’s house?
4. What was the reaction of Phatik when he is asked to do something?
5. What was anguish to Pathik?
Answer:
1. A boy of fourteen considers his home the only paradise. To live in a strange house with a little short of torture and slighting by woman it was anguishing.
2. The height of bliss is to receive the kind looks of women and never to be slighted by them.
3. Phatik was an unwelcomed guest in his uncle’s house. He was despised by his aunt and slighted on every occasion.
4. When Phatik is asked to do something for his aunt he would be so overjoyed that he would overdo it.
5. It was anguish to Phatik to remain as a unwelcome guest in his uncle’s house.

Passage – 8.

There was no more backward boy in the whole school than Phatik. He gaped and remained silent when the teacher asked him a question, and like an overladen ass patiently suffered all the blows that came ilown on his back. When other boys were out at play, he stood wistfully by the window and gazed at the roofs of the distant houses. And if by chance he espied children playing on the open terrace of any roof, his heart would ache with longing. One day he summoned up all his courage, and asked his uncle: Uncle, when can I go home?

1. How did Phatik fare in the school?
2. How dld,Phatlk endure the punishment?
3. What was Phatik’s state of mind?
4. What was the longing of his heart?
5. What did Phatik ask his uncle? What reply did he get?
Answer:
1. Phatik fared very badly in the school. He was the worst backward boy in his class.
2. Phatik endured the punishment like an overburdened and patiently. He suffered all the blows that came down on his back.
3. When other boys were playing, Phatik stood by the window wistfully and gazed at the roof of the distant houses.
4. His heart longed to go back to his village home to play in the open place.
5. Phatik asked his uncle when he would go home. He got the reply that he would go to his home when holidays would come.

Passage-9.

One day Phatik lost his lesson-book. Even with the help of books he had found it very difficult indeed to prepare his lesson. Now it was impossible. Day after day the teacher would cane him unmercifully. His condition became so abjectly miserable that even his cousins were ashamed to own him. They began to jeer and insult him more than the other boys. He went to his aunt at last, and told her that he had lost his book. His aunt pursed her lips in contempt, and said: You great clumsy, country lout. How can I afford, with all my family, to buy you new books five times a month?

1. What did Phatik lose one day?
2. What was impossible to Phatik?
3. Why his cousins were ashaned of him?
4. What did his cousins do to him?
5. How did his aunt rebuke him?
Answer:
1. One day Phatik lost his lesson-book.
2. It was impossible to Phatik to prepare his lessons although he failed to do so if he had the lesson-book.
3. His cousins were ashamed of him because his condition was abjectly miserable as the teachers caned him regularly.
4. His cousins also began to insult him more than the other boys do.
5. His aunt rebuked him by saying that it was impossible for her to buy new books five times a month.

Passage-10.

The next morning Phatik was nowhere to be seen. All searches in the neighbourhood proved futile. The rain had been pouring in torrents all night, and those who went out in search of the boy got drenched through to the skin. At last Bishwambhar asked help from the police. At the end of the day a police van stopped at the door before the house.

It was still raining and the streets were all flooded. Two constables brought out Phatik in their arms and placed him before Bishwambhar. He was wet through from head to foot, muddy all over, his face and eyes flushed red with fever, and his limbs all trembling. Bishwambhar carried him in his arms, and took him into the inner apartments. When his wife saw him, she exclaimed; What a heap of trouble this boy has given us. Hadn’t you better send him home?

1. What happened in the next morning?
2. Why Bishwambhar asked for police help?
3. What was the weather condition of that day?
4. Who brought Phatik home?
5. How was Phatik’s condition?
Answer:
1. In the next morning Phatik was nowhere to be seen. He fled from the house.
2. Bishwambhar asked for police help because all the efforts of search party went in vain to find out Phatik.
3. The weather was foul on that day. The rain had been pouring in torrents all night. The men
who went out to search got drenched through to the skin.
4. Two constables, brought back Phatik in their arms and placed him before Bishwambhar.
5. Phatik was wet from head to foot, his body was muddy all over. His face and eyes flushed red with fever and his limbs were trembling.

Passage – 11.

The fever rose very high, and all that night the boy was delirious. Bishwambhar brought in a doctor. Phatik opened his eyes flushed with fever, and looked up to the ceiling, and said vacantly: Uncle, have the holidays come yet? May I go home? Bishwambhar wiped the tears from his own eyes, and took Phatik’s lean and burning hands in his own, and sat by him through the night. The boy began again to mutter. At last his voice became excited: ‘Mother,’ he cried, ‘don’t beat me like that! Mother! I am telling the truth!’

1. How was Phatik all night?
2. What did Phatik ask the uncle.
3. What was the reaction of Bishwambhar?
4. What was his last voice?
5. Where was Phatik going the previous day?
Answer:
1. All night Phatik was delirious, his fever rose very high. So, Bishwambhar called in a doctor.
2. Phatik asked the uncle if the holidays had come and then he might go home.
3. Seeing the condition of Phatik Bishwambhar began to cry. He took Phatik’s lean and burning hands in his own and sat by him through the night.
4. Phatik’s last voice was for his mother. He requested mother not to beat him as he was telling the truth.
5. The previous day Phatik was going to his village home alone.

Passage – 12.

The next day Phatik became conscious for a short time. He turned his eyes about the room, as if expecting someone to come. At last, with an air of disappointment, his head sank back on the pillow. He turned his face to the wall with a deep sigh.

Bishwambhar knew his thoughts, and, bending down his head, whispered: ‘Phatik, I have sent for your mother.’ The day went by. The doctor said in a troubled voice that the boy’s condition was very critical. Phatik began to cry out; ‘By the mark! -three fathoms. By the mark – four fathoms. By the mark-.’ He had heard the sailor on the river- steamer calling out the mark on the plumb-line. Now he was himself plumbing an unfathomable sea.

1. How was Phatik the next day?
2. What did Bishwambhar say to Phatik?
3. What did the doctor say?
4. What did Phatik call out?
5. How did Phatik turn his face?
Answer:
1. The next day Phatik became conscious for a short period of time.
2. Bishwambhar said to Phatik that he had sent for his mother.
3. The doctor said that the boy’s condition was very critical.
4. Phatik called out the mark of on the plumb-line as he heard the sailor to do on the river.
5. Phatik turned his face to the wall with a deep sigh.

The Homecoming About the Story

The Homecoming’ is a story of Phatik Chakraborty, a 14 years old boy who proves to be a problem to his mother. He was sent to his maternal uncle’s house in the city. There he was admitted to a school, but he was inattentive in his education. Naturally he got punishment from the teacher. So, he was ridiculed by his cousins, classmates, and slighted by his aunt.

His maternal uncle also remained silent. He desired to return to his mother in village home. But he was told to wait till the holidays came. He was unable ot put up with the happenings so, he left the city, caught in showers and fell ill. Two policemen brought him home. His mother was informed. She came but it was too late. He was unable to talk. In illness he asked his mother, Mother, have the holidays come. These were his last words. The boy longing to return to the wide open spaces of his village home was granted metaphorically in the poignant closing lines of the story.

The Homecoming About the Author

Rabindranath Tagore was mainly a Bengali Poet. Apart from that he was, writer, dramatist, composer, philosopher, social reformer and painter. In a sense he had a versatile genious. He also took part in our freedom movement in his own way. He was a devoted friend of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the Nation. The British awarded him the knighthood. But he returned the honour in protest against the Jalianwalabag massacre. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in literature in the year 1913, for his poetry collection Song offerings. He was popular throughout the world.

Tagore’s Gitanjali (Song offerings) Chitra, Chaitali, Balaka, Purobi, Punascha brought him the fame of a great poet. His novels, Gora, Ghare Baire, Rajarshi, etc. were also won fame. His short stories are also very popular. The ‘Homecoming’ is one of his famous short stories (‘chhuti’-in Bengali). The rural Bengal is alive in his short stories.

The Homecoming Brief Summary

Phatik Chakrabarti who lost his father early in his life was a fourteen years old Bengali boy. He was idle, desperate and disobedient. In comparison to Phatik his brother Makhan was quiet, good and fond of reading. Daily Phatik thought of some new mischief. One day he and his companions thought of a new mischief. A log was lying near the river was kept to make the mast of a boat.

They planned to push it into the river. Makhan protested and sat firmly on it. Initially they were puzzled. Makhan was pushed by one of the boys. He was told to get up but he was unconcerned. Phatik, the leader of the group ordered the boys to roll the log with Makhan. Thus, Makhan was thrown into the river with the log. He was questioned at home but he beat his brother Makhan and his mother also.

Phatik’s maternal uncle Bishwamvarbabu took Phatik to calcutta for his education with the permission of Phatik’s mother. Bishwambharbabu had three sons of his own and his wife did not like Phatik. Phatik has also his own problems. He was growing gradually. So, he was neither a child nor a man.

In calcutta Phatik was admitted in a school. The school was a miserable experience to Phatik. He failed to impress the teachers. His mind missed the village atmosphere. He became failure in school. Daily he was beaten badly in school. His cousins also ridiculed him. He grew impatient and wanted to return home. one day he lost his book. So. he was insulted by his school-mates and aunt.

Returning home that day Phatik tried to escape from home. However he was under the rainfall. He caught a severe cold. The police found him and brought him back to home as his uncle complained to the police. Due to severe criticism he wanted to return to home. His uncle informed that he could gò home during holidays. He started to ask when the holidays would come.

Phatik had a severe fever and he became restless. His condition was critical and his mother arrived when he was about to die. He requested his mother not to beat him. His last words to his-‘mother were Mother, have the holidays come’?

Glossary:

1. mast — upright support for the sails.
2. ring leader — Captain of improper activities.
3. thrash — beat with stick for punishment.
4. glory — pride, honour and respect.
5. hoarse — rough voice.
6. fury — anger
7. nibble — take little bites.
8. indignantly — hatefully.
9. Sullenly — sadly.
10. Supish — foolish
11. Prejudice — opinion without reason.
12. generosity — kindness
13, gazed — Steadily looked
14. Laughing stock — person to be laughed at
15. clumsy — awkward, complex
16. lout — ill, mannered.
17. futile — useless
18. delirious — talking incoherently.
19. vacantly — blankly
20. flung — sudden throwing

Plot:

‘The Homecoming’ is a sad story of a 14 years old boy Phatik Chakraborty. He lost his father at an early age and no one understood his personal feelings. Being unable to bear with his wildness and new mischief his mother sent him to calcutta with her brother to study there. He was admitted in a school. He was not at ease in home or in school.

He failed to adjust in the new situations and was constantly ridiculed, insulted and beaten. Everyone neglected his emotions. His maternal uncle Bishwambharbabu who brought him to calcutta ignored him. Being homesick Phatik wanted to return in his village home. He ran away from the house and the police brought him back. He fell ill. His mother was called for. She came but it was too late. He told his mother his dying words, ‘Mother, the holidays have come’.

Theme:

‘The Homecoming’ is a touching story of a youth of 14 years. The main idea of the story is to treat our children properly. Children are the budding flowers but we often fail to see their personal griefs. A child wants love from his near and dear ones. But its a pity that we often do not treat them with love, a soft touch of solace, or a word of consolation. For the lack of care, nursing and assistance millions of children are worn out. Phatik is not loved by his mother or maternal uncle and aunt. His feelings are neglected. Tagore points out that we should open our eyes towards the children to treat them with proper care, attention, sympathy and love.

Title :

The title of a literary article is like the signboard of a shop. The singboard indicates the availability of the articles in that shop. The title of the story ‘The Homecoming’ clearly indicates the main theme of the story symbolically. Phatik once moves to calcutta. He misses his rural atomophere. He has a strong urge to return to his home vilage. He gets permission to go to village during holidays. In calcutta Phatik was like a masterless stray dogs. He realised that he is unwanted and unloved in his maternal uncle’s house.

Phatik does not fare well in calcutta school. He has no real friends. He only dreams of homecoming. Ironically Phatik decides to go home but he is seriously ill of fever. He becomes bedridden and only dreams of homecoming. When he sees his mother he only manages to tell her ‘Mother, the holidays have come. The last words of Phatik is very significant. The last words represent his desire to be reunited with his mother who actually loves him. These last words represent Phatik’s homecoming. Thus, the title is symbolic, apt and justified in the true sense.

Bonku Babu’s Friend Characters

Phatik Chakrabarti :

Phatik is a 14 years old village boy. He is the ring leader among the village boys. He lost his father in his early childhood. He got a vast area for playing. But he was compelled to go to calcutta and he misses his rural atmosphere the most. Phatik lacks the love and affection from his mother and he thinks that his mother is in favour of Makhan, his brother. So’ becomes rude to his mother.

He also presses for his dignity at home. Phatik understands the value of his home. When he comes to calcutta in his maternal uncle’s house, his uncle and aunt consider him as a burden. Biswambhor’s three sons and his wife always insult and ridicule him repeatedly. Being fed up he runs away from home but the policemen bring him back home. Phatik falls ill, of fever. But his mother comes when he is in a serious condition. His last words are, ‘Mother, the holidays have come’.

Makhan Chakraborty :

Makhan Chakraborty is the younger brother of Phatik. His appearance in the story is of a brief period but he leaves a great impression on us. Phatic is wild and lazy but on the other hand Makhan is serious and peaceful. He sits on the log to protest the plan of Phatik to push the in the river. Phatik and his companions are at a loss to take the decision.

Makhan does not afraid of Phatik’s friend. He is asked to get up from the log but he remains unconcerned. Even when Phatik orders his companions to push the log along with Makhan he remains unmoved. The incident clearly indicates that Makhan is a boy of firm determination. That is why he receives more love from his mother than Phatik.

Setting :

The setting of the story is partly in the village and partly in calcutta. At the beginning Phatik and his mates are playing in the open near a river. They are thinking of a mischief. Soon after Bishwambharbabu, Phatik’s maternal uncle appears in the scene to see his widowed sister after years. He comes to know about the mischief’s done by Phatik.

He offers to take Phatik to calcutta to educate him properly. Phatik’s mother agrees to the proposal and Phatik comes to Calcutta. The rest of the story is set in Calcutta. There he is admitted to a school. He is a poor performer in school and the boys ridicule him often. Even his cusins and aunt ridicule him. Eventually he passes in Calcutta. At his last moment his mother comes to Calcutta. Even before death he does not get motherly love and affection.

Style :

The story ‘The Homecoming’ of Rabindranath Tagore is written in a traditional narrative style. It starts from present to future. At the beginning of the story we see Phatik lives in a village with his parents and brother. He is happy to enjoy his life in the open space of nature. But soon he takes admission in Calcutta school. But he was unable to put up with the suffiocating atmosphere of Calcutta.

He falls ill and ultimately passes away. The language of the story is simple and straight forward. The author describes how a boy of fourteen commits nuisance. The remarks of the author depicts the great truth of our life and makes us aware to awaken the readers about the needs of tenagers.

The Homecoming Critical Appreciation

The story ‘The homecoming’ is a nice story that shows the change of life journey of Phatik from a carefree child with mischiefs and a ring leader of boys to a masterless stray dog. Before going to Calcutta he makes peace with his brother Makhan by giving him all his toys. But on the contrary he was unable to put up with the suffocating condition of Calcutta.

Phatik was annoyed with the cold attitude of the Calcuttans. His aunt looks down upon him. His cousins also tease him. Even his teachers do not treat him with affection and his maternal aunt remains a mute spectator of the entire incidents. Ultimate he passes away neglected. ‘Mother, have the holidays come’ are his last words in the presence of his mother. Thus, the reformation of Phatik is the main subject matter of the story.

The Homecoming Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Read the questions given below and tick the correct answer:

Question 1.
Who sat on the log ?
a. Bishwambhar
b. Makhan
c. owner of the log
d. all of the above
Answer:
b. Makhan.

Question 2.
The log was to be used for making-
a. furniture
b. a boat
c. boat mast
d. all of the above
Ans.
c. boat mast.

Question 3.
Phatik becomes-
a. unattractive
b. self conscious
c. shy
d. intentionally mischievous.
Answer:
d. intentionally mischievous.

Question 4.
Phatik’s aunt had-
a. 2 children
b. 3 hildren
c. 4 children
d. 1 children
Answer:
c. 3 children.

Question 5.
Bishwambharbabu started business in-
a. Calcutta
b. Delhi
c. Orissa
d. Bombay
Answer:
d. Bombay

Question 6.
Phatik’s aunt was displeased with his arrival because-
a. Phatik was wild and lazy
b. he was uncultured
c. he was a boy of 14
d. intentionally mischievous
Answer:
d. Intentionally mischievous.

Question 7.
Phatik’s mother lost her husband when his brother was in-
a. London
b. Australia
c. Bombay
d. Delhi
Answer:
c. Bombay.

Question 8.
According to aunt holidays would not come till-
a. October
b. November
c. December
d. September
Answer:
c. November

Question 9.
One day Phatik lost his-
a. lesson book
b. Pen
c. Pencil
d. bag
Answer:
a. lesson book

Question 10.
Phatik had an attack of-
a. cholera
b. typhoid
c. malarial fever
d. none of the above
Answer:
c. malarial fever.

Question 11.
To return Phatik Bishwambhar took the help of
a. detective
b. Police
c. Boys
d. teachers
Answer:
b. Police.

Question 12.
According to the doctor Phatik’s, condition was
a. critical
b. well
c. unwell
d. none of the above
Answer:

Treasure Chest A Collection of ICSE Chapter Workbook Answers

Treasure Chest Workbook Answers Chapter 3 The Model Millionaire

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Treasure Chest Workbook Answers Chapter 3 The Model Millionaire

Treasure Chest Workbook Answers Chapter 3 The Model Millionaire

The Model Millionaire Comprehension Questions Answers

Read the extracts and answer the following questions:

Passage – 1.

To make matters worse, he was in love. The girl he loved was Laura Merton, the daughter of a retired Colonel who had lost his temper and his digestion in India, and had never found either of them again. Laura adored him, and he was ready to kiss her shoe-strings. They were the handsomest couple in London, and had not a penny-piece between them.

The Colonel was very fond of Hughie, but would not hear of any engagement.’Come to me, my boy, when you have got ten thousand pounds of your own, and we will see about it,’ he used to say; and Hughie looked very glum on those days, and had to go to Laura for consolation.

1. Whom did Hughie love?
2. Who was Laura Merton?
3. What was the bar in their marriage?
4. Why did Hughie look gloom?
5. What was the condition of marriage?
Answer:
1. Hughie loved Laura Merton, a beautiful lady.
2. Laura Merton was the lover of Hughie and the daughter of a colonel.
3. Laura’s father was unwilling to get his daughter married with Hughie unless he owned ten thousand pounds.
4. Hughie looked glum because he had not the ten thousand pounds to marry Laura.
5. The condition of the marriage was that Hughie should own ten thousand pounds.

Passage – 2.

Personally he was a strange rough fellow, with a freckled face and a red ragged beard. However, when he took up the brush he was a real master, and his pictures were eagerly sought after. He had been very much attracted by Hughie at first, it must be acknowledged, entirely on account of his personal charm.

‘The only people a painter should know,’ he used to say, ‘are people who are beautiful, people who are an artistic pleasure to look at and an intellectual repose to talk to. Men who are dandies and women who are darlings rule the world, at least they should do so.’ However, after he got to know Hughie better, he liked him quite as much for his bright buoyant spirits and his generous reckless nature, and had given him the permanent entree to his studio.

1. How was Alan Trevor?
2. When was he a real master?
3. How did Alan Trevor look?
4. Why did he give him permanent entry into his studio?
Answer:
1. Alan Trevor was a strange rough fellow, with a freckled face and a red ragged beard.
2. When Alan Trevor took a brush in his hand he became a master painter.
3. Trevor looked strange and rough but he was a master painter.
4. He gave him permanent entry to his studio because of his bright spirits and generous reckless nature.

Passage – 3.

When Hughie came in he found Trevor putting the finishing touches to a wonderful life-size picture of a beggar-man. The beggar himself was standing on a raised platform in a corner of the studio. He was a wizened old man, with a face like wrinkled parchment, and a most piteous expression.

Over his shoulders was flung a coarse brown cloak, all tears and tatters; his thick boots were patched and cobbled, and with one hand he leant on a rough stick, while with the other he held out his battered hat for alms.
‘What an amazing model!’ whispered Hughie, as he shook hands with his friend.
‘An amazing model?’ shouted Trevor at the top of his voice; T should think so! Such beggars as he are not to be met with every day. A living Velasquez! My stars! what an etching Rembrandt would have made of him!’

1. What was Trevor doing when Hughie came?
2. Where did the beggar stand?
3. How was the beggar?
4. What did the beggar have on his both hands?
5. What did Trevor say seeing the model?
Answer:
1. When Hughie came Trevor was busy in giving the finishing touch to a wonderful life size picture of a beggar man.
2. The beggar stood on a raised platform in a corner of the studio.
3. The beggar was a wizened old man with a face like wrinkled parchment and a most piteous expression. Over his shoulders was flung a coarse brown cloak all tears and tatters.
4. With one hand the beggar leaned on a rough stick and in the other hand he held out his battered hat for alms.
5. Seeing the model Trevor shouted by saying that it was an amazing model.

Passage – 4.

The old beggar-man took advantage of Trevor’s absence to rest for a moment on a wooden bench that was behind him. He looked so forlorn and wretched that Hughie could not help pitying him, and felt in his pockets to see what money he had.

All he could find was a sovereign and some coppers. ‘Poor old fellow,’ he thought to himself, ‘he wants it more than I do, but it means no hansoms for a fortnight;’ and he walked across the studio and slipped the sovereign into the beggar’s hand. The old man started, and a faint smile flitted across his withered lips. ‘Thank you, sir,’ he said, ‘thank you.’

1. What was the advantage that the beggar took?
2. Why did Hughie have pity on the beggar?
3. Why did Hughie offer to the beggar?
4. Why did the beggar smile?
5. What did the beggar say?
Answer:
1. The beggar took the advantage of Trevor’s absence and rested for a moment on a wooden bench.
2. The beggar looked so forlorn and wretched that Hughie had pity on him.
3. Hughie offered a sovereign into the beggars hand.
4. The beggar smiled at the kindness of Hughie.
5. The beggar thanked him for his generousity.

Passage – 5.

Then Trevor arrived, and Hughie took his leave, blushing a little at what he had done. He spent the day with Laura, got a charming scolding for his extravagance, and had to walk home. That night he strolled into the Palette Club about eleven o’clock, and found Trevor sitting by himself in the smoking-room drinking hock and seltzer. ‘Well, Alan, did you get the picture finished all right?’ he said, as he lit his cigarette.

1. When did Hughie take leave?
2. Where did Hughie spend the day?
3. What did Hughie find in the Pallette club?
4. What did Hughie ask Alan?
5. Why did he get a charming scolding?
Answer:
1. When Trevor arrived Hughie took his leave.
2. Hughie spent the day with Laura.
3. In the Pallette club Hughie found Trevor sitting by himself in the smoking room drinking hock and seltzer.
4. Hughie asked Alan when he got the picture finished all right.
5. He got a charming scolding for his extravagance and walked to home.

Passage – 6.

‘My dear Alan’, cried Hughie, ‘I shall probably find him waiting for me when I go home. But of course you are only joking. Poor old wretch! I wish I could do something for him. I think it is dreadful that any one should be so miserable. I have got heaps of old clothes at home – do you think he would care for any of them? Why, his rags were falling to bits.

‘But he looks splendid in them’, said Trevor. T wouldn’t paint him in a frock-coat for anything. What you call rags I call romance. What seems poverty to you is picturesqueness to me. However, I’ll tell him of your offer.’
‘Alan’, said Hughie seriously, ‘you painters are a heartless lot.’ ‘An artist’s heart is his head’, replied Trevor; ‘and besides, our business is to realise the world as we see it, not to reform it as we know it. And now tell me how Laura is. The old model was quite interested in her.’

1. What he wished to do for him?
2. What is romance to Alan?
3. According to Hughie how were the painters?
4. What was the business of a painter?
5. Who was interested about Laura?
Answer:
1. He wished that he could do something for Hughie.
2. Alan would not paint him in a frock coat because what he called rags, he called it romance.
3. According to Hughie the painters were heartless a lot and an artists heart is his head.
4. The business of a painter is to realise the world as they see it and not to reform it.
5. The old model Baron was interested about Laura Merton.

Passage-7.

‘My dear boy,’ said Trevor, smiling, ‘that old beggar, as you call him, is one of the richest men in Europe. He could buy all London to-morrow without overdrawing his account. He has a house in every capital, dines off gold plate, and can prevent Russia going to war when he chooses.’
‘What on earth do you mean?’ exclaimed Hughie.
‘What I say,’ said Trevor. ‘The old man you saw to-day in the studio was Baron Hausberg. He is a great friend of mine, buys all my pictures and that sort of thing, and gave me a commission a month ago to paint him as a beggar. And I must say he made a magnificent figure in his rags, or perhaps I should say in my rags; they are an old suit I got in Spain.’

1. What did Trevor say about the beggar?
2. Who was the old man in the studio?
3. Describe the beggar’s activities.
4. What did he give to Trevor to paint him?
5. Who was Baron Housberg?
Answer:
1. Trevor smilingly told that the old beggar was one of the richest men in Europe. He was able to buy all London the next day without over drawing his account. He had a house in every capital. He took dinner in gold plate and could prevent Russia going to war when he chose.
2. The old man in the studio was Baron Housberg. He was a good friend of Trevor.
3. Baron Housberg bought all his pictures and a month ago gave him a commission to paint him as a beggar.
4. He gave Trevor some commission for painting him as a beggar in his studio.
5. Housberg was a Baron, a very rich person and he was a very good friend of Trevor.

Passage – 8.

‘Well, to begin with, Hughie’, said Trevor, ‘it never entered my mind that you went about distributing alms in that reckless way. I can understand your kissing a pretty model, but your giving a sovereign to an ugly one – by Jove, no! Besides, the fact is that I really was not at home today to any one; and when you came in I didn’t know whether Hausberg would like his name mentioned. You know he wasn’t in full dress.
‘What a duffer he must think me!’ said Hughie.
‘Not at all. He was in the highest spirits after you left; kept chuckling to himself and rubbing his old wrinkled hands together. I couldn’t make out why he was so interested to know all about you; but I see it all now. He’ll invest your sovereign for you, Hughie, pay you the interest every six months, and have a capital story to tell after dinner.’

1. What did Trevor say to Hughie?
2. What was the real fact?
3. What was the opinion of Trevor?
4. What did Trevor fail to make out?
5. What he had to say about Hughie?
Answer:
1. Trevor said that he did not expect Hughie to give alms in the reckless way.
2. The real fact was that he was not at home and he did not if Housberg would like his name mentioned.
3. The opinion of Trevor was that he could not make out why he was so interested to know about Hughie.
4. Trevor failed to make out why he was so interested about Hughie.
5. About Hughie he said that he would invest his sovereign for Hughie. He would pay him the interest every six months.

Passage – 9.

I am an unlucky devil’, growled Hughie. ‘The best thing I can do is to go to bed; and, my dear Alan, you mustn’t tell anyone. I shouldn’t dare show my face in the Row.’
‘Nonsense! It reflects the highest credit on your philanthropic spirit, Hughie. And don’t run away. Have another cigarette, and you can talk about Laura as much as you like.’ However, Hughie wouldn’t stop, but walked home, feeling very unhappy, and leaving Alan Trevor in fits of laughter.

1. Why did Hughie think himself unlucky?
2. What he can do best?
3. What did Trevor tell Hughie?
4. How did Trevor pacify Hughie?
5. What was the condition of Hughie?
Answer:
1. Hughie thought himself unlucky as he gave a sovereign to the Baron without knowing his identity.
2. He could do best to go to bed and he should not dare to show his face to anyone for shame.
3. Trevor told Hughie not to run away and requested to smoke another cigarette. He could talk about Laura as much as he liked.
4. Trevor pacified Hughie by saying that he should forget that incident and think about Laura, his lover.
5. Hughie was very unhappy and left Alan Trevor in fits of laughter.

Passage-10.

“The Baron”, said the old gentleman, with a smile, ‘has commissioned me to bring you this letter;’ and he extended a sealed envelope. On the outside was written, ‘A wedding present to Hugh Erskine and Laura Merton, from an old beggar,’ and inside was a cheque for £ 10,000. When they were married Alan Trevor was the bestman, and the Baron made a speech at the wedding breakfast.
‘Millionaire models,’ remarked Alan, ‘are rare enough; but, by Jove, model millionaires are rarer still!’

1. Why did Hughie want apology?
2. Why did the Baron send to Hughie?
3. What was written on the envelope?
4. What was inside the envelope?
5. What did Alan remark in the wedding ceremony?
Answer:
1. Hughie wanted apology because he gave a Sovereign to the Baron considering him a real beggar?
2. Baron sent an envelope to Hughie.
3. On the outside of the envelope it was written-A wedding present to Hughie Errkine and Laura Merton from an old beggar.
4. Inside the envelope there was a cheque of £ 10,000.
5. Alan remarked, ‘Millionaire models’ ‘are rare enough; but, by Jove, model millionaires are rarer still.

The Model Millionaire About the Story

Oscar wilde’s short story ‘The Model Millionaire’ tells us about a young man, who helps a beggar only to discover the begger as a millionaire. In the story the author shows that the rich are not always heartless or unsympathetic. Hughie Erskine, a nice fellow is a failure in his life. He is ambitious and is in love with a girl named Laura Merton. But he is unable to marry her as he has not ten thousand pounds of his own.

He got a chance to meet Baron Housberg, a billionaire. But he does not know him. But the meeting proves to be a turning point in his life. The Baron gifted him ten thousand pounds by which he is able to marry Laura Merton. It was simply because Hughie has given him one sovereign in his friend’s studio, when he was posing as a beggar. The Baron seems to have been greatly influenced by his generous nature. The desire to help him reveals that the Baron himself is a generous and kind person.

The Model Millionaire About the Author

Oscar wilde was an Irish poet. He was one of the most popular playwrights in London. He is famous for his wit and clever use of language. Oscar Wilde was born in Dublin in the year 1854, on 16th October. He was educated in Dublin and Oxford. His first volume of poems was published in the year 1881. He wrote fiction, drama and essays for novelty.

He had a versatile genious and so entered into the all departments of literature. His important works are ‘The Happy Prince’, ‘Seflish Giant’, ‘The picture of Dorian Gray’, ‘Lady windermere’s Fan’ and ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’. He passed away on 30th November, 1900 in Paris, France.

The Model Millionaire Brief Summary

ughie Erskine was a very good looking young man with his crisp brown hair, his clear-cut profile and his grey eyes. He was very popular among men and women. He had every accomplishment besides making money. He kept changing everything but he failed to build a career. For six months he tried his hand on the Stock Exchange. For a little longer he was a tea merchant. Afterwards he had tried to sell a dry sherry. But in all the fields he was a failure.

Hughie’s father willed him his cavalry sword, and a history of the peninsular in fifteen volumes. Hughie hung the first over his looking glass and put the second on a shelf between Ruff’s Guide and Bailey’s Magazine. He lived on two hundred a year that an old aunt allowed him. He failed in every career. He became nothing, a delightful ineffective youth with a perfect profile without profession.

Hughie fell in love with a rich girl Laura Merton, the daughter of a retired colonel; who had lost his temper and digestion in India and had never found of them again. Laura loved him and he was also loved to kiss her shoestrings. They were a couple in London. The colonel also liked Hughie but he was not in favour of engagement. He was ready to allow them to get married if Hughie had ten thousand pounds of his own.

Once Hughie visited his painter friend Alan Trevor. Alan was giving the finishing touches to a wonderful life size picture of a beggar in his studio when Hughie entered there. In one corner of the studio the beggar was standing. He was a wizened old man with a face like wrinkled parchment and with the most piteous expression.

In one hand he had a rough stick and in other hand he held out his battered hat for alms. Alan went out to meet the frame maker. The old beggar sat down on the wooden bench behind him. Looking at the miserable looks of the beggar Hughie was touched very much. He put a sovereign and some coppers in the beggars hand. The beggar thanked him with a smile.

Hughie went to the Palette Club at 11pm at night. There he found Alan in the smoking room. They talked about the model of the beggar. Alan informed Hughie that the model of his picture was not at all a beggar but a millionaire. Hearing from Alan he was surprised. The name of the millionaire was Baron Housberg. Unhappily Hughie returned home but Alan laughed loudly. Hughie having mistaken the Baron for a beggar gave him sovereign. He was very sorry for his mistake to treat a richman to a beggar.

He had fear in mind that the Baron might take his act of generousity as an insult. In the next morning Baron’s messenger brought a letter for Hughie. In the envelope there was a cheque of ten thousand pounds, which was a wedding gift to Hughie and Laura Merton from Baron Housberg. In the marriage day Alan Trevor was the best man and the Baron gave a lecture at the wedding breakfast. He said, ‘Millionaire models were rare enough, but model millionaires are rarer still’.

Glossary

1. Privilege — advantage
2. fascinating charming
3. accomplishment — success
4. bequeathed — willed,
5. Peko’e — a quality tea,
6. gloom — looking dejected
7. ineffectual — unsucessful
8. freckled — small spots on skin
9. repose — rest
10. buoyant — cheerful
11. pitious — kind
12. wizened — wrinkled due to age
13. forlorn — sad,
14. hansoms — a horse carriage
15. conquest — victory/win
16. relentless — cruel
17. extravagance — spending lavishly
18. duffer — stupid
19. growled — made low sound
20. stammered — stuttered.

Plot : The story The Model Milionaire by Oscar wilde has a well knit plot. Hughie Erskine, the hero of the story is handsome, popular and charming. But his financial condition was not well. He tried to succeed in various business but all in Vain. His one of the elderly aunts gave him two hundred pounds a year. He has fallen in love with Laura Merton a young woman. Colonel Merton Laura’s father liked Hughie but as he was poor he denied the marriage proposal.

He gave a condition to Hughie to earn ten thousand pounds and only then he will allow her daughter to marry. Once Hughie went to meet his painter friend Alan Trevor. Alan was busy in painting an old beggar ‘with torn clothes and a stick in his hand. In other hand he had an old hat to beg for money. His wrinkled face was very sad. Before leaving the room Alan gave the old beggar a sovereign and the beggar was very happy

At night Hughie and Alan met again. The old man asked him many questions about him, Alan told him all with his love affair. Huaring that Hughie was not happy. At that time Alan told him that the beggar was a millionaire actually. Then Hughie was ashamed to give him a sovereign. The next day a messenger from Baron came to Hughie and gave him an envelope. The envelope contained a wedding gift from ‘an Old beggar’. Hughie found a cheque inside the envelope of ten thousand pounds. Thus Hughie and Laura got married.

Theme : Some qualities of human life like generousity, friendship, pity, love and gratitude are beautifully depicted in the short story. ‘The Model Millionaire’ by Oscar Wilde. Apart from that the story contains the theme of commitment, charity, connection, struggle and happiness. Hughie, the protagonist was be fooled to think that the Baron was a beggar.

His assumption was based on the dress and what he told him. That is why Hughie hands the Baron a sovereign. The act of kindness is the fact that he gives more than he can really afford to. The generousity of Hughie has an unexpected positive consequences. The Baron repays him with ten thousand pounds as wedding present. In this way the story establishes the idea that if there are millionaire models there are also model millionaries with golden hearts.

The Model Millionaire Characters

Hughie Erskine :

Hughie Erskine, the hero of the story is a handsome, good looking man with crisp brown hair. He has a clearcut profile and grey eyes. He is popular to everybody, men and women. He tries many professions but he was unsuccessful in all his endeavour. So, he was very unhappy and fed up.

He was sincerely in love with Laura Merton and was always ready to kiss her shoestrings. Laura also loved him. But his poverty appeared as a bar as Laura’s father refused to get his daughter married with Hughie unless he earned ten thousand pounds.

Hughie’s heart was golden. He was a kind hearted person as being touched by the miserable financial condition of the poor beggar in his friend’s studio, he gave him a sovereign that he had. This act of his kindness changed his life. Actually, the beggar was Baron Housberg a millionaire. He repaid his kindness by giving him a gift of ten thousand pounds.

Alan Trevor :

Alan Trevor was a friend of Hughie. He was a successful painter. He is a strange rough fellow /with a freckled face and a redragged beard. But when he took the brush he was an ideal painter. His pictures were very famous. He believed that a painter should know only the people who were beautiful and in which the artistic pleasures were available. He was a sincere friend.

Always he used to answer the questions of Hughe’s simply. When Hughie was absent Alan told Baron Housberg everything about him. He revealed his love affair with Laura and her father’s views about marriage. The incident about Hughie’s love affairs touched his heart deeply. He presented Hughie’s ten thousand pounds. He was present at Hughie’s wedding and acted as the best person. He also praised the good gesture of Baron Housberg and called him a model millionaire.

Baron Housberg :

Baron Housberg was a millionaire in the oscar wilde’s story ‘The Model Millionaire’. Although he was a millionaire he was not at all proud of his wealth. We could call it as his fancy as he liked to pose himself as a beggar. Hughie saw him in tattered clothes and patched and cobbled boot he had pity in his mind. Pitiously he gave him a sovereign and he accepted with thanks. But the Baron had a golden heart. He came to know the problems of Hughie, he decided to help him. He sent a messenger to Hughie house with an envelope containing a cheque of ten thousand pounds. That is why Alan described him as a model millionaire.

Setting :

The story ‘The Model Millionaire’ by Oscar wilde was published in the newspaper The World in June, 1887. The setting of the story was of late nineteenth century Europe. The central characters lived and interacted with one another at that time. Baron Housberg was one of the richest men in Europe. In Alan Trevor’s studio most of the actions took place. A small part of action took place at the Palette Club where Hughie and Alan met at night.

Style :

The short story ‘The Model Millionaire’ deals with a poor person’s life like Hughie. Inspite of his poverty he was a charming young man with a beautiful face and handsome physique. The author followed the traditional style of narration in the story.

The story moved from present to future. The language is lucid and simple. The story is quite interesting with the author’s comments and humourous observations. Such as Romance is the privilege of the rich. To make the matter worse he was in love. Those saying made the story enjoyable. The concluding sentence Millionaire models are rare but model millionaires are rarer still has become a proverb almost.

Title :

The highlights of the story The Model Millionaire’ highlighted the kindness of a rich and unassuming man who presented ten thousand pounds for the wedding of true lovers, namely Hughie and Laura Merton. In this sense the title is apt and significant.

Baron Housberg is a millionaire. He was the model of a beggar in tattered clothes, torm boots holding a staff in one hand and a hat in the other to accept alms. Hughie was moved to see the wretched condition. He gave him a sovereign Later when the Baron came to know that Hughie was a very poor fellow he presented him ten thousand pounds. Thus, the Baron proved that he was not only a millionaire model but also a model millionaire because his heart was golden like the rich men should have. So, the title is apt and appropriate.

The Model Millionaire Critical Appreciation

The story The Model Millionaire by Oscar wilde is actually the good samaritan tale and in this story the samaritan is aptly rewarded. The writing style is very attractive and so, the story wins the heart of the readers. Hughie Erskine is a young and good looking man. He is poor because he is not clever. He tries many business but fails so he is fully unfit for the commercial world.

He loves Laura who is the daughter of a retired colonel. He is ready to permit his daughter to marry Hughie if he owns ten thousand pounds. Thus, his love affair was at a stake. But fortunately, he meets Baron Housberg and his life changes with his gift he is able to marry his beloved Laura. The author wants to say that only the money do not soothe one’s soul unless he utilizes the money to help the needy. The narrative style of story telling is very attractive. The author’s personal comments add to the story a new attraction.

The Model Millionaire Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Read the questions given below and tick the correct answer:

Question 1.
The author says Romance is the privilege of the …………..
a. poor
b. rich
c. talented
d. intelligent
Answer:
b. rich.

Question 2.
The poor should be practical and …………..
a. witty
b. hard working
c. prosaic
d. labourious
Answer:
c. Prosaic.

Question 3.
Hughie had crisp hair …………..
a. black
b. red
c. white
d. brown
Answer:
d. brown.

Question 4.
History of Peninsular war had volumes……………
a. ten
b. fifteen
c. twelve
d. eleven
Answer:
b. fifteen.

Question 5.
Hughie loved …………..
a. Laura Merton
b. Shelley
c. Ruby
d. Kavita
Answer:
a. Laura Merton.

Question 6.
Besides being a painter Trevor was also a/an …………..
a. architect
b. carpenter
c. artist
d. none of the above
Answer:
c. artist.

Question 7.
The beggar was an old man …………..
a. wizened
b. thain
c. fat
d. none of the above
Answer:
a. wizened.

Question 8.
Hughie gave the beggar a …………..
a. bag
b. purse
c. a sovereign
d. none of the above
Answer:
c. a sovereign.

Question 9.
The lover of Hughie was the daughter of a …………..
a. officer
b. painter
c. artist
d. colonel
Answer:
c. colonel.

Question 10.
I will be back in a moment’ where did the speaker, go?
a. to the kitchen
b. to talk to Baron
c. to see the frame maker
d. to bring paint
Answer:
c. to see the frame maker.

Question 11.
An artist’s heart is in his …………..
a. mind
b. head
c. soul
d. feelings
Answer:
b. head.

Question 12.
Who gave a speech in the wedding breakfast?
a. Alan Trevor
b. Baron Housberg
c. Laura Merton
d. None of the above
Answer:
b. Baron Housberg.

Treasure Chest A Collection of ICSE Chapter Workbook Answers

Treasure Chest Workbook Answers Chapter 2 Oliver Asks for More

by
Treasure Chest Workbook Answers Chapter 2 Oliver Asks for More

Treasure Chest Workbook Answers Chapter 2 Oliver Asks for More

Oliver Asks for More Comprehension Questions Answers

Read the extracts and answer the following questions:

Passage -1.

Among other buildings in a town in England, there was a house for poor people who had no money and nowhere to live. This was called the workhouse. Oliver Twist was born in a workhouse. His mother, a young woman, lay ill in bed. A doctor and an old woman stood by her side. She lifted her head from the pillow.
‘Let me see the child and die,’ she said.
‘Oh, you mustn’t talk about dying yet,’ said the doctor.
‘No, dear,’ said the old woman. ‘You are too young to die’.
The young woman shook her head and held out her hand towards the child.
The doctor put the child in her arms. She pressed her cold white lips to its face, and then fell back.
‘She is dead,’ said the doctor.

1. What was called the workhouse?
2. Where was Oliver born?
3. Who was Oliver’s mother?
4. Who stood by her side?
5. What did the mother say before death?
Answer:
1. In a town in England there was a house for poor people. This was called work house.
2. Oliver was born in the workhouse.
3. Oliver’s mother was a young woman who lay in bed.
4. A doctor and an old woman stood by the young lady.
5. Before death the mother requested to show her the child and she died.

Passage – 2.

The doctor put the child in her arms. She pressed her cold white lips to its face, and then fell back.
‘She is dead,’ said the doctor.
‘Yes, poor dear,’ said the old woman, as she took the child away from its dead mother. ‘Poor dear.’
‘She was a good-looking girl,’ said the doctor, as he put on his hat and gloves. ‘Where did she come from?’
‘She was brought here last night,’ said the old woman.
‘She was lying in the street. She had walked a long way and her shoes had holes in them. Nobody knows where she came from, or where she was going to.

1. Who was she?
2. How did she fall back?
3. What did the doctor tell about the mother.
4. What did the old man do?
5. When did she come there and how?
Answer:
1. She was a young ill woman who gave birth to Oliver.
2. The doctor put Oliver in her arms according to her request. She pressed her cold white lips to its face and then fell back to die.
3. The doctor after examining her body declared that she was dead.
4. The old woman took away the poor child from her mother to nurse.
5. She had walked a long way as her shoes had holes. Nobody knew from where she came and where she was going.

Passage – 3.

He went home to his dinner. The old woman sat down on a chair in front of the fire and began to dress the baby. She dressed him in the very old clothes used for babies who were born in the workhouse. The child was an orphan, born into a world which had no love or pity for him. No one was able to discover who the baby’s father was, or what his mother’s name was. Mr Bumble, an important officer in the town, invented a name for the baby. He chose the name Oliver Twist.

1. How did the woman dress the baby?
2. How was the child born?
3. Who was Mr. Bumble?
4. Who named the orphaned boy?
5. What did the old woman do when the doctor went for dinner?
Answer:
1. The old woman dressed the baby sitting down on a chair in front of the fire.
2. The child was born into a world which had no pity and love for him as he was an orphan.
3. Mr. Bumble was an important officer in the town.
4. Mr. Bumble named the orphaned boy as Oliver Twist.
5. The old woman sat down on a chair in front of a fire and dressed the baby with old clothes.

Passage – 4.

At the age of nine, Oliver was a pale, thin child. He and the other workhouse boys never had enough warm clothes or food. They were given only three meals of thin soup every day. On Sundays they had a small piece of bread. They were fed in a big hail. A large pot stood at one end of the room, and the soup was served by the master. Each boy had one small bowl of soup and no more. The bowls never needed washing, because the boys cleaned them with their spoons until they shone.

1. How was oliver when he was nine?
2. What was the condition of workhouse boys?
3. What did the boys get as food in the workhouse?
4. How was the food served?
5. What was the conditon of the bowls?
Answer:
1. At the age of nine Oliver was a pale thin child.
2. The workhouse boys were ill-treated. They never had enough warm clothes or food.
3. In the workhouse the boys got only three meals of thin soup daily. On sundays they used to get a small piece of bread.
4. The boys were fed in a big hall. A large pot was kept at one end of the room. Each boy had one small bowl of soup and no more.
5. The bowls were untidy. They never needed washing as the boys cleaned them with their spoons until they shone.

Passage-5.

One day Oliver and his friends decided that one boy would walk up to the master after supper and ask for more soup. Oliver was chosen. In the evening, the boys sat down at the tables. The master stood by the pot, and the soup was served. It disappeared quickly. The boys whispered and made signs to Oliver. He stood up from the table and went to the master, with his bowl and spoon in his hands.

1. What did Oliver and his friends decide?
2. Who was chosen to say the master?
3. Why did the food vanish quickly?
4. How did Oliver go to the master?
5. What did Oliver say to the master?
Answer:
1. Oliver and his friends decided to ask the master for more soup.
2. Oliver was chosen to say the master for more soup.
3. The food vanished quickly as the boys were very hungry.
4. Oliver went to the master with his bowl and spoon in his hand.
5. Oliver requested his master to give him some more soup.

Passage – 6.

The master was a fat, healthy man,but he went very pale. He looked with surprise at the small boy.
‘What?’ said the master at last in a quiet voice.
‘Please, sir,,’ repeated Oliver, T want some more.’
The master hit Oliver with his spoon, then seized him and cried for help. Mr Bumble rushed into the room, and the master told him what Oliver had said.
‘He asked for more?’ Mr Bumble cried. T cannot believe it. One day they will hang the boy.’
He took Oliver away and shut him in a dark room. The next morning a notice appeared on the workhouse gate. Five pounds were offered to anybody who would take Oliver Twist.

1. How was the master?
2. Why the master was pale?
3. What type of treatment did Oliver get?
4. What punishment did Oliver get?
5. What was the post morning notice?
Answer:
1. The master was a fat healthy man. But he went very pale and surprised at the request of the small boy.
2. The master heard the request of Oliver. He became pale after the request as there was no soup at all.
3. Oliver was taken away from there and he was shut in a dark room.
4. The punishment was confinement in a dark separate room for a week.
5. The post morning notice announced that five pounds would be offered to anybody who would take Oliver Twist.

Passage-7.

Oliver was a prisoner in that cold, dark room for a whole week. Every morning he was taken outside to wash, and Mr. Bumble beat him with a stick. Then he was taken into the large hall where the boys had their soup. Mr Bumble beat him in front of everybody. He cried all day. When night came he tried to sleep, but he was cold, lonely and frightened. But one day, outside the high workhouse gate, Mr Bumble met Mr Sowerberry. Mr Sowerberry was a tall, thin man who wore black clothes and made coffins. Many of his coffins were for the poor people who died in the workhouse.

1. What treatment did Oliver get?
2. How was Oliver at the night of confinement?
3. Who was Sowerberry?
4. How did Sowerberry dress?
5. What was the profession of Sowerberry?
Answer:
1. Every morning Oliver was taken out to wash and Mr. Bumble beat him with a stick.
2. In the nights of confinement Oliver tried to sleep but he was cold, lonely and frightened.
3. Mr. Sowerberry was tall and thin man. He met Mr. Bumble in the workhouse gate.
4. Mr. Sowerberry wore black clothes.
5. Mr. Sowerberry was coffin maker for the poor who died in the workhouse.

Oliver Asks for More About the Story

Charles Dickens is regarded as one of the greatest novelist of the victorian era. He was an English writer and social critic. Charles Dickens was born on 7th February, 1812 in Landport, Portsmouth United Kingdom. At the age of only 12 years he had to leave school as his father was in prison. At first he worked in a shoe factory. He started his writing Career When he was working as an office boy.

At the age of 24 years he wrote his first novel. He got worldwide fame through his novels like Oliver Twist, Great Expectations, Bleak House, David Copperfield and A Tale of two cities. He was the creator of immortal characters like Oliver Twist, Micawber and Pecksniff. He has written 15 novels.This famous novelist passed away on 9th June, 1870 at Gods Hill Palace, United Kingdom.

Oliver Asks for More About the Author

Source : The story ‘Oliver Asks for More’ is an extract from the novel ‘Oliver Twist’ of Charles Dickens.

Story : In the workhouse orphan Oliver and his companions were ill-treated and starved. Oliver was brought to a Children’s home where he had to face almost starvation. The story clearly pointed out the ill-treatment with the poor orphaned kids in the orphanage. They were given insufficient food and they suffered from slow starvation. Even they were not allowed to ask for more food. Oliver was punished as he asked for more food.

Oliver Asks for More Brief Summary

In an unidentified place in a work house a child was born. He lost his mother when the infant was struggling for survival. At that time a doctor and an old woman stood by. The mother faintly murmured when she heard the sound of the child’s voice by saying, Let me see the child and die. Both the wishes of the mother were granted as the doctor put the baby in her amrs. She kept her white cold lips to his face and died.

In reply to the doctor’s question the woman informed him that in the previous night she was brought there. She was lying in the street. Nobody knew from where she came there. The doctor looked at the girl’s left hand and said, The usual story, she has no ring on her finger. The doctor went away. The old woman dressed the infant with old clothes for babies.

No one was able to find out the parentage of the baby. Mr. Bumble, an important officer of the town named the baby Oliver Twist. When Oliver was nine years old he was a pale thin child. In the work house the boys were given only three meals of thin soup daily. On Sundays they got a piece of bread. In a big hall the boys were fed. One day Oliver and his companions planned that they would ask the master for more soup.

One day during soup serving it vanished quickly. Oliver asked his master for more soup. The master became pale hearing the question. Oliver repeated the question. The master cried for help. Mr Bumble came running into the room. He was told about the happening. He could not believe the incident. He took Oliver away and shut him in a dark room.

Oliver was sentenced to confinement immediately. A notice was pasted in the gate in the next morning that the home would offer five pounds to anyone who would accept Oliver as an apprentice in his work place. One day Mr. Bumble met Mr. Sowerberry. He asked him if anybody wanted a boy with five pounds. With this raising his stick he pointed out to the notice pasted in the gate.

Glossary:

1. Lifted — raised
2. Discover — find
3. Shook — moved
4. Disappeared — vanished
5. Orphan — a person who lost his parents
6. Warm — hot
7. Coffins — boxes for the dead bodies.
8. Supper — meal before bed time.
9. Whispered — talked in low tone.
10. Pointed — indicated.
11. Explained — described.
12. Pot — Container
13. Decided — took decision
14. Rushed — came running.

Theme : The story ‘Oliver Asks for More’ deals with the painful life of Oliver and the Cruel treatment that he received in the orphanage. The main theme of the story is that the small children who need love and care should not be neglected and beaten. They are forced to go through a hard life which they are unable to endure.

From the story we know that Oilver and other boys of the workhouse are tortured mercilessly. They all are ill-fed and beaten for no reason at all. Even they are kept in a dark room. Actually they are compelled to die in starvation gradually. Dickens pointed out the miserable condition of the workhouse children and he wanted to draw our attention and expected that we should treat them with sympathy. It is actually a social crime.

Plot : The story ‘Oliver Asks for more’ is taken from the novel Oliver Twist by charles Dickens. Two incidents are described in the short story. Actually this is an episode The story centres round the incident of the life of Oliver Twist at the workhouse. In the workhouse where Oliver used to stay gave only three meagre meals of thin soup daily.

One day it was decided that Oliver would ask for more soup from the master so, he asks for more. The master was at a loss. On the repeated request of Oliver the master called Mr. Bumble. He informed him of the incident. Oliver was beaten cruelly and he was shut up in a dark room.

Oliver Asks for More Characters

Oliver Twist :

The entire short story deals with the character of Oliver Twist. He was an orphan. He was born in a workhouse where poor homeless. people lived. His mother died soon after his birth. His parentage was unknown to everyday. Mr. Bumble gave him the name Oliver Twist.

When Oliver was nine years old he was a pale thin Child. He never got sufficient food and worm clothes to protect his body from cold. He was given three meals of thin soup there. On Sundays he got a small piece of bread.

The workhouse boarders decided to ask for more soup one day. Oliver was chosen to place the demand. The master was shaken hearing the demand of Oliver. Due to his protest he was shut in a cold dark room. He was beaten regularly. For a week he stayed as a prisoner in the cold dark room. Daily he is beaten with a stick in front of everybody when he is taken outside. At night he tries to sleep but he feels frightened and lonely.

Setting :

In London in a workhouse the story is set. The author treats the setting with awful subtlety. He did not mention the town or state and the date when the action of the story took place. We, the readers come to know that the events occur in a workhouse which is common to every localities.

In this way the author proclaims that he is going to deal with topics of general import. Willingly he keeps the immediate setting vague to the readers. His goal is to draw attention on the workhouse and the activities therein. In the workhouses, the boys are ill-treated and they are compelled to live on partly starvation.

Title :

The title of the story ‘Oliver Asks for More’ is just and appropriate. Oliver and his companions in the workhouse never had enough food and warm clothes. Daily they got three meals with thin soup. The boys themselves cleaned the bowls with their spoons so, the bowls were not properly cleaned. Each boy received one bowl of soup only.

One day Oliver and his companions decided that they would ask the master for more soup. Oliver was chosen to raise the question to the master. In the evening the soup was taken when it was served. Oliver taking his bowl went to the master and asked for more soup.

The master was amazed and went pale. He called Mr. Bumble. He was very angry. He shut Oliver in a dark room. In this way it is clear that the story revolves round Oliver’s asking for more soup and the punishment that he received. So, the title is apt and justified.

Style :

In this short story Charles Dickens has adhered to the traditional technique of story telling. The starting of a novel is always important. The author faces the problem of setting down the opening words in the first chapter. Here the method is chosen to regulate the overall organization of the book.

Time management is one of the elements of technique which draws the attention of the readers. The passage of time can be seen through chronological events. This can be done through dramatic presentation or narrative summary. Sometimes the writer resorts to bare statement.

In this story Dickens describes the brief account of Oliver’s birth and thereafter the statement starts — ‘Oliver is nine years old’. Thus, the reader is not made aware of the passing time.

Oliver Asks for More Critical Appreciation

The story Oliver Asks for More deals with the story of an orphan, named Oliver. He is brought up to children’s home. The young boys who lived in the orphanage were treated with inhuman cruelty. The board members were of the thought that they should be starved quickly outside or inside the workhouse.

If anyone asks for more he is beaten mercilessly. The story shows how the contemporary society ill-treated poor orphaned kids. At that age the children should be treated with love and care. But they are harshly treated and cruelly exploited. Here the author used the irony with devastating effect. If we compare with thin Oliver we see the master was fat and healthy.

Oliver Asks for More Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Read the questions given below and tick the correct answer:

Question 1.
Oliver Twist was born in a ………….
a. park
b. clinic
c. workhouse
d. a deserted building
Answer:
c. workhouse.

Question 2.
The name Oliver Twist was given by ………….
a. Swabble
b. Bumble
c. Unwin
d. an old woman of workhouse
Answer:
b. Bumble.

Question 3.
Mr. Sowerberry made………….
a. Coffins
b. shoes
c. utensils
d. buildings
Answer:
b. coffins.

Question 4.
Oliver remained prisoner for………….
a. a week
b. six months
c. five days
d. 24 hours
Answer:
a. a week.

Question 5.
Oliver asked for more soup and the master reacted with ………….
a. pleasure
b. surprise
c. shout
d. started beating
Answer:
d. started beating.

Question 6.
The taker of Oliver Twist would get ………….
a. ten
b. five
c. one
d. four pounds
Answer:
b. five

Question 7.
The soup disappeared soon because ………….
a. it was not enough
b. it was tasty
c. boys were hungry
d. all of the above
Answer:
c. boys were hungry.

Question 8.
The bowls never needed washing because ………….
a. they were made of glass
b. made of bone china
c. the boys cleaned them with spoons
d. all of the above
Answer:
c. the boys cleaned them with spoons.

Question 9.
Oliver’s mother pressed her cold lips to his face and ………….
a. smiled
b. cried
c. died
d. slept
Answer:
c. died.

Question 10.
The Master was ………….
a. fat
b. fat and healthy
c. thin
d. Pale
Answer:
b. fat and healthy.

Question 11.
The child was an orphan. The child was ………….
a. Bumble
b. Oliver
c. doctor
d. none of the above
Answer:
b. Oliver.

Question 12.
The master hit Oliver with a ………….
a. spoon
b. bowl
c. stick
d. none of the above
Answer:
a. spoon.

Question 13.
Mr. Sowerberry was ………….
a. tall
b. tall and thin
c. fat
d. none of the above
Answer:
b. tall and thin.

Question 14.
The taker of Oliver was offered ………….
a. 10
b. 12
c. 15
d. 5 pounds.
Answer:
d. 5 pounds.

Question 15.
The girl who gave birth to Oliver was ………….
a. married
b. unmarried
c. widow
d. none of the above
Answer:
b. unmarried.

Treasure Chest A Collection of ICSE Chapter Workbook Answers

Treasure Chest Workbook Answers Chapter 1 Bonku Babu’s Friend

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Treasure Chest Workbook Answers Chapter 1 Bonku Babu’s Friend

Treasure Chest Workbook Answers Chapter 1 Bonku Babu’s Friend

Bonku Babu’s Friend Comprehension Questions Answers

Read the extracts and answer the following questions:

Passage – 1.

No one had ever seen Bonku Babu get cross. To tell the truth, it was difficult to imagine what he might say or do, if one day he did get angry. It was not as if there was never any reason for him to lose his temper. For the last twenty-two years, Bonku Babu had taught geography and Bengali at the Kankurgachhi Village Primary School.

Every year, a new batch of students replaced the old one, but old or new, the tradition of teasing poor Bonku Babu continued among all the students. Some drew his cartoon on the blackboard; others put glue on his chair; or, on the night of Kali Puja, they lit a chasing rocket and set it off right behind him.

a. What was the profession of Bonkubabu? How long has be been in his profession?
b. How did the students tease Bonkubabu?
c. What was the tradition that continued against Bonkubabu?
d. What impression do you get about Bonkubabu?
e. How did Bonkubabu condemn the students?
Answer:
a. Bonkubabu was a teacher of Kankurgachhi village Primary School. He has been in this profession for long twenty two years. He taught Bengali and geography there.

b. The students drew his cartoon in the blackboard, others kept glue on his chair. In the Kalipuja night they lit chasing rocket and set it off right behind him. Thus, the students teased Bonkubabu.

c. Although the flow of students change every year still the teasing of Bonkubabu continued among the students.

d. Bankubabu was a very simple village people. He was fond of students. He did not lose his temper for the teasing by his beloved students.

e. Bonkubabu condemned the students for teasing by saying shame on the students.

Passage – 2.

Only the other day-less than two months ago-they were talking about ghosts. Usually, Bonkubabu kept his mouth shut. That day, for some unknown reason, he opened it and declared that he was not afraid of ghosts, that was all! But it was enough to offer a golden opportunity to the others. On his way back home later that night, Bonku Babu was attacked by a ‘spook’.

As he was passing under a tamarind tree, a tall, thin figure leapt down and landed on his back. As it happened, this apparition had smeared black ink all over itself, possibly at the suggestion of someone at the meeting. Bonku Babu was not frightened. But he was injured. For three days, his neck ached. Worst of all – his new kurta was torn and it had black stains all over. What kind of a joke was this?

a. What did Bonkubabu declarae in the add?
b. What did his associates plan?
c. What was the figure according to you?
d. Why Bonkubabu could not recognise the apparition?
e. How was Bonkubabu affected in the encounters?
Answer:
a. In the adda Bonkubabu declared that he was not afraid of the ghosts.

b. His associates planned to prove his declaration false. So, they attacked him as a spook when he was returning home late in the night.

c. I think the figure of spook was of his disguised associates.

d. It was dark night and the way under the tamarind tree was deep dark. So he could not identify the figure.

e. In the encounter with Bonkubabu the apparition had smeared black ink all over him. He was injured. His neck ached for three days. His new Kurta was torn and it had black stains all over.

Passage-3.

On one particular day, the topic of conversation was space -in other words, they were talking of spaceships and space-travel. Soon after sunset, a moving point of light had been seen in the northern sky. A similar light was seen three months ago, which had led to much speculation.

In the end, it had turned out to be a Russian satellite, called Khotka – or was it Phoska? Anyway, this satellite was supposed to be going round the earth at a height of 400 miles, and providing a lot of valuable information to scientists.

a. What was the topic of conversation?
b. Where was the moving light seen?
c. What was Khotka?
d. How was the satellite going round?
e. What did the satellite provide?
Answer:
a. The topic of conversation was about spaceships and space-travel.

b. The moving light was seen in the northern sky three months ago with much speculation.

c. Khotka or Phoska had turned to be a Russian satellite.

d. The satellite was supposed to be going round the earth at a height of 400 miles.

e. The satellite provided a lot of valuable information to scientists.

Passage – 4.

Bonku Babu fell silent. But several questions rose in his mind. Was it really impossible? If an alien had to visit the earth, would it really matter where it arrived first? It might not aim to go straight to any other part of the world. AH right, it was highly unlikely that such a thing would happen in Kankurgachhi village, but who was to say for sure that it could not happen at all?

Sripati Babu was silent so far. Now, as he shifted in his seat, everyone looked at him. He put his cup down and spoke knowledgeably: “Look, if someone from a different planet does come to earth, I can assure you that he will not come to this Godforsaken place. Those aliens are no fools. It is my belief that they are sahibs, and they will land in some western country, where all the sahibs live. Understand?”

a. What were the several questions?
b. What was the speculation?
c. What was the impression of Sripatibabu?
d. Where will the aliens may land?
Answer:
a. The several questions that arose there why the alien would land at Kankurgacchi.

b. The speculation was that it was quite unlikely that an alien would land at a remote village like Kankurgacchi.

c. Sripatibabu impressed that an alien was a sahib and no fool at all.

d. Sripatibabu believed that they would land in some western country.

Passage-5.

Bonku Babu did not reply, but wondered silently: if anyone were to actually look for a specimen, weren’t the others just as suitable? Look at Sripati Babu. His chin was so much like a camel’s. And that Bhairav Chakravarty, his eyes were like the eyes of a tortoise.

Nidhu Babu looked like a rat, Ramkanai like a goat, and Chandi Babu like a flittermouse. If a zoo really had to be filled up…! Tears sprang to his eyes. Bonku Babu had come to the meeting hoping, for once, to enjoy himself. That was clearly not to be. He could not stay here any longer. He got to his feet?

a. Why did not Bonkubabu reply?
b. What did Bonkubabu thought about Bhairavbabu?
c. How could a zoo be filled up?
d. Why did Bonkubabu come to the meeting?
e. Why everyone laughed?
Answer:
a. Bonkubabu did not reply because as the specimens were present in the meeting in his house.

b. About Bhairavbabu, Bonkubabu thought the eyes of his were like the eyes of tortoise.

c. A zoo could be filled up with the regulars of Sripatibabu as his chin was like the camels, Bhairav Babus eyes were like the tortoise, Nidhubabu was like a rat, Ramkanai like was a goat and Chandibabu was like a fittermouse.

d. Bonkubabu used to come to the meeting to enjoy the association of the regular members like Bhairavbabu, Sripatibabu, Nidhubabu and Ramkanai.

e. Everyone laughed at because Sripatibabu nick named every associates comparing them with animals.

Passage – 6.

Puzzled, Bonku Babu walked another twenty yards, and then he suddenly saw the light. At first, he thought that a fire had broken out. Bang in the middle of Poncha Ghosh’s bamboo grove, in the clearing near a small pond, quite a large area was glowing pink.

A dull light shone on every branch and every leaf. Down below, the ground behind the pond was lit by a much stronger pink light. But it was not a fire, for it was still. Bonku Babu kept moving. All at once, his ears began ringing. He felt as if someone was humming loudly – a long, steady noise there was no way he could stop it. Bonku Babu broke out into goose pimples, but an irrepressible curiosity drove him further forward.

a. Describe the light referred to here.
b. How did the ground look behind the pond?
c. Why did Bonku think that a fire had broken out?
d. What was the effect of the noise on Bonkubabu?
e. Why did he move forward?
Answer:
a. The light referred to here appeared to Bonku as a fire in the bamboo grove. Quite a large area was glowing pink.

b. Behind the pond the ground was lit by a much stronger pink light.

c. Bonku thought that a fire had broken out because suddenly he saw the light.

d. The noise had no effect on Bonkubabu as he saw the light clearing near a small pond.

e. Bonkubabu moved forward because the light was not a fire as it was still.

Passage – 7.

Through that door emerged a head – like a plain, smooth ball – and then the body of a weird creature. Its arms and legs were amazingly thin. With the exception of its head, its whole body was covered by a shiny, pink outfit. Instead of ears, it had tiny holes on each side of its head.

On the face were two holes where there should have been a nose, and another gaping hole instead of a mouth. There was no sign of hair anywhere. Its eyes were round and bright yellow. They appeared to be glowing in the dark.

a. What came out of the strange object?
b. How did the creature look?
c. Describe the face of the person.
d. What did the creature have instead of ears?
e. Describe the face of the strange object.
Answer:
a. From the strange object emerged a head like a plain smooth ball and then body of a weird creature.

b. The creature looked weird. Its arms and legs were amazingly thin. The whole body of the creature was covered by a shiny pink outfit.

c. The face of the person had two holes instead of nose and mouth. There was no sign of hair anywhere.

d. Instead of ears the creature had tiny holes on each side.

e. Same as answer of c.

Passage – 8.

Bonku Babu did not know what to say. He was feeling quite uncomfortable, for the creature had reached out and was examining Bonku Babu’s arms and legs with its long, bony fingers. When it finished, it introduced itself. “I am Ang, from the planet Craneus.

A far superior being than man.” What! This creature, barely four feet tall, with such thin limbs and weird face, was superior to man? Bonku Babu nearly burst out laughing. Ang read his mind immediately. “There’s no need to be so sceptical. I can prove it. How many languages do you know?

a. What did the creature tell about himself?
b. How did the creature prove that he was superior?
c. What was the reaction of Bonku?
d. How many languages did the creature know?
e. Who was Ang and where from did he come?
Answer:
a. The creature introduced himself as Ang who came from planet craneus.

b. The creature proved himself superior as it knew 14000 languages.

c. Bonku was amazed to know that Ang was a superior person than human being.

d. The creature knew 14000 languages.

e. Ang was a strange figure who came from planet craneus.

Passage-9.

Ang took out a small tube, one end of which was covered by a piece of glass. “Take a look through this!” Ang invited. Bonku Babu peered through die glass, and felt all his hair rise. Could this be true? Could he really believe his eyes? Before him stretched an endless expanse of snow, dotted with large hillocks, also covered with ice and snow.

Above him, against a deep blue sky, all the colours of a rainbow were forming different patterns, changing every second. The Aurora Borealis! What was that? An igloo. There was a group of polar bears. Wait, there was another animal. A strange, peculiar creature… Yes! It was a walrus. There were two of them, in fact. And they were fighting. Their tusks were bared -large as radishes – and they were attacking each other. Streams of bright red blood were flowing on the soft white snow…

a. How was the small tube of Ang?
b. What did Bonku see through the glass?
c. How was the sky through the glass?
d. What was Aurora Borealis?
e. What was walrus?
Answer:
a. Ang showed a small tube to Bonku and the end of which was covered by a piece of glass.

b. Through the glass Bonku saw the endless expanse of snow covered with ice and snow.

c. Through the glass the sky was deep blue and all the colours of a rainbow were forming different patterns changing every second.

d. The Aurora Borealis is an igloo where a group of polar bears were seen.

e. Walrus was a strange peculiar creature. They were two fighting with bared tusks as large as radishes.

Passage- 10.

The next day was a Sunday. Everyone had turned up for their usual meeting at Sripati Babu’s home. There was a report in the local paper about a strange light, but it was only a small report. This light had been seen by a handful of people in only two places in Bengal. It was therefore being put in the same category as sightings of flying saucers. Tonight Poncha Ghosh was also present at the meeting. He was talking about his bamboo grove.

All the bamboos around the pond in the middle of the wood had lost all their leaves. It was not unusual for leaves to drop off in winter, but for so many plants to become totally bare overnight was certainly a remarkable occurrence. Everyone was talking about it when suddenly Bhairav Chakravarty said, “Why is Bonku so late today?”

a. What was the report of the local newspaper about strange light?
b. What was Poncha Ghosh saying?
c. What was the effect of the light on the trees?
d. What was the remarkable occurance?
e. What was the day?
Answer:
a. The local newspapers briefly reported that a handful of people saw the light.

b. Poncha Ghosh was saying about his bamboo grove and told that the leaves of the bamboo trees had fallen.

c. The trees had become totally bare overnight. According to Poncha Ghosh it was a remarkable occurance.

d. Same as c. above.

e. The day was Saturday. The discussion took place on Sunday evening.

Bonku Babu’s Friend About the Story

A short story means a story which is short in structure. It is an account of one or more incidents.There are five characteristics of a short story. They are

  • Precision
  • Clearness of expression
  • Suspense
  • Curiosity and
  • Surprising twist at the end.

Origin : Instinctly human beings are fond of tales. In our ancient myths, fables, folktales, ballads, parables were the source of our enjoyments. A short story is mainly a 20th century critical enterprise. The aim of the short story is to produce a single narrative with the greatest economy of means. There is no hard and fast rule about the word limit of a story but it is presumed that about five hundred words as a masterpiece.

Style : Like all the literary works the short story has a style of its own. The plot of a short story consists of five main elements. They are

  • Exposition
  • Rise of action
  • Climax
  • Fall of action and
  • Resolution.

According to Rabindranath Tagore a short story is short in size, small incidents of our daily life are depicted in it, the language should be simple and lucid, without many incidents and characters, there should not be advice but there must be a curiosity in our mind at the end of it.
‘Banku Babu’s Friend’ — Satyaj it Roy

Bonku Babu’s Friend About the Author

Satyajit Roy (192 1-1992) :  Satyajit Roy was one of the great sons of mother India. He belonged to an aristrocratic Bengali family. He was born on 2nd May, 1921 at 100 Garpar Road Kolkata. His father Sukumar Roy was a well known poet and his mother Suprova Dcvi was a home maker. Upendra Kishore Roy Chowdhury, a children favourite writer was his grandfather.

Education : His early education was at Baflygunge Government High School, Kolkata (formerly Calcutta). He was graduated from Presidency College. He was a student of Viswa Bharati, Shantiniketan for a brief period of time.

Service : In 1943 he joined the British Advertising Company as a Junior Visualiser. But he was mainly a film maker. Apart from that he was a musician, graphic designer, advertisement maker, calligraphist and a prolific writer. He published fictions, novels, short stories, graphic designs.

As a film director he prepared 28 films, 5 feature films and 3 television films. He wrote about 60 books. His famous character creations are ‘Felud&, Topse, Jatayu’, ‘Professor Shanku etc. In 1955 his famous film Pather Panchali based on the novel of Bibhuti Bhusan Bandopadhyay gained international fame and awards.

Awards : He got many awards like Padmashri,Padmabibhusan, Akademi, and the Bharatratna award from the goverment of India.

Death : This great artist passed away on 23rd April, 1992. We are proud of him.

Source of the story : Banku Babu’s Friend is an excerpt from Three Rays : Stories from Satyajit Roy’. This short story is included in the syllabus for its vast popularity among the young learners of our country.

Bonku Babu’s Friend Brief Summary

Bankubihari Dutta was a teacher of Bengali and Geography in Kankurgachhi village Primary School. He was not upset although his students used to tease him. He never lost his temper and endurance. He loved to teach his few good students, gave them snacks in his house and told them foreign stories.

In the weekends Bankubabu used to visit lawyer Sripati Majumder’s residence with other regulars. Almost all his mates made fun with him. During discussion once Bankubabu declared that he had no fear about the ghosts. Later on a day a thin ghost landed down on his back and smeared black ink, all over him. In spite of repeated teasing he did not stop to visit Sripati Babu’s house.

Once when they were talking about space travel he turned the topic to aliens. They rejected his suggestion that Kankurgachi was an insignificant place for an alien visit. As they laughed at Bankubabu he left the meeting. Once on his half way Bankubabu saw strange light in the bamboo grove.

He also heard a humming sound. Bankubabu thought the visible mound like object was rising and falling as if it was breathing. From the object a strange creature appeared. His head was like a ball with thin arms and legs. He asked Banku if the place was earth. He introduced himself as Ang from planet craneus. He demanded his superiority than earthly people.

He was 833 years old and he knew 14000 languages. He gave Bonku a stone like object which could make the enemy powerless without harm. Afterwards through a tube he showed Banku the North Pole with bears and walrus. Later he showed him Brazil with the dense forest piranhas and a large Anaconda even larger than a python.

Ang pointed out that Ang was very meek and mild so, he was unable to progress properly. He advised Bonku to protest aganist injustice always. Within a few seconds Ang entered into his spaceship and disappeared. Banku was very happy to meet Ang. Next day on Sunday Bonku went to Sripati’s house as his last visit. He boldly declared the faults of his associates, and insulted them for their indecent behaviour.

Title : The entire story centres round the activities of Bonkubabu and his adda associates and Ang, the strange creature from planet craneus. As the theme of the story is about Banku and his adda associates the title of the story in appropriate.

Glossary

1. Nudged — pushed
2. teasing — harrasing
3. specimens — examples
4. pranksters — prankplayers
5. auspicious — holy/sacred
6. ceric — wrong
7. translucent — unclear
8. submerged — partly below the water surface
9. endurance — patience
10. apparition — ghost
11. ached — pained
12. ridicule — mockery
13. speculation — conjecture
14. obscure — unclear
15. humbug — talkative
16. feigned — pretended
17. rudely — impolitely
18. fittermouse — a kind of bat
19. auspicious — holy/sacred
20. radiant — bright
21. stunned — confused
22. immobile — motionless
23. astounded — surprised greatly
24. veered off — sudden change of direction
25. Sceptical — doubtful
26. impenetrable — impassable
27. foliage leaves, monstrous huge,
29. incredible unbelievable
30. uproariously — very loudly
31. sycophants — flatterers.

Plot : Bankubabu’s Friend has a well structured plot with skill and meticulous attitude of the author. Cowardly school teacher Bonkubabu is treated with disrespect by his students, friends and associates. He had the lack of courage. He had to suffer insult and humiliation everywhere. His meeting with Ang changed his life. Banku was transformed to a loveable character after his encounter with Ang.

Theme : Friendship is the main theme of the story ‘Bankubabu’s Friend’. According to Sripati Majumder friendship is only for passing time with fun and enjoyment. Bonkubabu was sincere in his friendship as he did not mind in the teasing. But Sripati is not sincere about friendship.

Ang, the alien was the other friend of Bonku. He advised Bonku not to bow down before injustice. He also advised him to protest boldly and not to put up with insults. Due to encounter with Ang Bonku gathered courage and in Sripati’s house he pointed out the faults of others. Thus, the fun lovers became silent.

Bonku Babu’s Friend Characters

Bonkubabu is a primary school teacher of Kankurgachhi village Primary School. He teaches Bengali and Geography. He is a good teacher still his students tease him regularly. But he does not mind for that. He loves to teach. A few good students visit his house.

He tells them stories. He is a very good story teller and he enthralls his students with exciting adventures. In the weekends Bonku visits his friend and lawyer Sripati Majumder’s house. In Sripati’s house his regular group members take opportunity of his simplicity and he is ridiculed.

Even Sripati also joins them in the mockery. Suddenly Bonku has a meeting with Ang an alien and that brings a change in his behaviour. Ang advises him to be courageous and to protest against injustice. He is no longer a coward now.

Next day he goes to Sripati’s house and announces the short comings of all other regulars. Now he speaks the truth boldly and other regulars fails to raise a voice against him. He shows them their proper position and bids good bye to them for ever. In Poncha Ghose’s bamboo grove Ang, the alien meets him. Ang lands there from the spaceship by mistake. Due to failure of his instruments he lands on the earth.

Ang comes from the planet craneus. Banku is amazed to see his strange figure. Ang was a creature with superior intelligence. He is 833 years old and he knows 14000 languages. He has a tube like instrument through which he can look’ at any part of the solar system. He shows Bonku his favourite places of the world.

Ang is clever enough to understand the weakness of Bonkubabu. He advises him to come out from diffidence. His advise makes a magic on Bonku. His advice transforms Bonku and he is able cross the border of his cowardness and becomes a bold person to protest against the injustice of his regular associates.

Style : In a traditional style Satyajit creates the character of Bonkubabu and Ang in the story. Satyajit Roy is a pioneer of writing science fictions. The atmosphere is created in such a manner that everything seems to be a probability.

Elaborately Ray describes the weakend visits of Bonku to Sripati’s house where various topics like ghosts to spaceships are discussed. In this way the writer builds the climax atmosphere. It is distinctly established in the story that if someone from other plants desires to come he can land anywhere in the country. Thereafter with the radiation of light the entry of alien Ang is described.

The village Kankurgachhi is in a remote area. So, the simple language used by Ray is suitable for the residence of the village. Roy describes the physical appearance of Ang in a nice manner. His head is like a ball and his arms and legs are thin. In the place of mouth and nose there are two holes. Through which as if we are able to see Ang face to face. His writing style is appropriate for the subject matter of the story.

Bonku Babu’s Friend Critical Appreciation

Bonku Bibu’s Friend’ is a famous and popular story that gains interest of the readers. Bonkubabu a sheepish village primary teacher gets a chance to meet Ang, an alien of planet Craneus. Ang informs that the residents of Craneous planet are far superior than the people of earth. He shows Bonku a tube like instrument to prove that the people of planet Craneous are superior than the people of earth. Bonku’s conversation with Ang in a funny manner makes the story a famous work.

Bonku Babu’s Friend Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Read the questions given below and tick the correct answer:

Question 1.
Satyajit Ray’s fathers name was ……………..
a. Sukumar
b. Upendrakishore
c. Devendranath
d. Rabindranath
Answer:
a. Sukumar

Question 2.
Bonkubabu used to teach ……………..
a. English
b. Maths
c. Bengali
d. Bengali and Geography
Answer:
d. Bengali and Geography

Question 3.
Bonkubabu has been teaching in school for the last …………….
a. 10
b. 20
c. 22
d. 25 years
Answer:
c. 22

Question 4.
Bonkubabu at the weekends used to visit …………….
a. Ram’s
b. Rahim’s
c. Sripati’s
d. Rabin’s house
Answer:
c. Sripati’s

Question 5.
Banku babu used to tell his students stories from …………….
a. African life
b. North Pole discovery
c. human flesh eating Brazil fish
d. all of the above
Answer:
c. human flesh eating Brazil fish

Question 6.
Under a tamarid tree Bonkubabu was attacked by ………………..
a. decoits
b. robbers
c. ghosts
d. a spook
Answer:
d. a spook

Question 7.
Sripatibabu says if some one from different planet would land in ………………..
a. USA
b. India
c. Eastern country
d. Western country
Answer:
d. Western country

Question 8.
The eyes of Ang was ………………..
a. round and bright yellow
b. shinning red
c. small
d. all of the above
Answer:
a. round and bright yellow

Question 9.
Ang came from planet ………………..
a. Neptune
b. Saturn
c. Uranus
d. Craneus
Answer:
d. Craneus

Question 10.
Ang was supposed to go to …………………
a. Pluto
b. Venus
c. Mars
d. Jupiters
Answer:
a. Plutos

Question 11.
Sripatibabu was a ………………..
a. teacher
b. lawyer
c. doctor
d. none of the above
Answer:
b. lawyer

Question 12.
Bankubabu was not using ………………..
a. cycle
b. motorcar
c. torch
d. torch or lantern
Answer:
d. torch or lantern

Question 13.
Ang knew ………………..
a. 10,000
b. 11,000
c. 12,000
d. 14,000 languages
Answer:
d. 14,000 languages

Question 14.
Ang was ………………..
a. 100
b. 200
c. 833
d. 1000 years old
Answer:
c. 833

Question 15.
Ang’s eyes were ………………..
a. bright yellow
b. bright red
c. bright black
d. bright green
Answer:
a. bright yellow

Question 16.
The title Bonku Babu was ………………..
a. Das
b. Dutta
c. Bose
d. Sen
Answer:
b. Dutta

Question 17.
Finishing his speech, Bankubabu slapped the back of ………………..
a. Bhairav Chakraborty
b. Dasu Sen
c. Sripati Majumder
d. Ramkanai
Answer:
a. Bhairav Chakraborty

Question 18.
At the end the cup fell from the hand of ………………..
a. Ramkanai
b. Bhairab
c. Sripati
d. Nidhubabu
Answer:
a. Ramkanai

Question 19.
A moving point of light was seen in the ………………..
a. easten
b. western
c. northern
d. southern sky
Answer:
c. northern

Question 20.
One night Banku Babu was attacked by a ………………..
a. ghost
b. spook
c. giant
d. woman
Answer:
b. spook

Treasure Chest A Collection of ICSE Chapter Workbook Answers

The Last Lesson Summary, Theme by Alphonse Daudet

by
The Last Lesson Summary, Theme by Alphonse Daudet

The Last Lesson Summary, Theme by Alphonse Daudet

The Last Lesson Summary

‘The Last Lesson’ is a short story written by Alphonse Daudet. In this story, the writer had used the first person narrative technique to tell his story. Here, the speaker is a little boy named Franz who is a resident of Alsace-Lorraine district of France that has been captured lately by the Prussians.

The story is set in Alsace, a not so popular town. Little Franz narrates the whole story. The story opens up with Franz, rushing to school as he has a late start on that beautiful warm morning, Franz. He is afraid of Monsieur Hamel because he thinks that he will be scolded for being late and not preparing his French lesson on participles.

On his way to school, Franz passes through the town square, and in front of the town hall he sees a small group of people reading notices posted on a Bulletin Board. These are notices posted by the Prussians concerning orders issued from headquarters. While Franz is running across the square, Wachter, the blacksmith, calls to him that there is no need to hurry. Franz thinks that Wachter is teasing him.

He reaches school, gaspingly but he gets upset as there is no noise or confusion to cover his entrance. Instead, this day, there is the silence and stillness of the Sunday. Frightened and red-faced, he enters the classroom; instead of giving Franz a harsh scolding, however, Monsieur Hamel politely tells him to go to his seat.

Gradually, Franz notices the differences that the day has brought. Monsieur Hamel is all dressed up in his Sunday best, the clothes that he wears when prizes are given or on inspection days. Franz’s classmates are especially solemn this day. Then his attention is drawn to the back of the room, where villagers are seated, and to Hauser, there with his old primer spread across his knees.

He couldn’t understand until Hamel declares the notice which is served from Berlin that now onwards no French would be taught in schools of Alsace and Lorraine because only German would be taught in the schools. Franz becomes shocked. Hamel emotionally requests students to be more attentive for their last French lesson. Franz now realises everything.

It is like a thunder has struck him. He couldn’t accept the fact that it was their last lesson. After that, there would be no French lesson. He repents for not paying much attention in learning French as he hardly learnt any. He feels sad about Mr Hamel. He forgets about his cranky nature.

Now he realizes that the teacher has worn this dress in honour of his last lesson. He also understands why older people were present in class as they were repenting why they never bothered to go to school and they were there to show their respect to their teacher, who served them for forty years.

When Franz’s name is called to recite the lesson, he makes mistakes and could even speak few words but M. Hamel does not scold him rather he advises him that one should not waste his precious time just by living under the impression that there is plenty of time and says about the French language that it is the most beautiful, clearest and most logical language of the world.

People must stick with their language and it will prove to be a key to their prison in case they are enslaved. Eventually, Mr Hamel stands up with a very heavy heart. He looks sad as he walks to the blackboard, takes a chalk and writes on it “Vive La France” that means “Long Live France” and declares that the class is dismissed.

The Last Lesson About the Author Alphonse Daudet

Alphonse Daudet was born in Mimes, as a child Alphonse Daudet experienced the heady delights of a sun-drenched Provence and the darkening contrasts of his family’s steadily worsening financial condition. His father, a silk manufacturer, had to abandon business there in 1849, moving the family north to Lyons; never fully recovering from the depression which followed the Revolution of 1848, the Daudets finally lost everything in 1857.

After a few months he was rescued by his elder brother Ernest, who brought him to Paris and generously encouraged the boy’s already evident literary talents. Until 1865 the young Daudet enjoyed financial security as a comfortable undersecretary to the Due de Momy a position accorded, in almost fairy tale manner, by a chance notice of the Empress Eugenie.

In these years he collaborated in writing a number of one-act plays helped toward the stage by the Due de Moray’s influence. Daudet decided to live solely by his pen after the duke’s death, and in 1866 the first of his regionalist sketches, or Lettres de mon moulin, based on Proven9al folklore began appearing in Paris papers.

Two years later Daudet’s first long work, Le Petit chose (The Little Good-for-nothing), was completed; largely autobiographical, this early novel speaks of boyhood joys and travails but in the end leads its hero to the failure and obscurity which Daudet’s recent successes were to forestall. He was Married in 1867.

During his last years Daudet suffered from the consequences of a venereal disease, which he had contracted in his youth. He depicted his own life in “Thirty Years of Paris” and “My Literary Life,” 1888. His satirical novel about the Academie Frangaise, “The Immortal,” 1888 was considered a revenge-Daudet was never elected a member. Daudet died in Champrosay, on 15 December 1897.

The Last Lesson Theme

The story The Last Lesson’ focuses on the importance of language to the people of a country. Here, the language around which the story revolves around is the French language. Through the story, the writer expresses that tt is the duty of every citizen to safeguard the language as it connects with the person’s identity.

“Chauvinism” i.e. devotion for or against someone or something, is also depicted here. If the language is of the ruling class, we notice “Linguistic Chauvinism”. Language defines the identity of the people. It shows the people their origin, culture and habits.

If a country loses its own language, people lose their own identity. This story also shows the importance of the mother tongue of the people, which is French here. The story proceeds further showing the grave concerns of the students when the lesson on French suddenly gets stopped by order.

The Last Lesson Title of the Story

Through the title of the story, ‘The Last Lesson’, the very theme of the story is clearly depicted. The story talks about the last lesson in French that M. Hamel was about to give as the Prussians order him to cease teaching French at once. In this story, we see Franz a little boy who was not at all interested in taking his lessons seriously.

But on that very day, when he learnt the news that the teaching of French would be ceased in school, he became awestruck. M. Hamel, who usually intimidated his students with an iron ruler that he used to slap on their desks, on that very day, appeared very gentle, solemn and reflective as it was his last lesson. The story ended on a very sad note where M. Hamel was seen writing “Vive La France!” on the blackboard that meant Long Live France. It was indeed his last lesson. Therefore the title of the story ‘The Last Lesson’ is apt.

The Last Lesson About the Story

The story “The Last Lesson” impresses on one’s love for language. Through this story, the writer preaches that one should take his mother tongue seriously and culture it with love and respect. In this story we see Franz, a little boy, who comes to know that that day will be the last day of their French lesson in school, by order. He becomes shocked because it is an unusual news to him.

He regrets for not being attentive in learning French and taking his lessons casually. The teacher Monsieur Hamel becomes very emotional and ends his last class on the French language emotionally. He looks sad as he walks to the blackboard, takes a chalk and writes on it “Vive La France” that means “Long Live France” and declares that the class is dismisse

The Last Lesson Characters

Franz:

Franz is a little boy of school-going age who is the protagonist of the story and narrator as well. Franz often skips school and doesn’t prepare for lessons because he is not particularly interested in learning. One day he arrives at school to learn that the French language will no longer be taught in school after an order sent down from Berlin to the occupying Prussian forces. Franz feels very sad and repents for not paying attention to his lessons when he had the chance.

Monsieur Hamel:

M. Hamel is Franz’s teacher and schoolmaster who teacher French in school. The Prussians order him to cease teaching French which breaks him down. While Hamel usually intimidates his students with an iron ruler that he slaps on their desks, on his last day, he is gentle, somber, and reflective as he conducts his last French lesson. At the end of the day, he writes “Vive La France!” on the chalkboard before sending the students away.

Hauser:

Hauser is an older gentleman Franz recognizes from the village. Franz is surprised to see Hauser sitting on the benches in the back of the schoolroom alongside several other adults from the village. By the end of the story, Hauser is in tears as he reads from a rudimentary language textbook and speaks simple syllables and letters aloud with the youngest students.

Wachter:

He is considered as a blacksmith in a village in the French region of Alsace-Lorraine. As he hurries to school, the narrator, Franz, passes Wachter standing in front of the town hall bulletin-board. Wachter tells him not to go sp fast, and Franz thinks the blacksmith is making fun of him. Later, it is unfolded the real reason behind Wachter’s words.

The Last Lesson Main Points to Remember

  • Franz is not willing, rather afraid to go to school as he has not learnt participles.
  • Franz just loves to enjoy the beauty of nature and does not care much about other things like learning.
  • He reaches school late but is afraid as he has not prepared his French lesson. But after reaching school Franz notices unnatural silence that surprises him. Soon he comes to know the real cause.
  • Hamel announces that that day is the last lesson in French.
  • Franz is awestruck. He laments for not taking his lesson seriously.
  • He now understands the reason why teacher is well dressed and villagers sitting at the back.
  • M. Hamel realizes that all three, he himself, the children and the parents are to be blamed for losing respect and regards for the mother tongue.
  • He glorifies the French language, becomes emotional and then writes on the blackboard “Vive La France” which means “Long Live France.”
  • Franz remembers his last lesson and the story ends there on a sad note.

The Last Lesson Annotations and Vocabulary

Dread — to feel extremely worried or frightened about something
Drilling — a tool or machine that makes holes
Tempting — Appealing to or attracting someone, even if wrong or unwise
Apprentice — someone who has agreed to work for a skilled person for a particular period of time and often for low payment, in order to learn that person’s skills
Bub — a form of address used to a man, sometimes in a slightly angry way
Commotion — a sudden, short period of noise, confusion, or excited movement
Fright — the feeling of fear, especially if felt suddenly, or an experience of fear that happens suddenly
Embroidered — to decorate cloth or clothing with patterns or pictures consisting of stitches that are sewn directly onto the material
Primer — a type of paint that you put on a surface before the main paint is put on.
Grave — a place in the ground where a dead person is buried
Wretches — a person who experiences something unpleasant
Cranky — easily annoyed or upset
Terrible –very unpleasant or serious or of low quality
Twined — to wrap round an object several times
Chanted — to repeat or sing a word or phrase continuously
Angelus — prayers said in the morning, in the middle of the day and in the evening in the Roman Catholic Church
Vive La France — Long live France
Gazing — to look at something or someone for a long time, especially in surprise or admiration
Cooed –When birds such as doves and pigeons coo, they make a low soft sound
Reproach — to criticize someone, especially for not being successful or not doing what is expected.

Treasure Chest A Collection of ICSE Short Stories Workbook Answers

The Pedestrian Summary, Theme by Ray Bradbury

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The Pedestrian Summary, Theme by Ray Bradbury

The Pedestrian Summary, Theme by Ray Bradbury

The Pedestrian Summary

“The Pedestrian” is short story which can be tagged as a science fiction, written by Ray Bradbury. This story takes us to an imaginary world of 2053, that describes one night in the life of Leonard Mead, the protagonist, who is a resident of an unnamed city in the year 2053.

Mead enjoys walking the city streets alone every night. As he walks the empty streets, he passes the homes of other citizens, who are surprisingly inside every day, watching television for hours. It is a very strange habit of those common people who do not do anything except this.

Leonard has been doing this strolling for ten years and never encountered another person, since all the other people remain inside their homes, mesmerized by the light entertainment programs on their television screens.

The other citizens are described as if they are dead: “gray phantoms” living in “tombs.” While walking, Mead enjoys taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of the natural world. He also talks to himself, addressing the people in the homes, asking under his breath what they are watching on television.

Once, on a specific night, however, Mead meets a robotic police car the only one left in the city, since crime is virtually nonexistent as no one has the need or wish to do anything else except watching television. The car interrogates Mead, trying to discover why he is out by himself. This questioning reveals that Mead is nonconformist in many ways: he doesn’t own a television; he is unmarried and lives alone.

He is also a writer in a society that does not even value the written word. Upon revealing the depth of Mead’s nonconformity, the car instructs Mead get in and informs him he is being taken to a psychiatric institution because he is suspected to have regressive tendencies that need to be studied for. The car then drives away with Mead inside. The story ends here, leaving the readers wonder, what could have happened then with Leonard Mead.

The Pedestrian About the Author Ray Bradbury

Ray Douglas Bradbury known for American science fiction author. Ray Douglas Bradbury was born Ray Douglas Bradbury on August 22, 1920, in Waukegan, Illinois. He was the third son in the family. His father, Leonard Spaulding Bradbury, was a telephone lineman and technician. His mother, Esther Marie Bradbury (nee Moberg), was a Swedish immigrant. His family settled in Los Angeles, California.

There, young Bradbury often roller-skated through Hollywood, trying to spot celebrities. He attended Los Angeles High School, where he was involved in the drama club. He graduated from high school in 1938 and had no more formal education. He learned from reading works of such writers as Lev Tolstoy and Fyodor Dostoevsky, among others.

From 1938-1942, he was selling newspapers on the streets of Los Angeles, spending days in the local library and nights at the typewriter. At that time, he published his stories in fanzines. In 1941, he became a paid writer when the pulp magazine Science Stories published his short story, titled “Pendulum”, and he was a full-time writer by the end of 1942.

His first book – “Dark Carnival” – was a collection of stories published in 1947. That same year, he married Marguerite McClure. Maggie, as she was affectionately called, was the only woman Bradbury ever dated. They had four daughters.

Ray Bradbury shot to international fame after publication of “The Martian Chronicles” in 1950, a collection of short stories partially based on ideas from ancient Greek and Roman mythology. The film adaptation by director Frangois Truffaut, starring Julie Christie, received several nominations.

His other novels and stories also have been adapted to films and television, as well as for radio, theatre and comic books. Bradbury had written episodes for Alfred Hitchcock’s television series, as well as for many other television productions. His total literary output is close to 600 short stories, more than 30 books and numerous poems and plays. He was writing daily.

In 2004, Bradbury received a National Medal of Aits. The Apollo 15 astronauts named an impact crater on the moon “Dandelion Crater”, after his novel, “Dandelion Wine”. He also received the World Fantasy Award for Lifetime Achievement, the Grand Master Award from Science Fiction Writers of America, an Emmy Award for his work as a writer on “The Halloween Tree”, and many other awards and honors. Ray Bradbury died on June 6, 2012, at the age of 91, in Los Angeles, California.

The Pedestrian Theme

The short story “The Pedestrian” is called is one of the best creations of Ray Bradbury where a fictional world of 2053 is portrayed. In this story, the protagonist, Leonard Mead shows that though he lives a very normal and usual life, he is tagged as a not so normal person with unusual habits.

In this story, Leonard is seen strolling every night in the city where every person, except him is busy spending their precious time idly and meaninglessly, in front of the TV for hours The people of the city do not care about anything else except watching TV.

Leonard has been doing this strolling for ten years and never encountered another person, since all the other people remain inside their homes, mesmerized by the light entertainment programs on their television screens. But Leonard’s strolling gets interrupted by a police car one day. The robotic voice from the car interrogates him, trying to discover why he is out by himself.

And in that process, the voice finds him suspicious and instructs him to get inside the car. Though he does not appear to have committed a crime, his apparently unusual behaviour leads the police to take him off to a course of psychological reprogramming, to turn him into a mindless person like the other inhabitants of the city, because, to them, that is a very much normal and civilised way to lead life. The story ends abruptly, leaving the readers imagine, the future consequences.

The Pedestrian Title of the Story

The story “The Pedestrian” is about a pedestrian named Leonard Mead and his experiences while he does his evening walk in a city of 2053. While walking, he sees no one outside as everyone is busy in enjoying the meaningless shows on their television and he keeps on witnessing this same scenario each evening. No one has the least energy to go outside so Leonard enjoys his solitary walk while talking to himself sometimes.

The author, Ray Bradbury depicts the beauty of the outside world, i.e. the road, the nature and the environment and others in a picturesque way. Leonard is unmarried and he does not even have a, television, unlike others. He thinks, nobody wants him so he takes his walk alone and in mind, searches for company. His sudden meet with a police car one day, becomes somehow perilous to him as the robotic voice coming from the car, founds him guilty for roaming around and not watch a TV.

Though he tries to explain that he has to bad intentions and he just walks every evening and returns home at night, the robotic voice does not believe him and this orders him to get in the car. The car passes his house and takes him to a psychiatric centre because the robotic voice doubts his mental stability and thus it thinks that he needs some treatment for having regressive tendencies.

The story ends there abruptly without giving a hint of what would happen to Leonard, next. So throughout the story, he is depicted as a perfect pedestrian who has no other intentions except walking. He just loves to walk and enjoy the beauty outside though this habit leads him to a difficult path eventually. Thus it can be said that the title of this story is apt.

The Pedestrian About the Story

The short story ‘The Pedestrian’, written by Ray Bradbury, is actually a science fiction that talks about a night in the life of Leonard Mead who is a resident of an unnamed city of 2053. He is the protagonist of the story who enjoys walking in the city alone at every night.

The experience he gathers is insightful and strange as well. In this story, Ray, through his characterisation and imagery shows us that if mankind reaches the point where the society could lose its humanity, then it nuight stop to exist as well.

The Pedestrian Setting of the Story

The story “The Pedestrian” is one of the marvellous creations of Ray Bradbury where he portrays a man named Leonard Mead who goes for a walk every evening alone because he has no one to give him company. Everyone remains busy in watching television inside the house and do not have any intention to get out and enjoy the beauty of the natural environment.

But eventually this habit of his leads him to a difficult path. A police car stops him and though he triés to explain that he has no evil intention, the robotic voice coming from the police car forces him to get inside. The car passes his house and takes him to a psychiatric centre because the robotic voice doubts his mental stability and thus it thinks that he needs some treatment for having regressive tendencies.

The story is purely set in a street of a city. The story begins there, proceeds there and ends there abruptly. There is no other spot mentioned where the story proceeds further. After going through the story, it can be said this setting chose by the writer, is perfect for the plot of the story. There could not be anything better.

The Pedestrian Main Points to Remember

  • This story is set in a world of the future where people sit idly and passively in front of their TV every evening.
  • This short story takes us to 2053 where a man named Leonard Mead strolls the city alone every night. He is the one in the city who, unlike others, refuses to do so and does not even own a television.
  • As the goes on, the readers come to know that spending hours and hours in front of the television
    has become not only common or normal but also, in effect, the law.
  • Meanwhile, Leonard meets with a police car and after a brief interview, he is ordered to hop in the car, at the back.
  • Leonard comes to know that the car is empty and voice that was speaking to him was automated. The car takes him with it because his intention of walking at night alone, turns out suspicious.
  • Once he is inside the car, he is informed that he is taken to a psychiatric centre that researches “Regressive Tendencies.”
  • Though he is driven past his home, the police car refuses to stop.

The Pedestrian Annotations and Vocabulary

Grassy — Covered with grass
Intersection — An occasion when two lines cross, or the place where this happens
Unequal — different in size, level, amount, etc.
Graveyard — A place, often next to a church, where dead people are buried
Whispered — to speak very quietly, using the breath but not the voice
Hawk — A type of large bird that catches small birds and animals for food
Murmur — To speak or say something very quietly
Stumbled — To step awkwardly while walking or running and fall.
Cloverleaf — A connection between two roads consisting of four smaller
Illumination — lighting or light
Incredible — impossible to believe or extraordinary
Specimen — something shown or examined as an example
Tomblike — monument for housing or commemorating a dead person
Air conditioner — a machine that keeps the air in a building cool
Peer — To look carefully or with difficulty
Surge — A sudden and great increase
Thunderous — extremely loud
Phantoms — a spirit of a dead person believed by some to visit the living as a pale, almost transparent form of a person, animal, or other object
Manifest — To show something clearly, through signs or actions
Blaze — To burn brightly and strongly

Treasure Chest A Collection of ICSE Short Stories Workbook Answers

The Boy Who Broke The Bank Summary, Theme by Ruskin Bond

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The Boy Who Broke The Bank Summary by Ruskin Bond

The Boy Who Broke The Bank Summary, Theme by Ruskin Bond

The Boy Who Broke The Bank Summary

The boy who broke the bank” is a very interesting story written by Raskin Bond. The story relates to the murmuring of a sweeper boy Nathu about irregular payment of his salary. It takes the shape of a rumour and results into the collapse of a bank. In the end of the story, Nathu, who is responsible for the whole episode, wonders innocently about the incident.

Seth Govind Ram owns a bank at Pipalngar town. The bank is financially very sound and has won the trust of the depositors. Nathu is a sweeper in the bank. One day, while sweeping the steps of the bank, he grumbles about the irregular payment of his salary by the bank authorities.

Sitaram, the washer man’s son learns about Nathu’s complaints. In his loose talk with Mrs. Srivastava, Sitaram says that bank could not pay its employees. Mrs. Srivastava misunderstands Sitaram’s statement. She believes that the Piplangar bank is about to collapse. The rumour spreads like a wild fire in the entire town.

The customers in shock demand their money back. They start stoning the bank building and break the glasses. The next day when Nathu goes to the bank for his duty, he finds a lot of broken glasses and stones. He wonders how it happened.

He murmurs angrily that the bank authorities are not paying him regularly on one hand and are also increasing his work. For him the event is a mystery. This story is basically about how rumors and lack of communication can cause many problems and be destructive.

The Boy Who Broke The Bank About the Author Ruskin Bond

Ruskin Bond Born on May 19, 1934, in Kasauli, India, he was the son of Edith Clarke and Aubrey Bond. His father served in the Royal Air Force and frequently moved from places to places along with his son. When he was eight, his parents separated and his mother left him.

His father’s undivided attention helped him grow. He felt loved and secure but his tragic departure from his life left him lonely and broken. Following the sudden demise of his father, he moved to Dehradun where his grandmother raised him. He received his early education from Bishop Cotton School in Shimla.

He completed his graduation and moved to England and stayed at his aunt’s house for four years. The first twenty years of his life groomed him to be a good writer as it developed his personality in such a way. Despite his suffering and lonely childhood, Bond developed an optimistic outlook on life. He chose the path of becoming an earnest writer that his father wished him to follow.

At the age of 17 in London, he began to write his first novel, The Room on the Roof. The novel charts the life of an orphaned Anglo-Indian teenager. The book has a strong autobiographical element as it’s based on his actual experiences living in a small rented room on the roof in Dehradun. It was not published until he was twenty-one. He was awarded John Liewellyn Rhys Memorial prize for his first novel.

He returned to India and worked as a journalist in Delhi and Dehradun for a few years. Later, he relocated to a town in the Himalayan foothills, Mussoorie, where he pursued freelance writing since 1963.

His essays and articles were published in numerous magazines, such as The Pioneer, The Leader, The Tribune and The Telegraph. Till now he has written over three hundred short stories, essays and novels and over thirty children’s books. Additionally, he penned two autobiographical volumes; Scenes from a Writer’s Life and The Lamp is Lit; Leaves from a Journal.

His works have also been adapted for television and film. A BBC TV-series is based on his debut novel, short story Susanna’s Seven Husbands was adapted into a film as 7 Khoon Maaf and film Junoon is inspired by his A Flight of Pigeons. He received the Sahitya Academy award in 1992 for his book, Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra. Ruskin was also awarded the Padma Shri (1999), and Padma Vibhushan.

The Boy Who Broke The Bank Theme

The short story ‘The Boy Who Broke the Bank’ centres round Nathu, a sweeper boy who was not being paid by the bank for his job, for long period of time. Because of this, a rumour had spread that the bank was getting collapsed because it had no money left to pay even the wages of a sweeper boy. This rumour spread everywhere like a wild fire.

All the account holders started harassing the bank manager for returning their money back to them. The bank manager requested the raging crowd for some more time, but they just wanted their money just then. So, out of rage they damaged the bank. When Nathu came the next day, he saw broken glasses and stones everywhere. He grumbled as he found he had to clean more but without wages.

After he finished cleaning, he was waiting for the manager to get his money when suddenly he was informed that the bank was collapsed. Though he was the main reason for the collapse of the bank, he remained ignorant about the fact. The story ended on an ironical note.

The Boy Who Broke The Bank Title of the Story

The short story ‘The Boy Who Broke the Bank’ based on a boy Nathu, a sweeper boy who was the centre of attraction of the story. Nathu was working in a bank as a sweeper but he was not being paid for a long period which made him anxious and depressed. He was totally agitated and wanted his money back as soon as possible. His agitation made a rumour that spread like a wild fire.

The rumour that die bank was unable to pay him made all the customers worried. The customers thought that the bank had devoured all the money so the anxious and worried customers wanted all their money back. This demand created a huge pressure on the Bank Manager.

He could not handle that pressure and thus requested the raging crowd for some more time but they just wanted their money back. So, the angry crowd broke the bank. Ignorant Nathu, when came to the bank for work the next day, found broken glasses and stones everywhere.

He could not understand why the property was damaged though he was the main reason, unknowingly. He grumbled because he had to clean more but without wages. After he finished cleaning, he was waiting for the manager so that he could get his money when suddenly he was informed that the bank was collapsed. Nathu remained awestruck and the story ended there. So, in spite of being solely responsible, Nathu remained ignorant of the total mess that he had made. So, the title is apt.

The Boy Who Broke the Bank About the Story

Phatik was a mischievous boy who was a nuisance to his mother. Just like a 14 year old teenage boy, he was naughty, turbulent, wild and impulsive. His younger brother Makhan was just like the opposite. He was quiet. good and fond of reading. One day, while pushing a wooden log into the water that was meant to be shaped as the mast of a boat, Makhan showed objection and at this they had a fight.

At home, when Phatik was questioned about this, he behaved aggressively. It was then his uncle arrived from Calcutta and agreed to take Phatik with him.’ At Calcutta he had some adjustment issues with the new family and new atmosphere.

His aunt and cousins did not welcome him and he faced several troubles in new school. Moreover he felt the need of returning to his village but could not do so. Somehow he ended up getting terribly sick and eventually died. He could not reach his home ultimately.

The Boy Who Broke The Bank Setting of the Story

The story ‘The Boy Who Broke the Bank’ was set on the Pipalnagar bank where a sweeper boy named Nathu used to work. The whole story revolves around this bank from where Nathu was not getting his wages and thus began the confusion. Rumours went on that the bank was not able to pay wages of even a sweeper boy and this rumour spread in a very rapid manner.

Customers thought that the bank manager devoured ail their money and so wanted their money back right then. They did not even pay any heed to the manager’s request for giving him some more time and damaged the bank to satisfy their anger. The next day, Nathu when came to the bank for work, he found everything broken but he did not know what had happened and how had happened.

Being ignorant, he grumbled because he had to clean more and suddenly got to know that the bank was collapsed. So, the story began with the bank, proceeded with the situation of the bank and ended showing the collapse of the bank. So, it can be said that the story is well-set.

The Boy Who Broke The Bank Main Points to Remember

  • Nathu was a sweeper who sweeps and cleanses the floor and steps of Pipalnagar Bank owned by Seth Govind Ram.
  • He was worried because he was not getting paid by the bank for a long period of time.
  • This situation of Nathu got rumoured. Everybody started talking about this.
  • Soon words spread that the bank had no money to pay him and it was getting collapsed.
  • I Soon the account holders got panicked, they thought their money would be lost.
  • They charged the manager and demanded their money back.
  • They did not pay heed to any request of the manager and did not even give him time to arrange such huge amounts.
  • The raging crowd even damaged the bank premises.
  • The totally ignorant Nathu came to work at the bank and witnessed the pathetic condition of the bank premises.
  • He had to know the news of the collapse of the bank from another person. Though he was the sole reason for all the mess, he remained awestruck hearing this. After all, he did not know a thing about this!!

The Boy Who Broke The Bank Annotations and Vocabulary

Grumbled — to mutter in discontent
Banging — hitting
Annoyed — angry
Emphasize — giving stress on something
Plodded — to walk heavily
Customary — commonly practised
Affirmed — confirmed
Wages — earning
Startled — shocked
Dashed out — rushed out
Beeline — a straight course
Squatting — to crouch or sit on the ground
Alms — contribution
Speculating — to ponder a subject
Imminent — happening soon
Indulge — to yield to the desire of
Harassed — humiliated and exhausted
Dilemma — a situation involving such a choice
Clutter — to run in disorder
Determined — having reached a decision

Treasure Chest A Collection of ICSE Short Stories Workbook Answers