Poetry Section

SHALL I COMPARE THEE TO A SUMMER’S DAY

Quartrain 1:- The poem begins by addressing the beloved whom the entire poem relates. The
beloved is compared to a summer’s day. Here he is saying that love and summer both are
fleeting and can easily be shaken by rough winds that came their way.

Quartrain 2:- This section says that sometimes summer are too hot and can decrease the beauty
of nature in the course of time.

Quartrain 3:-Here in this section, the beauty of the beloved is shown. It shall never fade like the
real summer does. According to the speaker the beloved shall always be beautiful and lovely.

Couplet: - The two ending lines of a sonnet are the most important part. Here the poet says
that as long as there are readers, breathing and seeing , the beloved shall always live. The
sonnet shall always live and it will keep the beloved alive.

In the rest of the poem, he has talked about the duration of a summer’s day. Then he
has contrasted that with how his love will be immortal. He has said that he will never die
because he has written this poem about him which he written just before the couplet. He
completes the thought by saying that as long as people exist, this poem will exist and he will live
in the poem.

Themes of the poem,

1) Imperfection of nature: - This theme of imperfection of nature is presented in the first

two quartrain. The poet presents the agreement that summer has all too short and in
addition to the fleeting nature of this season and it often too hot. Of course the season
are not remain as same and are changing accordingly.
2) Art is immortal:- The third quartrain and the couplet of this poem express that “Art is
immortal”. The poet will provide the lover by putting his words of love into this poem.
The perfect metaphor “Eternal Summer shall not fade” is an example of the beauty of
his beloved. That is at least as long as mortal man lives and read this verse; his friend’s
beauty will last. The concluding heroic couplet summarizes the poet thoughts of Art is
immortal.

Q1. What is being compared to a summer’s day? And by whom?

Ans.: The poet’s friend is being compared to a summer’s day. But there is a doubt about the
identity of his friend. He may be William Herbert or Henry Wriothesley or Third Earl of
Southampton or William Himself.
Q2. Why is the friend more lovely and temperate than the summer’s day?

Ans: The summer’s day , which is in the summer season, is very short lived. Sometimes the
summer’s storms withered up the beautiful buds that bloom in summer. The sun which is
sometime too hot is often overcast with the dark clouds. But the friend’s beauty is eternal and
constant. So it is more fascinating than the summer’s season.

THREE YEARS SHE GREW IN SUN AND SHOWER

First paragraph (explanation)

The poet personified nature as mother of Lucy. She, as being a mother, said that Lucy
was the most beautiful creature of all. She also added that she would like to take care Lucy
and teach her so that to become a lady.

Second paragraph (explanation)

Here, mother- nature said that she will guide and gift inspiring force to Lucy. She said
that she will carry her everywhere-hill or mountain, forest or plain in order to teach her and
make her understand the world around her. Mother-nature further added if she will face all
her surrounding and have an experience than she will gain an “Overseeing power”.

Third paragraph (explanation)

According to mother-nature, Lucy will be a lady who is very much happy at all. She
will enjoy the world like a young deer, playing and running everywhere. Though she is
sportive she will also possess the quality of silence. Not only this, she must be a symbol of
calmness. This means that Lucy will possess all the characters of a lady.

Seventh paragraph (explanation)

In the last paragraph mother-nature said that she has completed her work of
nourishing and education Lucy by providing all joys and pleasures. But there is a twist at the
end. Lucy who is now become the most suitable lady of mother-nature alone in disgrace and in
her memory. Though she has thought that they will be happy living together in that small
valley.

Q1. Who is LUCY?

Ans.:-Lucy is an anonymous (unknown) lady portrayed by William Wordsworth. Wordsworth

has written a group of poems based on her in each poem he describes his love and sympathy
for Lucy. But till now nobody has discovered who Lucy is.

THE CHARGE OF THE LIGHT BRIGADE

About the poet:

Alfred Tennyson was born on six August, 1809 in Lincolnshire England. He was a Poet
laureate of Great Britain and Ireland. Some of his works are ‘Ulysses’, ‘Tithonus’, ‘In
Memorium ‘, etc. He died on six October, 1892.

Background of the poem

The charge of the light brigade was a charge of British light cavalry led by Lord
Cardigan against the Russian forces on 25 th October, 1854 in the Crimean War. Lord Ragland
over all commander of the British forces had intended to send the light Brigade to pursue and
harry a retreating Russian artillery battery, a task well shot to light cavalry. Due to
miscommunication in the chain of commander, the light Brigade was instead sent on a frontal
assault.

There were six hundred sixty eight soldiers in the Brigades. They were not completely
destroyed but did suffered terribly, with one hundred eighteen men killed, one hundred twenty
seven wounded and about sixty taken prisoner. After regrouping only one hundred and ninety
five men were still with horses.

According to Sir Charles Tennyson, Tennyson’s grandson, Tennyson wrote the poem only
a few minutes after reading an account of the battle in ‘The Times’. It was published six weeks
after the event on nine December, 1848 in ‘The Examiner’.

Explanation of 1st paragraph

Tennyson slowly introducing the six hundred cavalry who will reach the battle of
Balaclava just after half a league. He shows an unknown person who is ordering to charge for
the guns. The Brigade has been ordered into the valley and they are riding in even though they
know that guns and death are waiting for them.

Explanation of 2nd paragraph

In the second stanza the ordered is repeated to go forward. The speaker is asking if there
were any frightened soldiers. And says that they were very loyal to feel frightened. They know
that it is not good idea but they go towards the battle without asking any question.

Explanation of 3RD paragraph

Here, in this stanza, it shows that the soldiers are surrounded by enemy with cannons. They
are surrounded by the sound of gunfire. But the Brigade boldly goes towards the valley. This
shows us how heroic these men were.

Explanation of 4TH paragraph

 Comparing with the Russian Army’s weapons the Brigade’s weapons were very poor. These
guys were not carrying machine guns. They were riding through bullets on horses carrying
swords. They have some luck. They reached the guns and stabbed the men who were operating
them. The work is amazed by their act. But at last it had a mourning scene as some of them
had killed by the Russian.

Explanation of 5TH paragraph

The opening five lines are almost similar with the third paragraph. But this is the returning
trip and is deadly and terrifying. Here we get an image of horses and soldiers falling under
the rain of gunfire. This stanza ends with the remnants of the light Brigade move back across
the field.

Explanation of 6TH paragraph

The poet’s aim is to make the courage of these British soldiers immortal. So, he ends the
poem by giving commands to us. He said to honour the light Brigade and their attacks. He
tells us to respect and remember them.

Line 13, 14 and 15 (explanation)

These three lines are the most famous lines of this poem. The poet uses these lines to sum up
all the honest, humble, courage of them. They are just doing their duty. In their duty they are
just doing their duty. In their duty they are not permitted to talk back to the commander. So
they have to do and die.

Q1. How did the soldiers of the Light Brigades react when they were asked to attack the
Russian cavalry?

Ans: The soldiers of the Light Brigade when forward and attack the Russian cavalry when the
command was received. They did not question or complain against the order because they
were dutiful soldiers even in the face of death.

Q2. What were the types of weapons used by the Russian Army?

Ans: The types of weapons used by the Russian Army were a number of big guns and cannons.

Q3. Why was the attack of the Light brigades called wild?

Ans: The Light Brigades attacked the enemy in accordance with a thoughtless command from
the commander. Without any doubt they shown their courages and heroism. So, their attack
was called a wild attack.

Q4. Why did the world wonder at the Light Brigades attack to the enemy?
Ans: The world wondered at the bravery of the soldiers fighting with sabres against the
heavily armed enemies. They were only six hundred against the numerous enemies. Again,
they also wondered why the soldiers followed the commands of the commander.

SONG OF THE FLOWER

Explanation of 1ST paragraph

Here the poet personifies the flower and says herself as the sweet voice of nature which is
fallen from the sky. She further says, she is the daughter of the Earth conceived by Winter,
born in Spring, brought up in Summer and slept in Autumn.

Explanation of 2nd and 3rd paragraph

The flower is explaining her works on Earth. She is informing the world that the morning is
approaching along with the sweet blowing breeze. At the evening time together with the birds
she farewells the light.

And said she decorated our Earth with its beautiful colours and sweet aroma.

Explanation of 4th paragraph,

Here, in this paragraph the flower is describing her playful life. She says that during night
the sky is taking care of her, and as the Sun rises she will look at the Sun. The flower is
enjoying with the grass, drinking dew as wine and listening to the music of birds.

Explanation of the 5th paragraph,

Here, the poet describes the uses of a flower in the first person form. Some of the uses
mention in this poem are-lover’s gift, wedding garland, mark of memory for a happy moment,
a means of tribute to the death. The poet further says that the flower is useful in both happy
and sorrow moments.

Explanation of 6th paragraph,

Describing the beauty of the flower the poet, at the end, gives a memory to us, the human
being. The poet advises us to look up high i.e. to think high, to aim high, to try for the best, etc.
Like the flower who never looks down to see her shadow, he says to never look downward.
Thus the poet is saying that the flower gives a moral lesson to the human being on the Earth.

Q1. How does the flower the daughter of the element?

Ans: It is believed that the Earth is made of different elements like air, water, heat (fire) and
earth. As the flower is grown on this Earth, it is a compose of these elements. So, she is called
as the daughter of the elements.
 Q2. What does the flower do in the morning and in the evening?

Ans: In the morning, the flower unites with the gentle breeze to announce the coming of the
light of the day. In the evening, flowers join the sweet song of the birds to bid farewell to the
day.

Q3. In which ways are flowers useful to us?

Ans: Flowers are used as the lovers’ gift, as the wedding wreath. They are used as the memory
of the moment of happiness. Again flowers are also used as the last gift of the living to the
death. Thus, flowers form a part of joy and a part of sorrow.

Q4. What lesson flowers want men to learn?

Ans: Human being must learn a lesson from flower. Man should look up high only to see the
light but he should not look down to see his image.

PRELUDES (INTRODUCTION)
Central Idea:-

The poem shows the lives of the modern people. There is no real pleasures in big cities
like London. The materialistic outlook of modern men has revolutionized the way of life. The
growth of industrial civilization has make living dull and tiresome. Lives move on in a
mechanical way. Despite hard work people lead pitiable life. Now that, such things are
inescapable. The poet advises us to learn to be happy in the midst of suffering, in spite of his
repugnance to modern life.

Explanation of first stanza (1ST to 13th line):-

The poet observes the end of the winter evening in London and a sense of monotony and
drabness (dull) arouses in his mind. He has, time and again , felt the smell of steaks in the
narrow lanes, seen the withered leaves and newspapers being wrapped and the broken blinds
and the chimney-pots being beaten by the gusty shower.

Explanation of second stanza (14TH to 24TH line):-

The poet takes a close view of the scene of morning life in the city of London. He watches
how the people begin their daily lives. He sees them go to the early coffee’s-stands for drinking
coffee. He also saws where the people are living. Decorating by artificial things and their life
which become artificial.
Theme:-

1) Suffering:-People live in a harsh life. Life is an unchanging cycle of day and night. There
is a sense of people waiting and rushing but not really enjoying their lives.
2) Pretence:-People lead double lives. The respectable life people live by day hides a sordid
night.
3) Life style:-In 1910 people lives by rushing to and from work consuming coffee beer and
steaks. But in reality they are suffering at night
4) Poverty:-The people of that period a very poor. Hands and feet of city people are dirty.
The streets are full of rubbish and mud.

Explanation:-

1) “The winter evening…………….smoky days’’ (1ST to 4TH line)

Ans.:-The poet is describing the place where the air is contaminated by the smokes imitated by
the factories and by the smell of steaks. Such symptoms of modern city are observed by the poet
in a very repulsive and disgusting manner in the winter evening when the clock strikes six. This
is time when the industrious part of the day comes to a close. The poet thus brings the idea of
an odious evening of an industrial city into our mind.

2) “With the other masquerades…………….furnished rooms”(19TH to 23RD line)

Ans.:- In these lines the poet describes how morning life begins in a modern city like London. In
the train of a gusty shower of the night the street grows wet and muddy. People neglecting the
muddiness of the street go to the coffee stand early in the morning to drink coffee. And then
marking the start of their daily life people go to join assembly of persons who are dancing at
the ball. There one can see their dirty hands while dancing. In this way the poet expresses the
feeling of disgust at the tiresome modern urban life.

Q1.Why does Eliot compare the evening with “The burnt out ends of smoky days”?

Ans.:-The evening of London city is compared with “The burnt out ends of smoky days”
because it is filled with smoke which is an unhealthy thing. The air is not fresh because of the
smoke produced by the factories as well as cigarette.

Q2.”The grimy scraps

Of withered leaves about your feet” what do these lines suggest?

Ans.:-These lines show the untidy scene of London city. All the withered leaves, scraps and
papers as well as newspapers are gathered at the feet of the passersby. This shows the
unhealthy atmosphere in the surrounding of the London city.
Q3”The showers beat

On broken blinds and chimney-pots” what are impressions created by these lines?

Ans.:-Here, in these lines, the poet shows the inconveniences faced by the passersby. Not only
the passersby the people of that society are also facing the problems. It also shows the
condition of the people who could not mend their windows and chimney-pots.

Q4. What affect does Eliot want to create by the image, “Faint stale smells of beer”?

Ans.:-Morning makes us fresh by their aromatic air. But in the city like London instead of fresh
air the atmosphere is filled with the smell of stale beer which was used at night. And this makes
the people dull and unhealthy.

Q5.”Sawdust-trampled street” Explain the image create by this line.

Ans.:-The streets of London used to be muddy in olden period. Sawdusts were scattered to cover
these muddy areas. In that situation people used to go to coffee-stands to drink coffee as a
habitual act. So, their feet were trempled by the mud as well as sawdust whenever they go there.

THE FROG AND THE NIGHTINGALE

The central idea of the poem is satire. Satire on those people who know about art and
music but who exploit innocent artists without thinking of their status. Through their talent they
earn huge sum of money .In the lust of money, they even kill the art as well as the artists. Not
only this, people who possess their own talents and skills have lack of confidence and belief
easily when a person criticizes them. They will easily follow the instruction of that critics. At
last they will lost everything even their soul.

Q1What does ‘awn’ mean? What has the poet used this word?

Ans.:- The word ‘awn’ has been coined by the poet to rhyme with ‘dawn’. Here it simply means
do.

Q2.What the reaction of the other creature to the frog’s singing because his voice was very loud
and unpleasant?

Ans.:-The other creatures hated the frog’s because his voice was very loud and unpleasant.

Q3Why did everyone stare at the Sumac tree?

Ans.:- Everyone stared at the Sumac tree because it was from there that the nightingale was
singing and charming all ears with her song.

Q4.Was the criticism of the frog a fair judge? What did he suggest?
Ans.:- No, the frog was not a fair judge of the song. His own song was such that all other
creatures hated his voice. He suggested that the Nightingale should have vocal training under
him. He added that she could then become a winner.

Q5.Why was the Nightingale so imposed by the frog?

Ans.:-The Nightingale was impressed because the frog had said that he had long been known
for his splendid baritone. He had also said that he wrote songs for Bog Trumpet.

Q6.What does the Nightingale mean by at least it’s more?

Ans.:-The Nightingale means to say that though her song has no supernatural quality, she feels
proud of the fact that it is her own song. She has not borrowed or copies it from anyone.

Q7.Why does the Nightingale consider the frog as ‘Mozart’?

Ans.:-The frog said that he could make her a winner through his training. Mozart was one of
the greatest musician of all times and the Nightingale felt that Mozart had come down to Earth
in the form of the Frog.

Q8.Why is the Frog benefited in two ways?

Ans.:-He earns money from the Nightingale’s musical concerts. He also gets money from the
Nightingale for her vocal training. Thus the Frog is benefited in two ways.

Q9.Why did the Frog feel joy both sweet and bitter?

Ans.:-The joy was sweet because the frog was earning lots of money through the Nightingale’s
musical concerts. On the other hand it was bitter because the Frog felt jealous of the
Nightingale’s fame.

Q10.In what way did the Frog become the unrivalled king of the Bog once again?

Ans.:-The Nightingale puffed up her lungs to sing. As a result one of her veins got burst and she
died. Thus, the Frog became the unrivalled king of the Bog once again.

Q11.Who was responsible for the bird’s death? Give evidence in support of your answer.

Ans.:-The frog was responsible for the Nightingale’s death. In his greed for more and more
money, he did not allow her any sleep and sleep and rest. He strained her nerves so much that
the poor bird in the end.

OR,

The Nightingale herself will take the responsible of her death. Throughout the universe,
Nightingale is known for her sweet melodious voice. But when a critic like frog comes fort and
critics her voice, she beliefs him and devotes her talent to him. In this way the Frog handles the
Nightingale in whatever manner. Thus, the Nightingale has to loss her life because of her lack
of confidence.

A DAY

Explanation of 1st paragraph,

Emily Dickinson was very attracted the beauty of the morning scene. The way she expressed
the coming of the light is very appropriate.

According to her opinion, the coming of the light is just a layer of light coming one after
another. The steeple of the church is like swimming in the sky due to the reflection of sunlight
which seems very beautiful. The morning is arriving in full speed, it is like a squirrel.

Explanation of 2nd paragraph,

Emily Dickinson portrayed the coming of light on the top of the hill like the removal of a
bonnet by a woman. The dark portion on the top of the hill was disappearing because of the
coming of light which Dickinson expressed as the removal of bonnet. As the sun was
approaching the singing birds were casting their sweet voices. By that, she will easily know
the arrival of the morning.

Explanation of 3rd paragraph,

Through the poet is explaining very clearly about the sun rise, she doesn’t have any idea of
sunset. To her sunset is like the people who are climbing over a stile to a higher level. She
says so because the scene of sunset looks like a layer of yellowish creature climbing one after
another in a ladder like structure.

Explanation of 4th paragraph,

At the last paragraph of this poem, the poet says that mourning. The priest is opening the
gate of the Earth so that the light may depart. Thus the scene of sunset is not an enjoyable
moment but a sorrowful moment which hurt the heart of we the people of this Earth.

Pross Section

THE LAST LESSON

Q1. Describe the background in which 'The Last Lesson' of Alphonse Daudet has been set.
Ans: 'The Last Lesson' is set in the days of the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871). France was
defeated by Prussia (Germany). By an order from Berlin, German language was imposed on the
French districts of Alsace and Lorraine. The lesson describes how a teacher in Alsace, M.
Hamel, reacts to this shocking news. His students and even the villagers share his views.

Q2. What was Franz expected to be prepared with for school that day? Why was he in great
dread of scolding?
Ans: Franz had not prepared his lesson. His teacher, M. Hamel, had said that he would
question the students on participles. But Franz didn't know even the first word about them. He
feared a scolding from M. Hamel. Moreover, he started for school very late. For a moment he
thought of running away and spending the day out of doors.

Q3. Why did Franz think of running away and spending the day out of doors?
Ans: Franz started for school very late. His teacher, M. Hamel had said that he would question
them on 'participles'. Franz knew nothing about them. He feared a scolding from M. Hamel. He
thought of running away from the school and spending the day out of doors. But he resisted the
temptation and hurried off to school.

Q 4. What was the temptation and how did Franz resist it ?

Ans: M. Hamel was to question the students on participles. Franz knew nothing about them and
feared a scolding. For a moment he was tempted to run away and spend the day out of doors.
The weather was warm. The day was bright. Woods, open fields and chirping of birds tempted
him. But he overcame his temptation and hurried off to school.

Q5. What did Franz see when he passed in front of the town hall on the way to school ?
Ans: Franz passed the town hall on his way to school. There was a great crowd in front of the
bulletin-board. For the past two years all their bad news had come from there. The people
thronged there to hear the news of last battles or the orders of the commanding officer. They
verified everything from there.

Q6. Why was there a crowd in front of the bulletin-board at the town hall ?
Ans: Usually there used to be a crowd in front of the bulletin-board at the town hall. All the bad
news had come from there for the last two years. But today another bad news shocked the
residents of the town. An order has come from Berlin. German language was to be imposed on
the people of Alsace and Lorraine. Now only the German teachers will teach German to the
French speaking population.

Q7. Describe at least two changes that could be seen in M. Hamel after he came to know of that
order from Berlin.
Ans: M. Hamel was a hard task-master. But the order from Berlin completely changed him. He
didn't rebuke Franz when he entered the classroom quite late. Nor did he scold him when he got
mixed up and confused when it was his turn to recite. His last act of writing "Vive La France!"
on the blackboard revealed his love for France and French.

Q8. How was the scene in the school in the morning of the last lesson different from that on
other days ?
Ans: The scene in the school is different from that on other days. It was the last lesson in
French. German was going to be imposed on them from the next day. Hence, all students and
even the village elders had gathered there. The love for their native language French
dominated all other things.

Q9. ‘I had counted on the commotion to get to my desk without being seen; ...', said Franz. How
did he enter and what was the reaction of the teacher?
Ans: Franz was late for school. Usually there was always a great hustle and bustle in the
morning. He had hoped to take advantage of that noise and commotion. He wanted to get to his
desk without being noticed. But that day he had to go in before everybody. But nothing
happened. M. Hamel only asked him very politely to take up his seat.

Q10. What did Franz see through the window when he reached his school ?
Ans: Through the window Franz saw his classmates. They were already in their places.
M. Hamel was tense walking up and down. He had that "terrible" ruler under his arm. It was
all very quiet—as quiet as Sunday morning. The usual commotion and activities were absent.

Q 11. What was the thing that surprised the narrator most? Why was everybody sad?
Ans: The whole school seemed so strange and silent. But the thing that surprised Franz most
was to see the village people on the back benches. Generally they were always empty.
Everybody sat quietly and looked sad. Everybody was sad to know that German would be
taught in all schools of Alsace.

Q12. Why didn't M. Hamel get angry with Franz for being late?
Ans: M. Hamel was much disturbed by the news that came from Berlin. He was deliver ing his
'last lesson' in French. So he didn't get angry with Franz for being late. Rather he said very
kindly, "Go to your place, little Franz". He ignored Franz's being late and went on with his
lesson.

Q13. How did M. Hamel give the shocking news to the students and the villagers and with what
effect ?
Ans: The villagers sat along with the students on the back desks. M. Hamel mounted on his
chair. He spoke in a grave and gentle tone. He made it clear that it was his last French lesson.
An order had come from Berlin. All the schools of Alsace and Lorraine would teach only
German. A new teacher would replace him the next day. The news left everyone shocked and
grieved.

Q14. Why had M. Hamel put on his fine Sunday clothes ? Why were the old men of the village
sitting there in the back of the classroom ?
Ans: M. Hamel had put on his fine Sunday clothes to highlight the occasion. The old men of the
village had come there to show their sympathy and respect to the teacher. It was their way to
thank M. Hamel for his forty years of faithful service. They had also come to show their respect
to France and their most beautiful language French.
Q15. How did Franz perform when his turn came to recite? How did M. Hamel react?
Ans: It was Franz's turn to recite. In spite of his best effort, he got mixed up. His heart was
beating and he did not dare to look up. M. Hamel assured in a polite tone that he would not
scold him. He was not the only one who neglected learning French. Many others in Alsace
shared his fate.

Q16. "We've all a great deal to reproach ourselves with." Why did M. Hamel blame the parents
and himself too for not showing due attention and care to the learning of French?
Ans: M. Hamel didn't scold Franz for neglecting the learning of French. Most of the people of
Alsace could neither speak nor write their own language. Their parents preferred to put them to
work on a farm or at the mills. Mr. Hamel didn't even spare himself. He had often sent his
students to water his flowers instead of learning their lessons.

Q17. What did M. Hamel tell the people in the class about French language ? What did he ask
them to do and why ?
Or
How does M. Hamel pay a tribute to the French language ?
Ans: M. Hamel went on to talk of French language. He told that it was the most beautiful
language of the world. It was the clearest and the most logical of all languages. He asked the
people to guard it among themselves and never forget it. As long as people 'hold fast to the'
language' they have the key to freedom.

Q18. Why did M. Hamel ask his students and the villagers to guard French among them ?
Ans: M. Hamel was delivering his last in French to his students. From the next day the French
districts of Alsace would teach German in all schools. M. Hamel was grieved but quit e helpless.
He praised French as the most beautiful and logical language in the world. He urged upon
them to guard their beautiful language.

Q19. How did the narrator take the last lesson in grammar and with what effect?
Ans: In the end, M. Hamel opened a grammar book. He read them their last lesson. All he said
'seemed so easy, so easy !' Franz understood it so well. He had never listened to his teacher so
carefully. It seemed as if M. Hamel wanted to give them all he knew before going away. He
wanted to put it all into their heads at one stroke.

Q20. Describe M. Hamel's service to the school in Alsace.

Ans: For forty years M. Hamel had been serving in the same school in Alsace. He valued
French language as the most beautiful language in the world. His students and even the village
elders paid respect to him on the last day. He felt sorry that the people of Alsace neglected their
learning.

Q21. What was the parting message of M. Hamel to his students and the village elders who had
gathered in the classroom?
Ans: M. Hamel stood up, very pale, in his chair. He was speaking for the last time. He tried to
speak but couldn't. Something choked him. Then he turned to the blackboard and wrote as large
as he could :
"Vive La France !" (" Long Live France !"). Without a word he made a gesture. All of them
could go. The school was "dismissed".

Q22. "The people in the story realise suddenly how precious their language is to them." How do
they realise it and who makes them realise it ?
Ans: An order comes from Berlin. The people suddenly realise how precious their language is
to them. German is imposed on the French districts of Alsace and Lorraine. The man who
makes them aware of the greatness of their language is M. Hamel. He arouses their hidden love
for their beautiful language.

Q23. What happened when the church-clock struck twelve ?

Or
How did M. Hamel say farewell to his students and the village elders?
Ans: The church-clock struck twelve. It was time for the Angelus prayer. At the same moment
the trumpets of the Prussians sounded. Suddenly M. Hamel grew overemotional. Patriotic
feelings overpowered him. He took a piece of chalk and wrote as large as he could: "Long Live
France".

Q24. What is Linguistic Chauvinism? How do you classify M. Hamel's love and the villagers'
concern for French?
Ans: 'Linguistic Chauvinism' means carrying pride in one's language too far. But the love of
Hamel and the village elders for French doesn't amount to this. Rather they are victims of it.
German is being imposed on the French speaking people of Alsace. M. Hamel feels genuinely
proud of French language. He urges others never to forget such a beautiful language.

Q25. ‘Justify the title of 'The Last Lesson.'

Ans: The title is self-revealing. It was certainly the last lesson that M. Hamel was delivering to
his students. From the next day German was to be imposed on the French speaking people of
Alsace. M. Hamel was leaving the school for good with a heavy heart. Even the elders had
come to pay respect and listen to the last lesson in French.

Q26. What message does the writer want to convey to the readers through 'The Last Lesson'?
Ans: Alphonse Daudet has a definite message to convey to his readers. Through M. Hamel he
wants to express pride in one's language. Greatness of French language is highlighted. The
lesson arouses patriotic feelings. It makes the readers aware that they must keep their language
and culture alive at all costs.

Q27. What was the order from Berlin? How did that order affect the people of Alsace,
particularly M. Hamel and his students?
Ans: A shocking order had come from Berlin. Two French speaking districts of Alsace and
Lorrain were under German occupation. German language was imposed on the people of
Alsace.
The order from Berlin added insult to the injury. It hurt the pride of the people. M.
Hamel, a school teacher, broke this shocking news to his students. He declared that it was his
last lesson in French. He would leave the place for good. A new master would replace him to
teach German. The news aroused patriotic feelings in students as well as the villagers. The
village elders came to the school to listen to the last lesson in French. He spoke at length about
French language. He called French the most beautiful language in the world. It was the
clearest and the most logical language. He expressed his dismay that the people of Alsace were
quite indifferent to the learning of French. He called upon them to guard it among themselves
and never forget it. Their language was the key to their unity and liberation. Everyone listened
to him with rapt attention and respect.

Q28. What did Franz notice that was unusual about the school that day?
Ans: Usually, when school began, there was a great bustle, which could be heard out in the
street. But it was all very still that day. Everything was as quiet as a Sunday morning. There
was no opening or closing of desks. His classmates were already in their places. The teacher’s
great ruler instead of rapping on the table, was under M. Hamel’s arm.

Q29. What had been put up on the bulletin-board?

Ans: For the last two years all the bad news came from the bulletin-board. An order had come
from Berlin to teach only German in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine. The Germans had put
up this notice on the Bulletin board.

Q30. What change did the order from Berlin cause in the school that day?
Ans: Mr. Hamel had put on his best dress – his beautiful green coat, his frilled shirt and the
little black silk cap, all embroidered. The whole school seemed so strange and solemn. On the
back benches that were always empty, the elderly village people were sitting quietly like the
kids.

Q31. How did Franz’s feelings about M. Hamel and the school change?
Ans: Franz came to know that it was the last lesson in French that M. Hamel would give them.
From the next day they will be taught only German. Then he felt sorry for not learning his
lessons properly. His books, which seemed a nuisance and a burden earlier were now old
friends. His feelings about M. Hamel also changed. He forgot all about his ruler and how
cranky he was.

Q32. “When a people are enslaved, as long as they hold fast to their language it is as if they
have the keys to their prison.” What could this mean?
Ans: Language is an important aspect of the culture of any nation. Native language unites the
people of a particular area or nation. During colonization colonizers enforce political
domination by exerting their rules and regulation over the people of colonized nation and
enforce cultural domination by imposing their own language on them. In some cases, colonizers
prohibit the teaching of the native language and try to deprive the people of their identity. In
such cases ,when people are attached to their native language, their identity would be kept
intact. Their language is the key to their prison as their language keeps them united against the
invaders and urge them to fight against the enslavement.

Q33. Franz thinks, “Will they make them sing in German, even the pigeons ?” What could this
means?
Ans: Alphonse Daudet’s ‘The Last Lesson’ very prominently raises the question of linguistic
and cultural hegemony of the colonial and imperial powers and their lust for controlling the
world and influencing their cultures and identities. Prussians acquired the districts of Alsace
and Lorraine in Franco-Prussian War , but they were not satisfied with mere political
domination ,they desired to enforce their own language on the people of the defeated nation.
They released the order that from now German would be taught in schools rather than French.
Franz wondered whether they would make even pigeons sing in German. It means that they had
grown up using French as their language and now snatching away their language from them
would be unfair and unkind. The language was as natural to them as cooing is to the pigeon.
So, compulsion to speak another language is like dominating the force of nature and enslaving
it. As it is next to impossible to alter the way pigeons sing, in the same way it is difficult for
people to accept a language which is forcibly imposed on them. Adopting a new language
causes pain and discomfort.

MACBETH

Q1. Write the character sketch of Lady Macbeth.

Ans: Lady Macbeth is the most important character in the development of the story of Macbeth.
After fulfilling the second prophecy, in order to fulfil the third one she instigates her husband to
commit more crimes. Because of her scorn and accusation Macbeth had not wanted. The tragic
nature of the story was caused by ambitious activities caused by Lady Macbeth.

Q2. Why did King Duncan send Macbeth and Banquo?

Ans: King Duncan sent two of his greatest Generals- Macbeth and Banquo, to lead his rebels.
His rebels were his subjects led by Macdonwald, Thane of Cawdor and king of Norway.

Q3. Describe the weather on the barren heath.

Ans: It was a strange day, fair by turns and then foul, now bright sunshine, and then dark
clouds and wind and driving rain, and all around them nothing could seen but the low heath as
far as the edge of the sky.

Q4. How did the witches greet Macbeth?

Ans: The witches greeted Macbeth in a very strange manner. Of that three witches, the first
witch greeted him as Thane of Glamis, the second witch greeted as Thane of Cawdor and the
third witch greeted as future king of Scotland.

Q5. Why did Macbeth wish to ask more questions to the witches?

Ans: Macbeth could not understand the strange greetings of the witches because he did not
have any idea about Cawdor’s doom and to become king was beyond belief. So, he would like
to know more about the prophecies made by them.

Q6. How did Ross greet Macbeth?

Ans: Ross saluted Macbeth as Thane of Cawdor. He did it as the king had ordered him to do so.

Q7. How did Macbeth react at the greeting of Ross?

Ans: Macbeth did not know what had happened to the Thane of Cawdor. So, while he was
greeted as Thane of Cawdor he asked Ross why he was dressed in borrowed robes.

Q8. What were Macbeth’s thought that made him drop the idea of killing Duncan at his castle?

Ans: Duncan was his guest and kinsman. By every right he was bound to protect the king. Not
only this Duncan was a meek king, honest in his rule. He also felt that his death would cause
universal pity. He also knew that the crown which he coveted could prove a barren honour and
disaster. In these thoughts Macbeth decided to protect no further in his action of killing king
Duncan at his castle.

Q9. How did Lady Macbeth make Macbeth change his mind in favour of killing Duncan?

Ans: Lady Macbeth answered Macbeth scornfully when Macbeth said that he would not kill the
king. She rebuked him as a coward too feedle to take what he wanted. This made Macbeth upset
that he resolved to kill the king and to follow his wife's persuasion.

Q10. What were plants made Lady Macbeth to kill Duncan?

Ans: Lady Macbeth drugged the drink of the two grooms. She placed their daggers on Duncan's
bed. When they will kill the king the blame will be put upon the two grooms. So, she smeared
Duncan's blood to the grooms.

Q11. What did Lady Macbeth tell her husband to do when he came out with his bloody hands?

Ans: Lady Macbeth asked him to go back to the chamber to keep the daggers there and the
smear the sleepy grooms with blood. She also asked him to fetch water and to wash his filthy
hands.
Q12. What did Lady Macbeth do when Macbeth refused to go back to the chamber?

Ans: When Macbeth refused to go back to the back chamber, Lady Macbeth snatched the
daggers away and ran back to the chamber to smear bloods on grooms. Then she dragged
Macbeth to wash his hands.

Q13. How did Macbeth try to show his innocence?

Ans: When Lennox and Macbeth ran towards the King's chamber when Macduff had a cried
that the king was death. Macbeth pointing out the blood on the clothes of the grooms. Thus he
tried to show that the grooms had killed the king.

Q14. Why were the guests surprised at the coronation feast?

Ans: It was Macbeth's duty to be together with the guest. But he had been talking to an ugly
villain. Not only this he said that there was no empty chair for him. So, the guests were
surprised at the behavior of the king.

THE CHILD’S RETURN

Q1. What was the happiest moment of Raicharan when he was in the company of Little Master?

Ans: The happiest moment of Raicharan was when the child started calling Ma-ma to the
mother, Ba-ba to the father and Channa to him.

Q2. How did Raicharan play with the new born child?

Ans: Raicharan used to toss the child up in his arms, called to him in absurb baby language. He
used to put his face very close to the baby’s and draw it away with a grin.

Q3. What was the first reaction to Raicharan when he found the Little Master missing?

Ans: When Raicharan found the Little Master was missing the whole universe swam round like
a dark mist. From the depth of his heart he gave a pierching cry; “Master, Master, Little
Master”.

Q4. What were the believes of the people about the missing of the child?

Ans: The believes of the people were-

 1)The child was carried away by the huge Padma River.

2)The gypsies might have stolen the child.

Q5. Does the mother of the child has the same belief with others?

Ans: No, the mother does not believe what the people says. Instead she has a strong belief that
Raicharan has stolen the child.

Q6. What was Raicharan’s reaction when he was charged the Little Master?

Ans: Raicharan could not tolerate the charge given to him. He simply beat his forehead and
said that he knew nothing.

Q7. What has happened to Raicharan after the lost of the child?

Ans: After the lost of the child, Raicharan has left his Master’s house. And he was very surprise
when his wife gave birth to a son after a long time.

Q8. How did Raicharan managed to do about Phailna’s education?

Ans: Raicharan sold his piece of land and went to Kolkata where Phailna was given the best
education, the best clothe and the best food. He got the job of a servant with great difficulty and
lived on a mere handful of rice.

Q9. What was the inner feeling of Raicharan while sending Phailna for good education?

Ans: Raicharan had been sending his son to a good school and providing him the best food. He
did it by not thinking Phailna as his own son but he thought that the Little Master loved him so
much and came back to his home again.

Q10. How did the students of Phailna’s hostel feel about Raicharan?

Ans: The students of the hostel were greatly amused by Raicharan’s country manners and
Phailna also took part in it. But in their bottom of hearts they all loved the innocent tender
hearted old man and Phailna also fond of him.

Q11. How was Raicharan treated in the house of Anukul when he visited after a long time?

Ans: When Raicharan visited Anukul’s house after a long time, his heart was softened to see his
old servant and offered him to serve in his house again. But his mistress did not welcome him
well.

Q12. How did Raicharan disclose his secrecy about Anukul’s son?
Ans: Raicharan folded his hand and said that it was not the Padma who stole the child. But it
was he who had stolen the child. Further, he said that the child was with him and will bring the
next day.

Q13. Did Anukul allow Raicharan to stay in his house? Why/why not?

Ans: Anukul did not allow Raicharan to stay in his house because he could not accepted
Raicharan’s view of putting the blame on God’s shoulder. No educated people like Anukul
accept Raicharan’s view that his fade had caused all those misfortunes.

Q14. What was Phailna’s request to his father Anukul at the end of the story?

Ans: As Phailna came to know the truth he had a sympathic feeling for Raicharan. So, he
requested his father to forgive Raicharan and sanction some monthly pension for him even
though he was not allowed to stay in their house.

THE IMP AND THE PEASANT’S BREAD

Q1. What did the Imp try to get from the peasant?

Ans: The Imp’s aim was to make the peasant angry and swear and called the devil. This he
never did in his life. So he turned himself into a labouring man and advised him to get large
amount of grain. If a person had large amount of grain his nature will ruin.

Q2. What did the devil see when he came to the peasant’s house?

Ans: The devil saw the peasant, who did not swear when he lost his crust of bread, was scolding
his wife for spilling a glassful of wine on the floor.

Q3. Why did the peasant rebuke his wife?

Ans: The peasant rebuked his wife because his wife spilt off a glassful of wine on the floor. She
did it when she was serving drinks to the guest. She just stumbled against the table.

Q4. What activity of the Imp pleased the devil?

Ans: Earlier the peasant was an honest person. But, he did not offer drinks to the peasant who
came there uninvited. He declared that he could not find for anyone. This sudden change of
behavior in the peasant pleased the devil.

Q5. What happened when the rich peasants and the host drank wine?

Ans: When they drank the wine they began to make false, oily speeches to one another. They
began to cheat each other.

Q6. What is the affect of the second glass of wine?

Ans: After having the second glass of wine their talk become more wilder and rougher. They
began to abuse and snarl at one another and they were fighting and punched one another. The
host also joined the fight. They looked like a savage wolves.

Q7. What happens when the peasants had the third glass?

Ans: When the peasants had the third glass, they all become quite like brutes, muttering,
shouting, not knowing why and not listening to one another.

Q8. What they all looked like after having the drinks?

Ans: They all looked like a cunning foxes after having the first glass of wine, a savage wolves
after the second glass and they behave like a swine after the third glass.

Q9. What happen when the party broke up?

Ans: When the party broked up some of the peasants went alone, some in twos some in threes
staggering down the street. The host went out to speed his guests but fell into a puddle,
smearing from top to toe, and laid grunting like a pig.

Q10 What was the Imp’s account of making the drink?

Ans: The Imp’s account of making the drink was to make the beast in man’s soul. He simply
said that he had caused the peasant to produce more corns than he needed. As he had it he
wanted to live a pleasurable life. So the fox’s, wolf’s and swine’ blood inside him came out
automatically when he was spirited. Thus, the Imp said if they went on drinking they would
always be beasts.

ON SAYING PLEASE

Q1. How do bad manners poison the stream of the general life?

Ans.:-The causes of the crimes commit around us is because of the bad manners spreading in
our society. As an uncivil person does not know how to behave to others he does not know how
to behave to others he does whatever he likes. Thus the opponent will not agree of what he
receives. So it becomes a crime to him. Thus bad manners poisoned the stream of the general
life.

Q2. According to A.G. Gardiner, what will be the best way to restore the civilities?

Ans.:-According to A.G. Gardiner punishing an uncivil person with violent attack will not
restore civilities. Instead one must use polite words with violent attack will not restore civilities.
Instead one must use polite words with love and care. If a person hopes polite words from
others, he should have to behave properly to others.

Q3. “If bad manners are infectious, so also are good manners” Explain.

Ans.:-When a child become uncivil his parents will say that he involves with an uncivil gang.
Yes, he may learn the behavior from those friends, as it is quite easy to learn such acts. Like this
when an uncivil person is kept along with well-mannered people, though it may take long time,
he will learn the civilities automatically from them as he becomes an odd one.

Q4. What are the curious pleasures that the writer faced when he was travelling in the bus of
the polite bus conductor?

Ans.:-In the eyes of the people, bus conductor are a kind of specimen who regards the
passenger as their natural enemy. But by the behavior of that good-mannered bus conductor
A.G. Gardiner has curious pleasures on him.

1) He is a man who never exhausted in making his passengers comfortable.

2) In rainy days he is quite busy in searching for a vacant seat.
3) If he had a blind passenger, he not only set him down safely but also helps him to reach a
safer place.
4) He is a careful son for an old man and an interesting father for young people.

Q5.”’Please’ and ‘Thank you’ is the small change with which we pay our way as social
beings.” Why does the writer say so?

Ans.:-We the people of today’s generation are living in a world where each one of us thinking
himself as superior. By this thinking the sense of hatredness is increasing day by day. But
though we are superior or inferior, if we will use the two precious spell whenever necessary,
our world will become an undestroyable heaven.

When we say “Come here”, it carries a meaning of order or force. But with “Please” it
turns into request. Like this when we receive any service from our surrounding, if we say
“Thank you” the person will feel that his work as well as he himself has been recognized by
us. If these habits continue then our society will move smoothly.

Q6. If we get liberty to box for unwanted actions what will happen?

Ans: If we get liberty to box other people’s ear for not liking their behaviors, the tone of their
voices or the scowl on their faces. Our fists will never be idle and the gutters of the city will
run with blood all days.

Q7. What mixed feelings will a passenger have when he is found without any money travelling
in a bus?
Ans: The mixed feeling that a passenger will have is that he will think that he seems to be a
fool at the best and liked a knave at the worst, when he is found without money in a bus.

Q8. How does the author feel that a journey with the polite conductor was lesson in natural
courtesy and good manners?

Ans: The polite conductor creates an enjoyable atmosphere in the bus. All the passengers
boarding in the bus are happy and cheerful. He creates an atmosphere of good temper and
kindliness to all the passengers. Thus it is a lesson in courtesy and good manners.

Q9 What must be the appropriate punishment who was thrown away by the

liftman?

Ans: Instead of throwing the passengers from the lift, the liftman must respond by using polite
words. If he does so he may not repeat the action again. The passenger will realize that the
action which he has committed is wrong.

Q10. What are the gain and the loss of a polite person?

Ans: The polite person will lose the materialistic side of his life while having a polite nature.
But he will gain the spiritual values of his life. He will be counted as a successful person
among the human race.

THE DIAMOND NECKLACE

Q1. What type of lady is Mathilde?

Ans: Mathilde is a very pretty and charming young creature who is born into a middle class
family. She wants to enjoy all the delicacies and all the luxuries. But she is distressed at her
dwelling, barrenness of the wall, decorating and furniture.

Q2. Why did M. Loisel grow pale when Madame Loisel mention that she would to get the
gown for 400 francs?

Ans: M. Loisel have a dream to attain a shooting next summer on the plain of Nanterre with
several friends. For this he need to buy a gun. So, he had been keeping the mentioned that she
will manage it with that much amount, he grew pale.

Q3. Why did Madame Loisel choose the diamond necklace leaving all the jewelleries?

Ans: Madame Loisel was a luxurious lady. She wanted to hide her state of poverty. If she worn
the diamond necklace she would be considered as a rich lady. So, she chose the diamond
necklace particularly.
 Q4. How did people react to Madame Loisel at the ball?

Ans: Madame Loisel had a great success at the ball. She was prettier than any other women
present there. All the men were greatly impressed by her beauty, grace and personality. All
those present there, kept looking at her and they asked at her, her name. all the attaches of the
cabinet wanted to dance with her.

Q5. How did Madame Loisel find her husband when she came out of the balls?

Ans: Mathilde came out of the ball at 4 o’clock. She enjoyed the whole night dancing with all
the attaches. When she came out she found her husband sleeping in a deserted anteroom with
two other gentlemen whose wives were enjoying the ball.

Q6. Did Madame Loisel feel comfort and happy when her husband covered her with a wraps?

Ans: Madame loisel was not at all happy. It was because she had been wearing a beautiful
gown worth many. And the wrap was an ordinary one. She did not wish to be covered by such
ordinary wrap contrasted with the elegance of the ball dress.

Q7. What did Mathilde suddenly discover after she returned home?

Ans: After returning from the ball, Mathilde wanted to look herself once more in the mirror
before changing her dress. Then she saw that the necklace was missing. It had fallen off.

Q8. What are irony in the story “ The Diamond Necklace”?

Ans: 1)Madame Loisel gave up 10 years of her life just to tell a lie that she lost her necklace.

2)The necklace was fake, it is irony because Madame Loisel had never expected to borrow a
fake necklace

3)The necklace was supposed to make Madame Loisel risk but it actually made her poorer than
before.

THE BISHOP’S CANDLESTICKS

Q1.What message does the play “THE BISHOP’S CANDLESTICKS” give?

Ans.:-The poet gives a very strong message of love, pity, peace and mercy. The convict stands
for cruelty, hard-heartedness and beastliness. He is a wild beast. Actually the jail authorities
are responsible for making him criminal. But by love and sympathy of the Bishop turns him into
a true Christian and a real human being. Thus the play gives out a message that love, mercy or
pity are that real things.

Q2.How does the Bishop being a change in the heart of the convict?
Ans.:-The Bishop treats the convict kindly. He offers him food and allows him to sleep in his
house. He also saves him from being sent to prison when the sergeant brings him by telling a
lie. Thus the heart of the convict is changed.

Q3.How did the Bishop save the convict from being sent to prison?

Ans.:-The Bishop saved the convict when the sergeant brought the convict for the charge of
stealing the candlesticks. But the Bishop said that the convict was his friend and had given
those candlesticks to him as a gift.

Q4.Do you think the punishment given to the convict is justified?

Ans.:-No, the punishment was not at all justified. Such type of punishment must be given to a
murderer. He had just stolen the food for his ill wife. For such crime he should have been fined
or imprisoned for a brief.

Q5.Why did the convict call the prison as hell?

Ans.:-The convict call the prison as ‘hell’ because it is like it (hell) he has been beaten
mercilessly and chained up like a wild animal. He is made to eat filth. He is covered with
vermin. His soul has been taken and has been given a number (15729).

Q6.Why does the convict steal the Bishop’s candlesticks?

Ans.:-Even though the convict has been so much hospitability, the convict’s stealing instinct
gets on him. When he looks at the candlesticks he feels that by stealing them he would start a
new life. So he steals them to start his journey of life.
Q7.Why does Persome feel the people pretend to be sick?

Ans.:-Persome is really portrayed as a cruel and hard-hearted woman. She feels that people
pretend to be sick so that the Bishop may be near them and help them.

Q8. Draw the character sketch of Persome.

Ans.:-Persome is totally opposite from her brother, in human values. She is a narrow thinking
lady. She shows her cruelty towards all the people. To her view all the people are cheater. She
do not have the real patience for those human being who needs help from the Bishop.

Q9. Write the character sketch of Bishop?

Ans.:-The Bishop is the symbol of a true human being, humanism and Christianity. He has all
the good qualities. He has a sympathetic feeling for the convict, after he hears his story of life.
Due to his sympathetic quality he offers his salt cellars for Mere Gringoire. The Bishop has a
sacrificing nature and doesn’t hesitate to sell all his things to help the suffering of others.