English Core
Study Material for Class XII
My Mother at Sixty-Six by Kamala Das
Q-1.
Where was the poetess going to
and with whom?
Ans-1. The poetess was going
from her parent’s home to the Cochin airport. She was along with her mother in
the car. Her mother was sixty six years old.
Q-2. What did the poetess notice outside the
car?
Ans-2. The poetess, who was
going in a car along with her mother to the Cochin airport, saw some happy
children coming out of their homes and the trees running backwards. She looked
outside because she was getting afraid whether she will be able to meet her
mother or not and she did not want to think of such a bad idea.
Q-3. What is the meaning of ‘sprinting trees’
and the ‘merry children spilling’?
Ans-3. The trees look like
sprinting or running back fast because the poetess and her mother are
travelling in a car. These running trees signify the fast passing age of her
mother. The merry children are happy while her mother is unhappy and silent.
This signifies the happiness outside the car and sadness inside the car.
Q-4. Why did the poetess smile while parting?
Ans-4. The poetess was deeply
sad and pained at the separation of her old mother. By smiling she wanted her
mother to feel good and not to worry. She was assuring her mother of meeting
her again. At the time of separation, she could not speak a word and to hide
her feelings, she smiled.
Q-5. What was the poet’s childhood’s fear? What did the
poet realize with pain? Ans-5. The poet
realized with pain that her mother had grown terribly old, a thought that she
never had in her mind before.
Q-6. What is the poet’s old, familiar ache? How did
it return at the airport?
Ans-6. The poet used to separate from her mother in her
childhood. Those separations were painful.After so many separations this pain
and separations were familiar to the poet. At the airport she faced another
separation from her mother and it reminded her of all past separations.
An Elementary School Classroom in a Slum by Stephen
Spender
Q-1. Why Shakespeare is wicked and map a bad
example?
Ans-1. Shakespearean stories are full of fortunate, beautiful, happy, romantic characters and magical places and palaces. When these stories are told in the classroom, the children are attracted to these stories and try to imitate these heroic characters. In this attempt they are forced to steal and then are consequently caught. For this they blame Shakespeare. The map inside the class contains colourful marks of the cities while dark blots are the slum of these children, and hence a bad example.
Ans-1. Shakespearean stories are full of fortunate, beautiful, happy, romantic characters and magical places and palaces. When these stories are told in the classroom, the children are attracted to these stories and try to imitate these heroic characters. In this attempt they are forced to steal and then are consequently caught. For this they blame Shakespeare. The map inside the class contains colourful marks of the cities while dark blots are the slum of these children, and hence a bad example.
Q-2. Who, according to the poet, create history?
Ans-2. According to the poet history is made by those people who speak the language of the Sun.
Ans-2. According to the poet history is made by those people who speak the language of the Sun.
The language of the sun is its
warmth and light that make life possible. People can speak this unique language
by being as warm, lively and life-giving as the sun.
Q-3. How have the children
been depicted in the poem?
Ans-3. The children have pale
faces, scattered hair and they look like rootless weeds. A girl in the class is
tall but her head is hung down. She is poor and depressed. There is a thin boy
who has the eyes like that of a rat and has got his father’s disease of deformity
in his body. Another boy is sweet but he is a day-dreamer, who looks out of the
dim class thinking about his future.
Q-4. What does the poet want
for the children of slums?
Ans-4. The poet wishes good
education for the children as he thinks that it is only education that can free
these children from the chains of poverty. Art, culture and literature have no
values for them. He wants the teachers to take these children out in the green
fields and golden beaches so that they too can join the mainstream.
Keeping Quiet by Pablo Neruda
Q-1. Why does the
poet want us to keep quiet?
Ans-1. The poet wants
us to keep quiet so that we take think of our mindless activities and do some
self-introspection to give peace to mind. This will save the total destruction
of mankind. He wants that we should keep quiet for a second and make no war or
violence.
Q-2. What are ‘green
wars, wars with gas, wars with fire’?
Ans-2. These wars are
against nature and mankind. Green wars are the wars against the environment.
Wars with gas mean the nuclear wars and the wars with fire mean the use of
chemical weapons.
Q-3. What do you mean
by ‘victory with no survivors’?
Ans-3. The victory that
we will get with the help of nuclear and chemical weapons would leave no one
alive. The mankind will be an extinct species. The poet is mocking at such a
victory where there would be no one alive to be ruled. Then what will be the
use of such a victory.
Q-4. What can earth
teach us?
Ans-4. Earth teaches us
to remain calm. The earth shows that there is life within. The vegetation grows
again on the earth after its death. So the poet is asking us to take lesson
from earth to keep activity going on inside. He does not want us to be dead.
Q-5. What are we single-minded about and what are its consequences?
Ans-5. In
pursuit of money, ambition and success our lives have become hectic, mechanized
and monotonous. We fail to introspect and connect with our inner self as well
as threaten ourselves with our destructive activities.
Q-6. What is the significance of ‘counting to
twelve?’
Ans-6. Twelve is an extended counting. While counting for a longer time one feels more relaxed than counting for a short time such as one or three. As the counting is followed by a relaxed time of silent meditation, one needs to keep his mind at ease by counting steadily for a longer time.
Ans-6. Twelve is an extended counting. While counting for a longer time one feels more relaxed than counting for a short time such as one or three. As the counting is followed by a relaxed time of silent meditation, one needs to keep his mind at ease by counting steadily for a longer time.
A Thing of Beauty by John Keats
Q-1. How is a thing of beauty a joy forever?
Ans-1. A thing is said to be a ‘thing of beauty,’ because it is a source of joy forever. When we think of it we should be happy and in its absence too, it should fill our minds with divine memories of it.
Ans-1. A thing is said to be a ‘thing of beauty,’ because it is a source of joy forever. When we think of it we should be happy and in its absence too, it should fill our minds with divine memories of it.
Q-2. What are the beautiful
things mentioned in the poem?
Ans-2. The beautiful things
the poet mentions in the poem are the sun, the moon, the trees, the innocence
of the sheep, the blossoming of the daffodils in the green meadows, the
blooming musk-roses, the mass of ferns and the clear streams among mountains.
Q-3. Why do we need to
‘wreathe a flowery band every morning?
Ans-3. Wreathing flowery band is symbolic of gathering all good hopes every morning to begin a happy day. It is very necessary for all human beings to wreathe a flowery band every morning to love life in spite of all the sufferings and pains of life around.
Ans-3. Wreathing flowery band is symbolic of gathering all good hopes every morning to begin a happy day. It is very necessary for all human beings to wreathe a flowery band every morning to love life in spite of all the sufferings and pains of life around.
Q-4. Why do people take the ‘unhealthy and over
darkened ways for happiness?
Ans-4. The pleasure that one
gets from bad means appears to be sweeter than those that come from good means.
Even though they find happiness there, such happiness will not last. After
providing a time of excitement and pleasure, this sort of happiness turns sour
and misery.
Q-5. What is the ‘grandeur of the dooms of the
great people?’
Ans-5. The greatness with which the great people die is the ‘grandeur of the dooms of the mighty dead.’ The poet compares this greatness with that of the beautiful things on account of the fact that the great people die for giving happiness to the rest of the world.
Ans-5. The greatness with which the great people die is the ‘grandeur of the dooms of the mighty dead.’ The poet compares this greatness with that of the beautiful things on account of the fact that the great people die for giving happiness to the rest of the world.
Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers by Adrienne Rich
Q-1. How do ‘denizens’ and ‘chivalric’ add to
our understanding the tiger’s attitude?
Ans-1. The tigers embroidered
by Aunt Jennifer are free inhabitants of the vibrant green forests, masters of
their domain and movements. They are ‘chivalric’- i.e. noble and majestic,
pacing powerfully and confidently, fearless of the hunters. They stand in stark
contrast to their frail creator who is timid, fearful of her husband, confined
and crushed in an oppressive marriage.
Q-2. Why do you think Aunt Jennifer’s hands are
‘fluttering through her wool’ in the second stanza? Why is she finding the
needle so hard to pull?
Ans-2. Aunt
Jennifer struggles to express her dreams through needlework, but her fingers
tremble nervously as she tries to pull the light ivory needle because she fears
her domineering husband, which has made her physically and emotionally frail.
She is weighed down by uncle’s wedding band-a symbol of her suffocating
marriage and the compulsions therein, in a patriarchal society.
Q-3. What is suggested by the image ‘massive
weight of Uncle’s wedding band’?
Ans-3. Uncle’s
wedding band is heavy as it is a symbol of bondage, of being crushed in an
unhappy marriage. It has kept her encircled and trapped in a burdensome
marriage in a patriarchal society- a relationship of subjugation and
domination. It has restricted her freedom and eroded her individuality.
Q-4. Of what or who is Aunt Jennifer terrified even
after her death?
Ans-4. Even
after death, Aunt would carry her fear of her domineering husband as she would
yet bear the burden of the wedding band on her finger. The ordeals faced by her
in an oppressive marriage would continue to terrify her.
Q-5. Why do you think Aunt Jennifer created
animals that are so different from her own character? What might the poet be
suggesting through this difference?
Ans-5. The
timid and fearful Aunt Jennifer creates an alternative world of free and
fearless tigers to express her longing for freedom, a medium of escape from her
grim marriage. The ironical contrast underscores a warning by the poet against
acceptance of subjugation by women as it crushes their dreams, individuality
and a full life.
Important Questions &
Answers
FLAMINGO
Lesson 1 - The Last Lesson By Alphonse Daudet
Q-1. Write the character of M. Hamel.
Ans-1. M. Hamel was
a French teacher who knew his subject well.
Passionate
about French language: - M. Hamel was passionate about the French language.
He considers French, the clearest, the most beautiful and the most logical
language in the world. He feels that language is the key to a person’s sense of
freedom. He advises villagers to hold on to French despite the ban on using the
language.
Proud
Frenchman and Sensitive: - M. Hamel is upset and distressed by the victory
of Prussia on France as it had been ordered that German will be taught from
next day in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine. He was attached to Alsace,
school and the people for over forty years. He blames himself for not being
sincere and taking holiday or going for fishing.
Hard
taskmaster: - M. Hamel was very particular about discipline. He emphasised
proper learning and the students were afraid of him.
Q-2. Write the character sketch of Franz.
Ans-2. Franz is a
small boy in the story and a student of M. Hamel.
Sensitive,
Conscious and Innocent: - Franz blames himself for ignoring the classes and
now wonders about the German takeover. He wishes he had prepared for the class
because he doesn’t like being scolded in the class for not learning
Participles.
Loves
nature: - Franz enjoys sunshine, bird watching and chasing butterflies.
Observant:
- Franz notices even little details on his way to school. He is quick to
observe the changes in his surroundings and observes M. Hamel’s efforts to
control his emotions in the class.
Q-3. How was M. Hamel’s class different the day Franz went late to
school?
Ans-3. One day,
Franz was late in reaching school and he found the scene in the school was very
different that day. M. Hamel’s class was also a different one. He seemed
sympathetic to his students and taught with more patience. The students were
also very attentive and the usual empty back benches were full of village
people with their Primers. They had come out of respect for M. Hamel’s last
class and were feeling sad for having not gone to school. The feelings of the
people were of love for their country and the mother tongue.
Q-4. How did M. Hamel say farewell to his students and the people of
the town?
Ans-4. M. Hamel
looked very pale and tall when he stood up in his chair. He was dressed in
ceremonial dress. All the students were quiet. The village people – old Hauser,
the former Mayor, the former postmaster and many others were present in the
class. M. Hamel told that French was the most beautiful language in the world
and urged them to guard it among themselves not to forge it. He ended the
lesson by writing “Vive La France” on the blackboard. Lastly, he just made
a gesture with his hand to indicate the dismissal of the school as he was too
sad to speak anything more in the last class.
FLAMINGO
Lesson 2 - The Lost Spring By Anees Jung
Q-1. Why does the author say that the bangle makers are caught in a
vicious web?
Ans-1. The author
says that bangle makers are caught in a vicious web because they are not able to form co-operative societies for
their betterment and are forced to follow and obey
sahukars and policemen.
Q-2. Why could the bangle-makers not organise themselves into a
co-operative?
Ans-2. Most of the
young bangle-makers have fallen into the trap of the middlemen. They are also afraid of the police. They know that
the police will pull them up, beat them and drag
to jail for doing something illegal. There is no leader among them to help them
see things differently.
Q-3. Is it possible for Mukesh to realise his dream? Justify your
answer.
Ans-3. Mukesh’s aim
in life was to become a motor mechanic. Yes, it indeed was possible to realise his dreams through his hard work
and willpower. He walked all the way to a garage, far away from his house,
to learn the skills of being a motor mechanic.
Q-4. Seemapuri is on the periphery of Delhi and yet miles away from
it. Why does the author say so?
Ans-4. Seemapuri is
an area which was empty till 1971 when more than ten thousand rag-pickers came from Bangladesh and settled
there. It is only metaphorically stated that it is on the periphery of Delhi and yet miles away. Truly
speaking as it is so close to Delhi it should have
all facilities and infrastructure like Delhi but on the contrary there are no such signs. People here live in mud houses with
roofs of tin and tarpaulin. The area has no drainage, sewage or running water. The people have only ration cards
for voting and buying grains besides
which they have no other identity. The women wear torn sarees and rag-picking
is the only means of their
survival.
Q-5. How is Mukesh more ambitious in life than Saheb? Give a
reasoned answer.
Ans-5. Mukesh is
definitely more ambitious than Saheb. Mukesh did not want to follow the profession of bangle making like many of
his friends. No one else had the will-power to fight against traditional
bangle-making job. Mukesh has a dream of becoming a motor-mechanic and for this he has decided to
go to a garage and learn about cars even if it is a long way to the garage. He is determined to walk this long
distance as he wants to become his own master.
Saheb,
on the other hand has no ambitions. He is happy as a rag-picker; however he sacrificed his freedom and joined a
teal stall on a low salary of 800 rupees and free meals. He had freedom when he was a rag-picker but now he
was not his own master because
he worked for the owner of the tea stall. He lost all his carefree looks. The can that he carried seemed heavier than the
bag he carried as a rag-picker because he did
not like his new job.
FLAMINGO
Lesson 3 – Deep Water By William Douglas
Q-1. What were the series of emotions and fears that Douglas
experienced when he was thrown into the pool? What plans did he
make to come to the surface?
Ans-1. Douglas started going down gradually into the
water. He was frightened so he decided to jump
as soon as his feet touched the bottom of the pool. As he jumped, he did not spring upwards.
Rather he went down. There was water all around. Only his nose was out of water.
He
started his downward journey once again. An irresistible force brought him
down. He felt afraid and was
paralysed with fear. Terror seized him and he trembled with fright. He called for rescue but no one
came. After that, blackness swept over him. He lost
fear. There was no panic. He relaxed and lost consciousness.
Q-2. Which factors led Douglas to decide in favour of Y.M.C.A. pool?
Ans-2. Douglas
decided in favour of Y.M.C.A. pool, as it was an ideal place to learn swimming. It was safe as it was only
two-three feet deep at the shallow end. Though it was nine feet deep at the other end, the drop was gradual.
Q-3. Why did Douglas go to Lake Wentworth in New Hampshire? How did
he make his terror flee?
Ans-3. Douglas was
not sure whether all the terror had left even after the training from October
to April and practice till July.
So he went to Lake Wentworth and swam two miles. Terror returned only once when he was in the middle of the lake. He
had put himself under water and saw
nothing but bottomless water. The old sensation returned, but only at a smaller magnitude. He laughed and
rebuked terror.
Q-4. How did the instructor make Douglas a good swimmer?
Ans-4. The haunting
fear of the water followed Douglas in his fishing trips, swimming, boating and
canoeing. He used every way he knew to get rid of this fear but it held him
firmly in its grip. So, he finally
engaged an instructor to learn swimming.
The
instructor made him practise five days a week, an hour each day. He held one
end of the rope in his hands and
the other end through a pulley overhead of Douglas, was tied to the belt. Thus the instructor relaxing his hold
on the rope made Douglas swim back and forth in the pool. After three months of this much training, the instructor
taught Douglas to put this face under
water and breathe out and to raise his nose and breathe in. He repeated this exercise hundreds of time. Bit by bit, he got
rid of part of the terror which had gripped him. Next, the instructor held Douglas at the side of the pool
and made him kick the water with his
legs. After weeks of practice, he could command his legs for swimming.
Thus,
piece by piece, the instructor built a swimmer. When he had perfected each piece, he put
them into an integrated whole in the seventh month of the training.
FLAMINGO
Lesson 4 – The Rattrap By Selma Lagerlöf
Q-1. Did the peddler respect the confidence reposed in him by the
crofter?
Ans-1. The peddler
had no respect for the confidence which had been shown by the crofter. The crofter was a talkative and friendly
person who lived alone and needed company. Crofter
was hospitable enough to let the peddler pass the night in his house. At night,
he had showed him money to
prove that he earned thirty kronors by selling milk.
The
peddler saw an opportunity and next morning after they both left the house, the peddler
came back, smashed the window-pane and stole the money.
Q-2. Why did the peddler sign himself as Captain Von Stahle?
Ans-2. The
ironmaster mistook the peddler to be his old army comrade. In reality, he felt,
he was Captain Von Stahle, and
signed his name on the letter as that. It was Edla’s behaviour with the peddler that made him feel like a
real captain.
Now,
when the goodness of Edla had such impact, the peddler wanted to change his ways
and live a new life of respect. By signing himself as Captain Von Stahle, he assured Edla
that he would be a changed man.
Q-3. Why was Edla happy to see the gift by the peddler?
Ans-3. Edla was the
daughter of the ironmaster. She had invited the peddler to her house, but when she was in church, she came to know
that the peddler had stolen the money from
the crofter’s house. She was
worried that he might have stolen things from her house too. However, on reaching home, she saw
all her things untouched and a gift, so she
was happy.
Q-4. Give a character sketch of the peddler in the story ‘The
Rattrap’.
Ans-4. Selma
Lagerlöf draws the character of the peddler with all sympathy and understanding.
Weak
Character: - The peddler represents human weaknesses. He is in fact the
product of circumstances. At
the same time there is some goodness also in him. The goodness was awakened by Edla’s love and understanding.
He is many characters put together. We see him
a vagabond, a beggar, a petty thief and also a philosopher some time. He has
his philosophy of life in which he
compares the world to a big rattrap.
Pragmatist:
- The peddler finds that his business of selling rattraps is not quite profitable, so he takes to begging and
petty thievery. He is also not above temptations as we see him
stealing thirty kronors of his generous and hospitable host, the old crofter.
Positive
approach: - He raises himself above the temptations and rises to the
heights of a hero. He requests Edla to
return 30 kronors to its rightful owner, the old crofter and decides to change his way. Here he draws our sympathy
and we appreciate him.
Q-5. How did the peddler betray the confidence reposed in him by the
crofter?
Ans-5. The peddler
did betray the confidence reposed on him by the crofter. He considered the world nothing but a big rattrap. It
sets the baits for the people. The peddler unwillingly
allowed himself to be tempted to touch the bait like 30 kronors kept by the crofter. The peddler stole these
30 kronors and by doing so betrayed the confidence
reposed by the crofter.
One dark
evening, as he was walking along the road, he saw a grey cottage by the roadside. With a view to spend his night, he knocked the doors and
he was welcomed by the crofter. The
croft lived alone. He gave him supper, tobacco and played a game of cards with him. The crofter also showed him the leather pouch of 30 kronors.
This became bait for the peddler and
next day he stole the money and crofter was betrayed.
FLAMINGO
Lesson 5 – Indigo By Louis Fischer
Q-1. What was Champaran episode?
Ans-1. Champaran
episode was a turning point in the life of Gandhiji because this episode helped the indigo peasants to drop
their fear of British landlords and made them aware
of their rights. As a result of
this episode, the farmers got back 25% of the compensation money. The British planters were forced to
leave the land of the peasants and
the peasants became the owner of
their lands. They also developed courage, feeling of patriotism among them. It was an attempt to fight against the
injustice and first success of Non
Co-operation Movement for Gandhiji.
Q-2. Why did Gandhiji agree to a settlement of 25 percent refund to
the farmers? How did it influence
the peasant-landlord relationship in Champaran?
Ans-2. There was a
deadlock between the Indian peasants and the British landlords. The farmers were
forced to grow indigo on 15 percent of their land and the produce was to be
submitted to the British landlords as
rent. When Germany started producing synthetic
indigo, they stopped taking
indigo from the farmers and thus farmers no longer needed to grow indigo on their lands. The British landlords now demanded
compensation from the farmers to free them
from indigo-raising agreement.
Gandhiji
wanted to break this deadlock. He agreed for a 25 percent refund to the farmers. Though
the British landlords had expected the demand of hundred percent refunds but Gandhiji
said that by agreeing on 25 percent refund he had made them British landlords for the first time part with any money and also
their prestige.
The
peasants got courage to fight for their rights. After few years, the British
planters abandoned their estates and
left. The land then came back to the farmers and this was the end of indigo share-cropping.
Q-3. Give an account of Gandhiji’s efforts to secure justice for the
poor indigo sharecroppers of Champaran.
Ans-3. Gandhiji went
to Champaran on receiving the reports of exploitation of the poor sharecroppers at the hands of British
planters. He began by trying to get the facts. The British landlords as well as the Commissioner of Tirhut were non
co-operative. Lawyers from
Muzaffarpur briefed him about the court cases of these farmers.
Gandhiji
and the lawyers collected ten thousand statements from the peasants and made notes
of other proofs.
The
governor summoned Gandhiji. After four interviews, an enquiry was set up to look into the matter. Gandhiji alone
represented the sharecroppers. The enquiry submitted its report against the planters and so they agreed for a
refund of 25 percent. This was a moral victory for the farmers. They
recognised their rights and became courageous. After few years, the lands came back to the farmers and they became
the masters of their land. It ended
the indigo sharecropping.
FLAMINGO
Lesson 6 – Going Places By A.R. Barton
Q-1. What were the options that Sophie was dreaming of? Why does
Jansie discourage her from having such dreams?
Ans-1. Sophie had
dreamt of having a boutique in the city. She dreamt of becoming a manager, a fashion designer or an actress.
Jansie
discouraged her from having such dreams as Sophie’s dreams were wild and impossible. She had neither the means
nor the skill to achieve them.
Q-2. Give the character sketch of Sophie.
Ans-2. Sophie is a
young girl of a lower middle class family but she was very ambitious. She is
lost in a make-belief world and
blind to the realities of the world. She wants to open a boutique. She was ready to earn money for opening the
boutique. She has her plans readymade with her.
She is ready to become a manager or an actress to earn money and have a boutique
by the side. She dreams of having the
most wonderful shop in the city. Sophie is an incurable romantic dreamer and an escapist. She hero-worships the young
Irish footballer, Danny Casey and
fantasises meeting him.
Q-3. Give the character sketch of Jansie.
Ans-3. Jansie is a
young girl of a lower middle class family and she is not very ambitious. She knows well that she has to work
in a biscuit factory after her schooling to keep the family income running. She has her feet planted on the ground.
Jansie advises Sophie to be sensible and not a dreamer. She is
‘nosey’. She takes interest in knowing a lot about others. Jansie is so open-hearted that she cannot keep any
secrets and shares immediately with all
her neighbours. She is practical and does not believe in keeping unrealistic
dreams.
Q-4. Justify the title ‘Going Places’ by A.R. Barton.
Ans-4. The author
A.R. Barton takes the readers to places through Sophie. Sophie is a teenager, who loved fantasising. There are three phases
of Journey in the story.
The
first phase is when we see Sophie in search of a job. She wanted to have a
superb boutique of her own or become
a manager. In her search, we see her taking us to show that she may become an actress or a fashion designer.
In the
second phase of her journey, she suspected the areas of Geoff’s life about which she knew
nothing. She always thought that Geoff is lucky as he goes to such places for his work as she has never seen. She dreams riding
behind Geoff and takes the readers to beautiful
countryside.
The
third phase begins from the Royce’s window to Danny Casey. She is waiting for him under the elm tree near the canal. In this way, the reader
goes on from place to place but there
is no final outcome of her journey. Thus, the title ‘Going Places’ is apt.
Q-5. Why did Sophie like her brother Geoff?
Ans-5. Geoff was
gullible and believed her. He was always the first one she confided in. To impress him and share an exclusive
friendship with him, she tells him that she had met Danny Casey. Sophie found his good looks appealing in a
family where others were so coarse
and romanticized his silence. She wished he would share his secrets with
her. He worked at the other
end of the town and it made her fantasize about it as it was unknown to her. She imagined it to be an exotic world
and longed to be part of it. Geoff was only a few years older yet she felt he understood her. This was important
as her father’s mocking criticism
and Jansie’s everyday advice was distasteful. He became an integral part of her fantasies. She saw herself
riding behind him, wearing a yellow dress with a cape and him in his shining black leather while the world rose
to greet them with applause.
VISTAS
Lesson 1 – The Tiger King By Kalki
Q.-1. Why was the Maharaja so anxious to kill the hundredth tiger?
Ans-1. The Maharaja
had killed ninety-nine tigers. It was the hundredth tiger from which there was danger to his life as per the astrologer’s prediction. So,
to stop fearing his death from the hundredth tiger, he just wanted to
kill one more tiger.
Q-2. What sort of hunts did the Maharaja offer to organise for the
high-ranking British officer?
Ans-2. For the
high-ranking British officer, the maharaja was ready to organise any other hunt like a
boar, mouse or a mosquito hunt instead of tiger hunt. The officer was actually
not interested in a tiger hunt
himself, he just wanted to be photographed with a gun in his hand,
standing over a dead tiger. The officer was a big show-off.
Q-3. What dangers did the tiger king face in his quest for killing
the hundred tigers?
Ans-3. By refusing a
British official to hunt in his kingdom he faced the danger of losing his throne; fought tigers with his bare
hands.
Q-4. Mention any two unforeseen hurdles the tiger king encountered
in the fulfilment of his mission. How did he overcome them?
Ans-4. The tiger
population in Pratibandapuram had become extinct so he got married to the daughter of the neighbouring kingdom with
the largest tiger population; his refusing permission
to a high ranking British officer to hunt tigers in Pratibandapuram or even be photographed with a dead
tiger put his kingdom at stake, but he pacified the Durai by sending some fifty expensive diamond rings
to his wife for which he emptied the royal treasury.
Q-5. Why was the chief astrologer struck with wonder when he heard
the royal infant speak?
Ans-5. A ten day old
infant could speak legibly; he even asked intelligent questions – therefore awestruck.
Q-6. What was ironical about the wooden tiger?
Ans-6. What he
considered the most befitting gift for his son cost merely two annas and a quarter. Unlike the majestic tigers
the king fought with his bare hands, it was a crude toy made by an unskilled craftsman, with tiny slivers. A sliver
from this wooden tiger pierced
the King’s hand, which led to an infection that killed the king.
Q-7. What was the prediction by the astrologers?
Ans-7. The king
would grow up to be a great king- ’champion of champions’ but will die one day. When the ten day infant
insisted on knowing the reason for his death they hesitatingly added that the prince would be killed by a tiger as
he was born under the hour of the
bull and the bull and tiger were enemies.
Q-8. How did he acquire the name ’The Tiger King’?
Ans-8. His whole
life revolved round tigers- when the astrologers had predicted that he would be killed
by a tiger, the ten-day old infant prince thundered, ’Let tigers beware’. When
he took over as the king he made it his
mission to kill hundred tigers and challenge his destiny. He killed seventy tigers depleting all the tigers
in Pratibandapuram, killed the others in his father
in law’s kingdom but was finally killed by a toy tiger.
VISTAS
Lesson 2 – The Enemy By Pearl S. Buck
Q-1. In what context does Hana remember General Takima?
Ans-1. While
applying medicine to the young soldier, as Sadao operated on him, Hana wondered
if the stories of torture of POWs
were true. She then remembered how General Takima heartlessly beat his wife. Hana imagined that if General Takima is
so cruel to his wife, he could well
be far crueler to a prisoner. Hana had seen the deep red scars on the white
man’s neck and so she became fearful.
Q-2. Why did Sadao help the American soldier to escape? How did he
do it?
Ans-2. Dr Sadao was
sheltering an enemy in his house. This was no more a secret. It was the cause of a great deal of tension to his
wife, Hana and him. Dr Sadao worked upon an idea
to get rid of the man and discussed it with the prisoner. He decided to put his boat on shore that night, with food, bottled water, clothing and
two quilts.
Q-3. What was the general’s plan of relieving Sadao of his dilemma?
Ans-3. Send private
assassins any night; asked him to leave the outer partition of the white man’s room open to the garden. They
would make no noise; knew the trick of inward bleeding;
would even dispose of the body.
Q-4. What were the rumours about General Takima? On the other hand
what did the newspapers say?
Ans-4. Rumours about
the suffering of prisoners of war; however newspapers reported that Japanese armies were welcomed gladly
with cries of joy wherever they went.
Q-5. Why were the servants critical of Sadao?
Ans-5. Sadao too proud
of his skill to save life that he saves any life; what will be the fate of the children
if their father is condemned as a traitor; feared they would be cursed by gun
and the sea for saving a man
they had wounded.
Q-6. Why had Sadao not been sent with the troops?
Ans-6. He was
perfecting a discovery that would render wounds entirely clean; the old general might need an operation anytime and he
did not trust anybody else.
VISTAS
Lesson 3 – Should Wizard Hit Mommy? By John Updike
Q-1. How does Jo want the story to end?
Ans-1. In Jack’s
story, the protagonist, Roger Skunk, is shown as an obedient child. He meekly goes
with his mother to get his previous smell back. It was against her wishes to
have the smell of roses as it was
not the natural smell of the skunks. Roger Skunk had taken this smell as he smelled very bad and he could
not play with his friends.
Jo is a
child and from a child’s perspective, it is very important to play with the
friends. Therefore, she wanted the
story to end with Roger smelling like roses and being able to play with his
friends. She also wanted the wizard to hit the mommy.
Q-2. How did Roger Skunk pay the wizard?
Ans-2. Roger Skunk
only had four shillings to pay the wizard. The wizard wanted seven shillings. On
seeing Roger Skunk’s sad face, the wizard takes pity on him and directs him for
the remaining three shillings.
Roger, accordingly goes, finds money and pays to wizard.
Q-3. Why is an adult’s perspective on life different from that of a
child?
Ans-3. The story
‘Should Wizard Hit Mommy” written by John Updike, revolves around the conflicting views of a child and a parent
on the child’s future. Parents express their own
expectations while the children have their own ambitions and aspirations.
VISTAS
Lesson 4 – On the Face of It By Susan Hill
Q-1. What is that draws Derry towards Mr Lamb inspite of himself?
Ans-1. Mr Lamb
boosted Derry’s morale through his talks. He made him realise that there was more to life than hanging with a
handicap or a burnt face. He advised him
not to listen to the ridiculing
of the people and to face the challenges of life. He said that it is important to move on with a positive
attitude in life in order to be anything.
Q-2. How does Mr Lamb try to remove baseless fears of Derry?
Ans-2. Mr Lamb gave
confidence and courage to Derry. He suggested Derry to get over the physical impairment instead of being
withdrawn and defiant just because of his acid burnt
face. He told Derry that he still has two hands, legs, eyes, a tongue and a
brain, and if he puts them to right use,
he can get on better than all the rest.
Q-3. What peculiar things does Derry notice about the old man, Lamb?
Ans-3. Unlike the
other people who were horrified on looking at Derry, Mr Lamb did not show any dislike or horror at the
way Derry looked. This surprised Derry. He also found it strange that even though the man himself was
handicapped, he lived happily. He had a
zest for life and encouraged him. He had made him aware of his strengths and importance of not pitying oneself.
Q-4. How does Derry interpret the fairy tale ‘Beauty and the Beast’?
Ans-4. Derry knows
that the theme of the fairy tale ‘Beauty and the Beast’ is to love inner beauty of a person, irrespective of
the outside appearances. However; Derry thinks it to be all a farce. He finds the whole idea of transformation into a
prince unrealistic. He is very pessimistic
and fears that he would live alone the rest of his life. In his fight with the
world he has forgotten to appreciate
and love himself. He has forgotten that appearances are secondary.
Q-5. Give the character of Derry.
Ans-5. Self-pitying
and pessimistic: Derry was a self-pitying, pessimistic boy. His problem was his burnt face eaten up by acid on one
side.
Inferiority
Complex: Derry considered his face ‘bad’, ‘terrible’ and ‘ugliest’.
An Escapist:
Derry felt that people were afraid of him so he tries to escape people. An introvert and rebellious: Derry
allows himself to be alienated from the world. He doesn’t trust people.
Touchy
and hypersensitive: He thinks that
no one will ever love or kiss him except his
mother. He can’t stand people staring or passing remarks at him.
Q-5. Give the character of Mr Lamb.
Ans-5. Joyful:
Mr Lamb was a handicapped person. One of his legs was blown off in the war. He did not have a leg even then he was
happy with his life. He doesn’t allow his disability to come in his way. He loves
everybody and everything.
Motivator:
Mr Lamb turned out to be a great motivator to Derry as he taught him to take life as God had given and to live
life to full. He teaches him how to handle people
and things.
Hospitable:
Mr Lamb doesn’t find joy in escapism. He is open-minded and open- hearted. All
are welcome in his house. His gates are always open and there are no curtains in the windows.
Carefree:
Children teased him by calling ‘Lamey-Lamb’ but he doesn’t mind it.
VISTAS
Lesson 5 – Evans Tries an O-level By Colin Dexter
Q-1. What lapses are observed in the arrangement for Evans” O-level
exam?
Ans-1. The Governor
of the prison was and intelligent and able prison officer but in the end he turned out to be a ‘good-for-a-giggle-Governor’.
The Governor tries to take all precautions
but Evans finally manages to escape. It was mainly due to the weakness of Governor’s plan.
(i)
He did not verify whether the German teacher was real or
fake.
(ii)
No one checked the identity of the injured person.
Finally it is revealed that the injured person was Evans and not McLeery.
(iii)
McLeery had a tube with pig blood in it. None of the
prison official could check that though they had frisked McLeery thoroughly.
(iv)
Though McLeery was frisked, things like beard and a
double set of clothes are not revealed.
(v)
Jackson allowed Evans to keep the bobble hat on.
Q-2. How was ‘injured’ McLeery able to befool the prison officers?
Ans-2. Injured
McLeery spoke slowly and in broken phrases that he knew where Evans was. He asked the prison officers to get the
police and not to worry about the ambulance. He
found the German question paper on the table. He told Jackson to get the Governor. He drew the attention of the Governor
to the German text on photocopied sheet
on the last page. The Governor slowly translated it. The words from Elsfield Way drive to the Headington
roundabout caught his attention. The Examination Board was in Elsfield Way. Before the Governor could explain
anything, McLeery told the officer
to go to Elsfield Way. The Governor told Detective Superintendent Carter to take the injured McLeery with him. He helped
the police to follow the directions, all the
while laughing at their foolishness, for he was in fact Evans.
VISTAS
Lesson 6 – Memories of Childhood By Zitkala-Sa and
Bama (Gertrude Simmons Bonnin – Real Name)
Q-1. What are the similarities in the lives of Bama and Zitkala-Sa,
though they belong to different cultures?
Ans-1. Both Bama and
Zitkala are victims of racial discrimination. Zitkala was a Native American and their community was treated
poorly. Similarly Bama was a Dalit and was treated badly by the higher caste people. Both of
them have painful experiences as they were subjected to humiliation merely as they belonged to backward tribes or
communities. Both of them protest in
their own ways and try best to overcome all these humiliations. Zitkala fights against the shingling of hair by hiding,
voicing out her protests aloud. Bama tries to study hard and be successful.
Q-2. What would take ‘Bama’ half an-hour to cover ten minutes
distance?
Ans-2. Bama loved to
watch the bazaar, the performing monkey, the snake charmer, the various food stalls, the street plays, the political
meetings, the Maariyaata temple, the pongal offerings
being cooked in front of the temple – she could just go on and on looking at
the beautiful sights. All these things
held up Bama and she would take more than half-an-hour to cover the ten minutes distance.
Q-3. What advice did Annan offer Bama?
Ans-3. Annan asked
Bama to study hard and to top all exams. He also told her that if she was successful in life, people would come to her
of their own accord.
FLAMINGO
VALUE
BASED QUESTIONS
Q-1. “When a people are
enslaved, as long as they hold fast to their language it is as if they had the
key to their prison’. Because of the global exposure provided by the
internet, the youth today are easily influenced by western culture and
lifestyles. Write a note on the need to feel proud of our culture and
traditions as we carve a niche for ourselves on the world map.
1.
Influence
of western education because of globalization and internet
2.
Youth
are most easily influenced
3.
As
our culture is changing because of a rising class of urban educated youth,
there is need to redefine our identity as an Indian
4.
The
new Indian identity implies a blend of modernity with tradition, a pride in our
culture and values like respect for elders, humility, peaceful coexistence, communal
harmony and spiritual harmony.
Q-2. “Oh, how sorry I
was for not learning my lessons, for seeking birds’ eggs, or going sliding on
the saar”! Education plays an imperative role in breaking down barriers of
poverty, ignorance and social prejudice. Write a note on the importance of
education in our lives.
1.
They
equip us for jobs that are better paid, more stable and more skill based, thus
ensuring us a better lifestyle.
2.
It
broadens our mind, breaks down barriers of superstition and narrow thinking;
makes us aware about social and health issues.
3.
Teaches
us about the importance of each person as a social being and inculcates values
like communal harmony, patriotism, social service and peaceful coexistence.
Q-3. ‘All we have to
fear is fear itself’. Have you ever had a fear that has affected you adversely
or prevented you from living life to the fullest? What will you do to overcome
that fear?
1.
Talk
about your experience of fear (fear of heights/ dark/ water/ insects/ closed
spaces, etc.)
2.
How
you overcame it by confronting it (briefly).
3.
Values
(courage, determination)
Q-4. Most human beings are
prone to fall into the trap of material benefits, living as we do in a
consumerist society. Have you ever been tempted by expensive things in
your school? What kind of evils can stealing lead us to and how can we redeem
ourselves from dishonest ways?
1.
Evils-
guilt, shame, fear of being caught, low self esteem
2.
Acceptance
of fault, feel the need to change, Courage to confess
3.
Values
(strength of character, moral uprightness)
Q-5. Have you ever heard or
known of an incident where a good deed or an act of kindness has changed a
person’s view of the world? Do you feel that one’s act of goodness can bring
about a corresponding change in another person?
1.
Give
an example of helping someone without expecting anything in return
2.
Values-
selflessness, empathy, sensitivity
Q-6. The lesson ‘Indigo’ records
how Gandhi showed patriotism as not merely proclaiming love for the nation in
slogans and songs; it entails respect for the values and laws of a nation and
above all love for its people. Express your views regarding the need for
inculcating patriotism in youth today.
1. Courage to follow the path of truth
2. listening to the voice of conscience
3. putting service before self
Q-7. Abdul Kalam urges children to
dream big. Mukesh in ‘Lost Spring’ dreamt of becoming a motor mechanic, for
which he was willing to face opposition and walk miles every day. Sophie too
had big dreams but is snubbed by her father for forgetting the reality of their
lives. We need to differentiate between dreams that become a praiseworthy
reality and fantasies which make us idle dreamers. Do dreams need the strength
of values to be meaningful? Discuss.
1. Difference
between dreams with goals and fantasies (dreams can be a stepping stone to
success.
2. Fantasies
lead to embarrassment, disappointment, self- delusion.
3. Values
- Grit and determination, hardwork, persistence, passion and belief in the
goal/dream.
Q-8. I went to the pool when
no one else was there…in came a big bruiser of a boy…he yelled, “Hi, skinny,
how’d you like to be ducked?” Later, the boy said, “But I was only fooling.” The
youth today is characterized by a total absence of concern for others. They
also act without thinking how their deeds may have long lasting effect. Write a
note in about 100 words- to be published in a youth magazine on the need for
inculcating regard for fellow beings.
1.
Seeking
fun at the expense of others is reckless, rude and hurtful (physical and emotional)
2.
Ragging
and bullying in school leads to extreme fear, poor self-esteem, helplessness
3.
Need
to respect fellow beings- their individuality, space and dignity.
4.
Take
responsibility for one’s behaviour and actions
5.
Need
to bond with others
Q-9. Little
children selling books, toys and knick-knacks at the traffic signals are a
common sight. They are victims of child labour and yet people roll up their
windows to shut them out. Write a note on the callousness of society and
authorities to this widely prevalent social evil.
1.
Like
rootless weeds, unwanted
2.
Abject
poverty, school dropouts, migrants, soft targets for petty crimes
3.
Need
to build awareness of their rights, keep promises made to them, serious
implementation of schemes for children and Right to free and compulsory
education, reach out through NGOs, sponsor a child, each one teach one, etc.
*********
ADVANCED
WRITING SKILLS
INVITATION
Mrs and Mr J.P. Sinha
cordially
invite you with family
on the
auspicious occasion
of the wedding
of their daughter
REKHA
with
RAKESH
(Son of Mrs and Mr N.T. Singhvi)
on Thursday,
09 March 2017
at 8 pm
at their
residence -2, Orchid Road, Bangalore
RSVP
With Best Compliments
Sumit Sinha, Shivanth Sinha
2, orchid road, Bangalore Ph:
4132987 Family
& Relatives
FORMAL REPLIES ACCEPTANCE
09 March
2017
Mr. and Mrs. G. Gupta thank Mr. and Mrs. J.P.Sinha for
their kind invitation to the wedding of
their daughter Rekha, on Wednesday, 24 July 2009, at 8 pm
at their residence and would be glad to
attend the same and bless the newlyweds.
FORMAL REPLIES REFUSAL
09 March
2017
Mr. and Mrs. G.Gupta thank Mr. and Mrs. J.P.Sinha for
their kind invitation to the wedding of their
daughter Rekha, on Wednesday, 24 July 2009, but regret
their inability to accept the same as they
have a prior pressing engagement on that day. They extend
their best wishes to the newlyweds.
INFORMAL LETTER OF INVITATION
XYZ School
2, Penny
lane
New
Delhi-110067
09 March
2017
Dear Suresh
I have organized a small get together for close friends
on the occasion of my 16th birthday, at Pizza
Hut in G.K.1, on January 26th at 5 pm. I
really look forward to see you there. Do confirm.
Your friend
Ameya
INFORMAL REPLIES ACCEPTANCE
Dear Class XI students
Thanks for your invitation to the farewell party you are
hosting in our honour on Friday, 15
February 2009, from 1 pm to 6pm, in the school
auditorium. We look forward to attending the party
and having an enjoyable time with you all.
Class XII students
INFORMAL REPLIES REFUSAL
XYZ School
2, Penny lane
New Delhi
09 March 2017
Dear Shrishti
Thank you for your kind invitation to the house warming
dinner party on 27th December’08. It
would have been a real pleasure for me to meet you in
your new home but I regret I won’t be able
to attend it due to previous engagement. I wish you all
the happiness in your new home.
Yours sincerely
Sneha
Poster Writing
Important points:
Layout: A creative title in
the form of a slogan or rhyming words for example:-
Speed Thrills but Kills, Pollution needs a Solution, Man can Deceive but
Books Cannot, Come One Come All,
Cleanliness is next to Godliness, Green is Clean, Drugs-Easy to Get In
Difficult to Come Out, Say ‘No’ to Plastic Bags Say ‘Yes’ to Paper Bags, Animals
are Precious Treasure Save Them, Pollution-The Silent Killer, Don’t Smoke, Girls
are an Asset to the Nation
1.
You can draw Match Stick
figure. Give proper space for heading and illustrations.
2.
Date, time and venue must be
mentioned in case of an event.
3.
The content should be
organized in an appropriate style using correct language.
4.
The poster should be creative
and related to the content.
5.
Do not spend much time on drawing.
Language expressions will only help you score better.
6.
Name of the issuing authority
at the end in a box is a must.
Notice Writing
Important points:
1.
Name and place of the school. If no name of institution
take ABC as imaginary name.
2.
Write the word NOTICE at the top. Then, Give an
appropriate heading. Next, write the date.
3.
Clearly mention the target group. Purpose of the notice. Mention
all the relevant details (date, venue, time). Mention whom to contact for extra
information.
4.
Signature, name and designation of the person issuing the
notice.
5.
Adhere to the specified word limit of 50 words. Put the
notice in a box.
Format/steps:
Name of the institution
The word “NOTICE”
Date of
issue
Proper heading /title
Relevant
content or Body of notice answering the questions like
- what, when,
where, Last date-if any, Contact person. Opening lines could be – It is
brought to the notice of ..............................., This is to inform
all ............................................, All the staff and the
students are hereby informed that ........................
Signature
– should be readable.
Name
Designation
|
Letter Writing
Formal letter means Job
Applications, Letter to Editor, Seeking information & Making Complaints
Format/Steps:
H.No: 144/B
Sandhya Nilayam
Hyderabad-63
10 June,2014
The Editor
The Deccan Chronicle
Hyderabad.
Sir,
Subject:-
Body of the letter: 1. Introduction
2. Main Content
3. Conclusion
Thanking you, Yours sincerely/faithfully/truly,
Dinesh Kumar
Designation |
Debate
Writing
Important
Points:
1.
Always
focus on the topic that needs to be addressed or discussed.
2.
Avoid
any kind of offensive words and be polite.
3.
Avoid
any kind of repetition and see that there is variety in your expression of
ideas.
4.
Do
not forget to mention either FOR or AGAINST the motion. Underline the word.
5.
Write
‘Thank you’, in the end.
Format/Steps:
Heading -
Mention the topic and under that within brackets write ‘For the Topic’ or ‘Against the Topic’ and in the third line ‘Name’,
if given in the question.
Salutation - Respected chairperson, honourable judges, worthy teachers
and my dear brothers and students.
Introduction - views for/against-topic.
Body -
views, facts, question & exclamatory sentences etc.
Conclusion - clarification of stand made.
Common
phrases: In my opinion…...., I feel very strongly that…...., I would like to draw attention to ........, I
fail to understand…..., I submit that…..., I strongly oppose…., On the
contrary…......
Speech
Writing
Format/Steps:
1.
Heading - Write the
title and in second line ‘ A Speech by ......’
2.
Salutation
or greeting - Respected
Principal, Teachers and my dear friends.
3.
Disclosure
of topic - I am thankful to my English Teacher who gave me this golden
opportunity to speak on the topic....., Today, I am going to speak on a very
important topic...
4.
Narration
of facts, presentation of data, relevant examples, etc.
5.
Sensible
deviation from the topic
6.
Draw
conclusion in an innovative and imaginative way - Finally, I can say that ....................................,
Lastly, one can conclude by saying that ..............................
7.
Write
‘Thank you’ in the end.
Article
Writing
Format/Steps:
Heading/Title
An Article by...............
Body
I Para:
Introduction -Start with a slogan, a
question, an amazing fact, figure or statement.
II/III Para:
Content -Causes, effects, present state of affairs, etc.
IV Para:
Conclusion -Draw solutions and conclusions
|
Important points:
1.
Give a title that catches the
attention of the reader.
2.
Begin with a striking opening
sentence which attracts the reader’s interest in the topic.
3.
Present a strong argument for
your ideas supporting it with evidences.
4.
Introduce a new point at the
beginning of an each paragraph and develop the idea.
5.
Conclude with a strong point.
6.
Use passive voice, humour, emotional
language, rhetorical questions.
Report
Writing
Format/Steps for School
Magazine:
Title
A Report by------------- CONTENT
(Content to fit in Only one paragraph)
|
Important points:
1.
Provide a suitable
title/heading.
2.
Write the name of the
reporter.
3.
Write in past tense. Write in
reported speech and use passive form of expression.
4.
Mention the place, date, time
and other relevant facts about the event.
5.
Include information collected
from people around or affected by the event.
6.
Develop ideas (causes,
reasons, consequences, opinions) logically.
7.
Write in a less formal manner
while writing a report for a school magazine.
8.
Present your ideas and
impressions to make the report interesting.
Format/Steps for Newspaper:
Title
By HT Correspondent
Name of City, Date: Content to fit in Only one paragraph
By HT Correspondent
Name of City, Date: Content to fit in Only one paragraph
The Invisible Man by HG Wells
Character
Sketch:
1. Griffin
Griffin,
the great scientist, is the protagonist of the novel. He is an albino college
student who has changed his area of study from Medicine to Physics and had become
interested in refractive index of tissues. After several experiments, he found
a formula of invisibility. Thus, he becomes the invisible Man and crime becomes
his means of survival. He goes to become a frantic from a scientist, as he
kills his father and hides his experiment from all. He looks mysterious when he
reaches the ‘Coach and Horses’ inn because he is wrapped from head to foot and
wears a long-sleeved thick coat and gloves. At the inn, he introduces himself
as an experimental investigator and Mrs Hall accepts his statement. He tries to
find the reverse process to invisibility but he fails. He is violent, aggressive
and devilish. He wishes to establish a reign of terror on mankind. He goes from
obsession to fanaticism to insanity. When Dr Kemp declines to support his plan,
he turns against him and becomes revengeful and cruel. He decides to kill Dr
Kemp. He becomes the sworn enemy of Kemp and is determined to kill him. But
fate wills otherwise, and he is killed by the people of the town.
2. Thomas
Marvel
Marvel
is something of a stock character. He is the local tramp, short and a little
man with a cylindrical nose and stiff hair, poor, homeless, jobless wanderer, harmless,
eccentric, fat but not as foolish as Griffin thinks him to be. He is smart
enough to know when a good thing is going to happen to him. He wears shabby,
old-fashioned clothes. He is lazy and doesn’t like to work. In fact, he is the only one character, who is
benefitted by the Griffin’s presence. He had become the landlord of the little
inn near Port Stowe and the village bard. He is a bachelor and maintains
decorum in his house. He refuses to work as an assistant to Griffin but he
exploits his name. He sells stories about Griffin and rises from being a poor
tramp to an owner of an inn.
3. Dr
Kemp
Dr
Kemp, a scientist, was an associate of Griffin during College days. Dr Kemp is
referred to as ‘the doctor’ but his degree seems to be an academic not a medical
degree. He continues his study to join ‘the Royal Fellows’. His own interest in
Science and experiments makes him to listen to Griffin’s experiments with
patience. He is intelligent, smart, alert and quick in action. After Griffin
escapes, he explains to Col. Adye, how they could lay hands on Griffin. He
suggests that they could use sniffer dogs and spread powdered glass in the
streets. Kemp, a tall and slender young man, is financially well-off. He is
committed to the well-being of the people. Kemp sends a note quickly to Adye. He
is very cool-headed on the face of a dangerous situation and opposes Griffin’s
philosophy of killing people.
4. Mrs.
Hall
Janny
Hall is the wife of Mr. Hall and the owner of the in ‘Coach and the horses’. A
very friendly, hospitable, down-to-earth woman who enjoys socializing and
serving the guests that came to her inn. She is a courteous and caring hostess.
She is practical and strict in her business. She displays affection to Griffin
as there were few lodgers in winter. She tries to have conversation but Griffin
does not respond. She does not send food to Griffin when he is unable to pay
the bills and also objects to the straw lying on the floor. She cared for the
cleanliness. She is seen a domineering wife nagging her husband about drinking.
5. Mr.
Hall
George
Hall is the husband of Janny Hall and the co-owner of the ‘Coach and Horses’
inn. He is a man with ‘heavy intelligence’. He is slow, lazy and dull. He has
no role to play in the management of the inn as everything is done by Mrs.
Hall. He is fond of drinking. He is gullible as he easily believes what Teddy
Henfrey tells him about the stranger. He is sociable and enjoys the company of
the villagers. He likes to assist his wife in odd jobs. He helps in carrying
Griffin’s luggage to his room. He is the first person in Iping to suspect that
Griffin is an invisible man; when a dog bites him and tears his gloves, Griffin
rushes to his room and Mr Hall follows him to see if he alright, he sees
Griffin without his gloves and handless.
6. Teddy
Henfrey
A
clock repair man who has come to the inn for a cup of tea. Mrs. Hall tries to
take advantage by asking him to repair the clock in Griffin’s room and to get
to know about the strange man. Since Griffin did not talk to Teddy, he
understands that he is a strange man and is wanted by police. He spreads this
news to the villagers.
7. Colonel
Adye
Col.
Adye is the chief of the police in the town of Port Burdock. He is called upon
by Dr Kemp when the invisible
man turns up in Kemp’s house. Col. Adye saves Dr Kemp from the invisible man’s
first attempt on his life and leads the hunt for the unseen fugitive. He mostly
follows Kemp’s suggestion in planning the campaign against the invisible man. He
is eventually shot by the invisible man. Col. Adye is described as falling down
and not getting back up.
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