Class X

Subject : English
Two Gentlemen Of Verona

Question / Answers

1. What do you understand by the following statements?

(a) "We do many things, sir," Nicola answered seriously. He glanced at us hopefully.
Ans. Nicola wanted to tell the author and his companion that he and his brother Jacopo did
many things for a living. He wanted to convey that they were multi-task boys, who could
be very useful to them during their stay in Verona. He then looked at the author hopefully
in anticipation of getting some work from the author for which they would be paid.

(b) He coloured deeply under his sunburn, then grew pale.
Ans. When the author asked Nicola the reason for their shabby appearance and why they ate so little
despite the fact that they earned quite a bit, Nicola's face at first coloured deeply from embarassment.
He then grew pale out of fear thinking that their plan may be revealed to the author which he
desperately wanted to keep a secret.

(c) He smiled uncomfortably. "Just plans, sir," he answered in a low voice.
Ans. Nicola smiled uncomfortably because he knew his plans were nowhere near to what the author
was suggesting. Their plans actually were vastly different, so he kept his voice low, casual and off-
handed not wanting to reveal even the slightest clue to their plans even through his voice.

(d) Yet in both these boyish faces there was a seriousness which was far beyond their years.
Ans. As the author spent time with the boys he was greatly intrigued both by their remarkable
behaviour and steadfast innocence. Yet he could not help but notice that in their boyish faces there
was a maturity and seriousness which was far beyond their young, vulnerable age.

2. Answer the following questions briefly.

(a) Why didn't Luigi, the driver, approve of the two boys?
Ans. Luigi, the driver, did not approve of the two boys because he was wary of their shabby
appearance and was quite certain that these kind of boys should not be trusted as their only intention
was to make money by duping and cheating people.

(b) Why were the narrator and his companion impressed by the two boys?
Ans. The narrator and his companion were impressed by the two boys' willingness to work and the
fact that these two boys could be relied upon to carry out their various errands in the unfamiliar city of
Verona.

(c) Why was the author surprised to see Nicola and Jacopo working as shoeshine boys?
Ans. The author was surprised to see Nicola and Jacopo working as shoeshine boys because the day
before these two boys were selling wild strawberries to them. So the ' author was actually perplexed as
to what all these boys did to earn their living.

(d) How were the boys useful to the author?
Ans. The boys proved to be extremely useful to the author and his companion during their stay in
Verona. If they wanted a pack of American cigarettes or seats for the opera or the name of a good
restaurant these boys could be depended upon to fulfill their needs.

(e) Why were the boys in the deserted square at night? What character traits do they
exhibit?
Ans. The boys were in the deserted square at night as they were waiting for the last bus from
Padua so that they could sell all their newspapers when it came in. This exhibits their capacity for
working hard, their sincerity towards their work and the fact that they worked really hard without
complaining.

(f) The narrator asks the boys, "Must you work so hard? You both look rather tired." The
boys reply, "We are not complaining, sir." What do you learn about the boys from their
reply?
Ans. From their reply the boys reveal their sincerity and diligence towards their work. They are
totally dedicated to their cause and work relentlessly, without complaining, to fulfil their purpose
which has become the main aim of their life.

(g) When the narrator asks the boys about their plans, they are evasive. Why don't they
disclose their problems?
Ans. The boys were evasive when the narrator asked them about their plans. They did not want to
disclose their problems and preferred to keep their secret because they did not want anyone, least
of all a stranger, to become involved in their plans. Their love and devotion for their sister was
something extremely personal and that is the way they wanted to keep it. They did not want
undue pity and sympathy from anyone.

(h) Appearances are deceptive. Discuss with reference to the two boys.
Ans. Appearances are indeed deceptive. One can never and should never judge any person on the
basis of their appearance. The two boys with their disapproving looks and shabby appearance
failed to make a decent impression but their selfless devotion towards their ailing sister helped to
bring a new nobility to human life, promising greater hope for human society. Despite their
young age they worked extremely hard to earn money to pay for their sister's medical treatment.
Their love for their sister was so great that they themselves ate frugally and wore shabby clothes
to save money for her medical expenses. They did not want any kind of sympathy and charity and
preferred to keep their problem to themselves displaying a unique maturity in spite of being so
young.

(i) Do you think the boys looked after Lucia willingly? Give reasons for your answer.
Ans. The two boys not only looked after Lucia willingly but they were whole-heartedly devoted
to their sister and ensured they made weekly payments to the hospital for Lucia's treatment. They
worked hard, without complaining, spent almost nothing on their clothes and ate very little so that
they could save money to get their sister cured. They loved their sister with a fierce sincerity and
their devotion to their cause is selfless.

(j) How does the story 'Two Gentlemen of Verona' promise hope for society?
Ans. The story 'Two Gentlemen of Verona' promises hope for society. The devotion of
Nicola and Jacopo towards their sister made them choose a hard life so that they could pay for her
medical treatment. The two boys worked very hard and spent very little on their own food and
clothing in order to save money to pay for the hospital expenses. They shined shoes, sold fruit,
hawked newspapers, conducted tourists round the town and ran errands to earn money. Their sacrifice,
their sincerity and the maturity they display at this young age does indeed give a new hope for
humanity. Their selfless action gives a promise of greater hope for human society. The war and their
terrible circumstances had not broken their spirit and they continued to strive against all odds, without
complaining.
3. As the narrator, write an article on the lesson of love, faith and trust that you have learnt
from the two young boys of Verona.

HUMANITY'S NEW HOPE
By: AJ. Cronin
On my recent visit to the city of Verona, in Italy, I was extremely touched by the devotion displayed
by two young boys, Nicola and Jacopo, for their sister, Lucia, who was suffering from tuberculosis of
the spine.
These two boys and their sister were accustomed to a comfortable life before their home had been
completely destroyed by the war. When the war got over and they came back to their beloved sister,
she was suffering from the deadly ailment, tuberculosis. But despite all odds the boys did not give up.
They brought her to the hospital for treatment, persuaded them to take her in and then began their
relentless strive to ensure they made enough money to be able to pay for her treatment.
During the summer days under the hot sun, they shined shoes, sold fruit, hawked newspapers,
conducted tourists round the town and ran errands. So steadfast was their love for their sister that they
never made any complaints and everything else faded into oblivion before it, even their own comfort
and welfare.
These two boys displayed a kind of devotion that helped me to learn a lesson of a lifetime on love,
faith and trust and this would further help to reinstate the promise of greater hope for human society.
The story of their selfless sacrifice is sure to rekindle a new nobility for human life.

4. After her brothers' visit, Lucia writes a page in her diary about her past life and her
present situation. As Lucia write the diary entry in about 150 words.
Ans.

Tuesday,27 August, 1921 8:00 pm

I am sure I must have done something good in my past life to deserve the two most wonderful
brothers, Nicola and Jacopo, who are younger to me in age, but their maturity far exceeds many older
persons.
The three of us had always known a comfortable and cultured life with our father before the war. But
after the war we suffered horribly. Our father who was a well-known singer was killed in the early
part of the war. We lost our home and were thrown into the street and, suffered from starvation and
cold weather. Then for three years our city was ruled by the Germans. When the war was over and
peace prevailed, I had the joy of being united with my beloved brothers. But at the same time faced
the agony of being inflicted by tuberculosis of the spine. But despite the odds against us, my young
brothers did not give up and brought me to the hospital, where I have made good and steady progress
in the twelve months that I have been here. I don't know how my little brothers manage to pay the
hospital fee, which they duly come and give every week.
These boys were born to a life of comfort and now when I see their tired, worn-out faces, which
they try well to conceal under their loving smiles, I feel guilty for their predicament. I hope I get
well soon so that I am able to train as a singer again and god-willing, in future, be able to do
something for my little angels.

Class X
Subject : English
Mrs. Packletides Tiger

Question / Answers
Q. 1. Read these lines and give the answers to the questions given below.
It was Mrs. Packletide's pleasure and intention that she should shoot a tiger. ... The compelling
motive ... was the fact that Loona Bimberton had recently .... personally procured tiger-skin and
a heavy harvest of Press photographs could successfully counter that sort of thing.

(a) Why did Mrs. Packletide want to kill a tiger?
Ans. Mrs. Packletide wanted to kill a tiger to counter Loona Bimberton's successful stint in being
carried eleven miles in an aeroplane by an Algerian aviator.

(b) What does it tell you about her?
Ans. This tells us that Mrs. Packletide was a jealous lady who could go to any foolish lengths to outdo
her rival.

(c) What is the tone of the storywriter?
Ans. The writer has a satirical and mocking tone.

(d) Do you think she was successful in her mission?
(d) Yes, Mrs. Packletide was successful in her mission, but she had to pay a heavy price for it.

Q. 2. Answer the following questions briefly.

(a) Why did Mrs. Packletide wish to kill a tiger?
Ans. Mrs. Packletide's friend, Loona Bimberton had recently been carried eleven miles in an aeroplane
by an Algerian aviator, and she raved about it. Mrs. Packletide who was extremely jealous of this then
decided that only a personally procured tiger-skin and lots of photographs in the press could successfully
counter Loona Bimberton's achievements. So she decided she would kill a tiger.

(b) What made her decide to give a party in Loona Bimberton's honour? What did she intend to
give Loona on her birthday?
Ans. Mrs. Packletide's decision to give a party in Loona Bimberton's honour was motivated by the fact
that she wanted to flaunt her tiger-killing feat with full force and wanted all attention and conversation
to be centred around it. She intended to gift a tiger-claw brooch to Loona on her birthday.

(c) How was the tiger shooting arranged? What kind of a tiger was chosen for the purpose?
Ans. Mrs. Packletide had offered a thousand rupees for the opportunity to shoot a tiger without too
much risk. Incidentally an old tiger had been spotted in a neighbouring village. This prospect of
earning a thousand rupees motivated the villagers who took keen interest in ensuring that the tiger did
not drift away.
The tiger who was of respectable antecedents and roamed the neighbouring village,
driven there by old age, was chosen for this purpose.

(d) In what way did the villagers help Mrs. Packletide about the tiger?
Ans. The villagers of a neighbouring village, which was frequented by an old tiger, helped Mrs.
Packletide with a lot of fervour and excitement in making sure the tiger did not drift away to new
hunting grounds. They posted children night and day on the outskirts of the jungle to head the tiger
back in case it went away looking for new places to hunt. They left the cheaper goats carelessly to
keep him satisfied with his present quarters. Mothers carrying their babies home through the jungle
hushed their singing so as not to disturb the tiger's restful sleep.

(e) Who was Miss Mebbin? Was she really devoted to Mrs. Packletide? How did she behave
during the tiger shooting?
Ans. Miss Mebbin was Mrs. Packletide's paid companion who was not really devoted to her. Her only
fear was being asked to perform a little more service than she had been paid for. During the tiger shoot
her only aim was to constantly speculate on where and how she could save the money that Mrs.
Packletide had to pay to the villagers. She told Mrs. Packletide that thousand rupees was too much
money for an old ailing tiger and even suggested that they should not pay for the goat if the tiger was
shot before it attacked the bait.

(f) Mrs. Packletide was a good shot. Discuss.
Ans. Mrs. Packletide was definitely not a good shoot. She was a total amateur whose shot misfired
and added much to her distress and embarassment. The bullet hit the wrong animal, the goat and the
tiger succumbed to heart-failure, caused by the sudden sound of the rifle.

(g) What comment did Miss Mebbin make after Mrs. Packletide had fired the shot? Why did
Miss Mebbin make this comment? How did Mrs. Packletide react to this comment?
Ans. After Mrs. Packletide fired the shot, Miss Mebbin brought attention to the fact that while the goat
had died from the mortal bullet-wound no trace of the rifle could be found on the tiger. The wrong
animal had been hit and the tiger had died due to heart failure caused by the sudden loud noise of the
rifle. Miss Mebbin made this comment to demean Mrs. Packletide's supposed feat. Mrs. Packletide
was rather annoyed by her discovery and comment.

(h) How did the villagers react to the tiger's death?
Ans. As soon as the loud shot of the rifle resounded and the tiger fell dead, a crowd of excited
villagers swarmed on to the scene and their shouting carried the happy news to the village, where a
thumping of tom-toms echoed the chorus of the triumph.

(i) Do you think Mrs. Packletide was able to achieve her heart's desire? Give reasons
for your answer.
Ans. Mrs. Packletide was able to achieve her heart's desire although she had to incur very heavy
expenses for it. She managed to counter Loona Bimberton's feat effectively. Loona refused to look at
any illustrated paper for weeks. Even her letter of thanks to Mrs. Packletide for the gift of a tiger-claw
brooch was a symbol of her repressed emotions. She declined to attend the luncheon-party. So Mrs.
Packletide achieved what she had set out to achieve. In the bargain, however, she had to pay
Louisa Mebbin a heavy price to keep her secret about how the tiger had actually died.

(j) How did Miss Mebbin manage to get her week-end cottage? Why did she plant so many
tiger lilies in her garden?
Ans. Miss Mebbin threatened to expose the real story of Mrs. Packletide's tiger hunt to everyone,
especially to Loona Bimberton if the latter did not agree to her condition and pay up for the week-
end cottage that she intended to buy but had no money for. Mrs. Packletide was left with no
choice but to pay for her cottage. Miss Mebbin planted so many tiger lilies in her garden as a
tribute to the tiger who played an integral role in helping her buy the cottage.

(k) "The incidental expenses are so heavy," she confides to inquiring friends. Who is the
speaker? What is she referring to here?
Ans. Mrs. Packletide is the speaker. She is referring to the heavy expenses that she had to incur in
indulging herself in this big game shooting. Besides paying a thousand rupees to the villagers and
having Miss Mebbin as her paid companion, Mrs. Packletide had to pay another huge sum. She
had to pay Miss Mebbin so that she would not give away her secret about how the tiger had
actually died of heart failure and not Mrs. Packletide's gun-shot.

Q. 3. Answer the following questions in detail.

(a) Do you think the tiger shooting organized by the villagers was a serious affair? Give reasons
for your answer.
Ans. The tiger shooting organized by the villagers was not really a serious affair but the prospect
of earning a thousand rupees had stimulated all the interest and instinct of the villagers, who did
not want to miss out on this wonderful opportunity. For them this was an exciting game which
would fetch them a lot of money. This tiger shooting had resulted in a great deal of excitement
and enthusiasm in their otherwise mundane and monotonous routine and filled them with an
inexplicable energy. So the villagers, from the children to the village headman to the mothers
with babies, all tried to contribute in this game of tiger shooting with a lot of interest.

(b) Do you think the writer is trying to make fun of the main characters in the story, i.e., Mrs.
Packletide, Miss Mebbin and Loona Bimberton? Pick out instances from the story that point to
this fact.
Ans. The writer uses satire to make fun of the main characters in the story. Mrs. Packletide and
Loona Bimberton are vain and full of self-importance. To prove their superiority and outdo the
other, they can go to extreme lengths. Mrs. Packletide's compelling motive to shoot a tiger was to
successfully counter Loona Bimberton's feat of being carried eleven miles in an aeroplane by an
Algerian aviator. Loona Bimberton on her part refused to look at any illustrated paper for weeks
being extremely jealous of Mrs. Packletide's achievement. She even declined the lunch party.
Miss Mebbin, being highly opportunist, took full advantage of Mrs. Packletide's precarious
position to suit her own selfish interests. She successfully extracted money from Mrs. Packletide
to buy a week-end cottage for herself in return for keeping her secret safe about how the tiger had
actually died.

(c) A person who is vain is full of self importance and can only think of himself/ herself and can
go to great lengths to prove his/her superiority. Do you think Mrs. Packletide is vain? Give
reasons in support of your answer.
Ans. Mrs. Packletide is indeed a vain person who went to extreme lengths to prove her superiority
over her supposed rival. Her intention to shoot a tiger was governed only by the compelling motive to
successfully counter Loona Bimberton's feat. In the process she also incurred a lot of expenses some
by choice and few even without a choice. Mrs. Packletide's intentions and pleasures were largely
governed by her dislike for Loona and to prove herself superior. She mostly did away with logic and
' reason, even to the extent of making a complete and convenient fool of herself.

(d) Sometimes writers highlight certain negative aspects in society or human beings by making
fun of it. This is called satire. Would you classify this story as a satire? Give reasons to support
your answer.
Ans. This story is a satire in which the writer has highlighted certain negative aspects in society and
human beings and has also made fun of it. The writer points out the false prestige and self-esteem that
high-society ladies like Mrs. Packletide and Loona Bimberton possess. Their only aim is to gain
superiority and importance at any cost. He also highlights how an opportunist society like the villagers
and Miss Mebbin are all set to exploit people like Mrs. Packletide by extracting money from them by
using various ways and means. People like Mrs. Packletide and Loona Bimberton belong to an elite
class but are in reality shallow and selfish.


(o) How does the writer create humour in this story?
Ans. The writer highlights certain peculiar traits of the characters in particular and the society in
general to create humour in this story. He brings out the pettiness and follies of high-society ladies
like Mrs. Packletide and Loona Bimberton to make fun of the so-called elite, high class. He then
highlights the traits of the villagers and Miss Mebbin to create humour through the weakness and the
opportunism of the low class society who do not lose a single chance to obtain financial gain at the
expense of the high-class society.