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Vistas Questions
Vistas Questions
When Maharaja Jilani Jung Jung Bahadur was born, the astrologers had foretold that one
day the king would actually have to die. The ten day old Jilani Jung Jung Bahadur started
speaking; he told them that all those who were born would have to die one day, he asked
them to tell the manner of his death. Everyone stood stunned. An infant born just ten days
ago was talking in such a manner .The chief astrologer told the Prince that he was born in
hour of the bull. As bull and tiger were enemies therefore his death would come from tiger.
The Maharaja grew stronger and took to tiger hunting. He was overjoyed when he killed the
first tiger. When he told the chief astrologer about that, the chief astrologer told him that he
may kill 99 tigers but he must be careful with the hundredth one. In ten years he killed 70
tigers .He banned the killing of tigers in Pratibandhpuram. The tiger population had become
extinct at Pratibandhpuram. So the maharaja married to a royal family in a state where tiger
population was rich. Thus thereby he killed 99 tigers but one was still left. There was no sign
of tigers anywhere. Maharaja could not bear any more. He raised the land tax and also
dismissed some of his men. There was a tiger brought later for Maharaja. Maharaja took his
men for hunt. He shot the tiger but it missed the tiger .Maharaja did not notice that
Maharaja’s men knew it but they feared that if they tell it to Maharaja, then they may lose
their job, so they killed the tiger. But maharaja did not know that he still has one tiger left to
be killed.
Maharaja had to attend his 3 year old son’s birthday. He gifted him a wooden tiger. The
tiger was made by an unskilled man. Its surface was rough, as a result its sharp edge pierced
into Maharaja’s hand. Next day the infection spread into his whole hand and Maharaja at
last died.
Thus the fateful hundredth tiger though a wooden one was the cause of the Maharaja’s
death and proved the prediction of the astrologer correct.
Glossary
Durai – in Tamil means lord or god, but in Duraisani – goddess in Tamil; in the story
the story it refers to the British lords it refers to the wife of the British officer
Babble – talk in a confused or silly way Fever pitch – a very high level of
excitement
Characters
The King – The maharaja of Pratibandapuram deserves to be called a maharaja in every
case. He was strong enough to kill the wild tigers with his bare hands. He was brave enough
to think about killing not one, but hundred tigers. He was bold enough to stand against a
British officer by refusing him permission to hunt in his forest. He was wise enough to please
the officer by pleasing his wife and was rich enough to send fifty diamond rings to the good
lady of the officer. He was even cunning enough to arrange his marriage with a princess
whose father’s forest had the maximum number of tigers. Yet he appears to be the opposite
of what he had done and what he was because this powerful king was finally killed by the
sliver of a worthless wooden tiger! His death brought him great shame. His boldness,
cunningness, strength and bravery failed miserably at the hands of an insignificant wooden
tiger. He can also be laughed at for his blindly believing the astrologers, for the dereliction of
duty as a king, for imposing tax on the villagers out of rage, for forgetting the sanctity and
meaning of marriage and for dismissing his officers for no official reason.
The First Astrologer – A great astrologer (or very much fake!). He had deep knowledge in
astrology and was a master at that. Logical but a little foolish at predicting people’s fate.
The Second Astrologer – Probably the son of the late astrologer. Equally great or fake as his
ancestor was. He accepted a bet from the king and agreed to abandon his profession to
become the most infamous insurance agent – a weird parallel for astrology.
Devan or Prime Minister – The Diwan, king’s chief minister, is the comedian in the story. He
was a man of tactics and availed the benefits of his brain only under emergency such as the
loss of his office. He was well aware of the king’s fury. While standing in front of the king’s
brandished gun, the old man imagined a bullet piercing his heart and out of this fear he was
thrown into a state of imbecility.
Instances of Satire
Satire employs irony, sarcasm, ridicule, etc. in exposing and criticizing follies and vices in
men. The story uses humour to criticize self-seeking Kings who willfully exploit both nature
and their subjects for sefish interests.
When the Maharaja of Pratibandhpuram was told that he would be killed by a tiger,
he could never imagine the twist in fate where a toy tiger could be fatal. Because of
his conceit, he was unprepared for such surprises flung by life at him.
The grandeur associated with a king’s life proves a mockery. The news of the king’s
ailment invited not one, but three surgeons. They got so tied up in technicalities that
they declared the operation successful even though the king died.
The story also satirizes the corrupting influence of power. Just because the Tiger King
had power, he felt he could browbeat his subjects and even defeat fate. He
neglected his responsibility as a ruler. He neglected the welfare of his subjects, his
family, increased and reduced taxes at will and sacked his officers. They feared him
or else he would have learnt the truth.
When we see the king gloating over his bravery after killing the hundredth old, weak
tiger, we notice that Kalki is satirizing the notions of cowardice and bravery. There is
no heroism in fighting an unequal battle. The King’s cowardice was obvious when he
justifies that one may kill even a cow in self defense.
Kalki is also criticizing the King’s men and subjects who pander to his whims out of
fear or like the shopkeeper manipulate and fool him.
Light humour in the Tiger King
The instance of the Stuka bomber
The king’s offer of mouse hunt etc
The incoherent blabbering by the Dewan and the Chief Astrologer
The Dewan procuring an old tiger from people’s park and its stubborn refusal to get
off the car and the description of its waiting in humble supplication to be shot.
The shopkeeper quoting three hundred rupees for a cheap two annas and a quarter
toy tiger
What is the author’s indirect comment on subjecting innocent animals to the wilfulness
of human beings?
Ans. Through this satirical story the author has rightly portrayed how human beings have
subjected innocent animals to untold torture and death, merely to fulfill their own whims
and fancies. The maharaja’s indiscriminate killing of tigers led to their extinction in some
states, but the maharaja was oblivious to the grave consequences his action was leading to.
In order to prove an astrologer wrong the maharaja went on a killing spree proving his
dominance over the hapless animals.
How would you describe the behaviour of the Maharaja’s minions towards him? Do you
find them truly sincere towards him or are they driven by fear when they obey him? Do
we find a similarity in today’s political order?
Ans. Maharaja’s minions were subservient and sycophantic. Most of them were scared of
Maharaja and tried to keep him in good humour by obeying his orders. They did not dare to
disobey him as his displeasure could mean loss of their job or even loss of their lives.
The astrologer was afraid of predicting his death , till Maharaja told him to “ speak without
fear”. Dewan who should have advised the king not to kill the tigers did not dare to go
against his wishes and aided his marriage to a princess whose father’s kingdom possessed a
large number of tigers. Being afraid of losing his job, he presented an old tiger to satisfy the
whims of his Maharaja. Likewise , the hunters chose not to inform him of the survival of the
100th tiger and instead killed it themselves fearing that they might lose their jobs. Even the
shopkeeper, who sold the king a cheap wooden toy tiger, quoted a higher price lest he
should be punished under the rules of emergency.
So ,it is evident that the king’s minions were driven by fear rather than any feelings of
sincerity towards their ruler.
Today’s political order is no different— we know too well that many of the people in power
are not there because of their ability but because of their influence and power. Moreover,
others pander to them for their own vested interests rather than for the good of the
country.
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
Q1 Why do you think, the author goes into detailed identification of the Tiger King
through a variety of titles ? Does he really mean to humour him ?
Answer : Kalki, the author of the story , has no intention of praising the king. In fact,
immediately after addressing him with a variety of titles, he brings an anticlimax by telling
his readers that his name is shortened to “ Tiger King “ .
Q2 How did the tiger king acquire his name? (2009)
Ans. The Tiger King was Maharaja of Pratibandapuram. He came to be known as tiger king
as at his birth it was predicted by the royal astrologer that he would be killed by a tiger .And
to disprove this prediction he started killing the tigers indiscriminately and killed 99 tigers..
Moreover , he was ferocious like a tiger.
Q3.What do you understand by “threat of a Stuka bomber”?
Ans. Stuka Bomber was a German ground attack aircraft which was known for its high
accuracy in hitting its target and terrorizing sound it emitted.
Through the reference of Stuka Bomber , the author wants to convey that he intends to tell
why Maharaja of Pratibandapuram came to be known as Tiger King and nothing ,not even
horrifying Stuka Bomber could compel him to digress from the topic.
Q4 What was the miracle that took place in the royal palace?
Ans. When the Maharaja was a 10 day old infant, he spoke and asked intelligent questions
about his death. After knowing that he would be killed by a tiger he uttered saying “Let
tigers beware.”
Q5 What predictions did the astrologers make at the birth of the tiger king?
Ans: The astrologers predicted that the newly born prince will grow up to become the hero
of heroes, brave of the bravest and a great warrior. He also predicted that the baby was
born in the hour of the bull. The bull and tiger were enemies. Therefore, he would die
because of the tiger.
Q6 What did the State astrologer say he would do ‘if the hundredth tiger were also killed’?
Ans. The State astrologer was so sure of his prediction that he announced that he would cut
off his ceremonial tuft, crop his hair short and become an insurance agent in case the king
was able to kill the 100th tiger, too. He was sure that the Maharaja’s death would be caused
by the 100th tiger.
Q7. What did the high-ranking British officer wish to do? Was his wish fulfilled?
Ans. The high-ranking British officer wanted to kill a tiger. When he was denied the
permission for hunting, he sent a word to the king that he would be happy if he was allowed
to get photographed with the dead body of a tiger killed by the king. However, his wish
remained unfulfilled.
Q13 Why did the Maharaja suddenly decide to marry? Whom did he wish to marry?
Ans. The Maharaja suddenly decided to marry because firstly, he was of marriageable age
and secondly, he wanted to kill thirty more tigers in his father-in-law’s state in order to
complete the tally of hundred tigers .For this reason he wished to marry a girl in the royal
family of a state with a large tiger population.
Q14 Why did Maharaja order the dewan to double the tax?
Ans. The Maharaja called the dewan and ordered him to immediately double the tax of the
villagers who had informed him of a tiger in the forest because despite his best efforts he
was unable to locate the beast. This infuriated the Maharaja.
Q15.Why did the Dewan decide to give up his own tiger to be killed by the Maharaja?
Answer : The dewan had hidden in his house an old tiger which had been brought from the
People’s Park in Madras . He feared that if the Maharaja did not get a tiger to hunt, the
result would be catastrophic and he would lose his job.
Q16 What was Dewan’s tiger like? How did he take it into the forest?
weak, senile
Dewan arranged the tiger from The People’s Park
at midnight dragged the tiger and shoved him into the car, went to the forest, hauled
the beast out of the car, and pushed him to the ground near Maharaja’s camp.
Q17 How the 100th tiger was finally found & killed?
Ans. The Dewan took the 100th tiger which he had brought from people’s park in Madras.
The tiger wondered into Maharaja’s presence. The king shot it but it was not killed; the
hunters killed to escape from king’s anger.
Q18 Why was the Maharaja overcome with elation when he thought he had killed the
hundredth tiger?
Answer : The Maharaja was overcome with elation on having killed the hundredth tiger
because his vow had been fulfilled. By killing the hundredth tiger, he thought the prophecy
about his death had been disproved. On his command , the dead body of the hundredth
tiger was taken in grand a procession through the town and buried . A tomb was erected
over it.
Q19 What did the Maharaja buy as a birthday gift for his son?
Ans. The Maharaja wished to give his son a very special gift on his birthday and he bought a
wooden toy tiger as a perfect birthday gift for his son.
LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS
1. How did the Tiger King meet his end? What is ironical about his death?
The wooden toy tiger the king had got as a birthday present for his son had been carved by
an unskilled carpenter. It had a rough surface with tiny slivers of wood standing up like quills
all over it. One of those slivers pierced the Maharaja’s right hand and although the king
pulled it, his arm got infected. In four days, it developed into a suppurating sore and spread
all over the arm. The king died while being operated upon.
The king’s death is ironical but not surprising for the reader who is, in fact, looking forward
to it. Having ‘killed’ the 100th tiger, the king is jubilant for he has fulfilled his vow and
disproved the prediction of the royal astrologer. He is now at ease for he thinks he cannot
die of a tiger’s attack. No wonder, he orders the ‘dead’ tiger to be taken in a procession
through the town and gets a tomb erected over it. All this while he does not know that the
100th victim was not killed by him but by other hunters. That is indeed quite ironical. Death
is lurking around him and the king is unaware of it. Again, it is ironical that a king who has
killed 99 tigers and is bold and fearless dies of a mere ‘sliver’ on the body of a wooden tiger.
Thus, ironically death does come to him from a tiger.
Q2 “The operation is successful. The maharaja is dead.” comment on the irony of the
situation.
The three famous surgeons were called from Madras to treat the Maharaja.
The whole incident is a satire on the life of rich and people in power.
Everything in their life should be grand be it a disease, purchases or treatment.
So when the Maharaja got hurt by a wooden splinter, specialist from Madras were
called
The surgeons discussed and debated for some time and decided to operate
At the end of the operation they said the operation was successful but the
Maharaja was dead.
As if the procedure was important to them but life had no meaning for them.
The job of doctors is to save people and not highlight the technicalities of the
treatment.
But here it was just that, poor Maharaja was relegated to a nonentity whose life was
not of much consequences to them.
Answer :
Jilani Jung Jung Bahadur, the king of Pratibandapuram, is known as the Tiger King. Ten days
after his birth, a renowned astrologer prophesised that his "death comes from the Tiger."
After he became the king of Pratibandapuram and got to know of the prediction about his
death, he went on a tiger killing spree. He killed about seventy tigers within ten years. He
was so caught up with reaching his target of killing one hundred tigers, to disprove the
prophecy, that all other matters took a back-seat. This was how he got to be known as the
Tiger King.
Q2 :
What is the general attitude of human beings towards wild animals?
Answer :
Generally, people fear the wild animals because of their ferociousness and tendency to
harm humans. But some people exploit them by caging or hunting them for the sadistic
pleasure they derive from their 'feats', or kill them to earn money from their hides etc. Yet,
there are people who understand the importance of sustaining ecological balance,
preserving the beauty of nature and believe in every creature's right to its existence. They
spread awareness about the importance of wild-life and the necessity of saving them from
extinction.
3. How was the plan of the prisoner’s escape executed in the story?
The prisoner was successful in his escape only because of the right guidance and
help from Dr. Sadao. He provided him his boat, gave his food, made him wear
Japanese clothes and also helped him in comfortable sail to a nearby island.
It is the best possible option‐general had promised him that he would get the
soldier quietly killed through his private assassins but he forgot to get rid of‐ Dr.
Sadao could do nothing he wanted to get rid of the wounded soldier‐as the servants
had left the house andnews could be spread
‐so he devised his own plan to get the soldier off to the nearby island
‐managed his boat for the soldier and instructed him. The white soldier
took leave of him and followed his instruction and managed to escape safely. Thus
all this proves that that was the only way out for Dr. Sadao to the problem.
3. There are moments in life when we have to make hard choice between our
role asprivate individuals and as citizens with a sense of national loyalty.
Discuss with reference to the Enemy.
Suggested Answer / Value Points
Dr. Sadao encounters with the dilemma
‐to live as private individual whose and moral
ethical responsibility is to save the soldier. So as a doctor and as an individual his
first job is to save the man
‐takes ethical responsibility, he risks his life, fame and social
status ‐ takes him to his house and makes efforts to save him.
But his other side ‐sense of patriotism and nationalism also involves a report to
police, takes the general in confidence, and plans to get the enemy soldier killed
but later on
helps the soldier in escaping. Thus Dr. Sadao’s personality is displayed as patriotic
citizen.
(Ans) Jo wanted the story to end with Roger being accepted by the other animals.
In Jack’s version, the wizard was hit by mommy. Jo did not relish this. The wizard
was the person who fulfilled everyone’s wishes. He had rid Roger Skunk of the
bad odour. So she wanted her father to end the story with Roger skunk having a
new and pleasant smell and wizard spanking the stupid ‘mommy’.Jo would get
totally involved in the story. She even shed a tear or so, when woodland creatures
spurned Roger. She could not bear injustice to the wizard by ‘mommy’ skunk. She
wanted the end of the story to change in which the benevolent Wizard hits mommy
for being inconsiderate to Roger’s need for acceptance by friends. She was
independent in her thinking. Jo remains unconvinced by the father’s argument that
mothers are always right.
(Ans) Jack is the protagonist of the story ‘Should Wizard Hit Mommy?’ which
examines the issue of parenting, the adult tendency to quell the questioning mind
of a child and the belief that the view point of the adult represents the only
valid one.Jack is conscious of his duties as a father and husband. He has been
telling stories to his daughter Jo since she was two years old, before her Saturday
and evening naps, but now two and a half years later he is fatigued and confused
by her constant questioning, pointing errors (roger fish instead of skunk), asking
for clarifications and suggesting alternatives. He has the typical parental attitude
and opinion that parents know what is best for their children and stifles her
objections and amendments shown by his defending the skunk’s mother (and
indirectly his own).Jack feels caught in an ugly middle position physically,
emotionally and mentally. He did not like women to take anything for granted, to
the extent that he extends the story, changing the ending, giving it the face that he
wants to. This despite the fact that he knows that he should be helping his pregnant
wife paint the woodwork.Jack is someone who is not used to his authority being
questioned and so is confused by Jo’s questioning. Though a loving parent he finds
it hard to accept the fact that Jo now has a mind of her own. His insensitivity and
impatience comes across in his dealings with his daughter, and the fact that an
adult’s viewpoint is biased by personal experiences.
(Q.) Do you think Jack and Jo could identify with Roger skunk as a victim of
the hatred of other creatures?
(Ans) Jack brought the story to life when he narrated the tale remembering certain
humiliations of his own childhood. The corners of Jo’s mouth drooped down and
her lower lip bent forward. A tear flowed along the side of the nose. This shows
that even Jo could identify with Roger skunk.
(Q.) Which two opposite forces acted on Jack while he was telling Jo the
story?
(Ans) Jack was telling Jo something she must know and had no wish to hurry on.
On the other hand he heard a chair scrapping. He realized that he must help his
pregnant wife Clare to paint the wood work down stairs. These were the opposite
forces acting on Jack while he was telling Jo the story.
(Q.) Why did Jo not approve of skunk’s mother scolding him for his new
smell?
(Ans) Jo was very happy that skunk smelt like roses. He was accepted by the
woodland creatures and was happy. Jo did not approve of skunk’s mother scolding
him for something that made him acceptable among his friends and brought him
happiness.
(Q.) What do you learn about Jo’s new reality phase?
(Ans) Earlier Jo used to accept her father’s word about magic etc. now she had
started asking if magic spells were real. She had become curious since a month.
She was growing up and wished to check the reality of all that was told to her.
Q. What is the ugly middle position where jack finds himself trapped?
Ans The ugly middle position refers to jack’s helplessness and dilemma. Its ugly
because jack is not used to the women questioning his authority and jo’ constant
interruptions, clarifications, pointing out mistakes , disagreements, questioning the
end of the story and suggesting an alternate end makes jack uncomfortable. It is a
middle position because jack is as if coerced by the tradition (recalls his own
mother) and society to inculcate certain moral lessons in jo but at the same time he
is at loss. He is unable to satisfy jo’s lingering anxiety as he fails to understand her
perspective (her fear of abandonment), as a result he finds himself trapped in a
cage along with his wife which brings him no solace.
Theme
People who suffer from disabilities must always look at the bright side of things
and adapt reality of life bravely. At the same time the actual pain or inconvenience
caused by a physical impairment is often much less than the sense of alienation felt
by the person. The disabled need support and acceptance and not our pity. The title
‘On the Face of it’ is used to mean that something seems to be good, true etc. but
that needs to be changed when you know more about it.
Appearances are deceptive and most often, we go on dealing with impressions and
prejudices about other without caring to know about them actually.People know
Mr. Lamb as a lonely eccentric lame old man but in reality he is a very kind and
generous man who longs for company and he loves his fellow human beings along
with all the other creations of God. Similarly Derek appears to be an abominable
ugly boy with a huge scar on his face whom no one loves or likes or befriends. He
is the object of other people’s hateful stares ridicules and neglect. Even his mother
does not dare to kiss him on the cheek with the scar. Yet this boy who is suffering
from an acute inferiority complex has a tender and sensitive heart. He wants to
love and be loved. Fortunately he eets Mr. Lamb who transforms him with his
healing touch.
Q2. ‘I am not afraid, people are afraid of me’, why does Derry say so?
Derry lives in a cocoon of complexes – due to his burnt face – isolated himself –
don’t mix up – considers his burnt face an unpleasant
</strong><strong>sight</strong> – people are afraid of.
Q3. Mr. Lamb says to Derry; ‘it’s all relative, beauty and the beast’, what
essentially does he mean by that?
Mr. Lamb means to say that different people have different view pints to look at
the same thing. Some find one thing beautiful, others find it ugly. It all depends
onoutlook and attitude. It is, therefore, important to adopt a positive attitude
towards everything just like the Princess Beauty who loved the monstrous Beast in
the fairy tale. The point is that what you look like, but what you are inside.
Q4 What does Derry know about the fairy tale ‘Beauty and the Beast’? Why
is he not convinced by its moral?
-Derry had heard the tale; Beauty liked the monstrous Beast; when she kissed he
turned into a handsome prince; moral was not how you look outside but how you
look inside is important; Derry was not convinced as even if someone kissed he
would never change and his mother always kissed him only on the other cheek
Q5Mr. Lamb has successfully learned to cope with his loneliness. How?
keeps busy by gardening, rearing bees, making apple jam etc. Also
keeps windows and doors open, welcomes all companies.
Q7. How does Lamb try to remove the baseless fears of Derry?
Mr. Lamb influences Derry – his optimistic philosophy – advised him not to give
attentionon other’s comments – try to be internally pure and strong – eliminate the
negativity of life.
Q8. Comment on the moral value of the play
The moral of the play is very loud and clear. The physically disabled should focus
on the brighter side of life and not to brood over the shortcomings. The society
should accept them as they are and expand their social interactions .In this way
they can fight out the loneliness, depression and disappointment.
Q9“When I look in the mirror…I’m afraid of me.” Why does Derry say so?
*burn scar on his face, curious looks by people make him conscious,
avoids meeting others, sour experiences have made him bitter.
Q10What is ironical about his mother’s behaviour towards Derry?
*her over-protective attitude stops Derry from meeting new people, discourages
him, instead of making him brave – makes him timid.
Q11 “It’s got nothing to do with my face and what I look like.” What
attitudinal change do Derry’s words to his mother indicate?
*Derry attitude is now positive & he looks forward to a better life, no longer hiding
from others
Q12Though the play ends with Mr. Lamb’s death there is still an element of
hope. Explain.
*positive change in Derry’s attitude by Mr. Lamb will be permanent,
his life will get better. Mr. Lamb has passed his knowledge and philosophy to
younger generation. Though Mr. Lamb is physically dead, but his ideas will remain
alive in Derry’s heart.
Q13. What is it that draws Derry towards Mr. Lamb?
*Lamb makes Derry feel comfortable, doesn’t question him about his disability,
instills confidence in him, is a good friend to him
Q14Why does Mr. Lamb leave his gate always open?
(a) – happy to have visitors / children to come there for apples, pears and
– had a positive attitude, taught Derry not to indulge in self pity/love life
– taught him the ways of dealing with people
– Derry confessed to his mother that Lamb talked of things that nobody had ever
talked of – things that gave him an optimistic outlook.
– Even defied his mother.
– Derry’s return to Lamb’s garden shows his appreciation for Lamb/ restored
confidence.
.Q2 How did Mr. Lamb try to give courage and confidence to Derry?
Mr. Lamb welcomed him and accepted him as he was. He told him its important to
see how you are on the inside than how you look on the outside. One cannot go
through life being scares and alienated shouldn’t brood over limitations but count
on his blessings-he had brain legs tongue arms and thus was totally functional-this
was a blessing. Enjoy simple joys of everyday living with people around and
nature, ignoring the unpleasant-see beauty in humming-weeds growing-flowers
blooming one’s attitude that matters. Individuals make a difference to the problem
Extended unconditional love inspired him with love for life and instilled
confidence in him to look at life in an optimistic way. Embrace his burnt face and
rise above it.
Q3. The lesson, ‘On The Face of It’, is an apt depiction of the loneliness and
sense of alienation experienced by people on account of a disability. Explain.
– loneliness and sense of alienation experienced by Derry and Mr Lamb
Derry
– loner / pessimistic / suffered from severe negative complexes / anger and
frustration / withdrawn and introverted / low confidence / indulged in self pity
/ suspicious of the intent of others
(any two)
Mr Lamb
– inwardly – lonely, craved for company and acceptance
– outwardly – jovial, optimistic, lover of nature, social, outgoing, tolerant (didn’t
mind children calling him Lamey Lamb or picking the Crab apples)
– helpful, sensitive, independent
Q4 Mr. Lamb inspite of his bravado is a lonely man. Comment.
He lived alone in a huge house with a sprawling garden. He left his gate
open, hoping that people would just walk in. He pretends to have hundreds
of friends but in reality has none. Welcomes Derry in his garden and keeps
him engaged in conversation. He puts Derry’s fears to rest. Doesn’t curtain
his windows as he doesn’t want to be shut away from the world. The open
window gives him the feeling of space and part of the world. When he
narrates his routine to Derry he creates an image of the house being full of
people. He visualizes people walking and sitting in front of fire sharing food
and time.
In the end he says “they never come back.” Indicating the sadness he
feels on alienation
One almost can see through his bravado of being very busy with lots of
friends
Q5. The actual pain or inconvenience caused by a physical impairment is
often much less than the sense of alienation felt by the person with disabilities.
What is the kind of behavior that the person expects from others?
Actual pain or inconvenience caused by physical impairment is often less than the
sense of alienation felt by the person with disabilities
– Physical disabilities caused pain once in life time like during war when Mr.
Lamb got hurt and sometimes when its rainy.
– But after it this physical disability – set chain for other actions – caused mental
agony – called Lamely lamb, mothers were afraid of sending the children because
of his tin leg.
-Derry –burnt face –everyone pities him-only a mother could love that face
-Both Mr. Lamb and Derry have been the victims of verbal atrocities –
-Mr. Lamb takes comments lightly
-But Derry does not have the attitude like Mr. Lamb – Attitude of the people needs
to be changed
Q.9.Explain: “Derry is a victim of his own complex.” How does there come a
change in his thinking?
Ans: Derry is a young boy of fourteen years. One side of his face is badly burnt
due to falling of the acid. He thinks it ‘the ugliest thing’ in the world. When he sees
his face in the mirror, he gets afraid of himself. He has heard ladies saying ‘What a
terrible face!’ None will like him. He becomes dejected, withdrawn and defiant. He
is unable to face the world. He avoids the general public. All these facts turn Derry
a victim of his own inferiority complex and negative attitude. By chance he sneaks
into the garden of Mr. lamb thinking it to be a secluded place. But Mr. Lamb
interrupts him and tells that his door is always open. People can come and he has
got so many friends. Consequently a surge of relief starts flowing in the mind of
Derry. He is drawn towards him. Mr. Lamb tells that children tease and call
him ‘Lamey Lamb’ but he never minds. He plays with them and gives them
toffees. His viewpoint brings a great change in Derry. He becomes free from
inferiority complex and decides to face the realities of life.
Q10. Both Mr. Lamb and Derry represent two serious aspects of life, though
their origin can be called the same. Explain the statement.
Suggested Answer / Value Points-
Both Mr. Lamb & Derry are physically handicapped – but have a different
perspective on life – Derry an escapist – intentionally distances himself from
people – likes solitude – considers his burnt face as the most ugliest thing –
believes none even his mother will never love him.
On the other hand Mr. Lamb – an open hearted & broad minded – does not let his
disability affect his life – being an optimistic – takes life as it comes
enjoys sitting in the sun – reading books – growing flower & weeds – with
his positivism enlightens Derry who then follows his foot step
Here are other short questions for testing yourself.
OTHER SHORT QUESTIONS
1. How does Derry enter the garden? What had he thought about it?
2. . How did Derry’s face get disfigured?
3. How does Mr. Lamb differentiate between weeds and flowers? What
does it tell about Mr. Lamb?
4. What did Mr. Lamb tell Derry about his handicap?
5. Why isn’t Mr. Lamb troubled by the poeple who stare at him?
6. What cruel things did the woman at the bus stop say about Derry?
7. “It was so cruel”. What does Derry refer to?
7. Which peculiar things does Derry notice about Mr. Lamb? (2008)
8. How do people react to Derry’s burnt face?
9. How does Mr. Lamb convince Derry of the uselessness of being a
recluse?
10. * Why were there no curtains in Mr. Lamb’s house?
11. How does Mr. Lamb spend his time?
12. What did Derry overhear his parents talking about his future?
13. How is Mr. Lamb’s concept of a “friend” different from that of
Derry’s?
14. Why does Mr. Lamb advise Derry to stop having feelings of hatred
towards the people?
15. How do Derrry’s parents add to his feelings of insecurity?
16. How does Mr. Lamb treat the people who visit his house?
17. What according to Derry, would happen if Mr. Lamb continued his
friendship with him?
18. What has Derry been told by people who stare at him?
19. Why does Mr. Lamb tell Derry that if he went back he would never
return?
20. Why does Derry’s mother object to his going to Mr. Lamb’s house? or
What did Derry’s mother think of Mr. Lamb ?(2009)
2. Why does Derry say “if I don’t go back there I’ll never go anywhere in
this world”?
3. * Do you think Derry is a changed person at the end of the play? Give
reasons.
• Evans a kleptomaniac was imprisoned thrice and all the time escaped from
the prison. Now he was in the prison for the fourth time and all of a sudden
developed to appear in O‐level German Examination which also was an effort
to break the prison.
• The Governor takes utmost care to see that he would not be fooled. Every
care was taken to make Evans prepare for the exam.
• He was tutored by a German tutor for 6 months. The day before the exam
the tutor wishes good luck but makes it clear that he had hardly any ‘chance
of getting through.’ But Evans gives an ironical twist to the tutor’s observation
by saying “I may surprise everybody.”
• On the day of the exam Jackson and Stephens visited Evan’s cell and took
away everything that may help him injure himself. Evans was insisted to take away
the hat but he refused saying that it was lucky charm.
• Evan’s cell was bugged so that the Governor could himself listen to each
and every conversation in the cell. The invigilator Rev. S. McLeery too was
searched and left him to complete the task. Stephen sitting outside the cell every
now and then peeped into the cell.
• The exam went on smoothly. Stephen escorted the invigilator to the main
gate and looked into Evan’s cell and found the invigilator (actually
Evans) wounded, informed the Governor. The latter was to be hospitalized
but informed that he was alright and asked them to follow Evans. Thus he
escaped the prison.
• When the invigilator was not found in the hospital they went to the residence
of Rev. S. McLeery only to find him ’bound and gagged in his study in Broad
Street”. He has been there, since 8.15 a.m. Now everything was clear to the
Governor.
• Evan escaped the prison the fourth time. But by taking the hint from the
question paper the Governor reached the hotel where Evans was and captured him
and came to know how he planned his escape and said that his game was over.
Evans surrenders himself to the Governor.
• The Governor tells Evan they would meet soon.
• The moment they are rid of the Governor, the so called prison officer‐a friend
of Evans‐unlocks the handcuffs and asks the driver to move fast and Evans tells
him to turn to Newbury. Evans, thus, has the last laugh.
SOLVED QUESTIONS
SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
1. What kind of a person was Evans?
Evans was a ‘Kleptomaniac’ and had broken jail thrice. He was a master planner
and was very sociable. He knew how to keep intimate contacts with people. In the
words of the Governor, he was a pleasant sort of chap with no record of violence.
2. Do you think Evan’s statement, ‘I may surprise everybody,” has some
special significance?
Evans seems to be telling his teacher that he may surprise everybody by doing well
in the exam, but in reality it is a forewarning that he is going to jolt everybody by
his master‐minded perfect escape‐plan.
3. Who were the two visitors Evans received in the morning of the day of his
exam?
The two visitors ‐‐Mr. Jackson, the senior prison officer of the prison’s D Wing‐‐
man called Stephens, who had been only recently recruited.
(Q.) Who, do you think, has the last laugh- The Governor or Evans? How?
(Ans) It is Evans who has the last laugh in the story. The two persons, i.e. driver
and the silent prison officer turn out to be the accomplices of Evans. The Governor
became complacent as he thought he had nabbed the prisoner and will soon put
him in prison. But Evans escapes once again.
(Q.) What did Stephens see, when he peeped through the hole of the cell of
Evans after leaving McLeery at the main gate of the prison?
(Ans) Stephens thought of looking at Evans once again after leaving McLeery at
the main gate. He saw a terrible sight. He saw a man with short hair presumably
McLeery in a pool of blood sprawling back in Evan’s chair.
(Q.) How did McLerry want to help the police?
(Ans) The injured McLeery said that he knew where Evans was. He wanted to
accompany the police in finding Evans. He insisted that he did not need to be
hospitalized as he was all right. He showed the question paper to the Governor to
impress upon him that Evans had befooled everybody.
Q.) What important clues were hidden in the German Question paper?
(Ans) There was a photocopied sheet hidden in the German question paper. It was
very cleverly pasted on the last blank sheet of the question paper. It had
instructions written in German. It read: follow the plan. The vital point in time was
three minutes before the end of the examination. He was not to hit the person hard
and overdo the scot accent. He was to move the Headington round about and then
make way to Newbury.
(Q.) Where was the real McLeery?
(Ans) The real Rev. McLeery was gagged and tied in his room since 8:15 am. The
two men visited McLeery in the morning. They gagged him and tied him in his
study. Since 8:15 in the morning, the real McLeery had been in his own house. It
was Evans accomplice who had come as McLeery to the examination centre.
(Q.) What was the significance of the two phone calls the Governor received
after a quarter of an hour of the start of the examination?
(Ans) The first phone call was made by the Assistant Secretary of the Examination
Board. It was regarding a correction slip for the German paper that Evans was
writing. The word ‘Golden Lion’ was to be used in place of ‘Golden Lowe’. The
second call came from the Magistrate’s Court. They needed a prison van and a
couple of prison officers for a remand case
(Q.) How did the prison machinery swing into action? What did they
overlook?
(Ans) Prison officers started shouting orders as soon as they discovered that Evans
had escaped. Sirens were blown. Puzzled prisoners pushed their way along and
doors were banged and bolted. Phones were ringing everywhere. Jackson and
Stephens supported McLeery on either side and brought him to the prison yard.
The identity of the injured ‘McLeery’ remained unchecked.
(Q.) What did the Governor think of Evans and his plan after ringing up
Detective Chief Inspector Bell?
(Ans) The Governor admired clever Evans and his beautifully laid plan. He also
commented on Evans’ carelessness in leaving behind the question paper. He said
that all criminals got caught because they left important clues behind. He was sure
that they would soon be able to catch Evans and put him in prison once again.
Q.) What two purposes did the correction slip serve? Which of them did
Evans consider more important?
(Ans) The correction slip revealed the name of the hotel and its location. He had to
go to ‘Golden Lion’. It also contained the exact time the exam started. For Evans,
it was an important thing that the phone rang just before the exam finished. Thus
he was able to get the prison officers out of the way for a couple of minutes.
(Q.) What did Evans’ own hair look like? How then did he impersonate
McLeery?
(Ans) Evans’ hair was long and wavy while McLeery had closely clipped hair,
almost next to the scalp. Jackson had removed Evans’ scissors, so he had to
remove his hair off with razor. After that he kept his head covered with a bobble
hat to prevent being noticed.
(Q.) How did the Governor of Oxford Prison locate the hiding place of Evans?
(Ans) The Governor told Evans that he had used the same method as Evans had
done. The six figure reference 313/271 was formed by two hints- Index number
313 and centre number 271. If one takes an Ordinance Survey Map for Oxfords
hire, this number lands are bang in the middle of Chipping Norton.
(Q.) What request did the Secretary of the Examination Board receive from
the Governor of Oxford Prison?
(Ans) The Governor of Oxford Prison’s request was to create an examination
centre in the prison for one candidate named James Roderick Evans who wanted to
appear in O Level German Examination to be held on June 8.
(Q.) What enquiry did the Secretary of the Examination Board make about
Evans?
(Ans) The Secretary of the Examination wanted cursory details about the examinee
regarding his nature. He wanted to know if Evans was a violent sort of a person.
He was told that there was no record of violence.
(Q.) Who met Evans on the eve of the examination? What does this brief
interview reveal?
(Ans) Mr. Jackson and Mr. Stephens visited Evans on the morning of the
Examination. They visited him to ensure that he did not have any weapon with
him. Evans was called Evans the Break as he had escaped from Prison three times.
(Q.) What puzzled Mr. Jackson about the contents in McLeery’s suitcase?
(Ans) Jackson saw a smallish semi-inflated rubber ring. Even a young child might
have to struggle into it. Jackson questioned McLeery about it. He replied that he
suffered from piles.
(Q.) Why did the Governor doubt the phone call from the Examination board
for the correction in the paper? What did he do?
(Ans) The Governor doubted the phone call from the Examination board for the
correction in the paper because he thought it might be a fake call. He tried to verify
the call. He held the incoming call and from the other line called the Examination
Board. Since the number was busy he assumed the call was a genuine one.
Q.) How did Stephens keep an eye on Evans? What did he notice on looking
through the peep-hole in Evans’ cell?
(Ans) Stephens peeped after every one minute. He found Evans sitting with his pen
between his lips. He sat staring straight in front at the door. McLeery sat on his
chair reading the ‘Church Times’. His right index finger was hooked beneath the
narrow clerical collar. The fingers of the left hand were slowly stroking the short
black board.
(Q.) What request did Evans make about half an hour before the end of the
examination? What did Stephens think about it?
(Ans) Evans requested to have a blanket put round his shoulders. A minute later,
Stephens was surprised to see a grey blanket draped round Evans’ shoulders.
Stephens was misled into believing that Evans was feeling cold.
(Q.) How did Evans manage his final escape?
(Ans) Evans was handcuffed and made to sit in the prison van. But the Governor
was complacent and it was Evans’ accomplices inside the van. As the van turned to
the Oxford Road, the silent prison officer who was Evans’ friend unlocked the
handcuffs. Evan suggested that they go towards Newbury. Evans had his final
escape.
(Q.) Give an account of the blunders committed by the prison authorities
which helped Evans in escaping from the prison.
(Ans) Prison authorities made many blunders. It was only because of these
mistakes that Evans could escape from the prison. The hatching of the escape plan
started with the German tutor’s entry. The German teacher who had been coming
to take Evans’ classes was Evan’s accomplice. Everyone assumed that he was a
teacher from the technical college. The invigilator’s identify was also not verified.
On the Examination day, Jackson’s not getting Evans’ ‘bobble-hat’ removed was a
blunder. If Stephens had not shifted from the cell, the escape would not have been
possible. Jackson should have searched McLeery thoroughly and seen the rubber
ring closely. The prison staff blindly believed that the injured was the invigilator,
though it was Evans playing a trick on them. When Evans was arrested, the
Governor was complacent and sent him in a prison van, leaving Evans in the hands
of his own accomplices. He thus, lost Evans who made his final escape
QUESTIONS FOR PRACTICE
SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
1. What different queries does the Secretary of the Examinations Board make
from the Governor before conducting the examination for Evans and why?
2. Who do you think made a call regarding a correction in the question paper?
What did it really want to convey?
3. Who is Carter? What does the Governor want him to go and why?
4. How did the Governor manage to reach Evans in the hotel?
LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS
1. What impression do you form of Evans?
2. Comment on the ending of the play ‘Evan Tries An O‐Level.
3. How far do you agree with the observation: “He was just another
good‐for‐a‐giggle, gullible governor that was all”?
4. Do you think the title ‘Evans Tries an O‐Level’ is appropriate? Give
reasons in support of your answer.
MEMORIES OF CHILDHOOD
GIST OF THE LESSON
I Part -The first part deals with the account of Simmons, An American Indian,
who fought against the prejudices of the society against American Indians.
She describes her experiences on her first day at the Carlisle Indian School.
The customs and rules of the place were strange and new to her.
She was forced to wear clothes that were considered undignified in her
culture
At breakfast, she was embarrassed as she did not know the routine of the
place.
When she comes to know that they were planning to cut her hair, she
protests by hiding under the bed, even though she knew it was futile. In her
culture, it was the cowards whose hair was shingled.
She felt like an animal driven by a herder.
PART – II
NCERT QUESTIONS
Q.1. The two accounts that you read above are based in two distant cultures.
What is the commonality of theme found in both of them?
The unit presents autobiographical episodes of the lives of two women from
marginalized communities who look back on their childhood, and reflect on their
relationship with the mainstream culture. Both-victims of prejudice oppression
experienced indignation, sadness and outrage. Affected by their unpleasant
experience of childhood Fought against the injustice. Both use the power of pen to
fight oppression.
Q3. Bama’s experience is that of a victim of the caste system. What kind of
discrimination does Zitkala-sa’s experience depict? What are their responses
to their respective situations?
The lesson presents a good account of two different girls living at distant places.
Both the women belong to the marginalized communities. Zitkala-Sa was a Native
American. She was taken away from her mother forcibly because the white people
wanted the native Indians to adopt their culture. Zitkala revolted the way the Indian
girls were forced to wear dresses in an immodest way. She was shocked to know
that that the school authorities were going to cut her long hair because in her
community shingled hair were worn only by cowards. She hid herself under a bed
in a large room. But when she was caught , she resisted by kicking and scratching..
But she could do nothing when they took her bravely, tied in a chair and cut off her
hair. But her spirit could not be suppressed.
On the other hand, Bama was a low –caste girl. She saw the upper caste people
showing discrimination against lower caste people. They could not touch food and
other items of the upper caste people. They had to work for them and bow their
heads. Her spirit too revolted against this injustice. She felt terribly sad and
agitated. She could not understand this human treatment since all are human
beings. She wanted honour for all. Her brother Annan told her that she could do
away with these indignities if she worked hard. Bama studied hard and stood first
in her class. Many people became her friends.
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
Q.1. “I felt like sinking to the floor” ! Who felt so and why?
Ans. Zitkala-sa felt so when on her first day in Carlisle Indian School her blanket
was rudely stripped off her shoulders. She felt exposed, as if her very identity had
been snatched away so cruelly
Q4.What information did Judewin give Zitkala-sa? (p-95 ,para-2 ,But this
eating)
Q5What were the indignities that the new girls were subjected to at Carlisle
Indian School?
(The girls were scrutinized thoroughly and supervised by a grey-haired woman.
They were made to wear tight fitting immodest clothes and stiff shoes. During
breakfast a systematic and regimental discipline was observed. The girls with long
hair had to get them shingled and they had to submit to the authorities who were
strong, unfeeling and cruel)
Q6 Why was Zitkala-Sa terrified when Judewin told her that her hair would
be cut short?
Q7 Why does the author feel that she has been deprived of freedom in the
hostel?
(Moccasins not allowed in the hostel, strict discipline ,long hair- cut, loss of
freedom)
Q9. Why was the girl, Zitkala tied to a chair in ‘Memories of Childhood’?
Ans: Zitkala Sa tells about her first day in school. She had long hair. According to
the culture of the whites they wanted to cut her long hair. But she refused to obey
their decision. She was dragged out and tied fast with a chair for cutting her hair.
She resisted but all in vain.
Q10. What did Zitkala-Sa feel when her long hair was cut?
( – felt indignant / anguished / lost her spirit / looked for comforting / felt
Q11*. What indignities did Zitkala-sa have to suffer after she was separated
from her mother? (p-96 ,2nd para)
Q12.What does Bama say about untouchability at the onset of the story? (p-96
,3rd para –When i was studying)
Q13.What was the incident that made Bama laugh as well as feel so provoked
and angry?
Ans. Bama saw an elderly man of her street carrying a packet of ‘Vadais’ by the
strings and walking gingerly, holding the parcel away from his body. Bama found
his manner of carrying the parcel very funny. But her brother explains to her the
higher caste people believed that if the lower caste people touched the parcel it
would be polluted. That’s why the elder was carrying it in that manner. This
provokes and angers Bama.
Q.14. Who was Annan? Why was he not amused by Bama’s story?
Ans. Annan was Bama’s elder brother. Bama’s story didn’t amuse him because he
knew the elderly man of their street was carrying a packet of food in the odd
manner because they were untouchables and if the food came in contact with their
body it would become polluted and unfit for consumption by his upper caste
master.
Q15How did Bama react when she came to know why the elderly man was
carrying the packet? (p-99 ,1st &2nd para)
Q16 What did the author (Bama) think of upper caste people in? Why they
didn’t treat them ‘human beings’?
( Bama thought that upper class people thought so much of themselves –they had
wealth-didn’t mean lose all human feelings)
Q17 Why did Landlord’s man asked Bama’s brother ,on which street id he
live? What was the significance?
Q18. What advice did Annan offer Bama?
( – advised her to work hard / study with care and make progress to throw
away indignities / if you are ahead in your lesson, people will come to you 2
marks)
Q19What impact did Annan’s advice have on Bama and with what effect? (p-
99 ,last para,p-100 )
LONG QUESTIONS
Q1 Seeds of rebellion are sown early in life injustice even can’t escape the eyes
of child. Justify the statement with reference to the lesson and “Memories of
childhood.”
Ans. The lesson ‘Memories of Childhood’ is an amalgamation of two
autobiographical episodes. One by American Indian woman and second by a Tamil
Dalit writer. Both stories highlight the women’s oppression, class barriers,
racialism, discrimination and exploitation that tend to pull them down. Both the
stories advocate the statement that seeds of rebellion are sown early in life.
In ‘The Cutting of my long hair’ the feeling of breaking free and gaining freedom
are seen in the girl. Zitkala-Sa, in the very first line reports that her first day in
school was “bitter-cold”. For her, it not only describes the weather, but also
represents the atmosphere of the boarding school. Though she was a child but she
could observe the overly disciplined students of the school and and its unfriendly
staff. She faced indignity & oppression since she had left her mother. She is not
ready to get her hair cut, to lose her & identity. She fights till the end but is
helpless as she overpowered.
Also in ‘We Too Are Human Beings’, when Bama was in class 3rd, no had talked to
her about untouchability but still she had experienced it and could notice the
difference between landlords and Dalits.The little girl was amused to see how the
old man was holding the packet but when she came to discover the truth, she is
extremely upset & citizens the way of the rich. Through her struggle & hard work
she stands first & wins many friends. Thus we can see that though the children are
small & innocent but they cannot tolerate injustice if they are taught early in their
life.
Q3 It took almost an hour for Bama to reach back home from school. Why?
OR
What were the ‘novelties and oddities’ in the bazaar which entertained Bama?
Ans. Bama was a young playful girl studying in class three. Her school was at a
distance of ten minutes from her home but she normally took at least thirty minutes
to traverse this distance.
The bazaar on the way was full of novelties and oddities for her-the performing
monkey, the snake kept by the snake charmer in its box, the cyclist who had not
got off his bike for three days, the spinning wheels, the Maariyaata temple, the
pongal offerings being cooked in front of the temple; the various food stalls in
front of the temple, the different hues of the street light and the narikkuravan
hunter gypsy with its wild lemur in cages. A different kind of performance on stage
such as a street play, a puppet show, a magic show or speeches by budding
politicians also caught her attention. Even the way the waiters cooled the coffee at
the coffee clubs or the way people cut onions held the little girl spell-bound. The
fruit growing on a tree as well as the seasonal fruits being sold held her captive.
Hence we see that before Bama was rudely oriented to the unfortunate reality of
her caste she was an innocent child buoyed by the simple sights of life.
Q5 Zitkala-sa did not tamely surrender but put up a brave fight. How did she
show her resistance to the cutting of her hair?
Q7. What was Bama’s initial reaction to the incident on the street? How did
her reaction change later on?