Apni Kaksha
Notes
by Selma Lagerlof
About the Author
 Swedish author and teacher
 1st woman to win Nobel Prize in Literature.
 Her stories were translated into many languages.
 Story is narrated in the manner of a fairy tale.
The Rattrap Peddler.
 Sells small rattraps; unprofitable business.
 Used to beg and even steal to survive.
 Clothes were in rags (torn piece of cloth)
 Sunken cheeks & poor
 The world is a big rattrap. Just like rattrap
traps a rat with cheese and pork as a bait, the
world offers comfort and joy as a bait and traps
us.
Robbery at The Crofter’s house
 Seeked The Crofter’s shelter for one dark night.
 Happy crofter to receive a guest, since he had
no family.
 Talkative Crofter shared all information about
him - being an ex-worker at Ironwork, only
cow supports him & earned 30 kronor by
selling milk
 Next morning, 30 kronor were stolen by
peddler by smashing the window pane.
 The vagabond (homeless person) realised
himself being trapped by the bait (30 kronor).
Met The Iron Master
 The peddler was lost in the woods with no
energy left.
 Found an iron mill and entered there to get
some warmth.
 The Iron master mistook him from an old
Regimental comrade and addressed him as Nils
Olof and invited him to his house.
 The peddler declined the invitation, neither
tried to clear his doubt.
Met Ironmaster’s daughter – Edla
 The ironmaster asked his daughter Edla to
persuade the Peddler.
Theme ⟹ Goodness lies in the hearts of everyone which fist need to be awakened through
understanding and love.
 Edla sensed him to be either a thief on run or
an escaped prisoner.
 Despite knowing, Edla convinced the peddler
to come to their home for Christmas.
Christmas Eve
 Iron master was happy to spend time with his
old friend.
 Fed the Rattrap seller and gave him time to
groom himself
 Exposed face made the Ironmaster realise the
reality of the Peddler.
 The iron master accused the peddler for hiding
his reality & said he would call the cops
 Agitated peddler, said that the world was like a
big rattrap & someday iron master would also
be doomed.
 The iron master asked peddler to leave but
Edla convinced him to stay at least for
Christmas
 The peddler had sound sleep & received the
suit as a gift
Changed Heart of the Peddler
 The ironmaster along with his daughter went
to the Church, leaving the peddler at home.
 Heard robbery news of 30 kronor at church
and learned that the rattrap peddler was the
thief.
 Asked valet about the thief escaping the house
 The peddler escaped the house but left a
package in a rattrap.
 Package had 30 kronor notes & a letter.
 Signed the letter as ‘Captain von Stahle’ and a
Thankyou note for Edla who treated him really
nice.
Apni Kaksha
This story is about a person, who see the world as a rattrap. His condition is very poor as he is dressed in
rags. He lives alone & his life is a misery. To keep the pot boiling, he started stealing and begging. The world
is rattrap which offers baits to trap the people. Those baits are materialistic things. So one day he was
looking for a shelter and found cottage owned by an old crofter. The crofter lived alone, so he allowed the
peddler to let in. The old man welcomed him with porridge for supper and gave him tobacco for his pipe,
while playing games. He got taken into account to get into talking and showed his guest, the 30 kronor, that
he had earned last month. Next morning the old man left his house to tend his cow. The peddler made hay
while the sun shined and stole those 30 kronor. He escaped the house and reached to an iron mill. It was
cold, so he sat near the furnace to get some warmth. In the meantime, the owner of the mill arrived and
mistook him for his old friend Nils Olof. Peddler had beard & untangled hair. The peddler initially denied
but was later allured for more money, if he went with. Also the ironmaster’s daughter invited him home for
Christmas eve even after knowing that her father has mistaken him for someone else. The ironmaster
assumed that the peddler felt embarrassed because of his untidy condition, but his daughter noticed that
the man was afraid either he had stolen something or he escaped from prison.
Next day was Christmas Eve, the ironmaster came into dining room for breakfast they asked him to get clean
& dressed up and then right after that came a good-looking man, all groomed. They both got shocked because
now they realised, that the father mistook him for being an old comrade of his. The peddler was not at fault
but was accused of hiding his own identity. He requested the ironmaster to let him stay in the forge.
The ironmaster wanted to call cops, but the peddler started explaining his theory about the world being a
rattrap. The daughter had her father allow him to stay and have rest.
In the evening, the family found out the news of stolen money in his absence. On returning the manor, the
rattrap seller already left the place and left behind 30 kronor to ironmaster’s daughter as a gesture. The
heart of the peddler changed & instead of stealing he gifted the stolen money in a rattrap to ironmaster’s
daughter. Also, she found a letter of thanks with the gift. The kindness and generous behaviour of
ironmaster’s daughter changed the heart of the peddler.

PYQ’s
Q.1 Why was the peddler surprised when he knocked on the door of the cottage? (CBSE 2016)
Ans. The peddler did not expect this hospitality from the crofter. People always chased him away. He
was surprised the way he got welcomed by the crofter.
Q.2 Why did the peddler keep to the woods after leaving the crofter’s cottage. How did he feel?
(CBSE 2011)
Ans. He was scared of being caught and getting identified by the people. So he chose to pass from the
woods after leaving the crofter’s cottage. But the lost his way and was haunted by the thoughts
that the forest was a big rattrap in which he had fallen. Thirty kronor which he stole were like a
bait and he got fallen for the bait.
Q.3 Why did Edla still entertain the peddler even after she knew the truth about him? (CBSE 2014)
Ans. Edla wanted to keep the spirit of Christmas eve. They invited the peddler without his ill. Edla still
entertained the peddler even after knowing the truth.
Q.4 Why did the crofter show the thirty kronor to the peddler? (CBSE 2016)
Ans. To share his joy, the crofter showed his thirty kronor to the peddler.
Q.5 Why did the stranger not tell the ironmaster that he was not Nils Olof? (CBSE 2012)
Ans. The stranger did not tell the ironmaster because he might take pity on him and might help
him by giving him some money.

Apni Kaksha
Apni Kaksha
Notes
About the Author : Louis Fischer
A Jewish – American Journalist Began his career as school teacher later became a
journalist & famous International reporter.
In 1942, he was permitted to stay for a week, near Mahatma Gandhi’s ashram.
‘The Resolute Peasant’ – Raj Kumar Shukla
• In 1917, Gandhi Ji was at annual convention of the
Indian National Congress party in Lucknow.
• Raj Kumar Shukla was a poor emaciated peasant or
sharecropper at Champaran.
• Rajkumar wanted Gandhi Ji to visit his district and
look into the peasant’s condition. (Injustice of the
landlord system in Bihar).
• After a lot a tenacity, Gandhi told him to come Calcutta
and take him from there.
Visit to Rajendra Prasad’s House
• Shukla & Gandhi ji went to Patna, Bihar to meet
Rajendra Prasad (a lawyer) but he was out of town.
• The Servants knew Shukla as a poor peasant who
pestered Rajendra Prasad to help the indigo
Sharecropper
• Servants did not allow them to drink water from the
well as they thought they were untouchable.
Visit to Muzaffarpur
• Gandhi decided to visit Muzaffarpur before
Champaran.
• Gandhi sent a telegram to professor JB Kriplani.
• He came along with large number of students went to
station to receive Gandhi.
• Gandhi Stayed in Muzaffarpur for two days in the
home of Professor Malkani, a government school
teacher.
• The stay was an extraordinary thing. Indians were
afraid to show sympathy for advocates.
Gandhi scolded the lawyers
• News of Gandhi’s arrival spread like wild fire.
• Sharecroppers from champaran began arriving in
large numbers.
• Gandhi scolded the lawyer for charging a huge fee
amount.
• Gandhi concluded that peasants were crushed and
fear stricken that they didn’t go to law courts.
The Share Cropping Arrangement
• Most of the cultivating land was owned by Englishmen.
• The peasants were forced to plant 15% of their
holdings with indigo and Surrender the entire indigo
harvest as rent.
• Germany developed ‘Synthetic indigo’.
• They asked for compensation from the sharecroppers
for being released from the 15% arrangement
• This arrangement was annoying so many farmers
signed willingly to be released from the agreement.
• Some of the share croppers felt cheated, unhappy and
asked for their money back.
Gandhi Disobeys the official order
• Gandhi Ji visited the secretary of the British landlord
to collect the facts but got no information.
• Gandhi ji then visited the British Commissioner and
reported that he was bullied and asked to leave Tirhut.
• Gandhi proceeded to Motihari, the capital of
Champaran.
• Many people greeted him. He used a house as
headquarters to continue his investigation.
• Suddenly, the report came that a farmer has been
maltreated in a nearby village.
• Gandhi decided to check the matter himself.
• He was ordered by a police superintendent’s
messenger to return to the town and quit Champaran.
• Gandhi disobeyed the order. As a result, he was
summoned to appear in the court the next day.
Demonstration of the Peasants
• Gandhi ji telegraphed Rajendra Prasad to come from
Patna with influential friends and sent instructions to
the ashram.
• He also gave full report to the Viceroy.
• Next day, several peasants reached Motihari and
started their demonstration around the courthouse.
• They all came only to support Mahatama Gandhi
which gave Gandhi ji hope of the beginning of their
liberation.
• Gandhi ji controlled the crowd and gave them proof
that the British tyranny will no longer be borne.
• The government was baffled.
• Gandhi ji confessed that he broke the law but only
because of the voice of his conscience.
• The judge didn’t deliver the judgement for days &
allowed him to remain at liberty.
Gandhi Influences the lawyers
• Gandhi ji asked lawyers what they would do if he was
sent to jail.
• The senior lawyer replied that they would go home.
• The lawyers then realised that if Gandhi ji could go to
jail for the sake of the peasants if would be shameful
for them.
• The lawyers told Gandhi that they were ready to
follow him to jail.
• Gandhi exclaimed, ‘The battle of Champaran is won’.
Apni Kaksha
Civil Disobedience Triumphs,
• Gandhi was informed that the Lieutenant Governor of
the province had ordered the case to be dropped.
• Evidences against landlords were collected.
• Civil Disobedience had triumphed for the first time in
modern India.
Lieutenant – Governor Summons Gandhi
• In June, the Lieutenant – Governor, Sir Edward Gait
summoned Gandhi.
• Gandhi ji prepared plans for Civil Disobedience.
• The Lieutenant – Governor, after having four meeting
with Gandhi, appointed as official commission.
• In the commission, there were landlords, some
government officials and Gandhi Ji himself who was
the sole representative for the peasants.
Gandhji agrees to 25% compensation
• It was all about their prestige.
• They behaved as lords above the law, but after this
incident, the peasants saw that they had rights and
persons to defend them.
• Peasants learned courage. Which mattered most at
that time.
The Poor Conditions of Champaran
• Gandhi Ji wanted to improve the cultural and social
backwardness in the Champaran villages
• He called for volunteers to help.
• His wife Kasturba & his youngest son also arrived to
help.
• Primary schools were opened in six villages.
• Kasturba taught personal cleanliness and community
sanitation.
• Gandhi Ji sent regular instructions by post and asked
for financial accounts.

• There were many evidences against landlords.
• Landlords expected Gandhiji to demand full
repayment of the money which was illegally taken
from the share croppers.
• Gandhiji asked for only 50% & the landlords offered
25%
• To everybody’s surprise, GANDHI AGREED.
Why Gandhi Ji agreed for 25% Compensation
• Gandhiji believed that what mattered was that the
landlords were obliged to surrender the part of the
money.
Self-Reliance – The Making of a Free India
• Charles Freer Andrews, an English pacifist became a
devoted follower of Gandhi
• Gandhi’s lawyer friends wanted Andrews to help
them.
• Gandhi Ji strongly opposed the suggestion.
• Andrew’s help was showcasing the weakness of their
hearts.
• Self-Reliance, Indian independence and help to the
sharecroppers were all bound together

This chapter is an Excerpt of:

‘The life of Mahatma Gandhi’.
First time, the author met Gandhi in 1942 in Sewagram ashram in Maharashtra. How I build the desire to free India from
British in 1917.
In 1916, Gandhi went to attend an annual meeting of Indian National Congress in Lucknow which had 2301 representatives
& many visitors.
Then a poor, emaciated (week) peasant (farmer) named Raj Kumar Shukla came to meet him. He introduced himself &
wanted Gandhi to visit Champaran (District of Bihar).
There was an ancient arrangement at Champaran, where peasants were sharecroppers. The landlords used to give their
lands to these sharecroppers for cultivation and grant them with very less percent of their produce. Rajkumar Shukla was
also a sharecropper. He was illiterate but a ‘resolute person. He travelled this far to Lucknow to the congress session to
complaint against the injustice.
After discussing the issue, Gandhiji declined by saying that he had an appointment in ‘Cawnpore’ and was committed to go
other parts of India. Rajkumar Shukla still followed Gandhi and asked him to fix a date. Gandhiji was impressed by the
firmness of Rajkumar Shukla.
Gandhi Ji then invited Rajkumar Shukla to Calcutta. After passing few months, Rajkumar Shukla reached there and they both
took a train to Patna. Rajkumar Shukla took Gandhi Ji to Rajendra Prasad’s house who was a lawyer & later became the
president of congress party. Rajendra Prasad was not available at home but his servants knew Rajkumar Shukla was a
peasant and had arrived several times to pester. Rajendra Prasad to help sharecroppers. The servants allowed them to stay
at the grounds but did not permit to draw water from the well as untouchability was quite prevalent at that time. They could
not meet Rajendra Prasad & planned to go Muzaffarpur which was on the way to Champaran to obtain the complete
information about the Sharecroppers.
Gandhi Ji sent a telegram to Professor JB Kriplani in Muzaffarpur. Train arrived there at mid night on 15 th April, 1917.

Apni Kaksha
Kriplani ji along with students were waiting at the railway station for them. Gandhi Ji was impressed the way he was
welcomed by Kriplani. People at that time were scared to help freedom fighters. The advent of Gandhi Ji spread really quick
& his mission’s news. People joined him to see him.
Lawyers of Muzaffarpur briefed him about the case and the fees they used to charge. Gandhi Ji chided the lawyers for taking
big amount fees. They decided to stop taking the peasants case to courts. He wanted to make sharecroppers free from fear.
Most of the land was owned by Englishmen in Champaran. The main commercial crop there was ‘Indigo’. These men forced
the peasant to cultivate Indigo on 15% of their land and surrendered their entire harvest as rent. Later, the landlords learned
that Germany had developed synthetic indigo so they asked for compensation from the sharecroppers for being released
from the 15% arrangement. Some peasants signed & some engaged lawyers. But when the sharecroppers heard the news,
they felt cheated & wanted their money back
Gandhi Ji wanted to collect the facts and visited the secretary of the British landlord’s association the Secretary denied to
give any information to on outsider. Then, he went to the commissioner of the Tirhut division. Gandhi ji proceeded to
Motihari, the capital of Champaran. Many people greeted him. He continued his investigations using a house as head quarter.
Then, a report came that a peasant was tortured in a nearby village. Gandhi Ji went to look for the matter.
On his way he was ordered by a police superintendent’s messenger to return back to his town. He even received an official
notice to quit Champaran Gandhi Ji disobeyed the order and was summoned to appear in the court next day.
He telegraphed Rajendra Prasad to come to Patna with influential friends and sent instructions to the ashram. He shared a
full report to the viceroy.
Several thousand peasant reached Motihari and started demonstrating the court house. This gave Gandhi Ji a hope of
liberation from fear of the British. The officials of British felt powerless but Gandhi Ji helped to regulate the crowd. The
government was baffled.
The trail was also delayed. Gandhi Ji confessed that he broke the law but only because of the voice of his conscience. The
magistrate asked. Gandhi Ji to get a bail prepared but he refused. The judge didn’t deliver any judgement for days and Gandhi
Ji was allowed to remain at liberty.
Next Gandhi Ji influenced lawyer. Including Rajendra Prasad. He proved his dedication to help sharecroppers even after
going to jail. This boosted the lawyers and they all were ready to help him.
‘The Battle of Champaran is won’ said by Gandhi Ji He wanted people to follow the laws and wanted to serve the nation. Next,
Gandhi Ji divided the lawyers into groups and decided their sequences. After few days, Gandhi Ji received a written letter by
Lieutenant Governor which says that the case of Gandhi Ji was dropped. For the first time Civil Disobedience was triumphed.
Gandhi Ji next set an inquiry to know all the problems of share croppers. He collected all the evidences of the torture peasants
after this. Landlords, also started protesting opposing peasant’s protest.
In June, Gandhi Ji went to meet Sir Edward Gate and made detailed plans of Civil Disobedience moment. Gandhi Ji had four
prolonged interviews with Lieutenant Edward Gait. A commission was hired to know everything about the tortures on
peasants. In that commission, there were landlords, some government officials & Gandhi Ji himself who was the only
presenter & supporter for peasants.
Gandhi Ji stayed in Champaran for 7 months and then started taking small visits to Champaran.
Big evidences were collected and landlords agreed to return the money back to peasants. Gandhi Ji asked to refund only 50%
of the money. A British missionary was observing the Champaran mission. The representatives of landlords agreed to give
back only 25% of the money, Gandhi Ji agreed to it which he explained late that the refund amount did not matter. Landlords
had been obliged to surrender some part of the money but also surrendering their prestige.
Few years later, Britishers abandoned the whole village & the lands were given the local peasants.
Gandhi Ji wanted to improve the poor conditions of Champaran for that he called his wife ‘Kasturba & his youngest son to
help’. Primary schools were opened in six villages. Kasturba taught women cleanliness. Gandhi Ji sent regular instructions
by post & asked for financial accounts.
Everything Gandhi did tried to mould a new free Indian, who could stand on their own feet & thus make India free. An English
pacifist, Charles Freer Andrews became a devoted follower of Gandhi. Gandhi’s lawyer friends wanted Andrews to help them
but he opposed the suggestion. It will show the weakness of their hearts Gandhi Ji taught a lesson of self-reliance & helped
the share croppers.
PYQ’s
Q.1 The Battle of Champaran is won! What led Gandhi Ji to make this remark? (CBSE 2010)
Ans. Gandhi Ji had influenced farmers by going to jail himself for the injustice against poor peasants. They decided to
follow Gandhi Ji in to jail which led Gandhi Ji to make the remark ‘The Battle of Champaran is Won’.
Q.2 Why did Gandhi Ji feel that taking the Champaran case to the court was useless? (CBSE 2014)
Ans. Gandhi Ji realised that poor peasants were so crushed & fear stricken that law courts were useless in their case. Going
to courts will only over burden them with expenses and not help them.

Apni Kaksha
Q.3 Though the sharecroppers of Champaran received only out-fourth of the Compensation, how can the Champaran
struggle still be termed a huge success & victory? (CBSE 2018)
Ans. Champaran struggle is still a victory even after receiving only one-fourth of the compensation because sharecroppers
learned their rights and got free from the fear. British could not order him about his own country.
Q.4 Why did Gandhiji decide to go to Muzaffarpur before going to Champaran? (CBSE 2011)
Ans. Muzaffarpur was en route to Champaran. To collect complete Information about the Champaran than Shukla was
capable of imparting. Lawyers in Muzaffarpur who had represented peasant in the court briefed Gandhiji about their
cases.
Q.5 Why did Gandhi tell the court that he was involved in a ‘conflict of duties? (Foreign 2015)
Ans. Gandhi Ji did not want to break the law. Also, he wanted to serve the peasants of Champaran. But at one point he
could not perform both. He broke the law by refusing the eviction order that is why he said he was involved in
conflict of duties.
Q.6 Civil disobedience had triumphed the first time in modern India” How? Explain with reference to the chapter ‘Indigo’
(CBSE 2009)
Ans. When Gandhi Ji received the notice quit Champaran immediately. Gandhi Ji disobeyed the order which marked the
beginning of Civil Disobedience. Gandhi Ji was ordered to appear in the court next day and thousands of farmers
joined him. Instead of officers Gandhi Ji could control the crowd. The judge released Gandhi Ji without bail and after
several days, the case was dropped by Lieutenant – Governor. This made Gandhi Ji realised that Civil Disobedience
had triumphed for the first time.
Q.7 What made the Lieutenant -Governor drop the case against Gandhi Ji? (CBSE 2014)
Ans. The case against Gandhi Ji was dropped because the judge didn’t want the situation to be aggravated. He released
Gandhi Ji without bail. Large number of peasants assembled at the court and supported him which baffled the
government. Hence the case was dropped.
Q.8 Why did Gandhi Ji oppose when this friend Andrews offered to stay in Champaran and help peasants?
(DELHI 2016)
Ans. Andrews was a follower of Gandhi Ji but an English man. Gandhi Ji wanted the lawyers to learn self-reliance, taking
help from Andrews would show them weak that is why he opposed take any help from him.
Q.9 How did Gandhi Ji help the peasants of Champaran? (All India 2009)
Ans. The people of Champaran were crushed and fear-stricken by the British rule. There was poor sanitation and health
care facilities. First, he helped peasants by freezing them from the indigo dispute and later by teaching them good
health. He also, opened primary schools in Champaran.
Q.10 The visit, undertaken casually on the entreaty of an unlettered peasant in the expectation that it would last a few days
occupied almost a year of Gandhi Ji’s life – Comment.
Ans. When Raj Kumar Shukla insisted Gandhi Ji to look into the matter of Champaran peasants, he thought is would be
resolved in few days. But when he arrived there, looking deeply into the matter and conditions of share croppers, the
battle was time taking Even after winning the battle, Gandhi Ji focused on improving the cultural and social
backwardness there which took almost a year of his life.

Apni Kaksha
Apni Kaksha
Notes

➢ This poem is an excerpt from ‘Endymion’.

➢ It is written by John Keats (an English romantic poet)
➢ Based on Nature’s beauty
Stanza 1
Things which are beautiful to us are our source of happiness forever. Our love also increases for
such things. Here the beautiful things are referred to the flowers, trees & river of the nature. The
beautiful sight is stored in our memory & gives us peace just like a shady place gives us a good
sleep. A sound sleep will provide us with good health of our body & mind.
Stanza 2
After waking up next morning and after a sound sleep all the beautiful memories are compared
with wreath of flowers which bind us to the Earth.
In spite of all disappointment, sadness, hopelessness and lack of noble ways, some beautiful sights
of nature help us to shed thoughts and bring hope in our lives.
Stanza 3
The poet now says that the sun, the moon, old & young trees provide shade to sheep. Daffodils are
present in greenery, there are cool and clear streams which protect us from heat of summer. In
between the forests, there grow bushes with a wild rose, with large white musk-scented flowers.
All of these are eternal sources of joy and pleasure.
Stanza 4
The poet says that there is beauty in death too. He finds beauty in imaginary. Stories of all the real
life heroes. All lovely tales are also the things of beauty. All these beautiful things are like fountain
from the heaven which are poured to us.
Poetic Devices
‘Personification
In human Dearth of Nobler nature
Alliteration (Repetition of Consonant sound) e.g. noble nature, cooling covert band to bind
Oxymoron
(When essence of two words contradict each other e.g. mighty dead.)
Imagery (Brings pictures in the head)
e.g. - Grandeur of the Dooms.
e.g. - cooling covert, clear rills, flowery bands and shady boon etc.
‘Metaphor’
Comparison between two things.
Wreathing flowery band – connecting to nature
bower quiet – shady part in the garden
sweet dreams – happy dreams
endless fountain of immortal drink – deeds of great men & women that inspired people
Transferred Epithet –
‘Epithet’ means a word or phrase which works as an adjective & describes a noun.

Apni Kaksha
 e.g. – Unhealthy and over darkened ways, Gloomy days
PYQ’s
Q.1 What image does the poet use to describe the beautiful bounty of the Earth? (CBSE 2010)
Ans. The poet uses the nature of image as an ‘endless fountain’. Which is showering its purity. The
Sun, Moon, flowers, rivers have added endless joy also they have a deep impact on us.
Q.2 What makes human beings love life in spite of troubles and sufferings? (All India 2012,2010)
Ans. Things of beauty like sun, moon, forests, daffodils, musk roses, tombs built to honour roses, tales
from classics and scriptures make human beings love life.
Q.3 Why is ‘grandeur’ associated with the ‘might dead’? (Delhi 2011)
Ans. Grandeur is associated with the ‘mighty dead’ i.e. our forefathers who were glorious in their own
time. Our past is full of stories of their glory. They will always be remembered for their
achievements.
Q.4 List the things that cause suffering and pain? (All India 2015)
Ans. Ill health, gloomy days, depression, Lack of goodness in human beings are the sources of
suffering. Lack of noble qualities give birth to many troubles and sufferings.
Q.5 Which objects of nature does Keats mention as sources of joy in his poem, ‘A thing of Beauty’?
(All India 2015)
Ans. Keats has mentioned everything in nature as things of beauty. Objects like sun, the moon, the old
& young trees, daffodil flowers, small streams. All these things add joy to our life.
Q.6 How is a thing of beauty a joy forever? (Delhi 2012)
Ans. Things which are beautiful to us are our source of happiness forever. Our love also increases for
such things. The list of things of beauty are the flowers, trees, river streams & flowers. In spite of
all disappointment, sadness & hopeless these things of beauty help us
Q.7 Read the extract given below & answer the following questions:
‘Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathing
A flowery band to bind us to the Earth,
Spite of despondence, of the in human dearth
Of noble natures, of the gloomy days,
Of all the unhealthy and o’er – darkened ways made of our searching
a. What are the flowery bands that bind us to the Earth?
Ans. Things like the sun, the flowers, trees etc are referred to flowery bands. The memory of our
beautiful experiences helps us strengthen our bond with the Earth.
b. What message do the above lines convey? (Delhi 2009)
Ans. These lines convey the message that in spite of all disappointment, sadness, hopelessness and
lack of noble ways, some beautiful sights of nature help us to shed thoughts and bring hope in
our lives.
c. Why is there an “in human dearth of noble natures”?
Ans. Because there are very few people who can shed sad thoughts and be happy. Very few people
are generous towards others. People are selfish & do not think about others.
d. What do you understand by “unhealthy and o’er-darkened ways?
Ans. ‘Unhealthy and o’er darkened ways’ are wicked paths that people take to achieve their goals.
These are unfair means that people adopt to achieve their goals.
Q.8 Explain, “never pass into nothingness”. (All India 2013)
Ans. The joy achieved with things of beauty are eternal and unending. Their loveliness keeps on
increasing and never fades away.

Apni Kaksha
Q.9 What does Keats consider an endless fountain of immortal drink and why does he call its drink
immortal? (All India 2013)
Ans. Keats considered nature’s beauty as an endless fountain of immortal drink. He called this drink
immortal because it’s pleasure and delight will always be the same and only increases with time.
Q.10 What image does the poet use to describe the beautiful bounty of the Earth. (Delhi 2010)
Ans. The poet used the image of an ‘endless fountain’ which showers bounties on Earth. He calls this
an immortal drink from heaven. The moon, sun, stars, river stream are all the beautiful bounties
on Earth.

Apni Kaksha
Apni Kaksha
About the Poet : Adrienne Rich
– She is an American poet, essayist and radical feminist.
– She is known for her involvement in contemporary women’s movement as a poet and theorist.
– A strong resistance to racism and militarism echoes through her work.
– In this poem, the has addressed the issue of male dominance.
– The poem has brought out the struggles & conflicts of a woman to go in male chauvinistic society.

Explanation
Stanza 1
Aunt Jennifer is creating images of tiger on tapestry. And when she looks them it seemed like those
tigers are jumping or moving in a spirited manner. Those tigers are bright yellow coloured and
are inhabitants of the green forests. They are not scared of the men standing under the tree. They
move with grace, elegance and confidence because they are fearless.
Aunt Jennifer on other hand is just opposite of this fearless character. She wants to be free from
fear patriarchy.
Stanza 2
Her fingers were trembling that she found it hard to pull even the ivory needle. This explains her
fear from her husband. She has turned weak and so terrorised that unable to carry the weight of
the needle. The Uncle’s wedding band is her wedding ring which new seems heavy on her hand.
She is burdened with marital responsibilities that is a burden on her and seems heavy.
Stanza 3
This stanza says that even death will not be able to release Aunt Jennifer from the dominance and
all the troubles she was facing. Her life is a story of unpleasant or painful experiences. But the
tigers she has created are eternal. They will always be proud and unafraid.
Poetic Devices
Transferred epithet → ‘terrified hands’
Irony→ a weak & submissive woman weaving a picture of tigers.
Alliteration – fingers fluttering
Imagery – bright topaz denizens in the world of green
‘Metaphor’– ‘Bright topaz’
Symbolism – Heavy wedding band tigers as untamed free spirited.
Personification – pride, confidence human qualities given to tiger.
Hyperbola – exaggeration of heavy wedding bond.
PYQ’s
Q.1 How do ‘denizens’ and ‘chivalric’ add to our understanding of the tiger’s attitudes?
(All India 2012,Delhi 2011)
Ans. Tigers are fearless creature and are very possessive about their territory. They are inhabitants of
green forests and are brave and powerful. They fear no one and are superior.

Apni Kaksha
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? (All India 2011)
Ans. Aunt Jennifer’s hands are fluttering because she is weak and feels afraid. It is the burden of her
marriage life. Her hands are trembling because she is scared of her husband also she has turned
weak.
Q.3 Interpret the symbols found in this poem.
Ans. Tigers are a symbol of strength & fearlessness. Ring or wedding band is a symbol of bondage and
oppression. Aunt Jennifer is a symbol of victimised women.
Q.4 Why do you think Aunt Jennifer created animals that are so different from her own character?
(Delhi 2015)
Ans. Aunt Jennifer has created tigers which are a symbol of strength, fearlessness and confidence. All
these qualities are lacked in aunt Jennifer, that is why she is creating a tapesry. She had
suppressed her desires but she has admired the qualities of tigers through her creativity.
Q.5 What is the weight that lies heavy on Aunt Jennifer’s hand? (All India 2013)
Ans. The weight that lies heavy on Aunt Jennifer’s hand is the weight of Uncle’s wedding band which
is actually her wedding ring. Weight is actually compared with the burden of her married life.
Q.6 What will happen to Aunt Jennifer’s tiger when she is dead?
Ans. Aunt Jennifer’s tiger will always remain powerful, fearless & confident even after her death but
she will die without being released from the oppression without in her life. Her art is immortal
but she will die without being released from the trauma of her life.
Q.7 What kind of married life did Aunt Jennifer lead?
or
Q.8 What is the meaning of the phrase ‘massive weight of uncle’s wedding band? (CBSE 2013)
Ans. Aunt Jennifer was suppressed by her husband & was never free to do according to her will. She
was a victim patriarchy and her wedding ring is symbol or evidence of all the burdens of her
married life. She left subjugated by her married life.

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Apni Kaksha
Notes

By John Updike
– John Updike is an American novelist, story writer, an art critic and literary critic.
– He won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction twice
Key Points
Theme of Jack’s Story
● A small animal, usually named ‘Roger’.
● Roger always had some problem
● Roger went to wise owl.
● Owl advised him to go to the Wizard
● Wizard asked for a fee.
● Roger found money & paid the wizard.
The Roger Skunk Story
● Saturday evening & time for Jo’s naps.
● Jack told smelly Skunk’s story.
● Other animals hated him for his smell.
● Roger went to Owl for help
● Owl sent him to the Wizard.
The Wizard help Roger
● The wizard asked for fee first.
● The wizard asked him which smell he wanted
● Roger asked for smell of roses.
● All animals started playing with Roger Skunk.
Roger’s mommy’s reaction
● Angry at Roger for changing his smell.
● She took him to the wizard & hit him.
● The Wizard changed back Roger’s smell.
● Both Roger & mommy returned home.
Jo’s reaction to the story
● Jo wanted Roger to keep the smell of roses.
● All animals got used to his smell.
● But Jo could not relate to the story.
● She called Mother skunk ‘stupid’.
● Jo wanted the wizard to hit back money.
After the Jack’s story
● Jack asked Jo to sleep finally, and went downstairs to his wife.
● Jack did not help his wife.
● They both felt caged together.
● This shows marital tension between Jack & Clare.
● He did not speak with her, work with her or touch her.
Summary
Joanne is a four-year-old girl, whose father ‘Jack’ tells her a story every evening before her nap.
It was a custom since Jo was two years old. For the stories, Jack had a basic tale which had one
small animal usually named Roger. He always had some problem and for the solutions he used

Apni Kaksha
 to go to the owl and the owl would send him to the wizard. Then wizard would ask for money
and tell Roger where he could get the money.
One evening, Jo asked for story and wanted the animal to be a Skunk this time Jack named him
‘Roger Skunk’. All his friends would hate him for his stinky smell and no one played with him.
Roger Skunk felt really bad and left out. Jo was not much excited yet she was predicting what
would happen next. Jack’s wife 'Clare' was painting the wood work downstairs. Which made Jack
realised, he should go & help her, also she was six months pregnant but, Jack continued with the
story any way.
Roger Skunk went to the owl for the help and he advised to visit the wizard.
Jo was becoming really inquisitive since past month, she kept asking if spiders really ate bugs &
if God really existed. This behaviour made Jack annoying, hence he answered to Jo’s question
that magic spell is real in stories.
The Wizard asked Roger Skunk to maintain some distance because of his bad smell. The Wizard
asked him which smell he wanted and gave his smell of Roses. In return he asked for seven
pennies and Roger had only four. To get the rest of the pennies, the wizard suggested him to go
the end of the lane and turn around three times and look down the magic well. He got three more
pennies & gave them to the wizard.
Now, his friends started playing with him. But when he got back to his home, his mother scolded
him for getting this weird smell of roses.
She took him back to the Wizard and hit him over his head. She wanted Roger Skunk to smell
like Skunk and nothing else because that smell brings his originality.
Jo was surprised, sad, annoyed and wanted Roger Skunk to retain his new smell, otherwise his
friends will loathe him again. She wanted the Wizard to hit mommy back.
Both returned home and Mother Skunk was happy for her child. Roger Skunks’ friends got used
to his smell and played with him but Jo could not relate to the story. She asked Jack to tell the
story where the wizard would hit mommy back and let the smell of roses stay with Skunk. Jack
explained that mother skunk knew what was right for her baby & Roger Skunk also loved her
mother back.
Jack told Jo to go to sleep & went downstairs to his wife. He felt guilty, looking at her wife who
had completed half of the work. He could not convince his daughter & his wife seemed to be
upset with him. He found himself stuck in an ugly middle position. There was also a glimpse of
marital tension between Jack and Clare. He felt both of them were caged together & he did not
help her, talk to her, speak with her or touch her.
PYQ’s
Q.1 Why do you think both Jo and Jack want a different ending each, for Roger Skunk’s story?
(CBSE 2021)
Ans. Jo wanted Roger’s friends to play with him. If he would retain his original smell his friends won’t play
with him anymore and he would feel sad, that is Jo wanted a different ending for the Story. She
wanted the wizard to hit mommy back and give him his new fragrance back. Whereas, Jack wanted
Jo to learn a lesson through this story. Jack believed that mother was eventually proved right because
all the animals accept Roger heartily with his original smell. Jack also believed that parents are
always right and must be given unconditional love.
Q.2 What is the significance of the “half old tan and half new ivory cage of mouldings, rails and base
beards” appearing at the end of the story? (CBSE 2021)
Ans. Half old tan and half new ivory. Signifies Jack’s position in his life. He was conscious of his duties both
as a father and husband. He was stucked and felt in a cage. He could not help his wife Clare in painting
the woodwork because he was busy in narrating the story to Jo before her nap. He thought Clare
must be angry with him. It somewhere also shows Jack’s Chauvinistic attitude.
Q.3 What is Jo’s reality phase?
Ans. Jo has become really curious and inquisitive as she is growing up. When her father told him about
the spiders eating bugs, she wanted to confirm if they do, she also asked if magic spells were real.
This is termed as her new phase which is her reality phase.

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Q.4 What is Mother Skunk’s role in the story? (All India 2017)
Ans. Mother Skunk’s role in the story was to prove the readers the narrator’s belief, that parents are
always the well wishes of their children. She wanted Roger Skunk to keep his original smell which
was his real identity.
Q.5 What part of the story did Jack himself enjoy the most and why? (Delhi 2011)
Ans. Jack enjoyed playing the character of the Wizard the most. He played the character by squeezing his
face and somehow whining through his eyes. He felt this character suited him, also Jo did not
interrupt while he played this character.
Q.6 Why does Jo insist that her father should tell her story with a different ending? (All India 2013)
or
Q.7 Why did Jo think Roger Skunk was better off with new smell? (Delhi 2010)
Ans. Jo, being a child wanted Roger Skunk to retain this new smell of Roses so that his friends could love
him and play with him. She is too little to understand the importance of one’s originality. If Roger
Skunk would get his old smell back, everybody will push him away. Which is why she insisted her
father should tell a story with a different ending where the Wizard would hit mommy back and not
let him take away his new smell.
Q.8 How did the wizard help Roger Skunk? (Delhi 2012)
Ans. The Wizard chanted a spell & gave him smell of Roses asked by Skunk itself. He also advised him to
arrange rest of his fee by going to the end of the lane and turn around three times and look down the
magic well to get more pennies.

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Apni Kaksha
Notes

About the Author

● Susan Hill is an English Novelist and children’s writer
● Her ghost story was published in 1983. The Woman in Black.
Key Point
The meeting in the Garden
● A 14-year-old boy, Derry climbed over and entered the garden.
● He heard a voice and got scared.
● The voice was of Mr. Lamb. Who wanted to aware him about not to trip up on crab apples.
● Berry assumed of garden being empty and explained that he was not sneaking in.
● Mr. Lamb put his fears at rest.
● Derry can enter garden anytime.
Apprehensive Derry
● Derry’s over side of face was burnt, due to acid.
● This made him furious & everybody pity on him.
● Because of this he vehemently said that he is not a ‘poor guy’.
● Mr. Lamb changed the subject because of heated moment but it made Derry more furious.
● He said people pretend to be sympathetic towards him because he was ugly.
Mr. Lamb’s Philosophy
● The acid incident not just ate up Derry’s face but it ate him up.
● Derry thought Mr. Lamb was not interested but Mr. lamb is noble.
● Mr. Lamb was interested in everything God made.
● Weeds and flowers both are beautiful.
● Lamb did not find any difference to Darry.
● Celebrated life in all its forms.
Mr Lamb Reveals his Impairment
● One leg of Mr Lamb was blown off in a war.
● Kids call him ‘Lamey-Lamb’. Which did not bother him.
● His leg could be covered but not the burnt face of Derry.
Optimistic Mr Lamb
● Positive attitude towards life.
● Reminds Derry of the ‘Beauty and the Beast’.
● Derry is interested in everything made by God.
Pessimistic Derry
● Filled with bitterness.
● Did not believe in fairy tales and his face will always be same.
● Only his mother kisses him on the other side of face.
● Derry mocked Mr Lamb’s thoughts and call people worse.
Derry Calls Mr Lamb Peculiar
● At bus stop, two women talked about his face.
● Called it a terrible thing, only mother could love such face.
● Derry was hurt and felt it cruel.

Apni Kaksha
 ● Mr Lamb advised not to believe everything he hears.
● Derry called Mr. Lamb Peculiar
● He liked the garden but not being around people.
Story by Mr Lamb
● A man who so afraid to die.
● He feared each & everything & locked himself in a room.
● He died when a picture fell of the wall on his head.
● One cannot hide oneself or shun society of fear.
● Derry laughed at the story.
The Positive Side of Life’
● No curtains in Mr Lamb’s house.
● He likes light and darkness & to hear wind.
● Derry liked the sound of rain falling on the roof.
● Derry was not lost & still he was sensitive somewhere.
● His family pity on him & are worried about his future.
● Mr. Lamb called everyone his friend, even Derry.
● To him being friends doesn’t mean to know all the details about a person.
● Derry told him his real name is ‘Derek’, but he wants to be called Derry.
Watching, Listening, Thinking
● Hatred is more dangerous – Mr. lamb.
● Some said to Derry that he would have been better in hospital with others like him.
● Mr lamb contradicted by asking what kind of world would that be.
● Derry is amazed the way Mr. Lamb understands everything.
● Mr. Lamb replied, ‘Watching, Listening, Thinking,’
● Derry could come and go in Mr Lamb’s house as much he wanted.
● Derry should come out of his shell and shed his bitterness.
Derry offers his Help
● Mr. Lamb wanted to get some apples from the tree.
● He learned to deal with his handicap.
● Derry wanted to help but his mother, won’t allow once he gets home.
● It was Derry’s bitterness that won’t let him come out – Mr Lamb.
● Derry could to anything he chooses to – Mr Lamb.
● Mr. Lamb says Derry doesn’t have gets to fight the odds.
● Derry became infuriated & mocks him lame leg.
● He promised to return to the ground.
Derry Choose for Himself
● Derry’s mother warned Derry about Mr. Lamb being eccentric.
● Derry still insisted and took a stand for himself.
● Derry said he did not care about his face anymore.
Derry is a changed Person
● Final scene to the garden again.
● Found Mr Lamb lying on the ground.
● His ladder slipped & he fell on the ground.
● Mr. Lamb was not moving and probably dead.
● But he taught Derry how to live.

Around 14-year-old boy, named Derry was walking in a garden. He panicked to seen an old man Mr. Lamb
who warned him about not tripping upon crab apples. Derry was an upset and pessimistic guy because of
his facial scar. He developed a strong hatred towards people who pity on him. Mr Lamb put him at ease and
advised him to accept life as it comes. Mr. Lamb. He was more cheerful and optimistic person. He was an
admirer of nature and beauty. Derry was influenced by Mr. Lamb’s attitude. Mr. Lamb told him that he has

Apni Kaksha
an impairment too. His leg was blown off in a war. Kids made fun of him & called him Lamey-Lamb which
did not bother him. He reminded Derry of the ‘Beauty and the Beast’. Derry was filled with bitterness and
his mother would kiss him on the other side of his face. People would talk about his face. Mr. Lamb told a
story of guy. Who was so afraid to die that he would lock himself in a room. But he died when a picture fell
off the wall on his head. Derry found it funny.
Mr lamb had no curtains and he liked light & darkness & to hear sound of wind. Derry liked the sound of rain
falling on the roof. Derry was not lost and still had positive attitude. Mr. Lamb called everyone his friend,
even Derry. He said to be a friend all the details are not important to know. Looking at all the optimistic
thoughts of Mr. Lamb, Derry asked how he thinks like that. Watching, Listening and Thinking were the three
hysterical things followed by Mr. Lamb. At last, Derry understood things. Derry was leaving back for home
and Mr Lamb wanted to get some apples for the jelly, Derry promised to return back after informing his
mother even when Mr. Lamb doubted him. Derry once reached home told her mother about Mr. Lamb. Her
mother warmed him about Mr. Lamb being eccentric.
Derry chose for himself and said that he did not care about his face any more. When he reached back to the
garden, he called for Mr. Lamb but he saw him lying on the ground without any movement. Mr Lamb’s ladder
slipped & he fell on the ground. Derry was devastated but Mr. Lamb taught Derry how to live.
MCQ
Q.1 Why does Mr Lamb the gate of his house always open? (All India 2020)
Ans. Because Mr. Lamb loved to see and meet people. He wanted people to come to his garden and he
could interact with them and greet them. Everybody was Mr. Lamb’s friend.
Q.2 How does Mr. Lamb keep himself busy when it is a bit cool?
(Delhi 2012)
Ans. Mr. lamb gets a ladder and stick to pull down apples. He called it magic fruit and make jelly out of
them.
Q.3 How does Mr. Lamb react when Derry enters his garden? (All India 2017)
Ans. He warned him about the crab apples, that he could trip down them. He welcomed Derry into the
garden. He told him that his home is open to all.
Q.4 Why does Derry’s mother not want him to go back to visit Mr. lamb?
(Delhi 2017)
Ans. Derry’s mother heard about Mr. Lamb that He is not a good person. She asked Derry not to go back
to Mr. Lamb Derry asked her not to whatever she hears.
Q.5 What qualities of Mr. Lamb attracted Derry to him? (All India 2009)
Ans. Mr. Lamb was not scared of Derry’s burnt face. He was patient and listened to him. He made him
understand the importance of beautiful things. Mr. Lamb saw everything in an optimistic way. Even
when kids mocked him by calling lamey-lamb, he liked it and never took it personally. These were
some qualities of Mr. Lamb which attracted Derry.
Q.6 What was Derry’s infirmity? How had it made him withdrawn and defiant? (All India 2014)
Ans. Derry’s face had burnt scar on one side of his face. This made him look ugly and frightful and
everybody was scared of his look. People either pitied him or ignore him. He had no friends because
of his face. His parents were worried about his future which bothered him more than his own
impairment. Because of all this treatment he developed a lot of hatred inside me and he became a
pessimist, withdraw and defiant.
Q.7 It ate my face up. It ate me up’. Who said these words? Why?
Ans. These words are said by Derry. Acid fell on his face which left an ugly scar on his face. That’s why he
said. It ate his face up. But the people shunned him because of the scar and he developed a hatred
towards himself and the people around, that’s why he said it ate me up.
Q.8 Discuss the relevance of the title ‘on the face of it’.
Ans. The title is little od. People can be different from what they appear to be. Mr. lamb and Derry both
were different from inside. Mr. Lamb looked mysterious, lonely and secretive man but he was first

Apni Kaksha
 the opposite. He was gentle, kind, considerate & loving person. He helped Derry to give a new
perspective to life.
Derry had a strong resistance towards people because of his ugly face. After meeting Mr. Lamb Derisy
learnt to admire things and understood the life to the fullest. Thus, the author has titled her play. ‘On
the face of It?
Q.9 Aren’t you interested?
You’re a boy who came into the garden.
Plenty do. I ‘m interested in anybody.
Anything. There’s nothing God made that
doesn’t interest me. Look over there… over
beside the far wall. What can you see?
Rubbish
Rubbish? Look, boy, look… what do you see?
Just… grass and stuff. Weeds.
(i) Aren’t you interested? This line has been stated in the context of ___________.
(a) Derry’s behaviour
(b) Derry’s burnt face
(c) Derry’s purpose
(d) Derry’s dilemma
(ii) Why Mr. Lamb is interested in anybody?
(a) Because he is friendly to others.
(b) Because he has a positive outlook in life.
(c) Because he loves to help others.
(d) Because he didn’t want anybody to be in trouble.
(iii) What was the purpose of Mr. Lamb asking Derry to look at the far wall?
(a) To make him admire the beauty of his garden.
(b) To show him the positive outlook of life.
(c) To make Derry understand the absurdity of his behaviour.
(d) To get Derry’s help in making jam.
(iv) To What Mr. Lamb is pointing to beside the wall?
(a) Crab apples (b) Weeds (c) Herbs (d) Flowers
Ans. (i) (b) Derry’s burnt face
(ii) (b) Because he has a positive outlook in life.
(iii) (c) To make Derry understand the absurdity of his behaviour.
(iv) (b) Weeds
Q.10 And that’s all true, and you know it. It won’t make my face change. Do you know, one day, a woman
went by me in the street….?
I was at a bus – stop…… and she was with another woman, and she looked at me, and she said, “Look
at that, that’ a terrible thing. That’s a face only a mother could love.” So you believe everything you
hear, then?
(i) That’s here refers to
(a) Derry’s negative outlook
(b) Mr. Lamb’s belief that Derry is normal like other children.
(c) Derry’s realisation that there are worse handicaps.
(d) Mr. Lamb has different attitude towards life.

Apni Kaksha
 (ii) What made Derry so negative?
(a) People’s comments (b) His burnt face
(c) Mother’s attitude. (d) His loneliness
(iii) What impact does the lady’s comment love on Derry?
(a) Anger (b) Irritation (c) Hurt (d) Resentment
(iv) The word terrible can be replaced with
(a) rubbish (b) grave (c) shocking (d) awful
Ans. (i) (c) Derry’s realisation that there are worse handicaps.
(ii) (a) People’s comments
(iii) (c) Hurt
(iv) (d) Awful
Q.11 It’s have been trespassing.
Ah. That’s not why
I don’t like being near people. When they stare… when I see them being afraid of me.
You could lock yourself up in a room and never leave it. There was a man who did that. He was afraid,
you see. Of everything. Everything in this world. A bus might run him over, or a man might breathe
deadly germs onto him, or a donkey might kick him to death, or lightening might strike him leave
down, or he might slip on banana skin and fall and people who saw him would laugh their heads off.
(i) That’s not why. This statement indicates that
(a) Mr. Lamb’s suspicious of Derry.
(b) Mr. Lamb’s doesn’t like Derry.
(c) Mr. Lamb’s doesn’t believe in Derry.
(d) Mr. Lamb knows that Derry is negative.
(ii) Why people are afraid of Derry?
(a) Because of his anger issues. (b) Because of his burnt face.
(c) Because of his negative attitude. (d) Because of his mother’s nature.
(iii) The moral of the given story by Mr. Lamb is
(a) people have different views (b) you cannot please everyone
(c) you cannot live your life fear (d) isolation is not a solution
(iv) The word trespassing can be replaced by
(a) exploit (b) invade (c) offend (d) unlawful
Ans. (i) (c) Mr. Lamb doesn’t believe in Derry (ii) (b) Because of his burnt face.
(iii) (c) you cannot live your life fear (iv) (b) invade

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Notes

By Colin Dexter 1930-2017

– Famous English Crime Writer.
– Wrote 13 mystery novels featuring Chief Inspector Morse.
– Wrote short stories about Crime and Criminals.
Key Points
Evan’s Request for O-level Exam
● It’s Early March, The Governor of Oxford Prison telephoned the secretary of the Examination
board.
● Requested to conduct an O-level German Examination
● Prisoner ‘James Roderick Evans had no record of Violence.
● He is pleasant, fun-loving, expert at imitation, but a kleptomaniac.
● He had night classes in O-level German in the prison.
● Request was approved.
● One person from St. Mary Mags will act as an invigilator.
Evans the Break
● Evans had escaped the prison 3 times.
● The Governor doubted his real intentions of clearing the exam.
● 7th June, 8.30 am, was the exam time.
● Governor did not expect Evans to clear the exam.
Precautions
● Two officers visited Evans (Jackson’- a senior officer and ‘Stephens’ – a new recruit)
● Jacksons and Evans were enemies.
● Evans kept his dirty bobble hat, saying it was his good luck charm.
● Stephens took his razor back after he shaved.
● His nail scissors and file were-taken away.
● A listening device with receiver in the Governor’s room was connected to the cell.
● All precautions were taken.
Reverend Stuart Mc Leery
● Reverend Stuart Mc Leery was appointed for examination.
● At 8:45 am, he arrived with a suitcase & other item.
● A sealed question paper, yellow invigilation form, special authentication card, a paper knife, a Bible
& a current copy of the Church Times.
● The exam was of two hours, to be start at 9:15 am.
● Stephen set two small square tables and bought two chairs.
● A bug was set in cell, because no one would take chance with Evans.
The Examination Begins at 9:25 am
● Mc Leery’s suitcase was searched.
● Found a small-inflated rubber ring.
● It was for him to sit in particular position because he had piles.
● Necessary instructions were given.
● To write down on paper- Name 021-1, index number 313 & centre number 271.
● Stephen was called out from the cell by Governor.
● At 9:40 am, the Assistant Secretary for Modern Languages informs the Governor about the
correction.

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 ● Correction was on page three, line fifteen by the invigilator.
● Stephen was keeping an eye through a peephole.
● Evans had pen between his lips and requested for blanket at 10.50 am.
Evans Escapes from the prison
● 3 mins left before exam, The Governor instructed Stephens to accompany Mc Leery to the main
gate.
● Stephen observed that the invigilator had grown thinner.
● His Scottish accent was more noticeable.
● Suddenly he saw a man sprawled back in Evan’s chair
● Blanket was slipping from his shoulders.
● Blood was splattered.
● They thought it was Mc leery and Evans had escaped.
● Injured man tells the governor about the photocopied sheet that had been super imposed over
the last page of the question paper.
● Instructions said – Not to hit Mc leery too hard.
● 3 mins before exam were very important.
● Not to overdo the Scottish accent.
● He told them that Evans has gone towards Elsfield way.
● The Governor asked carten to take Mc Leery with him; because only he knew what happened.
Furious Governor
● Scolds both officers for letting Evan go
● He had not made any call at 11:22 am i.e. three minutes before the exam was over.
● Jackson did not search the cell properly.
● Governor looked at the photocopied slip & thought of New bury.
● He ordered the driver to take Jackson & Stephens to St. AL dated police station to meet chief
inspector Bell.
● Evans left the question paper mistakenly which led him to Mr Clever – Clever Evans.
● Carter informed that Mc leery had seen Evans driving off along Elsfield way.
● Governor told that Evans had gone to New burry.
● When Governor. Asked about Mc leery to Carter, he told him that he was left at Rad Cliffe
Hospital.
● But Mc Leery was not there at hospital.
● Real Mc Leery was bound & gagged in his own study. Since 8:15 am
● Evans did not walk out, he stayed in the prison.
The Final Escape
– In the Norton, at ‘The Golden lion’. Evan was there.
– Regretted sharing his head bad got to keep his hat fortunately.
– When he walked to his room, his heart skipped a beat.
– The Governor was in the room.
– Governor got the clue about the hotel’s name. It had index number 313 and centre number 271.
– To create real blood, the rubber ring was filled with pig’s blood and 3.8% trisodium citrate.
– German teacher was friend of Evans
– Governor was impressed
– Evans was hand cuffed by a prison officer.
– In the cab with two officers, his handcuffs were unlocked.
– Evans moved to New burry as those people were not officers but his friends.

Summary
Story started in early march. When the Governor of Oxford Prison telephoned the secretary of
Examination board, to conduct an O-level German Examination for Evans ‘a prisoner’. Since he
had no record of violence and was a pleasant personality, the examination was conducted. He
took night classes and the request was approved. A parson from St. Mary mags will be sent for
invigilation. Evans already escaped the prison 3 times. The exam was scheduled for 7th June,
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 8.30 am. Two officers were given the responsibility one was Jackson – a senior officers and other
was Stephens – a new recruit. Jackson & Evans wore enemies. Evans wore a bubble hat as a good
luck Charm. All sharp items like razor & blade, nail, scissors and file were taken away. At 8.45
am , Mc leery arrived with items like a sealed question paper, yellow invigilation form, special
authentication card, a paper knife, a Bible a current copy of ‘The Church Times’. A bug was also
set in cell. Mc leery bought a semi-inflated rubber ring because of his piles. After few minutes
from starting the exam, Governor got a call for correction in Question paper. Three minutes
before exam, the Governor instructed Stephens to accompany Mc leery to the main gate. Stephen
got thinner and had more Scottish accent. A man was Sprawled back in Evan’s chair & blanket
slipped from his shoulders and the blood was splattering Mc leery was hurt in cell and Evans had
escaped. The last sheet of the question paper had been super imposed over the last page. It had
instructions saying Not to hit Mc leery too hard and not to overdo the Scottish accent. He told
that Evans had gone towards Elsfield way. Governor guessed Evans would go to New burry. Mc
Leery on the other hand was left at Rad Cliffe hospital but he was not there. Real Mc leery was
bound & gagged in his own study since 8:15 am Evans did not walk out, the injured man in the
prison was Evans only, not Mc Leery. It was all part of the plan.
Evans escaped to a hotel ‘The Golden Lion’ in Norton. He regretted shaving his head but got to
keep his hat fortunately. In the room, he saw governor. Governor got the clue about the hotel’s
name, it had index number 313 and centre number 271. The Governor understood the clue, same
way Evans got it. The rubber ring had pig’s blood with 3.8% trisodium citrate to avoid clotting
Evans was hand cuffed by prison officers but in the cab his handcuffs were unlocked. Hence,
those were not real officers but Evan’s friends. Evans moved to New burry and escaped the
prison.
PYQ’s
Q.1 Which article in Mc Leery’s suitcase played perhaps the most significant role in Evan’s escape and
how? (Delhi 2018)
Ans. The blood helped Evans to make himself up as a parson for his escape. He put that blood on himself
so that no one suspect him. He offered to help the detective.
Q.2 What were the contents of the small suitcase that Mc leery carried?
Ans. The suitcase had a sealed question paper envelope, a yellow invigilation form, a special
authentication card from the Examination Board, a paper knife, a Bible and the current copy of ‘The’
Church Times’ and one small semi-inflated rubber ring.
Q.3 How did the Governors react to the two phone calls he received in quick succession?
(All India 2017)
Ans. The first phone call came from Examination Board when the governor checked on it, he found the
line busy. He thought of himself stupid to check the same line. The second call came from the
Magistrate’s crowd. The Governor thought it was a hoax.
Q.4 How did the question paper & the correction ship help the prisoner and the Governor?
(Delhi 2010)

Ans. The question paper had details of the address where Evans would go after escape. It was also meant
to make the authorities believe that the wounded man was Mc Leery himself.
Q.5 Why did the prison officers call Evans, ‘Evans the Break’? (All India 2020)
Ans. Evans had already from the prison three times Because of his shrewd and clever nature the prison
officers called Evans, ‘Evans the Break’.
Q.6 How was the injured Mc leery able to befool the prison officers? (All India 2012)
Ans. The injured Mc Leery was Evans himself. He put fake pig’s blood on his head, to make officers
believe that he was actually injured.’ He pretended to be so much in pain that he could hardly utter
words. This way nobody noticed his reality per plan he offered help him. He became successful in
making them believe that it was really Mc leery who was injured.

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Q.7 Give a character sketch of the Governor of oxford prison based on your understanding of the story
‘Evans Tries an O-level’.? (All India 2013)
Ans. Governor of oxford prison was considerate and kind-hearted person. He arranged an O-level
language exam for a prisoner. He allowed the examination to be conducted, without hiding the
behaviour of Evans. He mentioned Evans being non-violent but a congenital Kleptomaniac. He was
sceptical of Evans hence made sure he could not escape. The prison. He was also proud & self-
conscious. He cross examined everything. His intelligence can be proved when he guessed the right
location of Evans.
Q.8 Evan is characterised in the story as?
(a) cunning person
(b) foolish person
(c) pleasing personality who has a tendency to mislead the cops.
(d) both (a) and (c)
Ans. (d) Both (a) and (c).
Q.9 What was the plan based on the decision of giving an O-level exam?
(a) To plan an escape from the prison.
(b) To add academic qualifications.
(c) To further continue his studies.
(d) To mislead the prisoners.
Ans. To plan an escape from the prison.
Q.9 What was the reason due to which Evan drapes his blanket around his shoulder?
(a) As he was feeling cold
(b) To hide his exam
(c) As he was making an escape plan.
(d) He was changing his dress to look like Mc Leery.
Ans. (d) He was changing his dress to look like Mc Leery.
Q.9 Why did Evans request not to take off his hat?
(a) Because hat gives him a stylish look
(b) Because he loved to wear his hat.
(c) Because he considered it lucky for him.
(d) Because he was possessive for his hat.
Ans. (c) Because he considered it lucky for him.

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