Some Chapter Notes

NOTES OF ENGLISH CLASS 12
BOOK - FLAMINGO
THE RATTRAP
MAIN POINTS
1. The peddler was a vagabond who sold rattraps with a little thievery on the side to make
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both ends meet. Had no worldly possession to call his own, not even a name
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2. It amused him to think of the world as a rattrap.
3. Takes shelter at a crofter’s cottage. The crofter welcomed him, gave him diner, shared his
pipe, played ramjolis with him also confided in him about his income and showed him where
he put it.
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4. Next morning, the Peddler steals the money and takes the back roads to keep away from
people and gets lost in the jungle at night. While he wanders in the forest he realizes that
he has also got caught in the rattrap and that the money was the bait.
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5. Finally reaches Ramsjo ironworks, where he takes shelter for the night. The blacksmith and
his assistant ignore him but the master mistakes him to be an old acquaintance and invites
him home. Though the Peddler does not correct the ironmaster, hoping to get some money
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out of him, he declines his invitation.
6. The ironmaster then sends his daughter who persuades him to go home with her. She
notices his uncouth appearance and thinks that either he has stolen something or he has
escaped from jail.
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7. The Peddler is scrubbed, bathed, given a haircut, a shave and a suit of old clothes of the
ironmaster. In the morning light, the iron master realizes he is mistaken and that he is not
the Captain. He wants to call the Sheriff. The peddler is agitated and breaks out that the
world is rattrap and he too is sure to be caught in it. The ironmaster is amused but orders
him out. The compassionate Edla convinces her father that he should spend the Christmas
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day with him.
8. The Peddler spends the whole of Christmas Eve eating and sleeping. The next day at
church, Edla and her father come to know that the Peddler is a thief who stole thirty kroners
from the poor crofter.
9. Back home, they found a letter addressed to Edla, signed as Captain Von Stahl and a
rattrap as a gift from the crofter. In the rattrap were the three ten kroner notes of the crofter.
The Rattrap Important Questions Short Answer
Type Questions
Question 1.
Why did the peddler sign himself as Captain von Stahle? (All India 2009)
Answer:
Edla Willmansson had been rather nice to the peddler and had treated him with the honour that
was due to a Captain. The peddler, through this mistaken identity, got an opportunity to raise
himself and get above the petty temptations of the world. So he signed himself as Captain von
Stahle.
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Question 2.
Why did the peddler think that the world was a rattrap? (All India 2009)
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Answer:
The peddler considered the whole world as a big rattrap, its sole purpose being to set baits for
people. The joys and riches of this world are nothing but tempting baits and anyone who is
tempted by them was captured by the rattrap which completely closed in on him.
Question 3.
A
Why was Edla happy to see the gift left by the peddler? (All India 2010)
Answer:
Edla was happy to see the gift left by the peddler as he had respected her faith in him. Edla had
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retained him in her house even after knowing his real identity and he, in turn, had shown her that
the guest she had honoured was as honourable as the Captain. The latent goodness of his heart
had been awakened and he had been able to overcome the bait of the rattrap.
Question 4.
.T
Which act of the crofter surprised the peddler? Why? (Comptt. Delhi 2010)
Answer:
The peddler was always shunned away wherever he went. No one treated him with kindness and
so he had lost all hope of being shown any kind of warmth. But when he approached the crofter’s
roadside cottage he was surprised by the latter’s warm welcome and generous hospitality.
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Question 5.
How was the peddler treated at the crofter’s cottage? (Comptt. All India 2010)
Answer:
At the crofter’s cottage the peddler was welcomed warmly and received generous hospitality. The
crofter was an old and lonely man and the prospect of getting the peddler’s company overjoyed
him. So he poured all his warmth and friendly courtesy on the peddler.
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Question 6.
Why was the crofter so talkative and friendly with the peddler? (Delhi 2011)
Answer:
The crofter was lonely. He lived alone in his cottage without a wife, a child or any companion.
Since he suffered from acute loneliness he was extremely happy when he got the peddler’s
company. That is why he was so talkative and friendly with the peddler.
Question 7.
Why was the peddler surprised when he knocked on the door of the cottage? (All India
2011)
Answer:
At the crofter’s cottage the peddler was welcomed warmly and received generous hospitality. The
crofter was an old and lonely man and the prospect of getting the peddler’s company overjoyed
him. So he poured all his warmth and friendly courtesy on the peddler.
Question 8.
What made the peddler finally change his ways? (All India 2011)
Answer:
The peddler was touched by Edla’s kind treatment. She treated him like a Captain in spite of
knowing his real identity. This awakened the latent goodness of his heart because he wanted to
show Edla he was worthy of the honour she had given him. So he finally changed his ways.
Question 9.
Why did the peddler keep to the woods after leaving the crofter’s cottage? How did he feel?
(All India 2011)
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Answer:
The peddler discards the public highway and keeps to the woods after leaving the crofter’s cottage
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because he wants to avoid being caught with the thirty kronors that he had stolen from the
crofter’s house. He walks through mazes of forest paths but lands nowhere. When he realizes he
has been trapped he feels extremely tired and sinks to the ground in despair.
Question 10.
2011)
A
Did the stranger agree to go to the ironmaster’s house? Why or why not? (Comptt. Delhi
Answer:
Initially the stranger declined the ironmaster’s invitation. He had the stolen thirty kronors on him
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and thought it was like going into the lion’s den. But then he accepted the ironmaster’s invitation
because Edla’s sympathy and compassion allayed his fears and her friendly manner made him to
have confidence in her.
Question 11.
.T
Why did the peddler decline the invitation of the ironmaster? (Delhi 2012)
Answer:
The peddler declined the ironmaster’s invitation because he had the stolen thirty kronors on him.
He feared that he would be caught there for stealing the crofter’s money. For the peddler going to
the manor house of the ironmaster would be like throwing himself voluntarily into the lion’s den.
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Question 12.
Why was the crofter so friendly and talkative with the peddler? (Delhi 2012)
Answer:
The crofter was lonely. He lived alone in his cottage without a wife, a child or any companion.
Since he suffered from acute loneliness he was extremely happy when he got the peddler’s
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company. That is why he was so talkative and friendly with the peddler:
Question 13.
Who was the owner of Ramsjo iron mills? Why did he visit the mills at night? (All India
2012)
Answer:
The ironmaster was the owner of the Ramsjo iron mills. He was very particular about the quality of
his products. So he made nightly rounds of inspection to his mill to inspect the quality control.
Question 14.
How did the ironmaster react on seeing the stranger lying close to the furnace? (All India
2012)
Answer:
When the iron master saw the stranger lying close to the furnace he walked up to him and looked
him over carefully. Mistaking him for an old acquaintance, a comrade from his regiment, he got
very excited and invited him to come to his cottage.
Question 15.
Why didn’t the stranger tell the ironmaster that he was not Nils Olof? (All India)
Answer:
When the ironmaster mistakes the stranger for Captain Nils Olof, an old regimental comrade, the
stranger decides not to correct him as hopes to get a couple of kronors from the ironmaster. So he
does not want to undeceive him all at once.
Question 16.
Why was the crofter happy when the peddler knocked on his door? (Comptt. All India 2013)
Answer:
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The crofter was very lonely. He lived alone in his cottage without a wife, a child or any companion.
Since he was suffering from acute loneliness he felt very happy when the peddler knocked on his
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door. He treated the peddler in the most kind and hospitable manner.
Question 17.
How was the crofter ‘generous with his confidences’ when he spoke to the peddler?
(Comptt. All India 2013)
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Answer:
The crofter was generous not just with his porridge and tobacco but also with his confidences with
the peddler. He informed the peddler that he had been a crofter but now his cow supported him.
She would give milk for the creamery every day, and last month he had even received thirty
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kronors as payment.
Question 18.
What did the peddler do to keep his body and soul together? (Comptt. All India 2013)
Answer:
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The peddler made and sold rattraps but his business was not really profitable so he had to resort
to both begging and petty thievery to keep his body and soul together.
Question 19.
Why did the peddler derive pleasure from his idea of the world as a rattrap? (Delhi 2014)
Answer:
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The world had never been kind to the peddler so it gave him unwanted joy to think ill of it by
considering it as a rattrap. It became his cherished pastime to think of people he knew who had let
themselves be caught in the dangerous snare and of others who were still circling around the bait
in the rattrap.
Question 20.
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Why did Edla plead with her father not to send the vagabond away? (All India 2014)
Answer:
Edla pleaded with her father not to send the vagabond away as it was Christmas eve and she
wanted to keep the spirit of Christmas alive. She wanted to provide the vagabond with a day of
comfort and solace. She justified that they had invited him against his will and since he was lonely
she wanted to do something special for him on Christmas eve.
Question 21.
In what sense was the world a big rattrap according to the peddler? (Comptt. Delhi 2014)
Answer:
According to the peddler the whole world with its lands, seas, cities and villages was nothing but a
big rattrap. It only existed to set baits for people. If offered riches and joys, shelter, food and
clothing as the rattrap offered cheese and pork and as soon as anyone let himself be tempted to
touch the bait, it closed on him and then everything came to an end.
Question 22.
Why did the peddler knock on the cottage by the roadside? How was he treated by the
owner of the cottage? (Comptt. Delhi 2014)
Answer:
The peddler knocked on the cottage by the roadside to ask shelter for the night. The owner, who
was an old man, without a wife or child, greeted him warmly, served him supper and played cards
with him as he was happy to get someone to talk to in his loneliness.
Question 23.
What conclusion did the ironmaster reach when he heard that the crofter had been robbed
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by the peddler? (Comptt. All India 2014)
Answer:
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When the ironmaster heard that the crofter had been robbed by a man who went around selling
rat-traps, he sarcastically remarked to his daughter that she had let a fine man into the house and
was wondering as to how many silver spoons were left in their cupboard by that time.
Question 24.
A
What were the contents of the package left by the peddler as a Christmas gift for Edla
Willmansson? (Comptt. All India 2014)
Answer:
The package that the peddler left as a Christmas gift for EdlaWillmansson contained a small
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rattrap which had a letter he had written in large, jagged characters and in it also lay three wrinkled
ten kronor notes.
Question 25.
How was the peddler received by the crofter? (Comptt. Delhi 2015)
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Answer:
The crofter was a lonely person who received the peddler warmly, gave him supper and tobacco to
fill his pipe and played a game of cards with him. He was very friendly with the peddler. He shared
the details of his life with him and showed him the thirty kronor notes he had received as payment.
Question 26.
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What brought about a change in the life of the peddler? (Comptt. All India 2015)
Answer:
Edla’s warmth, sympathy and compassion brought about a change in the life of the peddler. He is
touched by the kind treatment Edla gives him despite knowing his real identity. The latent
goodness of his heart is awakened and he actually behaves like a true Captain.
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Question 27.
At the crofter’s home, why did the peddler feel very happy? (Comptt. All India 2015)
Answer:
The peddler was received very warmly and received generous hospitality at the crofter’s home.
The crofter, an old and lonely man, served him porridge, treated him kindly and the two smoked
and played cards. This made the peddler feel very happy.
Question 28.
Why was the peddler amused at the idea of the world being a rattrap? (Delhi 2016)
Answer:
The world had never been very kind to the peddler. So it gave him unwanted joy to think of the
world with its lands and seas, cities and villages as nothing but a big rattrap that sets baits for
people in the form of riches, joys and other necessities, and as soon as one got tempted, it closed
in on him.
Question 29.
What hospitality did the peddler receive from the crofter? (Delhi 2016)
Answer:
Instead of the sour faces which normally met the peddler, the crofter who was an old and lonely
man received the peddler most warmly and offered him generous hospitality. He gave him porridge
for supper and the two smoked tobacco and played cards. The crofter also shared his confidences
with the peddler.
Question 30.
What do we learn about the crofter’s nature from the story, ‘The Rattrap’? (All India 2016)
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Answer:
The crofter was an old man who was very lonely as he had no family. He was very happy when
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the peddler knocked on his door as he got someone to talk to in his loneliness. He treated the
peddler most courteously and offered him food and tobacco. The crofter was as generous with his
confidences as he was with his hospitality.
Question 31.
A
Why did the crofter show the thirty kroner to the peddler? (All India 2016)
Answer:
The crofter was too happy to get someone to talk to in his loneliness so he was generous with his
confidences with the peddler. The stranger must have seemed doubtful, for the crofter took down a
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leather pouch hanging on a nail near the window and showed the thirty kroner notes to the
peddler.
Question 32.
Why did the ironmaster speak kindly to the peddler and invite him home? (All India 2016)
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Answer:
The ironmaster mistook the peddler to be an old acquaintance Nils Olof, his old regimental
comrade, so he spoke kindly to the peddler and invited him to his house. He and his daughter Edla
did not have any company for Christmas so he wanted the peddler to join them for Christmas
dinner.
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Question 33.
Why did Edla invite the peddler? (Comptt. Delhi 2016)
Answer:
Edla invited the peddler because she wanted to celebrate Christmas in the true spirit of the festival
by having a guest over for Christmas supper. Moreover, she wanted to give the peddler a day of
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peace.
Question 34.
Describe the crofter’s meeting with the rattrap peddler. (Comptt. All India 2016)
Answer:
The crofter gave the rattrap peddler shelter for a night. He was very hospitable with the peddler.
He gave the peddler supper, tobacco to smoke, played cards with him and even shared his
confidences with him.
The Rattrap Important Questions Long Answer

Type Questions
Question 35.
Describe how the story, ‘The Rattrap’ shows that basic human goodness can be brought
out by understanding and love. (Delhi 2006)
Answer:
The theme of the story ‘The Rattrap’ is that most human beings are prone to fall into the trap of
material gains. However, love and understanding can transform a person and bring out his
essential human goodness. The peddler had been treated very cruelly by the world. So even
though the old crofter was kind and hospitable to him, he betrayed his trust and stole thirty kronors
from him. He was not impressed by the ironmaster’s invitation also. But EdlaWillmansson’s
compassion and understanding brought about a transformation in his nature. Her human qualities
helped in raising him to be a gentleman. He was easily able to overcome petty temptations. The
peddler who always considered the whole world to be a rattrap finally felt released from this rattrap
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due to the sympathetic, kind, loving and generous treatment of EdlaWillmansson that was able to
bring out his basic human goodness.
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Question 36.
Give examples from the story, “The Rattrap” to show how the iron master is different from
his daughter. (Delhi 2006)
Answer:
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The character of EdlaWillmansson and that of the iron master are in stark contrast to each other.
Despite being young, the daughter displays a better sense of maturity than her father who acts
impulsively and behaves . casually. He jumps to conclusions without thinking. First he mistakes
the peddler to be an old regimental comrade and without confirming his identity he instantly invites
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him to the manor house and again on realising his mistake he refers the matter to the sheriff
thoughtlessly. Edla, on the other hand, displays a keen sense of observation. She rightly judges
that her guest is a tramp and has a sympathetic attitude towards him. She persuades her father to
allow the guest to stay, leads him courteously to the dining table and makes him eat despite her
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father’s protest. It is because of her compassion and generosity that the peddler undergoes a
change of heart and redeems himself from dishonesty. He leaves behind thirty kronors to be given
back to the old crofter and a Christmas present for Edla.
Question 37.
The story ‘The Rattrap’ focuses on human loneliness and the need to bond with others.
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Explain. (Delhi 2010)

Answer:
The main focus of the story ‘The Rattrap’ is on human loneliness. All the characters, whether it is
the peddler, the crofter, the ironmaster or his daughter, suffer from loneliness. The peddler is a
lonely man who has always been shunned by society’s cold and unkind words. When he knocks at
the door of the old crofter’s cottage he does not expect hospitality but the crofter welcomes him as
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he is too happy to get someone to talk to after being alone for so long. By serving the peddler the
crofter is in fact serving himself. He serves the peddler with supper, gives him tobacco and plays
‘mjolis’ with him. He is a very good host. The iron¬master and his daughter too miss company and
this makes them all the more lonely on the occasion of Christmas. So the ironmaster, who
mistakes the peddler for his old regimental comrade, invites him to his manor house for Christmas.
The ironmaster’s daughter, Edla, extends this invitation again and tells the peddler he can leave
any time after Christmas. Thus the need to bond is the main focus of the story ‘The Rattrap’.
Question 38.
Describe how the story, ‘The Rattrap’ shows that basic human goodness can be brought
out by understanding and love. (Comptt. All India 2011)
Answer:
from him. He was not impressed by the iron-master’s invitation also. But EdlaWillmansson’s
due to the sympathetic, kind, loving and generous treatment of EdlaWillmansson that was able to
Question 39.
How are the attitudes of the ironmaster and his daughter different? Support your answer
from the text. (Delhi 2011)
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Answer:
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The character of EdlaWillmansson and that of the iron master are in stark contrast to each other.
Despite being young, the daughter displays a better sense of maturity than her father who acts
impulsively and behaves . casually. He jumps to conclusions without thinking. First he mistakes
the peddler to be an old regimental comrade and without confirming his identity he instantly invites
him to the manor house and again on realising his mistake he refers the matter to the sheriff
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thoughtlessly. Edla, on the other hand, displays a keen sense of observation. She rightly judges
that her guest is a tramp and has a sympathetic attitude towards him. She persuades her father to
allow the guest to stay, leads him courteously to the dining table and makes him eat despite her
father’s protest. It is because of her compassion and generosity that the peddler undergoes a
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change of heart and redeems himself from dishonesty. He leaves behind thirty kronors to be given
back to the old crofter and a Christmas present for Edla.
Question 40.
Describe the peddler’s interaction with the ironmaster’s daughter. To what extent was he
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influenced by her? (Comptt. Delhi 2011)

Answer:
The peddler first meets Edla Wilmansson, the ironmaster’s daughter when, on her fathers
insistence, she comes to invite him to their manor house for Christmas. He was so touched by the
sincerity in her voice that he could not refuse her invitation. Later, she comes to know of the
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peddler’s real identity but it does not change her warmth, friendliness and hospitality towards him.
She continues to treat him like a Captain and the peddler quite spontaneously, starts behaving like
a real Captain. He leaves a rattrap as a Christmas gift for Edla and encloses a letter of thanks and
a note of confession in it. He leaves behind the stolen money to be restored to its rightful owner,
the crofter, thus redeeming himself from his dishonest ways. Edla Wilmansson’s sympathy,
compassion and understanding give the peddler an opportunity to redeem and reform himself.
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Question 41.
Describe the crofter’s interaction with the peddler. How did the latter get tempted? (Comptt.
Delhi 2011)
Answer:
When the peddler knocked on the door of the crofter’s cottage he was greeted by the lonely old
man who was just too happy to get someone to talk to. He served the peddler with extreme
hospitality and even played cards with him. He also shared his confidences with the peddler telling
him that he had been a crofter at Ramsjo Ironworks during his days of prosperity and now his cow
supported him. Last month he had received thirty kronors in payment for the cow milk he had sold.
He even showed the peddler the leather pouch on the window where he had kept the thirty
kronors thus tempting the peddler. The next day the peddler after leaving the crofter’s cottage
came back there again, smashed the window pane, stuck in his hand and got hold of the pouch
that contained the thirty kronors. Then hanging the leather pouch back very carefully, he went
away.
Question 42.
‘The Rattrap’ highlights the impact of compassion and understanding on the hidden
goodness in human beings. Substantiate with evidence from the story. (Comptt. All India
2011)
Answer:
from him. He was not impressed by the ironmaster’s invitation also. But Edla Willmansson’s
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due to the sympathetic, kind, loving and generous treatment of Edla Willmansson that was able to
Question 43.
A
Given his temperament, Edla’s father would have failed in reforming the peddler. How did
Edla succeed? (Comptt. All India 2011)
Answer:
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Unlike her father Edla is a compassionate, sympathetic and understanding girl and because of
these virtues she succeeded in reforming the peddler. The ironmaster, on the other hand, is
impulsive and whimsical. He invites the stranger to his house without confirming the latters identity
and as soon as the peddler’s true identity is revealed he decides to refer the whole matter to the
sheriff. But Edla continues to be nice and hospitable to him and does not turn him out of their
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house on Christmas eve. She treats the peddler like a real captain and he too behaves like one.
She thus awakened the potential goodness of his heart and before leaving the manor house he
leaves behind a rattrap as a Christmas gift for Edla and the money he had stolen from the crofter’s
cottage along with a letter in which he confesses his crime and requests Edla to return the thirty
kronors to the old crofter.
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Question 44.
How did the peddler feel after robbing the crofter? What course did he adopt and how did
he react to the new situation? What does his reaction reveal? (Delhi 2013)
Answer:
After robbing the crofter the peddler felt quite pleased with his smartness. He immediately realised
that he could not dare to continue with his journey on the public highway so he turned off the road,
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into the woods. During the first few hours his decision caused him no difficulty but later it became
worse for he had gotten into a big and confusing forest. He continued to walk and when he came
to the end of the forest he realized that he had been walking around in the same part of the forest.
Then he recalled his thoughts about the world and the rattrap and knew his own turn had come.
He had let himself be fooled by a bait of thirty kronors and had been caught. His reaction reveals
his gloom and despair as he realized the forest had closed in open upon him like an impenetrable
prison from which he thought he could never escape. It also reveals that he was basically a good
person at heart and was repentant of his folly.
Question 45.
There is a saying, ‘Kindness pays, rudeness never’. In the story, ‘The Rattrap’ Edla’s
attitude towards men and matters is different from her fathers attitude. How are the values
of concern and compassion brought out in the story, ‘The Rattrap’? (All India 2013)
Answer:
Edla Willmansson displays qualities of compassion and understanding that transform the peddler
and brings out his essential human goodness. Her human qualities help in raising him to the level
of a gentleman and he is able to overcome petty temptations. The peddler, who always considered
the whole world to be a rattrap, was finally able to release himself from this rattrap due to the
sympathetic, kind and generous treatment of Edla and thus redeems himself from his dishonest
ways. Despite knowing his real identity Edla continues to treat him like a Captain and the peddler
quite spontaneously starts behaving like a real captain. Edla’s compassion and the peddler’s
reformation arouses our optimism and belief in the essential goodness of man and other human
values.
Question 46.
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How does the peddler respond to the hospitality shown to him by the crofter? (Comptt.
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Delhi 2013)
Answer:
The peddler responds to the crofter’s hospitality by betraying him. One dark evening
when the peddler was walking along the road he knocked on the door of a cottage to seek shelter
for the night. To his surprise, he was welcomed by an old man, the crofter, who lived alone in the
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cottage. The lonely crofter was happy to find a man whom he could talk to. He served the peddler
supper, gave him tobacco and played a game of cards with him. The old crofter then went to the
window and took down a leather pouch. He counted three ten kronor notes and put them into the
pouch. This provided a big bait for the peddler who was tempted to steal the notes. The peddler
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unwillingly allowed himself to be tempted to touch the bait and was thus trapped in. He stole the
money and thus committed a breach of trust. So he betrayed the confidence reposed in him by his
host.
Question 47.
.T
How did the seller of rattraps realize that he himself was caught up in a rattrap after he left
the crofter’s cottage? (Comptt. Delhi 2013)
Answer:
After robbing the crofter the peddler felt quite pleased with his smartness. He immediately realised
that he could not dare to continue with his journey on the public highway so he turned off the road,
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into the woods. During the first few hours his decision caused him no difficulty but later it became
worse for he had gotten into a big and confusing forest. He continued to walk and when he came
to the end of the forest he realized that he had been walking around in the same part of the forest.
Then he recalled his thoughts about the world and the rattrap and knew his own turn had come.
He had let himself be fooled by a bait of thirty kronors and had been caught. His reaction reveals
his gloom and despair as he realized the forest had closed in open upon him like an impenetrable
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prison from which he thought he could never escape. It also reveals that he was basically a good
person at heart and was repentant of his folly.
Question 48.
Why did the peddler accept Edla’s invitation when he had already declined the
iron¬master’s to go home with him? (Comptt, Delhi 2013)
Answer:
The peddler first meets EdlaWillmannson, the ironmaster’s daughter, when on her father’s
insistence she comes to invite the peddler to their manor house for Christmas. The peddler who
had earlier refused to accept the ironmaster’s invitation could not decline Edla’s invitation. She
looked at him with compassion because she immediately noticed that he was afraid. So she spoke
to him in such a friendly and warm manner that the peddler felt a kind of confidence in her. Infact
the peddler even tells her that it would never have occurred to him that she would bother herself
over him and he would come with her immediately. So he accepted the fur coat which Edla’s valet
handed him and followed the young lady out to the carriage.
Question 49.
The peddler declined the invitation of the ironmaster but accepted the one from Edla. Why?
(Delhi 2015)
Answer:
The peddler first meets EdlaWillmannson, the ironmaster’s daughter, when on her father’s
insistence she comes to invite the peddler to their manor house for Christmas. The peddler who
had earlier refused to accept the ironmaster’s invitation could not decline Edla’s invitation. She
looked at him with compassion because she immediately noticed that he was afraid. So she spoke
to him in such a friendly and warm manner that the peddler felt a kind of confidence in her. Infact
the peddler even tells her that it would never have occurred to him that she would bother herself
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over him and he would come with her immediately. So he accepted the fur coat which Edla’s valet
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handed him and followed the young lady out to the carriage.
Question 50.
Edla proved to be much more persuasive than her father while dealing with the peddler.
Comment. (Delhi 2015)
Answer:
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Edla does prove to be much more persuasive than her father while dealing with the peddler. When
the ironmaster invites the peddler to his manor house the latter vehemently refuses to go. Despite
trying to allay the peddlers’s fears, the ironmaster is unable to convince him to give them company
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for Christmas. He finally gives up after the peddler’s repeated refusals and goes away. Later Edla
arrives, approaches the peddler and extends the invitation once again. She assures him he can
leave after Christmas anytime. The peddler is touched by Edla’s warmth, friendly and sympathetic
nature. So he agrees to accompany Edla.
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Question 51.
Why did the crofter repose confidence in the peddler? How did the peddler betray that and
with what consequences? (Delhi 2015)
Answer:
One dark evening when the peddler was walking along the road he knocked on the door of a
cottage to seek shelter for the night. To his surprise, he was welcomed by an old man, the crofter,
.K
who lived alone in the cottage. The lonely crofter was happy to find a man whom he could talk to.
He served the peddler supper, gave him tobacco and played a game of cards with him. The old
crofter then went to the window and took down a leather pouch. He counted three ten kronor notes
and put them into the pouch. This provided a big bait for the peddler who was tempted to steal the
notes. The peddler unwillingly allowed himself to be tempted to touch the bait and was thus
trapped in. He stole the money and thus committed a breach of trust. So he betrayed the
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confidence reposed in him by his host. After stealing the crofter’s money he turned off the road,
and ventured into the woods. There he got completely lost in the big and confusing forest. Later
the whole forest seemed to close in upon him like an impenetrable prison from which he could just
not escape.
Question 52.
To be grateful is a great virtue of a gentleman. How did the peddler show his gratitude to
Edla? (Comptt. Delhi 2015)
Answer:
Edla knew that her father was mistaken when he invited the peddler home thinking he was his
long lost friend. Later it was revealed that he was a complete stranger and not a straight forward
man. Despite this Edla begged her father not to send him away on Christmas eve. She invited him
home and gave him food, shelter and clothes. Her kindness, compassion and sympathy brings out
the goodness in the tramp. He leaves a packet for her as a Christmas gift which contains a rattrap
and three ten kronor notes stolen from the crofter. It also contains a letter in which he signs himself
as captain. Edla’s care and concern changes the peddler into a dignified gentleman.
Question 53.
How did Edla treat the peddler? (Comptt. Delhi 2016)
Answer:
Edla was the daughter of the ironmaster. She was a warm, sensitive and compassionate person.
She understood in the first meeting that the peddler was scared of someone and he had not had a
single day of peace. So she decided to let him spend Christmas with them in their house. She
assured him that he could leave anytime he wanted after celebrating Christmas with them. Edla
woke him up to eat food only. Otherwise, she let him sleep for two days. She showed genuine
I
goodness which brought about a positive transformation in the peddler. She continues to treat him
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like a captain and the peddler, quite spontaneously, starts behaving like a real captain.
Question 54.
The peddler thinks that the whole world is a rattrap. This view of life is true only of himself
and of no one else in the story. Comment. (Delhi 2017)
Answer:
A
The peddler had naturally been thinking of his rattraps when he was struck by the idea that the
whole world was nothing but a big rattrap. It only existed to set baits for people. When someone let
himself be tempted to touch the bait, it closed on him, and then everything came to an end. But
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this view of life is true only of the peddler himself and of no one else in the story. The three ten
kronor notes of the old crofter provide a bait for the peddler and after he steals the money, he gets
lost in the big and confusing forest. He then recalls his thoughts about the world and the rattrap
and knew his . turn had come. He had let himself be tempted by a bait and had been caught in the
rattrap. He realized the forest had closed upon him like an impenetrable prison from which he
.T
thought he could never escape. The theme of the story of ‘The Rattrap’ is that most human beings
are prone to fall into the trap of material benefit. However, love and understanding can transform a
person and bring out his essential human goodness. So even though the old crofter was kind and
hospitable to him, he betrayed his trust and stole thirty kronors from him. He was not impressed by
the iron¬master’s invitation also. But EdlaWillmansson’s compassion brought out a transformation
.K
in his nature. Human qualities helped in raising him to be a gentleman.

Question 55.
The peddler believed that the whole world is a rattrap. How did he himself get caught in the
same? (All India 2017)
Answer:
The peddler had naturally been thinking of his rattraps when he was struck by the idea that the
S
whole world was nothing but a big rattrap. It only existed to set baits for people. When someone let
himself be tempted to touch the bait, it closed on him, and then everything came to an end. But
this view of life is true only of the peddler himself and of no one else in the story. The three ten
kronor notes of the old crofter provide a bait for the peddler and after he steals the money, he gets
lost in the big and confusing forest. He then recalls his thoughts about the world and the rattrap
and knew his turn had come. He had let himself be tempted by a bait and had been caught in the
rattrap. He realized the forest had closed upon him like an impenetrable prison from which he
thought he could never escape. The theme of the story of ‘The Rattrap’ is that most human beings
are prone to fall into the trap of material benefit. However, love and understanding can transform a
person and bring out his essential human goodness. So even though the old crofter was kind and
hospitable to him, he betrayed his trust and stole thirty kronors from him. He was not impressed by
the iron master’s invitation also. But EdlaWillmansson’s compassion brought out a transformation
in his nature. Human qualities helped in raising him to be a gentleman.
Question 56.
The people we meet in life leave an impression on us. How is the rattrap peddler affected
by meeting the crofter and Edla? (Comptt. All India 2017)
Answer:
The good people we meet sometimes leave an impression on us. Compassion and understanding
can transform a person and bring out his essential human goodness. As is the case with the
rattrap peddler whose meeting with the crofter and Edla bring about a positive transformation in
his nature. The lonely old crofter was extremely kind to the peddler. Despite his hospitality the
peddler stole his money and committed a breach of trust. Edla too treated him nicely, even after
she came to know his true identity. The peddler who had always considered the world to be a
I
rattrap that enclosed upon people finally felt released from this rattrap due to the kind, generous
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and sympathetic treatment of the crofter and Edla. He leaves behind a letter of thanks for Edla
with a Christmas gift and the money he had stolen from the crofter, to be restored to its rightful
owner.
INDIGO
A
MAIN POINTS
1. A poor peasant Rajkumar Shukla met Gandhi at Lucknow session of the Indian National
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Congress in 1916.
2. He wanted to inform Gandhi about the injustices done by the English landlords in champaran.
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8. Gandhi had other appointments, But Shukla accompanied Gandhi everywhere, even to the
ashram in Ahmedabad.
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4. Gandhi was impressed by Shukla’s determination. He asked him to meet him in Calcutta,
5. From Calcutta they boarded a train to Patna. From Patna Gandhi first went to Muzaffarpur.
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6. He stayed there to know more about the condition of the farmers in Champaran.
7. The news of Gandhiji’s arrival spread quickly. Many sharecroppers camé on foot from
Champaran to see their champion.
8. Most of the arable land in Champaran was owned by English landlords.

9. The landlords made the sharecroppers to sign an agreement. According to the agreement 15%
of their land was to be planted with indigo.
10. Germany had developed synthetic indigo. So indigo plantation was no more profitable now.
11. Therefore, the landlords forced the sharecroppers to sign a new contract. According to the new
contract, the sharecroppers were now free to grow indigo or not. But for this freedom they were to
give some compensation to the landlords.
I
12. Gradually even illiterate sharecroppers saw through the trick of landlords. Those who’ had
already signed the agreement wanted their money back.
G
13. Gandhi met with the Commissioner of Tirhut. He informed him about the injustices done to the
peasants by the landlords.
A
14, The commissioner threatened Gandhi to leave the place.
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18. Gandhi didn’t leave the place. Instead he proceeded to Motihari.
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18. Gandhi was asked to appear in the court the next day.
17. Thousands of peasants held a demonstration around the courthouse.

18. The authorities were helpless. Gandhi helped them to regulate the crowd.
.K
19. The government wanted to postpone the trial but Gandhi opposed the delay.
20. He respected the law but couldn’t ignore the voice of his conscience. It compelled him tp | take
up the cause of poor peasants.
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21. All the lawyers of Bihar, including Dr. Rajendra Prasad, decided to go to jail with Gandhi.
22. Gandhi exclaimed : “The battle of Champaran is won.”
23. Several days later, the Lieutenant-Governor ordered the case to be dropped.
24. Civil Disobedience had triumphed for the first time in India.
25. Gandhi met the Lieutenant-Governor four times to take up the cause of poor peasants of
Champaran.
26. An Inquiry Commission was set up to look into the whole issue.
27, Gandhi wanted that 50% money paid to the landlord be returned to the sharecroppers. The
landlords offered to give only 25%.
I
28. Gandhi agreed on 25% and the issue was closed.
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29. Several social works were undertaken by Gandhi and his followers in Champaran. Gandhi's
son and his wife joined him. Many other volunteers also came from distant parts of India.
A
30. Gandhi wanted Indians to carry on their struggle on their own strength. Once some lawyers
wanted C.F. Andrews to stay in Champaran and help them.
Y
31. Gandhi opposed it. He didn’t want the help of an Englishman in India’s struggle for freedom.
.T
32, Thus, Gandhi taught us a lesson in self-reliance.
Indigo Important Questions Short Answer Type

Questions
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Question 1.
Why did Gandhiji agree to the planters’ offer of a 25 percent refund to the farmers? (Delhi
2009)
Answer:
Gandhiji had asked the indigo planters for a 50 percent refund to the farmers but they offered only
S
25 percent. Gandhiji still agreed to their offer because for him the amount of the refund was of less
importance. More important was the fact that the planters had been forced to surrender part of
their rights. So he agreed to their settlement.
Question 2.
How was Gandhiji able to influence the lawyers at Champaran? (All India 2009)
Answer:
Gandhiji chided the lawyers for over-charging the poor peasants. When the peasants were so poor
and crushed, it was inhuman to charge heavy fees from them. Gandhiji’s selfless service and
devotion to the cause of the peasants put the lawyers to shame.
Question 3.
How did Gandhiji help the peasants of Champaran? (All India 2009)
Answer:
At Champaran, the British landlords forced all the tenants to plant 15 per cent of their holding with
indigo and then surrender the entire harvest as rent. This increased the misery of the poor tenants.
But when synthetic indigo was developed and indigo plantation was no longer profitable, the
landlords obtained fresh agreements from sharecroppers to pay them compensation for releasing
them from the 15% arrangement. Gandhiji came in at this time and through non-violent civil
disobedience he forced the landlords to refund 25 per cent of the compensation money to the
peasants.
Question 4.
Why did the servants think Gandhiji to be another peasant? (Delhi 2010)
Answer:
In Patna, Rajkumar Shukla led Gandhiji to the house of Rajendra Prasad who was a lawyer. The
servants knew Shukla as a poor peasant of Champaran who often came to Rajendra Prasad’s
I
house and pestered him to take up the cause of the indigo sharecroppers of Champaran. Since a
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simple-clad Gandhiji accompanied Shukla the servants mistook him to be another peasant.
Question 5.
Why did Gandhiji agree to the planters’ offer of a 25% refund to the farmers? (Comptt. All
India 2011 )
Answer:
A
Y
Question 6.
How were Shukla and Gandhiji received in Rajendra Prasad’s house? (Delhi 2012)
Answer:
.T
In Patna Shukla led Gandhiji to the house of a lawyer, Rajendra Prasad. He was out of town but
his servants knew Shukla as a poor peasant who pestered Rajendra Prasad (their master) to help
the indigo sharecroppers. So he was allowed to stay there with his companion. But Gandhiji was
not permitted to draw water from the well lest he be an untouchable and some drops of water from
his bucket pollute the entire source.
.K
Question 7.
What made Gandhiji demand 50% refund from the British landlords? (Comptt. Delhi)
Answer:
Gandhiji demanded 50% refund from the British landlords in the form of repayment of money
which the landlords had illegally and deceitfully extorted from the poor sharecroppers.
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Question 8.
Why did Gandhiji accept 25 percent compensation? (Comptt. All India 2012)
Answer:
Question 9.
While at Champaran how did Gandhiji keep a long distance watch on his ashram? (Comptt.
All India 2012)
Answer:
During his long stay in Champaran, Gandhiji kept a long distance watch on his Ashram. He sent
regular instructions by mail and asked for financial accounts. He even wrote to the residents that it
was time to fill in the old latrine trenches and dig new ones.
Question 10.
“The battle of Champaran is won.” When and why did Gandhiji exclaim this? (Comptt. AI
2012)
Answer:
When several prominent lawyers told Gandhiji that they were ready to follow him to jail, Gandhiji
exclaimed, “The battle of Champaran is toon”. Gandhiji made this statement because he had been
able to shake the lawyers out of their stupor and they were ready to support Gandhiji.
Question 11.
Why did Gandhiji feel that taking the Cham-paran case to the court was useless? (Delhi
I
2014)
Answer:
G
Gandhiji felt taking the Champaran case to the court was useless as taking such cases to the
courts did little good. Where the peasants are so crushed and fear-stricken, law courts prove
useless. The real relief for these peasants was to be free from fear.
Question 12.
2014)
A
What made the Lieutenant Governor drop the case against Gandhiji? (Comptt. All India
Answer:
The Lieutenant Governor was forced to drop the case against Gandhiji because the lawyers had
Y
told Gandhiji that they would follow him into jail. So the Lieutenant Governor wrote to the
Magistrate ordering him to drop the case against Gandhiji.
Question 13.
How did the Champaran peasants react when they heard that a Mahatma had come to help
.T
them? (Comptt. All India 2014)

Answer:
As the news of Gandhiji’s advent and the nature of his mission spread, the peasants began
arriving on foot and by conveyance to get a glimpse of their champion. The lawyers, who had
represented the peasant groups in court, also came to brief Gandhiji.
.K
Question 14.
Why did Gandhiji agree to 25% compensation? (Comptt. All India 2015)
Answer:
Refer to Question 20, Page 185
Question 15.
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How did Rajkumar Shukla establish that he was resolute? (All India 2015)
Answer:
Rajkumar Shukla wanted Gandhiji to visit Champaran to take up the cause of the poor
sharecroppers who were being exploited by the English landlords but Gandhiji said he had
appointments in various parts of India. Shukla started following Gandhiji everywhere the latter
went and for weeks he never left Gandhiji’s side thus establishing his resoluteness.
Question 16.
How was Gandhi treated at Rajendra Prasad’s house? (All India 2015)
Answer:
In Patna Shukla led Gandhiji to the house of a lawyer, Rajendra Prasad. He was out of town but
his servants knew Shukla as a poor peasant who pestered Rajendra Prasad (their master) to help
the indigo sharecroppers. So he was allowed to stay there with his companion. But Gandhiji was
not permitted to draw water from the well lest he be an untouchable and some drops of water from
his bucket pollute the entire source.
Question 17.
What were the terms of the indigo contract between the British landlords and the Indian
peasants? (All India 2015)
Answer:
The arable land in the Champaran district was divided into estates which were owned by
Englishmen and worked by Indian tenants. The chief commercial crop was indigo. The landlords
compelled all tenants to plant 15 per cent of their holdings with indigo and surrender the entire
indigo harvest as rent.
Question 18.
I
Why is Raj Kumar Shukla described as being ‘resolute’? (Comptt. Delhi 2015)
Answer:
G
Shukla wanted Gandhiji to visit Champaran to take up the cause of the sharecroppers but Gandhiji
said he had appointments in Cawnpore and other parts of India. Shukla did not leave Gandhiji’s
side for weeks begging him to fix a date for Champaran. Gandhiji was impressed by his
determination and resoluteness and Shukla finally managed to convince Gandhiji to accompany
him to Champaran.
A
Question 19.
Why was Gandhiji opposed to C.F. Andrews helping him in Champaran? (Delhi 2016)
Answer:
Y
Though Gandhiji’s lawyer friends thought it would be a good idea for C.F.Andrews to stay in
Champaran and help them, Gandhiji vehemently opposed it. He said that if they had an
Englishman on their side it would show the weakness of their heart. They should not attempt to
seek a prop in Andrews just because he happened to be an Englishman. Gandhiji wanted Indians
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to be self-reliant.
Question 20.
Why did Gandhiji agree to a settlement of mere 25 percent? (Delhi 2016)
Answer:
.K
Question 21.
Why was Gandhiji unhappy with the lawyers in Muzzafarpur? Why was he against taking
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cases to the law courts? (Comptt. All India)

Answer:
Gandhiji was unhappy with the lawyers in Muzzafarpur as they were collecting a huge fee from the
peasants. He was against taking the case to the law courts as he knew the fear stricken peasants
would be further crushed and exploited in the court. Gandhiji wanted to free the farmers from the
fear of Britishers.
Indigo Important Questions Long Answer Type

Questions
Question 22.
Describe the difficulties faced by Gandhi at Champaran. (Comptt. Delhi 2010)
Answer:
Gandhiji came to Champaran to fight against the injustice of the landlord system there. Most of the
land in Champaran was divided into large estates owned by Englishmen who hired Indian tenants
to grow indigo there. The Indian peasants were sharecroppers and had to surrender 15 per cent of
the indigo harvest as rent to the British. After synthetic indigo was developed the Englishmen
obtained fresh agreements from sharecroppers to pay them compensation. Many refused to sign
and others wanted their money back. At this point Gandhiji arrived in Champaran with an aim to
free the peasants from fear. He collected all the facts and met the commissioner who tried to bully
him and advised him to leave the place. Gandhiji did not leave. In the course of securing justice for
the oppressed farmers of Champaran, Gandhiji had to clash with the British authorities several
times before he could persuade them to agree to his viewpoint.
Question 23.
I
How was a solution to the problem of indigo sharecroppers of Champaran found?(Comptt.
G
Delhi 2010)
Answer:
The entire harvest of indigo, the chief commercial crop produced by the peasants in the 15 per
cent of their land had to be paid as rent to the British landlords. After Germany developed
synthetic indigo, it brought a steep fall in indigo prices. Now the landlords very cleverly wished to
A
give up this arrangement and get compensation for releasing the farmers land. Gandhiji at this
time appeared in Champaran and fought a year long battle to get the poor peasants justice.
Gandhiji decided to accept a settlement of 25 per cent of the compensation money to break the
deadlock between the landlords and their tenants. The moral victory of the farmers to make the
Y
landlords own-up their dishonesty and surrender their money and prestige mattered more to
Gandhiji. So he was successful in defeating the nefarious designs of the British landlords and also
made the farmers courageous and conscious of their rights.
Question 24.
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Why and how did Raj Kumar Shukla persu-adeGandhiji to visit Champaran? (Comptt. AI
2010)
Answer:
Raj Kumar Shukla was an illiterate and oppressed indigo farmer from Champaran who came to
invite Gandhiji to visit his district where injustice and oppression was rampant. He wished Gandhiji
.K
to accompany him to Champaran and sort out the problems of the miserable peasants. Gandhiji
mentioned about his prior engagements to Shukla but he did not give up and followed Gandhiji
everywhere. He kept urging Gandhiji to visit Champaran. Finally his persistent and patience bore
fruits and Gandhiji agreed to accompany him to Champaran immediately after his Calcutta visit.
Gandhiji’s truthfulness, sincerity of purpose and undeterred efforts spelled the triumph of the
campaign against the unjust British rulers. What began as an attempt to fight for justice against the
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hapless peasants later turned out to be a clear proclamation that the Indians would not submit to
British tyranny meekly.
Question 25.
How was the Champaran incident a turning point in Gandhiji’s life? (Comptt. All India 2010)
Answer:
The Champaran episode turned out to be Gandhiji’s loud pronouncement that the Britishes could
not order him about in his own country. It established the effectiveness of non¬cooperation as a
means of fighting for justice. The Champaran episode revealed Gandhiji’s principles in the political
field. Even after winning the peasants’ battle against the English landlords Gandhiji stayed in
Champaran for the cultural and social upliftment of the poor and the backward of the villages of
Champaran.
Question 26.
Why do you think Gandhiji considered the Champaran episode to be a turning-point in his
I
life? (All India 2011)
Answer:
G
A
Y
.T
Champaran.
Question 27.
.K
How did Gandhiji use satyagraha and non-violence at Champaran to achieve his goal?
(2011)
Answer:
Gandhiji reached Champaran with a goal to alleviate the peasants’ sufferings at the hands of the
British landlords. He met the Secretary of the Landlords’ Association and the Commissioner who
told him to leave Champaran. They signed the order but also wrote that Gandhiji would disobey it
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and sent a full report to the Viceroy. This was followed by spontaneous demonstrations by
thousands of peasants around the court house. The lawyers too resolved to follow Gandhiji to jail
forcing the case against him to be dropped. This was the first victory of Civil Disobedience. Then
an official enquiry into the indigo sharecroppers’ situation was instituted and the landlords agreed
to refund the peasants. The sharecropper accepted the 25 per cent refund. The landlords
surrendered a part of the money with a part of their prestige. So Gandhiji achieved his objective in
removing the fear of the poor peasants and getting justice for them through ‘satyagraha’ and
‘non-violence’.
Question 28.
Give an account of Gandhiji’s efforts to secure justice for the poor indigo sharecroppers of
Champaran. (All India 2012)
Answer:
Gandhiji took up the cause of the indigo sharecroppers at Champaran. He fought against the
injustice of the cruel British landlords who extorted money from the poor sharecroppers. Gandhiji
collected all the facts and met the Commissioner. He tried to threaten Gandhiji and advised him to
leave from there. But Gandhiji was undeterred. He decided to launch a peaceful ‘satyagraha’ and
non-violent movement. This led to spontaneous demonstra¬tions in Motihari. Thousands of
peasants challenged the Britishers and the government was baffled. Despite earlier hesitations the
prominent lawyers declared their uncondi¬tional support to Gandhiji. Finally Gandhiji’s peaceful
and non-violent civil disobedience bore the desired results. The indigo share¬croppers at
Champaran secured justice and the landlords agreed to refund 25 per cent of the compensation
money.
Question 29.
The Champaran episode was a turning point in Gandhiji’s life. Elucidate. (All India 2012)
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Answer:
G
A
Y
.T
Champaran.
Question 30.
Why did Rajkumar Shukla invite Gandhiji to Champaran? How did Gandhiji solve the
.K
problem of the indigo farmers? (All India 2012)

Answer:
Rajkmar Shukla who was an illiterate and oppressed indigo farmer from Champaran invited
Gandhiji to visit his district so that he could alleviate the problems faced by the miserable peasants
at the hands of the British landlords. He kept urging Gandhiji to visit Champaran. Gandhiji’s
truthfulness, sincerity of purpose and undeterred efforts enabled him to solve the problem of the
S
indigo farmers. He began by trying to get the facts. The British landlords as well as Commissioner
of Tirhut were non-cooperative. Lawyers from Muzaffarpur briefed him about court cases of these
peasants. Gandhiji and the lawyers collected depositions by about ten thousand peasants. Notes
were made on other evidence. Documents were collected. The whole area throbbed with the
activities of the investigators and forceful protests of landlords. The Lieutenant Governor
summoned Gandhiji. After four protracted interviews an official commission of inquiry was
appointed to look into the indigo sharecroppers’ situation. Gandhiji was the sole representative of
the peasants. The official inquiry assembled huge quantity of evidence against the big planters.
After negotiation a settlement of 25 per cent refund to the farmers was agreed on. This was a
moral victory of the peasants. They recognised their rights and learned courage.
Question 31.
Exploitation is a universal phenomenon. The poor indigo farmers were exploited by the
British landlords to which Gandhiji objected. Even after our independence we find
exploitation of unorganized labour. What values do we learn from Gandhiji campaign to
counter the present day problems of exploitation?(Delhi 2013)
Answer:
Gandhiji’s campaign in Champaran is relevant even in the present day to counter the problems of
exploitation. What we must keep in mind is to teach the downtrodden to be courageous. Unless
the labour class overcomes the fear within them, they will never be able to fight for their rights.
Therefore, priority has to be given to empowering and making the labour class bold and fearless
and to give them the courage to oppose injustice and exploitation. Another thing we must
remember is to focus not on the problems of the labour class but on the solution of their problems.
I
We must possess a humanitarian approach and should be ready to brave hardships with
non-violence, patience and perseverance. Only then can we overcome the present-day problems
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of exploitation.
Question 32.
Why did Gandhiji agree to a settlement of 25 per cent refund to the farmers? How did it
influence the peasant-landlord relationship in Champaran? (All India 2013)
A
Answer:
Gandhiji had demanded the indigo planters for a 50 per cent refund to the farmers but they offered
only 25 per cent. But Gandhiji agreed to their offer because for him the amount of the refund was
of less importance. More important was the fact that the planters had been forced to surrender
Y
part of their rights. It was a moral victory for the farmers. Gandhiji’s main aim was to break the
deadlock between the landlords and their tenants and to enable the peasants to recognise their
legal rights. Within a few years the British planters abandoned their estates, which reverted to the
peasants and finally indigo sharecropping disappeared.
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Question 33.
Attempt the following in about 100 words:
Our scriptures tell us that determination and perseverance are cardinal virtues of a good
human being. Raj Kumar Shukla succeeded in taking Gandhiji to Champaran with the help
of these two.
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How can young students today use these two qualities to make successful careers for
themselves? (Comptt. Delhi 2013)
Answer:
Determination is your decision to do something against all odds. Perseverance is to keep doing
something for the time needed to achieve your goal no matter how long or difficult the path is. No
wonder these two qualities should be the ‘mantra’ for young students to make a successful career
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for themselves. If there is one quality, one personal trait that is most correlated with success it is
the trait of per¬sistence—the ability to endure till the end. With a little more perseverance what
once seemed a hopeless failure may turn to glorious success. Determination and perseverance
give us hope that the righteous suffer no other failure except that of giving up and no longer trying.
Question 34.
Why is the Champaran episode considered to be the beginning of the Indian struggle for
Independence? (All India 2014)
Answer:
The Champaran episode was a landmark in the Gandhian style of fighting against the British. It
was a long-drawn out but peaceful agitation. It was also a turning point in Gandhiji’s life. During
this struggle Gandhiji decided to urge the departure of the Britishers. It did not begin as an act of
defiance but it grew out of an . attempt to make the sufferings of the poor peasants less severe. It
was the triumph of the first civil disobedience movement. The Champaran episode taught the
farmers to be courageous and made them aware of their rights. It was a spontaneous
demonstration around the courtroom and the beginning of the peasant liberation from the fear of
Britishers. In the Champaran episode, self-reliance and freedom struggle went hand in hand.
Question 35.
Gandhiji’s was not a loyalty to abstractions; it was a loyalty to living human beings. Why
did Gandhiji continue his stay in Champaran even after indigo sharecropping disappeared?
(All India 2014)
Answer:
Gandhiji never contented himself with large political and economic solutions. He saw the cultural
and social backwardness in the villages of Champaran and wanted to do something about it
immediately. So he continued his stay in Champaran even after indigo sharecropping
I
disappeared. He appealed to two young men, who were teachers and their wives to engage
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volunteers for improving conditions of health and hygiene. Since the health conditions were
miserable in Champaran, Gandhiji got a doctor to volunteer his services for six months. He noticed
the filthy state of women’s clothes and asked his wife, Kasturba to talk to them about it. During his
long stay in ChamparanGandhiji also kept a long distance watch on the ashram. In everything
Gandhiji did, he tried to mould a new free India that could stand on its own feet.
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Question 36.
Describe how, according to Louis Fischer, Gandhiji succeeded in his
Champarancampaign? (Comptt. Delhi 2014)
Y
Answer:
According to Louis Fischer, the Champaran campaign began as an attempt to fight against the
injustice towards the helpless peasants to alleviate their sufferings. It later turned out to be
Gandhiji’s loud pronouncement that the Britishers could not order him about in his own country.
Gandhiji took up the cause of the indigo sharecroppers at Champaran. He fought against the
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injustice of the cruel British landlords who extorted money from the poor sharecroppers. Gandhiji
collected all the facts and met the Commissioner. He tried to threaten Gandhiji and advised him to
leave from there. But Gandhiji was undeterred. He decided to launch a peaceful ‘satyagraha’ and
non-violent movement. This led to spontaneous demonstrations in Motihari. Thousands of
peasants challenged the Britishers and the government was baffled. Despite earlier hesitations the
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prominent lawyers declared their unconditional support to Gandhiji. Finally Gandhiji’s peaceful and
non-violent civil disobedience bore the desired results. The indigo sharecroppers at Champaran
secured justice and the landlords agreed to refund 25 percent of the compensation money.
Question 37.
What did Gandhiji do to remove the cultural and social backwardness in the Champaran
villages? (Comptt. Delhi 2015)
S
Answer:
Gandhiji never contented himself with large political and economic solutions. He saw the cultural
and social backwardness in the villages of Champaran and wanted to do something about it
immediately. So he continued his stay in Champaran even after indigo sharecropping
disappeared. He appealed to two young men, who were teachers and their wives to engage
volunteers for improving conditions of health and hygiene. Since the health conditions were
miserable in Champaran, Gandhiji got a doctor to volunteer his services for six months. He noticed
the filthy state of women’s clothes and asked his wife, Kasturba to talk to them about it. During his
long stay in ChamparanGandhiji also kept a long distance watch on the ashram. In everything
Gandhiji did, he tried to mould a new free India that could stand on its own feet.
Also add: Gandhiji was different from other politicians. His politics was concerned with the day to
day problems of the people. His aim was to mould the Indians who could stand on their own feet
and make India free. The purpose of
Gandhiji’s visit to Champaran was to bring justice to the sharecroppers. But after that was
achieved he stayed on to alleviate the sufferings of the people in Champaran. He started schools
and clinics. His friends, wife and sons volunteered to help him. Gandhiji stayed nearly for a year in
Champaran.
Question 38.
How did a visit to Champaran become a turning point in Gandhi’s life? How does this show
Gandhi’s love and concern for the com¬mon people of India? (Comptt. All India 2015)
Answer:
The Champaran episode began as an attempt to fight against the injustice towards the hapless
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peasants to alleviate their sufferings. It later turned out to be Gandhiji’s loud pronounce-ment that
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the Britishers could not order him about in his own country. It established the effectiveness of
non-cooperation as a means of fighting for justice. Gandhiji did not get intimidated either by the
British officials or by their offers. The Champaran episode was not an outcome of defiance of
authorities but it was a result of sincere efforts to relieve the suffering of the masses. It revealed
Gandhiji’s principles in the political field. After winning the peasants’ battle against the English
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landlords Gandhiji stayed on in Champaran for the cultural and social upliftment of the poor and
backward villages of Champaran.
Question 39.
Y
Gandhiji had great love for the poor. What did he do for the indigo farmers of Champaran?
(2016)
Answer:
The indigo sharecroppers in Champaran were being exploited by the British landlords. Gandhiji
was called for help to alleviate their sufferings. At first he removed the peasants’ fear and united
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them. He then changed the professional mindset of the lawyers. He also made the landlords agree
to return 25 per cent of the compensation. The landlords finally left Champaran. Then Gandhiji
started his second mission of solving the problem of the cultural and social backwardness in
Champaran. He spread awareness regarding sanitation, health and education. Since the health
conditions were miserable, he got a doctor to volunteer his services for six months. After winning
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the peasants’ battle Gandhiji started working for the cultural and social upliftment of the poor and
backward villagers.
Question 40.
Gandhiji, Father of our nation, is a great leader whose values have been admired by one
and all. Describe at least three characteristics of Gandhiji you get to know from ‘Indigo’,
which you wish to adopt into your own life quoting suitable instances from the story.
S
(Comptt. Delhi 2017)

Answer:
There is no denying the fact that Gandhiji’s values and ideologies have been admired by one and
all. In the lesson ‘Indigo’ we get a glimpse of his certain traits that we should adopt in our own life.
When Gandhiji reached Champaran, his main aim was to solve the problem of the sharecroppers
and he worked towards that cause relentlessly. This quality enabled him to overcome all
obstacles. Despite his unassuming and simple personality Gandhiji did not get intimidated by the
British. He dared to face each situation fearlessly and nothing could deter him from his path. After
having resolved the issue of compensation of the sharecroppers he focussed his attention on the
social and cultural problems of the people of Champaran. Here too he displayed an extreme sense
of sincerity towards this mammoth task. If we adopt these characteristics of Gandhiji in our life we
too are bound to achieve success in our endeavours.
Question 41.
Leadership is all about a strong concern for others. What light does Champaran episode
throw on Gandhiji’s leadership? (Comptt. All India 2017)
Answer:
There is no doubt about the fact that a good leader is one who has a strong concern for others.
Not only does he have a mass appeal but he even rises from the masses. He is a man of
principles and his life is an open book. Gandhiji’s sincere efforts to get justice for the Champaran
sharecroppers and his conscientious endeavours to uplift the people there are proof enough of the
true leadership qualities that he possessed. His primary concern was the welfare of the common
man because Gandhiji never contented himself with large political or economic solutions. Seeing
the cultural and social backwardness in the Champaran village he wanted to do something about it
immediately. His politics was always intertwined with the practical day-to-day problems of the
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millions and through his selfless actions he displayed what true leadership was all about.
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NCERT SOLUTI
A
A THING OF BEAUTY
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Main points
1. The beautiful things of nature are permanent source of joy and make our lives sweet.
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2. A thing of beauty is a joy forever.

3. It does not pass into nothingness but its beauty keeps on increasing.
4. It gives us sound sleep and good health;
5. This world is full of frustrations, disappointments and dearth of noble people.
6. These make our life gloomy and sad.
7. But things of beauty remove the pall and sadness from our spirits.
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8. Nature is a constant source of happiness for human beings.

9. The beautiful things are – sheep, daffodils, clear streams, musk roses and forest thickets.
10. These things soothe and make us happy.
11. Stories of heroes who have died in peace of war are also things of beauty and have a
stimulating effect.
12. But the beauties of nature are lovelier than all the lovely tales and are like the immortal
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drink from heaven.
A Thing of Beauty Important Questions Short

Answer Type Questions
App
Question 1.
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow: (Delhi 2000)
Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathing
A flowery band to bind us to the earth,
Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth
Of noble natures, of the gloomy days,
Of all the unhealthy and o’er-darkened ways
Made for our searching:
What are the flowery bands that bind us to the earth?
What message do the above lines convey?
Answer:
1. The flowery band that binds us to earth is beauty in one shape or the other. It removes all
sufferings and sorrow that covers our mind and spirit. There is disappointment and dejection all
around but the presence of some objects of beauty removes this sadness from our hearts.
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2. There are many things that bring us troubles and sufferings. The message conveyed in these
lines is that the natural beauty of objects around us takes away the suffering from our sorrowful
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hearts.
Some beautiful shape or any object of beauty removes the pall of gloom from our mind and spirit.
Question 2.
According to Keats, what makes man love life in spite of all its problems and miseries?
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(All India 2000)
Answer:
In spite of all the problems and miseries that make man’s life gloomy and cause him suffering and
pain, he does not cease to love life because a thing of beauty removes all the sadness that
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covers his spirit. The beautiful things of nature make life sweet and happy.
Question 3.
What image does Keats use to describe the beautiful bounty of the earth? (Delhi 2010)
Answer:
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Keats uses the image of a perennial fountain that constantly pours forth bounties on the earth in
the form of an immortal drink from the heavens into our hearts. The beauty of the sun, the moon,
the trees, the daffodils and clear rivers are reflections of the beautiful bounties God has blessed
us with.
Question 4.
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What makes human beings love life inspite of troubles and sufferings? (All India 2010)
Answer:
It is the occasional phases of joy and happiness that make life beautiful and make human beings
love life in spite of troubles and sufferings. Natural beauty in its various forms, like the clear rivers,
the gurgling brooks and forest vegetation, motivates us to live life and moves away the pall from
our dark spirits.
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Question 5.
Mention any two ‘things of beauty’ that Keats has described in his poem. How do they
make us joyful? (Comptt. Delhi 2010)
Answer:
According to Keats every small or big thing of nature is a thing of beauty and a source of
pleasure. The sun, the moon, the trees and daffodil flowers are all things of beauty. So are the
small streams with clear water, mass of ferns and the blooming musk roses.
Question 6.
Mention any two things which, according to Keats, give us pain and suffering. (Comptt. All
India 2010)
Answer:
According to Keats man suffers from pain and suffering due to the inhuman dearth of noble
natures on earth and due to the inhuman and hostile attitude that makes our days sad and
darkens our ways with distress and wretchedness.
Question 7.
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow: (Comptt. Delhi 2011)
A thing of beauty is a joy forever
Its loveliness increases, it will never
Pass into nothingness; but will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet
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breathing
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List any two things of beauty mentioned above.
What does the phrase, ‘pass into nothingness’ mean?
What are the effects of beautiful things on man’s spirit?
Answer:
A
1. The things of beauty mentioned above include a quiet bower, peaceful sleep and quiet
breathing.
2. The phrase ‘pass into nothingness’ means it will never cease to exist but will continue to have
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a lasting impression.
3. Beautiful things leave a lasting impression on man’s spirit. They give him great joy and
happiness and also help him to gain inner peace and calm.
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Question 8.
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow: (Comptt. All India
2011)
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What are the flowery bands that bind us to the earth?
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What message do the above lines convey?

Answer:
1. The flowery band that binds us to earth is beauty in one shape or the other. It removes all
sufferings and sorrow that covers our mind and spirit. There is disappointment and dejection all
around but the presence of some objects of beauty removes this sadness from our hearts.
2. There are many things that bring us troubles and sufferings. The message conveyed in these
lines is that the natural beauty of objects around us takes away the suffering from our sorrowful
hearts.
Some beautiful shape or any object of beauty removes the pall of gloom from our mind and spirit.
Question 9.
Why and how is grandeur associated with the mighty dead? (Delhi 2011)
Answer:
Grandeur is associated with the mighty dead because of their grand deeds and achieve-ments.
Their achievements make their lives extraordinary. Therefore, the grandeur of the mighty dead is
a thing of beauty that is a source of inspiration for other.
Question 10.
What is the message of the poem, ‘A Thing of Beauty’? (All India 2011)
Answer:
John Keats was a worshipper of beauty and he saw it as an everlasting source of joy and
happiness. Through his poem he conveys that a thing of beauty removes the pall of sadness and
sorrow and gives us joy and pleasure. The beauty of a thing goes on increasing and never
passes into nothingness.
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Question 11.
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How is a thing of beauty a joy forever? (Delhi 2012)
Answer:
A thing of beauty is a joy forever because it gives us eternal and everlasting happiness and
leaves such an impact in our mind that we are able to relive the wonderful feeling we get from it
each time we think about it. It never fades into nothingness, in fact its loveliness increases with
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each passing moment.
Question 12.
Why is ‘grandeur’ associated with the ‘mighty dead’? (All India 2012)
Y
Answer:
Grandeur is associated with the mighty dead because of their grand deeds and achieve-ments.
Their achievements make their lives extraordinary. Therefore, the grandeur of the mighty dead is
a thing of beauty that is a source of inspiration for other.
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Question 13.
What makes human beings love life in spite of troubles and sufferings? (All India 2012)
Answer:
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our dark spirits.

Question 14.
Describe any three things of beauty mentioned in the poem, ‘A Thing of Beauty’. (All India
2012)
Answer:
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The poet sees beauty in various natural things. He sees simple and scenic beauty in the image of
the sun, the moon, the trees, the sheep, the green pastures and the clear water of the small
streams. All these things of beauty are a constant source of joy for us.
Question 15.
Why does a thing of beauty never pass into nothingness? (Comptt. Delhi 2012)
Answer:
The joy provided by a thing of beauty is ever-lasting. It leaves an indelible imprint on our mind. Its
loveliness never fades away and so it does not pass into nothingness. It increases manifold each
time we think about it and thus we are forever able to relive the joyful experience.
Question 16.
Mention any two things of beauty that Keats talks of in his poem and explain how they
influence us. (Comptt. All India 2012)
Answer:
The two things of beauty that influence us are the lushgreen surroundings of meadows and
pastures that provide life to all living beings and the simple lambs and sheep that Keats envisions
as the embodiments of serene and divine beauty.
Question 17.
A flowery band to bind us to the Earth,
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What are we doing everyday?
Which evil things do we possess and suffer from?
What are the circumstances that contribute towards making humans unhappy and
disillusioned with life?
A
Answer:
1. Every day we are wreathing a flowery band which binds us to the earth and enables us to live
life despite the dejection that surrounds us. We are looking for lovely things around us and
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establishing a close bond with the earth and nature.
2. We suffer from selfishness and self-centredness due to which there is dearth of noble souls on
earth.
3. Man becomes unhappy and disillusioned because he suffers from pain and hopelessness at
various junctures in life. Also the lack of nobility in human beings and gloomy days make him
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unhappy.
Question 18.
2013)
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Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth Of noble natures,
What is ‘morrow’?
Why do we need ‘a flowery band’?
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What is inhuman in life?

Answer:
1. ‘Morrow’ means the next day.
2. Everyday we are wreathing a flowery band because it binds us to earth and makes us live our
life despite the dejection that surrounds us.
3. Man’s self-centred nature and his inability to rise above pettiness is inhuman in life.
Question 19.
What does Keats consider an endless fountain of immortal drink and why does he call its
drink immortal? (All India 2013)
Answer:
Keats considers beauty, in all its forms, which is God’s greatest gift to man as an endless fountain
of immortal drink. He calls it immortal because the beauty bestowed by God is everlasting and
perennial and men can bask in its glory forever.
Question 20.
According to Keats, what spreads the pall of despondence over our dark spirits? How is it
removed? (All India 2013)
Answer:
According to Keats, suffering and pain caused by man’s malice and his evil ways spreads the pall
of despondence over our dark spirits. Man lacks noble qualities and his hostile and inhuman
nature makes the world gloomy. This can be removed by some shape of beauty that is a source
of constant joy.
Question 21.
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How does a thing of beauty provide shelter and comfort? (All India 2013)
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Answer:
A thing of beauty will always provide a pleasant shelter, a place under the shade of a tree, where
we will always remain peaceful and comfortable. Whenever we are under nature’s shelter, we will
have a quiet and peaceful sleep which will give us serenity and comfort.
Question 22.
A
Describe any two things mentioned by Keats in “A Thing of Beauty” which cause suffering
and pain. (Comptt. Delhi 2013)
Answer:
Y
According to Keats man suffers from pain and suffering due to the inhuman dearth of noble
natures on earth and due to the inhuman and hostile attitude that makes our days sad and
darkens our ways with distress and wretchedness.
Question 23.
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All lovely tales that we have heard or read;
An endless fountain of immortal drink.
Pouring unto us from the heaven’s brink.
Name the poem and the poet.
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What is the thing of beauty mentioned in these lines?

What image does the poet use in these lines?
Answer:
1. The poem is ‘A Thing of Beauty’ and the poet is John Keats.
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2. The thing of beauty mentioned in these lines are the tales we have heard or read describing
the glorified sacrifices of mighty warriors.
3. Using the divine image the poet tells us that beauty is God’s greatest gift to man. This beauty is
eternal and everlasting in whose glory man can bask and it is an endless fountain from where he
can drink the immortal elixir of life.
Question 24.
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow: (All India 2014)
Made for our searching: yes in spite of all,
Some shape of beauty moves away the pall
From our dark spirits.
Why are we ‘despondent’?
What removes ‘the pall from our dark spirits’?
Answer:
1. The poem is ‘A Thing of Beauty’ and the poet is John Keats.
2. We are ‘despondent’ due to lack of noble people, because of gloomy days and because of
unhealthy and over darkened ways.
3. Any shape or manifestation of beauty removes ‘the pall from our dark spirits’.
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Question 25.
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2014)
A
How does beauty help us when we are burdened with grief?
Explain: “Some shape of beauty.”
Identify the figure of speech used in the above lines.
Y
Answer:
1. Beauty, in some shape or form, will help to drive away the sadness and despair from the dark
enclosures of our spirit when we are burdened with grief.
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2. ‘Some shape of beauty’ means some object of beauty bestowed on us by nature.
3. The figure of speech used in the above lines is alliteration.
Question 26.
And such too is the grandeur of the dooms
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We have imagined for the mighty dead;

All lovely tales that we have heard or read;
An endless fountain of immortal drink,
Pouring unto us from the heaven’s brink.
Name the poem.
S
Who are the ‘mighty dead’ referred to here?

What is the endless fountain of immortal drink?
What does the word, ‘brink’ mean?
Answer:
1. The poem is ‘A Thing of Beauty’.
2. The ‘mighty dead’ referred to here are our ancestors, the great people of the world who are
worthy of respect.
3. The endless fountain of immortal drink are all the things of beauty that sustain mankind.
4. The word ‘brink’ means ‘an edge at the top/ the point of onset’.
Question 27.
2015)
Made for our searching : yes, in spite of all,
Name the poem.
Give one cause of human suffering.
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What moves away the pall from our lives?
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What does the word, ‘gloomy’ mean?
Answer:
1. The poem is ‘A Thing of Beauty.’
2. Man lacks noble qualities and his hostile and inhuman nature is the cause of human suffering.
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3. Nature’s beauty moves away the pall from our lives.
4. The word ‘gloomy’ means ‘dull or depressed.
Question 28.
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‘ What does a thing of beauty do for us? (Delhi 2015)
Answer:
A thing of beauty gives us eternal and everlasting happiness and leaves an indelible impression
on our mind that we are able to relive the wonderful feeling we get from it each time we think
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about it. It never fades into nothingness and its loveliness increases with each passing moment.
Question 29.
What makes human beings love life in spite of all the troubles they face? (Delhi 2015)
Answer:
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our dark spirits.
Question 30.
Mention any four things of beauty that add joy to our life. (All India 2015)
S
Answer:
The poet sees beauty in various things of nature that add joy to our life. These include the sun,
the moon, the trees, the sheep, the green pastures and the clear water of the small streams.
These remove the sadness from our dark spirits.
Question 31.
Mention any two things which cause pain and suffering. (All India 2015)
Answer:
Pain and suffering is caused by man’s malice and unhealthy and evil ways. Man lacks noble
qualities and his hostile and inhumane nature makes the world gloomy and depressing and
brings misery and suffering in his life, thus distressing him with sorrow and despair.
Question 32.
Which objects of nature does Keats mention as sources of joy in his poem, ‘A Thing of
Beauty’? (All India 2015)
Answer:
The poet sees beauty in various natural things. He sees simple and scenic beauty in the image of
the sun, the moon, the trees, the sheep, the green pastures and the clear water of the small
streams. All these things of beauty are a constant source of joy for us.
Question 33.
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A bcnver quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet
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breathing.
Whose loveliness will keep on increasing?
Identify the phrase which says that ‘it’ is immortal.
A
What is a ‘bower’?
Why do we need sweet dreams, health and quiet breathing in our lives?
Answer:
Y
1. The loveliness of a thing of beauty will keep increasing.
2. The phrase which implies its immortality is ‘it will never pass into nothingness’.
3. A ‘bower’ is a pleasant shady place under the trees.
4. We need sweet dreams, health and quiet breathing in our lives to refresh and relax our minds
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and drive away our anxieties and restlessness. They help us to bear the problems of life and
remove, our sufferings.
Question 34.
How do beautiful things influence our lives? (Comptt. Delhi 2016)
Answer:
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Beautiful things take away sadness and gloom from our spirits. They give us hope and joy.
Whenever we think about a thing of beauty it brings a smile on our lips and is a source of joy
forever.
Question 35.
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow :(Comptt. Delhi 2016)
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…….and clear rills

That for themselves a cooling covert make
Gainst the hot season; the mid forest brake,
Rich with a sprinkling of musk-rose blooms;
…………………………
How do the rills protect themselves from the heat?
What makes the mid forest brake rich?
What does the word, ‘sprinkling7 mean?
Answer:
1. The poem is ‘A Thing of Beauty’ by John Keats.
2. The rills protect themselves from the heat by making a cooling covert overhead.
3. The sprinkling of musk-rose blossoms makes the mid forest brake rich.
4. The word ‘sprinkling’ means spreading of fragrance.
Question 36.
In the hot season, how do man and beast get comfort? (Delhi 2017)
Answer:
Man and beast get comforted in the hot season by walking past the rivers and small streams
which are a natural source of water and are considered as the vital potions of life. They relax
under a bower and under the shade of trees.
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Question 37.
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How is the Earth a source of life when all seems dead on it? (All India 2017)
Answer:
The Earth, which is a source of life, can teach us how new life emerges from the dead remains of
the ashes. Life is an eternal and continuous process and new life is believed to rise from the dead
remains.
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Question 38.
Answer:
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‘A thing of beauty is a joy forever
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health and quiet breathing.
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How does a thing of beauty give us everlasting joy?

What is the effect of increase in its loveliness?
Which one example of the beauty of nature has the poet given here?
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What kind of joy do we get from a quiet bower?

Answer:
1. A thing of beauty gives us eternal joy as its loveliness never dies out or fades away but keeps
on increasing.
2. The effect of increase in its loveliness is that a thing of beauty will never cease to give us joy.
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3. The example of beauty of nature that the poet describes is of a quiet bower, a shelter under the
shade of trees which protects us from the hot sunrays.
4. The quiet bower gives us a place where we can sleep soundly and peacefully and enjoy sweet
dreams.
Question 39.
Mention two things of beauty that Keats refers to in his poem. How do they influence us?
(Comptt. All India 2017)
Answer:
The two things of beauty that influence us are the lushgreen surroundings of meadows and
pastures that provide life to all living beings and the simple lambs and sheep that Keats envisions
as the embodiments of serene and divine beauty.
Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers
MAIN POINTS
1. Aunt Jennifer’s tigers prance across a screen.
2. They are ‘sleek and chivalric’ and pace with confidence and certainty.
8. She is using ivory needles and fluttering her fingers in her wool.
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4. Her fingers find it hard even to pull the ivory needles.
5. The heavy weight of Uncle’s wedding band still sits at her hands.
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6. Those ordeals and troubles that crushed her during her married life have possessed her
mentally and physically.
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7. When Aunt Jennifer is dead, her tigers will survive,
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8. They will go on prancing, proud and unafraid.
Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers Important Questions Short

Answer Type Questions
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Question 1.
Describe the tigers created by Aunt Jennifer. (Delhi 2009)
Answer:
The poet describes Aunt Jennifer’s tigers as ‘bright topaz denizens’ of the forest. They are
fearless and ferocious in sharp contrast to their creator, Aunt Jennifer’s nervousness and timidity.
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Gallant and confident, they are sure of their purpose and move ahead undeterred by any kind of
hindrance or obstruction.
Question 2.
Why did Aunt Jennifer choose to embroider tigers on the panel? (All India 2009)
Answer:
Aunt Jennifer chose to embroider tigers on the panel because of the nature of the tigers. They
symbolise strength and splendour which was in sharp contrast to her own meek nature. The
massive weight of the wedding band that sits heavily on her finger symbolises the ordeals and
hardships of her married life so she creates tigers as they are a striking contrast to the frail, meek
old lady who created them.
Question 3.
Aunt Jennifer’s tigers prance across a screen,
Bright topaz denizens of a world of green.
They do not fear the men beneath the tree;
They pace in sleek chivalric certainty.
How are aunt Jennifer’s tigers described?
Why are they described as denizens of a world of green?
Why are they not afraid of the men?
Answer:
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1. Aunt Jennifer’s tigers are described as powerful, strong and fearless.
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2. The tigers are inhabitants of the dense green forests so they are described as dwellers of a
world of green.
3. Their courage and fearlessness gives them a confidence due to which they are not afraid of
men.
Question 4.
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What will happen to Aunt Jennifer’s tigers when she is dead? (All India 2010)
Answer:
Aunt Jennifer’s tigers will survive even after she is dead. She has created the tigers in a panel out
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of wool. These objects of art are immortal. They will continue prancing, proudly and fearlessly. To
express her desire for freedom she had created the chivalrous tigers who will survive long after
her death but her own longing for freedom will remain unfulfilled.
Question 5.
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How has Aunt Jennifer created her tigers? What traits of tigers do they reveal? (All India
2010)
Answer:
Aunt Jennifer has created shining topaz yellow- coloured tigers who are denizens of a dense,
green forest. They are fierce, unafraid and fearless and pace in ‘sleek’ and ‘chivalric’ certainty.
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Question 6.
Why are Aunt Jennifer’s hands fluttering through her wool? (Comptt. Delhi 2010)
Answer:
Aunt Jennifer is a victim of gender oppression at the hands of her husband. She lives a life of
total domination and constant fear. So she feels nervous and terrified that the hands shake and
flutter through her wool as she sits down to knit.
S
Question 7.
Describe the contrast between Aunt Jennifer ‘ and her creation, the tigers. (Comptt. All
India 2010)
Answer:
Aunt Jennifer is totally victimised and suffers from oppression by her male counterpart. So she
creates an alternate world of freedom in her art. The tigers she creates go on prancing
menacingly, exhibiting their pride and fearlessness of any social group or gender conflicts.
Question 8.
How do ‘denizens’ and ‘chivalric’ add to our understanding of the tigers’ attitude? (Delhi
2011)
Answer:
‘Denizens’ means that the tigers inhabit a green world. They live in the forests where they are
free from constraints. ‘Chivalric’ means they are brave and fearless creatures. This helps us to
understand that bravery and fearlessness are the basic nature of the tigers.
Question 9.
Why do you think Aunt Jennifer created animals that are so different from her own
character? (All India 2011)
Answer:
Aunt Jennifer’s tigers possessed all the qualities that Aunt Jennifer did not have. The tigers were
free, fearless, confident and proud whereas Aunt Jennifer was meek, submissive and without any
identity. She was a rather indecisive woman unlike the confident tigers she had created.
Question 10.
I
What do the symbols, ‘tigers’, ‘fingers’ and ‘ring’ stand for in the poem, ‘Aunt Jennifer’s
G
Tigers’? (Comptt. Delhi 2011)
Answer:
The ‘tigers’ are symbols of bravery and courage and also of Aunt Jennifer’s desire for freedom.
The ‘fingers’ are symbolic of the nervousness and fear experienced by Aunt Jennifer and the
‘ring’ symbolises a binding marriage that is full of oppression and curtails one’s freedom.
A
Question 11.
Describe the tigers created by Aunt Jennifer. (Comptt. All India 2011)
Answer:
Y
The poet describes Aunt Jennifer’s tigers as ‘bright topaz denizens’ of the forest. They are
fearless and ferocious in sharp contrast to their creator, Aunt Jennifer’s nervousness and timidity.
Gallant and confident, they are sure of their purpose and move ahead undeterred by any kind of
hindrance or obstruction.
.T
Question 12.
2012)
.K
Who are ‘They’? Where are ‘They’?

Why are They’ not afraid of men?
Answer:
1. ‘They’ refers to the tigers that Aunt Jennifer has knitted on the panel. They are prancing jerkily
S
in the forest (across a screen).

2. The tigers are not afraid of men because they are gallant and fearless creatures who are
undeterred by any obstacles or hindrances and thus are not afraid of the men.
Question 13.
Why did Aunt Jennifer choose to embroider tigers on the panel? (Delhi 2012)
Answer:
symbolise strength and splendour which was in sharp contrast to her own meek nature. The
Question 14.
How do the words, “denizens’ and ‘chivalric’ add to our understanding of Aunt Jennifer’s
tigers? (All India 2012)
Answer:
symbolise strength and splendour which was sharp contrast to her own meek nature. The
Question 15.
What kind of married life did Aunt Jennifer lead? (Comptt. Delhi 2012)
I
Answer:
Aunt Jennifer’s wedding band lies heavily on her hand. It reminds her of her unhappy married life.
G
It is symbolic of male authority and power of her husband who had suppressed her and made her
a nervous wreck. He had dominated over her for so long that she had lost her identity.
Question 16.
What will happen to Aunt Jennifer’s tigers when she is dead? (Delhi 2013)
A
Answer:
Aunt Jennifer’s tigers will survive even after she is dead. She has created the tigers in a panel out
of wool. These objects of art are immortal. They will continue prancing, proudly and fearlessly. To
express her desire for freedom she had created the chivalrous tigers who will survive long after
Y
her death but her own longing for freedom will remain unfulfilled.
Question 17.
What lies heavily on Aunt Jennifer’s hand? How is it associated with her husband? (All
India 2013)
.T
Answer:
Aunt Jennifer’s wedding band lies heavily on her hand. It reminds her of her unhappy married life.
It is symbolic of male authority and power of her husband who had suppressed her and made her
a nervous wreck. He had dominated over her for so long that she had lost her identity.
Question 18.
.K
Why has Aunt Jennifer made ‘prancing, proud and unafraid’ tigers? (Comptt. Delhi 2013)
Answer:
symbolise strength and splendour which was sharp contrast to her own meek nature. The
S

Question 19.
What is the meaning of the phrase, ‘massive weight of uncle’s wedding band’? (Comptt.
All India 2013)
Answer:
Aunt Jennifer’s wedding band lies heavily on her fingers as she has been a victim of gender
oppression at the hands of her husband. She has been so physically and mentally trapped for so
many years that she lives in a perpetual state of mental fear which she has never been able to
overcome.
Question 20.
What are the difficulties that aunt Jennifer faced in her life? (Delhi 2014)
Answer:
Aunt Jennifer faced great hardships in her married life. She led a terrifying and oppressed life
wherein she had never been free but a helpless victim of male chauvinism. Dominated and
terrorised by her husband, Aunt Jennifer struggled for an existence within the deep conflicts of
slavery.
Question 21.
How are Aunt Jennifer’s tigers different from her? (All India 2014)
Answer:
I
G
Question 22.
How does Aunt Jennifer express her bitter-ness and anger against male dominance?
(Comptt. Delhi 2014)
Answer:
A
To express her bitterness and anger against male dominance, Aunt Jennifer chooses to
embroider tigers on the panel. The nature of tigers symbolizes strength, fearlessness and
splendour which is in sharp contrast to her own meek nature because of which she has suffered
endlessly.
Y
Question 23.
.T

Why are the tigers called ‘Aunt Jennifer’s tigers’?
What does the phrase,’ a world of green’ mean?
.K
How are the tigers different from their creator?

Why are the tigers not afraid of the men beneath the trees?
Answer:
1. The tigers are called ‘Aunt Jennifer’s tigers’ because they are her creation. She has knitted
S
(embroidered) the tigers on a screen.

2. The phrase ‘a world of green’ means ‘the green forest to which the tigers belong.’
3. The tigers are brave, chivalric, confident and strong unlike their creator who is weak, timid,
frightened and meek.
4. The tigers are brave and fearless by nature. They are ferocious wild beasts so they are not
afraid of the men beneath the trees.
Question 24.
What is suggested by the phrase, ‘massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band’? (Delhi 2015)
Answer:
Aunt Jennifer’s wedding band lies heavily on her fingers as she has been a victim of gender
oppression at the hands of her husband. She has been so physically and mentally trapped for so
many years that she lives in a perpetual state of mental fear which she has never been able to
overcome.
Question 25.
Why does Aunt Jennifer create animals that are so different from her own character?
(Delhi 2015)
Answer:
Question 26.
Aunt Jennifer’s efforts to get rid of her fear proved to be futile. Comment. (Delhi 2016)
I
Answer:
G
Aunt Jennifer has been a victim of oppression by the overbearing dominance of her husband.
Completely terrorised by her husband she struggled for an existence and was so victimised that
even after her death she will not be able to liberate her mind and spirit from the fear of
male-dominance.
Question 27.
A
What picture of male chauvinism (tyranny) do we find in the poem, ‘Aunt Jennifer’s
Tigers’? (All India 2016)
Answer:
Y
Aunt Jennifer faced great hardships in her married life. She led a terrifying and oppressed life
wherein she had never been free but a helpless victim of male chauvinism. Dominated and
terrorised by her husband, Aunt Jennifer struggled for an existence within the deep conflicts of
slavery.
.T
Question 28.
When Aunt is dead, her terrified hands will lie
Still ringed with ordeals she was mastered by.
The tigers in the panel that she made
Will go on prancing, proud and unafraid.
.K

What was the aunt’s ordeal?
Why did she ‘make’ tigers?
S
How were the tigers different from her?

Answer:
1. The poem is ‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers’ by Adrienne Rich.
2. The aunt’s ordeal was that she was dominated by her husband and was denied freedom.
3. Aunt Jennifer made tigers to give expression to her desire for freedom.
4. Aunt Jennifer was meek and submissive whereas the tigers she embroidered were strong and
courageous.
Question 29.
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow :(Comptt. All India
2016)
Aunt Jennifer’s fingers fluttering through her wool
Find even the ivory needle hard to pull.
The massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band
Sits heavily upon Aunt Jennifer’s hand.
What is Aunt Jennifer doing with the wool?
Why are her fingers fluttering?
What does ‘wedding band’ mean?
Answer:
1. The poem is ‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers’ by Adrienne Rich.
I
2. Aunt Jennifer is embroidering tigers on a canvas with wool.
3. She has been tormented and dominated by her husband all her life, so her fingers are fluttering
G
due to nervousness.
4. ‘Wedding band’ means a wedding ring.
Question 30.
A
Y
Why are the tigers called Aunt Jennifer’s tigers?
How are they described here?
.T
How are they different from Aunt Jennifer?
What does the word ‘chivalric’ mean?
Answer:
1. The tigers are called Aunt Jennifer’s tigers because they have been created by her, she has
embroidered a panel of prancing tigers.
.K
2. They are described here as yellowish brown (topaz) coloured inhabitants of the jungle. They
are fearless, ferocious and brave creatures.
3. Aunt Jennifer is a timid and terrified old woman whose nature is in stark contrast to the fearless
and chivalrous tigers she has created.
4. The word ‘chivalric’ means ‘brave’/ respectful towards women.
S
Question 31.
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow: (All India 2017 )
Aunt Jennifer’s fingers fluttering through her wool
What is Aunt Jennifer doing with her wool?
Why does she find it difficult to pull her ivory needle?
What does ‘wedding band’ stand for ?
Describe the irony in the third line.
Answer:
1. Aunt Jennifer is embroidering the tigers on a panel with her wool.
2. Suppressed under male domination, Aunt Jennifer has become a nervous wreck. As a result,
her fingers flutter and she finds it difficult to pull her ivory needle.
3. ‘Wedding band’ is a symbol of male authority and power. The band symbolizes her unhappy
marriage, her husband and the patriarchal society that limits the freedom of women.
4. Even though Aunt Jennifer wears the wedding band, it is ironical that the poet describes it as
belonging to uncle.
Question 32.
I
Aunt Jennifer’s fingers fluttering through her
G
wool.
What is Aunt Jennifer’s mood?
A
Why are her fingers fluttering?
What is Uncle’s wedding band?
Y
Why is it heavy?
Answer:
1. Aunt Jennifer is in a state of anxiety and nervousness.
2. Aunt Jennifer’s fingers are fluttering as she is nervous because of her husband.
.T
3. Uncle’s wedding band is the wedding ring that Aunt Jennifer wears in one of her fingers.
4. It is metaphorically heavy because it is a symbol of her subjugation and oppression by her
husband.
Question 33.
.K
2017)
‘Bright topaz denizens of a world of green.
They pace in sleek chivalric certainty.’
Who are ‘bright topaz denizens’?
S
Where do you find them?

Why are ‘they’ not afraid of the men?
What does the word ‘sleek’ mean?
Answer:
1. The tigers embroidered on the panel by Aunt Jennifer are referred to as ‘bright topaz
denizens’.
2. They are found in the jungle, the world of green on a screen.
3. They are fearless and bold creatures so they are not afraid of the men.
4. The word ‘sleek’ means ‘elegant’ or ‘glossy’.

S
.K
.T
Y
A
G
I

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NOTES OF ENGLISH CLASS 12

day with him.

The Rattrap Important Questions Long Answer

Explain. (Delhi 2010)

influenced by her? (Comptt. Delhi 2011)

in his nature. Human qualities helped in raising him to be a gentleman.

8. Most of the arable land in Champaran was owned by English landlords.

17. Thousands of peasants held a demonstration around the courthouse.

22. Gandhi exclaimed : “The battle of Champaran is won.”

32, Thus, Gandhi taught us a lesson in self-reliance.

Indigo Important Questions Short Answer Type

them? (Comptt. All India 2014)

cases to the law courts? (Comptt. All India)

Indigo Important Questions Long Answer Type

problem of the indigo farmers? (All India 2012)

(Comptt. Delhi 2017)

2. A thing of beauty is a joy forever.

8. Nature is a constant source of happiness for human beings.

drink from heaven.

A Thing of Beauty Important Questions Short

Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth

What message do the above lines convey?

our dark spirits.

A flowery band to bind us to the earth,

What is inhuman in life?

What is the thing of beauty mentioned in these lines?

We have imagined for the mighty dead;

Who are the ‘mighty dead’ referred to here?

…….and clear rills

How does a thing of beauty give us everlasting joy?

What kind of joy do we get from a quiet bower?

8. They will go on prancing, proud and unafraid.

Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers Important Questions Short

Who are ‘They’? Where are ‘They’?

in the forest (across a screen).

old lady who created them.

They do not fear the men beneath the tree;

How are the tigers different from their creator?

(embroidered) the tigers on a screen.

Name the poem and the poet.

How were the tigers different from her?

Where do you find them?

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