THE SIGNING LESSON

1. The students became angry and afraid because they were singing a depressing song.
2. Miss Meadows was called by the headmistress because she received a telegram.
3. Miss Meadows lost all her hope because she received a letter from Basil expressing his disgust in
their relationship.
4. A ‘Lament’ is a reflection of Ms. Meadow’s mood because it reflected what Miss Meadow’s was
feeling.
5. Basil thought that their marriage would be a mistake because he was not a marrying man.
6. Miss Meadows picked up the yellow chrysanthemum because she returned to the class in the happy
and gleeful mood after receiving the telegram.
7. Miss Meadows did not accept the flower because she was filled with despair on reading Basil’s
letter.
8. Miss Meadows would have to leave school because of the news that her engagement had broken off
and as she could not face the science mistress.
9. The author has chosen the setting of a girl’s school teacher because it was one of the acceptable
professions for a woman at the turn of the twentieth century.
10. Miss Meadows says that it wouldn’t be surprising to see a bee caught in the tangles of the Science
mistress’s hair because everything about her was sweet and pale like honey.
11. Miss Meadows was filled with hope and joy at the end of the day because of the fact that Basil would
still marry her.
12. Miss Meadows is affected by her fiancé’s letter because she was afraid of what society would think.
13. The major part of the story is set in a Music Hall because she was a music teacher.
14. Miss Meadows uses a baton because it is a symbol of her power and authority.
15. The students reflect Miss Meadow’s emotions because she asks them to sing two different songs
according to her changing mood.
16. Miss Wyatt’s warned her because she received a telegram was not of importance.
17. Miss Meadows was instructing the girls to sing the song with expression because her inner self was
preoccupied by Basil’s letter.
18. As she crosses the cold corridor leading to the music hall, she feels a heavy weight on her heart
because of the letter she had received from her fiancé.