1. Two Gentlemen of Verona
a) Give pen-portraits of the two brothers, Nicola and Jacopo, highlighting their main traits and virtues. How does their selfish sacrifice and devotion to their cause give new hope to humanity?
b) How did Nicola’s and Jacopo’s struggle to save their sister make them real heroes?
c) The narrator was highly impressed by the selfless struggle of Nicola and Jacopo. What touched him most was their sense of self respect and their devotion to their sister. Make an entry in your diary as the narrator describing this.
d) “They cannot take away our self respect if we do not give it to them.” - Mahatma Gandhi. The two brothers lost nearly everything in the war, except their self respect. Explain.
e) “Character — the willingness to accept responsibility for one's own life — is the source from which self-respect springs.” How did Nicola and Jacopo prove this?
f) What according to you are the essential values that go into the making of a true gentleman?
g) Briefly explain the values that you have learnt from the two young
boys of Verona?
2. Mrs. Packletide’s Tiger
a) In the story, Saki mocks the vainglorious and hypocritical behaviour of ladies of high social circles. Describe the use of humour and satire by the author in the story.
b) Do all means justify the ends? Explain with reference to the story ‘Mrs. Packletide’s Tiger’.
c) Mrs.Packletide was indeed a vainglorious woman, yet she was a better human being than her paid companion, Louisa Mebbin. Prove the veracity of this statement citing examples from the text.
d) ‘We are jealous of others’ success and joy’. Explain with reference to the story- Mrs. Packletide’s Tiger.
e) Saki 'S story MrsPackletides Tiger centres on the materialistic morals of man regarding big game hunting which had become a fashion towards the end of the century. Give reasons.
f) At the end of the day, Mrs. Packletide realized her folly. She sits back and write a diary entry expressing her anger and disappointment at the way she was being exploited by Miss Mebbin. As Mrs. Packletide, write this diary entry.
g) How could Mrs. Packletide face the cameras with a light heart though she had not killed the tiger?
h) Mrs.Packletide is vain and full of self-importance and can go to any
extent to maintain her public image. On the basis of your understanding of the story, Mrs. Packletide’s Tiger, briefly describe the values that can make one lead a truly happy life.
3. The Letter
a) Imagine you are the postmaster. Since you have realized the pain Ali has gone through, you are filled with remorse. Write a letter to your friend describing your feelings.
b) As he waits endlessly for news of his daughter and knowing that his end is near, Ali reflects on the journey of his life. As Ali, describe your feelings.
c) “Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.” ― Aristotle. Explain with reference to ‘The Letter’.
d) Describe Ali as a devoted father.
e) The realization of love and separation changed Ali- Explain.
f) We need to show love, sympathy and fellow feeling to those who are in pain. Explain with reference to the ‘The Letter’.
g) The reality of life is portrayed by Dhamketu in his story ‘The Letter’.
h) Explain the reason for Ali’s transformation.
i) ‘Ali had exhausted his patience but not his faith’- Explain.
j) How was Ali’s faith finally vindicated?
k) Elucidate on the happiness Ali would have felt had the letter come before his death.
l) Ali is a true representative of modern parents who are abandoned by their children- Comment.
m) Today’s youth is too engrossed in itself to care for their elders. What values does the story “Letter” arouse in you?
4.The Frog and the Nightingale.
a) What message does the poet try to convey through the poem, ’The Frog and the Nightingale’?
b) How did the frog satisfy his greed through the nightingale’ song?
c) The frog remains unrepentant even at the death of the nightingale. Comment.
d) A poor self-image can do irreparable damage to us and give a handle to our crafty rivals to beat us with. Elaborate this statement with reference to the nightingale in the poem.
e) The bullying and wicked frog took his cruel revenge on the submissive nightingale. Justify this statement.
f) What is the moral that you learn from the poem “The Frog and the Nightingale”?
g) It’s good to be ambitious, but not to be overambitious. Justify this statement in the light of your understanding of the poem “The Frog and the Nightingale” highlighting the values that you learn from it.
5.Mirror
a) The poem ‘Mirror’ is a contemplation of life as people go through struggles with identity and changes from youth to old age. Comment.
b) The mirror is an unchanging reflector of what happens in life. Elucidate.
c) ‘Youth is not eternal and even beauty fades away.’ Explain with reference to the poem ’Mirror’.
d) ‘Beauty is skin deep. The real beauty of a person cannot be seen in a mirror’. Explain with reference to the poem ‘Mirror’.
e) What lesson/moral does the “Mirror” teach us? What human weakness
does it point out?
6. Not Marble, nor the Gilded Monuments
a) Poetry and art outlive wars, tumults and ravages of time/ Poetry and art defy mortality. Do you agree with this statement? Justify by giving examples from the poem.
b) What contrast has the poet drawn in the poem “Not Marble, nor the gilded monuments.” Highlight the values/morals that you learn from this poem?
7. The Dear Departed
a) The Dear Departed is a realistic depiction of a completely materialistic
society today. Bring out the irony of the title of the play and the moral/values that the author has tried to give through it?
b) The current society rests on dwindling human relationships .What
lesson do you learn from the play ‘The Dear Departed’?
c) Do you think Henry is equally to be blamed for his acts like his cunning and crafty wife? Explain.
d) Describe the ironical and humorous situations in the play ’The Dear Departed’.
Please find the solution to your asked query:
1(a) Nicola and Jacopo were two brothers of 12 and 13 years of age respectively. They lived in the city of Verona in Italy. Being mature enough to understand the situation of their sister who was suffering from tuberculosis, they were selfless and their bitter and undying struggle, amidst the ravages of the war, set an example for other people. Their determination and sincerity while working is reflected when they take up any work that is available,i.e., shining shoes, selling newspapers and fruits or escorting the tourists for sightseeing. They didn't mind eating black bread or figs, or wearing torn clothes meaning that they had a lot of courage and patience of working hard. Their willingness of work was remarkable as they did not want to lose their dignity and self respect by asking anyone for sympathy and financial help.
Both Nicola and Jacopo show selflessness and reflect great dignity in their behaviour. They are deeply dedicated to save their sister . In their solemn enterprise, they become heroes, the incarnations of sacrifice, whose dedication and unselfish attitude promises a new hope for the mankind.
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