LITERATURE IN ENGLISH

STD 10
DRAMA
JULIUS CAESAR-ACT 3 SCENE 1

Answer the following questions with reference to the context.

EXTRACT 1
Popilius - I wish your enterprise today may thrive.
Cassius- What enterprise, Popilius?
Popilius- Fare you well. [Advances to Caesar]

i) Where are the speakers? What day was it? Who else had accompanied Caesar that
day?
Ans- The speakers are in front of the Capitol, in Rome.
It was the ides of March.
Caesar was accompanied by Brutus, Cassius, Casca, Decius, Metellus, Trebonius,
Cinna, Antony, Lepidus, Popilius, Publius and other senators.

ii) Who offers Caesar a schedule and why? Why does Caesar refuse to read it?
Ans- Artemidorus offers Caesar a schedule to warn him about the conspiracy.
Caesar refuses to read it as Artemidorus had told him to read his schedule as it
would affect him personally. Caesar ignores it and says that what affects him will
be dealt with last as he wants to appear noble and selfless.

iii) What is Cassius afraid of and why? How does Brutus reassure Cassius?
Ans- Cassius feared that their plan had been revealed to Caesar. This was because
Popilius had wished him success in his enterprise that day.
Brutus tells Cassius that Popilius Lena was not speaking to Caesar about the
enterprise as he was smiling, and Caesar’s expression had not changed.

iv) What tasks had been assigned to Trebonius and Metellus Cimber?
Ans- Trebonius had to draw Antony away from Caesar.
Metellus Cimber was to kneel before Caesar and beg that his brother, Publius
Cimber, be allowed to return as a free citizen.

1
 v) Name two people who try to warn Caesar. What is the significance of Act 3 scene
1 in the play?
Ans- Artemidorus and the soothsayer tried to warn Caesar.
The scene is important as it is the climax and the turning point of the play where
Julius Caesar is assassinated. Antony emerges as the subtle and powerful
champion of the dead Caesar. Brutus allows Antony to speak at Caesar's funeral
which was a mistake as he stirs the fickle-minded mob against the conspirators.

EXTRACT 2

Metellus: Most high, most mighty, and most puissant Caesar,

Metellus Cimber throws before thy seat
A humble heart, -
Caesar: I must prevent thee, Cimber.

i) What do the words ‘redress’ and ‘puissant’ mean? Why does Metellus kneel
before Caesar?
Ans- ‘Redress’ means to correct or rectify’. ‘puissant’ means most powerful or
mighty.
Metellus kneels before Caesar to present a petition for recalling his brother,
Publius Cimber, from exile.

ii) What does Caesar prevent Cimber from? What does he go on to say about
himself?
Ans- Caesar prevents Cimber from kneeling and bowing before him.
His overly humble courtesies might flatter ordinary men to turn Roman law into
some kind of child's game but he shouldn’t be so foolish as to think that he could
influence Caesar to do something that was not right through the tricks that
persuade fools—tricks like flattery, low bows, and pathetic dog-like fawning. His
brother had been banished by decree. If he kneeled and begged and flattered for
him, he would kick him like a dog out of his way. Caesar did not punish him
without good reason and will not give him what he wants without good reason.

iii) What does Caesar compare himself to and why? What quality does he wish to
highlight?
Ans- Caesar compares himself to the northern star, whose stable and immobile
quality has no equal in the sky. The skies are filled with countless stars. They are
all made of fire, and every single one shines. But there's just one out of all of them
that holds its central place. The world is the same way. It's full of men—and men
are flesh and blood, and capable of understanding. Yet of them all, he was beyond
questioning and immovable, who never shifted from his position.
The quality he highlights is his unwavering and unshakable faith in his decisions.
He was firm and could not be swayed.

iv) What two objects does Caesar compare himself to? Quote and identify the figures
of speech.
Ans- ‘But I am as constant as the northern star’ -Simile
‘Wilt thou lift up Olympus!’- Metaphor

2
 v) What terrible event takes place immediately after? Who were the first to stab?
What were Caesar’s last words and its significance?
Ans- Caesar was stabbed immediately after as the conspirators had planned.
The first to stab was Casca and Brutus was the next.
Caesar’s last words were ‘Et tu, Brute? Then fall, Caesar!’
These words convey his shock and disbelief that his dearest friend, Brutus, had
betrayed him.

EXTRACT 3
Brutus: people and senators, be not affrighted;
Fly not; stand still; ambition’s debt is paid.

i) What incident has just taken place? What does Cinna cry out? Identify a figure of
speech from the above extract.
Ans- The assassination of Caesar at the hands of the conspirators has been carried
out.
Cinna cried out ‘Liberty! Freedom! Tyranny is dead!’
The figure of speech in the given extract is personification.

ii) What does ‘doomsday’ refer to? Why does Brutus mention the ‘Fates’?
Ans- ‘doomsday’ refers to the day of judgement, the day when according to the
Bible the world will end.
Fates refers to the three goddesses of destiny. Brutus says that though we already
know that we'll all die one day, we do not know when. Men try to prolong the
time they have left to live as much as possible.

iii) What does Brutus ask the Romans to do soon after? Why does Brutus consider the
conspirators Caesar's friends?
Ans- Brutus tells the conspirators to kneel and wash their hands up to the elbows
in Caesar’s blood and smear their swords with it. Then they will walk outside to
the public marketplace waving their red swords over their heads screaming
‘Peace, Freedom and liberty’.
If one is always worried about when death will come, then according to Brutus,
they were Caesar’s friends as they had shortened the time, he would have spent
fearing death.

iv) Who enters immediately after this? Who had sent him and with what message?
Ans- Antony’s servant enters next. He had come at Antony’s request to confirm
his safety from the conspirators and to understand why Brutus and his fellow
conspirators decided to kill Caesar. Antony said that though Caesar was mighty,
bold and valiant, he also loved and honoured Brutus. He also feared Caesar.
Antony would not love the dead Caesar as much as he would love the living
Brutus.

3
 v) How does Brutus assure this person? Why does the entry of the servant be
considered the turning point of the play?
Ans- Brutus assures the servant that he considered Antony to be a wise and valiant
Roman and he will be safe when he comes there and depart safely too.
The servant’s entry may be considered the turning point of the play as he asks the
conspirators if Mark Anthony could meet them to understand why Brutus and his
fellow conspirators had decided to kill Caesar. Brutus decides to invite Anthony to
come there so that he can be explained the cause of the killing of Caesar. This
proved to be a mistake for Brutus because this is the time when he agreed that
Anthony could address the citizens of Rome. Anthony took full advantage of this
and turned the opinion of people against Brutus.

EXTRACT 4
Antony: O mighty Caesar! dost thou lie so low?
Are all thy conquests, glories, triumphs, spoils,
Shrunk to this little measure?

i) Where was ‘mighty Caesar’ lying? What does ‘this little measure’ refer to? Whom
does Antony address next?
Ans- ‘Mighty Caesar’ lay at the base of the statue of Pompey.
‘This little measure’ means that the mighty Caesar is now lying on the ground
covering only a very small portion of it. This is the same Caesar who was known
for his vast conquests of many lands.
Antony addresses Brutus and his group of conspirators next.

ii) What does Antony ask the conspirators to do and why?

Ans- Antony implores the conspirators to kill him there and then if they had any
plans of doing so. He says that there could not be a more appropriate time for him
to die even if they lived for a hundred years more and no weapons even half as
worthy as their swords— which have been made rich by being covered in the
noblest blood in the whole world. If they had a grudge against him, he wanted
them to kill him while their stained hands still smelt of the blood of Caesar.
Even if he were to live a thousand years, he would never find another moment
when he would be as ready to die as he was then. There’s no place he’d rather die
than next to Caesar, and no manner of death he'd prefer than being stabbed by the
leaders of this new age.

iii) How does Brutus justify their action?

Ans- Brutus told Antony that though they seemed to be bloody and cruel right
then with their bloody hands and what they had just done, he had not seen into
their hearts. Their hearts were full of pity for Caesar. But, just as fire drives out
fire, their pity for the wrongs committed against Rome overcame their pity for
Caesar and made them act that way. Their swords would not harm him. Their
arms and their hearts were filled with brotherly love. They wished to embrace him
with kind love, good thoughts, and respect.

4
iv) Why does Antony say that his ‘credit’ now stood on ‘slippery ground’?
Ans- The word ‘credit’ means reputation. This ‘credit’ now stands on slippery
grounds because Antony had to shake hands with the conspirators which could be
viewed by them as flattery or cowardice.
v) Why does Antony apologise to Caesar's body? What is the motive?
Ans- Antony tells Caesar’s body that if his spirit was looking down upon them, it
would grieve him more than even his death to see Antony making peace and
shaking the bloody hands of his enemies in the presence of his corpse. If he had as
many eyes as Caesar had wounds, and they wept tears as fast as his wounds
streamed blood, even that would be more becoming than joining his enemies in
friendship. He compares him to a brave deer surrounded by hunting dogs. The
hunters were still standing there, stained and reddened by his blood. The world
was the forest in which Caesar roamed freely as a stag. He was so loved that he
was the heart of the world.
Antony tries to strike a balance between praising Caesar and flattering the
conspirators. He declares his love and friendship to them but his ulterior motive is
to avenge Caesar's death.

vi) At the end of this scene, how does Antony reveal his true feelings for the
assassins?
Ans- Antony asks Caesar to forgive him as he is meek and gentle with these
butchers. He glorifies Caesar and curses the people who killed him. He predicts
over Caesar’s wounds that domestic fury and fierce civil strife shall break out in
all the parts of Italy; blood and destruction shall be so widespread, and dreadful
objects so familiar, that mothers shall only smile when they see their infants cut
into pieces at the hands of war. He also predicts that Caesar's spirit; raging for
revenge, coming hot from hell with Ate by his side shall cry "Havoc!" in a
monarch's voice and let the dogs of war loose and that this foul deed shall smell
above the earth with decaying men, groaning for burial.

vii) What does Antony order Octavius’ servant to do?

Antony orders Octavius’s servant to get back to him quickly and tell him what had
happened. He emphasizes that Rome was mourning and not safe for Octavius. He
plans that in his speech he will understand how the people take the cruel actions of
these bloody men. Once he knows that, Antony asks the servant to immediately
report it to young Octavius.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

5
 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH
STD 10
JULIUS CAESAR
ACT 3 SCENE 2
2024-2025

Answer the following questions with reference to the context.

A.
Third Citizen
The noble Brutus is ascended; silence!
Brutus
Be patient till the last.
Roman, countrymen, and lovers! hear me for
My cause; and be silent, that you may hear.

1. When does this scene take place?

This scene takes place on the Ides of March when Julius Caesar was assassinated in the senate
house by the conspirators.
2. What mood are the citizens in? What does Brutus say to them and to Cassius to do?
Why?
A. The citizens are in an angry and excited mood.
Brutus asks them to follow him and listen to his explanation.
He tells Cassius to go into another street and divide the crowd into two batches.
Since the crowd is agitated Brutus makes a wise decision by dividing the mob into smaller
groups, to handle them better.

1
3. What does Brutus ask of the citizens in the above speech?
A. Brutus asks the citizens to hear him for his cause and be silent so that they can hear him.
Believe him for his honour and have respect for his honour so that they may believe what he
says. He says that they should judge with the help of their understanding and make up their
minds accurately.
4. What would Brutus tell a dear friend of Caesar in the assembly of people?
A. Brutus would say to the dear friend of Caesar that Brutus loved Caesar as dearly as he did.
5. What ‘cause’ is Brutus referring to? What would he say to the friend about the ‘cause’?
A. The ‘cause’ referred to here is the reason why Brutus rose against Caesar.
Brutus would tell the friend that his love for Rome is greater than his love for Caesar.
6. According to Brutus, if Caesar was allowed to live, how would he have treated the people
of Rome?
A. According to Brutus, if Caesar was allowed to live, he would have treated the people of Rome
as his slaves. He would become a tyrannical dictator. Since Caesar is dead, they are all free
citizens of Rome.
B.
Citizens
None, Brutus, none.

Brutus
Then none have I offended.
I have done no more to Caesar, than you shall do to Brutus

1. Where does this scene take place? Which three questions has Brutus already asked to
make the citizens reply in the negative?
A. This scene takes place at the Forum in Rome.
Brutus has already asked the following questions: ‘Who is here so base that would be a bondman?
Who is here so rude that would not be a Roman? Who is here so vile that will not love his country?’

2. Which qualities of Caesar does Brutus mention? How does he react to each of these traits?
A. Brutus maintains a consistent pattern where he presents Caesar’s action and then his own
reaction. He said that since he loved Caesar, he wept for him. As Caesar was fortunate, he rejoiced
at it; as he was valiant, Brutus honoured him but as he was ambitious, he slew him.’ Brutus says
these things to further reinforce his claim of loving Caesar.

2
3. Who enters the scene? How according to Brutus has this man benefitted from Caesar’s
death?
A. Mark Antony enters the scene.
According to Brutus, Antony has benefitted from Caesar's death, by receiving a place in the
commonwealth.

4. How did the people react to Brutus’ speech? What did they want to do to Brutus?
A. The crowd cheered Brutus’ apparent kindness, declaring that Brutus should be Caesar.
They also wanted to bring him with triumph to his house and erect a statue with his ancestors.
They wanted him to take Caesar’s position and crown him.

5. What great mistake did Brutus make after finishing his speech?
A. Brutus made the great mistake of begging the crowd to wait to listen to Mark Antony speak and
leaving him alone with the crowd.

C.

Antony
Yet Brutus says he was ambitious;
And, sure, he is an honorable man.
I speak not to disprove what Brutus spoke,
But here I am to speak what I do know.
You all did love him once, not without cause:
What cause withholds you then to mourn for him?

1. Bring out the difference as to how Antony and Brutus address the crowd?
A. Both Antony and Brutus address the crowd as “Romans and countrymen”. The only difference
is that Brutus calls them “lovers”, whereas Antony connects to them at a more personal level by
calling them “friends”.

2. What does Antony mean by saying “The evil that men do lives after them, the good is oft
interred with their bones; so let it be with Caesar”? Does he mean what he says?
A. Antony says that usually the bad deeds committed by men are remembered long after they are
dead but the good deeds that men do are usually forgotten as soon as they die. So, he says let the
good deeds that Caesar had formed be forgotten but they should try to recollect his faults which
made him deserve to be killed.
No, Antony wants to do just the opposite of what he says, he wants to praise Caesar and win over
the audience to his side. He is careful and watches the people shrewdly before he starts working
on their sentiments.

3. What main allegation had Brutus made against Caesar? How did Antony refute the
allegation?
A. The main allegation made by Brutus was that he blamed Caesar for being ambitious.
Antony refutes the allegation by saying that Caesar had brought many captives home to Rome,
whose ransoms filled the general coffers. When the poor cried, Caesar wept with them. He further

3
says that ambition should be made of sterner stuff and that they all did see that in the Feast of
Lupercal, Antony thrice presented Caesar the kingly crown, which he refused thrice.
Thus, Antony indirectly contradicted what Brutus had said.

4. Which sentence does Antony repeat a few times? What is its significance?
A. Antony repeats the following lines a few times:
“Yet Brutus says he was ambitious,
And Brutus is an honourable man.”
Its significance is that it adds to the sarcasm at each repetition. It is contrary to the intended
meaning; the words say one thing but mean another. It progresses from a simple statement to a
harsh accusation over the course of his speech. His indirect way of showing the crowd his
feelings makes his speech more effective.

5. While chiding the mob for not mourning for Caesar, Antony cries to judgement. What
does he say?
A. Antony says “O judgement, thou art fled to brutish beasts, And men have lost their reason!”
This means that judgement has turned into a cruel monster and the power of reasoning has been
lost by human beings who cannot distinguish between right and wrong.

6. What comments do the citizens make after Antony says that his heart is in the coffin
there with Caesar and that he must pause till it comes back to him?
A. The first citizen says that there is a lot of sense in what Antony is saying. The second citizen
says that if they think about the matter carefully, Caesar has had great injustice done to him. The
third citizen says that he is afraid a tyrant worse than Caesar will take his place. The fourth
citizen says that Anthony said Caesar would not accept the crown. This is the real proof that
Caesar was not ambitious. The first citizen now says that if that can be proved someone will have
to suffer for it. The second citizen pities Antony for his eyes are red and swollen with weeping.
The third citizen says that Antony is certainly the most worthy man in Rome.

D.

Antony
… now lies he there,
And none so poor to do him reverence.
O masters, if I were dispos’d to stir
Your hearts and minds to mutiny and rage,
I should do Brutus wrong and Cassius wrong…

1. What makes Antony feel that the people no longer respect Caesar?
A. Antony says that it seems it was only yesterday that the word of Caesar might have stood
against the world. Now he lies there and no one is too poor to pay him respect.

4
2. What does Antony choose not to do? Why?
A. Antony speaks again, saying that he would gladly stir the crowd to mutiny and rebellion;
though he chooses not to do the same, as he will not harm Brutus or Cassius, for they are
‘honourable’ men.
He also states that he would rather wrong the dead, wrong himself and the people before he
should wrong such ‘honourable’ men.

3. What does Antony find in his closet? Describe the reaction of the citizens.
A. Antony finds a parchment with the seal of Caesar. It was Caesar’s will that he found in the
closet.
The citizens beg him to read it. Antony says that he should not, for then they would be touched
by Caesar’s love for them. They implore him to read it. He replies that he has been speaking too
long, he wrongs the honourable men who have let him address the crowd. The citizens call the
conspirators traitors and demand that Antony read the will.

4. Besides the testament, what else does Antony show to the commons? What does he
mention about this?
A. Besides the testament, Antony shows a mantle/cloak to the commons.
He asks them if they remember the first time they saw Caesar put it on, one summer evening in
his tent, the day he overcame the Nervii. Antony directs their attention to the place that Cassius’
dagger ran through and bids them to see what a rent the envious Casca made. Further he shows
the mark through which the well-beloved Brutus stabbed; and as he plucked his dagger away,
Caesar’s blood flowed as if it was rushing out of doors.

5. Which was the unkindest cut of all? Why was it the unkindest cut of all? How does
Antony describe it?
A. The unkindest cut was made by Brutus, because he was known to be Caesar’s angel.
Antony describes it by saying that it was the unkindest cut of all. ‘For when noble Caesar saw
him stab, ingratitude, stronger than traitor’s arms, quite vanquished him which burst his mighty
heart. And in his mantle muffling up his face, even at the base of Pompey’s statue, which all the
while ran blood and then great Caesar, fell.’

6. Why did Caesar’s mighty heart burst?

A. Caesar’s mighty heart burst, as it was overpowered with Brutus’ ingratitude which was
stronger than a traitor’s arm.

7. Who fell with Caesar? Who triumphed? What does Antony go on to say?
A. Antony says that when Caesar fell along with him fell Antony himself and all the Romans.
As this happened, bloody treason triumphed over them.
Antony further says that now they (crowd) weep as they feel pity. Their tears are full of grace.
He asks if they weep seeing his disfigured clothes. He further provokes them by showing them
Caesar’s marred body. Anthony manages to change the crowd's mind from hostility against
Caesar to sympathy for him.

5
8. What does Antony fear?
A. Antony fears that he has spoken too much and revealed more than he ought to have.

E.

Antony
Good friends, sweet friends, let me not stir you up
To such a sudden flood of mutiny…

1. Who are the “good friends’ that Antony speaks to?

A. The plebeians/crowds/citizens of Rome.

2. Explain the first two lines of the extract. Is Antony being truthful?
A. Antony calls out to the crowd and tells them that he is not trying to provoke them to
mutiny/revolt against the conspirators.
No, Antony is not being truthful. In reality, this is what he actually wishes for.

3. How does Antony differentiate himself from Brutus? What does he urge the people to
do?
A. Antony claims, with false modesty, that he is not a great orator, like Brutus, and that he does
not intend to incite revolt. Yet in this very sentence, he means the exact opposite of what his
words say. He proves himself a skillful orator indeed and although he speaks against mutiny, he
knows that at this point the mere mention of the word will spur action.
He protests that he does not intend to steal away their hearts, for he is no orator like Brutus. He
proclaims himself to be a plain man; with no wit, nor worth, action, nor utterance nor the power
of speech to stir men’s blood. He is upfront and speaks what they already know, he says—he will
let Caesar’s wounds speak. If he were Brutus, he claims, he could urge them to rebel and move
every stone of Rome to rise and mutiny.

4. According to Antony, what would the citizens do if they heard Caesar’s testament?
A. If the citizens heard Caesar’s testament they would go and kiss dead Caesar’s wounds, dip
their napkins in his sacred blood, beg a hair of Caesar for their memory and while dying mention
it in their wills and pass it on as a rich legacy for their heirs.

5. What does Antony disclose to the crowd concerning Caesar’s will? How does the crowd
react?
A. Antony discloses that Caesar, in his will, has left the Roman citizens all his walks, his private
arbours, and new-planted orchards, on this side of Tiber. He has left all the luxuries of his palace
for the people and their heirs forever and common pleasures to walk abroad. Caesar has also left
seventy-five drachmas for each Roman citizen.
After Anthony’s concluding remarks about Caesar the citizens are mad for revenge, prepared for
fire, murder or any acts of cruelty and horror. They call it a piteous spectacle, a woeful day and
the most bloody sight.
The first citizen says they will never meet a person as noble as Caesar. He tells all the others to
go with him and burn Caesar’s body in the sacred place reserved for this. Then they will take
some of the burning board and set fire to the traitor's houses.

6
6. How do we know that Antony is pleased with the reaction of the crowd?
A. Antony says, ‘Now let it work: mischief, thou art afoot,
Take thou what course thou wilt!’
He further says, ‘Fortune is merry, and in this mood will give us anything.’

7. Who enters later and what news does he bring?

A. Octavius’ servant enters. He reports that Octavius and Lepidus are at Caesar’s house and that
Brutus and Cassius have ridden like madmen through the gates of Rome.

8. What does this scene reveal about Brutus’ character?

A. In this scene, Brutus’ dignity, honour, and personal uprightness are revealed. His honorable
nature makes him insist that the crowd should stay and listen to Anthony but it spells disaster for
the conspirators. The scene also reveals that Brutus is neither a good politician nor a good judge
of character. He fails to stir the emotions of the common people with his speech.

9. What does this scene reveal about Anthony’s character?

A. The scene reveals that Anthony is a master orator. He is bold, yet cautious in taking the
necessary steps in a calculating manner. He convinces Brutus and the conspirators to let him
speak of Caesar at his funeral. He is unscrupulous and has no intention of keeping his promise to
these men who killed his friend. He does not leave any opportunity to convince the common
people to go against the conspirators. He proves to be a true friend of Caesar and a great
politician.

10. What does the scene reveal about the mob?

A. In this scene the mob comes across as fickle-minded. They listen to Brutus’ speech as he
defends the assassination and are convinced by him to the extent that they want him to ‘be
Caesar’. Then when Antony makes his speech, they turn and want to burn down the houses of all
the conspirators.

******************************************************************************

7
 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH
STD 10
JULIUS CAESAR
ACT 3 SCENE 3
2024-2025

Answer the following questions with reference to the context.

A.
Cinna
I dreamt tonight that I did feast with Caesar,
And things unluckily charge my fantasy.
I have no will to wander forth of doors,
Yet something leads me forth.

1. Where does this scene take place? Who is Cinna?

A. This scene takes place on a street in Rome. Cinna is a poet.

2. What did Cinna dream of the previous night?

A. Cinna dreamt that Caesar had invited him to dinner. Cinna had declined the invitation but
something compelled him, drawing him out of his house.

3. How would the ancient Romans interpret the dream?

A. The ancient Romans were very superstitious. They believed that to dream of feasting with one
whom they knew to be dead was very ominous.

4. What questions do the frenzied citizens ask Cinna? What do they reveal about the
situation?
A. The citizens asked Cinna, what was his name? Where was he going? Where did he dwell? and
if he was a married man or a bachelor.
These rapid questions, each one giving no time for an answer, reveal the restless and dangerous
mood of the plebeians.

3. How was Cinna expected to answer them?

A. Cinna was expected to answer them directly, briefly and wisely.

1
4. State the reasons for Cinna’s death.
A. Cinna the poet was killed because he shared his name with the conspirator, Cinna.
The angry citizens also stated that they would kill him for his bad verses after knowing that he
was a poet.

5. Where did Cinna say he was going? What does the first citizen ask him then?
A. Cinna says that he was immediately going to Caesar’s funeral.
The first citizen wants to know whether Cinna is going to Caesar’s funeral as a friend or an
enemy.

6. What does the third citizen suggest at the end of the scene?
A. The third citizen suggests they burn Brutus’ and Cassius’ houses and everything in them and
some citizens should go to Decius’ house, some to Casca’s and some to Ligarius’ and burn them
too.

******************************************************************************

2
 02269157575/ 02269157576

LITERATURE IN ENGLISH Std. 10

JULIUS CAESAR 2024-2025
ACT 4 SCENE 1 & 2

Reference

Antony
These many, then, shall die, their names are prick’d.
Octavious
Your brother too must die; consent you, Lepidus?

1) a) Where was Antony? Who else was with them?

Ans: Antony was in a room in his house, in Rome.
Lepidus was with Antony and Octavious.
b) What have they formed? What is a Proscription?
Ans: They have formed the second triumvirate after Julius Caeser’s assassination.
A Proscription List was a recognized method of taking vengeance upon one’s political
enemies, those they want to kill. A list was drawn by the second triumvirate with the names of
people who supported Brutus and Cassius.

2) What errand has Lepidus been sent on? What did Antony want to do with it? What does this
reveal about Antony’s character?
Ans: Lepidus has been sent to Caesar’s house to fetch Caesar’s will.
Antony wants to determine how to cut off some charge in legacies and keep it for themselves.
This reveals that Antony is opportunistic and ruthless and can go to any lengths to be powerful.

3) a) What question does Antony ask immediately after he has called Lepidus ‘a slight
unmeritable man’?
Ans: After calling Lepidus a weak and unworthy man meant to be sent on errands. Antony asks if
he should be considered as one of the three rulers when the world is divided into three parts of
Europe, Africa and Asia.
b) How does Octavius defend him?
Ans: Octavius asks Antony that if he considers Lepidus an unmeritable man, then why did he take
his vote on who to add to the proscription list.

1
4) How does Antony retort back? Describe the comparison of Lepidus with an ass.
Ans: Antony retorts back saying that he has seen more days than Octavius and thus has more
experience than him.
Antony compares Lepidus to an ass that carries a rich load of gold for its master, struggles under
it, led or driven by the master. Once the load has been brought to its destination, it is taken off the
ass. The ass then shakes its ears and starts grazing. In the same manner, Lepidus will take away
some of the slanderous blame from Antony and Octavious, after which the power they have given
him will be taken away from him rendering him to become a common citizen again, deprived of
his fortune.

5) What does Octavius say then?

Ans: Octavius tells Antony that he may what pleases him but Lepidus is a tried and valiant soldier.

6) What does Antony then compare Lepidus to? Explain.

Ans: Antony then compares Lepidus to his horse. Antony’s horse is an experienced and brave
fighting creature, and for that Antony provides it food. He teaches it how to fight, to wind (turn),
to stop or to run directly on (straight ahead). All its corporal movements (bodily movements) are
controlled by Antony’s spirit. Similarly, Lepidus is so, to some extent. He needs to be taught, and
trained, and instructed by others to go ahead.

7) What did Antony then suggest to Octavius that they should do? Why did they want ‘to sit in
council’?
Ans: Since Brutus and Cassius are raising armies, Antony and Octavius too must immediately get
support from their allies and combine the troops into one united army. They must make best use of
their resources and advance against Brutus and Cassius.
They want to ‘sit in council’ to decide as to how things that are not known to the public be
revealed to them, and how the open perils can be best dealt with.

2
 ACT IV SC 2

Brutus
He greets me well. Your master, Pindarus,
In his own change, or by ill officers,
Hath given me some worthy cause to wish
Things done undone. But, if he be at hand,
I shall be satisfied

1) Where does this scene take place? Who is ‘He’ referred to here? Who is Lucilius?
Ans: This scene takes place in a camp near Sardis ( present day Turkey), in the rebel camp
Cassius is referred to as ‘He’ in the above extract.
Lucilius is a friend of Brutus and Cassius.

2) What does he ask when Brutus calls Lucillius to speak to him privately?
Ans: Brutus asks Lucillius how Cassius had received him, to know if there was any change in his
attitude towards them.

3) How does Brutus describe his relationship with ‘He’? How does he continue to describe
hollow men?
Ans: Brutus describes his relationship with Cassius as a ‘hot friend cooling.’
Brutus says that when love begins to sicken and decay, it becomes an enforced ceremony
(unnatural and constrained formality). In friendship, there are no tricks (deceits). According to
Brutus, hollow (insincere) men make a gallant show of being hot at hand (eager) so long as they
are held back. But when they are put to the test, they fall (droop) their crests (proud necks) like
worthless horses. Brutus compares the ‘hollow men’ to ‘horses’.

4) Why is this scene important?

Ans: This scene reveals the weakness of the republican party, as we see a rift between Brutus and
Cassius.

************************************************************************

3
 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH Std. 10

JULIUS CAESAR 2024-2025

ACT 4 SCENE 3
Reference I.
The name of Cassius honours this corruption,
And chastisement doth therefore hide his head.

1. Who is the speaker of the given lines? What ‘corruption’ is he talking about?
Ans Brutus is the speaker of the given lines. He is criticizing Cassius of having an ‘itching
palm’ to sell and mart his offices for gold to undeservers (unworthy people).

2. Why does Cassius feel that he has been wronged by Brutus?

Ans Cassius feels that he has been wronged by Brutus as Brutus had condemned and noted
Lucius Pella for taking bribes from the Sardians, wherein Cassius’ letters, praying on his side
were slighted off because he knew Lucius Pella.

3. Why does Brutus remind Cassius about the Ides of March?

Ans Brutus reminds Cassius about the Ides of March because that was the day Caesar was
killed. He asks him if there was anyone so villainous as to stab Caesar for some other reason
than the cause of justice. He also asks him whether one of them who struck the foremost man
(Caesar) of the world would contaminate their fingers with base bribes and sell the mighty
positions of their great honours for so much trash as may be grabbed. He tells Cassius he would
rather be a dog and bay the moon than be such a Roman.

4. Brutus asks Cassius to remember the Ides of March? What does the Ides of March signify to
them? Why does Brutus remind Cassius that Caesar bled for justice’s sake?
Ans The Ides of March signifies the day that Caesar was assassinated. Brutus suggests that the
assassination was an act of justice implying that Caesar’s ambition and tyranny warranted his
downfall. Brutus believes that Caesar’s death was necessary to uphold justice and preserve the
Republic.

Reference II
Cassius:
O ye gods! ye gods! Must I endure all this?
Brutus:
All this? ay, more: fret till your proud heart break;

1. What should Cassius endure according to Brutus?

1
Ans Brutus tells Cassius to fret till his proud heart breaks. He asks Cassius to show his slaves
how angry he can be and make his bondmen tremble. Brutus further asks Cassius if he must
budge, observe him or stand and crouch under his testy humour. Brutus tells Cassius that he
could digest the venom of his spleen (anger) for from that day onwards he would use Cassius
for his mirth and laughter when he is waspish (bad-tempered).

2. What, according to Brutus has Cassius done for which he should be sorry?
Ans Brutus tells Cassius that he should be sorry for what he has done. Brutus had asked him for
certain sums of gold to pay his army which Cassius denied. He tells Cassius that he would
rather turn his heart into gold and his drops of blood into silver coins (drachmas) than squeeze
the unwilling (hardworking) hands of the peasants to get their poor money by any dishonourable
means.

3. What is Cassius’ reply?

Ans Cassius says that he did not deny him but the messenger was only a fool that brought his
answer back and that Brutus had riv’d (torn) his heart. He further told that a friend should bear
his friend’s infirmities, but Brutus made his infirmities greater than they were.

4. A little later in the scene, Brutus tells Cassius “You shall digest the venom of your spleen,
Though it do split you;” What does Brutus mean by this?
Ans Brutus is challenging Cassius to endure the consequences of his own anger and bitterness
even if it harms him.

5. Why does Cassius consider himself a better soldier than Brutus? Was he justified in calling
himself a better soldier? Give reasons for your answer.
Ans Cassius calls himself a better soldier due to his experience and ability to make practical
decisions in war. His statement is justified as it stems from his military experience and
understanding of strategy which is in contrast with Brutus’ idealism.

Reference III
Cassius:
Come, Antony, and young Octavius, come,
Revenge yourselves alone on Cassius,

1. Why does Cassius say the above words? How does he express his grief?
Ans Cassius says the above words as he is weary (tired) of the world. ‘He is hated by the one he
loves, brav’d (defied) by his brother and check’d like a bondman (corrected like a slave). All his
faults are observ’d, set in a notebook and conn’d by rote to throw in his face.’
He says that he could die of grief. He then removes his dagger and presents his chest and
challenges them to take it out and strike him like they did Caesar.

2. What does Brutus compare his anger to?

2
Ans Brutus compares Cassius’ anger to a flint that does not give fire until it has been struck
repeatedly and with great force. It gives a brief spark and is immediately cold again. He
characterizes his temper as being mild and fleeting indicating that he does not hold grudges and
quickly moves past anger.

3. How do Brutus and Cassius reconcile?

Ans Cassius tells Brutus to be patient with him as the rash humour that his mother gave him
makes him forget himself. Brutus replies that when Cassius is over-earnest (too hard on) with
Brutus, he would think that Cassius’ mother chides and leave it at that.

Reference IV
Brutus:
No man bears sorrow better. Portia is dead.
Cassius:
Ha? Portia?
Brutus:
She is dead.

1. How did Portia die?

Ans Portia became impatient of Brutus’ absence and she was grieved by the fact that Octavius
with Mark Antony have made themselves so strong for which filled with despair. She got
distracted and when her attendants were absent, she swallowed fire thus killing herself.

2. What did Brutus request Cassius when he was brooding over Portia’s death?
Ans Brutus requested Cassius to speak no more of her. He demanded for a bowl of wine in
which he wanted to bury all unkindness.

3. What information was provided in the letters received by Brutus?

Ans Brutus received letters which provided information that young Octavius and Mark Antony
were coming down with a mighty power, bending their expedition towards Philippi.

Reference V
Brutus: Your reason?
Cassius: This it is:
’Tis better that the enemy seek us;
So shall he waste his means, weary his soldiers,
Doing himself offense, whilst we, lying still,
Are full of rest, defense, and nimbleness.

1. What is the subject of the discussion between Brutus and Cassius?

Ans The context of their discussion is the planning of their next military move against the forces
of Mark Antony and Octavius. They are debating whether to march to Philippi to confront their
enemies or to wait for the enemy to come to them.

3
2. What are the reasons Cassius offers for not marching to Philippi.
Ans Cassius argues that it would be better to wait for the enemy to come to them. He believes
that by doing so, the enemy will exhaust their resources and tire out their soldiers. Meanwhile,
Cassius' forces would remain well-rested, better defended, and more agile. This defensive
strategy was intended to weaken the enemy before engaging in battle.

3. What is Brutus' counter argument to Cassius' suggestion?

Ans Brutus disagrees with Cassius, arguing that if they wait, the enemy will gain strength by
gathering support from the people between their current location and Philippi. He believes that
the people are only reluctantly supporting them and might switch allegiance to the enemy. By
marching to Philippi, Brutus argues that they can prevent the enemy from gaining this
advantage. He also believes that their forces are at their peak strength, and any delay would lead
to their decline.

4. What does Brutus mean by the phrase, "There is a tide in the affairs of men"?
Ans Brutus uses a metaphor to explain that there are moments in life (like the tide) that must be
seized when they are at their highest or most opportune point. If these moments are missed, the
chance for success is lost, and the outcome will be less favourable. He is emphasizing the
importance of taking action at the right time to ensure success.

5. Why does Brutus believe that their cause is "ripe" and what does he mean by "we, at the
height, are ready to decline"?
Ans Brutus believes that their cause is "ripe" because he feels that their forces are at their
maximum strength and readiness, and the timing is perfect for them to strike. By saying "we, at
the height, are ready to decline," he means that they have reached the peak of their power, and
any delay will lead to a decline in their strength and opportunities. Therefore, he argues that
they must act now before their position weakens.

Reference VI
It was well done, and thou shalt sleep again;
I will not hold thee long: if I do live,
I will be good to thee.

1. What was Brutus’ reaction after he heard the sleepy tune played by Lucius?
Ans The sleepy tune played by Lucius seemed to be the murderous slumber. Brutus did not
want to trouble him anymore by keeping him awake. Brutus thought that if he drooped down, he
was sure to break his instrument. Therefore, he chose to take it from him. He advised Lucius to
sleep as he could understand that he was sleepy from the tune he played.

2. Describe what happened when the taper burnt in an ill manner.

Ans When the taper burnt in an ill manner, Brutus saw an apparition approaching him. He
thought that it was the weakness of his eyes which shaped that monstrous apparition which

4
came upon him. He doubted whether the apparition was real, or some god, angel or devil which
made his blood cold and hair to stare. Brutus urged the apparition to speak to him.

3. Why do you think the ghost was visible only to Brutus?

Ans Caesar’s ghost appeared only before Brutus who was between consciousness and sleep as
he was reading in his tent before the battle at Philippi.
The appearance of the ghost stirred the conscience of Brutus for his past acts were disturbing
him while he was pondering his future battle. Brutus who has made errors in judgement earlier
such as allowing Mark Antony to live after the assassination, begins to have pangs of
conscience over his guilt for killing his dear friend Caesar. Brutus was the only one among the
conspirators who fought for the sake of his country whereas the others were envious and jealous
of Caesar. It was difficult for Brutus to come to terms with Cassius, but he did so only for the
love for his country. He was the only one feeling guilt for which the ghost was visible only to
Brutus.

*****************************************************************************

5
 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH
DRAMA- JULIUS CAESAR STD.10
ACT 5 SCENE 1 2024-2025

Reference 1
Octavius: Now, Antony, our hopes are answered!
You said the enemy would not come down,
But keep the hills and upper regions.

i) Where does this scene take place? Who enters the scene now?
This scene takes place in the plains of Philippi. Octavius and Antony with their army
enter the scene.

ii) How were their hopes answered?

Octavius tells Antony that their hopes were fulfilled as Antony had said that the enemy
would not come down to the plains, but instead would remain in the hills and higher
regions. He says it has proved otherwise and their armies were approaching fast. They
intended to challenge them there at Philippi “answering before we do demand of them.”

iii) What message does a messenger give them?

A messenger tells them to prepare themselves. Their foes are advancing in gallant
show. Their red flag, the signal for battle is hung out. So, something must be done
immediately.

iv) How does Antony react to this message? What does Octavius say in reply?
Antony tells Octavius to lead his army slowly on to the left-hand side of the level
ground.
Octavius replies that he will advance on the right. He asks Mark Antony to keep to the left.

v) What is the difference between the left and right sides of the field?
In the Roman battles, the superior general always fought on the right side of the field.
It was a position of greater honour and responsibility in the Roman army.

vi) What military strategy does Brutus advocate? What was Brutus’ reason for following this
strategy?
Brutus advocated parley (discussion): ‘words before blows’. This suggests that Brutus believes that
resolving conflicts through dialogue is preferable to violence reflecting his belief in the power of
reason over force.

vii) How does Brutus begin the parley?

Brutus begins the parley by asking “words before blows. Is it so, countrymen?”

viii) What does Antony say about Brutus bad strokes?

Antony tells Brutus that in his bad strokes, he speaks good words. He reminds him of
the wound he made in Caesar’s heart while flattering him with sweet words like “Long live!
(1)
Hail Caesar!”

ix) Explain: Cassius’ words-

“The posture of your blows are yet unknown;
But for your words, they rob the Hybla bees,
And leave them honeyless”
Cassius taunts Antony saying that they do not know on which side his blows will fall
(for he professed friendship for both sides) and how he will fight. As far as his words
go, they are so sweet that he must have visited the famous beehives of Hybla and
stolen all their honey.

x) How does Antony angrily describe the way the conspirators had killed Caesar?
Antony calls them villains and claims that they were not affected when their vile
daggers hack’d one another in the sides of Caesar. He reminds them how they show’d
their teeth like apes, fawn’d like hounds and bow’d like bondmen kissing Caesar’s
feet, whilst damned Casca like a cur, struck Caesar on the neck from behind. He then
calls the conspirators flatterers.

xi) What does Cassius remind Brutus of after hearing Antony insult them?
If Brutus had listened to Cassius’ advice of killing Antony along with Caesar, they would not have
had to listen to his insult.

Reference II
Coming from Sardis, on our former ensign
Two mighty eagles fell, and there they perch’d
Gorging and feeding from our soldiers’ hands,
Who to Phillipi here consorted us.

i)Who is the speaker of the given lines? What had he seen?

Cassius speaks the given lines. Cassius narrated an incident while he was coming from Sardis, on
their former ensign. He noticed how two mighty eagles fell, and perched there, gorging and
feeding from their soldiers’ hands whilst having consorted them to Philippi. He said that the next
morning they were fled away and gone; “in their stead, ravens, crows and kites fly o’er
their heads and downward look on them as they were sickly prey.”
He compares the birds flying above them to a “canopy most fatal” under which their army
lies, ready to give up the ghost.

ii) A little late Cassius tells Messala, “For I am fresh of spirit and resolv’d
To meet all perils very constantly.” What does Cassius mean by this?
Cassius says very courageously that he is determined to face boldly whatever dangers
may present themselves.

iii) Explain the lines that follow the given extract:

As we were sickly prey: their shadows seem
A canopy most fatal…..
The given lines reflect Cassius' view of the ominous birds casting a shadow over their army,
symbolizing death and defeat. The phrase ‘canopy most fatal’ serves serves as a metaphor for the
looming threat of disaster suggesting their army is vulnerable and marked for doom. It suggests that
Cassius was mentally prepared for a possible defeat in the battle.

(2)
 iv) Whose philosophy did Cassius follow before?
Cassius followed the Epicurean School of Philosophy. Epicurus was a Greek philosopher. This
philosophy generally disregarded omens and the supernatural. Epicurus preached that one must not
be influenced by superstitions.

v) What character traits of Cassius are displayed here? How does he appear to have a
different bent of mind from what he had earlier in the play?
Cassius displays a blend of superstition and practicality contrasting with his earlier rational and
manipulative nature. His belief in omens and his emotional response to the situation reveal a more
vulnerable and introspective side acknowledging the influence of power of fate and the gods.

vi) What does Cassius now hope for? Why? What was the worst that may befall
them?
Cassius wishes the Gods may befriend them so that they, two friends in peace, may
yet live as friends till old age. Cassius says that since the future of men always
remains uncertain, they should decide how they will be prepared for the worst.
If they were defeated in the battle of Philippi, this would be the last time they spoke to
each other.

vii) How does Brutus say he will react if the worst befalls them?
Brutus said that even by the rule of that philosophy (Stoicism), by which he blamed
Cato for the death which he did give himself and though he thought that the suicide was cowardly
and vile he would not allow himself to be paraded as a prisoner in the streets of Rome. Thus, he would
kill himself.

***************************************************************************************

(3)
 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH
STD 10
JULIUS CAESAR
ACT 5 SCENE 2 and 3
2024-2025

Answer the following questions with reference to the context.

A.
Brutus
Ride, ride, Messala, ride, and give these bills
Unto the legions on the other side.

1. What does Brutus tell Messala to do? Why?

A. The signals are given for the battle to start and the plain of Philippi is alive with troop
movement. Brutus gives Messala messages for Cassius which urge an immediate attack.
Brutus’ judgement is based on the belief that Octavius’ forces are timid and lack fighting spirit
and that a sudden attack will be enough to defeat them.

B.
Cassius
O look, Titinius, look, the villains fly!
Myself have to mine own turn’d enemy;

1. Where does this scene take place? Name the two people who enter the scene.
A. This scene takes place in another part of the battlefield in Philippi.
Cassius and Titinius enter the scene.

2. Who are the ‘villains’? Why are they running?

A. The ‘villains’ are the men of Cassius’ army.
They are running for their lives as they are surrounded by Antony’s troops.

3. Who is the ‘ensign’? Why does Cassius kill the ‘ensign’?

A. The ‘ensign’ is the flag-bearer who marches ahead of the army.
Cassius killed the ensign as he was running away in cowardice and took the flag
away from him.
1
4. When Cassius says that he has become an enemy of his own troops, what information
does Titinius give him? How did Brutus’ error backfire on Cassius’ side?
A. Titinius tells him that Brutus’ error of judgment was based on the belief that Octavius’ forces
were timid and lacked fighting spirit and that a sudden attack would defeat them. He was
overconfident and thought that the battle was won.
This error of judgment backfired on Cassius’ side, as Brutus’ men fell to plunder Octavius’ wing,
instead of helping Cassius’ troops who were surrounded by Antony’s soldiers.

5. What news does Pindarus bring Cassius? How does he react to the news? What does
Cassius ask Titinius?
A. Pindarus, tells Cassius to run further off as Mark Antony is in his tents.
Cassius goes further off to a hill.
He asks Titinius whether the tents where he sees the fire burning is his as he has weak
eyesight.

6. What does Cassius tell Titinius to do when the latter says they are his tents?
A. When Titinius answers that Cassius’ tents are on fire, he tells Titinius to ‘Mount thou my
horse, and hide thy spurs in him,’ and bring back news to him if the troops there were their
friends or enemies.

7. After Titinius leaves, what does Cassius tell Pindarus?

A. After Titinius leaves, Cassius tells Pindarus to climb the top of the hill. Since his eyesight had
never been good, he should keep his eyes on Titinius and tell him everything that was happening
on the battlefield.

8. What information does Pindarus give Cassius?

A. Pindarus informs Cassius that Titinius is being surrounded by some men on horseback
advancing towards him at full speed, yet Titinius does not halt. Then some of them almost reach
him and he is dismounted. They surround him and shout in triumph. Pindarus thinks that the
troops are those of the enemy and that Titinius is captured.

9. How does Cassius interpret the report? Why?

A. Cassius wrongly concludes that Titinius is captured by the enemy.
Cassius is in a depressed mood. He has a premonition of defeat, death, and disaster.
Cassius’ soldiers were retreating and he had to kill his standard-bearer who was running
away from the battle with the flag.
Anthony had surrounded his tents and set them on fire.
Cassius is misled by Pindarus’ erroneous assessment which he accepts without verifying.
He feels that he is the cause of Titinius’ capture.

10. What does Cassius command Pindarus to do?

A. Cassius reminds Pindarus how he spared his life when he had taken him prisoner in Parthia on
condition that Pindarus promised to do whatever he asked. Cassius hands over the sword that he
used to killed Caesar with. He orders him to run it through his body to kill him and by doing so
earn his freedom from slavery.

2
11. What does Cassius say as Pindarus stabs him? What do his words disclose?
A. Cassius says, “Caesar, thou art reveng’d”.
His words disclose the loaming power of Caesar's spirit even though he is dead. Caesar avenges
his untimely death at the hands of the conspirators.

C.

Titinius
These tidings will well comfort, Cassius.

1. Who re-enter the scene? What ‘tidings’ is Titinius referring to?

A. Titinius and Messala re-enter the scene.
Titinius is referring to the victory of Brutus over Octavius which would please Cassius.

2. What explanation does Messala give for Cassius’s death?

A. Messala says that Cassius killed himself because he thought they had lost the whole battle.
Sadness, which misconstrues reality, gave birth to his errors in thinking and then destroyed him.

3. Identify the literary device and explain the line, “O hateful Error, Melancholy’s child”.
A. “O hateful Error, Melancholy’s child, is a personification. It is a literary device that gives a
human attribute to “Error” as the child of a depressed mind. It is ‘hateful’ because it is
responsible for the death of its creator, Cassius.

4. What does Titinius compare Cassius to? Why according to Titinius had
Cassius done what he had?
A. Titinius says, just as the setting sun’s rays turn red when it sets, so Cassius has ended his life
in a pool of red blood. The sun of Rome has set and the night approaches with all its horrors,
clouds, dews, and dangers.
Now that Cassius is gone Rome will have to face evil days.
Titinius said that mistrust of his success by Cassius, hath done this deed.

5. How does Messala react? Whom did he then go to meet and with what news?
How welcome would that news be to that person?
A. Messala says that mistrust of good success has resulted in Cassius’s death.
Error is the child of a depressed mind that misleads people to believe things that are not true. The
error never has a happy birth but kills the mother who conceived it.
He then goes to meet Brutus who on hearing the news would be touched as if pierced in the heart
by a sharp sword and poisoned arrows.

6. What are Titinius’ words to the dead Cassius before he kills himself?
A. Titinius asks brave Cassius why he sent him forth on that mission and those that he met were
friends who put a wreath of victory on his brow with a request to give it to Cassius. He says
sadly that Cassius had misunderstood the whole thing and tells him to wear the garland on his
brow, the one his friend Brutus had asked him to give Cassius, he then places the wreath on
Cassius.

3
7. Explain: ‘This is a Roman’s part.’
A. The Romans considered it a duty to commit suicide to avoid the disgrace of a defeat.

8. What does Brutus exclaim about Caesar, when he sees the dead bodies of Cassius and
Titinius? What does he imply?
A. When Brutus sees the dead bodies of Cassius and Titinius, he exclaims sorrowfully
‘O Julius Caesar, thou art mighty yet!
Thy spirit walks abroad and turns our swords
In our own proper entrails.’
He implies that Caesar is still powerful even after death. His spirit still roams about thirsting for
revenge and turns the swords of the conspirators into their own hearts.

9. How does Brutus pay tribute to Cassius and Titinius?

A. Brutus mourns for Cassius and Titinius by saying that Rome will never again find two such
honourable men. They represented all that was best in ancient Rome and it is impossible that
Rome will ever produce two such brave men. He says that no amount of tears can ever repay
what he owes Cassius. Brutus does not waste any time as they are in the midst of a battle, which
needs his sole attention and since he is a Stoic, he controls his sadness till a suitable occasion.

10. Where does Brutus propose to send the bodies of the ‘two Romans’ for their funeral?
Why?
A. Brutus proposes to send the bodies of the ‘two Romans’ to the island of Thasos.
Brutus felt that the soldiers would be disheartened and moved to tears if the funeral was held in
the camp. He could not risk the soldiers being demoralized as the battle was ongoing.

11. What does this scene reveal about Brutus’ character? Where does his error of
judgment lead them to?
A. Brutus is a good general, but an impractical man. His premature attack exposes Cassius to
being surrounded by the enemy. This error of judgment leads to Antony defeating the army led
by Cassius.
His lack of wisdom gives the final blow to his noble cause. He thought that the victory over
Octavius was assured and allowed his troops to plunder his camp instead of going to help
Cassius, who commits suicide, due to a misunderstanding.

***********

4
 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH
STD 10
JULIUS CAESAR
ACT 5 SCENE 4
2024-2025

Answer the following questions with reference to the context.

A.
Brutus
Yet, countrymen, O, yet hold up your heads!

1. Where does this scene take place?

A. This scene takes place in another part of the field in Philippi.

2. How do Lucilius and Young Cato try to motivate the legions?

A. Lucilius and Young Cato proclaim their name about the field. Lucilius, however, proclaims
his own name as Brutus, to ensure that the soldiers are more motivated and work better.

3. How does Lucilius pay tribute to Young Cato after he is slain?

A. When Young Cato is slain, Lucilius mentions that he is dead like Titinius, doing his duty.
Moreover, this sacrifice of his makes him worthy of being called Cato’s son.

B.

First Soldier
Yield, or thou diest.

1. How does Lucilius respond to the above comment? What does he do to ensure that he
gets what he wants?
A. Lucilius says that he will yield only to die.
He bribes the soldier by offering him money and saying that he will benefit from the honour of
killing Brutus.

1
2. Why does Lucilius pretend to be Brutus? What does this show?
A. Lucilius pretends to be Brutus to divert the attention of the soldiers and give Brutus time to
escape. This shows the nobility and loyalty of Lucilius’ character. It also shows that Brutus has
many who admire him and are ready to sacrifice their lives for him.

3. What assurances about Brutus does Lucilius give Antony?

A. Lucilius says that Brutus is safe enough. No enemy would take alive the noble Brutus. He also
adds that whenever Brutus is found, alive or dead, he will be in an honourable state.

4. How does Antony react to witnessing Lucilius’ loyalty towards Brutus?

A. Antony says that Lucilius is no less worthy than Brutus as he has exhibited fierce loyalty
towards him. He would rather have such men as his friends than as his enemies.

5. What can you understand about Antony’s personality after his exchange with Lucilius?
A. Antony is a clever general and understands the value of loyalty in his soldiers.

**************

2
 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH
DRAMA- JULIUS CAESAR STD.10
ACT 5 SCENE 5 2024-2025

Reference 1
Volumnius : Not so, my lord.
Brutus: Nay I am sure it is, Volumnius.
Thou seest the world, Volumnius, how it goes.
Our enemies have beat us to the pit.

1. Where does this scene take place?

This scene takes place in another part of the field at Philippi.

2. Who is Volumnius? When Volumnius disagrees with Brutus, what does Brutus again say he is
sure about?
Volumnius is Brutus’ childhood friend. Brutus says he is sure about his end being near because their
enemies ‘have beat us to the pit.’(grave) and says it is far better ‘to leap in ourselves than tarry till they
push us’

3. What does Brutus remind Volumnius of? What does he request him to do?
Brutus reminds Volumnius of them going to school together and their old schoolday friendship. Brutus
tenderly requests him to ‘Hold thou my sword hilts, whilst I run on it.’

4. What reply does Volumnius give Brutus to his request?

Volumnius replies ‘That’s not an office for a friend, my lord’

5. A little earlier, what does Brutus do that makes Clitus react very strongly? What does it reflect
about Clitus’ feelings towards Brutus?
Brutus whispers to Clitus asking Clitus to kill him. Clitus strongly refuses saying he would rather kill
himself. This reflects Clitus’ loyalty and respect towards Brutus showing that he could not bear the
thought of harming Brutus.

6. How many times did the ghost of Caesar appear to Brutus? Where did the ghost appear to him?
How did the prophesy of the ghost of Caesar finally come true?
The ghost of Caesar appeared to Brutus two times: once at Sardis and then in the Phillipi fields the
previous night. The prophecy when Brutus meets his death. This prophecy is fulfilled in the final battle
at Philippi, where Brutus realizes that the fight is lost and takes his own life.

7. What does the prophecy signify?

The ghost's prophecy signifies that Caesar’s spirit has triumphed over Brutus. Though Caesar was
physically killed, his influence continued to dominate the events, leading to the defeat of the
conspirators and Brutus' ultimate demise. Therefore, Brutus' death at Philippi fulfills the ghost’s
warning, in the sense that Caesar’s presence looms over Brutus’ fate.

8. Why does Brutus say his heart is rejoicing, as he bids his friends farewell?
As he bids his friends farewell, Brutus says that his heart is rejoicing because all his friends are loyal to
him.
(1)
6. Explain what Brutus means when he says: ‘I shall have glory by this losing day, more than
Octavius and Mark Antony By this vile conquest shall attain unto.’
When Brutus says ‘this losing day’, he refers to the day of the defeat of their army. Yet, Brutus will have
more glory by losing the battle, than Octavius and Antony will have by winning it shamefully. The day
is also full of glory for Brutus because he dies fighting for the cause of freedom against tyranny.

7. What are Brutus’s last words to his friend before they depart?
Brutus says that his tongue has almost spoken its last words. He is about to die and can speak no more.
His eyes are getting heavy with sleep which indicates death. His aching body wants to rest after helping
him up to this hour.

Reference 2
Strato: Free from bondage you are in, Messala.
The conquerors can but make a fire of him.
For Brutus only overcame himself,
And no man else hath honour by his death.

1. When Messala asks Strato where his master is, what reply does he give?
Strato replies that his master has escaped the captivity that Messala is in. All that his enemies can now
do is to cremate his dead body, for Brutus has killed himself and no one can boast of the honour of
having killed Brutus.

2. Explain Antony’s eulogy pronounced over the corpse of Brutus.

Antony begins his eulogy by saying that Brutus was the noblest Roman, the most honourable of all the
conspirators. He alone, unlike his companions, joined in the plot for the saving of the republic and for
the good of all while the others did it in envy of Caesar. His life was gentle, and the elements so mix’d
in him, that Nature might stand up and say to all the world ‘This was a man’ – the like of whom cannot
easily be found again. This refers to the ideal balance of qualities such as bravery, moral integrity and
compassion that Brutus embodied as per the Elizabethan view of an ideal person.

3. What does Octavius say about Brutus?

Octavius tells Antony and the others that he will treat Brutus with the honour and respect due to a noble
soldier and he will be given an honourable funeral with his body lying in his tent that night.

************************************************************************************

(2)
 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH
STD 10
PROSE
THE PEDESTRIAN

Answer the following questions with reference to the context.

EXTRACT 1
‘Sometimes he would walk for hours and miles and return only at midnight to his
house.”

1) Whom does ‘he’ refer to? What was his daily routine?
Ans- The ‘he’ given above refers to Mr Leonard Mead, the protagonist of the story,
The Pedestrian.
His daily routine would include walking around the city at eight o’ clock every
evening. Very often he would walk for hours and return home only around midnight.

2) What did he ‘dearly love’ to do? What do you get to know about the setting of the
story?
Ans- Mead loved to put his feet upon the buckling concrete walk, to step over grassy
seams and make his way, hands in pockets through the silence of the night.
The story is set in A.D. 2053, at eight o’ clock of a misty evening in November.

3) What ‘really made no difference’ and why?

Ans- Mead would stand upon the corner of an intersection and peer down long
moonlit avenues of sidewalk in four directions, deciding which way to go, which
would really made no difference.
This was because he was alone in this world of A.D. 2053, or as good as alone, as
there was no one else walking around at that time of the evening. Regardless of the
direction he chose, the streets would be empty and silent.

4) What would he usually see on his walks? What is it compared to? Explain the simile.
Ans- On his way, Mead would see the cottages and homes with their dark windows.
It is compared to walking through a graveyard where only the faintest glimmers of
firefly light appeared in flickers behind the windows. The occupants of the homes are
compared to grey phantoms that seemed to suddenly appear upon the inner room
walls where a curtain was still undrawn against the night, or the whispered chatter

1
 among the inhabitants would be heard where a window in a tomblike building was
still open.

5) Why is Mead described as a ‘lone figure’? What was he careful about while walking
at night?
Ans- Mead is described as a ‘lone figure’ as he is the only person walking the deserted
streets at night.
He was careful about not making any noise. He wore sneakers while walking so as to
not startle the dogs on the road who would start barking if they heard hard heels. The
barking would in turn startle the residents, who would switch on the lights and look
out of the windows.

EXTRACT 2

“What is it now?” he asked the houses, noticing his wristwatch? Eight-thirty

P.M.? Time for a dozen assorted murders? A quiz? A revue? A comedian falling
off the stage?”

1) Who is Mead speaking to in the given extract? What do the above descriptions
refer to? What is a revue?
Ans- Mead is speaking to the dark houses he passes by on his walk.
The above descriptions refer to the various television shows that he assumes the
residents are watching in their homes.
A revue is a theatrical performance dealing with topical issues.

2) What kind of a life do we assume the residents led?

Ans- The residents would probably go to work in the morning as there was
thunderous surge of cars in the daytime, the gas stations would be open and
everyone would be rushing around like insects. In the evening they would all
return home to watch the television. We can assume they led a sedentary and
passive life disconnected from the world outside their homes.

3) Who accompanies Mead on his walks? What does he compare it to? What does it
convey?
Ans- He is accompanied by his shadow.
He compares it to the shadow of a hawk in mid country.
This suggests a sense of freedom and isolation.

4) What interrupted his walk that evening? What was unique about it?
Ans- A robotic police car interrupted his walk.
Ever since a year ago, 2052, the election year, the force had been cut down from
three cars to one. Crime was ebbing, there was no need now for the police, save
for this one lone car wandering and wandering empty streets. In a city of three
million, there was only one police car.

2
5) What opinion do you form of Leonard Mead? Give reasons to support your view.
Ans- Leonard Mead appears to be a non- conformist, that is a person who lives
and thinks in a way that is different from other people.
He is walking around alone in the night when no one did that anymore.
Most of the people watched television while he did not even own a television set.
He was a writer by profession, a profession which was no longer relevant as no
one read books or magazines anymore.
His home was the only one which was lit up brightly while the rest of the street
has homes which were dark.

EXTRACT 3
“No profession,” said the police car, as if talking to itself. The light held him
fixed, like a museum specimen, needle thrust through chest.

1) How has the voice of the robotic car been described? What does it suggest?
Ans- The voice of the robotic car has been described as metallic.
It suggests that the voice was authoritative, harsh and menacing. The car did not
obviously have any feelings or concern for the citizen who was found breaking the
rules.

2) Briefly describe the simile used in the extract.

Ans- The simile compares Mead’s immobilised state due to the light of the car in
his eyes to that of an insect pinned in a museum display.
It highlights his helplessness and the dehumanising effect of the police car’s
scrutiny.

3) List the questions the robotic car posed to Mead.

Ans- The car asked Mead questions regarding his profession, what he was doing
outside his house and the purpose, where he lived, whether he had an air
conditioner and a television. He also asked him his name and whether he was
married.

4) ‘There was nothing soft there.’ What does ‘there’ refer to? Describe it. What does
it imply?
Ans- ‘There’ refers to the back seat of the car.
It was a little cell, a black jail with bars. It smelled of riveted steel. It smelled of
antiseptic and too clean, hard and metallic.
It implies that it was cold, sterile and unwelcoming like a prison cell. This brings
out the lack of humanity and harshness in the interaction between Mead and the
‘police’.

5) Where was Mead taken away? What was his crime?

Ans- Mead was taken away to the Psychiatric Centre for Research on Regressive
Tendencies.
His crime was walking alone at night which was considered abnormal and
therefore, suspicious.

3
6) On what note does the story end? What is the theme conveyed? What is the
message that Bradbury brings out?
Ans- The story ends on a bleak and hopeless note as Bradbury mentions the empty
riverbeds, the empty sidewalks, and the lack of sound and motion. It paints a
picture of loneliness and silence as the protagonist is taken away in a police car.

The theme is isolation as the narrator emphasises on the importance of social

interaction in a healthy society by including bleak isolation for the protagonist.

In The Pedestrian, Ray Bradbury has chosen to make a statement on the effects of
technology in our lives. Through characterization and imagery, he shows that if
mankind advances to the point where society loses its humanity, then mankind
may as well cease to exist.

4
 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH
STD 10
PROSE
THE LAST LESSON

Answer the following questions with reference to the context.

Extract 1

"Then, as I hurried by as fast as I could go, the blacksmith, Wachter, who was there, with his
apprentice, reading the bulletin, called after me, “Don’t go so fast, bub; you’ll get to your school in
plenty of time!”"

i. Why was Franz in a hurry, and what does Wachter’s remark imply?
Ans: Franz was in a hurry because he was late for school and was worried about M. Hamel’s reaction.
Wachter’s remark, “Don’t go so fast, bub; you’ll get to your school in plenty of time!” implies a sense of
irony, as Wachter knows something Franz does not—that this would be the last French lesson, so being
on time was less critical than Franz assumed. Wachter’s comment foreshadows the emotional significance
of the day.

ii. How did Franz interpret Wachter’s comment, and what does this reveal about his character?
Ans: Franz thought Wachter was mocking him for being late. This reaction shows Franz’s sensitivity and
insecurity about school, suggesting that he often feels embarrassed and anxious when it comes to his
studies. This reflects Franz’s struggle with school and his usual dislike for attending class.

iii. Who is the blacksmith in this extract, and what is he doing?

Ans: The blacksmith is a man named Wachter, and he is standing with his apprentice, reading a bulletin
notice posted in the town square.

iv. Why were Wachter and his apprentice reading the bulletin?
Ans: Wachter and his apprentice are likely reading the bulletin because it often contains important
announcements. People in the town are used to getting news about lost battles, the draft, orders of the
commanding officer, especially during the war.

1
Extract 2

"Usually, when school began, there was a great bustle, which could be heard out in the street, the
opening and closing of desks, lessons repeated in unison, very loud, with our hands over our ears to
understand better, and the teacher’s great ruler rapping on the table. But now it was all so still! I had
counted on the commotion to get to my desk without being seen; but, of course, that day everything
had to be as quiet as Sunday morning.

i. What does Franz usually hear when school begins?

Ans: Franz usually hears a lot of noise and activity, like the opening and closing of desks, students loudly
repeating lessons with their hands over their ears, and the teacher’s ruler rapping on the table.

ii. How is the school different on this particular day?

Ans: On this day, the school is completely quiet, unlike the usual noisy and busy atmosphere.
Franz saw his classmates already sitting in their places, waiting for the lesson to begin.
M. Hamel was walking up and down with the terrible ruler under his arm.
He had on his beautiful green coat, his frilled shirt, and his black silk cap, which he usually wore on days
of inspection and prize days.
At the back of the class sat important men from the village, like old Hauser, with his three-cornered hat,
the former Mayor, the former postmaster and several others.

iii. How does this scene reflect Franz’s feelings about school and his teacher?
Ans: This scene shows that Franz may not have taken school seriously before, as he usually relied on the
noise to enter unnoticed. However, the unusual quietness makes him pay more attention and start to realize
the importance of his lessons.

iv. How does this scene reflect the overall mood of the story?
Ans: This scene reflects a mood of anxiety and regret, as Franz realizes the importance of the lesson and
feels the weight of his tardiness on this last day of learning French.

Extract 4

“Ah, that’s the great trouble with Alsace; she puts off learning tomorrow those fellows out there will
have the right to say to you, how is it: you pretend to be Frenchmen and yet you neither speak not
write you own language? But you are not the worst, poor little Franz. We’ve all a great deal to
reproach ourselves with."

i. Who is the speaker? What is the regret in his mind?

Ans: M. Hamel is the speaker. Monsieur Hamel regrets not prioritizing French language studies and
neglecting their national identity.

ii. Who are those fellows? How would they mock at the villagers?
Ans: “Those fellows" refer to the Prussian soldiers/occupiers. The Prussians would mock the villagers by
questioning their French identity and highlighting their lack of language proficiency.

2
iii. What does M. Hamel's words convey?
Ans: M. Hamel’s words convey a sense of urgency and responsibility. importance of language in national
identity, guilt and regret for past negligence.

iv. Who were to be blamed for the present situation?

Ans: The Alsatians are responsible for the present situation. M. Hamel blamed himself for sending
students to water his plants and taking holidays whenever he wanted to go fishing. Parents for prioritizing
earning money in farms or at the mills over education. Students procrastinating their studies.

v. Why does M. Hamel emphasize upon their mother tongue?

Ans: M. Hamel emphasizes that learning their mother tongue (French) is crucial for preserving national
identity, understanding their culture and heritage, maintaining independence and autonomy and resisting
foreign occupation (Prussian). He says as long as they hold fast to their language it is as if they had the
key to their prison.

Extract 5

My friends, said he, I-I- but something choked him. He could not go on. Then he turned to the
blackboard, took a piece of chalk and bearing on with all his might, he wrote as large as he could-
Vive La France.

i. Who is he? Why was he so sentimental?

Ans: He is M. Hamel. He was sentimental because he was deeply emotional about France, his homeland,
and its struggles. His sentimentality stems from patriotism and loyalty.

ii. What could he not do? Why?

Ans: He could not speak due to being choked or overwhelmed with emotion. He was overcome with
emotion, likely due to the struggles or suffering of France.

iii. What did he write on the black board? Why?

Ans: He wrote "Vive la France" (Long live France). He wrote this phrase to express his patriotism,
defiance, and loyalty to France.

iv.What does "Vive la France” symbolize?

Ans: It symbolizes patriotism; loyalty and devotion to one's country, national pride; affirmation of French
identity and heritage and resistance; defiance against oppression or occupation.

v. Germans practised linguistic chauvinism and as a result stopped the study of French after occupying
Alsace and Lorraine. Is it good to practice it? Justify your response.
No, as pride in one’s language goes too far that we tend to forget that other languages too have their own
merits, long history of art, culture and literature behind them.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

3
 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH Std. 10

THE GIRL WHO CAN 2024-2025

Reference I.
They say that when all of Africa is not choking under a drought, Hasodzi lies in a very
fertile land in a district known for its good soil……..

1. What do you learn about the narrator from the given extract?
Ans. We learn that the speaker is a young girl named Adjoa who is seven years old. She lives
with her mother and grandmother in the village of Hasodzi. Her grandmother tells her that she
does not know about the problems of life since she does not finish her food.

2. What does the narrator think about her Nana telling her about the problems of life?
Ans.The narrator, being a seven-year-old, finds Nana’s remarks about the problems of life
confusing and beyond her comprehension at this age.

Reference II.
As far as I could see, there was only one problem. And it had nothing to do with what I
knew Nana considered as problems…..
1. Who is referred to as ‘I’ in the given extract? According to her, what was grandmother’s
problem?
Ans. The ‘I’ in the given extract refers to the narrator, a young girl of seven years. She
distinguishes her own problem from what her grandmother referred to as Nana and her mother
referred to as Mami perceived as problems. This suggests a disconnect between the narrator’s
perception of her issue and the older generation’s understanding of challenges.

2. What problem does the narrator face at this age? How does the issue become a significant
concern at this age?
Ans. At the young age of seven, the narrator's challenge centers on her thinking skills and her
verbal expressions. Although she has many thoughts in her mind, she struggles to express them
clearly because she lacks the linguistic proficiency to do so. This gap between what she thinks
and what she can say is her main issue. The narrator finds this to be a serious problem because it
poses a fundamental dilemma: either she stays silent and keeps her thoughts to herself, or she
speaks up and risks being laughed at. This inner conflict highlights the narrator's challenge in
dealing with communication and self-expression at such a young age.

3. What is confusing to the narrator? How would Nana react when the narrator would say
something? What does her reaction suggest?

1
Ans. The narrator finds it confusing that no one ever explains to her why sometimes she should
not repeat certain things she says, while at other times, some of the words are considered funny
and repeated for other people’s amusement.
When the narrator expresses her thoughts, her Nana’s reaction would be characterized by
laughter at times. This suggested that Nana did not take the narrator’s statements seriously or
maybe even finds amusement in her attempts to articulate her thoughts. She would sometimes
be forbidden from repeating certain things that the narrator would say without any explanation
provided.

Reference III
I have always wanted to tell them not to worry. I mean Nana and my mother. That it did
not have to be an issue for my two favourite people to fight over.

1. What issue is the narrator referring to?

Ans. The narrator is referring to the issue of her thin, spindly legs which seems to be a point of
contention between her grandmother and her mother.

2. Who are the two favourite people that the narrator has mentioned? Do they share the same
views on the issue the narrator is referring to? What does the narrator expect of them with
respect to the issue?
Ans. The two favourite people the narrator has mentioned are her grandmother and her mother.
They do not share the same views on the issue.
The narrator does not want her thin legs to become an issue over which her two favourite people
fight. She also does not want them to either forbid her from talking about it or mock her by
laughing at her until they cry.

3. A little later, the narrator mentions that she feels that her grandmother and mother would
have been discussing her legs ever since she was born. Why does she feel so? What does it
suggest about the women?
Ans. The narrator feels that her grandmother and mother would have been discussing her legs
ever since she was born because the topic of her legs seems to have been a recurring theme of
their conversations.
This suggests that the appearance of the narrator’s legs had been a cause for concern or a point
for discussion for her family members from the time the narrator was born. It implies a
preoccupation with physical appearance and societal expectations surrounding beauty.

Reference IV
I knew from her voice that my mother was weeping inside. Nana never heard such inside
weeping. Not that it would have stopped Nana even if she had heard it.

1. Why does the narrator feel that her mother was weeping from inside? Why does the narrator
mention that her grandmother was unaware of her daughter's inner sorrow?

2
Ans. The narrator could feel her mother was weeping inside based on her mother’s voice which
likely conveyed a tone of sadness or distress. This internal weeping reflected feelings that were
suppressed or not outwardly expressed, which the narrator probably perceived through her
empathy or close connection to her mother.
The narrator’s grandmother would not have heard her daughter’s weeping because the
grandmother is primarily focused on external, practical matters rather than the emotional or
psychological state of her daughter. The grandmother's attention is often directed toward
traditional expectations, such as family duties and societal norms which makes her less attuned
to the silent emotional struggles her daughter might be facing.

2. Why does the narrator believe that her grandmother would not have stopped even if she had
heard her mother's silent weeping? What does it suggest about her grandmother and mother?
Ans. The narrator feels so because Nana’s fixation on the narrator’s legs seemed to overshadow
her ability to empathize with her daughter’s emotional pain.
This suggests that the grandmother prioritises her concerns about Adjoa’s legs over her
daughter’s emotional well-being. She is perhaps emotionally distant, while the mother is more
sensitive and vulnerable, yet unable or unwilling to express her emotions openly due to the
expectations placed upon her by her mother and society.

3. Why does the narrator say that except for talking about her legs, her grandmother is a ‘good
grown up’? What does this reveal about the narrator?
Ans. The narrator describes her grandmother as a 'good grown-up' despite her constant remarks
about the narrator's legs because overall, the grandmother is caring. She shows concern for the
narrator's well-being, even though she often focuses on the perceived flaw of the narrator's legs.
This reveals that the narrator can recognize and appreciate positive traits in people even if they
have shortcomings or areas of disagreement. She is mature enough to appreciate the good
qualities in her grandmother, despite the criticism.

Reference IV
‘Nana would just laugh, ‘Ah maybe with legs like hers, she might as well go to school……’

1. Why would Nana laugh? Why does Nana allow Adjoa to go to school?
Ans. Nana would laugh in response to the narrator’s desire to go to school. This was because
Nana found it amusing or unexpected due to the narrator’s perceived physical limitations.
However, she allows Adjoa to go to school because it was considered the norm or expected
behaviour for children of her age despite any reservations she may have had about Adjoa’s
abilities.

2. Why does Adjoa not share with anyone about her running on the sports field and winning all
the competitions? Why does she say, ‘this time it was different’?
Ans. Adjoa does not share her success in running and winning competitions with anyone at
home because she probably feels that her achievements would not be valued or understood,
especially because of her grandmother's constant focus on her ‘thin legs.’
However, she feels that "this time it was different" because for the first time, her talent and
abilities are recognized publicly. Winning on the sports field challenged the negative views of
3
her legs, making her feel proud and strong. This public validation helped her see her legs as a
strength instead of a flaw.

3. What was Nana’s reaction on hearing of Adjoa’s selection for the district games? Why did
she react that way?
Ans. Nana's reaction to hearing about Adjoa's selection for the District Sports Meet was one of
surprise. She did not believe it at first and decided that she would go and enquire about it
herself.
She reacted this way because it was unexpected for her to see Adjoa's thin legs, which she had
often criticized, become the very reason for her success.

4. What was Adjoa’s mother’s reaction after her grandmother confirmed that Adjoa was indeed
one of the school runners?
Ans. Adjoa's mother reacted with a mix of pride and relief after her grandmother confirmed that
Adjoa was indeed one of the school runners. She wanted to tell Nana that there was a secret
about Adjoa that she could not be expected to share with anyone. However, on seeing Nana
looking pleased with Adjoa’s selection, she decided against doing so.

Reference V
‘You know what she did? She carried the gleaming cup on her back. Like they do with
babies, and other precious things.’
1. What moment of pride does the extract refer to? How does Nana react to this moment of
pride?
Ans. The moment of pride refers to the award that Adjoa won for being the best all-round junior
athlete, representing her school in the district games. Nana reacted with great pride and joy at
Adjoa’s achievement of winning the cup. She carried the gleaming cup on her back treating it
with utmost care as one would carry a baby or other precious items.

2. Why did Nana want to show the cup to Adjoa’s mother?

Ans. Nana wanted to show the cup to Adjoa's mother to express her pride and acknowledge
Adjoa's success. By presenting the cup, Nana validated Adjoa's achievement and admitted that
her earlier doubts and criticisms about Adjoa's legs were misplaced. It was a gesture of
recognition allowing Nana to demonstrate to Adjoa's mother that her daughter had proven
herself and brought honour through her accomplishments.

3. Why did Nana cry softly saying, “…thin legs can be useful”?
Ans. Nana cried softly because she was overwhelmed by the realization that her beliefs about
Adjoa's legs were wrong. There was a significant change of heart and mind in Nana’s
personality. Earlier, Nana had consistently criticised and doubted Adjoa’s abilities due to her
thin legs. However, after witnessing Adjoa’s achievement, Nana realised that her legs were not
only capable but a source of strength and accomplishment. Nana's tears reflect a mix of pride,
regret, and acceptance as she acknowledges Adjoa's worth and abilities, despite her previous
doubts. She acknowledged that her granddaughter’s legs had value in ways she had not
imagined.

4. How did the three women - Adjoa, her mother, and Nana feel when Adjoa won the cup?
Ans. The emotions of the three women—Adjoa, her mother, and Nana were deeply intertwined
but distinct.

4
Adjoa: Adjoa felt an overwhelming sense of pride and validation. Winning the cup gave her
confidence, transforming her perception of her legs from a source of shame to one of strength.
The victory empowered her, proving that she had value beyond the physical appearance her
grandmother had always criticized.
Maami (Adjoa's mother): Maami likely felt immense pride mixed with relief. Despite being
silenced and oppressed by Nana's criticisms, she had always hoped for a better future for her
daughter. Adjoa's victory affirmed Maami's quiet belief in her child, offering her a moment of
joy and redemption.
Nana: Nana's feelings were complex, marked by surprise, pride, and regret. Having always
considered Adjoa's thin legs as useless, Nana's perception completely changed after the win. Her
tears and soft words, "thin legs can be useful," show a mix of pride in Adjoa's achievement and
regret for her previous harshness. The victory led her to rethink her rigid views and appreciate
Adjoa's abilities.

*****************************************************************************

5
 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH
The Elevator Std.10

Extract 1

Read the extract and answer the questions that follow:

It was an old building with an old elevator- a very small elevator, which could carry
only three people…
i. Who was Martin? Why was he apprehensive to use the elevator?
Ans: Martin was a thin twelve-year-old boy who had recently shifted residence with
his father.
He was apprehensive about using the elevator because he was always uncomfortable
in elevators, afraid that they may fall.

ii. What made this particular elevator especially unpleasant?

Ans: This elevator was especially unpleasant perhaps because of its poor lighting and
the dirty walls, perhaps because of its door, which never stayed open long enough and
slammed shut with a loud noise. Perhaps, it was the way the elevator shuddered each
time it left a floor as if it was exhausted. Maybe it was simply too small. It seemed
crowded even with only two people in it.

iii. How were the stairs no better than the elevator?

Ans: The stairs were no better than the elevator as there were no windows and the
lights were not working. Martin’s footsteps echoed behind him on the cement, as
though another person was climbing and getting closer. Martin lived on the
seventeenth floor and by the time he would reach his home, he would be gasping for
breath.

iv. Where did Martin’s father work? What would his father’s facial expressions say
to him when he would return home panting? What did Martin decide to do after
that?
Ans: Martin’s father worked at home.
When Martin would return home panting his father would frown at him and ask why
he had not used the elevator. His expression seemed to say that not only was Martin
skinny and weak and bad at sports but also a coward.
After that Martin always took the elevator.

1
Extract 2
Read the extract and answer the questions that follow:
…After that, Martin always took the elevator. He would have to get used to it, he told
himself, just like he used to be bullied at school.
i. Did Martin get used to taking the elevator? Why?
Ans: No, Martin did not get used to taking the elevator.
Martin was always afraid that it would stop suddenly and he would be trapped inside
it for hours by himself.

ii. What was it like for Martin when there were other passengers in the elevator?
Ans: Martin did not like it even when there were other passengers in the elevator. He
did not like to stand close to them. He also disliked the way people tried hard not to
look at one another, staring at nothing.

iii. What happened one morning?

Ans: One morning the elevator stopped at the fourteenth floor and a fat lady walked
in. As soon as she walked in, Martin felt the elevator sink under her weight. She was
so big that her coat brushed against him and he had to squeeze himself into a corner.
There was no room for anyone else. The door closed quickly behind her and instead
of facing it, she turned around and stared at Martin.

iv. Describe the fat lady?

Ans: The fat lady had large fleshy cheeks and no chin, just a huge mass of neck. Her
blue eyes were tiny but sharp. Her old green coat seemed to balloon around her. She
waddled while walking.

v. Why did Martin think that the fat lady seemed crazy on their first encounter?
Ans: When the fat lady waddled into the elevator one morning, she did not turn and
face the door as it closed on them quickly, instead she stared at Martin. Even when
Martin looked away, the lady did not turn around and kept staring at him and watched
him breathing loudly. Martin thought that she must be crazy to do so and was scared
about what she would do next.

vi. What happened after the elevator reached the first floor?
Ans: After the elevator reached the first floor Martin wanted to run past her to get out,
but there was no room. He could only wait, as she turned and moved slowly out into
the lobby. He then ran nearly all the way to school.

2
Extract 3
Read the extract and answer the questions that follow:
Martin felt nervous when he got back to the building after school. But why should he be
afraid of an old lady?...
i. What did Martin think about all day long?
Ans: Martin thought about the fat lady all day long, whether she lived in the same
building as him. He had not seen her before even though the building was not very
big. She may be visiting somebody, but 7:30 in the morning was too early for a visit,
he thought.

ii. Why was Martin nervous and ashamed when he got back to the building from
school? Did his state of mind turn into reality?
Ans: Martin was nervous when he got back to the building after school as he was
afraid, he might meet the fat old lady in the elevator again. He was ashamed of being
frightened of an old lady.
Yes, his fears turned into reality when the elevator stopped on the third floor. As the
door opened, it revealed a green coat, a piggish face, and blue eyes which were
already staring at him as if she knew he would be there.

iii. What was like a nightmare?

Ans: When Martin returned to his building after school, he encountered the fat lady
again as she stepped into the elevator. She pressed the elevator button for the
eighteenth floor instead of the fourteenth floor as expected and kept staring at Martin
as it trembled and began to go up. That morning she had got on at the fourteenth floor
so why did she get on at the third floor then, wondered Martin. He felt as if the
elevator was moving slower than usual. He wanted to press the button to the seventh
floor and walk up the stairs, but he did not want to brush against her. So, Martin felt
he was experiencing a nightmare.

iv. What happened when the elevator reached the seventeenth floor?
Ans: When the elevator reached the seventeenth floor and Martin had to get out of it,
the fat lady hardly moved out of the way. He had to squeeze past her, rubbing against
her horrible scratchy coat. He was afraid the door would close before he could get out.
She turned and kept watching him as the door slammed shut. Now she knew where he
lived, thought Martin.

3
Extract 4
Read the extract and answer the questions that follow:
“Have you ever noticed a strange lady in the elevator?” he asked his father that evening.
i. What was Martin’s father doing when he came back home?
Ans: Martin’s father was watching television when he came back home.

ii. What mistake did Martin make? Why did he consider it to be a mistake?
Ans: Martin knew that he had made a mistake in telling his father about his
experience with the fat old lady.
He felt it was a mistake because his father did not understand him and his fears. His
father treated it lightly and felt that Martin was always very worried about things. He
was impatient with him and accused Martin of being afraid and timid all the time and
wanted him to grow up and act like a man.

iii. Why did Martin not cry in front of his father? What did he do then?
Ans: Martin did not cry in front of his father as he wanted to show his father that he
was not afraid of the old fat lady and that he was not timid, instead he went into his
room and cried. He slept very little that night.

iv. Why did Martin run down the stairs the next morning?
Ans: The next morning when the elevator door opened, the fat old lady was waiting
for Martin. He just stood there unable to move, then he backed away. He saw her
smile at him as the door slammed shut, so he ran down the stairs.

v. Why was Martin taken to the hospital?

Ans: Martin was taken to the hospital because he had broken his leg while running
down the stairs, as it was dark.

Extract 5
Read the extract and answer the questions that follow:
Martin started running down the stairs. The stairs were dark and he fell. His father was
silent on the way to the hospital, disappointed and angry with him for being a coward
and a fool…
i. Why could Martin not use the stairs anymore? Why was his father silent on the
way to the hospital?
Ans: Martin could not use the stairs anymore as he had broken his leg and needed
crutches to walk.
His father was silent on the way to the hospital because he was disappointed and
angry with Martin for being a coward and a fool.

4
 ii. Do you think Martin was right in thinking that the fat old lady knew that he was
going to break his leg? Give a reason for your answer.
Ans: I do not think Martin was right in thinking that the fat old lady knew that he was
going to break his leg. None can predict what is going to happen next. Martin was
overthinking as he was scared and thought that she smiled because she knew that he
was going to fall.

iii. When and why did Martin feel safe?

Ans: Martin felt safe on his way back home from the hospital because his father was
with him. Also, there was no room for the fat lady to get into the elevator and even if
she did, his father would see her and maybe he would understand. He would have to
stay home for a few days to rest so he would not encounter the fat lady.

iv. What came as a surprise to Martin on his way home from the hospital?
Ans: Martin was surprised to see his father stop the elevator on the ninth floor stating
that he had promised to visit Mrs. Ullman.

v. Martin was afraid to be left alone in the elevator, so why did he not go along with
his father? What happened then?
Ans: Martin was afraid but did not want to let his father know, so he offered to visit
Mrs.Ullman too. By the time Martin tried to move out of the elevator on his crutches
the door was already closing. Martin’s father left him on his own taunting him about
being afraid and asking him to grow up. Martin tried to get the door opened by
pressing the ninth-floor button again, but the elevator moved up to the tenth floor and
stopped. The fat lady walked in and before Martin could move out the door of the
elevator closed behind her as she pressed the Stop button.

vi. Do you think the fat old lady was a figment of Martin’s imagination? Give
reasons to support your answer.
Ans: Students response.
vii. What do you think must have happened after the fat lady pushed the Stop
button?
Ans: Students response.

*********************************************************************

5
 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH
STD 10
PROSE
WITH THE PHOTOGRAPHER

Answer the following questions with reference to the context.

EXTRACT 1
“I want my photograph taken,” I said. The photographer looked at me without
enthusiasm.
i) Describe the photographer. Why do you think, he was without enthusiasm?
Ans-The photographer was a drooping man— his body was bent. His eyes were dim like the
eyes of a natural scientist. He was wearing a gray suit.
The photographer looked at him without enthusiasm as probably he was uninspired with the
routine task that he had been doing for years. It is also possible that the narrator’s face did not
impress him.
ii) Whom does ‘I’ refer to? Bring out the significance of the reading material at the
photographer’s studio.
Ans-‘I’ refers to the narrator who is an unnamed forty year old man.
The narrator had to wait for an hour. To kill the time, he read the Ladies Companion for 1912
and the Girls Magazine for 1902 and the Infants Journal for 1888. The magazines were old
and outdated. The photographer probably got his unreasonable standards of beauty from these
magazines. It also tells us that taking photographs was more common with women as these
magazines kept in the studio were centred around women and children. The outdated
magazines also tell us that the photographer did not bother to update or keep new magazines.
iii) Why did the narrator assume that the photographer was praying?
Ans-The photographer hid himself behind the camera under a cloth. He did not move or say
anything for quite sometime. So, the narrator assumed that the photographer was praying.
iv) Describe the photographer’s studio.
Ans-The photographer’s studio had poor lighting arrangements. The sunlight came through a
sheet of factory cotton hung against a frosted window. The room had a big camera in the
middle. A black cloth was attached to the camera.

1
v) Why did the narrator say that the photographer had a ‘human side’ to him? What did
he think about his own face?
Ans- This is because the photographer said to him that his face would be better three-quarters
full. This was said in a sarcastic tone.
The narrator thought that this was his own face and he had lived with it for forty years and he
knew its faults. He knew it was not beautiful, he knew it wasn’t made for him, but it was his
face, the only one he had.

EXTRACT 2
He twisted my face as far as it would go and then stood looking at it.
i) What instructions did the photographer give the narrator in a bid to improve his
appearance?
Ans- The narrator was told that the photographer did not like his head and to open his mouth.
Next the narrator was given a series of instructions which included to droop his ears, to roll
his eyes under the lids, to put his hands on his knees and turn the face a little upwards. Then
he was told to expand his lungs and hump his next, contract the waist and twist the hip up
toward the elbow.
ii) When did the photographer take the picture? Why was he pleased with it?
Ans- The photographer took the picture while the narrator was still agitated and annoyed at
all the criticism about his face. He was saying that his machine was too narrow and was on
the verge of walking out when the photographer pulled the string.
The photographer was pleased with the picture as he had caught the features of the narrator in
a moment of animation.
iii) When was the narrator called back for the proof? What did he notice about the
photographer when he went back? What was his first reaction on seeing the photograph?
Ans- The narrator was called back on the following Saturday to look at the proof of his
photograph.
The photographer looked quieter and graver than before. There was a certain pride in his
manner.
The narrator was silent at first and then asked if the photograph was his!
iv) What changes had the photographer made to the features of the narrator in the proof?
Ans- The photographer had retouched the eyes and made them splendid. He had removed his
eyebrows completely through a process called Delphide and put in new ones. He had also
applied it to his hair and carried it away from the brow as he didn’t like it so low on the skull.
He had adjusted his mouth a little as the narrator’s was too low and he couldn’t use it.

2
v) Which part of his face had the narrator not touched and why? How, do you think, the
narrator felt at this point of the story and why?
Ans- The photographer had not touched his ears but he intended to do so in the print. There
was a process called Sulphide for removing the ears entirely.
The narrator must have felt utterly humiliated and insulted as none of his features were good
enough for the photographer. The photographer had given him a completely distorted picture
of his face and features.
EXTRACT 3
“It seems that I was mistaken. What I wanted is no longer done. Go on, then, with your
brutal work.”
i) Why was the purpose behind taking a photograph completely wasted because of the
photographer?
Ans- The purpose of the photograph was wasted because the narrator wanted a picture,
something which despite his terrible features, would look like him. He wanted something that
would depict his face as Heaven gave it to him. He wanted something that his friends might
keep after his death to reconcile them to his loss. And what he wanted was not done, so he
refused to take the photograph. Hence, the purpose of the photograph was wasted.
ii) What does the narrator ask the photographer to do in a fit of rage at the end of the
story?
Ans- The narrator said he no longer wanted the photograph and to take the negative or the
proof and dip it in sulphide, bromide, oxide, cowhide and whatever else he wanted. He told
him to remove the eyes, correct the mouth, adjust the face, restore the lips, reanimate the
necktie and reconstruct the waistcoat. He told the photographer he could coat it with an inch
of gloss, shade it, emboss it, gild it, till he was happy with it. Then, when he was done with it,
he could keep it for himself and his friends as it was a worthless bauble for him.
Then he broke into tears and left the studio.
iii) “To me it is but a worthless bauble.” Why did the photographer’s touch of technical
expertise appear a worthless bauble to the narrator?
Ans- The author wanted to have himself photographed. The purpose was to leave behind the
image or picture of his likeness to his family and relatives. It would remind them of him after
he was dead. The photo could help them to reconcile with his loss. But the photographer had
retouched the eyebrows, eyes, mouth etc. All these features now did not resemble the
narrator’s own features.
The photographer said he would completely replace his ears using a new technique. When the
author saw the photo, it was technically sound but when it came to likeness, it was a disaster.
The purpose of taking the photo was lost. The poet asked the photographer to do all sorts of
corrections and keep it with himself and for his friends as a technically sound photo. But for
him, it was a worthless bauble.

3
iv) Comment on the setting of the story. How relevant is the story today?
The story is set in the year 1913 in a tiny photography studio when the technique of
photography was not very developed. People had to visit a studio to get their pictures taken.
The room was lit up by a beam of sunlight that filtered through a sheet of cotton cloth hung
against a frosted skylight.
Today the photographers make changes digitally by applying filters. A large number of
pictures are taken at a time and only a few are retained while the rest are deleted. Sometimes,
so many filters are applied to the pictures that it makes the person unrecognisable. Judging
people based on their appearance is more relevant and prevalent today than ever before.
v) What is the theme of the story?
The author, Stephen Leacock explores the theme of insecurity and appearances being judged.
We live in an age of photoshop where the youth is constantly trying to live up to the
unreasonable standards of beauty and physical appearance. However, at the same time we are
also in the age of political correctness where the remarks made by the photographer and his
attempts to correct the narrator’s features would have been seen as offensive.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

4
 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH
STD 10
POETRY
THE POWER OF MUSIC

Answer the following questions with reference to the context.

EXTRACT 1

When summer comes, we hear the hums

Bhisma Lochan Sharma
You catch his strain a hill and plain from Delhi
Down to Burma
He sings as though he’s staked his life, he sings as though he’s hell-bent

i) Who is Bishma Lochan Sharma? How does he sing? What does the poet mean when he says
Bhisma Lochan's singing can be heard "from Delhi down to Burma"?

Ans- Bishma Lochan Sharma is a singer. His songs are unpleasant and irritating. This means
that Bhisma Lochan's singing is so loud and powerful that it can be heard over a very large
area, from Delhi in India to Burma (now Myanmar). It shows how far-reaching and impactful
his music is.

ii) What does the phrase "he sings as though he’s staked his life" suggest about Bhisma
Lochan's attitude toward singing?

Ans: This phrase suggests that Bhisma Lochan sings with great passion and seriousness,
almost as if his life depends on it.

iii) What feelings might the people experience when they hear Bhisma Lochan sing?
Ans: The people might feel a mix of amazement and excitement when they hear him sing.
His voice might also overwhelm them since it’s so intense. Overall, his singing likely leaves
a strong impression on everyone around him.

iv) What do they plead with Bhisma? Does he listen to them? If not, Why?
Ans: Bhisma doesn’t listen to them. He keeps singing loudly and passionately, not noticing
the chaos around him. This shows that he is really focused on his love for music and doesn’t
realize how it’s affecting the people. His commitment to singing highlights how powerful

1
 music can be, but it also reminds us that sometimes artists might not see the impact their art
has on others.
.

EXTRACT 2

The people, dazed, retire amazed although they

know it's well-meant.
They're trampled in the panic rout or languish
pale and sickly,
And plead, ‘My friend, we're near our end, oh
stop your singing quickly!'

i) What emotions do the people experience in response to Bhisma Lochan Sharma's singing?
Ans: The people feel dazed and amazed at first, but they soon become panicked. Their initial
admiration turns into confusion and desperation as they plead for him to stop singing,
showing how intense his music is.

ii) What do they plead to Bhisma?

Ans: They plead with Bhisma to stop singing, seeking relief.

iii) Identify the figure of speech in the line "They're trampled in the panic rout or languish pale
and sickly,". and explain its effect.
Ans: This line contains imagery as a figure of speech. This imagery emphasizes the
devastating effect of Bhisma Lochan's singing, showing how it creates not just emotional but
also physical reactions in those around him.

iv) How does this passage reflect the theme of music's impact on people?
Ans: This passage reflects the theme that music can have a profound impact—both positive
and negative. While Bhisma Lochan's singing is meant to be beautiful and heartfelt, it ends
up causing chaos and distress, illustrating that music's power can be overwhelming and
should be approached with awareness of its effects on others.

v) Who else besides humans are affected by Bhishma’s singing? How?

Ans: Bullock carts are overturned, horses lining the roadside are refusing to move. The
wretched brutes resent the blare, the hour they are heard. Fishes dive deep into the water to
avoid the noise. The animals cry and revolt by waving their legs in the air.

EXTRACT 3
The bullock-carts are overturned, and horses
line the roadside;
But Bhisma Lochan, unconcerned, goes

2
booming out his broadside.
The wretched brutes resent the blare the hour
they hear it sounded,
They whine and stare with feet in air or wonder
quite confounded.

i) What does the line "The bullock-carts are overturned, and horses line the roadside" tell us
about how Bhisma Lochan's singing affects everything around him?
Ans: This line shows that Bhisma Lochan’s singing is so loud and wild that it causes chaos.
The bullock-carts getting flipped over and the horses looking confused mean that his music
is creating a big mess and affecting both people and animals.

ii) What does it say about Bhisma Lochan when the poem says, "But Bhisma Lochan,
unconcerned, goes booming out his broadside"?
Ans: This part shows that Bhisma Lochan is really focused on his singing and doesn’t care
about the chaos happening around him. It means he’s either not aware of the trouble his
singing is causing or he just cares more about his music than anything else.

iii) How do the animals react to Bhisma Lochan's singing when the poem says, "They whine and
stare with feet in air or wonder quite confounded"?
Ans: The animals react by whining and looking confused. This shows they are scared and
don’t know what to do because of the loud noise. It highlights how Bhisma Lochan's singing
creates a confusing and frightening situation for them.

iv) What do you think the poet means when he calls the animals "wretched brutes"?
Ans: By calling them "wretched brutes," the poet makes us feel sorry for the animals. It
suggests they are suffering and shows how they are vulnerable to the loud singing. This word
choice helps us see that Bhisma Lochan's music affects even innocent creatures in a negative
way.

v) What message about music can we take away from this part of the poem?
Ans: This passage teaches us that music can have a big impact—both good and bad. While
Bhisma Lochan might be enjoying his singing, it’s clear that it causes chaos and distress for
others. This reminds us that music can be powerful, and sometimes it can lead to unexpected
problems.

EXTRACT 4

Again, we cry, ‘We’re going to die, oh won't you

stop your singing? '
But Bhisma's soared beyond our reach, howe'er
we plead and grumble;
The welkin weeps to hear his screech, and mighty
mansions tumble.

i) Why do you think the people say, "We're going to die" when asking Bhisma Lochan to stop
singing?

3
 Ans: The phrase "We're going to die" shows just how disturbed and scared the people feel.
They’re using strong language to express their desperation. It highlights that the loudness of
Bhisma's singing makes them feel like they can't handle it anymore. This exaggeration
emphasizes the chaos his music creates and the serious impact it has on them.

ii) What does it mean when the poem says Bhisma has "soared beyond our reach"?

Ans: This line suggests that Bhisma Lochan is so absorbed in his singing that he’s not
listening to the people around him. It indicates that he is in a different world, focused solely
on his music. This reflects how sometimes artists can be so passionate about their work that
they lose sight of how it affects others.

iii) How does the description "The welkin weeps to hear his screech" add to the poem’s theme?

Ans: The line "The welkin weeps" personifies the sky, making it seem like even nature is
affected by Bhisma Lochan's loud singing. This adds to the theme that music has a powerful
impact—not just on people but also on the world around us. It shows that his singing is so
loud that it causes a negative reaction in the environment, reinforcing the idea that music can
be both beautiful and destructive.

iv) What do you think "mighty mansions tumble" symbolizes in the context of the poem?

Ans: The phrase "mighty mansions tumble" symbolizes the far-reaching effects of Bhisma
Lochan's singing. It suggests that even strong, stable things can be shaken or destroyed by
the power of music. This imagery emphasizes the idea that music can disrupt and challenge
the status quo, highlighting both its strength and its potential for chaos.

v) What overall message can we take from this part of the poem about the relationship between
music and its audience?

Ans: This part of the poem teaches us that music can have a profound effect on its
audience—sometimes in surprising ways. While Bhisma Lochan is expressing himself
through his singing, the people around him are feeling fear and chaos. This shows that an
artist’s passion can create strong reactions, and it reminds us that music isn’t just about the
performer; it also deeply affects those who listen.

EXTRACT 5

But now there comes a billy goat, a most

sagacious fellow,
He downs his horns and charges straight, with
bellow answ'ring bellow.
The strains of song are tossed and whirled by
blast of brutal violence,

And Bhisma Lochan grants the world the golden

gift of silence.

4
 i) What does the line "He downs his horns and charges straight" reveal about the goat’s
character?

Ans: This line reveals that the goat is assertive and courageous. By lowering its horns and
charging at Bhisma, the goat is taking a bold stand against the annoying noise. This action
shows that the goat is willing to confront challenges head-on, which highlights the idea that
proactive measures can lead to positive outcomes, even in chaotic situations.

ii) What is the significance of describing the interruption as a "blast of brutal violence"?

Ans: The phrase "blast of brutal violence" emphasizes the intensity of the goat's action as it
disrupts Bhisma’s singing. This description suggests that while the goat’s intervention may
seem aggressive, it is necessary to break through the irritating sound. It reinforces the theme
that sometimes, strong measures are needed to bring about necessary change, even if they
feel harsh or disruptive.

iii) Why does the poet refer to silence as the "golden gift," and what does this say about the
importance of quiet moments?

Ans: By calling silence the "golden gift," the poet suggests that silence is valuable and
precious, especially after experiencing chaos. This highlights the importance of quiet
moments in our lives, as they provide relief, allow for introspection, and can be more
restorative than noise. It encourages readers to appreciate both music and silence,
recognizing that each has its own significance.

iv) What does the phrase "bellowing answ'ring bellow" suggest about the interaction between
the goat and Bhisma Lochan?

Ans: The phrase "bellowing answ'ring bellow" shows that the goat is boldly responding to
Bhisma Lochan’s singing. It suggests a back-and-forth of loud sounds, where the goat’s
powerful noise challenges Bhisma's devastating music. This interaction highlights that the
goat is actively trying to disrupt the chaos, emphasizing the idea that sometimes you need a
strong response to bring back balance.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

5
 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH Std. 10

WHEN GREAT TREES FALL 2024-2025

Reference I.
When great trees fall,
rocks on distant hills shudder…..

1. How has the poet used the metaphor of ‘great trees’ in the poem?
Ans The poet has used the metaphor of ‘great trees’ to symbolize influential people or leaders
whose impact extends far beyond their immediate surroundings. She has used it to establish the
magnitude of the loss’ impact. Their death has been equated with the fall of a great tree. When
these great personalities pass away, their absence is felt profoundly throughout the community
or society causing disruption and uncertainty. Just as forests are damaged when great trees are
uprooted, the world feels the disappearance of inspirational figures who shaped minds.

2. How does the fall of the great trees impact both small and big things?
Ans When great trees fall, they impact both small and big things by disrupting the natural
balance of the forest ecosystem. Large entities like lions and elephants react to the physical
disturbance by seeking shelter at some safe place. Their behaviour undergoes a change because
they are afraid of the sudden shock.
The small creatures’ senses are eroded beyond fear indicating a sense of trauma and shock.
They retreat into silence, experiencing a numbing effect of their senses. The event creates a
sense of upheaval and vulnerability for all things big and small.

3. What does the phrase "small things recoil into silence" imply?
Ans. The phrase implies that the impact of the fall of great trees is so profound that it causes
even the most minor and seemingly insignificant things to retreat and become subdued. It
highlights the far-reaching consequences of loss.
It suggests that the fall of great trees (or significant losses) causes even the smallest, most
unnoticed aspects of life to withdraw and become silent, overwhelmed by the magnitude of the
loss.

4. How does Maya Angelou use imagery in the first stanza?

Ans. Angelou uses vivid imagery to convey the sense of loss, mentioning how "rocks on distant
hills shudder," and "lions hunker down in tall grasses," and “elephants lumber after safety”.
These images create a visual representation of how the natural world is disturbed by the falling
of great trees.

1
Reference II
When great souls die,
the air around us becomes
light, rare, sterile.
We breathe, briefly.
Our eyes, briefly, see
with a hurtful clarity.

1.Explain the lines:

When great souls die, the air around us becomes light, rare, sterile.
Ans. These lines symbolize how the world around us changes drastically after inspirational
personalities pass away. The atmosphere becomes empty, fragile, and devoid of the life-giving
energy that these souls once provided. It lacks the presence which energized and enriched the
lives of others. Their absence creates a void, making the atmosphere feel empty and
meaningless.

2. What is the significance of the line – ‘We breathe briefly’?

Ans. The line captures the moment of shock and disorientation that follows the death of
someone significant. In that moment, the breath is shallow, uncertain, and perhaps even labored.
It is as if the loss takes our breath away, leaving us gasping in the aftermath. The poet says that
it becomes difficult even to have normal breath when great men die. It happens because of the
shock and jolt caused by the death and the sense of loss resulting from it.

3. What kind of clarity does the poet refer to?

Ans. The "clarity" that the poet referred to is a deeper understanding or awareness that emerges
after the initial shock of loss. We experience a sudden understanding of the valuable soul lost.
This clarity involves an understanding of the impact that these individuals had on others. It also
includes an awareness of the values and lessons they left behind, which continue to influence
and guide those who remain.

4. What does the poet suggest about the nature of memories and regret in the aftermath of loss?
Ans. The poet speaks about the feeling of ‘hurt’ people experience at the loss. Lines like
“memory gnaws on kind words unsaid” and “promised walks never taken” capture the regret
people feel about failing to express appreciation when great people were alive. There is regret
about the lost chances to connect. It reminds them of the promises they could not fulfill and the
way people did not show the intended respect and kindness towards these great souls in their
lifetime.

2
Reference III
And when great souls die,
after a period peace blooms,
slowly and always
irregularly. Spaces fill
with a kind of
soothing electric vibration.

1. Why does the speaker say that ‘we are not so much maddened’?
Ans: The speaker says that “we are not so much maddened” to suggest that the response to the
loss of great souls is not primarily one of madness or insanity. Instead, the departure of great
souls reduces us to “the unutterable ignorance of dark, cold caves,” indicating a state of
profound ignorance, despair, and isolation.

2. A little earlier in the poem, the poet uses the phrase 'dark, cold caves.' What does she wish to
convey through the phrase?
Ans: The phrase “dark, cold caves” implies a state of profound lack of understanding, a sense of
deep, desolate isolation and ignorance. It suggests a state of being cut off from the light of
knowledge, wisdom, and guidance that great souls provide. In this state, individuals feel lost,
alone, and unable to comprehend the world around them, as if trapped in a bleak and
inhospitable environment.

3. How does the poet use the imagery of "soothing electric vibration" to convey the atmosphere
that follows the loss of great souls?
Ans. The poet conveys the idea that, after the initial shock of losing great souls, there is a sense
of acceptance and peace. While the void left by them cannot be entirely filled, there is a
comforting energy that replaces the sadness and turmoil. This "electric vibration" symbolizes
the lingering presence and influence of those who have passed, suggesting that even in their
absence, they continue to affect and inspire those who remain. The word "soothing" indicates
that this energy brings a sense of peace and calm, helping to heal the wounds of loss and
offering a form of quiet reassurance.

Reference IV
Our senses, restored, never
to be the same, whisper to us.
They existed. They existed.
We can be. Be and be
better. For they existed.

1. What does the phrase "Our senses, restored, never to be the same" reveal about the lasting
impact of grief and loss?
Ans. This phrase signifies that after the process of grieving and healing, those who have
experienced the loss regain their senses and their ability to function, but they are forever

3
changed by the experience. Our senses never achieve the former state of normalcy after the
death of great souls because we always remember their existence. Their presence and influence
have permanently altered our perception and understanding of the world and we feel the loss.

2. What message does the poet convey through the repetition of "They existed. They existed."?
Ans. The poet wishes to convey the message that life goes on despite a great loss. The poet
claims that because these great people existed, we can be better. It offers hope to all who have
experienced loss. This repetition also reinforces the idea that simply acknowledging their
existence is powerful and that their legacy endures.

3. The poem ends on a positive note. How?

Ans. The poem ends on a positive note as it emphasizes the enduring legacy of the great
individuals who have passed away. Despite their loss, the poem suggests that their influence
lives on in our restored senses, whispering to us that they existed and urging us to strive to be
better.
The ending gives the message of acceptance of loss with the hope of a better future.

4. How does the tone of the poem transition from despair to hope, from a feeling of loss towards
healing?
Ans. In the first few lines the tone is melancholic as the poet describes the deep sense of loss
and ignorance felt after the death of great souls. Phrases like “air sterile”, “maddened” and
“unutterable ignorance” create a gloomy atmosphere.
However, the tone shifts in the last stanza from complete anguish to reflect hope and optimism
as stated in the lines – “spaces fill…..”, “our senses restored…”, “….peace blooms”, “We can
be. Be and be better”. There is a shift from the pain of loss towards some acceptance and
healing, however, slow.
The poet says that after a period of grief, peace blooms, there is a sense of soothing vibration.
She says that we can still be uplifted by the memories of the great souls.

5. Discuss the significance of the title of the poem.

Ans. The title implies that the death of a great soul causes a ripple effect, affecting not just the
immediate circle of people but also the broader community. The impact of such a loss is
widespread, disrupting the emotional equilibrium and leading to a period of adjustment and
reflection.
It conveys the gravity of losing influential individuals and the emotional turmoil that follows.
Through the metaphor of great trees, Angelou illustrates the far-reaching impact of such losses,
both on the personal level and within the broader context of life and legacy. The title effectively
encapsulates the poem’s exploration of grief, transformation, and enduring influence, setting a
reflective and contemplative tone for the reader.

*****************************************************************************

4
 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH
STD 10
POETRY
HAUNTED HOUSES

Answer the following questions with reference to the context.

EXTRACT 1
All houses wherein men have lived and died
Are haunted houses.

i) According to the poet, which houses are haunted and why?

Ans- According to the poet, all houses where men have lived and died are haunted. The
houses are not haunted with ghosts who are scary but are filled with the memories, emotions
and experiences of the past inhabitants which linger around.

ii) Why are the ghosts referred to as ‘harmless phantoms?

Ans- These ghosts are harmless phantoms as they move silently, gliding through open doors
with feet that make no noise upon the floor. They are quiet and cause no harm to anyone.
This is in contrast with the common belief that ghosts are menacing and harmful.

iii) Where do we meet these ghosts?

Ans- We can meet these ghosts at the doorway, on the stair, along the passages, at the dining
table and also in the hallways.

iv) How does the poet describe the presence of these ghosts? What does it symbolise?
Ans- The poet calls their presence ‘impalpable’ which implies that they cannot be felt or
touched.
It symbolises not just the ghosts of those who had lived there earlier but also the memories
which they have left behind. These memories affect the atmosphere of the house.

v) How does the poet describe the dinner table and the hall with reference to these ‘ghosts’?
What is it a reminder of?
Ans- The poet says that at gatherings during dinner, there seem to be more guests than those
who had been invited. These guests are in the form of spirits. The hall also throngs with these
quiet and harmless guests. The poet likens them to the pictures on the wall.
This a reminder that our past, our memories and our ancestors are always with us.

1
EXTRACT 2

The stranger at my fireside cannot see

The forms I see, nor hear the sounds I hear:

i) Who sits next to the poet by the fireside? What is the difference between them?
Ans- There is a stranger who sits next to the poet by the fireside.
The stranger cannot see the forms the poet can see nor hear the sounds he can hear.
The stranger can only perceive the present while the poet can see all that has been, from the
past to the present.

ii) What do you understand by the word ‘mortmain’? What does it symbolise? In what context
does the poet mention it?
Ans- The word ‘mortmain’ is the transfer of land or house to a corporate body such as a
school, church or a charitable organisation.
It signifies the grip or influence of past memories or individuals over one’s present life.
The poet mentions that they do not have permanent title deeds to their houses or lands as the
previous owners and occupants from their forgotten graves claim ownership.

iii) How does the poet compare the ‘spirit-world’ with the ‘world of sense’?
Ans- The spirit-world is described as delicate and floating like the atmosphere. The vital
breath of ethereal (other worldly) air representing the spirit world, crosses through earthly
mists and vapours. The two worlds are not separate but co-exist with each other. This
suggests that our past experiences intermingle with our present world shaping our
perceptions and feelings.

iv) What does ‘equipoise’ mean? Why is our life kept in equipoise and how?
Ans- Equipoise means balance or equilibrium.
Longfellow distinguishes between the earthly instinct that seeks pleasure and enjoyment and
the more noble instinct that strives for higher goals and aspirations. Our lives are kept in
balance by these opposing attractions and desires.

v) What is the mood of the poet in the poem? Comment on the title of the poem.
Ans- The poet is in a sombre and reflective mood.
The title, Haunted Houses, initially creates an impression that the poem is about ghosts and
spirits who haunt our homes. However, after reading the poem we realise how different these
phantoms are. These phantoms are not seen but their presence is felt everywhere. They are
not angry or mischievous. They are quiet who help and guide us. These ghosts are the
rightful owners of our homes and are the spirits of our loved ones who still reside in our
hearts.

2
EXTRACT 3
And as the moon from some dark gate of cloud
Throws o’er the sea a floating bridge of light,….

i) A little earlier, what does ‘perpetual jar’ refer to? What is this jar filled with and why?
Ans- The ‘perpetual jar’ refers to greed. This is filled with mental disturbances, anxieties,
fears or perturbations that come from some unseen star or an undiscovered planet in the
universe. These perturbations are the result of earthly needs and high aspirations.

ii) What role does the moon play in forming a connection to the realm of mystery?
Ans- According to the poet, the moon makes a metaphorical bridge between what we know
about our world and the enigmatic or the mysterious world beyond our lives. This bridge of
light is the moonlight that is cast by the moon across the sea.

iii) What descends from the world of spirits? How do our thoughts wander according to the last
stanza?
Ans- A bridge of light descends from the world of spirits. The bridge has been described as
swaying and bending which symbolises our connection with the unknown world.
Our thoughts are guided by our imagination and curiosity. Therefore, they explore the
mysteries of the other world and past. This wander signifies our desire to connect and keep
the living from falling into deep sorrow like a dark abyss. Perhaps we wish to find comfort in
the unknown.

iv) What is the theme of the poem?

Ans- The poem's central theme revolves around the transient nature of life and the inevitable
march of time. Longfellow reflects on the fact that every soul that has departed from this
world lingers on in its former dwelling. Thus, the benevolent spirits of our loved ones remain
in our hearts, our memories and our homes, loving and protecting us.

v) Give four reasons to show that H. W. Longfellow” phantoms are different from the
traditional ghouls or evil spirits.
Ans- The phantoms mentioned by Longfellow are first, the spirits of our loved ones who
share our safe space and sometimes, join us in our daily activities.
Second, they are neither angry or vengeful spirits who could harm us. They are as silent as
the pictures on the wall.
Third, these phantoms are the rightful owners and occupants of the houses we live in.
Lastly, these phantoms are the reason why our homes remain loving and protected. These
spirits are gentle, intangible beings who peacefully co-exist with the living in the realm of
haunted houses.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

3
 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH
The Glove and the Lions Std.10

Read the extracts and answer the questions that follow:

Extract 1
“King Francis was a hearty king, and loved a royal sport,
And one day as his lions fought, sat looking on the court;
The nobles filled the benches, and the ladies in their pride…”
i. Name the poet of the poem. What is the poem about?
Ans: James Leigh Hunt has penned down this poem.
‘The Glove and the Lions’ is a ballad. It is a humorous narrative that tells its readers
that vanity may sometimes prove to be one’s undoing. Going too far to seek attention
is always harmful, particularly in love.

ii. What is the tone of the poem?

Ans: Throughout the poem, the tone is light-hearted and good-natured. Even though
the lover is offended, he does not reflect any form of spite. The poem focuses on how
our lives are governed by the need for love and validation.

iii. Describe the setting of the poem.

Ans: The poem opens in an arena where King Francis and his courtiers are witnessing
a fierce sport of two lions fighting. The nobles filled the benches along with their
families and loved ones.

iv. Who else was present there? Which line from the poem shows that he was truly
in love with his lady?
Ans: The gallant Count de Lorge was also present there.
The line, “And ‘mongst them sat Count de Lorge, with one for whom he sighed”
shows that the count was deeply in love with his lady and that he could do anything
for her.

1
 v. Identify and explain the literary device used in, “gallant thing to see that
crowning show”.
Ans: The poet uses a metaphor to compare the spectacle of the lions’ combat to a
“crowning show”, suggesting that it is a grand and majestic display worthy of
admiration and reverence.

vi. How would you describe King Francis?

Ans: King Francis was a hearty king. He loved to view the ‘royal sport’ at the arena
along with his noblemen and their ladies.
Extract 2
“The bloody foam above the bars came whisking through the air;
Said Francis then, “Faith, gentlemen, we’re better here than there…”

i. Describe the fight between the two ferocious beasts.

Ans: The narrator describes the scene as a gallant spectacle, with the king presiding
over the fierce lions battling below.
The lions rampaged and roared with laughing jaws, as the fight intensified. Their jaws
were wide open as they bit, glared and gave blows as beams. The game became brutal
and bloody as the lions roared with their horrid open jaws. They rolled, suffocated,
and suppressed each other. The blood foamed and flew above the bars.
ii. What did the air carry afar? What did it reveal?
Ans: The air carried the bloody foam from the lions’ jaws, whisking it through the
bars of the arena.
It reveals the brutality and the ferocity of the ongoing fight.
iii. Explain what Hunt wants to say in the line “And truly twas a gallant thing to see
that crowning show.”
Ans: Leigh Hunt encapsulates the grandeur of the spectacle by combining elements
of bravery, romance and royal authority in this line.
iv. How does the poet depict the fierce atmosphere of the sand pit?
Ans: The poet uses vivid imagery, “laughing jaws” to depict the ferocity of the lions,
emphasizing their savage nature as they fiercely engage in combat. The use of sensory
details, “They bit, they glared, gave blows like beams, bloody foam, heightens the
intensity of the scene immersing the reader in the spectacle.
v. Why did King Frances say, “Faith, gentlemen, we’re better here than there.”
Ans: The royal sport became fierce as the lions fought to the kill, the bloody foam
flew above the barricades to where the king and his courtiers sat. King Frances then
assured the gathering not to worry, as they were safer and better up there than in the
sand pit where the fight was taking place.

2
Extract 3
“De Lorge’s love o’erheard the King, a beauteous lively dame
With smiling lips and sharp bright eyes, which always seemed the same…”
i. Who overheard the King? What thought crossed her mind?
Ans: Count De Lorge’s lady love overheard the King.
She thought, the count, her lover was brave as brave can be and that he would surely
do wonderous things to show his love for her. King, ladies, and lovers, all looked on,
the occasion was divine, just perfect to drop her glove into the sand pit. To prove his
love, de Lorge would definitely jump into the pit to retrieve it and then all the glory
would be hers.

ii. Describe Count De Lorge’s lady love.

Ans: Count De Lorge’s lady love was a beautiful lively dame, with smiling lips and
sharp bright eyes, her expression never changed.
iii. What is the stereotypical image of a man, in a romantic relationship?
Ans: In society, stereotypical men are portrayed as ‘macho’ creatures who are
engaged in a perpetual quest to ‘prove’ themselves to their lady loves.
iv. What message is conveyed by the poem, ‘The Glove and the Lions’?
Ans: The poem conveys a powerful message that vanity has no place in love. If a
person tries to seek the attention of others by displaying the power of love and when
a person is ridden with pride, there is no true love.

Extract 4
“She dropped her glove, to prove his love, then looked at him and smiled;
He bowed, and in a moment leaped among the lions wild: …”
i. Why did the lady drop her glove into the pit? Whom did she look at? What did
her smile indicate?
Ans: The lady dropped her glove into the sand pit, to prove to everyone present the
count’s love and loyalty to her.
She looked at Count De Lorge, her lover and smiled.
Her smile indicated that she wanted her lover to fetch the glove from the lion pit for
her and everyone would notice this heroic deed and she would receive “great glory”.

ii. Did the person oblige her? What happened next?

Ans: Yes, the Count obliged her.
He bowed to her and in a moment leaped among the wild lion pit and returned with
the glove quickly.

3
 iii. How can we say that the Count was disillusioned with his lady love?
Ans: Count De Lorge was utterly disillusioned with his lady love as he threw the
glove right in her face. He understood that the lady did not act merely to test his love
for her but she wanted to get his attention and indulge her vanity.

iv. Did the lady succeed in her motive of putting her lover in danger to receive great
glory for herself? What was the reaction of King Francis?

Ans: No, she did not succeed in glorifying vanity, instead, King Francis condemned
her action.
King Francis supported Count de Lorge’s action of scornfully throwing the glove at
his lady’s face, he said it was rightly done. The king rose from where he sat and
continued to say that no love, only vanity could set a task like the one the lady had set
for her lover.
v. Identify the literary devices.
a) “They bit, they glared, gave blows like beams, a wind went with their paws.”
Ans: Simile. Here the poet is comparing the powerful blows of the lions as if one is
hit by a beam or large piece of lumber.
b) “Ramped and roared the lions…” / …mane was in a thunderous smother”
Ans: Auditory imagery, an imagery of sound helps to bring the narrative to life.
c) “The bloody foam above the bars…”/ laughing jaws
Ans: Visual imagery, an imagery of sight helps to bring the narrative to life.

*******************************************

4
 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH
STD 10
POETRY
A CONSIDERABLE SPECK

Answer the following questions with reference to the context.

EXTRACT 1
‘A speck that would have been beneath my sight
On any but a paper so white
Set off across what I had written there.’

(i) What is a ‘speck’? Where and why did the poet notice a ‘speck’?
A ‘speck’ is an insignificant or minute spot.
The poet noticed a speck when he was writing on a white sheet of paper. He noticed it
because the paper he was writing on was very white and also because of the movement of
the mite.

(ii) Why did the poet ‘idly’ poise his pen? What was his first thought?
The poet ‘idly’ poised his pen in the air as he was distracted by the movement of the mite
across the page.
His first thought was to stop it with a period of ink, which is a full stop made with his pen.

(iii) What made the poet change his intention?

The mite’s movement and appearance made him change his mind as he realised that it was
not a speck of dust blown over by his breath. It was a tiny, living and breathing mite. It had
its own set of desires and feelings. It had a mind of its own and decision-making powers.

(iv) What made the poet realise he was dealing with an intelligent creature?
The poet recognises that despite its tiny size, the mite had a level of awareness. The mite
paused when it saw the danger of the poet’s pen and then ran wildly on again with the
intention of saving its life to where the manuscript was not yet dry. It paused there again
and either drank or smelt the ink and with great loathing, turned to fly.

(v) Give two words to describe the poet’s attitude towards the mite. Give a reason for each
word chosen for the description.
The poet is compassionate towards the mite when it realises its desire to live when it is
terrified and chooses not to harm it.
The poet has respect for the mite as he recognises that it is an intelligent creature who has
decision making abilities.

1
EXTRACT 2
‘It seemed too tiny to have feet,
Yet must have had a set of them complete
To express how much it didn’t want to die.’

(i) Why does the narrator think that the mite did not have feet? What made him change his
mind? What was this behaviour indicative of?
The narrator first thought that the mite didn’t have legs as it was too minute to have any.
He changed his mind when he saw it running in terror and with cunning, creeping around to
save its life.
He saw this behaviour as an act of self-conservation that every living thing possesses.

(ii) What trait does the narrator say he doesn’t possess? What is the meaning of the term?
Identify a figure of speech.
The narrator says he doesn’t possess the trait of ‘collectivistic regimenting love’.
This phrase means indiscriminate love for living things. It criticises the principle that
suppresses individualism.
The figure of speech is satire.

(iii) What phrase does the narrator go on to use to describe the mite? Why? What does it reveal
about him?
The phrase used by the narrator to describe the mite is ‘poor microscopic item’.
He uses this phrase as he saw it as a tiny and helpless creature.
It reveals that the poet was a kind, compassionate and respectful man who had sympathy
for all creatures irrespective of their size.

(iv) What fate did the narrator accord to the mite? What does his action reveal about the theme
of the poem?
The narrator let the mite lie there as he saw no reason to harm it. He respected the mite’s
fight to preserve itself.
The act reflects the poem’s theme of reverence/respect for life. It appreciates the intellect of
all creatures, even in the smallest of creatures. By sparing the life of the mite and observing
its actions with interest, the narrator demonstrates an appreciation for the worth of even the
most minute creatures.

(v) In what way does the poet identify with the mite? What does the poet appreciate and why?
The poet is grateful that he too had a mind that could think and identify intelligence
irrespective of the creature that shows it.
The poet appreciates the presence of intelligence or a thinking mind in any form because he
values the ability to think and act with independence.

(vi) Comment on the title of the poem.

The title ‘A Considerable Speck’ is an oxymoron where ‘considerable’ means significant
and ‘speck’ means worthless.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx