THE ASSEMBLY OF GOD CHURCH SCHOOL, HALDIA 2024-25

TERM III EXAMINATION

CLASS IX LITERATURE IN ENGLISH (ENGLISH PAPER—2)

Solutions

Section A—Answers

i. (d) Both B and C

ii. (c) Don’t be angry with me

iii. (d) Anxious

iv. (d) Ghosts squealing

v. (c) Statement 2 is the cause for Statement 1

vi. (d) Cobbler

vii. (d) (iv), (ii), (iii), (i)

viii. (b) The boys never got enough to eat

ix. (c) Immediate release of their money

x. (c) A cavalry sword and a History of the Peninsular War in fifteen volumes

xi. (a) Generous recklessness

xii. (c) A doctor

xiii. (d) Loss of growth and freedom

xiv. (c) "The tangled bine-stems scored the sky."

xv. (d) It brings raw materials

xvi. (b) Fir

 Solutions

SECTION B – DRAMA (JULIUS CAESAR)

Question 2 (Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare)

Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:

Soothsayer:

Beware of the ides of March."

Caesar:

What man is this?"

Brutus:

"A Soothsayer bids you beware of ides of March."

Caesar:

Set him before me; let me see his face."

Cassius:Fellow,

come from the throng; look upon Caesar."

Caesar:

"What say’st thou to me now? Speak once again."

Soothsayer:

Beware of the ides of March."

Caesar:

He is a dreamer; let us leave him. Pass."

Cassius:

Will you go see the order of the course?"

Brutus:

Not I."

Cassius:

"I pray you, do."

Answer the following questions:

(i) Where does the scene take place? Why have the characters (referred to in the extract) gone there? Who all are present? (3 Marks—80 words)

The scene takes place in a public street in Rome. The characters have gathered to witness the Feast of Lupercal, a Roman festival of purification and fertility. Julius Caesar, Brutus, Cassius, Mark Antony, and other Roman citizens are present. A soothsayer interrupts the procession to warn Caesar about the "Ides of March," but Caesar dismisses the warning as nonsense. This moment is significant because it foreshadows Caesar’s fate, highlighting the theme of warnings and fate in the play.

(ii) What is meant by ‘Beware of the Ides of March’? What is its significance in the play Julius Caesar? (3 Marks—80 words)

The "Ides of March" refers to March 15, a date in the Roman calendar. The soothsayer warns Caesar that something terrible will happen on this day. The phrase is significant because it is a prophecy of Caesar’s assassination. Despite multiple warnings, Caesar ignores them, showing his pride and overconfidence. The warning builds suspense in the play and emphasizes the theme of fate versus free will. Caesar’s refusal to listen leads to his downfall, making this a pivotal moment in the play.

(iii) What was Caesar’s reaction to the soothsayer’s warning? What light does this reaction throw on Caesar’s character? (3 Marks—80 words)

Caesar dismisses the soothsayer’s warning, calling him a "dreamer" and refusing to take the prophecy seriously. This reaction shows Caesar’s arrogance and overconfidence. He believes he is invincible and refuses to acknowledge any threat. His pride blinds him to the warnings of danger, leading to his downfall. This moment highlights Caesar’s tragic flaw (hubris)—his excessive self-assurance—which ultimately results in his assassination. His failure to heed advice is a major factor in his fate.

(iv) What does ‘order of the course’ refer to? What reasons does Brutus give for his unwillingness to go to see the order of the course? (3 Marks—80 words)

The "order of the course" refers to the ceremonial race held during the Feast of Lupercal, where runners, including Mark Antony, race through the streets and touch barren women to bless them with fertility. Brutus refuses to go, stating that he is not interested in the celebrations. He is deeply troubled by Caesar’s growing power and is already contemplating opposing him. Brutus is a man of honour and duty, and he fears that Caesar’s ambition could harm Rome.

(v) Give two examples of warnings about the danger which is in store for Caesar. Give one example to prove Caesar’s superstitious nature that is hinted upon in the very beginning of Act 1, Scene 2. (4 Marks—100 words)

Two warnings about Caesar’s impending doom include the Soothsayer’s warning (“Beware the Ides of March”) and Calphurnia’s dream, in which she sees Caesar’s statue bleeding while Romans wash their hands in the blood. Additionally, in Act 1, Scene 3, unnatural omens—storms, ghosts, and a lion roaming the streets—serve as warnings.

Despite his arrogance, Caesar shows superstition. In Act 1, Scene 2, he tells Antony to touch Calphurnia during the race, believing it will cure her barrenness. This reveals that, despite his strong exterior, he acknowledges supernatural forces when it benefits him.

Question 3 (Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare)

Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:

Decius

"Most mighty Caesar, let me know some cause,

Lest I be laughed at when I tell them so."

Caesar

"The cause is in my will: I will not come;

That is enough to satisfy the Senate:

But, for your private satisfaction,

Because I love you, I will let you know:

Calphurnia, here my wife, stays me at home:

She dreamt tonight she saw my statue,"

Answer the following questions:

(i) Where are the speakers at this moment? What day is this? What is the significance of the day? (3 Marks—80 words)

The speakers, Caesar and Decius, are at Caesar’s house in Rome. It is the morning of March 15, the Ides of March—the day the soothsayer warned about. This day is significant because it fulfills the prophecy of Caesar’s assassination. Calphurnia, after having a terrifying dream, pleads with Caesar to stay home. However, Decius manipulates Caesar into ignoring the warnings. This moment is crucial because Caesar’s choice to leave leads directly to his murder in the Senate.

(ii) What did Calphurnia dream of? How did she interpret her dream? (3 Marks—80 words)

Calphurnia dreamt that Caesar’s statue was bleeding, with Romans joyfully washing their hands in the blood. She interpreted this as a bad omen, fearing that her husband would be murdered. She begged him not to go to the Senate, believing the dream was a divine warning of imminent danger. Her interpretation is accurate, as it foreshadows Caesar’s assassination. However, Caesar ignores her, showing his stubbornness and belief in his own invincibility.

(iii) How does Decius interpret her dream? (3 Marks—80 words)

Decius cleverly reinterprets Calphurnia’s dream to manipulate Caesar. He claims that the bleeding statue represents Caesar’s strength and vitality. He argues that the Romans washing their hands in the blood signifies their respect and admiration. Decius appeals to Caesar’s ego, making him believe that the Senate plans to offer him the crown and that staying home would make him appear weak. This manipulation successfully convinces Caesar to ignore the warning and go to the Senate.

(iv) What other reasons did Calphurnia state for not wanting Caesar to go to the Senate? (3 Marks—80 words)

Apart from her terrifying dream, Calphurnia mentions several supernatural omens that indicate danger. She describes a lioness giving birth in the streets, graves opening, ghosts shrieking, warriors fighting in the sky, and blood raining down on the Capitol. These unnatural events, she believes, are warnings of an impending disaster for Caesar. She begs him to stay home, fearing for his life. She even suggests that he send Mark Antony to deliver his message, but Caesar refuses to listen.

(v) What are the statements made by Decius to convince Caesar that he should attend the Senate? (4 Marks—100 words)

Decius manipulates Caesar by reinterpreting Calphurnia’s dream. He claims that the bleeding statue symbolizes Caesar’s power and that Romans washing their hands in the blood signifies their love and admiration for him. Decius further tempts Caesar by saying that the Senate plans to offer him the crown that day, and if he refuses to attend, they might change their minds. He also mocks the idea of fear, suggesting that staying home would make Caesar look weak and cowardly. Decius’s clever flattery and psychological tactics fuel Caesar’s ego, leading him to ignore all warnings and go to the Senate.

Solutions

SECTION C—PROSE (SHORT STORIES)

Question 4 (The Boy Who Broke the Bank—Ruskin Bond)

Read the following extract and answer the questions:

"What’s that?" said Kamal Kishore, sitting up suddenly, "Which bank?"

"Why, the Pipalnagar bank, of course. I hear they have stopped paying employees. Don’t tell me you have an account there, Mr. Kishore?"

"No, but my neighbour has!" he exclaimed; and he called out over the low partition to the keeper of the barber shop next door. "Deep Chand, have you heard the latest? The Pipalnagar bank is about to collapse. You’d better get your money out as soon as you can!"

Answer the following questions:

(i) Which bank has been referred to here? Who was Deep Chand? What was the latest news? (3 Marks—80 words)

The Pipalnagar Bank has been referred to in the extract. Deep Chand was a barber, the owner of a shop next to Kamal Kishore’s establishment. The latest news was that the bank had stopped paying its employees, leading to rumors of financial trouble. This news, though unverified, spreads rapidly, causing panic among people. The situation escalates, leading to a bank run, where customers rush to withdraw their money, ultimately causing the bank’s collapse.

(ii) What was Deep Chand’s reaction on receiving the latest news? (3 Marks—80 words)

Upon hearing the news, Deep Chand became alarmed. Since he owned a barbershop, he had many customers who could further spread the information. Instead of verifying the facts, he immediately shared it with others, adding to the growing panic. His gullibility and quick reaction contributed to the escalation of rumours about the bank’s financial status. This highlights how unverified gossip can quickly turn into chaos, affecting the lives of many people without any real basis.

(iii) Why did the customer yelp? Why did he speed across the road? (3 Marks—80 words)

The customer yelped in alarm because he overheard Deep Chand and Kamal Kishore discussing the rumored collapse of the Pipalnagar Bank. He became frightened that his savings might be lost. Panicked, he rushed across the road to spread the news to others, hoping to withdraw his money before it was too late. His reaction fueled further hysteria, showing how fear and misinformation spread quickly, leading to an unstoppable wave of mass panic in the town.

(iv) Who was Ganpat? How did he react on learning that the bank was about to collapse? (3 Marks—80 words)

Ganpat was a beggar who frequently sat outside the Pipalnagar Bank, collecting alms from passersby. Upon hearing the news of the bank’s rumored collapse, he shocked everyone by suddenly getting up and rushing towards the bank, revealing that he had money deposited there. His unexpected reaction surprised the townspeople, as no one had expected a beggar to have savings. His desperation and urgency added to the growing confusion, further escalating the chaos surrounding the bank’s downfall.

(v) What were the rumours that spread about Seth Govind Ram? (4 Marks—100 words)

Seth Govind Ram was a wealthy businessman and the owner of the Pipalnagar Bank. As the rumors of the bank’s collapse spread, people began speculating that he had fled the town to escape financial ruin. Others believed that he had taken all the bank’s money and run away to avoid paying the depositors. These false rumors caused widespread panic, leading people to rush to the bank to withdraw their savings. In reality, Seth Govind Ram was away on business, unaware of the chaos. This incident highlights how misinformation can quickly spiral out of control, leading to unnecessary fear and destruction.

Question 5 (The Home-Coming – Rabindranath Tagore)

Read the following extract and answer the questions:

"The next few days were full of rejoicing. The brother asked after the education of the two boys. He was told by his sister that Phatik was a perpetual nuisance. He was lazy, disobedient, and wild. But Makhan was as good as gold, as quiet as a lamb, and very fond of reading."

Answer the following questions:

(i) Who was ‘the brother’ referred to in the extract? What was Phatik’s mother’s complaint about him? (3 Marks—80 words)

The "brother" in the extract refers to Bishamber, Phatik’s uncle, who had come to visit his sister’s house. Phatik’s mother complained that Phatik was disobedient, mischievous, and difficult to handle. She saw him as a troublemaker, constantly getting into fights and causing problems. Unlike his obedient and quiet younger brother, Makhan, Phatik was considered wild and uncontrollable. His mother’s lack of affection towards him and her preference for Makhan led to Phatik feeling unwanted and neglected.

(ii) How, according to Phatik’s mother, was Makhan different in his behaviour from his brother? (3 Marks—80 words)

Phatik’s mother considered Makhan to be well-behaved, quiet, and studious, in contrast to Phatik’s mischievous and reckless nature. She described Makhan as “as good as gold” and obedient, whereas Phatik was always getting into trouble. Makhan was portrayed as the ideal son, one who was devoted to reading and studying, while Phatik was seen as a nuisance. This contrast between the two boys led to Phatik feeling alienated, as he sensed his mother’s favouritism towards Makhan.

(iii) What did Bishamber offer to do? Why? (3 Marks—80 words)

Bishamber, noticing Phatik’s lack of affection at home, offered to take him to Kolkata and educate him properly. He saw that Phatik needed guidance and a better environment. Bishamber’s intention was to provide Phatik with better opportunities and discipline him in a more structured setting. Phatik’s mother readily agreed, seeing this as a chance to get rid of her troublesome son. However, instead of finding comfort in his new home, Phatik felt even more lonely and isolated.

(iv) How welcome was Phatik in Bishamber’s family? What was its effect on Phatik? (3 Marks—80 words)

Phatik was not welcomed warmly in Bishamber’s family. Bishamber’s wife and children resented his presence, treating him as an outsider. He felt lonely, unwanted, and homesick. The lack of affection and warmth deepened his misery, and he struggled to adjust to his new life in Kolkata. His depression and longing for home eventually led to his illness, showing that emotional neglect and lack of love can have severe consequences on a child’s well-being.

(v) How is the theme of love and isolation hinted upon in the story? (4 Marks—100 words)

The story highlights the painful effects of neglect and lack of love. Phatik, a mischievous but sensitive boy, longs for affection and acceptance, but he receives rejection from both his mother and his uncle’s family. His mother’s favouritism towards Makhan makes him feel unwanted at home, and his new life in Kolkata isolates him further. The lack of understanding and kindness from those around him leads to his declining health and eventual death. The story emphasizes that children need love, care, and emotional support, and their growth is deeply affected by how they are treated.

 Solutions

SECTION D—POETRY

Question 6 (A Work of Artifice—Marge Piercy)

Read the following extract and answer the questions:

"The bonsai tree

In the attractive pot

could have grown eighty feet tall

on the side of a mountain

till split by lightning.

But a gardener

carefully pruned it.

It is nine inches high.Every day as he

whittles back the branches"

Answer the following questions:

(i) What kind of tree is a bonsai? What does it stand for in the poem? (3 Marks—80 words)

A bonsai tree is a miniature, artificially stunted tree, carefully pruned to prevent it from growing naturally. In the poem, it stands as a symbol of oppression and restriction, particularly of women in a patriarchal society. The bonsai represents individuals whose potential is deliberately limited by external forces. The gardener symbolizes societal control, shaping and confining individuals to fit predefined roles. The poem criticizes how society suppresses growth and independence, forcing people, especially women, into constrained, subordinate positions.

(ii) Where could it have fully grown? What has stunted its growth? What is the height of the tree after pruning it? (3 Marks—80 words)

The bonsai tree could have reached a height of eighty feet on the mountainside, flourishing in its natural habitat. However, its growth has been stunted by the gardener, who deliberately prunes it to keep it small and controlled. The poem metaphorically compares this restriction of the tree to the oppression of women and individuals in society. Instead of reaching its full potential, the tree remains only nine inches high, symbolizing how societal norms suppress personal development.

(iii) What does the gardener stand for in the poem? Why does the gardener not let the bonsai tree grow to its full potential? (3 Marks—80 words)

The gardener symbolizes authority—society, patriarchy, or any oppressive force that restricts personal freedom. He represents those in power who control and limit others for their convenience. The gardener deliberately stunts the tree’s growth because he wants it to remain small, decorative, and manageable rather than allowing it to thrive. This reflects how society suppresses individuals, particularly women, by confining them to limited roles and preventing them from achieving independence and success.

(iv) Justify the title of the poem. (3 Marks—80 words)

The title A Work of Artifice highlights the idea of artificial manipulation. The word "artifice" means a skillful, yet deceptive act, showing how the gardener manipulates the bonsai tree into an unnatural form. This reflects how society shapes individuals, especially women, into confined roles instead of allowing them to grow freely. The poem suggests that this artificial control is not natural or necessary, but rather a deliberate act of oppression. Thus, the title emphasizes the theme of suppression and forced limitations.

(v) What do the metaphors ‘attractive pot’ and ‘whittling and pruning’ symbolize in the poem? In what way is the gardener wrong? (4 Marks—100 words)

The "attractive pot" symbolises the restricted, yet appealing role that society assigns to individuals, particularly women, keeping them decorative but powerless. The "whittling and pruning" represent societal control, where people are forcibly shaped to fit expectations rather than being allowed to grow naturally.

The gardener is wrong because he limits the tree’s true potential, just as society limits individuals by enforcing unrealistic expectations. The tree could have thrived on a mountain, just as a person could achieve greater things if given freedom. The poem argues that control and suppression harm personal growth rather than protecting or refining it.

Question 7 (The Night Mail—W.H. Auden)

Read the following extract and answer the questions:

"Notes from overseas to Hebrides

Written on paper of every hue,

The pink, the violet, the white and the blue,

The chatty, the catty, the boring, adoring,

The cold and official and the heart’s outpouring,

Clever, stupid, short and long,

The typed and the printed and the spelt all wrong.

Thousands are still asleep

Dreaming of terrifying monsters."

Answer the following questions:

(i) What kinds of letters does The Night Mail carry? (3 Marks—80 words)

The Night Mail carries letters of all kinds, including personal, official, business, and emotional messages. The poet describes them as “chatty” and “boring,” “official” and “heart’s outpouring,” emphasizing their variety. Some letters are typed, some handwritten, and many contain spelling errors. These letters represent the diverse emotions and needs of people who rely on communication to stay connected. The train serves as a symbol of continuity and connection, delivering messages that bridge distances between individuals and places.

(ii) What does the line ‘The chatty, the catty, the boring, adoring’ tell us about the context of the letters? Explain the terms ‘chatty’ and ‘catty.’ (3 Marks—80 words)

This line describes the different types of letters carried by The Night Mail.

• "Chatty" refers to friendly, informal letters, full of gossip and conversation.

• "Catty" refers to letters with sarcasm or criticism, often containing jealous or mean remarks.

• "Boring" refers to formal, routine messages that lack emotion.

• "Adoring" refers to love letters, filled with affection and devotion.

These words highlight the diverse nature of human communication, showing that letters express a wide range of emotions and relationships.

(iii) Which different colours are used to write letters by different people? What do they reveal about them? (3 Marks—80 words)

The letters in The Night Mail are written on pink, violet, white, and blue paper. These colours represent the variety of human emotions and personalities.

• Pink and violet may indicate personal letters, such as love notes or friendly messages.

• White could symbolize formal or business letters, written in a neutral tone.

• Blue might represent official correspondence or serious matters.

By mentioning these colours, the poet emphasizes diversity, showing how The Night Mail carries messages of joy, sorrow, love, and duty, reflecting different aspects of life.

(iv) What have Glasgow’s people been doing as the train reaches the destination? What do the people dream of? (3 Marks—80 words)

As The Night Mail approaches Glasgow, most people are asleep, unaware of the letters arriving for them. Their dreams range from personal fantasies to nightmares, reflecting their subconscious fears and hopes. The poet specifically mentions "dreaming of terrifying monsters," symbolising anxieties and inner struggles. Meanwhile, the train steadily moves forward, ensuring that the letters reach their destination. This contrast between sleeping humans and the relentless movement of the train highlights the constant flow of communication and human connection.

(v) How does the poem highlight the theme of human need to be connected? (4 Marks—100 words)

The poem emphasizes the importance of communication in human life. The letters carried by The Night Mail symbolise people’s emotions, relationships, and responsibilities. They bring news, love, business dealings, and personal thoughts, connecting individuals across great distances.

Even as people sleep and dream, the train continues to deliver messages, ensuring that human bonds remain strong. The poem suggests that, despite differences in class, location, or situation, everyone relies on written words to stay connected. The Night Mail represents the unbreakable thread of communication that unites society, highlighting our deep-seated need for connection and interaction.