1. What does Chubukov at first suspect that Lomov has come for? Is he sincere when he later says, “And I’ve always loved you, my angel, as if you were my own son”? Find reasons for your answer from the play.
1. What does Chubukov at first suspect that Lomov has come for? Is he sincere when he later says, “And I’ve always loved you, my angel, as if you were my own son”? Find reasons for your answer from the play.
Explanation:
At first, Chubkov suspected that Romov came to him in an evening dress to borrow money. Chubkov was not at all sincere when he told Lomov that he had always loved him and treated the young man as his own son. He decided that if he wanted to borrow money from Romov, he wouldn't give him a penny. During the altercation, he also taunted Lomov with various insults, calling him a "pettifogger", "old rat", "Jesuit" and others. Mention. However, when Romov proposed to his daughter, his angle immediately changed, and he rushed to call his daughter Natalia Stepanovna.
2. Chubukov says of Natalya: “… as if she won’t consent! She’s in love; egad, she’s like a lovesick cat…” Would you agree? Find reasons for your answer.
2. Chubukov says of Natalya: “… as if she won’t consent! She’s in love; egad, she’s like a lovesick cat…” Would you agree? Find reasons for your answer.
Explanation:
Chubukov sees Lomov as an ideal marriage prospect for his daughter Natalya. Indeed, he was waiting for the offer. However, when Lomov expressed doubts whether Natalia would accept the proposal, Chubkov immediately confirmed his statement and said that his daughter was in love with him. In the play, it is noticed that Natalia constantly disagrees with Lomov and disagrees on several fronts. When Lomov left after the argument, Chubkov told him that he had in fact come to propose to her.
Hearing this, Natalya burst into tears and asked her father to bring Romov back immediately. The statement that she was actually in love with him was, “Oh! She said: Bring him back! Bring it back! Bring him back here. Quick quick! grab it! "
3. Find all the words and expressions in the play that the characters use to speak about each other and the accusations and insults they hurl at each other. (For example, Lomov, in the end, calls Chubukov an intriguer; but earlier, Chubukov has himself called Lomov a “malicious, doublefaced intriguer.” Again, Lomov begins by describing Natalya as “an excellent housekeeper, not bad-looking, well-educated.”)
3. Find all the words and expressions in the play that the characters use to speak about each other and the accusations and insults they hurl at each other. (For example, Lomov, in the end, calls Chubukov an intriguer; but earlier, Chubukov has himself called Lomov a “malicious, doublefaced intriguer.” Again, Lomov begins by describing Natalya as “an excellent housekeeper, not bad-looking, well-educated.”)
Explanation:
The words and expressions that have been used in the play by various characters to describe each other are listed below:
Chubukov: intriguer, grabber, old rat, Jesuit
Natalya: a lovesick cat, an excellent housekeeper, not bad-looking, well-educated.
Lomov: a good neighbour, impudent, pettifogger, malicious, double-faced intriguer, rascal, blind hen, turnip-ghost, a villain, a scarecrow, the stuffed sausage, a monster, the wizen-faced frump, pup, fool, milksop, etc
4. Then think of five adjectives or adjectival expressions of your own to describe each character in the play.
4. Then think of five adjectives or adjectival expressions of your own to describe each character in the play.
Explanation:
Chubukov: low-minded, insensible, cunning, quarrelsome, mean.
Lomov: well-dressed, weak, assertive, stupid, idiotic.
Natalya: quarrelsome, lovable, immature, foolish, mean.
5. Can you now imagine what these characters will quarrel about next?
5. Can you now imagine what these characters will quarrel about next?
Explanation:
All the characters seem to have a short temper and thus are expected to get into a quarrel even on the pettiest issues. It can be said that they’ll quarrel soon enough.
6. This play has been translated into English from the Russian original. Are there any expressions or ways of speaking that strike you as more Russian than English? For example, would an adult man be addressed by an older man as my darling or my treasure in an English play?
6. This play has been translated into English from the Russian original. Are there any expressions or ways of speaking that strike you as more Russian than English? For example, would an adult man be addressed by an older man as my darling or my treasure in an English play?
Explanation:
The expressions that are not used in contemporary English include:
“my darling”, “my angel”, “my beloved”, “my beauty”, “my treasure” – All these expressions were used for an adult man by an older man.
“…and all that sort of thing” – This expression does not explain anything and is used for a comic effect.
“…and all that” – This expression is also used for comic effect and has no meaning.
“how may you be getting on?” – In this expression, Lomov is asking Chubukov about his well-being.
“the scarecrow”, “the stuffed sausage”, “the wizen-faced frump” – These expressions were used by Chubukov to hurl abuses to Lomov.
Some of the modern English expressions used in the play were:
Lomov addressing Natalya: “Madam”, “my heart”, “honoured Natalya Stepanovna”.
Lomov addressing Chubukov: “Honoured Stepan Stepanovitch”, “I beg pardon Stepan Honouritch”.
Chubukov addressing Lomov: “My dear fellow”.
Chubukov insulting Lomov: “malicious, double-faced intriguer”, “fool”, “guzzling gambler”.
Natalya to Lomov: “shout yourself hoarse”
7. Look up the following words in a dictionary and find out how to pronounce them. Pay attention to how many syllables there are in each word, and find out which syllable is stressed, or said more forcefully
palpitations
interfere
implore
thoroughbred
pedigree
principle
evidence
misfortune
malicious
embezzlement
architect
neighbours
accustomed
temporary
behaviour
documents
7. Look up the following words in a dictionary and find out how to pronounce them. Pay attention to how many syllables there are in each word, and find out which syllable is stressed, or said more forcefully
palpitations | interfere | implore | thoroughbred |
| pedigree | principle | evidence | misfortune |
malicious | embezzlement | architect | neighbours |
accustomed | temporary | behaviour | documents |
Explanation:
Activity to be done by yourself.
8. Look up the following phrases in a dictionary to find out their meaning, and then use each in a sentence of your own.
You may take it that
He seems to be coming round
My foot’s gone to sleep
8. Look up the following phrases in a dictionary to find out their meaning, and then use each in a sentence of your own.
You may take it that
He seems to be coming round
My foot’s gone to sleep
Explanation:
(i) You may take it that I’m lying, but I’m actually not feeling well.
(ii)He seems to be coming round after he fell down, hit his head and fainted.
(iii)My foot’s gone to sleep after exercising in the gym for two hours.
9. Reported Speech
You must have noticed that when we report someone’s exact words, we have to make some changes in the sentence structure. In the following sentences, fill in the blanks to list the changes that have occurred in the above pairs of sentences. One has been done for you.
To report a question, we use the reporting verb asked (as in Sentence Set 1).
To report a statement, we use the reporting verb ____________________________.
The adverb of place here changes to _____________________________________.
When the verb in direct speech is in the present tense, the verb in reported speech is in the
_____________________________________ tense (as in Sentence Set 3).
If the verb in direct speech is in the present continuous tense, the verb in reported speech changes to
_____________________ tense. For example, ___________________ changes to was getting.
When the sentence in direct speech contains a word denoting respect, we add the adverb
____________________ in the reporting clause (as in Sentence Set 1).
The pronouns I, me, our and mine, which are used in the first person in direct speech, change according to the subject or object of the reporting verb such as , _________________, _____________________,
__________________ or _______________ in reported speech.
9. Reported Speech
You must have noticed that when we report someone’s exact words, we have to make some changes in the sentence structure. In the following sentences, fill in the blanks to list the changes that have occurred in the above pairs of sentences. One has been done for you.
To report a question, we use the reporting verb asked (as in Sentence Set 1).
To report a statement, we use the reporting verb ____________________________.
The adverb of place here changes to _____________________________________.
When the verb in direct speech is in the present tense, the verb in reported speech is in the
_____________________________________ tense (as in Sentence Set 3).
If the verb in direct speech is in the present continuous tense, the verb in reported speech changes to
_____________________ tense. For example, ___________________ changes to was getting.
When the sentence in direct speech contains a word denoting respect, we add the adverb
____________________ in the reporting clause (as in Sentence Set 1).
The pronouns I, me, our and mine, which are used in the first person in direct speech, change according to the subject or object of the reporting verb such as , _________________, _____________________,
__________________ or _______________ in reported speech.
Explanation:
To report a statement, we use the reporting verb said/declared.
The adverb of place here changes to there.
When the verb in direct speech is in the present tense, the verb in reported speech is in the past tense.
If the verb in direct speech is in the present continuous tense, the verb in reported speech changes
to past continuous tense. For example, am getting changes to was getting.
When the sentence in direct speech contains a word denoting respect, we add the adverb respectfully in the reporting clause.
The pronouns I, me, our and mine, which are used in the first person in direct speech, change according to the subject or object of the reporting verb such as he/she, him/her, their or his/her’s in reported speech.
10. Here is an excerpt from an article from the Times of India dated 27 August 2006. Rewrite it, changing the sentences in direct speech into reported speech. Leave the other sentences unchanged.
“Why do you want to know my age? If people know I am so old, I won’t get work!” laughs 90-year-old A. K. Hangal, one of Hindi cinema’s most famous character actors. For his age, he is rather energetic. “What’s the secret?” we ask. “My intake of everything is in small quantities. And I walk a lot,” he replies. “I joined the industry when people retire. I was in my 40s. So I don’t miss being called a star. I am still respected and given work, when actors of my age are living in poverty and without work. I don’t have any complaints,” he says, adding, “but yes, I have always been underpaid.” Recipient of the Padma Bhushan, Hangal never hankered after money or materialistic gains. “No doubt I am content today, but money is important. I was a fool not to understand the value of money earlier,” he regrets.
10. Here is an excerpt from an article from the Times of India dated 27 August 2006. Rewrite it, changing the sentences in direct speech into reported speech. Leave the other sentences unchanged.
“Why do you want to know my age? If people know I am so old, I won’t get work!” laughs 90-year-old A. K. Hangal, one of Hindi cinema’s most famous character actors. For his age, he is rather energetic. “What’s the secret?” we ask. “My intake of everything is in small quantities. And I walk a lot,” he replies. “I joined the industry when people retire. I was in my 40s. So I don’t miss being called a star. I am still respected and given work, when actors of my age are living in poverty and without work. I don’t have any complaints,” he says, adding, “but yes, I have always been underpaid.” Recipient of the Padma Bhushan, Hangal never hankered after money or materialistic gains. “No doubt I am content today, but money is important. I was a fool not to understand the value of money earlier,” he regrets.
Explanation:
A.K. Hangal, 90, one of the most famous actors in Hindi cinema, laughs and asks why we want to know his age. He said if people knew he was that old, he couldn't find a job. He has a lot of energy for his age.
We asked him the secret. He replied that his secret to eating small amounts of everything was the secret, adding that he walked a lot. He said he joined the industry at a time when people usually retired. He's in his 40s, so he's sure to be called a star. When actors his age lived in poverty and joblessness, he was still respected and found work.
He said he had no complaints, adding that his salary was low. As a recipient of Padma Bhushan, Hangal never desires money or material benefits. He said he was happy, no doubt, but money was an important aspect. He regretted not knowing the value of money before, what a fool.
11. Anger Management: As adults, one important thing to learn is how to manage our temper. Some of us tend to get angry quickly, while others remain calm.
Can you think of three ill effects that result from anger? Note them down. Suggest ways to avoid losing your temper in such situations. Are there any benefits from anger?
11. Anger Management: As adults, one important thing to learn is how to manage our temper. Some of us tend to get angry quickly, while others remain calm.
Can you think of three ill effects that result from anger? Note them down. Suggest ways to avoid losing your temper in such situations. Are there any benefits from anger?
Explanation:
Anger has several undesirable effects. The three adverse effects of anger are:
Causes headaches and health problems.
Cause anxiety and increase blood pressure.
Destroy relationships.
You can avoid getting angry by staying calm in difficult situations. Take a step back, think twice before speaking, and avoid getting too personal.
Although it is advisable to stay calm and not get angry too often. But here are some of the benefits of being angry:
1. It makes us aware of injustice and helps us to express our disagreement.
2. It motivates us to stay focused, helps to resolve conflicts and facilitates negotiation between people.
(Note: Students can write this answer as per their understanding and personal experiences.)
12. In pairs, prepare a script based on the given excerpt from The Home and the World by Rabindranath Tagore. You may write five exchanges between the characters with other directions such as movements on stage and way of speaking, etc.
One afternoon, when I happened to be specially busy, word came to my office room that Bimala had sent for me. I was startled.
“Who did you say had sent for me?” I asked the messenger.
“The Rani Mother”.
“The Bara Rani?”
“No, sir, the Chota Rani Mother.”
The Chota Rani! It seemed a century since I had been sent for by her. I kept them all waiting there, and went off into the inner apartments. When I stepped into our room I had another shock of surprise to find
Bimala there with a distinct suggestion of being dressed up. The room, which from persistent neglect, had latterly acquired an air of having grown absent-minded, had regained something of its old order this afternoon. I stood there silently, looking enquiringly at Bimala.
She flushed a little and the fingers of her right hand toyed for a time with the bangles on her left arm. Then she abruptly broke the silence.
“Look here! Is it right that ours should be the only market in all Bengal which allows foreign goods?”
“What, then, would be the right thing to do?” I asked.
“Order them to be cleared out!”
“But the goods are not mine.”
“Is not the market yours?”
“It is much more theirs who use it for trade.”
“Let them trade in Indian goods, then.”
“Nothing would please me better. But suppose they do not?”
“Nonsense! How dare they be so insolent? Are you not…”
“I am very busy this afternoon and cannot stop to argue it out. But I must refuse to tyrannise.”
“It would not be tyranny for selfish gain, but for the sake of the country.”
“To tyrannise for the country is to tyrannise over the country. But that I am afraid you will never understand.” With this I came away.
12. In pairs, prepare a script based on the given excerpt from The Home and the World by Rabindranath Tagore. You may write five exchanges between the characters with other directions such as movements on stage and way of speaking, etc.
One afternoon, when I happened to be specially busy, word came to my office room that Bimala had sent for me. I was startled.
“Who did you say had sent for me?” I asked the messenger.
“The Rani Mother”.
“The Bara Rani?”
“No, sir, the Chota Rani Mother.”
The Chota Rani! It seemed a century since I had been sent for by her. I kept them all waiting there, and went off into the inner apartments. When I stepped into our room I had another shock of surprise to find
Bimala there with a distinct suggestion of being dressed up. The room, which from persistent neglect, had latterly acquired an air of having grown absent-minded, had regained something of its old order this afternoon. I stood there silently, looking enquiringly at Bimala.
She flushed a little and the fingers of her right hand toyed for a time with the bangles on her left arm. Then she abruptly broke the silence.
“Look here! Is it right that ours should be the only market in all Bengal which allows foreign goods?”
“What, then, would be the right thing to do?” I asked.
“Order them to be cleared out!”
“But the goods are not mine.”
“Is not the market yours?”
“It is much more theirs who use it for trade.”
“Let them trade in Indian goods, then.”
“Nothing would please me better. But suppose they do not?”
“Nonsense! How dare they be so insolent? Are you not…”
“I am very busy this afternoon and cannot stop to argue it out. But I must refuse to tyrannise.”
“It would not be tyranny for selfish gain, but for the sake of the country.”
“To tyrannise for the country is to tyrannise over the country. But that I am afraid you will never understand.” With this I came away.
Explanation:
Group activity : Activity to be done by yourself.
13.In groups, discuss the qualities one should look for in a marriage partner. You might consider the following points. • Personal qualities
– Appearance or looks
– Attitudes and beliefs
– Sense of humour
• Value system
– Compassion and kindness
– Tolerance, ambition
– Attitude to money and wealth
• Education and professional background
13.In groups, discuss the qualities one should look for in a marriage partner. You might consider the following points. • Personal qualities
– Appearance or looks
– Attitudes and beliefs
– Sense of humour
• Value system
– Compassion and kindness
– Tolerance, ambition
– Attitude to money and wealth
• Education and professional background
Explanation:
Activity to be done by yourself.
14. Are there parts of the play that remind you of film scenes from romantic comedies? Discuss this in groups, and recount to the rest of the class episodes similar to those in the play.
14. Are there parts of the play that remind you of film scenes from romantic comedies? Discuss this in groups, and recount to the rest of the class episodes similar to those in the play.
Explanation:
Group discussion
Activity to be done by yourself.
Also Read:
Chapter 2: Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom |
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