1. What did the protagonist discover while browsing a junk shop?
1. What did the protagonist discover while browsing a junk shop?
Explanation:
While browsing a junk shop, the protagonist stumbled upon a dilapidated oak roll-top desk that was in a poor condition.
2. What was found inside the secret drawer of the roll-top desk, and who do you think left it there?
2. What was found inside the secret drawer of the roll-top desk, and who do you think left it there?
Explanation:
Upon opening the secret drawer of the roll-top desk, the protagonist found a small tin box containing a letter. It is possible that the previous owner of the desk had left it there.
3. Who wrote the letter found inside the tin box, when was it written, and who was the intended recipient?
3. Who wrote the letter found inside the tin box, when was it written, and who was the intended recipient?
Explanation:
The letter was written by John Macpherson, a British army captain, to his wife Connie. The letter was dated December 26, 1914.
4. Why did John Macpherson write the letter, and what was the event he described?
4. Why did John Macpherson write the letter, and what was the event he described?
Explanation:
John Macpherson wrote the letter to his wife to describe the extraordinary event that occurred during the war. On Christmas day, the British and German armies, who were engaged in fierce fighting, put down their weapons and celebrated the holiday together.
5. What were the occupations of Hans Wolf and Jim Macpherson when they were not soldiers?
5. What were the occupations of Hans Wolf and Jim Macpherson when they were not soldiers?
Explanation:
Before enlisting in the army, Hans Wolf played the cello in an orchestra, while Jim Macpherson worked as a teacher.
6. Did Hans Wolf ever visit Dorset, and how did he become familiar with it?
6. Did Hans Wolf ever visit Dorset, and how did he become familiar with it?
Explanation:
No, Hans Wolf had never been to Dorset. However, he was familiar with the place through reading Thomas Hardy's novel "Far from the Madding Crowd".
7. Do you think Jim Macpherson survived the war, and why do you think Connie preserved his letters?
7. Do you think Jim Macpherson survived the war, and why do you think Connie preserved his letters?
Explanation:
It is unlikely that Jim Macpherson survived the war, as there were no more letters from him after the one found in the tin box. Connie likely preserved his letters as a way to remember and honor her husband's memory.
8. How long do you think Connie kept Jim's letter, and why?
8. How long do you think Connie kept Jim's letter, and why?
Explanation:
Based on the date of the letter, Connie kept Jim's letter until January 25, 1915, which was roughly a month after she received it.
9. Why do you think the roll-top desk was sold and when?
9. Why do you think the roll-top desk was sold and when?
Explanation:
It's likely that the roll-top desk was sold after Connie's home was damaged by fire. The desk itself was also damaged, and it was probably sold shortly after the incident.
10. Why do Jim and Hans believe that games or sports are effective ways to resolve conflicts, and do you agree with them?
10. Why do Jim and Hans believe that games or sports are effective ways to resolve conflicts, and do you agree with them?
Explanation:
Jim and Hans are both soldiers who have witnessed the horrors of war, and thus they prefer peaceful methods to resolve conflicts. They believe that games and sports can be effective ways to achieve this. I personally agree with them.
11. Are the soldiers of the British and German armies similar or different? Provide evidence from the story to support your answer.
11. Are the soldiers of the British and German armies similar or different? Provide evidence from the story to support your answer.
Explanation:
The soldiers of the British and German armies are fundamentally similar, despite being on opposite sides of the war. They share a common humanity and a desire for peace. This is evidenced in the story by the fact that they exchanged Christmas greetings and celebrated together, playing games and sharing food and drink.
12. What are some of the ways in which the British and German soldiers find common ground and become friends during Christmas?
12. What are some of the ways in which the British and German soldiers find common ground and become friends during Christmas?
Explanation:
The soldiers of the British and German armies set aside their differences and find common ground during Christmas by sharing food and drink, playing games, and exchanging gifts and greetings. They also express their mutual desire for peace and to return home to their families.
13. What is Connie's Christmas present, and why is it so significant to her?
13. What is Connie's Christmas present, and why is it so significant to her?
Explanation:
Connie's Christmas present is the belief that her husband Jim has returned home from the war. Although she has mistaken the author for Jim, the news still brings her immense joy and relief.
14. Do you think the title of the story is appropriate, and can you suggest any alternative titles?
14. Do you think the title of the story is appropriate, and can you suggest any alternative titles?
Explanation:
The title of the story is quite appropriate, as it captures the central theme of Christmas and the joy it can bring even in the midst of war. Alternative titles could include "A Christmas Reunion" or "The Gift of Hope."
15. How did the author come across Jim's letter and what did it reveal?
15. How did the author come across Jim's letter and what did it reveal?
Explanation:
The author found Jim's letter inside a small black tin box that was hidden in a drawer of an old table he bought. Jim's letter was addressed to his wife and it described how he celebrated Christmas with German soldiers despite being at war with them. Jim also expressed his hope of returning home to his family soon.
16. What was the unusual event that took place between the British and German soldiers during the war, according to Jim's letter?
16. What was the unusual event that took place between the British and German soldiers during the war, according to Jim's letter?
Explanation:
Jim's letter described how, on Christmas day, the German soldiers emerged from their trenches waving a white flag and singing Christmas carols. The British soldiers were initially cautious, but soon both sides started fraternizing with each other, exchanging gifts, playing football, and even sharing a meal together.
17. Who are Fritz and Tommy in the story and why are these names significant?
17. Who are Fritz and Tommy in the story and why are these names significant?
Explanation:
In the story, Fritz and Tommy are the nicknames given to the German and British soldiers respectively. These names are significant because they highlight the shared humanity of the soldiers despite being on opposite sides of the war. The use of these nicknames emphasizes that they are not just faceless enemies, but individuals with families, emotions, and hopes just like themselves.
18. How did the author feel about meeting Connie? Describe the meeting briefly.
18. How did the author feel about meeting Connie? Describe the meeting briefly.
Explanation:
The author felt a mixture of nervousness and excitement about meeting Connie, who was 101 years old and the wife of a soldier who fought in World War I. When the author arrived at the nursing home to give Connie her husband Jim's letter, Connie was thrilled and mistook the author for Jim. She kissed the author's cheek and expressed her happiness about her husband's return. However, the author had to break the news to her that Jim had actually died many years ago.
19. What happened to Connie's house and how did it affect her?
19. What happened to Connie's house and how did it affect her?
Explanation:
Connie's house caught fire one day while she was living alone, and she was saved by firemen. The fire damaged the house, including an old desk that contained Jim's letter. After the fire, Connie had to move to a nursing home, as she was old and couldn't take care of herself anymore. She spent the rest of her life in a wheelchair, and her world became limited to the nursing home.
