Essential English Literature Questions and Answers
The Portrait of a Lady
17. The Evolving Bond with the Grandmother
Question: Describe the changing relationship between the author and his grandmother.
Answer: In childhood, the author and his grandmother were very close; she took care of him completely. When they moved to the city, their closeness reduced because he attended an English school and she could no longer accompany him. Later, when he went to university and stayed in a hostel, their relationship grew even more distant. However, the emotional bond remained strong until her death.
18. Daily Routine of the Grandmother
Question: Write about three ways in which the author’s grandmother spent her days after he grew up.
Answer: After he grew up, the grandmother spent her days in the following ways:
- Praying and reading the scriptures in her room.
- Spinning the wheel (charkha).
- Feeding sparrows every afternoon, which was the happiest part of her day.
19. The Grandmother’s Happiest Moments
Question: Describe the happiest half-hour of the day for the grandmother.
Answer: The happiest half-hour for the grandmother was when she fed the sparrows. Hundreds of sparrows gathered around her, sat on her head and shoulders, and chirped loudly. She happily threw crumbs to them and enjoyed their company.
20. Silence and Separation at University
Question: Why did the author’s grandmother stop talking to him when he went to university?
Answer: She stopped talking because he began living in a separate room, and she could no longer accompany him or help with his studies. She felt disconnected and believed she had no role left in his education, which led to her silence.
We’re Not Afraid to Die…
21. Courage in the Face of Danger
Question: Difference between the reaction of the adults and the children when faced with danger.
Answer: The reactions differed in the following ways:
- The adults: Acted with courage, responsibility, and continuous effort to save the ship.
- The children: Remained calm, brave, and supportive. Instead of panicking, they encouraged their parents to keep fighting for survival.
22. The Power of Optimism in Crisis
Question: How does the story suggest that optimism helps to endure the direst stress?
Answer: Optimism gave the family the strength to stay united and hopeful during the life-threatening storm. Their positive attitude, courage, and belief that they would survive helped them keep working and not give up, even in the worst moments.
23. Life Lessons from Hazardous Experiences
Question: What lessons do we learn from hazardous experiences when we face death?
Answer: We learn courage, teamwork, and the importance of staying calm. Such experiences teach us the value of life, mental strength, and how determination can help us overcome even the deadliest challenges.
24. The Motivation Behind Adventurous Quests
Question: Why do you think people undertake adventurous expeditions despite the risks?
Answer: People take such expeditions because they seek thrill, challenge, discovery, and the desire to push their limits. Adventure gives a sense of achievement and teaches important life lessons, even though risks are involved.
Discovering Tut: The Saga Continues
25. Findings of King Tut’s CT Scan
Question: What were the results of the CT scan?
Answer: The CT scan showed that King Tut’s body was well-preserved. It revealed details of his bones, skull, and injuries. The scan also showed no evidence of major wounds that could clearly explain his death.
26. The Mystery of King Tut’s Death
Question: Why has King Tut’s body been subjected to repeated scrutiny?
Answer: Because there is a mystery surrounding his sudden and early death. Historians, scientists, and researchers repeatedly examined his body to understand the exact cause of his death and to learn more about ancient Egyptian history.
27. Howard Carter’s Archaeological Methods
Question: Why did Carter have to chisel away the solidified resins?
Answer: The resins used during mummification had hardened strongly and stuck Tut’s body to the bottom of the coffin. Carter had no choice but to chisel them out to lift the mummy.
28. Restoration of Traditional Beliefs
Question: Why did the boy king change his name from Tutankhaten to Tutankhamun?
Answer: He changed his name to honor the god Amun instead of Aten. This change symbolized the restoration of traditional religious beliefs in Egypt.
29. Criticism of Howard Carter’s Work
Question: Why was Howard Carter’s investigation resented?
Answer: Carter’s methods were considered rough and unscientific. He damaged the mummy while chiseling it out, which led historians and archaeologists to criticize his approach.
The Ailing Planet
30. Environmental Health of the Ailing Planet
Question: Why has the article been titled “The Ailing Planet”?
Answer: The Earth is compared to a sick planet because its natural resources—forests, water, air, and wildlife—are being damaged due to human activities. Environmental destruction makes the planet appear as if it is suffering from illness.
31. Depletion of Earth’s Biological Systems
Question: How are the Earth’s principal biological systems being depleted?
Answer: The four systems—forests, oceans, grasslands, and croplands—are being damaged by overuse. Deforestation, overfishing, overgrazing, and over-cultivation are reducing their ability to renew themselves. As a result, the Earth’s natural balance is being destroyed.