Literary & Historical Insights: Key Questions & Interpretations

Character & Conflict Analysis

Robinchon's Defeat by Marquis de Theremin

Question: How was Robinchon defeated by Marquis de Theremin? (4 marks)

Answer: Robinchon was defeated by the Marquis through a clever trick. The Marquis used his intelligence and experience to outwit Robinchon, exposing his lack of real knowledge and making him appear foolish in front of others. This resulted in Robinchon losing both credibility and respect.

Robinchon's Lecture at Apperville sous Bois

Question: What was the effect of Robinchon’s lecture at Apperville sous Bois? (2 marks)

Answer: Robinchon’s lecture left the audience unimpressed, leading to his humiliation.

Themes of Love & Sacrifice

Jim and Della: A Comparison to the Magi

Question: Why were Jim and Della compared with the Magi? (4 marks)

Answer: Jim and Della were compared to the Magi because they both sacrificed their most prized possessions to buy gifts for each other. Della sold her beautiful long hair to buy a chain for Jim’s watch, while Jim sold his watch to buy combs for Della’s hair. Their selfless acts of love reflected the wisdom and generosity of the Magi, who brought meaningful gifts to baby Jesus.

Della's Tears on Christmas Eve

Question: Why did Della cry on the eve of Christmas? (2 marks)

Answer: Della cried because she had not enough money to buy a meaningful gift for Jim, highlighting her deep love and sacrifice.

Najab's Journey to Bring Fatimah to India

Question: "What would he not do for her?" Narrate the adventure of Najab to bring Fatimah in India. (6 marks)

Answer: Najab, deeply in love with Fatimah, would go to any length to bring her to India. He faced numerous challenges, particularly crossing the vast salt desert. He did not allow the harsh conditions to deter him. Najab’s determination showed his willingness to endure any hardship, as he was driven by love. His journey through difficult terrain, like the salt desert, was a true testament to his devotion, as he continuously thought of Fatimah’s well-being and safety, wanting to unite with her despite the odds.

Daytime Travel in the Salt Desert

Question: Why could people not travel through the salt desert during the daytime? (2 marks)

Answer: The intense heat and harsh conditions made daytime travel dangerous. The risk of dehydration and sunstroke forced travelers to move during cooler hours.

Analysis of "O Captain! My Captain!"

Poet's Call for Exultation Amidst Loss

Question: Why did the poet ask the people on the shore to be exulted when he knew the death of the captain?

Answer: The poet asks the people on the shore to celebrate because the country has achieved victory despite the captain’s (Lincoln’s) death. The paradox in the poem reflects the nation’s mixed emotions—joy for winning the war and sorrow for losing their beloved leader.

Key Symbolism in "O Captain! My Captain!"

Who was the captain? (1 mark)

The captain represents Abraham Lincoln, the President of the United States.

What was the object won? (1 mark)

The object won represents the preservation of the Union and the triumph of democracy.

What was the victory ship? (1 mark)

The victory ship symbolizes the United States after successfully ending the Civil War.

What was the fearful trip? (1 mark)

The fearful trip refers to the American Civil War.