Question

Read the given extract and answer the questions by selecting the correct options.

The only drawback was that his very ‘perfection had made necessary a series of evasions and even deliberate falsehoods on the part of herself and her husband, highly distasteful to both. They were lovers of truth, but they had realized that there are times when truth must be sacrificed. At any cost, the facts concerning Mr. Bramble’s profession must be kept from Harold.

(i) His very ‘perfection’ refers to Harold’s ______.

1. gentlemanly manners.
2. aspiration to be the best.
3. exceptional intelligence.
4. obsession with cleanliness.
   1. (1) and (3)
   2. (2) and (3)
   3. (1) and (4)
   4. (2) and (4)

(ii) What was highly distasteful to both Mrs. and Mr. Bramble?

1. Consciously choosing to lie.
2. Harold’s perfection.
3. Mr. Bramble’s profession.
4. Their relationship with each other

(iii) The facts concerning Mr. Bramble’s profession ‘must be kept’ from Harold because it would make him feel ______.

1. afraid.
2. ashamed.
3. weird.
4. angry.

Answer 1

(i) His very ‘perfection’ refers to Harold’s gentlemanly manners and exceptional intelligence.

Explanation:

Harold is considered “perfect” because he is well-mannered, intelligent and well-behaved. His parents are proud of these qualities, but they also feel that Harold may look down upon his father’s profession.

(ii) Consciously choosing to lie.

Explanation:

Mr. and Mrs. Bramble are lovers of truth, so they dislike having to hide the truth about Mr. Bramble’s profession from Harold and tell deliberate lies.

(iii) The facts concerning Mr. Bramble’s profession ‘must be kept’ from Harold because it would make him feel ashamed.

Explanation:

They fear that Harold would feel ashamed of his father if he discovered that Mr. Bramble was a professional boxer. Harold considers boxing a low and unsuitable profession.