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प्रश्न
Comment on Elsie Brown’s writing style in the story, The Shady Plot.
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उत्तर
Its light and humorous tone characterizes Elsie Brown's writing style in A Shady Plot. The story is written in the protagonist's first person point of view, John Hallock. Brown's writing is concise and clear, using dialogue and description to create vivid scenes and characters. She uses irony and satire to poke fun at the publishing industry and its practices. Her writing style effectively conveys the story's humour and underlying message, making it an enjoyable and thought-provoking read.
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संबंधित प्रश्न
How does the lesson, 'A Shady Plot' remind us that man has no right to invoke supernatural powers through Ouija boards, Tarot cards etc to solve his problems and that one should face life boldly and overcome difficulties using wit and intelligence. Write in 80−100 words.
The title of the story is A Shady Plot. The dictionary defines the words as:
shady adjective
- Full of shade; shaded.
- Casting shade: a shady grove.
- Quiet, dark, or concealed; hidden.
- Of dubious character or of questionable honesty.
plot noun
- i) a small piece of ground, generally used for a specific purpose: a garden plot.
ii) a measured area of land - a ground plan, as for a building; a diagram.
- storyline- the plan, scheme, or main story of a literary or dramatic work, as a play, novel, or short story
- a secret plan to accomplish a hostile or illegal purpose; a scheme.
Based on the definitions above, can you predict what the story is about? Make a brief note of your prediction in your notebook.
The title of the story is A Shady Plot. The dictionary defines the words as:
plot noun.
Based on your reading of the story answer the following question by ticking the correct option.
The ghost says "It's all your fault.'It' here refers to ………………………
Answer the following question briefly.
Does the narrator like writing ghost stories? Support your answer with evidence
from the story.
Answer the following question briefly.
What makes Helen, the ghost and her other co-ghosts organize The Writer's Inspiration Bureau? .
Answer the following question briefly.
Why had Helen, the ghost, been helping the narrator write ghost stories? Why was she going on strike? What condition did she place for providing continued help?
Answer the following question briefly.
How does the ghost undermine the narrator's faith in his ability to write ghost stories?
Answer the following question briefly.
Why does the narrator hesitate to be a partner to Laura Hinkle during the Ouija Board Party?
Answer the following question briefly.
Why does John wish himself to be dead?
Answer the following question briefly.
John's apprehensions about his wife's reaction to her encounter with the ghost are
unfounded. Justify.
Answer the following question in detail:
After her reconciliation with her husband, John Hallock, Lavinia writes a letter to
her friend expressing how her relationship with him has almost been on the verge
of breaking and what has saved it. Write her a letter.
The narrator and his wife reveal something about their character through their words and actions. We also learn about them from what other people say. Can you pick out the words that describe them from the box given below? Also, pick out lines and instances from the story to illustrate your choice.
| shy arrogant loyal clever overconfident manipulative protective self- disparaging suspicious sceptical jealous fearless firm shrewd strong gullible sly creative loves novelty and thrills |
| Person | Extract from story | What it tells us about the character |
| John Hallock | 1. …in the end things had always come my way….. somehow I'd always been able to dig one (plot) up for him, so I'd begun to get a bit cocky as to my ability (to write stories). | 1. ____________ |
| 2. "But my ghosts aren't a bit like you----". | 2. sceptical | |
| 3. We scout around until we find a writer without ideas and with a mind soft enough to accept impression. | 3. gullible | |
| 4. .................................................................. | 4. creative | |
| 5. ................................................................... | 5. protective | |
| LaviniaHallock | 1. .................................................................... | 1. loves novelty and thrills |
| 2..................................................................... | 2. spendthrift | |
| 3. ..................................................................... | 3. suspicious | |
| 4. ....................................................................... | 4. jealous | |
| 5. Buys the Ouija board but says it is for John's research. | 5. manipulative | |
| 6. Does not flinch when she meets the ghost but talks to her casually. | 6. strong |
Do you think a story has an atmosphere? Complete the following blanks to make
up your ghost story by choosing the correct options.
| A Ghost Story She opened the _________________ (secret door/ spaceship's hatch/ door of the cottage/ cemetery gate/ door of the castle/ cockpit) _________________ (brashly/ loudly/ silently/ stupidly/ fearfully/ joyously). Standing in front of her was a ________________ (terrifying/ handsome/ smelly/ anonymous/ tiny/ huge/ bossy) ___________ (policeman/ spy/ apparition/ witch/ prince/ wizard) with a _________________ (wand/ rose/ rod/ knife/ scythe/ coded message) in his/ her (its) _________________ (ghoulish/ bony/ beautiful/ fair/ manly/ gloved/ magical) hand. |
While conventional Ghost stories are scary and gruesome, several modern versions are humorous. The Canterville Ghost, by Oscar Wilde, is one of the best ghost stories written in the vein of comic satire. The story that you just read is another example in case. Humour arises out of the narrator's ability to laugh at himself, clever use of language as well as comic situations. Discuss within your groups what makes the story, A Shady Plot humorous. Share your views during a class discussion.
Answer the following questions :
The Ghost loved the stormy weather because ….(Complete the statement by
ticking the correct option)
Answer the following question:
The Ghost was particularly angry with Washington and wished to frighten him
because…. ...................................................................(Complete the statement)
Answer the following question.
The Ghost was most angry with ….(Complete the statement by ticking the correct
option)
