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प्रश्न
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.
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उत्तर
c. Quiet, dark, or concealed; hidden.
c. storyline- the plan, scheme, or main story of a literary or dramatic work, as a play, novel, or short story
Story prediction:
Based on the definitions provided, I predict that the title A Shady Plot is a clever play on words that likely refers to both a storyline of questionable or dubious character (combining definition ‘d’ for shady and ‘c’ for plot) and a secret, possibly dishonest scheme.
Given the ambiguity, the story is likely a mystery or a comedy involving a plot,either a literal storyline or a secret, mischievous plan,that is not quite above board. It suggests that the characters or events within the narrative are shrouded in secrecy or involve trickery, leading to a situation that is morally grey, deceptive, or simply suspicious.
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संबंधित प्रश्न
I only waved denial and gurgled in my throat. She went on “It’s bad enough to have you flirt over the Ouija board with that hussy ----.”
(a) What was John denying?
(b) What does the word ‘hussy’ mean?
(c) Why did Lavinia think that John was flirting?
John Hallock could never displease Jenkins. Why?
Read the extract given below and answer briefly the questions that follow:
"I hadn't the shade of an idea, but at the time that didn't worry me in the least. You see, I had often been like that before...."
(i) Who is 'I' ? What did he not have an idea about?
(ii) Why was he not worried?
(iii) What had actually happened earlier to make things right for him?
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.
Based on your reading of the story answer the following question by ticking the correct option.
What made the writer overconfident about his ability to write ghost stories?
Based on your reading of the story answer the following question by ticking the correct option.
The ghost wanted John to …………………………………………..
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.
How does the ghost undermine the narrator's faith in his ability to write ghost stories?
Answer the following question briefly.
Why does John want the ghost to disappear before his wife appears on the scene? What impression of his wife's character do you form from his words?
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.
John's apprehensions about his wife's reaction to her encounter with the ghost are
unfounded. Justify.
Answer the following question in detail:
John Hallock reflects upon his experience with Helen's ghost and in retrospect he finds it quite amusing. All the same he is relieved that he is no longer plagued by it. Ironically, the same ghost inspires his creativity and he writes a diary entry reflecting upon the comical aspect of his experience. Write his diary entry
Ghosts and haunting have fascinated the public for centuries. Although many doubt the existence of ghosts or other paranormal entities, many people dedicate their lives to searching and recording paranormal activity. Ghost tours, support groups and research societies, to name just a few, permeate our society and seek to answer questions about paranormal activity. Interview your friends, relatives and people in your neighbourhood about whether they believe in the existence of ghosts. Ask them to tell you of any specific experiences they might have had in this context. In your groups, identify the most fascinating anecdote you have gathered on the basis of your interactions. Narrate it to the class
Now that you have shared a ghost story/anecdote as well as completed a guided story in the class, create your own ghost story on the basis of the starters given below:
a) Stephen knew he would never sleep. The noises, those horrid sounds, would keep him awake...
b) Tap, tap, tap. Was it the branches of the nearby tree, or fingernails against the window?
c) People often say, 'There's no such thing as ghosts....
You are familiar with the key elements of a short story viz setting, plot, conflict, character and point of view. Given below are specifics to be kept in mind while writing a ghost story. Also make use of the vocabulary that you have learnt from the story ‘A
Shady Plot’.
• Colours, sounds, feeling words
• Strong definite characters
• Creating suspense
• Setting the scene and the atmosphere
• Describing the weather
• Clear opening line
• Personal feelings
• Clear ending
• Describing the sounds
• Adding a dramatic element
• Mystery
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:
In the story "Shady Plot", why did Helen appear in bits and pieces?
