Question

Read the extract given below and answer the questions.

There is one letter delivery he dreads. The envelope with the right corner torn off, which signifies that the missive bears news of death. “Ashubh Samachar cannot be carried into the house,” says Khetaram. So, he stands outside, reads out the letter twice, then tears it to bits. “Bad news must be destroyed,” he mutters philosophically.

(i) Choose the correct option for the following question.

Who could have torn the right corner of the envelope?

1. Khetaram
2. Sender of the letter
3. Receiver of the letter
4. The postmaster

(ii) Complete the sentence with an appropriate reason.

The most likely reason for Khetaram reading the letter twice is because ______.

(iii) What was Khetaram’s philosophy regarding bad news, and how did he act upon it?

(iv) State whether the following sentence is true or false.

Khetaram’s action of tearing the letter differed from his beliefs.

(v) Mention any one aspect of Khetaram’s temperament which is revealed through this extract.

Answer 1

(i) Sender of the letter

(ii) The most likely reason for Khetaram reading the letter twice is because he wanted to ensure that the message was clearly understood by the family, especially when it carried sensitive and important news.

(iii) Khetaram believed that a letter carrying bad news should not be taken inside the house as that would bring bad luck. So, standing outside the house he would read such a letter twice and then tear it up.

(iv) This sentence is false.

Explanation:

His action of tearing the letter matched his belief that bad news should not enter the house and must be destroyed.

(v) One aspect of Khetaram’s temperament revealed is sensitivity and compassion, as he handles letters carrying sad news with care and to respect the feelings of the family.