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Question
Answer the following question briefly.
How does the ghost undermine the narrator's faith in his ability to write ghost stories?
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Solution
The ghost thinks that the narrator can not write ghost stories but the ghosts give him the idea. Helen tells him that many a time it is she who has leant on his shoulder when he is thinking hard for an idea.
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RELATED QUESTIONS
Why did John’s wife get angry with him? What did she decide to do?
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?
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.
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.
John wants the ghost to disappear before his wife enters the room and waves his arms
at the ghost with something of the motion of a beginner when learning to swim. His
movement shows his ………………………
Based on your reading of the story answer the following question by ticking the correct option.
Gladolia wishes to leave the narrator's house as ………………….
Answer the following question briefly.
Which genre of stories does Jenkins want the narrator to write? Why?
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 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.
Do you agree with the narrator calling the assembly of women "manipulators?" Give reasons.
Answer the following question briefly.
Why is John's wife angry? What does she decide to do?
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.
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
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.
