Question

Private Quelch knew ‘too much’. Give reasons to prove that he was unable to win the admiration of his superior officers or his colleagues.

Answer 1

Private Quelch was extremely knowledgeable and hardworking, but he failed to win admiration because he constantly showed off his knowledge and corrected others. His superior officers often felt that he was challenging their authority. For example, he interrupted Corporal Turnbull during the grenade lesson and gave detailed information about the grenade, which embarrassed and irritated Turnbull.

His colleagues also disliked him because he made them feel inferior by constantly displaying his knowledge. They referred to him as the “Professor” and often made fun of him rather than respecting him. His lack of humility prevented him from becoming popular among the soldiers.

The final prank, when the squad arranged for him to be assigned to the Permanent Base, shows how little his colleagues wanted him around. Therefore, although Quelch “knew too much,” he lacked the humility, tact and emotional intelligence needed to earn the genuine respect and admiration of others.