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Question
Read the following extract from T.S. Arthur's short story. 'An Angel in Disguise' and answer the questions that follow:
| "What is to be done with the children?' That was the chief questions now. The dead mother would go underground and be forever beyond all care or concern of the villagers. But the children must not be left to starve. |
- Describe the way in which the children's mother died.
What are the factors that led to her death? [3] - How do the people of the village treat the woman before her death?
How does their manner change after she dies?
What does their behaviour tell us about human nature? [3] - Name the woman's three children.
State one fact about each of them that the author mentions at the very beginning of the story. [3] - What happens to each of the children after the mother's funeral? [3]
- Which of the three children can be considered the 'Angel in Disguise'?
What does the term 'disguise' refer to in the context of this story?
How does the child's arrival transform the home she enters? [4]
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Solution
- The mother of three children passed away after falling on the doorstep of her home while intoxicated. Poverty, alcoholism, societal contempt, and impolite behavior are just a few of the things that might have contributed to her demise.
- In the narrative "An Angel in Disguise", the woman who passed away was scorned, ridiculed, and vehemently criticized by most villagers. However, her demise had a profound impact on the community. They now felt empathy and compassion, swiftly arranging a respectable burial for her and providing sustenance for her three undernourished children. This touching scene highlights how sympathy and grief can bring people together, forging a strong connection that surpasses societal biases and distinctions. It serves as a reminder that, during times of adversity, humanity's inherent kindness can prevail, overcoming animosity and apathy.
- In the poignant narrative "An Angel in Disguise", the intoxicated woman met her tragic demise on the initial step, leaving behind her three terrified children. These children comprised John, a robust 12-year-old capable of earning a living with any farmer, Kate, a bright and active girl aged around ten or eleven, and the youngest, Maggie, tragically burdened with a spinal injury. Despite their youthful innocence, these children were compelled to face the harsh realities of life alone and without any means of support following their mother's death. Only through the kindness of strangers and the transformative influence of compassion and empathy did they manage to discover a glimmer of hope and a path forward.
- In "An Angel in Disguise", after the mother's funeral, the community rallied to support the three orphaned children. Farmer Jones adopted John, Mrs. Ellis took in Kate, and for the youngest, Maggie, the villagers initially considered sending her to the poorhouse. However, wheelwright Joe Thompson, moved by Maggie's pleas, decided to bring her to his own home, exemplifying the profound impact of small acts of kindness and compassion.
- Maggie, the youngest among the orphans, despite her frailty, embodied an angelic presence with her gentle spirit and bright smile. Initially hesitant to take in an incapacitated child, Mrs. Thompson's heart softened as she witnessed Maggie's gratitude for the simplest gestures. Maggie's positive demeanour and radiant smile filled the Thompson home with love and light, underscoring the lesson that, despite adversity, love and goodness can triumph. Through her small acts of kindness, Maggie left a profound impact on the Thompsons and the entire community.
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RELATED QUESTIONS
Thinking about the Text
Given below are some emotions that Kezia felt. Match the emotions in Column A with
the items in Column B.
| A | B |
| 1. Fear or terror | (i) Father comes into her room to give her a goodbye kiss |
| 2. glad sense of relief | (ii) Noise of the carriage grows fainter |
| 3. a “funny” feeling, perhaps of understanding |
(iii) Father comes home |
| (iv) Speaking to father | |
| (v) Going to bed when alone at home | |
| (vi) Father comforts her and falls asleep | |
| (vii) Father stretched out on the safa. snoring |
Explain what the reason for the following is .
Einstein leaving the school in Munich for good.
Answer the following question in 30 to 40 words.
How was the problem of what to do with Bruno finally solved?
“There were three animals altogether,” he explained. “There were two goats and a cat and then there were four pairs of pigeons.”
“And you had to leave them?” I asked.
“Yes. Because of the artillery. The captain told me to go because of the artillery.” “And you have no family?” I asked, watching the far end of the bridge where a few last carts were hurrying down the slope of the bank.
“No,” he said, “only the animals I stated. The cat, of course, will be all right. A cat can look out for itself, but I cannot think what will become of the others.”
“What politics have you?” I asked.
“I am without politics,” he said. “I am seventy-six years old. I have come twelve kilometers now and I think now I can go no further.”
“This is not a good place to stop,” I said. “If you can make it, there are trucks up the road where it forks for Tortosa.”
“I will wait a while,” he said, “ and then I will go. Where do the trucks go?” “Towards Barcelona,” I told him.
“I know no one in that direction,” he said, “but thank you very much.
Read the extract given below and answer the question that follow.
Why did the soldier tell the old man that it was not a good place to stop?
Joe did not see the Guardians of the Poor on that day, on the next, nor on the day following. In fact, he never saw them at all on Maggie’s account, for in less than a week Mrs. Joe Thompson would as soon leave thought of taking up her own abode in the almshouse as sending Maggie there.
What light and blessing did that sick and helpless child bring to the home of Joe Thompson, the poor wheelwright! It had been dark, and cold, and miserable there for a long time just because his wife had nothing to love and care for out of herself, and so became soar, irritable, ill-tempered, and self-afflicting in the desolation of her woman’s nature. Now the sweetness of that sick child, looking ever to her in love, patience, and gratitude, was as honey to her soul, and she carried her in her heart as well as in her arms, a precious burden. As for Joe Thompson, there was not a man in all the neighbourhood who drank daily of a more precious wine of life than he. An angel had come into his house, disguised as a sick, helpless, and miserable child, and filled all its dreary chambers with the sunshine of love.
Read the extract given below and answer the question that follow.
What kind of person was Mrs Thompson before Maggie came into her life?
It was the summer of 1936. The Olympic Games were being held in Berlin. Because Adolf Hitler childishly insisted that his performers were members of a “master race,” nationalistic feelings were at an all-time high.
I wasn’t too worried about all this. I’d trained, sweated and disciplined myself for six years, with the Games in mind. While I was going over on the boat, all I could think about was taking home one or two of those gold medals. I had my eyes especially on the running broad jump. A year before, as a sophomore at the Ohio State, I’d set the world’s record of 26 feet 8 1/4 inches. Nearly everyone expected me to win this event.
Read the extract given below and answer the question that follow.
Why does Jesse Owens dismiss the claim of Hitler as childish?
What distinction Mr Gessler’s shop had?
Was the old woman’s gift to Vijay Singh eccentric? Why?
In the story, Patrick does difficult things he hates to do because the elf pretends he needs help. Have you ever done something difficult or frightening, by pretending about it in some way? Tell your classmates about it.
With close reference to Act V, examine how Shakespeare presents the idea of forgiveness and reconciliation at the end of the play.
