2nd Year: English Notes 1

Good-Bye, Mr. Chips

Chapter#01
Summary
❖ How Time was Passing for Chips
The writer says that while you are aging, time passes as slowly as the cattle moving across a landscape.
Time was passing like this for Chips.
❖ Chips’ Residence
He had been living at Mrs. Wickett’s house across the road from the Brookfield School for more than
a decade since he left his mastership.
❖ Importance of Brookfield’s Time for Chips
For Chips, the time of Brookfield was more important than Greenwich time.
❖ How Chips Measured His Time
Like some old sea-captain, Chips measured his time by the signals of the past i.e. according to the bells
of Brookfield.
❖ Chips’ Voice
Although Chips’ voice had become jerky and high-pitched, it still had a liveliness.
❖ Chips’ Routine after Brookfield’s Last Bell
Chips liked to sit by the fire and drink a cup of tea and listen to the school bell sounding dinner, call-
over, prep. and lights-out. It was Chips’ routine after the last bell of Brookfield to wound up the clock,
put the wire guard in front of the fire, turn out the gas, and carry a detective novel to bed.
❖ Chips’ Sleep
He read hardly more than a page when he slept swiftly and peacefully. This sleep was more like a
mystic intensifying his perception than any changeful entrance into another world.
❖ Chips’ Doctor
His doctor was Merivale. He visited him after one or two fortnights. When he visited Chips, he would
say to him that he was healthier than he was and he was past the age when people got horrible
diseases and he would die a natural death if he ever would.
❖ Merivale’s Advice about Chips
When Chips had a cold or when east winds blew, Dr. Merivale would take Mrs. Wickett aside and
advise her to take care of Chips for his chest put a strain on his heart. He further told her that there
was no problem with Chips except Anno Domini.
❖ Chips’ Birth and Great Exhibition
Chips was born in 1848 and when he was a toddling child, he was taken to the Great Exhibition in
1851.
❖ 1870 _ an Easy Year to Remember
1870 was easy to remember for Chips because in 1870, many events occurred: there was Franco-
Prussian war; Chips joined Brookfield; Wetherby was the principal of Brookfield; Wetherby died; Chips
met Wetherby.
❖ Why Chips Left ‘Melbury’
Before Brookfield, Chips taught at Melbury. After teaching there one year, he left Melbury because
he had been ragged there very much.
❖ The Day of Chips’ Interview

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2nd Year: English Notes 2

Chips remembered the day of his first interview with Wetherby: It was a sunny July. The air was full
of flower scents. There was the plick-plock of cricket on the pitch. Brookfield was playing a match
against Barnhurst, and one of the Barnhurst chubby little boys made a brilliant century.
❖ Wetherby’s Personality and His Death
Wetherby was a very fatherly and courteous person. He was the principal of Brookfield in 1870. He
was ill then and he died during the summer vacation in 1870. Chips thought that he in the world was
the only man who had a clear memory of Wetherby.
❖ Chips’ Interview with Wetherby
In his interview with Wetherby, when Chips was sitting in his study and when the sunlight was coming
through the dust into the room, Wetherby said to Chips that Brookfield was an old foundation and he
was a young man, and youth and age combined well. He then said that if he gave his enthusiasm to
Brookfield, Brookfield would also give him something in return. He further advised him to never let
anyone play tricks with him and to adopt a firm attitude from the beginning to maintain discipline
which had been his weak point at Melbury.
❖ Chips’ Countenance on the Day of His First Class
On the day of his first class at Brookfield, Chips looked young. He was fresh-complexioned, high-
collared, and side-whiskered.
❖ How Students Looked Like in Chips’ First Class
Chips also remembered his test of first class: it was a September sunset. The big hall was full of five
hundred lusty barbarians who seemed ready to attack Chips. They were unprincipled ruffians. For
them, teasing new masters was an art, sport or tradition. They looked decent little beggars
individually, but collectively they seemed pitiless and implacable.
❖ Atmosphere of the Hall in Chips’ First Class
When Chips took his place at the desk on the dais for his first class, there was a sudden hush in the
hall. He hid his nervousness with a scowl. The tall clock was ticking behind him, and there was the
smell of ink and varnish there. The blood-red rays of the sun were entering the hall through the
stained-glass windows.
❖ Colley and His Mischief
A boy named Colley made a mischief. He dropped the lid of the desk. Chips gave him hundred as
punishment. There was no problem after that.
❖ Joke about 2nd Colley
Years later in Brookfield came the 2nd Colley, the son of the 1st Colley, Sir Richard Colley. Chips told
him that his father was the first boy he ever punished twenty-five years ago; his father deserved it
then and he deserved it now. The whole class laughed and Sir Richard Colley as well when his son
Colley wrote home the story in next Sunday’s letter.
❖ Joke about 3rd Colley
Years after that, an even better joke happened. A 3rd Colley came in Brookfield. He was the son of the
2nd Colley, who was the son of the 1st Colley. Chips told him that his grandfather could never
understand the term Ablative Absolute. He further said that both his grandfather and father were
stupid but he was the biggest fool of them.
❖ Chips’ Condition on Remembering These Memories
When Chips remembered these memories sitting by the fire while autumn gales rattled the windows,
the waves of humour and sadness swept over him until tears fell. And when Mrs. Wickett came,
neither she nor Chips knew whether he had been crying or laughing.

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2nd Year: English Notes 3

Question Answers
1. How did Chips measure his time?
Like some old sea-captain, Chips measured his time by the signals of the past i.e. according to the bells
of Brookfield for he lived just across the road from the school at Mrs. Wickett’s.
2. How could Chips live his life according to the timetable of Brookfield?
Chips could live his life according to the timetable of Brookfield because he lived just across the from
the school at Mrs. Wickett’s. He could listen to the bells of Brookfield sounding dinner, call-over, prep.,
and lights-out.
3. What kind of voice did Chips have?
Chips’ voice had become jerky and high-pitched. But it still had a liveliness.
4. What did Chips do after the last bell of Brookfield?
It was Chips’ routine after the last bell of Brookfield to wound up the clock, put the wire guard in front
of the fire, turn out the gas, and carry a detective novel to bed.
5. What kind of sleep did Chips enjoy?
Chips didn’t have to struggle to sleep at all. It came to him swiftly and peacefully. It was more like a
mystic intensifying his perception than any changeful entrance into another world.
6. Who was Chips’ doctor? How often did he visit Chips?
Chips’ doctor was Merivale. He visited him after one or two fortnights. When he visited Chips, he
would say to him that he was healthier than he was and he was past the age when people got horrible
diseases and he would die a natural death if he ever would.
7. What did Dr. Merivale say to Chips when he visited him?
When Dr. Merivale visited Chips, he would say to him that he was healthier than he was and he was
past the age when people got horrible diseases and he would die a natural death if he ever would.
8. What did Dr. Merivale advise Mrs. Wickett about Chips?
When Chips had a cold or when east winds blew, Dr. Merivale would take Mrs. Wickett aside and
advise her to take care of Chips for his chest put a strain on his heart. He further told her that there
was no problem with Chips except anno domini.
9. When was Chips born? Where was he taken as a toddling child?
Chips was born in 1848 and when he was a toddling child, he was taken to the Great Exhibition in
1851.
10. Where did Chips teach before Brookfield? Why did he leave from there?
Before Brookfield, Chips taught at Melbury. After teaching there one year, he left it because he had
been ragged there very much.
11. Describe the day of Chips’ interview.
Chips remembered the day of his first interview with Wetherby: It was a sunny July. The air was full
of flower scents. There was the plick-plock of cricket on the pitch. Brookfield was playing a match
against Barnhurst, and one of the Barnhurst chubby little boys made a brilliant century.
12. What kind of person was Mr. Wetherby?
Wetherby was a very fatherly and courteous person. He was the principal of Brookfield in 1870. He
was ill then and he died during the summer vacation in 1870.

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2nd Year: English Notes 4

13. When and how did Wetherby die?

Wetherby was a very fatherly and courteous person. He was the principal of Brookfield in 1870. He
was ill then and he died during the summer vacation in 1870.
14. What did Wetherby advise Chips in the interview?
In his interview with Wetherby, Wetherby told Chips that Brookfield was an old foundation and he
was a young man, and youth and age combined well. He then told him that if he gave his enthusiasm
to Brookfield, Brookfield would also give him something in return. He further advised him to never let
anyone play tricks with him and to adopt a firm attitude from the beginning to maintain discipline
which had been his weak point at Melbury.
15. Describe how Chips took his first class.
When Chips took his place at the desk on the dais for his first class, there was a sudden hush in the
hall. He hid his nervousness with a scowl. A boy named Colley made a mischief of dropping the lid of
the desk. Chips gave him a hundred as punishment. There was no problem after that.
16. Describe Chips’ appearance on the day of his first class at Brookfield.
On the day of his first class at Brookfield, Chips looked young. He was fresh-complexioned, high-
collared, and side-whiskered.
17. Describe the atmosphere in the hall when Chips took his first class.
When Chips took his place at the desk on the dais for his first class, there was a sudden hush in the
hall. He hid his nervousness with a scowl. The tall clock was ticking behind him, and there was the
smell of ink and varnish there. The blood-red rays of the sun were entering the hall through the
stained-glass windows.
18. Who was Colley? What mischief did he make in Chips’ first class?
Colley was one of the five hundred students in Chips’ first class. He made a mischief of dropping the
lid of the desk. Chips gave him a hundred as punishment. There was no problem after that.
19. What did Chips say to the second Colley?
Years later in Brookfield came the 2nd Colley, the son of the 1st Colley, Sir Richard Colley. Chips told
him that his father was the first boy he ever punished twenty-five years ago; his father deserved it
then and he deserved it now. The whole class laughed and Sir Richard Colley as well when his son
Colley wrote home the story in next Sunday’s letter.
20. What did Chips say to the third Colley?
Years after that, an even better joke happened. A 3rd Colley came in Brookfield. He was the son of
the 2nd Colley, who was the son of the 1st Colley. Chips told him that his grandfather could never
understand the term Ablative Absolute. He further said that both his grandfather and father were
stupid but he was the biggest fool of them.
21. Why was 1870 easy to remember for Chips?
1870 was easy to remember for Chips because of the following reasons:
• Franco-Prussian War was going on in 1870
• Chips joined Brookfield in 1870
• Chips had his first interview with Wetherby in 1870
• Wetherby was Brookfield’s Principal in 1870
• Wetherby died in 1870
22. Who was Colley?

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2nd Year: English Notes 5

Colley is the name of three students of the same family. First Colley was the one whom Chips
punished by giving hundred lines when he dropped the lid of the desk in Chips’ first class. 2nd Colley
was the son of the 1st Colley. 3rd Colley was the son of the 2nd Colley.
23. What effect did the remembrance of these memories cast on Chips?
When Chips remembered these memories sitting by the fire while autumn gales rattled the
windows, the waves of humour and sadness swept over him until tears fell. And when Mrs. Wickett
came, neither she nor Chips knew whether he had been crying or laughing.

Words Synonyms

Words Synonyms
Getting on in years Getting old, Becoming old, Aging
Ill Sick, Diseased
Sleepy Drowsy, Dizzy, Dull
Landscape Countryside, Panorama, Vista
Progressed Advanced, Proceeded
Shortened Reduced
Call-over Roll-call, Attendance
Signals Signs
Decade 10 years
Gave up Left, Quit, Abandoned
Mastership Teaching
Landlady Female owner
Jerky Shaky, Tremulous, Quivery
High-pitched Shrill
Sprightliness Liveliness
Prep. First class
Lights-out Sleeping time, Bed time
Guard Protection, Barrier, Fence, Shield
Detective Spy, Investigator
Rarely Infrequently, Sometimes, Occasionally
Mystic Saint, Sufi
Intensifying Strengthening
Perception Understanding
Matter Problem
Fitter Healthier
Sipping Drinking
Sherry Spanish wine
Fortnight 2 weeks, 14 days
Horrible Terrible, Awful, Frightening, Horrifying, Terrifying
Lucky Fortunate
Remarkable Splendid, Marvelous
Cold Chill, Fever, Flu
Roared Blared, Noised, Clamored, Howled
Fenlands Lowlands, Marshy area

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2nd Year: English Notes 6

Lobby Porch, Corridor, Hall, Vestibule, Foyer

Whisper Mutter, Murmur, Speak softly
Look after Take care
Strain Stress, Pressure
Fatal Deadly, Destructive, Destroying
Complaint Dissatisfaction, Disapproval, Dissent
Anno Domini Old age
Great Exhibition The exhibition of industrial works in 1851 in London, England
Toddling Limping, Faltering
Boast Brag, Flaunt, Brandish
Put in for Apply
Ragged Anxious and tired, Broken, Rough, Tattered, Worn-out
Beginning Start, Commencement
Preliminary Introductory, Initial, Precursory
Scents Sweet smell, Fragrance, Aroma, Perfume
Chubby Fat, Plump, Fleshy, Podgy, Tubby
Fellow Person, Chap
Century 100 runs, 100 years
Queer Strange, Odd, Awkward, Bizarre, Erratic
Fatherly Kind, Affectionate, Considerate, Passionate, Compassionate, Humane
Courteous Civil, genteel, gracious, mannerly, polite, well-bred
Chap Person, Fellow
Probably Possibly, Likely, Perhaps, Mayhaps
Vivid Clear, Distinct, Graphic, Visual, Explicit
Recollection Memory, Reminiscence, Remembrance
Frequent Often, Common, Usual, Regular, Steady
Foundation Institute, Institution
Enthusiasm Spirit, Zeal, Fervour, Passion, Warmth
Gather Understand , Perceive
Perhaps Possibly, Likely, Probably, Mayhaps
Chance Opportunity
Take up Adopt
Tremendous Huge, Very Big, Massive, Enormous, Collosal, Giant, Great
Ordeal Test, Trial, Challenge, Difficulty, Hardship, Adversity
Lusty Vigorous, Healthy, Hale
Barbarians Heathen, Savage, Uncivilised person
Pounce on Attack, Assault
Legitimate Legal, Licit, Lawful
Prey Victim
Fresh-complexioned Fair colored
Odd Strange, Queer, Awkward
Mercy Kindness
Unprincipled Unethical, Uncivilized
Ruffians Bully, Gangsta, Gangster, Goon, Hooligan, Mobster, Punk, Rowdy, Thug
Baiting Teasing, Taunting, Hazing, Hassling, Heckling
Mob Angry crowd

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2nd Year: English Notes 7

Pitiless Merciless, Unkind, Cruel

Implacable Stubborn, Obstinate, Wilful, Adamant, Inflexible
Hush Silence
Scowl Frown
Varnish Paint
Slanting Sloping
Lid Cover
Alderman Magistrate
Baronet Small baron
Various Different
Punctuating Interrupting
Remarks Comments,
Splendid Remarkable, Marvelous
Inherited Hereditary, Filial
Traditions Customs
Grasp Understand, Perceive
Ablative Absolute A grammatical term in Latin
Stupid Silly, Fool
Far Distant, Away, Yonder
Fool Stupid, Silly
Roars Clamors, Howls, Uproars
Gales Strong currents of air
Rattling Banging, Clattering, Clanging
Humour Comedy, Wit

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