PREPARED BY- ZULFIQUAR SIR

ISLAMPUR COLLEGE

All questions carry 5 marks

Q.1: What is the “bet”? Why does the lawyer accept the bet proposed by the banker?

Ans: The "bet" is a wager between a banker and a lawyer. They debate on the issue that life
imprisonment better that capital punishment.

The lawyer accepts the bet to prove that life imprisonment is better than death. The
banker claims that capital punishment is more humane, but the lawyer disagrees. He believes
any form of life is better than death. To prove his point, the lawyer agrees to spend 15 years in
solitary confinement. He takes the challenge to win the two million rubles. Moreover, he wants
to show that human endurance and the value of life are greater than material wealth. His

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decision reflects his youthful confidence and strong belief in his principles.

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Q.2: What does the lawyer do during his years in solitary confinement?
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Ans: During his confinement, the lawyer spends his time reading, writing, studying, and
reflecting on life. At first, he struggles with loneliness and boredom, but gradually he immerses
himself in learning. He reads books on various subjects, including literature, philosophy, science,
and religion. He also learns new languages and writes about his thoughts. Over the years, the
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lawyer transforms from a man driven by material gain to someone who finds deeper meaning in
spiritual and intellectual pursuits. This change shows his journey of self-discovery and personal
growth.
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Q.3: How does the bet change the banker and the lawyer? / Comment on the consequences
of the bet.

Ans: The bet has a significant impact on both characters. The lawyer starts as an ambitious and
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confident young man, but his years of solitude lead him to reject material wealth and worldly
pleasures. By the end of the 15 years, he renounces the two million rubles and decides to leave
early, showing he values knowledge and spiritual growth over money. The banker, on the other
hand, grows anxious and fearful over the years. He regrets making the bet and becomes worried
about losing his fortune. His greed and desperation lead him to consider murder. These changes
highlight the destructive effects of pride, greed, and isolation.
PREPARED BY- ZULFIQUAR SIR
ISLAMPUR COLLEGE

Q.4: What is the main theme of ‘The Bet’?

Ans: The main theme of The Bet is the conflict between materialism and spiritual fulfillment.
Through the lawyer’s transformation, Chekhov shows how material wealth is insignificant
compared to intellectual and spiritual growth. The story also explores human greed and the
destructive power of pride. The banker’s greed leads him to propose the bet, and his fear of
losing money drives him to consider immoral actions. Additionally, the story reflects on the
value of life, as the lawyer initially believes life is always better than death but ultimately
discovers that true happiness comes from rejecting material desires and seeking knowledge.

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Q.5: Why does Binya exchange her leopard claw pendant for the blue umbrella?

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Ans: Binya exchanges her leopard claw pendant for the blue umbrella because she is fascinated
by its beauty. The umbrella is bright blue and unlike anything she has seen before. For Binya, it

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becomes a symbol of pride and joy, something she deeply desires. Although the leopard claw
pendant is a valuable charm believed to bring good luck, Binya is willing to give it up to own the
umbrella. This shows her innocent nature and the importance of small joys in her simple life.
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Q.6: Why does Ram Bharosa try to steal the blue umbrella?
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Ans: Ram Bharosa tries to steal the blue umbrella because he becomes jealous of Binya and
her possession. He feels that owning the umbrella would increase his status in the village and
attract more customers to his shop. His greed and envy make him lose his sense of right and
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wrong. Ram even hires a boy to steal the umbrella, but the plan fails, and he is caught. This
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incident shows how jealousy can lead to bad decisions and harm relationships.
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Q.7. What does the blue umbrella symbolize in the story? / How does the blue umbrella
change Binya’s life?
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Ans: In The Blue Umbrella, the blue umbrella symbolizes beauty, innocence, and desire. For
Binya, the umbrella represents a special treasure in her simple, rural life. Its bright blue color
and uniqueness make it a source of pride for her. The umbrella also becomes a symbol of envy
in the village, especially for Ram Bharosa, the shopkeeper, who sees it as a way to gain attention
and respect. As the story progresses, the umbrella starts to represent deeper values like
kindness and forgiveness. When Binya gives the umbrella to Ram Bharosa in the end, it shows
her maturity and her ability to let go of material desires for the sake of compassion. The blue
umbrella is more than just an object—it becomes a central part of the story’s message about
kindness and forgiveness.
PREPARED BY- ZULFIQUAR SIR
ISLAMPUR COLLEGE

Q.8. How does Ram Bharosa’s attitude toward the blue umbrella change over time?

Ans: Initially, Ram Bharosa admires the blue umbrella and feels curious about it. However, as
it becomes a centre of attention in the village, his admiration turns into jealousy. He feels
envious of Binya for owning something so unique and beautiful, and his desire to possess the
umbrella grows stronger. This jealousy drives him to make poor decisions, including trying to
steal the umbrella by hiring a boy. After his plan fails, Ram faces humiliation when the villagers
discover his actions. Over time, Ram realizes his mistake and regrets his greed. When Binya
forgives him and gifts him the umbrella, his attitude changes completely. He feels humbled and
grateful, learning an important lesson about contentment and kindness. His change in attitude
highlights the story’s message about the dangers of greed and the transformative power of

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forgiveness.

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Q.9. How does Binya show her maturity by the end of the story?

Ans: Binya shows great maturity by the end of The Blue Umbrella. Despite being a young girl,
she displays wisdom and kindness that go beyond her age. When Ram Bharosa’s plan to steal
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her umbrella fails, she could have remained angry or sought revenge. Instead, she chooses to
forgive him and even gives him the blue umbrella as a gift. This act shows her ability to
understand Ram’s feelings of regret and her willingness to move past the incident. Binya values
relationships and peace over material possessions, which is a sign of her emotional growth. By
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letting go of the umbrella, she demonstrates that true happiness does not come from owning
beautiful objects but from acts of compassion. Her maturity leaves a positive impact on Ram
and the villagers, showing that generosity and forgiveness are powerful ways to resolve
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conflicts.
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Q.10. What lessons does the story The Blue Umbrella teach readers? / Moral lesion.
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Ans: The Blue Umbrella teaches readers several important lessons about life and human nature.
One key lesson is the value of kindness and forgiveness. Binya’s act of giving the umbrella to
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Ram Bharosa shows that forgiving others can heal relationships and bring peace. Another lesson
is about the dangers of jealousy and greed. Ram’s envy of Binya leads him to make poor choices,
which ultimately bring him shame. The story also highlights the importance of letting go of
material possessions. Binya’s willingness to part with her beloved umbrella shows that
compassion and understanding are more valuable than owning beautiful things. Additionally,
the story emphasizes the innocence of childhood and the purity of intentions, as seen in Binya’s
actions throughout the tale. Overall, The Blue Umbrella encourages readers to focus on values
like empathy, contentment, and generosity, which are essential for building strong, meaningful
relationships.
PREPARED BY- ZULFIQUAR SIR
ISLAMPUR COLLEGE

Q.11: What is the central theme (conflict) in The Rising of the Moon?

Ans: The central theme in The Rising of the Moon is between duty and personal loyalty. The
Sergeant, a loyal officer of the law, is assigned to arrest a fugitive who threatens the authority of
the British government in Ireland. However, as the play progresses, he begins to question his
role and the justice of his actions. When he meets the ballad-singer, who is actually the fugitive
in disguise, the two have a meaningful conversation about Ireland’s freedom and the sacrifices
made for the cause. This conversation stirs the Sergeant’s feelings of patriotism and reminds
him of his own Irish roots. In the end, he decides to let the fugitive escape, choosing personal

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loyalty to Ireland over his official duty. This conflict reflects the larger struggles of identity,

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loyalty, and resistance in colonial Ireland.

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Q.12. How does the ballad-singer influence the Sergeant’s decision? / How does the
Sergeant’s character change throughout the play?

Ans: The ballad-singer plays a key role in changing the Sergeant’s mindset. Disguised as a
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simple singer, he cleverly engages the Sergeant in a conversation about Irish freedom and the
struggles of the people. Through songs and stories, he reminds the Sergeant of Ireland’s history
and the sacrifices made by rebels fighting for independence. The ballad-singer appeals to the
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Sergeant’s sense of identity and belonging, making him question his loyalty to the British
government. He reminds the Sergeant of his younger, more passionate self, who might have
sympathized with the rebel cause. By the end of their conversation, the Sergeant’s conscience is
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stirred, and he decides to let the fugitive escape. The ballad-singer’s words and patriotic songs
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influence the Sergeant to prioritize his love for Ireland over his duty as a law officer.
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Q.13: What does the title The Rising of the Moon symbolize? / Comment on the title.

Ans: The title The Rising of the Moon is rich in symbolism. It represents the rise of Irish
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nationalism and the growing movement for independence. The moon often symbolizes change,
hope, and new beginnings. It also reflects the aspirations of the Irish people to overthrow
British rule and reclaim their freedom. In the play, the ballad-singer sings a rebel song about
“the rising of the moon,” which serves as a call to action for Irish patriots. The title also reflects
the Sergeant’s transformation during the story. Like the moon rising to illuminate the darkness,
the Sergeant’s inner patriotism awakens. As he listens to the ballad-singer, that leads him to let
the fugitive escape, showing his newfound loyalty to Ireland. Overall, the title captures the
themes of resistance, hope, and the awakening of national pride in the context of Ireland’s
struggle for independence.
PREPARED BY- ZULFIQUAR SIR
ISLAMPUR COLLEGE

Q.14: How does The Rising of the Moon explore the theme of patriotism?

Ans: The Rising of the Moon deeply explores the theme of patriotism through its characters and
events. The play highlights the tension between serving the colonial government and staying
loyal to one’s homeland. The Sergeant represents this conflict, as he works for the British
government but is also an Irishman with a deep passion for his homeland, Ireland. His
encounter with the ballad-singer, a symbol of Irish resistance, forces him to confront his own
identity. The ballad-singer’s songs and stories evoke a sense of pride and nostalgia for Ireland’s

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struggle for freedom. The Sergeant’s final decision to let the fugitive escape shows that his

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patriotism ultimately outweighs his duty to the colonial authorities. The play also celebrates the
resilience and courage of the Irish people in their fight for independence. Through this theme,

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Lady Gregory highlights the importance of national pride and the sacrifices made for the greater
cause of freedom.

Q.15. What task is the Sergeant given in the play?

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Ans: In The Rising of the Moon, the Sergeant is tasked with capturing a fugitive who is wanted
for rebellion against British rule in Ireland. The government has announced a large reward for
the fugitive’s capture, making the mission even more important. The Sergeant, along with his
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policemen, is stationed near the harbour where the fugitive is believed to be hiding. The play
begins with the Sergeant waiting for any sign of the fugitive. As an officer of the British colonial
government, he feels it is his duty to uphold the law. However, the encounter with the
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ballad-singer challenges his beliefs and sense of loyalty. This task puts the Sergeant in a moral
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dilemma, as he must choose between his duty to the government and his love for Ireland.

Q.16. What role does the ballad-singer play in the story? / Character of the rebel.
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Ans: The ballad-singer (rebel) is a key character in The Rising of the Moon. He serves as a
symbol of Irish struggle for independence. Disguised as a singer, he uses his wit and charm to
engage the Sergeant in a conversation. Through his songs and stories, he reminds the Sergeant
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of Ireland’s fight for freedom and the sacrifices made by its people. The ballad-singer represents
the voice of Irish patriotism, appealing to the Sergeant’s conscience and sense of identity. His
clever use of language and symbolism makes the Sergeant reflect on his own beliefs and role as
a law enforcer. By the end of the play, the ballad-singer successfully influences the Sergeant to
let him escape, demonstrating the power of words and ideas in inspiring change. His role
emphasizes the themes of loyalty, freedom, and the strength of the human spirit.
PREPARED BY- ZULFIQUAR SIR
ISLAMPUR COLLEGE

Q.17. What is the main theme of Progress?

Ans: The main theme of Progress is the ethical conflict between technological advancement and
human responsibility. The play focuses on Mrs. Meldon, a scientist, who invents powerful
explosives for war, believing it to be a great scientific achievement. However, her invention
causes immense destruction and loss of life, leading to a moral dilemma. The play questions
whether technological progress should come at the cost of human suffering. It highlights the
dangers of blind ambition and the moral responsibility of scientists to consider the
consequences of their work. Through Mrs. Meldon’s regret and guilt, the story emphasizes that

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true progress should benefit humanity, not harm it. The play challenges the audience to think

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about the ethical limits of innovation and the impact of science on society.

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Q.18. Why does Mrs. Meldon feel guilty about her invention?

Ans: Mrs. Meldon feels guilty because her invention, meant to symbolize scientific progress,
causes immense destruction during wartime. She initially believes that creating powerful
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explosives is a significant scientific achievement and takes pride in her work. However, she is
later confronted with the devastating consequences of her invention, as it is used to kill and
destroy on a massive scale. This realization makes her question the morality of her actions and
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whether her contribution to science was truly beneficial. Mrs. Meldon’s guilt reflects her inner
struggle between her ambition as a scientist and her conscience as a human being. Her regret
demonstrates the play’s message that scientific progress must be guided by ethics and
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compassion for humanity.

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Q.19. How does the character of Mrs. Meldon represent the conflict between ambition and
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morality?

A: Mrs. Meldon represents the conflict between ambition and morality through her journey in
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Progress. As a brilliant scientist, she is driven by her ambition to achieve greatness and make
groundbreaking discoveries. Her invention of powerful explosives brings her recognition and
pride as a scientist. However, when she realizes the destruction and loss of life caused by her
invention, she begins to question the morality of her work. Her ambition clashes with her
growing guilt, leading to a deep sense of regret. Mrs. Meldon’s character highlights the ethical
responsibility of individuals in positions of power, especially when their actions impact society.
The play uses her internal struggle to show that ambition should not come at the expense of
human lives and suffering.
PREPARED BY- ZULFIQUAR SIR
ISLAMPUR COLLEGE

Q.20. What is the significance of the title Progress in the play?

Ans: The title Progress is deeply ironic and thought-provoking, reflecting the central conflict of
the play. It suggests advancement and improvement, typically associated with science and
technology. However, in the play, "progress" leads to destruction and human suffering,
challenging the traditional idea of advancement. Mrs. Meldon’s invention of powerful
explosives, while a significant scientific breakthrough, causes widespread death and misery
during wartime. The title questions whether such advancements can truly be called progress if
they harm humanity. It emphasizes the need for ethical considerations in the pursuit of

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innovation. By contrasting the positive connotations of progress with its devastating

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consequences in the play, St. John Greer Ervine highlights the dangers of unregulated scientific
ambition and the importance of ensuring that true progress benefits society.

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