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The Signalman

The document contains a series of questions and answers related to 'The Signalman', focusing on character descriptions, themes of fear and supernatural occurrences, and the psychological state of the signalman. It explores the significance of the signalman's dark appearance, the impact of ghostly sightings, and the ominous atmosphere created by the tunnel setting. Additionally, it discusses the signalman's tragic past and the narrator's rational skepticism towards supernatural experiences.

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Maitreyee Morankar
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34 views5 pages

The Signalman

The document contains a series of questions and answers related to 'The Signalman', focusing on character descriptions, themes of fear and supernatural occurrences, and the psychological state of the signalman. It explores the significance of the signalman's dark appearance, the impact of ghostly sightings, and the ominous atmosphere created by the tunnel setting. Additionally, it discusses the signalman's tragic past and the narrator's rational skepticism towards supernatural experiences.

Uploaded by

Maitreyee Morankar
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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The Signalman

I. Darken the bubble:


1.c
2.d
3.b
4.b
5.c
6.d
7.c
8.d
9.c
10. c
II. Read the extract and answer the following questions:
1.a The man being referred to here is the signalman.

1.b. The given extract contains:

 iv. a description of the character and the setting (The extract


describes the signalman’s appearance and the environment around
him.)

1c. Two words from the extract that are the exact opposites of each
other are "dismal" and "expectation". "Dismal" refers to something
bleak and gloomy, while "expectation" suggests something hopeful or
anticipated.

1d. The repetition of the word "dark" in the description of the


signalman is significant because it emphasizes his ominous and
mysterious appearance.
1e. The signalman's appearance, with his "dark, sallow" features and
the "dismal" setting of his post, likely creates a sense of unease and
apprehension in the narrator. The contrast between the man's dark,
grim appearance and the air of expectation may hint at something
unusual about him.

2.a. The sighting refers to a ghostly or mysterious figure that the


speaker saw.

2b. The impact the sighting had on the speaker is significant. The
repeated occurrence of the sighting, especially the second time, seems to
have left the speaker with a lingering sense of shock or unease. The
antonym of "mourning" is: iii. rejoicing

2d. In the given extract, the speaker is likely feeling:

 i. distressed

2e. The factors that could have led the speaker to believe in the truth of
the sighting include:

 The repetition of the sighting: The figure appeared twice, which


could have added to the belief in its reality.
 The coincidence with a tragic event: The figure’s appearance
was followed by the sudden death of a young lady.
 Emotional and psychological impact: The shock and distress
from the initial encounter may have led the speaker to interpret the
sighting with the events that followed, reinforcing the belief in its
truth.

3a. The men were likely assembled there to witness or respond


to the signal made by the man with his left sleeve across his eyes.
3b. The phrase "nameless horror" means:

 iv. a fear whose nature or cause cannot be determined.

3c. Complete the analogy with a word from the extract:

 garment:: sleeve: arm. Just as a garment is worn on the body, a


sleeve is worn on the arm, making it the correct analogy.

3d. The narrator was horrified upon seeing the man because of the
mysterious and unsettling nature of his actions. The strange
combination of these actions created a sense of unease and
confusion.

3e. Apart from the event that happens after this extract, one
possible direction the story could take is that the man and the
group of men could be involved in some kind of dangerous or
supernatural event, such as a ritual, a rescue operation, or a
signal for help.

III Answer the following questions in 50-60 words:


1. The signalman ended up working as a railway worker because of a
tragic incident in his past. He was once a man of higher rank but
was reduced to working as a signalman due to the guilt and
trauma he felt from a personal loss, which made him retreat from
his previous life and responsibilities.

2 An episode that shows the narrator's rationality is when he first


doubts the signalman’s supernatural experiences. He listens to
the signalman's story but remains skeptical, reasoning that the
signalman’s fear could be explained by his emotional state rather
than any paranormal occurrence. The narrator seeks logical
explanations rather than believing in ghostly visions.
3. The signalman couldn’t move away from the tracks when he was
warned by the engine driver because he was deeply engrossed in
his fear and confusion. His previous experience of seeing the
mysterious figure near the tracks made him feel that he was under
some supernatural influence. In his heightened state of mind, he
felt paralyzed and unable to act rationally.

IV. Answer the following questions in 100 – 120 words:

1. The apparition in the story appears to be malicious rather than


benevolent. The signalman sees the ghostly figure as a sign of
death, which is confirmed when tragic events occur shortly after
each appearance. In one instance, the figure’s appearance is
followed by the death of a young lady in a train compartment. The
figure seems to be connected to foretelling disasters, as it appears
at critical moments, such as when the signalman sees the figure
right before an accident. The eerie atmosphere and the figure's
association with death suggest that it is not a friendly or protective
spirit but one tied to misfortune and doom.

2. The tunnel and its surroundings play a critical role in creating a


gloomy and foreboding atmosphere that mirrors the signalman’s
psychological state. The tunnel is dark and isolated, symbolizing a
gateway to death or danger, and it is a place where strange
occurrences take place, such as the signalman’s supernatural
visions. The surroundings are desolate, reinforcing the feeling of
loneliness and despair that the signalman feels. The isolated
location also amplifies the tension and suspense in the story, as the
events are unfolding in an environment that feels cut off from the
rest of the world, making the supernatural elements more
disturbing and intense.

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