CLASS 11 Model Millionaire MCQ | Semester 1 | WB Board | Oscar Wilde

MCQ based on "The Model Millionaire" by Oscar Wilde, suitable for Class 11 West Bengal Board students:

Let's not talk to much and directly head towards Model Millionaire MCQ for class 11>

1. Who is the main character of the story?

a) Alan Trevor
b) Hughie Erskine
c) Baron Hausberg
d) Laura Merton

2. What is Hughie Erskine’s main problem?

a) He is poor and cannot make money
b) He is ill
c) He is dishonest
d) He is a painter

3. What did Hughie’s father leave him?

a) A large sum of money
b) A cavalry sword and a history book
c) A house
d) A painting

4. What was Hughie’s annual income from his aunt?

a) £100
b) £200
c) £500
d) £1000

5. What professions did Hughie try before giving up?

a) Painter and soldier
b) Stock Exchange worker and tea merchant
c) Lawyer and doctor
d) Teacher and writer
6. Who is Laura Merton?

a) Hughie’s sister
b) Hughie’s love interest
c) A painter
d) A beggar

7. What condition did Laura’s father set for Hughie’s marriage to Laura?

a) Hughie must become a painter
b) Hughie must earn £10,000
c) Hughie must leave London
d) Hughie must be rich

8. What is Alan Trevor’s profession?

a) Soldier
b) Painter
c) Merchant
d) Beggar

9. What was Alan Trevor painting when Hughie visited?

a) A landscape
b) A beggar-man
c) A portrait of Laura
d) A cavalry sword

10. How much did the model get paid per hour?

a) One penny
b) One shilling
c) One pound
d) Ten shillings

11. How much guineas did Alan Trevor get for the painting?

a) 200
b) 2000
c) 20
d) 5000

12. What did Hughie do when the beggar rested?

a) Ignored him
b) Gave him a sovereign
c) Asked for money
d) Took a picture

13. What is the moral lesson of the story?

a) Generosity is rewarded
b) Wealth is everything
c) Love is unimportant
d) Art is useless

14. What did Laura say about Hughie’s generosity?

a) She scolded him for being extravagant
b) She praised him
c) She ignored it
d) She was angry

15. What club did Hughie visit at night?

a) The Palette Club
b) The Cavalry Club
c) The Stock Exchange Club
d) The Tea Merchants Club

16. Who was the beggar actually?

a) A poor man
b) Baron Hausberg, a millionaire
c) Alan Trevor’s relative
d) Laura’s father

17. Why did Baron Hausberg dress as a beggar?

a) For fun and artistic fantasy
b) Because he was poor
c) To hide from the police
d) To beg for money

18. What did Hughie give the beggar?

a) A shilling
b) A sovereign
c) A painting
d) A letter

19. How did Alan Trevor describe the beggar?

a) As a poor man
b) As a living Velasquez
c) As a lazy man
d) As a thief

20. What did Baron Hausberg do after receiving the sovereign?

a) Ignored it
b) Smiled and thanked Hughie
c) Returned it
d) Got angry

21. What does the word "prosaic" mean in the context of the story?

a) Romantic
b) Practical and dull
c) Wealthy
d) Artistic

22. The phrase "a trouvaille, mort cher" used by Trevor means:

a) A cheap find
b) A costly discovery
c) A lost treasure
d) A poor model

23. What does "bete et beautiful" mean?

a) Ugly and smart
b) Stupid and beautiful
c) Clever and ugly
d) Beautiful and intelligent

24. What is a "sovereign" as mentioned in the story?

a) A type of hat
b) A gold coin
c) A painting tool
d) A type of cloak

25. The word "philanthropic" means:

a) Selfish
b) Generous and kind
c) Angry
d) Poor

26. How is Hughie described physically?

a) Ugly and weak
b) Good-looking with crisp brown hair and grey eyes
c) Tall and dark
d) Old and wrinkled

27. What kind of nature does Hughie have?

a) Reckless and generous
b) Mean and selfish
c) Shy and quiet
d) Angry and rude

28. How does Alan Trevor feel about Hughie initially?

a) Dislikes him
b) Attracted by his charm
c) Indifferent
d) Jealous

29. What is the Colonel’s attitude towards Hughie?

a) He dislikes him
b) He is fond of him but wants him to be rich first
c) He ignores him
d) He wants him to leave Laura

30. How does Baron Hausberg view art?

a) As a serious profession
b) As a fantasy and fun
c) As a waste of time
d) As a way to make money

31. What is the main theme of the story?

a) The importance of wealth and generosity
b) The dangers of poverty
c) The power of love
d) The value of art

32. What lesson does Hughie learn?

a) To be practical and save money
b) That generosity can bring unexpected rewards
c) To avoid beggars
d) To become a painter

33. How does the story portray wealth?

a) As something to be feared
b) As a tool for kindness and generosity
c) As unimportant
d) As evil

34. What does the story suggest about appearances?

a) They are always true
b) They can be deceptive
c) They don’t matter
d) They are more important than character

35. What is the significance of the title "The Model Millionaire"?

a) It refers to a millionaire who is a model
b) It refers to a millionaire posing as a beggar model
c) It refers to a painting of a millionaire
d) It refers to a rich artist

36. Where did Hughie go to meet Laura?

a) Holland Park
b) The Palette Club
c) The Stock Exchange
d) His aunt’s house

37. What did Hughie do with the cavalry sword?

a) Sold it
b) Hung it over his looking-glass
c) Gave it to Alan Trevor
d) Lost it

38. How did Hughie feel when the Colonel refused the engagement?

a) Happy
b) Glum and sad
c) Angry
d) Indifferent

39. What did Alan Trevor say about the people a painter should know?

a) Only the poor and rich
b) People who are beautiful and interesting
c) Only artists
d) Only rich people

40. What did Hughie do after giving the sovereign to the beggar?

a) Went home happily
b) Blushed
c) Told Laura immediately
d) Asked for it back

41. What literary device is used in "a living Velasquez"?

a) Simile
b) Metaphor
c) Personification
d) Hyperbole

42. What does "a chacun son metier" mean?

a) To each his own trade
b) All for one
c) Time is money
d) Art is life

43. How does the story portray the idea of appearances?

a) As deceptive
b) As truthful
c) As unimportant
d) As confusing

44. What is the tone of the story?

a) Serious and sad
b) Humorous and light-hearted
c) Angry and bitter
d) Mysterious and dark

45. What does the phrase "Son affaire c’est l’argent des autres" mean?

a) He loves money
b) His business is other people’s money
c) He hates beggars
d) He is poor

46. How does Alan Trevor help Hughie?

a) By giving him money
b) By introducing him to Baron Hausberg
c) By painting his portrait
d) By scolding him

47. How does the story depict generosity as a virtue?

a) By showing Hughie’s reward
b) By showing it as foolish
c) By ignoring it
d) By mocking it

48. How does Baron Hausberg reward Hughie?

a) With a cheque for £10,000
b) With a painting
c) With a house
d) With a job

49. Who was the best man at Hughie and Laura’s wedding?

a) Baron Hausberg
b) Alan Trevor
c) The Colonel
d) Hughie’s aunt

50. What is said about millionaire models?

a) They are common
b) They are rarer
c) They are useless
d) They are dishonest

51. What does Hughie’s reaction to the beggar’s appearance show about his character?

a) Indifference
b) Compassion
c) Anger
d) Jealousy

52. What is the significance of the sovereign in the story?

a) It symbolizes wealth
b) It symbolizes generosity
c) It symbolizes poverty
d) It symbolizes greed

53. How does the story reflect social class differences?

a) By showing the divide between rich and poor
b) By ignoring social classes
c) By focusing on the middle class
d) By showing only the rich

54. What role does irony play in the story?

a) It makes the story sad
b) It highlights unexpected outcomes
c) It confuses the reader
d) It makes the story boring

55. How does Alan Trevor’s attitude towards art contrast with Hughie’s?

a) Trevor is serious, Hughie is careless
b) Trevor is artistic, Hughie is practical
c) Trevor sees art as fantasy, Hughie is more realistic
d) Trevor is indifferent, Hughie is passionate

56. What does the story say about true wealth?

a) It is only money
b) It includes generosity and kindness
c) It is unimportant
d) It is power

57. How is humor used in the story?

a) To mock the poor
b) To lighten the mood and teach a lesson
c) To insult characters
d) To confuse readers

58. What role does art play in the story?

a) It is a backdrop for the plot
b) It is central to the story’s message
c) It is unimportant
d) It is a distraction

59. How does the story show the difference between appearance and reality?

a) Through the beggar’s true identity
b) Through the painting
c) Through the Colonel’s attitude
d) Through Laura’s character

60. What is the importance of the letter from Baron Hausberg?

a) It is a warning
b) It is a gift and recognition of Hughie’s generosity
c) It is a threat
d) It is a request for money

61. How does the story portray friendship?

a) As selfish
b) As supportive and genuine
c) As unimportant
d) As competitive

62. What does the story suggest about appearances vs reality?

a) Appearances are always true
b) Reality is often hidden behind appearances
c) Appearances don’t matter
d) Reality is always obvious

63. How does the story end?

a) Tragically
b) Happily, with Hughie rewarded
c) Sadly, with Hughie poor
d) Uncertainly

64. What is the mood of Hughie when meets the beggar?

a) Joyful
b) Pitying and compassionate
c) Angry
d) Indifferent

65. What does the phrase “model millionaires are rarer still” mean?

a) Millionaires who model clothes are rare
b) Millionaires who pose as models are rare
c) Millionaires who are perfect examples are rare
d) Millionaires who are poor are rare

66. What is the importance of the setting in the artist’s studio?

a) It shows the contrast between art and reality
b) It is irrelevant
c) It is a place of sadness
d) It is a place of wealth

67. What is the significance of the painting in the story?

a) It is worthless
b) It captures the essence of the beggar’s character
c) It is a gift
d) It is a symbol of wealth

68. How does the story depict generosity?

a) As foolish
b) As noble and rewarding
c) As unnecessary
d) As dangerous

69. What is the role of the Colonel in the story?

a) He supports Hughie’s love
b) He sets conditions for marriage
c) He is indifferent
d) He is a villain

70. How does the story reflect Victorian society?

a) By showing strict social classes
b) By ignoring social issues
c) By focusing on the poor only
d) By showing equality

71. What does Hughie’s lifestyle tell us about him?

a) He is lazy
b) He is charming but irresponsible
c) He is hardworking
d) He is wealthy

72. How does the story use symbolism?

a) The sovereign symbolizes generosity
b) The sword symbolizes violence
c) The painting symbolizes failure
d) The cloak symbolizes wealth

73. What is the role of money in the story?

a) It is the root of all evil
b) It is necessary but not the only important thing
c) It is unimportant
d) It is everything

74. How does the story portray love?

a) As conditional
b) As pure and strong
c) As unimportant
d) As selfish

75. How does the story use dialogue to develop characters?

a) By showing their thoughts and feelings
b) By confusing the reader
c) By making the story boring
d) By ignoring characters

76. Why did Hughie give money to the beggar-man?

a) Out of pity and kindness
b) To impress Alan
c) As a joke
d) On Laura’s request

77. Why did the Colonel not agree to Hughie’s marriage with Laura?

a) He didn’t like Hughie
b) He thought Laura was too young
c) Hughie had no wealth or steady income
d) He wanted Laura to marry a soldier

78. What kind of narrator is used in the story?

a) First-person narrator
b) Second-person narrator
c) Third-person limited narrator
d) Third-person omniscient narrator

79. What was the beggar holding in his hand for alms ?

a) A bowl
b) A cap
c) A battered hat
d) A tin box

80. What did Trevor compare the beggar model to?

a) A painting by Da Vinci
b) A living Velasquez
c) A sculpture of Michelangelo
d) A Shakespearean character

81. How much was Trevor earning for the portrait?

a) 200 guineas
b) 2000 rupees
c) 2000 pounds
d) 2000 guineas

82. What did Hughie comment about the model’s share?

a) He should get nothing
b) He should be honored
c) He should receive a percentage
d) He should sit for free

83. What did Trevor say painters, poets, and physicians are paid in?

a) Pounds
b) Dollars
c) Guineas
d) Francs

84. Why did Trevor leave the studio for a moment?

a) To get lunch
b) To speak with a framemaker
c) To meet Laura
d) To go to a meeting

85. What did Hughie sacrifice by giving the sovereign?

a) His lunch
b) ride for a fortnight
c) A new coat
d) His day with Laura

86. What did Trevor tell the model about Hughie?

a) That he was an artist
b) Everything – name, income, residence, future
c) That he was very poor and sick
d) That he was a famous writer

87. What did Hughie assume the old man had come for?

a) To collect debt
b) To return the sovereign
c) To offer congratulations
d) To demand an apology

88. How did Baron Hausberg react after Hughie left?

a) He cried
b) He was angry
c) He chuckled and rubbed his hands
d) He left silently

89. What does Trevor call the beggar’s rags?

a) Useless junk
b) Art in motion
c) Romance
d) Disgrace

90. What is the full name of the main character?

a) Hughie Graham
b) Alan Trevor
c) Baron Hausberg
d) Roger Morton

91. What is Alan Trevor’s relationship with Hughie?

a) His brother
b) His rival
c) His friend
d) His boss

92. What is Laura’s father’s profession?

a) Painter
b) General
c) Colonel
d) Baron

93. What is a sovereign?

a) A type of coin
b) A kind of paint
c) A certificate
d) A painting

94. What is Alan Trevor doing when Hughie visits?

a) Reading a book
b) Painting a model
c) taking a nap in his studio
d) taking to a baron

95. What kind of irony is used in the story?

a) Dramatic irony
b) Situational irony
c) Verbal irony
d) Cosmic irony

96. The Baron gives money because:

a) He wants to buy art
b) He is in love with Laura
c) He is impressed by Hughie’s kindness
d) Alan asked him

97. Oscar Wilde is famous for:

a) Tragedy writing
b) Detective stories
c) Satirical and witty stories
d) Science fiction

98. What day did Hughie visit Alan’s studio?

a) Monday Morning
b) Sunday Morning
c) One morning
d) Friday Morning

99. Despite his shortcomings, Hughie was admired because he was —

a) Wonderfully good-looking
b) Extremely witty
c) very romantic
d) Very rich

100. In his life, Hughie never said —

a) A sarcastic expression
b) A word of sympathy
c) A witty phrase
d) A brilliant or an ill-natured thing

101. Romance is the privilege of only the —

a) poor
b) rich
c) athletes
d) artists

102. Despite his shortcomings, Hughie was admired because he was —

a) Wonderfully good-looking
b) Extremely witty
c) very romantic
d) Very rich

103. Hughie was popular with —

a) Men as well as women
b) Friends
c) nobody
d) Only women

104. Hughie had been bequeathed by his father —

a) A cavalry sword
b) An armour
c) a cavalry sword and a ‘History of the Peninsular War’ in fifteen volumes
d) Nothing

105. Hughie hung his father’s cavalry sword —

a) Over his looking-glass
b) In his cupboard
c) inside his wardrobe
d) On a shelf

106. Hughie put the ‘History of the Peninsular War’ —

a) On the bedside table
b) On a shelf between ‘Ruff’s Guide’ and ‘Bailey’s Magazine’
c) in his kitchen
d) In his storeroom

107. he amount Hughie received from his aunt was —

a) Two hundred pounds a year
b) three hundred pounds a year
c) one hundred pounds a year
d) Four hundred pounds a year

108. To earn money, Hughie —

a) Had gone on the Stock Exchange
b) Had been a tea-merchant
c) had tried selling dry sherry
d) All of the above

109. How long did Hughie spend on the Stock Exchange?

a) Ten months
b) Six months
c) Five months
d) One year

110. Hughie was described as ‘butterfly’ in the text because of his —

a) Financial condition
b) Good appearance and soul
c) Colourful clothes
d) Ornaments

111. After tea, Hughie tried to sell —

a) Dry sherry
b) Dry fruits
c) packaged meat
d) Furniture

112. Laura and Hughie were the —

a) Handsomest couple in London
b) Smartest couple in France
c) richest couple in London
d) Poorest couple in France

113. What did the beggar lean on with one hand?

a) A rough stick
b) A tree stump
c) A rusty rod
d) The backrest of a chair

114. Who was Rembrandt?

a) A famous French Playwright
b) A renowned Dutch artist
c) A famous British poet
d) A famous philosopher

115. Hughie assumed that to painters the beggar’s face is —

a) His subject
b) his investment
c) His fortune
d) His capital

116. Taking the opportunity of Trevor’s absence, the beggar took rest on a/an —

a) Cot
b) Armchair
c) Stool
d) Wooden bench

117. Hughie described the beggar-man as a —

a) Good fellow
b) nice fellow
c) Worthy fellow
d) Poor old fellow

118. Hughie went to the Palette Club at about —

a) Two o’clock
b) Eight o’clock
c) eleven o’clock
d) One o’clock

119. What did Hughie want to give to the beggar?

a) Food
b) Medical help
c) Some more money
d) Some of his old clothes

120. What kind of income did Hughie live on?

a) A salary from the army
b) Profits from business
c) Allowance from his aunt
d) Earnings from writing

121. Why did Hughie fail as a tea-merchant?

a) He disliked tea
b) He preferred coffee
c) He soon got bored
d) The tea quality was poor

122. Why did Hughie give up selling dry sherry?

a) He couldn’t handle alcohol
b) Customers didn’t like him
c) The sherry was too dry
d) He had no license

123. What had the Colonel lost in India?

a) His temper and money
b) His health and memory
c) His temper and digestion
d) His eyesight and land

124. What kind of person was Alan Trevor described as?

a) Handsome and soft-spoken
b) Rough with a red ragged beard
c) Short and timid
d) Rich and arrogant

125. What made Alan Trevor initially like Hughie?

a) Hughie’s wealth
b) Hughie’s sense of humor
c) Hughie’s personal charm
d) Hughie’s painting skills

126. According to Trevor, who should rule the world?

a) Soldiers and politicians
b) Dandies and darlings
c) Artists and poets
d) Painters and scientists

127. What kind of expression did the beggar-man have?

a) A joyful one
b) A proud one
c) A mischievous one
d) A piteous one

128. What was flung over the beggar’s shoulders?

a) A black silk coat
b) A velvet robe
c) A coarse brown cloak
d) A woolen scarf

129. What was the beggar standing on?

a) A chair
b) A table
c) A wooden floor
d) A raised platform

130. What was Trevor’s view on the role of artists?

a) To solve world problems
b) To teach morality
c) To reform society
d) To realise the world as they see it

131. What did the Baron do at the wedding breakfast?

a) Gave another cheque
b) Made a speech
c) Sang a song
d) Gave Laura a necklace

132. What is Hughie Erskine's greatest asset?
a) His intelligence
b) His wealth
c) His physical appearance
d) His wit

133. What was the main obstacle to Hughie’s relationship with Laura Merton?
a) Her father's disapproval
b) Hughie’s lack of wealth
c) Laura’s indifference
d) Hughie’s own doubts

134. How did Alan Trevor initially perceive Hughie?
a) As a talented artist
b) As a charming and beautiful person
c) As a wealthy patron
d) As a rival painter

135. What was Colonel Merton’s personality like?
a) Kind and generous
b) Strict and temperamental
c) Wise and understanding
d) Funny and laid-back

136. How did Alan Trevor feel about Hughie after getting to know him better?
a) Indifferent
b) Disappointed
c) Increasingly fond
d) Resentful

137. What was Hughie’s personality like?
a) Serious and responsible
b) Bright, buoyant, and generous
c) Moody and introspective
d) Ambitious and competitive

138. What was the social status of Hughie and Laura?
a) Wealthy and influential
b) Middle-class and comfortable
c) Poor but happy
d) Penniless and struggling

139. What did Trevor compare Art to?
a) Science
b) Mathematics
c) Manual labour
d) Music

140. What was Hughie’s reaction to Trevor’s statement about the model’s pay?
a) He was shocked
b) He laughed
c) He was amused
d) He was angry

141. What was the beggar-man’s face compared to?
a) Smooth silk
b) Wrinkled parchment
c) Rough stone
d) Soft velvet

142. What was Hughie’s comment about the beggar-man’s face?
a) "What a happy face!"
b) "What a sad face!"
c) "Poor old chap! How miserable he looks!"
d) "What a strong face!"

143. What did Trevor say was the reason why a beggar should not look happy?
a) Because it’s not realistic
b) Because it’s not artistic
c) Because painters don’t want them to
d) Because it’s not fashionable

144. What did Trevor tell Hughie to do while he worked?
a) Smoke a cigarette and chat
b) Smoke a cigarette and keep quiet
c) Read a book and relax
d) Take a nap and sleep

145. What was Trevor’s attitude towards Hughie’s chatter?
a) Encouraging
b) Irritated
c) Tolerant
d) Amused

146. Why did the Baron come in disguise as a beggar to have his picture drawn?
a) He wanted to startle the artist
b) He wanted to show his vanity
c) He wanted to express his simplicity
d) He had been under a whim and fancy

147. Why did Hughie offer a sovereign to the old model?
a) He felt sympathetic to the beggar
b) The beggar asked for help
c) Hughie’s friend exploited the situation
d) Hughie himself was poor

148. What did Hughie decide to sacrifice in order to give the sovereign to the old model of Trevor? (repeat question with 93, but well.. options are different)
a) His dinner for a fortnight
b) His weekend trip
c) His hansom rides for a fortnight
d) His art lessons

149. What did Hughie find in his pockets to give to the beggar-man?
a) A handful of gold coins and a few shillings
b) A few pennies and a hand note
c) A sovereign and some coppers
d) A five-pound note and some silver coins

150. Why did Trevor paint Baron Hausberg as a beggar?
a) Because the Baron wanted to show his poverty
b) Because the Baron wanted to befool Hughie
c) Because Baron Hausberg commissioned him to draw his picture
d) Because he wanted to show the Baron’s property

151. Why does Hughie feel that he has made a fool of himself?
a) Because he gave money to a poor person
b) Because he didn’t recognize the Baron’s true identity
c) Because he was deceived by the Baron’s disguise
d) Because he gave a sovereign to someone who turned out to be extremely wealthy

152. What was Hughie’s initial impression of the old model?
a) He thought the old model was a wealthy man
b) He thought the old model was poor
c) He thought the old model was a friend of Trevor’s
d) He thought the old model was an artist

153. What does the story "The Model Millionaire" suggest about the relationship between appearance and reality?
a) That appearance is always a reliable indicator of reality
b) That appearance is more important than reality
c) That appearance and reality are often at odds with each other
d) That reality is more important than appearance

154. What is the significance of the sovereign that Hughie gave to the old model? (repeat but different options)
a) It represents Hughie’s kindness and generosity
b) It represents the old model’s poverty and desperation
c) It represents the contrast between Hughie’s wealth and the old model’s poverty
d) It represents the irony of the situation

155. What did Gustave Naudin bring to Hughie?
a) A gift
b) A letter
c) A cheque
d) A wedding invitation

156. What was the occasion for the gift that Baron Hausberg gave to Hughie?
a) Hughie’s birthday
b) Alan Trevor’s wedding
c) Hughie’s wedding
d) Baron Hausberg’s birthday

157. How did Laura Merton react to the story of Hughie’s extravagance?
a) She openly appreciated him
b) She was very angry with him
c) She gave him a sweet scolding
d) She didn’t talk to him

158. What was Hughie’s reaction when he found out the old model’s true identity?
a) He was angry and upset
b) He was embarrassed and ashamed
c) He was surprised and amused
d) He was indifferent and unaffected

'The Night Mail' by W.H. Auden Question and Answers - MCQ, RTC, SAQ easy

ICSE Class 9 English Treasure Chest Poem The Night Mail Text-Based Questions

Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) with answers based, Reference to the context and short answers types questions and answers for students that can easily be remembered on the poem "The Night Mail" by W.H. Auden

Auden's The Night Mail poem Summary, Stanza wise Explanation in English and Bengali > CLICK

The Night Mail Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does the poem celebrate?

(a) the mail train
(b) human connections
(c) the railway system
(d) none of the above

2. Where was the mail train heading?

(a) Paris
(b) London
(c) Glasgow
(d) Crawford

3. ‘Snorting noisily as she passes’. Which figure of speech is used here?

(a) personification
(b) alliteration
(c) metaphor
(d) sarcasm

4. Why does-no one wake up from their sleep as the train passes?

(a) They are intoxicated
(b) They sleep in sound-proof rooms.
(c) The train created no noise.
(d) They have become habituated to the train’s passing and ignore it.

5. Which of these is NOT carried by the train?

(a) letters
(b) news
(c) cheques
(d) furnaces

6. ‘For who can bear to feel himself forgotten?’ Which literary device is used here?

(a) simile
(b) metaphor
(c) rhetorical question
(d) irony

7. Which regions does the train pass through?

(a) The seabeach
(b) hills and plains
(c) mountains
(d) war zones

8. Select the correct option that displays the characteristics of the personified train correctly.

(a) kind
(b) aggressive
(c) methodical
(d) steady

9. Which of these is repeated numerous times in the poem?

(a) letters
(b) cheques
(c) postal orders
(d) sleeping people

10. Which types of letters are mentioned in the poem?

(a) chatty
(b) boring
(c) adoring
(d) all of the above

11. What is the main purpose of the Night Mail?

(a) To transport passengers across the country.
(b) To deliver mail to various destinations.
(c) To compete with other modes of transportation.
(d) To provide entertainment for people along the route.

12. What evidence from the poem suggests the Night Mail is reliable?

(a) It carries letters for both rich and poor.
(b) It travels through diverse landscapes.
(c) It arrives on time despite challenging terrain.
(d) It wakes people up in their sleep.

13. Why don’t the sheepdogs react to the Night Mail (stanza 6)?

(a) They are scared of the loud noises.
(b) They are too busy herding sheep.
(c) They are accustomed to the train’s regular passage.
(d) The train travels too fast for them to notice.

14. What happens in the farmhouse as the Night Mail passes?

(a) Everyone wakes up to check the mail.
(b) The train sounds its whistle loudly.
(c) A jug in the bedroom shakes.
(d) The farmhouse lights turn on.

15. The phrase “Pulling up Beattock” suggests the train is:

(a) Departing from a station
(b) Beginning a climb
(c) Reaching its destination
(d) Slowing down

16. What feeling does the poem suggest is universal?

(a) The fear of being forgotten
(b) The excitement of receiving mail
(c) The annoyance of being woken up at night
(d) The joy of travelling by train

17. The poem is set in:

(a) The United State
(b) France
(c) Scotland and England
(d) A fictional world

18. What is the main theme of the poem?

(a) The power of technology
(b) The dangers of night travel
(c) The importance of communication
(d) The beauty of the Scottish countryside

19. Identify the poetic device.

“Towards the fields of apparatus, the furnaces
Set on the dark plain like gigantic chessmen.”

(a) Metaphor
(b) Personification
(c) Simile
(d) Alliteration

20. Who among the following wrote the poem “The Night Mail”?

(a) William Wordsworth
(b) W. B. Yeats
(c) W. H. Auden
(d) P.B. Shelly

21. What is the primary subject of the poem?

(a) A train journey at night
(b) The beauty of the Scottish landscape
(c) The importance of postal communication
(d) The dreams of sleeping people

22. What does the night mail bring?

(a) Only letters
(b) Cheques, postal orders, and letters
(c) Parcels and gifts
(d) Newspapers and magazines

23. How does the train's passage affect the natural world?

(a) It scares the animals
(b) It wakes up the farmers
(c) It causes a gentle shaking in a bedroom
(d) It leaves a trail of smoke and fire

24. What is the train's destination?

(a) Edinburgh
(b) Glasgow
(c) Aberdeen
(d) London

25. What kind of letters does the train carry?

(a) Only personal letters
(b) Only business letters
(c) A wide variety of letters
(d) Only love letters

26. What emotions are associated with the arrival of the mail?

(a) Fear and anxiety
(b) Boredom and indifference
(c) Hope and anticipation
(d) Anger and frustration

27. What literary device is used in the line 'the steam tugs yelping down a glade of cranes'?

(a) Simile
(b) Metaphor
(c) Personification
(d) Alliteration

28. What is the overall tone of the poem?

(a) Melancholy and nostalgic
(b) Energetic and optimistic
(c) Humorous and light hearted
(d) Critical and sarcastic

29. What does the Night Mail deliver?

(a) Only letters for the rich
(b) Only government documents
(c) Letters, cheques, and postal orders
(d) Packages and groceries

30. What does the train pass silently?

(a) Cities and towns
(b) Sleeping countryside
(c) Busy markets
(d) Airports and harbours

31. Which line shows the poet's use of personification?

(a) “Sheep-dogs cannot turn her course”
(b) “The girl next door”
(c) “Letters from banks”
(d) “The cheque and the postal order”

32. What feeling does the last line of the poem express: “For who can bear to feel himself forgotten?”

(a) Anger
(b) Loneliness and emotional need
(c) Jealousy
(d) Confusion

33. How is the rhythm of the poem designed?

(a) To sound like waves crashing
(b) To mimic the ticking of a clock
(c) To resemble the motion of a train
(d) To copy the chirping of birds

34. Which of the following is an example of alliteration in the poem?

(a) “Snorting noisily”
(b) “Sheep-dogs cannot turn her course”
(c) “Fields of apparatus”
(d) “Letters with faces scrawled on the margin”

35. What do the “fields of apparatus” and “gigantic chessmen” refer to?

(a) Countryside fields
(b) Machinery and furnaces in Glasgow
(c) A railway station
(d) A children’s playground

36. What is the mood of the countryside as the train passes?

(a) Noisy and chaotic
(b) Peaceful and sleepy
(c) Busy and crowded
(d) Stormy and dangerous

37. What does the jug shaking in a bedroom suggest?

(a) An earthquake
(b) Someone dropped it
(c) The silent but powerful movement of the train
(d) A person woke up

38. What do the “silent miles of wind-bent grasses” emphasize?

(a) The speed of the train
(b) The barrenness of the land
(c) The quiet countryside and the lonely journey
(d) The railway lines

39. What does the poet mean by “blank-faced coaches”?

(a) Coaches filled with smiling passengers
(b) Coaches with advertisements on them
(c) Coaches without passengers, expressionless
(d) Decorated coaches

40. What literary device is used in “gigantic chessmen”?

(a) Simile
(b) Personification
(c) Alliteration
(d) Metaphor

41. Who are eagerly waiting for the letters?

(a) The birds and dogs
(b) Only children
(c) People across Scotland
(d) Train workers

42. What kinds of letters does the Night Mail carry?

(a) Only business letters
(b) Only love letters
(c) A variety — love, gossip, invitations, job applications
(d) Only newspaper prints

43. What does the train symbolize in the poem?

(a) British power
(b) Communication and connection
(c) Transportation system
(d) Industrial growth

44. Which poetic technique gives the poem its train‑like rhythm?

(a) Free verse
(b) Blank verse
(c) Regular meter and repetition
(d) Sonnet form

45. The Night Mail is described as moving with:

(a) Silence and secrecy
(b) Hesitation and slowness
(c) Power and determination
(d) Joy and laughter

46. What does the train carry besides letters?

(a) Parcels and telegrams
(b) Cheques and postal orders
(c) Newspapers and books
(d) Only personal notes

47. The poem portrays the train as:

(a) A destructive force
(b) A lonely traveler
(c) A unifying messenger
(d) A symbol of war

48. What emotion is linked to receiving letters?

(a) Fear and anxiety
(b) Hope and anticipation
(c) Anger and frustration
(d) Nostalgia and regret

49. The poem highlights the train’s impartiality by:

(a) Delivering only to cities
(b) Carrying letters for both rich and poor
(c) Ignoring rural areas
(d) Serving only government offices

50. Which natural image shows the countryside’s calmness?

(a) Stormy seas
(b) Wind‑bent grasses
(c) Snow‑covered peaks
(d) Desert sands

51. The poem suggests letters can be:

(a) Only government orders
(b) Love notes, gossip, invitations
(c) Only advertisements
(d) Only business contracts

52. The line “For who can bear to feel himself forgotten?” conveys:

(a) Joy of solitude
(b) Universal human need for recognition
(c) Fear of death
(d) Anger at society

53. The train’s journey through night emphasizes:

(a) Danger of travel
(b) Secrecy
(c) Reliability despite darkness
(d) Celebration of festivals

54. The train’s impartiality reflects:

(a) Industrial dominance
(b) Equality in communication
(c) Class divisions
(d) Political propaganda

55. The countryside is depicted as:

(a) Busy and chaotic
(b) Peaceful and sleepy
(c) Stormy and dangerous
(d) Crowded and noisy

56. The train’s journey symbolizes:

(a) Communication and connection
(b) Military strength
(c) Industrial progress
(d) Economic growth

57. The poem’s imagery blends:

(a) Nature and machinery
(b) War and peace
(c) Love and betrayal
(d) Past and future

58. The train’s whistle is described as:

(a) Silent and unnoticed
(b) Gentle and soothing
(c) Snorting noisily
(d) Loud and frightening

59. The poem emphasizes the train’s:

(a) Luxury and comfort
(b) Danger and risk
(c) Speed and efficiency
(d) Beauty and elegance

60. The letters carried include:

(a) Only personal diaries
(b) Only political propaganda
(c) Job applications and invitations
(d) Only advertisements

61. The poem’s central theme is:

(a) Fear of being forgotten
(b) Importance of communication
(c) Beauty of machinery
(d) Joy of travel

62. The train is unaffected by:

(a) Policemen
(b) Farmers
(c) Children
(d) Sheepdogs

63. The poem portrays letters as:

(a) Lifelines of human connection
(b) Mere pieces of paper
(c) Government propaganda
(d) Business contracts only

64. The train’s impartial delivery reflects:

(a) Democracy of communication
(b) Industrial dominance
(c) Political neutrality
(d) Economic growth

65. The poem ends with:

(a) A humorous anecdote
(b) A rhetorical question about being forgotten
(c) A celebration of industrial progress
(d) A description of the train’s arrival




Answers-

1. (b) human connections
2. (c) Glasgow
3. (a) personification
4. (d) They have become habituated to the train’s passing and ignore it.
5. (d) furnaces
6. (c) rhetorical question
7. (b) hills and plains
8. (d) steady
9. (a) letters
10. (d) all of the above
11. (b) To deliver mail to various destinations.
12. (c) It arrives on time despite challenging terrain.
13. (c) They are accustomed to the train’s regular passage.
14. (c) A jug in the bedroom shakes.
15. (b) Beginning a climb
16. (a) The fear of being forgotten
17. (c) Scotland and England
18. (c) The importance of communication
19. (c) Simile
20. (c) W. H. Auden
21. (c) The importance of postal communication
22. (b) Cheques, postal orders, and letters
23. (c) It causes a gentle shaking in a bedroom
24. (b) Glasgow
25. (c) A wide variety of letters
26. (c) Hope and anticipation
27. (c) Personification
28. (b) Energetic and optimistic
29. (c) Letters, cheques, and postal orders
30. (b) Sleeping countryside
31. (a) “Sheep-dogs cannot turn her course” (The train is given a will of its own, like a person.)
32. (b) Loneliness and emotional need
33. (c) To resemble the motion of a train
34. (a) “Snorting noisily”
35. (b) Machinery and furnaces in Glasgow
36. (b) Peaceful and sleepy
37. (c) The silent but powerful movement of the train
38. (c) The quiet countryside and the lonely journey
39. (c) Coaches without passengers, expressionless
40. (d) Metaphor
41. (c) People across Scotland
42. (c) A variety — love, gossip, invitations, job applications
43. (b) Communication and connection
44. (c) Regular meter and repetition
45. (c) Power and determination
46. (b) Cheques and postal orders
47. (c) A unifying messenger
48. (b) Hope and anticipation
49. (b) Carrying letters for both rich and poor
50. (b) Wind‑bent grasses
51. (b) Love notes, gossip, invitations
52. (b) Universal human need for recognition
53. (c) Reliability despite darkness
54. (b) Equality in communication
55. (b) Peaceful and sleepy
56. (a) Communication and connection
57. (a) Nature and machinery
58. (c) Snorting noisily
59. (c) Speed and efficiency
60. (c) Job applications and invitations
61. (b) Importance of communication
62. (d) Sheepdogs
63. (a) Lifelines of human connection
64. (a) Democracy of communication
65. (b) A rhetorical question about being forgotten 
    

Bonku Babu's Friend Question Answers | ICSE Class 9 Tresure Chest

Broad Questions and Answers from Bonku Babu's Friend (RTC) by Satyajit Ray

Every year, a new batch of students replaced the old one, but old or new, the tradition of teasing poor Bonku Babu continued among all the students. Some drew his cartoon on the blackboard; others put glue on his chair; or, on the night of Kali Puja, they lit a chasing rocket and set it off right behind him.


(i) What do these lines tell about Bonku Babu?

Answer: These lines show that Bonku Babu was constantly the target of his students’ teasing and pranks. Every year, as new batches replaced the old, the tradition of teasing teacher Bonku Babu carried on.

(ii) How long has Bonku Babu been teaching in that school?

Answer: Bonku Babu has been teaching in Kankurgachhi Village Primary School for the last twenty-two years.

(iii) What form of teasing was used by his students?

Answer: The students of Kankurgachhi Village Primary School continuously teased Bonku Babu every year. Some sketched mocking cartoons of him on the blackboard, others smeared glue on his chair. On the night of Kali Puja, they even  set off a chasing rocket right behind him.

(iv) How did Bonku Babu react to the teasing by the students? /  How did Bonku Babu sometimes lightly condemn the students?

Answer: Bonku Babu did not get upset by the teasing of the students. He remained calm. Only sometimes he cleared his throat and said, "Shame on you boys". The tradition of teasing Bonku Babu continued among all the students of every year, yet no one had ever seen Bonku Babu get angry.

(v) According to the Bonku Babu, what made his life as a teacher worth living?

Answer: According to Bonku Babu, teaching a handful of good students in every class made his life as a teacher worth living. Even if the rest of the class was full of pranksters, teaching those sincere boys was rewarding for him. He often invited them to his house, offered them snacks, and told them tales of distant lands and thrilling adventures.


(vi) Why did Bonku Babu put up with the teasing of students?

Answer: Bonku Babu put up with the teasing of the students knowing he couldn’t afford to lose his temper. As a middle-aged man, he knew it would be difficult it would be for him to find another job if he gave up this job. There was also another reason for staying in the school. He had a handful of good students in every class, and he felt teaching them was rewarding for him. 

(vii) What was difficult for the students to imagine? Why?

Answer. For the students, it was difficult to imagine Bonku Babu ever losing his temper and what he might say or do if he ever gets angry. It is because no one had ever seen him get cross even after endless teasing.


(viii) Which tradition continued among the students?

Answer. The tradition of teasing poor Bonku Babu among the students continued every year, whether they were old or new students.


(ix) What impression do you form of Bonku Babu?

Answer. Bonku Babu appears as a gentle, patient and enduring teacher. He was constantly mocked by his students and treated as an easy target. But he maintains his composure and avoids outbursts. He gives an impression of a kind but vulnerable man, quietly enduring humiliation without protest.

“Only the other day -- less than two months ago--, they were talking about ghosts. Usually, Bonku Babu kept his mouth shut. That day, for some unknown reason, he open it and declared that he was not afraid of the ghost that was all! but it was enough to offer a golden opportunity to others. On his way back home later, that night Bonku Bhaiya was attacked by a spook.”

(i) What did Bonku Babu declare in the group that lead the spook attack?

Answer. In a meeting at Sripati Majumdar's house, Bonku Babu declared that he wasn’t afraid of ghosts.

(ii) Sometimes Bonku Babu tried to keep away from this group. Why?/ Why did Bonku Babu come back thinking he won't go to the get-together?

Answer. Bonku Babu tried to keep away from this group because he disliked being the target of amusement by the members of the group. He could tolerate the pranks by the students but when grown-ups, even the middle-aged men started playing fool with him, it became too much to bear.

(iii) What made his associates arrange and attack on Bonku babu by a spook? / What was the favourable conditions for the spook to attack?

Answer: One evening at Sripati Majumdar’s house, the group was discussing ghosts. Suddenly Bonku Babu declared that he was not afraid of them. This gave the others the perfect chance to prank him. Later that night, on his way back Bonku Babu was attacked by a ‘spook’. The event suggests that the attack was planned by someone at the gathering.

(iv) Describe in your own words the attack by the spook.

Answer: At a gathering in Sripati Babu’s house, Bonku Babu once boldly declared that he was not afraid of ghosts. Later that night, on his way back Bonku Babu was attacked by a ‘spook’. While passing under a tamarind tree, a tall, thin figure leapt down and landed on Bonku Babu's back. Though he didn’t feel frightened, he was injured, and his neck ached for three days. Moreover, his new kurta was torn and had black stains all over it.

(v) What happened to Bonku Babu as a result of the attack? / How did this encounter with the ghost affect Bonku Babu?

Answer: As a result of the spook attack, Bonku Babu got injured and his neck ached for three days. His new kurta was torn with black ink stains all over it. He was quite irritated by the prank of his associates who were grown and middle-aged.

(vi) Why did Bonku Babu attend a meeting despite the attack by the spook? What does it show about rural life in this area?

Answer: Despite the attack by the spook, Bonku Babu attended the meeting because he didn't want to offend Sripati Majumdar. Sripati Majumdar was an important figure in the village and the school committee. Bonku Babu also knew that if he stayed away, the gathering would lose its only source of amusement—him. So, even when he tried to keep his distance, he was fetched back to the meetings.

It shows that in rural life, people place great value on proper behaviour, showing respect to elders and authority figures, and keeping strong social bonds within the community.

Ramkanai, being younger, offered a more positive view, acknowledging the accomplishment of space travel as a human feat.

“That particular evening Bonku Babu was the first to spot the strange light. Then he called Nidhu Babu and showed it to him. However, when he arrived at the meeting,he found that Nidhu babu has coolly claimed full credit for being a person to see it,and was boasting a great deal about it. Bonku Babu said nothing”

(i) One day which topic came up for conversation? What were the views of most of the persons?

Answer. The topic that came up for conversation that day was space, mainly about spaceships and space travel. 

Most of the group didn’t have much knowledge about satellites. They felt that such things had no practical value in their lives and dismissed them as nonsense. Some said satellites are just machines as simple as a spinning top, while others believed that rockets and space travel may sound like a great achievement but had no real meaning for ordinary people like them. 

(ii) Why did Nidhu babu say that he was the first person to spot the strange light? What does it say about his character?

Answer: Nidhu Babu claimed credit for being the first person to spot the strange light because he wanted attention and appear important in front of the group. 

It shows that Nidhu Babu is a person who tried to appear knowledgeable and desire recognition. He is an opportunity seeker, and did not hesitate to take other's credit, mainly if it was Bonku Babu, to whom he shows no respect at all.

(iii) What does Bonku Babu's silence show about his character?

Answer: When Nidhu Babu claimed credit for spotting the strange light, despite Bonku Babu being the actual first person to spot it, he remained silent. His silence shows that he is not a confrontational person  and prefers to avoid conflicts. He is also humble and not interested in taking credit.

(iv) Later, why did they change the topic of satellites?

Answer: They changed the topic of satellites because Chandi Babu expressed doubt about the hype surrounding a point of light in the sky. This led to a discussion about the value of satellites. Nidhu Babu then dragged the conversation towards the topic of rockets, which was considered more meaningful and interesting than satellites by some members of the group.

(v) What did Ramkanai say about human achievement?

Ans: Ramkanai believed that it might not be many of them, but satallites are a human achievement. Ramkanai appreciates the achievement of launching a satellite into space.


(vi) What is the prospect of a rocket landing in the village? Why? What was Bonku Babu's view on this?

Answer: The prospect of a rocket landing in the village was discussed among a group of people, including Bonku Babu, who believed it was unlikely to happen. Because rockets were not a common occurrence in their area, they also did not see any practical purpose or benefit for a rocket to land in their village. Bonku Babu remained silent, later he suggested the possibility of an alien visit.

The prospect of a rocket landing in the village was considered almost impossible. The people felt such things would only happen in big places, not in a small village, and had no real connection to their lives.

Bonku Babu, however, did not openly dismiss the idea. He remained thoughtful and quiet and more open-minded than the others, not laughing at the possibility like they did.

Everyone agreed, with the sole exception of Bonku Babu. Chandi Babu decided to take things a bit further. He nudged Nidhu Babu silently, pointed at Bonku Babu and spoke innocently: “Why, I think Bonku is quite right. Isn’t it natural that aliens should want to come to a place where there’s a man like our Bonkubihari ? If they wanted to take away a human specimen, could they find anything better?”

“No, I don’t think so!” Nidhu Babu joined in.

“Consider his looks, not to mention his brains … yes, Bunkum would be the ideal specimen!”

“Right. Suitable for keeping in a museum or a zoo,” Ramkanai chipped in.


(i) What had Sripati Babu said to which almost all agreed?

Answer: Sripati Babu said that if aliens ever came to Earth, they would not land in a place like Kankurgachhi, like fools. He believed the aliens were sahibs and so they would land in a western country, among the sahibs. Almost everyone agreed with Sripati Babu, except Bonku Babu.

(ii) What was Bonku Babu's opinion about it?

Answer: Though unlikely, Bonku Babu thought it was not impossible for an alien to come to Kankurgachhi. He thought, if an alien had to visit Earth, it wouldn’t really matter where they landed first—it could be anywhere.

(iii) What did Chandi Babu want when he nudged Nidhu Babu?

Ans. When Chandi Babu nudged Nidhu Babu, he wanted Nidhu Babu to support his remark and to join to tease Bonku Babu.


(iv) When Chandi Babu says “I think Bonku is quite right", does he mean it? In which tone he speaks? / What does it imply when Chandi Babu says “I think Bonku is quite right"?

Ans. No, he didn’t mean it seriously. He spoke it in a mocking, sarcastic tone, only to ridicule Bonku Babu further.


(v) What for would Bonku Babu be suitable according to Ram Kanai?

Ans. Ramkanai thought Bonku Babu would be fit to be kept in a museum or a zoo. This way he did not treat Bonku Babu like a person but rather a specimen.


(vi) What impression do you form of the speakers participating in the discussion?

Ans. Though the speakers were grown up, they were insensitive to Bonku Babu's feelings and acted cruelly toward him. They showed no respect to him instead took pleasure in humiliating Bonku Babu.



"Consider his looks, not to mention his brains... yes, Bunkum would be the ideal specimen!" "Right. Suitable for keeping in a museum. Or a zoo," Ramkanat chipped in. Bonku Babu did not reply, but wondered silently: if anyone were to actually look for a specimen, weren't the others just as suitable? Look at Sripati Babu. His chin was so much like a camel's. And that Bhairav Chakravarty his eyes were like tortoise. Nidhu Babu looks like a rat, Ramkhanai is like a goat and Chandi Babu is like a flittermouse. If a zoo really had to be filled up...! Tears sprang to his eyes.”


(i) Why did he call Bonku Babu an 'ideal specimen' and for whom?

Answer: Chandi Babu called Bonku Babu an ‘ideal specimen’ only to mock him. As Bonku Babu had said that it was not impossible for aliens to come to their village, Chandi Babu made fun of it. Sarcastically, he remarked that if they ever did, it would be to take Bonku Babu as their human specimen. His comment was meant to ridicule Bonku Babu’s looks and supposed lack of intelligence.

(ii) Name three of his associates whom Bonku Babu says could be other specimens. What reasons did he give for his choice?

Ans: Bonku Babu thinks that Sripati Babu, Bhairav Chakravarty, Ramkanai, Chandi babu and Nidhu Babu could easily be specimens. 

In Bonku Babu's thought, Sripati Babu's chin resembled a camel's, Bhairav Chakravarty's eyes looked like those of a tortoise, and Nidhu Babu looked like a rat. Ramkanai was like a goat, Chandi Babu like a flittermouse. So, they were no less fit to be specimens.

(iii) What did Bonku think about Bhairav Babu?

Answer. Bonku Babu believed Bhairav Babu’s eyes resembled those of a tortoise’s.

(iv) According to Bonku Babu, how could a zoo be filled up?

Answer. According to Bonku Babu, a zoo could easily be filled up with the people in the gathering who were mocking him. In his thoughts, Sripati Babu’s chin looked like a camel’s, Bhairav Chakravarty’s eyes resembled those of a tortoise, Nidhu Babu looked like a rat, Ramkanai was like a goat, and Chandi Babu like a flittermouse. To him, they were no less “specimens” than he was, and if a zoo had to be filled, they too would fit right in.

"Tears sprang to his eyes. Bonku Babu had come to the meeting hoping, for once, to enjoy himself. That was clearly not to be. He could not stay here any longer. He rose to his feet."

(i) Why had Bonku come to the meeting?

Answer. Bonku Babu was regularly ridiculed in the gathering. So, this time he attended the meeting hoping to enjoy himself and socialize for once.


(ii) When Bonku was about to leave, what comment did Ramkanai make that made everyone laugh?

Answer. When Bonku Babu was about to leave, Ramkanai reminded him that it was a moonless night and also a Saturday which was an auspicious night for ghosts. It made everyone laugh.


(iii) Why did Bonku Babu wonder silently about his associates ? what would have happened if he had spoken?

Answer. He wondered silently because, while they mocked him as a “specimen,” he felt the others looked no less odd themselves, with animal‑like features that made them equally fit to be specimens.

If he had voiced these thoughts, the group would likely have mocked him even more harshly, turning his attempt at defense into fresh humiliation.

Puzzled, Bonku Babu walked another 20 yards and then he suddenly saw the light. At first, he thought that a fire had broken out. Bang in the middle of Poncha Ghosh's the bamboo groove, in the clearing near a small pond, quite a large area was glowing pink. A dull light on every branch and every leaf. Down below the ground behind the pond was lit by much stronger, pink light.


(i) From where Bonku Babu was coming? Was he in a hurry that day?

Answer: Bonku Babu was coming from the gathering at Sripati Babu's house. 

He was not in a hurry that day though he made an excuse in the meeting that he had papers to correct.


(ii) Describe what Bonku Babu saw in front of him?

or

What made Bonku Babu think that fire had broken out in the area? How did he react?

Ans: In the middle of Poncha Ghosh's bamboo grove, Bonku Babu saw a glowing pink light. At first, he thought it was a fire. The light was quite large and it was shining on the branches, and leaves. Since the light did not flicker, he realized it was not fire but some unusual light.

Bonku Babu felt curious and intrigued, when he saw that the light was coming from a clearing in Poncha Ghosh's bamboo grove. He continued to move closer to find out the reason behind it.

(iii) Briefly describe the object that Bonku Babu saw.

Answer: The object that Bonku Babu saw looked like a giant glass bowl turned upside-down, covering the pond completely. The bowl was translucent, and a strong, yet gentle pink light was shining out from it, illuminating the whole area. The light made every branch and leaf glow pink, and the ground behind the pond was also lit up by a much stronger pink light.


(iv) Which light is referred to in the second line?

Answer. The light referred to in the second line is the pink light emanating from the clearing near the pond of Poncha Ghosh's bamboo grove.

(v) Why did Bonku think that a fire had broken out?

Answer. Bonku thought a fire had broken out in the middle of Poncha Ghosh's bamboo grove, because a strong pink light illuminated a large area, exactly like a fire.

(vi) How did the ground behind the pond look?

Answer. The ground behind the pond was lit by a much stronger pink light than the rest of the area. The light was still, so he realized it was not fire.


(vii) Why did Bonku Babu’s ears begin to ring? What did he hear?

Answer. As Bonku Babu kept moving, all at once, his ears started ringing. It was a long, steady noise, and he felt as if someone were humming loudly and there was no way he could stop it.


(viii) What effect did the noise have on Bonku Babu? Why did he move forward?

Answer. The noise made Bonku Babu break out into goose pimples.

Bonku Babu felt an irrepressible curiosity that drove him further forward to reveal the mystery of the light.

Through that door emerged a head—like a plain, smooth ball—and then the body of a weird creature. Its arms and legs were amazingly thin. With the exception of its head, its whole body was covered by a shiny, pink outfit. Instead of ears, it had tiny holes on each side of its head. On the face were two holes where there should have been a nose, and another gaping hole instead of a mouth. There was no sign of hair anywhere. Its eyes were round and bright yellow. They appeared to be glowing in the dark.


(i) Who came out of the strange object?

Answer: An unusual looking creature came out of the strange object.

(ii) How did that creature look?

Answer: The creature had a head like a small plain ball. Its arms and legs were very thin. Except for its head, its whole body was covered by a shiny, pink outfit. Instead of ears, it had tiny holes on each side of its head. One the face, two holes replaced nose, and aother gaping hole for mouth. It had round bright glowing yellow eyes. There was no sign of hair anywhere. 


(iii) What did it have instead of ears?

Answer. Instead of ears, the creature had tiny holes on either side of its head, possibly serving as auditory receptors.


(iv) Describe the face of the alien.

Answer.  Its face is described as having two holes for a nose and a single gaping hole for a mouth. It also had two round glowing yellow eyes.


(v) What did the strange creature do after coming out of that object?

Ans. After coming out, the creature walked slowly towards Bonku Babu and stopped only a few feet away, staring at him steadily without blinking.

"I am Ang, from the planet Craneus. A far superior being than man". What! This creature, barely four feet tall, with such thin limbs and a weird face. Was superior to man? Bonku Babu nearly burst out laughing. Ang read his mind immediately. "There's no need to be so sceptical. I can prove it. How many languages do you know?"


(i) What had the strange creature told Bonku Babu just before this?

or

What did the creature tell Bonku about himself?

Answer. The strange creature told Bonku Babu he was from the planet Craneus and a far superior being to man.

(ii) How did Bonku react when the creature told him that he was a more superior being than man?

Answer. When the creature told him that he was a more superior being than man, Bonku Babu almost laughed.

(iii) How did the strange creature prove that he was much superior to Bonku Babu?

Answer. Ang proved his superiority by stating that he knew fourteen thousand languages. He also mentioned his age and showed off his superiour science. 

(iv) How many languages did the creature know? What more did he tell about himself?

Answer. The creature, Ang knew about fourteen thousand languages, where Bonku Babu knew only two and a half languages.

There was not a single language in the solar system that Ang did not know. He also knew thirty-one languages spoken on planets outside the system. He was eight hundred thirty three years old. He had stopped eating meat. He also showed devices that could make an enemy utterly powerless, without actually hurting him physically. He also showed Bonku Babu various scenes from all around the world.


(v) Who was Ang? and describe his appearance according to the extract.

Answer: Ang is an alien who is a creature from the planet Craneus.

The creature has a head like a small plain ball. Its arms and legs were very thin. Except its head, its whole body was covered by a shiny, pink outfit. Instead of ears, it had tiny holes on each side of its head. On the face two holes replacing the nose, and another gaping hole for mouth. It had round bright glowing yellow eyes. There was no sign of hair anywhere. 


(vi) Why does he say he is superior to human beings?

Answer: The creature, Ang knew about fourteen thousand languages, where Bonku Babu knew only two and a half languages. There was not a single language in the solar system that Ang did not know. He also knew thirty-one languages spoken on planets outside the system. He was eight hundred thirty three years old. He had stopped eating meat. He also showed devices that could make an enemy utterly powerless, without actually hurting him physically.He also showed Bonku Babu various scenes from all around the world. He possesses advanced technology that is not available to humans.

(vii) What does Ang say about his knowledge of language?

Answer: Ang claims to know fourteen thousand languages, including every language in their solar system and thirty-one languages spoken on planets outside of their system.


(viii) How does Bonku Babu react when Ang greeted him?

Answer: When Ang greeted Bonku Babu by saying "Namaskar!", Bonku Babu sighed with relief and returned the greeting by saying "Namaskar!" in response. This suggests that Bonku Babu was relieved and felt a sense of familiarity and comfort upon hearing a recognizable greeting.


(ix) Why does Ang reveal their age to Bonku Babu?

Answer. Ang revealed his age to Bonku Babu to show how old and wise they were compared to Bonku Babu’s 50 years.


(x) What is the significance of Ang mentioning they stopped eating meat?

Answer. Ang mentioning their kind stopped eating meat shows their peaceful nature and hints that otherwise Bonku Babu himself might have been eaten. This emphasizes the contrast between Ang’s compassion and the villagers’ cruelty.


(xi) What does Ang want Bonku Babu to understand by offering the pebble-like object?

Answer. Ang offers the object to demonstrate their technological prowess. The electric shock showcases a device that can incapacitate without physical harm, potentially leaving Bonku Babu impressed and wary.


(xii) Where is he from?

Answer: Ang claims to be from the planet Craneus.

(xiii) How does Bonku Babu treat Ang?

Answer: At first, Bonku Babu treats Ang with curiosity and fear, but gradually Ang won him over with his skill and technology. They became friends, and Ang influenced changes in Bonku Babu's life too.

(xiv) Did Bonku Babu change and get stronger in the story?

Answer: Yes, Bonku Babu changes and gets stronger in the story because of Ang's influence. At first, he is timid, mocked by his students and villagers, and quietly endures humiliation. But after meeting Ang, he learns courage and self‑respect. He becomes confident and strong. His body language changes too. He holds his head high and protests boldly against the associates in the meeting.

“Bonku Babu peered through the glass and felt all his hair rise. Could this be true? Could he really believe eyes? Before him stretched and endless expanses of snow dotted with large Hill locks also covered with ice and snow. Above him, against a deep blue sky, all the colours of a rainbow were forming different patterns, changing every second. The Aurora Borealis what was that? An igloo. There was a group of polar bears wait, there was another animal, a strong, peculiar creature...”


(i) What did Bonku Babu think he wanted to see?

Answer: Bonku Babu felt that Bengal itself had so many wonders he had never had the chance to see - the snowy Himalayas, the sea at Digha, the wild Sunderbans, or even the famous banyan tree at Shibpur’s Botanical Gardens. Bonku Babu admitted that there was much he longed to see, but above all, he wished to visit the North Pole, because he came from a warm country and had never seen snow.

(ii) What was 'the glass'? Who gave it to Bonku Babu? Why?

Answer: The "glass" referred here was a small tube, one end of which was covered by a piece of glass. Ang gave Bonku Babu the tube to look at things he wanted to see. Through this tube, Bonku Babu was able to see amazing sights, including the Aurora Borealis, polar bears, walruses, and a dense forest in Brazil.

Ang gave to Bonku Babu the tube so that he could experience the sights that he wished to see. Ang also wanted to prove that they were superior to human.


(iii) Which was the strange peculiar creature that Bonku Babu had seen? What was his reaction?

Answer: The strange, peculiar creature that Bonku Babu saw through the glass was walruses. There were two walruses fighting with their huge tusks which looked as large as radishes. The two animals were attacking each other, and streams of bright red blood stained the white snow. This sight shocked Bonku Babu, because the sight he saw through the tube was beyond his imagination. He broke out into a sweat even in the December winter.


(iv) When Ang mentioned Brazil what was the first thought that came to Bonku Babu? What does it show about Bonku Babu's character?

Answer: When Ang mentioned Brazil, the first thought that came to Bonku Babu's mind was of the deadly carnivorous fish, namely piranhas. 

This shows that Bonku Babu, who teaches Geography in school, is a person who gets easily influenced by the things he reads or hears about. His imagination is vivid, and he is a person who is interested in learning and gaining knowledge.

(v) After watching through the tube for some time, why Bonku Babu could not bear to watch anymore? What did Ang ask after Bonku Babu was done looking through the instrument?

Answer: After watching through the tube for some time, Bonku Babu could not bear to watch anymore because the scenes he saw were too intense and overwhelming for him. His limbs were trembling, and his head was reeling painfully. After Bonku Babu was done looking through the tube, Ang asked him if he was satisfied with what he had seen. Bonku Babu also agreed that Ang was a superior creature to human.


“Look, I have been observing you and I have examined your arms and legs you belong to a much inferior species. There is no doubt about that. However, as human beings go you are not too bad. I mean you are a good man but you have a major fault you must to make and build. That is why you have made so little progress in life. You must always speak up against injustice and protest. If anyone hurts or insults you without any provocation to take things quietly is wrong. Not just for humans but for any creature anywhere. Anyway, it was nice to have met you all though I wasn't really supposed to be here at this time. There's no point investing more time on your earth. I had better go.


(i) According to Ang what was Bonku Babu’s major fault? 

Why did Ang say that Bonku Babu made little progress in life?

Answer: According to Ang, Bonku Babu's major fault was that he was too meek and mild. Ang said that Bonku Babu should speak up against injustice and protest if anyone hurt or insulted him without any provocation. Ang said that taking things quietly was wrong not just for man, but for any creature anywhere. 

Ang believed that Bonku Babu's meekness and mildness were the reasons why he had made little progress in life.

(ii) What did Ang advise Bonku Babu to do if anyone hurt him without any provocation?

Answer: Ang's advice to Bonku Babu was to speak up against injustice and protest if anyone hurts or insults him without any provocation. Ang believed that taking things quietly is wrong, not just for man, but for any creature anywhere.


(iii) Why did Ang leave the planet in a hurry?

Answer: Ang left the planet in a hurry because he had to go to planet Pluto. He was not supposed to be on Earth at that time, but due to an issue with a spaceship he had here. He felt there was no point in wasting more time on Earth.

(iv) How did Bonku Babu take Ang's advice what was its result?

Answer: Bonku Babu followed Ang's advice and confronted the people who insulted him at the meeting. He spoke out against their behaviour and stood up for himself. He first tells everyone that they spoke nonsensically about things they are not familiar with. He says to Chandi Babu that hiding his shoes and umbrella is childish, and he must give them back. He warns Nidhu Babu that if he calls him “Bunkum,” he will call him “Nitwit.” To Sripati Babu, he says he will not be a part of his group or follow him. He tells Poncha Ghosh that he met an alien, Ang, in his bamboo grove, who was the most amiable one. Finally, Bonku Babu leaves after slapping Bhairav Chakravarty's back so hard that he choked.

(similar question only the first line of the answer is different)

How did Bonku Babu reply to each of his associates mentioned in the extract and the end of the story?

At the end of the story, Bonku Babu finally responds confidently to each of his associates and defends himself. He first tells everyone that they speaks nonsensically about things they are not familiar with. He says to Chandi Babu that hiding his shoes and umbrella is childish, and he must give them back. He warns Nidhu Babu that if he calls him “Bunkum,” he will call him “Nitwit.” To Sripati Babu, he says he will not be a part of his group or follow him. He tells Poncha Ghosh that he met an alien, Ang, in his bamboo grove, who was the most amiable one. Finally, Bonku Babu leaves after slapping Bhairav Chakravarty's back so hard that he choked.

(v) Why is Bonku Babu upset with Nidhu Babu?

Answer. Bonku Babu was upset because Nidhu Babu called him Bunkum.

(vi) Why did Nidhu Babu call him as "Bunkum"? What does it say about his perception/behaviour/attitude toward Bonku Babu?

Answer: Nidhu Babu called Bonku Babu as "Bunkum" as a derogatory nickname. 

 Referring to Bonku Babu as "Bunkum" suggests that Nidhu Babu showed no respect for Bonku Babu and makes fun of his silent and innocent nature.x

(vii) What threat does Bonku Babu make to Sripati Babu?

Answer. Bonku Babu announced that he would not be coming to the gathering. Sripati Babu was an important person so he might need people who flatter him but he would not be his "chamcha" or sycophant anymore. Instead, he could send his cat, since it was good at licking feet. 

(viii) What is the significance of Bonku Babu mentioning an “Ang” from Craneus?

Answer. Bonku Babu's mention of Ang has a big significance in his speech. He wanted to impress everyone by showing that an alien really did come to their village, which proved their earlier disbelief wrong. He also said that the alien, who came from another planet was quite amiable than the people he met regularly.

(ix) How does Bonku Babu’s body language portray his feelings after his speech?

Answer. After his speech, Bonku Babu’s body language showed his confidence and pride. He slapped Bhairav Chakravarty’s back with force as a revenge, walked out with a bounce and a whistle, kept his head held high, and his eyes sparkled. These actions clearly reflected his joy, relief, freedom and newfound boldness after finally speaking his mind.

(x) State, whether Ang really existed or was a literal device to sow one's self-confidence.

Answer: Ang in Bonku Babu’s Friend is best understood as a literary device rather than a literal alien. The story uses Ang’s appearance to symbolize Bonku Babu’s sudden rise in self‑confidence. For years he was mocked and silenced, but the “encounter” with Ang gave him the courage to speak boldly, challenge his tormentors, and leave with dignity. In this sense, Ang represents the spark of confidence and self‑respect that transformed Bonku Babu’s character.

(xi) What is the likely reason behind Ramkanai’s dramatic reaction (dropping the cup and spilling tea)?

Answer. Ramkanai’s reaction is likely because of surprise at Bonku Babu’s sudden shift in behaviour and attitude also his story about meeting an alien in their village. The cup was dropped and shattered due to his shock and disbelief.

EXTRA QUESTION :

Why did everyone insult Bonku Babu at the Sunday meeting?

Ans: Everyone at the Sunday meeting insulted Bonku Babu because he was a man of timid nature who did not protest. The people in the meeting thought they were superior to him, and Bonku babu could not fight back just because he remained silent.

What lesson does the story teach us?

Ans: The story teaches us that we should never make fun of others or treat them badly. It also teaches us that being kind and honest is more important than anything. One's true strength comes from his self-respect and confidence.

Describe Bonku Babu's entry at the Sunday meeting after his encounter with Ang.  How did his friend react?

Ans: After meeting Ang, Bonku Babu entered the Sunday meeting confidently. He responds confidently to each of his associates and defends himself. 

His friends were shocked and surprised because they had never seen Bonku Babu speak like that before.

How did Ang change Bonku Babu's life? Why did he choose to speak with Bonku Babu?

Ans: Ang changed Bonku Babu's life by giving him confidence and courage. For years, he was mocked and silenced, but after meeting with Ang, he gained the courage to speak boldly, challenge his tormentors, and leave with dignity. 

Ang chose to speak with Bonku Babu because he found him honest, gentle and different from the other people who were rude.

Mention 3 differences between Bonku Babu and Ang.

Ans: There was a distinct difference between Bonku Babu and Ang. Ang who lives on the planet Craneus, was a far superior being compared to Bonku Babu, a human. Though Ang was barely four four feet tall, with such thin limbs and weird face, Ang had advanced technology that helped him to travel across the universe and immobilise anyone without harming them. Ang showed Bonku babu many scenes through a small tube. Bonku babu, whereas a insignificant Bengali and Geography teacher at a village school. Not only that, Ang was eight hundred thirty three years old, whereas Bonku babu was fifty. Moreover, Ang knew fourteen thousand languages, compared to Bonku babu, who knew two and a half. Ang had stopped eating meat, while Bonku babu was non-vegetarian.