Advertisements
Advertisements
Question
Compare and contrast the main characters, Aksionov and Makar Semyonich, in the story
Solution
Aksionov, a handsome man, full of life, enjoyed the music. He loved his family and did honest business. He is innocent to the core. The very sight of the blood-stained knife found in his bag sends a chill down his spine. He is deeply sensitive. When he realizes that his wife too suspected him, he gives up petitioning the Tsar for mercy. He recognized Makar Semyonich the person who had murdered the merchant and had him framed in murder charges and unjustly punished for twenty-six long years. When an opportunity presents to wreak vengeance on him, he keeps quiet. He does not show any interest in his belated freedom and restoration of justice. He seeks refuge in God.
Makar Semyonich is a cold-blooded murderer and scoundrel. Knowingly, he hides the blood-stained knife in Aksionov’s bag and tips of the police. He doesn’t confess his guilt on the day he meets Aksionov. It is only when he realizes that Aksionov is a noble soul and does not want to expose his plan to escape from the prison that he changes his attitude to Aksionov. He is haunted by guilt that he had wronged a noble soul. He confesses but it is in vain. The pardon arrives but Aksionov passes away in prison before release.
APPEARS IN
RELATED QUESTIONS
What made Aksionov leave the inn before dawn?
Why didn’t Makar disclose that he had killed the merchant?
Pick out the clues that convey that Makar Semyonich recognized Aksionov.
Why was the great beast not behaving naturally?
Describe the lifeboat.
How did the presence of Richard Parker influence the attitude of Pi?
Sequence the following incidents logically to write the summary of the story ‘Life of Pi’.
- As he looked around, he was shocked to find Richard Parker on board.
- His search for water took him dangerously close to Richard Parker but nothing could stop him – neither Richard Parker nor the hyena.
- Pi left Richard Parker in a jungle and reunited with his family.
- Pi came back to life and his senses after drinking the elixir of life.
- He understood that it was Richard Parker who helped him survive for 227 days.
- He was pinned by weakness having had no food, water, or even sleep for nearly three days.
- Strangely his thirst overpowered his fear of Richard Parker and he went about exploring for freshwater.
- A little later, he succeeded in his search, when he found stacks of cans of drinking water.
- Pi was stranded in the Pacific on a lifeboat.
- Then, he realized that Parker who scared him earlier brought him peace, purpose, and wholeness.
Why did Baldwin meet Gresham?
When would Baldwin part company with Gresham?
Why was John filled with shame?
How did Martha and John react when they came to know that Baldwin had rejected the generous offer made by Gresham?
Certain professionals can be identified by their appearance.
What comes to your mind first when you think of a ‘pilot’ or a ‘traffic policeman’? Discuss in pairs and share your thoughts with the class.
Who was the Midnight Visitor? What was the purpose of his visit?
How had Max actually entered the room?
What happened to Max finally?
How did Ausable outwit Max?
Ausable planned to get rid of Max the very moment he noticed him. Explain with supporting evidence from the story
What do children get ready for at the beginning of the story?
What was Margot waiting for? Why did William say that it was a joke?
What happens to Margot while the teacher is out of the classroom?
Now read the sentence below. Complete them appropriately with the word you identified from the grid.
The scientists______ that the Sun would come out on Venus that day after seven years.
Now read the sentence below. Complete them appropriately with the word you identified from the grid.
The children ______Margot as she ______the Sun.
Complete the summary of the play, choosing the appropriate words from the list given below the passage.
Lord Weston was a (1)______ judge in England. Being pompous and vain, he told his secretary Roger that he had attained glory by hard work and (2)______. He expressed his displeasure over Roger’s request for a half-holiday. Suddenly, he discovered a piece of paper with the words (3)______ in his pocket, and he feared that the message was a warning conveyed by his enemies who had received legal punishments from him. As the message was sent on the 15th of March, (the day Julius Caesar was assassinated), he was (4)______ that someone affected by his fair judgement was plotting his murder. Sensing the definite attack, Lord Weston ordered his secretary to (5)______ all the doors and windows. But his wife remained (6)______ by the threat. So, Lord Weston was angered by her (7)______ reaction. He ordered Roger to send the cook and the (8)______ away. Both Weston and Roger took elaborate precautionary measures to thwart the (9)______ attempt. Finally, Weston was able to recollect that he had written the message “Remember Caesar” himself as a (10)______. Caesar was actually a gardener who had an appointment to visit Weston’s garden. The play revolves around Weston’s absent-mindedness which is the crux of the play.
| callous | unperturbed |
| well-known | gardener |
| reminder | zealous service |
| Remember Caesar | assassination |
| shut | convinced |
How did Lord Weston ‘defuse’ the ‘infernal machine’?
Bring out the irony in the message “Remember Caesar”
“Remember Caesar” is a light hearted comedy. Discuss the statement in a group and identify various aspects such as title, plot, and characterisation that contribute to the humour in the play
Compare the character traits of Lord Weston and his wife.
