Question

Read the following extracts and answer the questions:

What a thunderclap these words were to me! Oh, the wretches; that was what they had put up at the town-hall! My last French lesson! Why, I hardly knew how to write! I should never learn anymore! I must stop there, then! Oh, how sorry I was for not learning my lessons, for seeking birds’ eggs, or going sliding on the Saar! My books, that had seemed such a nuisance a while ago, so heavy to carry, my grammar, and my history of the saints, were old friends now that I couldn’t give up. And M. Hamel, too; the idea that he was going away, that I should never see him again, made me forget all about his ruler and how cranky he was.

1. What was the writer’s purpose in using the metaphor of a ‘thunderclap’?
2. Select the correct option from those given in brackets to fill in the blank.
   The use of exclamatory marks in the first five sentences of the extract serves to express the speaker’s ________ (hidden/intense) emotions.
3. Complete the following suitably.
   The activities of seeking birds' eggs and sliding on the Saar reveal two things about Franz's character before his change in perspective. First, his youthful carefree nature and second, his preference for ________.
4. What is reflected through the shift in the speaker’s perception of Mr. Hamel, conveyed through his readiness to forget the ruler?
5. Select the textual option that is closest to indicating a sense of panic.
   1. Oh, how sorry I was for not learning my lessons…
   2. Why, I hardly knew how to write!
   3. Oh, the wretches; that was what they had put up at the town-hall!
   4. And M. Hamel, too;
6. What does the following line from the extract, showcase?
   My books, that had seemed such a nuisance a while ago, so heavy to carry, my grammar, and my history of the saints, were old friends now that I couldn’t give up.
   1. realization
   2. confusion
   3. expectation
   4. affirmation

Answer 1

1. To underline Franz's sudden and unexpected realization of the importance of his education. To emphasize the urgency and significant effect of this moment, / To dramatically highlight how unexpected and unexpected the discovery was to him - like a thunderclap's startling and sudden character. Effectively conveys the emotional depth of Franz's moment of great remorse and startling realisation.
2. The use of exclamatory marks in the first five sentences of the extract serves to express the speaker’s intense emotions.
3.  The activities of seeking birds' eggs and sliding on the Saar reveal two things about Franz's character before his change in perspective. First, his youthful carefree nature and second, his preference for preference for play over study.
4. The shift reflects Franz’s newfound appreciation and respect for Mr. Hamel. He realizes the value of the lessons and understands that Mr. Hamel was strict out of care for his students’ education.
5. Why, I hardly knew how to write!
6. realisation