Question

There was a fifty rupee note between his fingers. My heart sank. I thought I had been discovered. "I made some money yesterday," he explained. "Now you’ll be paid regularly." My spirits rose. But when I took the note, I saw it was still wet from the night’s rain. "Today we’ll start writing sentences," he said. He knew. But neither his lips nor his eyes showed anything. (The Thief’s Story)

1. In the context of the given extract:   [1]
   What was the feelings UNLIKELY to have been on seeing 'a fifty rupee note between his fingers'?
   1. joyous
   2. sad
   3. unhappy
   4. worried
2. How does the prospect of being paid regularly affect the narrator's motivation and hope for the future?     [2]
   Answer in about 40 words.
3. Fill in the blank with the correct word from the bracket:     [1]
   The person spoken about did not let the narrator realise that his act of stealing was caught. It reflects the ______ (nobility/dishonesty) if his character.
4. Compare the meanings of the expressions:     [1]
   "My heart sank", and "My spirits rose".

Answer 1

1. joyous
2. The promise of regular payment gives the narrator a sense of security and motivation. It encourages him to stay and learn, fostering hope for an honest future. It also strengthens his bond with his mentor, making him reconsider his dishonest ways.
3. The person spoken about did not let the narrator realize that his act of stealing was caught. It reflects the nobility of his character.
4. Comparing the meanings of the expressions:
   • My heart sank: This phrase means a sudden feeling of disappointment or fear, as the narrator thought he was caught.
   • My spirits rose: This phrase means feeling hopeful and relieved, as the narrator realised he would be paid regularly.