English Chapter-01: Two Gentlemen of Verona

4. Based on reading of the story answer the following questions by ticking the correct options.

1. The driver did not approve of the narrator buying fruit from the two boys because
(a) the boys were untidy and poorly dressed
(b) the strawberries were not fresh
(c) they were asking for a heavy price
(d) the driver did not approve of small boys who worked

Answer: (a) the boys were untidy and poorly dressed

2. The narrator was most impressed by the boys'
(a) desire to earn money
(b) willingness to work
(c) ability to perform many tasks
(d) sense of fun

Answer: (b) willingness to work

3. Nicola was not pleased when Jacopo asked the narrator to drive them to Poleta as he
(a) did not want a stranger to become involved with their plans
(b) preferred going to Poleta by train so that he could enjoy the scenery
(c) did not want to ask anyone for favours
(d) did not want to take help from someone he did not know well

Answer: (a) did not want a stranger to become involved with their plans

4. The narrator did not go inside Lucia's room as
(a) he did not want to intrude into their privacy
(b) he thought that the boys would object
(c) Lucia would not welcome a stranger
(d) the boys would feel he was spying on them

Answer: (a) he did not want to intrude into their privacy

5. The boys were the first to join the resistance movement against the Germans because
(a) the Germans had hurt their sister
(b) the Germans ruled the city
(c) the Germans had ruined their family
(d) the Germans had destroyed their home

Answer: (c) the Germans had ruined their family

6. The author did not speak to the boys on their return journey because
(a) he thought the boys would prefer to keep their secret
(b) he thought the boys were ashamed of their sister's condition
(c) he thought they wouldn't tell him the truth
(d) he thought the boys might ask him for money for their sister

Answer: (a) he thought the boys would prefer to keep their secret

5. What do you understand by the following statements?

(a) "We do many things, sir," Nicola answered seriously. He glanced at us hopefully.

This statements shows that the two boys were not ashamed of doing menial jobs such as shoe polish or fruit-vending. When the narrator saw them working as shoe shine boys he was surprised as he had seen them selling wild strawberries the previous day. He asked them about it. Then Nicola, the elder brother spoke that they did many things. Nicola said that they also did a lot of other things for a living. The boys hoped that the narrator would ask for their services and in return would earn some good money.

(b) He coloured deeply under his sunburn, then grew pale

This statement shows the uneasiness of the speaker, Nicola. The narrator was astonished to see that boys worked hard day and night and yet lived meagerly. He wanted to know what the boys did with the money they earned. When he questioned Nicola, he appeared uncomfortable. Perhaps the boys were not used to anybody questioning them regarding their earnings, and the narrator’s question embarrassed them.

(c) He smiled uncomfortably. "Just plans, sir," he answered in a low voice.

When the narrator suggested that the boys were saving to emigrate to the States. Nicola responded that how much ever they wished to do that, currently they had other plans, which he was unwilling to and uncomfortable sharing with the narrator.

(d) Yet in both these boyish faces there was a seriousness which was far beyond their years.

This statement reflects that both the boys Nicola and Jacopo were mature enough to face the hardships of life. They were only 13 and 12 years yet they looked and behaved wonderfully remarkable. They were childish and innocent yet they were wise, responsible and mature.

6. Answer the following questions briefly.

(a) Why didn't Luigi, the driver, approve of the two boys?

Luigi, the driver didn't approve of the shabby appearance of Nicola and Jacopo. They were wearing old and worn out clothes.

(b) Why were the narrator and his companion impressed by the two boys?

They were very impressed by the boys because they were highly committed and devoted towards work at such a young age. They were ready to do all sorts of odd jobs to earn money. They exhibited dedication, determination and sincerity while working.

(c) Why was the author surprised to see Nicola and Jacopo working as shoeshine boys?

The narrator was surprised to see Nicola and Jacopo shining shoes because he thought that selling fruits was their only occupancy.

(d) How were the boys useful to the author?

The boys were useful to the author in many ways. They showed them city as guide, heelped them in getting a pack of American cigarettes, bought tickets for the opera for them, told them about good restaurants and ran all their errands.

(e) Why were the boys in the deserted square at night? What character traits do they exhibit?

The two boys were selling newspapers in the windy, deserted square at night. They were waiting for the last bus from Padua. They would sell their newspapers when it came in. It shows their sense of hard work and patience. They could work till midnight.

(f) The narrator asks the boys, "Must you work so hard? You both look rather tired."

The boys reply, "We are not complaining, sir." What do you learn about the boys from their reply?

When the narrator saw them selling newspapers till midnight, he asked them if they must do work so hard as they both looked tired. . At this, Nicola replied that they were not complaining about it. It means that both the boys had a lot of courage and patience of working hard. It shows their willingness and readiness to work.

(g) When the narrator asks the boys about their plans, they are evasive. Why don't they disclose their problems?

The boys don't disclose their problems to the narrator when he asked them about their plans because they did not want to loose their dignity and self-respect by asking anyone for sympathy or financial help.

7. Discuss the following questions and write the answers in your notebook.

(a) Appearances are deceptive. Discuss with reference to the two boys.

'Appearances are deceptive'. It is very much true in the case of two boys but in the positive sense. In spite of their appearance, the narrator bought fruit from them. In the following days, the narrator discovered that the boys did a lot of other things apart from selling fruit, they sold newspapers, they were shoeshine boys, tourist guides and ran errands. All this made the narrator think that the boys were working so hard to save money to emigrate to America. However, it is revealed during the course of the story that their only motive was to be able to pay for their sister’s treatment. War had destroyed most of their family and yet it had not filled them with despair. The boys were working day and night to save whatever was left. Behind their shabby appearances were hidden two noble souls whose dedication and selflessness promises a new hope for mankind.

(b) Do you think the boys looked after Lucia willingly? Give reasons for your answer.

The boys loved their sister. She was the only family left after the war was over. When they realized that their sister had tuberculosis of the spine, they got her admitted to a hospital. The ultimate mission of the boys’ life centered on the welfare of their sister Lucia. Day and night, they slogged and starved only to provide for medical expenses for Lucia. This couldn't have been done without their will and desire.

(c) How does the story 'Two Gentlemen of Verona' promise hope for society?

Both Nicola and Jacopo show selflessness and reflect great dignity in their behaviour. They are deeply devoted to save their sister. In their earnest endeavour they become role models, epitomes of sacrifice who can enlighten the path for rest of the humanity to follow.