MILK FOR THE CAT: SUMMARY, GLOSSARY AND QUESTION ANSWERS

 

Milk for the Cat” is a children's poem by Harold Monro that describes a cat's longing for milk. The poem uses sensory details to create a vivid image of the cat's experience. 

Summary

The poem describes a cat who is very punctual about getting her evening milk. 

The cat pretends to be casual when she enters the room, but she is actually very focused on finding milk. 

The cat's eyes change from casual to hard as she looks for milk. 

The cat stamps her claws, raises her ears, and twists her tail to get attention. 

The cat's body becomes tense and she shrinks with desire. 

The milk is served and the cat immediately relaxes and enjoys the milk. 

Theme 

The poem's main theme is desire. The cat's desire for milk drives her to the poet's house, where she waits patiently for it.

Language 

The poem uses simple yet effective language to create a vivid image of the cat's experience.

The milk is described as “a full moon” and the cat's experience as “transfigured with love”.

Milk For The Cat

When the tea is brought at five o'clock,
And all the neat curtains are drawn with care,
The little black cat with bright green eyes
Is suddenly purring there.

At first she pretends, having nothing to do,
She has come in merely to blink by the grate,
But, though tea may be late or the milk may be sour,
She is never late.

And presently her agate eyes
Take a soft large milky haze,
And her independent casual glance
Becomes a stiff, hard gaze.

Then she stamps her claws or lifts her ears,
Or twists her tail and begins to stir,
Till suddenly all her lithe body becomes
One breathing, trembling purr.

The children eat and wriggle and laugh;
The two old ladies stroke their silk:
But the cat is grown small and thin with desire,
Transformed to a creeping lust for milk.

The white saucer like some full moon descends
At last from the clouds of the table above;
She sighs and dreams and thrills and glows,
Transfigured with love.

She nestles over the shining rim,
Buries her chin in the creamy sea;
Her tail hangs loose; each drowsy paw
Is doubled under each bending knee.

A long, dim ecstasy holds her life;
Her world is an infinite shapeless white,
Till her tongue has curled the last holy drop,
Then she sinks back into the night,

Draws and dips her body to heap
Her sleepy nerves in the great arm-chair,
Lies defeated and buried deep
Three or four hours unconscious there.

 Glossary

- neat: tidy, organized, and clean.

- curtains: fabric hangings used to block light, provide privacy, or decorate a room.

- drawn: pulled or moved to a closed position.

- care: attention, concern, or caution.

- purring: making a low, rumbling sound, typically indicating happiness or relaxation.

- pretends: to give a false appearance or impression.

- blink: to shut and open the eyes quickly.

- grate: a metal grid or framework, often used for ventilation.

- sour: having an unpleasant taste or smell.

- presently: soon or after a short time.

- agate: a type of stone, often used in jewellery.

- milky: resembling milk in colour or consistency.

- haze: a vague or unclear appearance.

- independent: free from influence or control.

- casual: happening or done without much thought or planning.

- glance: a quick look or glimpse.

- stiff: rigid or unyielding.

- hard: firm, solid, or unyielding.

- stamps: to bring the foot down heavily on the ground.

- claws: sharp, hooked nails, especially on an animal's feet.

- lifts: to raise or move something upward.

- twists: to turn or bend something into a different shape.

- stir: to move slightly or begin to move.

- lithe: slender and flexible.

- trembling: shaking or quivering, often due to fear, excitement, or weakness.

- wriggle: to twist or turn in a sudden, jerky movement.

- stroke: to move one's hand or an object over a surface, often in a smooth or gentle manner.

- grown: to increase in size, amount, or degree.

- desire: a strong feeling of wanting something.

- transformed: changed or altered in form or nature.

- creeping: moving slowly and quietly, often in a stealthy

- lust: a strong, intense desire.

- saucer: a small, shallow dish, often used for holding milk or other liquids.

- descends: to move downward.

- sighs: to let out a deep breath, often expressing relief, happiness, or sadness.

- thrills: to feel a sudden, intense sensation of excitement or pleasure.

- glows: to shine or radiate light, often with a warm or soft quality.

- transfigured: changed or transformed in form or nature, often in a spiritual or mystical way.

- nestles: to settle or snuggle into a comfortable position.

- shining: reflecting light, often with a bright or radiant quality.

- rim: the edge or border of a circular or curved object.

- buried: to place or hide something under a covering of earth, sand, or other material.

- chin: the lower front part of the face.

- creamy: having a smooth, rich, or velvety texture, often associated with milk or dairy products.

- drowsy: feeling sleepy or lethargic.

- paw: the foot of an animal, especially a quadruped.

- ecstasy: a state of intense happiness, excitement, or trance-like experience.

- dim: faint or barely perceptible.

- infinite: having no end or limit.

- shapeless: lacking a definite or recognizable form.

- curled: to bend or shape something into a curved or spiral form.

- holy: revered or sacred.

- sinks: to fall or move downward, often slowly or quietly.

- draws: to pull or move something toward oneself.

- dips: to lower or immerse something into a liquid or other substance.

- heap: a pile or collection of things.

- sleepy: feeling drowsy or lethargic.

- lies: to recline or rest on a surface.

- defeated: overcome or subdued.

- unconscious: lacking awareness or consciousness.

1. Summary (ai): This poem is a touching representation of feline desire and longing. The language is simple yet effective, with a strong focus on sensory details that create a vivid image of the cat's experience.

The poem begins with the cat being introduced as a seemingly casual presence in a domestic setting. However, as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that the cat is deeply consumed by its desire for milk. This desire is so intense that it transforms the cat's entire body into "one breathing/ trembling pur."

The climax of the poem comes when the cat finally gets its milk. The language here is particularly vivid, with the milk being described as "a full moon" and the cat's experience as "transfigured with love."

After indulging in the milk, the cat falls into a deep sleep, its body "defeated and buried deep." This ending suggests that the cat's desire has been fulfilled, and that it can now finally rest.

In terms of comparing this poem to the author's other works, it is clear that "Milk For The Cat" is a more personal and intimate poem than many of Monro's other works, which often focus on more abstract or philosophical themes. However, the poem does share some similarities with Monro's other work in its use of sensory detail and its exploration of the human condition.

Overall, "Milk For The Cat" is a well-crafted poem that provides a unique and insightful glimpse into the mind of a cat. The poem's simple yet effective language, combined with its vivid imagery, creates a truly memorable experience for the reader.

 

2. Summary: Harold Monro's poem Milk for the Cat is a simple, humorous account about the activities of a black domestic cat and how it interacts with her surroundings.

The little black cat with bright green eyes,
Is suddenly purring there.”

The poet explains the setting of the house in the first stanza. The curtains are drawn neatly and the little black cat who has bright green eyes is seen suddenly purring. It is understood from the stanza that the cat is aware of the tea break that occurs daily at 5 o'clock.

She catches the occupants of the house off guard as she's seen suddenly appearing in the house. The poet then confirms that she is never late. She acts calm when the tea is being served even though she is anticipating her milk in silence. Finally when the milk is brought into the room her casual glance suddenly turns into an attentive and stiff gaze.

And presently her agate eyes
Take a soft large milky haze,
And her independent casual glance
Becomes a stiff, hard gaze.

Then the poet goes on to elaborate the relation between the cat and milk. She is preparing herself before gulping down the milk. She slowly stretches her body and stamps her claws and twists her tail. Soon her body becomes a 'single breathing trembling purr’. The room consists of laughing children and two old ladies. She is not concerned with their presence. Her only focus is on the milk.

 

The white saucer in which the milk is brought in is compared to the bright full moon descending from the cloudy night sky. Soon the interaction between cat and the milk is compared to that of the reunion of two lovers.

She sighs and dreams and thrills glows,
Transfigured with love.

The poet compares the cat and milk to long separated lovers. The cat is seen to immerse herself into the creamy sea of milk. She tends to forget her surroundings in the course of her consumption. She drinks up to the last holy drop of milk. She is seen to have been losing herself into the infinite shapeless white color of the milk. According to the poet, this is indicative of true love and passion between them.

She is in extreme happiness as she is drinking up the last holy drop before she gets back into the night. The process of having this milk is compared to her having her dreams come true. She is thrilled and glows with love in the process.

A long, dim ecstasy holds her life,
Her world is an infinite shapeless white,
Till her tongue has curled the last drop,
Then she sinks back into the night.

After having her milk, she is seen to be lying defeated and tired in the great armchair. She soon falls asleep. She sleeps for three to four hours and is undisturbed by anything.

The poet brings in the element of humour while he describes the antics of the house cat. He is narrating the simple and mundane act of drinking milk to the reunion of lovers. While this is an amusing sight for humans this happiness might be a reality for the cat.

Milk For The Cat Questions & Answers

 

Question 1: Fill in the blanks with correct words from the brackets.

 

(a) The cat starts purring at teatime (tea time/lunch time) as she expects her bowl of milk

 

(b) She reminds (fights/reminds) the owners about her milk by coming to the grate

 

(c) She pretends not to be interested (interested/independent) with her casual glance at first.

 

(d) Her trembling purr gives away her desire (dislike/desire) for the milk

 

(e) The cat's body seems to grow thin (thin/thick) with desire at the thought of having the milk.

 

(f) When the saucer of milk is passed to her, the cat is filled with love(love/worry)

 

(g) After she finishes the milk, the cat withdraws in contentment (anger/contentment).

 

(h) Finally, the cat sleeps comfortably in the armchair (bed/armchair) after her meal.

Question 2: When did the little black cat start purring? Why?

 

Answer: The little black cat with bright green eyes starts purring when the curtains are drawn with care and the tea is brought at five o clock in the evening as the cat has come to drink milk

 

Question 3: What does the cat pretend to be doing?

 

Answer: The cat pretends not to be interested with her casual glance at first and that she came just to blink by the grate.

Question 4: How does the cat's gaze change? Why do you think this is happening?

 

Answer: There was a change in cat's gaze as first her solid colourful took a soft, large and milky haze and then her casual glance became stiff and hard. This is happening as she is eagerly looking forward for the milk and curious to have it

 

Question 5: Describe the cat's body language at the thought of getting her milk.

 

Answer: The cat stamps her claws, lifts her ears, twists her tail and began to stir until her slim flexible body begins to tremble.

Milk For The Cat Questions & Answers

 

Question 6: What is the cat's posture when she drinks the 'creamy sea'?

 

Answer: The cat's tail is hanging lose and her drowsy paws are doubled under her bent knees, while she drinks the 'creamy sea' referred to as the milk

 

Question 7: How does milk change the cat's world for a few moments?

 

Answer: The cat grows small and thin with desire, later this desire is transformed into a creeping lust for milk. As soon as she sees the white saucer full of milk, she feels as if the whole moon is coming from above the clouds and give a sigh of relief, she dreams, is thrilled and glowing and changed with love for the milk.

Question 8: How do we know that the cat is satisfied after her holy drink? Why is the milk referred to as 'holy'?

 

Answer: The cat is satisfied and relaxed after her tongue took the last drop of her holy drink ie the milk as she buries herself into the armchair and sinks herself into the night with an unconscious sleep of three to four hours.

 

The milk is referred to as 'holy as the cat attains an extreme state of happiness and satisfaction after having it

 

Question 9: What happens at five o'clock?

 

Answer: Tea is served at five o'clock, and the little black cat comes purring almost immediately for her saucer of milk.

Question 10: Why does the cat stamp her claws, lift her ears, twist her tail, and begin to stir?

 

Answer: The cat stamps her claws, lifts her ears, twists her tail, and begins to stir to express her impatience for the saucer of milk.

 

Milk For The Cat Questions & Answers

 

Question 11: How does the author describe the saucer of milk that is given to the cat?

 

Answer: The saucer of milk is compared to a full moon with the creamy sea which is referred to as milk in it.

Question 12: What does the cat do after drinking the milk?

 

Answer: After drinking the milk, the cat buries herself into the armchair and sinks herself into the night with an unconscious sleep of three to four hours.

 

Question 13: Read the lines below and answer the questions that follow:

 

But the cat is grown small and thin with desire, Transformed to a creeping lust for milk.

 

(a) Where does the scene take place? Describe it.

 

Answer: The scene takes place inside the house where the children are eating, laughing twisting and turning their bodies and the two old ladies are stroking their silk.

(b) What is meant by 'Transformed to a creeping lust for milk?

 

Answer: The line shows the cat's increasing desire and eagerness to have milk.

 

(c) Do you think it is a happy scene? Why?

 

Answer: Yes, we think it is a happy scene as children are wriggling and laughing

 

Question 14: Read the lines below and answer the questions that follow:

 

She nestles over the shining rim, Buries her chin in the creamy sea;

 

(a) Where is the cat? Why is she there?

 

D

 

Answer: The cat is inside the house and she is there to drink milk.

 

(b) What do the word 'shining rim' and 'creamy sea refer to?

 

Answer: The word shining rim refers to the white saucer in which the milk is served to the cat and creamy sea is referred to the milk.

(c) What is her posture while drinking milk?

 

Answer: The cat's tail is hanging lose and her drowsy paws are doubled under her bent knees while drinking milk.

Courtesy: Google, Al and Meta AI

I REMBER, I REMBER: SUMMARY, GLOSSARY AND QUESTION ANSWERS

 The poet is reminiscing about his childhood and remembering his birthplace, specifically the little window in his house where the sun would shine in during the morning. He notes that the sun never came too early and the day was never too long.

He is reflecting on the carefree nature of childhood, where time seemed to pass more slowly and days were filled with innocence and wonder. but now, as an adult, he often wishes that the night had taken his life instead of having to face the struggles of the day.

 

The second stanza describes the speaker's memories of various flowers and trees from his childhood. The speaker recalls the colours and beauty of roses, violets, and lilies, which he describes as "flowers made of light."

He also remembers the lilacs where a robin (bird species) had built its nest and the laburnum tree that his brother had planted on his birthday, which still stands.

 

In the third stanza, the speaker reminisces about his childhood memories of swinging, and how he imagined the experience to be similar to that of flying birds. He felt light and free, like a bird in flight, and the air rushing past him made him feel energized.

However, now as an adult, the speaker feels weighed down by the burdens of life. Even the cool waters of summer pools cannot ease the feverish feeling of the speaker's brow.

 

In the final stanza, the poet recalls the fir trees that were tall and dark, and how he used to think their thin tops were close to the sky. He acknowledges that this was a childish ignorance, but it was a joyful thought for him as a child.

However, now that he is older, he realizes that he is farther away from heaven than he was when he was a boy and it no longer brings the same joy as before.

Glossary:

wink - close and open one eye quickly

borne - carried or taken away

vi'lets - violet (a plant with bluish-purple flowers)

lily-cups - a plant species

tossing - a small tree with pinkish-violet flowers

robin - a small, brown bird found in Europe

laburnum - a small tree with groups of yellow flowers hanging down

pool - a small area of still water

brow - a person's forehead

fir - a tall evergreen tree that has thin needle-like leaves

slender - thin

ignorance - lack of knowledge

farther off - far away

Comprehension

A. Match the columns.

1. The sun came to the window

2. The child often wished that the

3. The garden around the house

4. The laburnum tree was planted

5. The poet

 

a. had many flowers.

b. reflects on his childhood.

c. night had borne his breath away.

d. every morning, on time.

e. to mark the child's brother's birthday.

 

Ans.

1. The sun came to the window -> d. every morning, on time.

2. The child often wished that the -> c. night had borne his breath away.

3. The garden around the house -> a. had many flowers.

4. The laburnum tree was planted -> e. to mark the child's brother's birthday.

5. The poet -> b. reflects on his childhood.

 

B. Answer the questions with reference to the context.

1. Nor brought too long a day.

a. What did not bring too long a day?

b. Why was the day never too long for the poet?

c. Do you think this line indicates that the poet possibly finds his days long now? Why?

Ans.

a. The sun not bringing too long a day refers to the fact that the sun's arrival at the window marked the beginning of a new day, which was never too long for the poet as a child.

b. The day was never too long for the poet because, as a child, he was carefree and he enjoyed every moment.

c. Yes, this line indicates that the poet possibly finds his days long now. As an adult, the poet may have more responsibilities and worries, making his days feel longer.

2. It was a childish ignorance.

a. What does ‘it’ refer to?

b. Why does the poet refer to it as ‘childish’?

c. Is the poet still as ignorant as he was as a child?

Ans.

a. ‘It’ refers to the poet's childhood belief that the slender tops of the fir trees were close to the heaven.

b. The poet refers to it as childish because, as an adult, he realizes that his understanding of the world was limited and unexperienced.

c. No, the poet is no longer as ignorant as he was as a child. He has gained more knowledge and experience now, which has changed his outlook.

3. To know that I'm farther off from heaven.

a. Why did the poet feel closer to heaven earlier?

b. Why does the poet feel farther off from heaven now?

c. How does the knowledge of being farther away affect the poet?

Ans.

a. The poet felt closer to heaven earlier because, as a child, he had a more innocent and purer viewpoint on the world.

b. The poet feels farther off from heaven now because, as an adult, he has gained more knowledge and experience, which has made him more aware of his own mortality and the complexities of the world.

c. The knowledge of being farther away from heaven affects the poet by making him nostalgic for his childhood innocence and simplicity.

 

C. Answering Questions

1. What does the poet reflect upon in this poem?

2. What does the poet remember about the house where he was born?

3. Why does the poet wish the night had borne his breath away?

4. What surrounded the poet's house?

5. What was the poet's opinion about the trees?

6. The poet cherishes his childhood memories of nature. Read these descriptions Which objects in nature do they refer to in the poem?

a. symbols of beauty and happiness

b. messengers of joyous freedom

c. tall and lofty, reaching up to the sky and hence to God

Ans.

1. The poet reflects upon his childhood memories and his gaining more knowledge and experience with the passing of time.

2. The poet remembers the garden around the house, the laburnum tree, and the sun shining through the window.

3. The poet wishes the night had borne his breath away because he is nostalgic for his childhood and wishes he could have remained in that state of innocence and simplicity, he is not pleased with his present adulthood.

4. The poet's house was surrounded by a garden filled with different types of flowers.

 

5. The poet was a devotee of Nature. He cherished the trees, especially the laburnum tree, which held sentimental bond and nostalgic value for him.

6. The poet cherishes his childhood memories of nature. Read these descriptions Which objects in nature do they refer to in the poem?

a. symbols of beauty and happiness -> the sun, the morning different types of flowers including the laburnum tree

b. messengers of joyous freedom -> the swing and the swallows

c. tall and lofty, reaching up to the sky and hence to God -> the laburnum tree

N.B. The materials are collected from different sources including Meta AI. 

How pleasant to know Mr. Lear! Summary was question answers

 

How pleasant to know Mr. Lear!

How pleasant to know Mr. Lear,

Who has written such volumes of stuff.

Some think him ill-tempered and queer,

But a few find him pleasant enough.

His mind is concrete and fastidious,

His nose is remarkably big;

His visage is more or less hideous,

His beard it resembles a wig.

He has ears, and two eyes, and ten fingers,

(Leastways if you reckon two thumbs);

He used to be one of the singers,

But now he is one of the dumbs.

He sits in a beautiful parlour,

With hundreds of books on the wall;

He drinks a great deal of marsala,

But never gets tipsy at all.

He has many friends, laymen and clerical,

Old Foss is the name of his cat;

His body is perfectly spherical,

He weareth a runcible hat.

When he walks in waterproof white,

The children run after him so!

Calling out, "He's gone out in his night-

Gown, that crazy old Englishman, oh!"

He weeps by the side of the ocean,

He weeps on the top of the hill;

He purchases pancakes and lotion,

And chocolate shrimps from the mill.

He reads, but he does not speak, Spanish,

He cannot abide ginger beer;

Ere the days of his pilgrimage vanish,

How pleasant to know Mr. Lear!

Summary of the Poem

The poem How Pleasant to Know Mr. Lear talks about the life of an old man. It is presented in a humorous ironic manner in the poem. All you need to know and learn about this chapter is given below.

The poet is delighted to know Mr. Lear who has written volumes of work. From the poem we can understand that Mr Lear is a writer who has already written and published a humongous amount of work.

Some tend to call him ‘ill-tempered’ and ‘queer’ while others find them ‘pleasant’. There are multiple and various opinions on the person from the public. The poet then goes on to describe and narrate about his physical appearance and his mental condition.

His mind is said to be concrete and mysterious in the poem. It means that he thinks very practically. He has got a remarkably big nose, that makes him look not so pleasant. The poet compares his beard to that of a wig. Like any other human being he has also got two ears, two eyes, ten fingers including two thumbs.

As we move forward we get to know more about his livelihood and interests. He used to be a singer but now he is just dumb. He has friends among the layman and clerical level. This implies that he is good and well versed in dealing with people from different backgrounds and social class. He has got a pet cat and its name is ‘Old Foss’.

Later the poet again goes on to describe his physical appearance. Mr Lear is said to have a perfectly spherical body. And he wears a runcible hat. The word ‘runcible’ is a nonsensical word created by the poet to bring in the effect. It does not contain meaning.

Soon the poet gives a glimpse into Lear’s mental condition. We understand from the poem that Mr Lear goes to the side of the oceans and on top of the hill to weep. Mr Lear’s usual grocery shopping will include pancakes, lotions and chocolate shrimps from the mill.

Even though he can read Spanish cannot speak the language. He hates Ginger beer. The poet concludes the poem by mentioning Lear's upcoming pilgrim days. A pilgrimage is usually undertaken in old age to have a peaceful death. The last two lines are a direct implication of his old age and his journey to death.

The poem touches upon the physical, mental, emotional and social conditions of the character in a humorous manner. The poet can be seen to be doing a self portrait or rather self analysis through the poem.

Stanza 1:

Introduction:

The poem begins by stating how "pleasant" it is to know Mr. Lear, immediately establishing a positive tone. 

Contrasting opinions:

However, the following lines reveal that some consider him "ill-tempered" and "queer," creating an initial tension between the seemingly positive introduction and the negative descriptions of Mr. Lear. 

Stanza 2:

Mental Focus:

Mr. Lear's mind is described as "concrete and fastidious," meaning he is very detail-oriented and focused on facts, not abstract concepts.

Physical Appearance:

His appearance is further detailed with a "remarkably big nose" and a beard resembling a wig, adding to the unusual and slightly comical image. 

Stanza 3:

Ordinary Human Traits:

Despite his quirks, the poet emphasizes that Mr. Lear has normal human features like two eyes, two ears, and ten fingers, suggesting he is not entirely outlandish. 

Past as a Singer:

A hint of his past is revealed with the mention that he used to be a singer, but is now considered "dim". 

Stanza 4:

Social Life:

Mr. Lear is said to have a variety of friends including ordinary people and clergymen, indicating he is not completely isolated.

Pet Cat:

The description of his pet cat named "Old Foss" adds a touch of normalcy to his eccentric lifestyle. 

Stanza 5:

Physical Description Continued: His body is described as "perfectly spherical" and he is said to wear a "runcible hat," further emphasizing his unusual appearance. 

Stanza 6:

Emotional Sensitivity:

Mr. Lear is portrayed as easily moved, "weeping by the side of the ocean" and "on the top of the hill," suggesting a melancholic side.

Odd Preferences:

His unusual tastes are highlighted with the mention of buying "pancakes and lotion" and "chocolate shrimps". 

Final Stanza:

Reiteration of Pleasantness: The poem concludes by reiterating how "pleasant" it is to know Mr. Lear, despite the previously mentioned eccentricities, leaving the reader with the lingering question of whether the "pleasantness" is truly genuine or ironic. 

Overall, the poem uses humour and irony to portray Mr. Lear as a character with an unusual combination of traits, making the idea of finding him "pleasant" both amusing and thought-provoking. 

In the poem How Pleasant to Know Mr. Lear, the poet has sketched a pen portrait of Mr. Lear.

In the first stanza the poet says it is very pleasant to know Mr. Lear. He has written many volumes on something. Some people think is ill-tempered and unusual; a few think him he is quite pleasant.

In the second stanza the poet says Mr. Lear’s mind can focus on facts and figures, not on abstract concepts. He is very particular about keeping things in order around him. His face is very ugly; and his beard resembles a wig.

Like all other human beings, he also has two years, two eyes, and ten fingers. His thumbs don’t look like thumbs; they look like fingers. He used to be a singer once. However, he is quite dimwit now.

He sits in a room surrounded by hundreds of books. He also has many friends. Some of them are ordinary men and women and some are clericals. He has a cat named Foss. He is rotund and wears a hat with sharp edge.

When he walks in waterproof white dress, children run after him making fun of him and call him crazy.

He often remains sad and weeps by the ocean and on the top of the hill; he likes pancakes, lotion, and chocolate shrimps.

He is an avid reader but does not speak much. He does not like ginger beer; but after the pilgrimage is over, he likes it.

It is really very pleasant to know Mr. Lear

Glossary

fastidious: very careful about details, particular, or fussy.

visage: a person's face.

hideous: extremely ugly

clerical: relating to the clergy or church

sceptical: doubting or questioning

melancholy: a feeling of pensive sadness

pilgrimage: a journey to a sacred place

lotion: a liquid applied to the skin

ere: before 

Comprehension Questions 

A. Replace the incorrect words in these sentences with the correct ones. Rewrite the sentences.

1. Mr. Lear has a sharp mind and an attractive appearance.

2. Some people think of him as an intelligent man.

3. His nose is particularly small.

4. Mr. Lear doesn't sing any more.

5. His cat has a spherical body.

6. Mr. Lear is happy when near the ocean or on a hill.

7. The poet was unhappy to have met and known Mr Lear.

Ans. 

1. Mr Lear has a concrete and fastidious mind and a more or less hideous appearance.

2. Some people think of him as ill-tempered and queer.

3. His nose is remarkably big.

4. Mr Lear used to be one of the singers, but now he is one of the dumbs.

5. Mr Lear's body is perfectly spherical.

6. Mr Lear weeps when near the ocean or on a hill.

7. The poet was happy to have met and known Mr. Lear.

B. Answer these questions.

1. Which two opinions about Mr. Lear have been expressed in this poem?

2. What kind of a mind does Mr. Lear have?

3. Describe Mr. Lear's appearance in your own words.

4. What things does Mr. Lear purchase?

5. What kind of friends does Mr. Lear have?

6. What do you think the poem is about?

Ans.

1. Two opinions about Mr. Lear are that some people think of him as ill-tempered and queer, while others find him pleasant enough.

2. Mr. Lear has a concrete and fastidious mind.

3. Mr. Lear has a hideous appearance, a remarkably big nose, and a spherical body.

4. Mr. Lear purchases pancakes, lotion, and chocolate shrimps.

5. Mr. Lear has many friends, including laymen and clerical friends.

6. The poem is about the eccentricities and characteristics of Mr. Lear.

C. Think and answer.

1. Pick out two characteristics of Mr. Lear which show that he is an ordinary man.

2. The word 'runcible' is a made-up word. What do you think it means?

3. How can we tell that the poet is not vain about his appearance?

4. What does the line Ere the days of his pilgrimage vanish mean?

Ans. 

1. Two characteristics that show Mr. Lear is an ordinary man are that he weeps by the ocean and on hills, and that he purchases everyday items like pancakes and lotion.

2. The word "runcible" might mean something fancy, whimsical, or fantastical, given its made-up nature.

3. We can tell the poet is not vain about his appearance because he describes Mr. Lear's appearance in humorous and unflattering terms.

4. The line "Ere the days of his pilgrimage vanish" means that before Mr. Lear's life journey comes to an end.

D. Match the words with their antonyms.

1. concrete: a appear

2. fastidious: b. beautiful

3. hideous: c. vague

4. resembles: d. reject

5 abide: e. careless

6 vanish: f. differs

Ans.

1. concrete - vague

2. fastidious - careless

3. hideous - beautiful

4. resembles - differs

5. abide - reject

6. vanish - appear

E. Write examples of alliteration from the poem.

Ans.

1. "summer's sunshine" (repetition of the "s" sound)

2. "singers" and "so" (repetition of the "s" sound)

3. " had borne my breath away" (repetition of the "b" sound)

4. " the roses, red and white" (repetition of the "r" sound)

5. " my spirit flew in feathers then" (repetition of the "f" sound)

6. " summer pools could hardly cool" (repetition of the "c" sound)

7. " I’m farther off from heav’n" (repetition of the "f" sound)

N.B. The materials are collected from different sources including Meta AI. 

OLIVER TWIST ASKS FOR MORE: SUMMARY, GLOSSARY AND QUESTION-ANSWERS

 

OLIVER TWIST ASKS FOR MORE.

Introduction to Oliver Asks for More

‘Oliver asks for More.’ is the story of an orphan boy named Oliver who is brought up in a workhouse. He lives in a world with no love and pity for him. He has to endure harsh living conditions in the workhouse where he is ill-treated and starved. When he was chosen for a risky task of asking for more food, he was sent into confinement. 

Summary of the Story

The story begins with the description of a workhouse as a building for the poor and homeless. At the time when the story was written, workhouses homed the poor and homeless in inhumane conditions. The inmates were usually the old, the orphans or disabled- all who could not work in factories and generate income. The living conditions were so miserable that the able-bodied lazy people would rather work instead of living in a workhouse. 

 

Oliver was born in a workhouse to a poor young woman, who had been picked up from the streets. Oliver’s mother died after kissing her newborn baby on his forehead. Oliver was dressed in very old clothes as he was an orphan in a world which had no love or pity for him. 

 

As Oliver was an orphan, Mr. Bumble, an important officer in the town named him Twist. He used to name orphans in alphabetical order. 

 

At the age of nine, Oliver was a pale, thin child who like other orphans was under-clothed and under-fed. They were all fed watery soup thrice a day in a big hall. Each child had a small bowl into which the master served the soup. The children were always hungry and hence they decided among themselves that one of them would ask for more soup. Oliver, being the youngest and the weakest, was chosen to be the one to ask for more soup. 

The master, a fat man, turned pale with disbelief at Oliver’s strange request. He asked Oliver to repeat his request. When Oliver repeated his request, he hit Oliver with a spoon, caught him and called for help. Mr. Bumble rushed in. He too was shocked at Oliver’s apparent audacity to ask for more food. Oliver was locked up in a dark and cold room and a notice was put up at the workhouse gate that the one who took in Oliver would get a reward of five pounds. 

 

Oliver was a prisoner for a week. Each morning he was taken out of the dark room to wash, after that he was beaten by Mr. Bumble. Then he was taken to the large hall where the orphans had their soup. He would be again beaten by Mr. Bumble with a stick, in front of the other orphans. After all this, he was sent to his prison where he cried during the day and could not sleep at night as he was cold, lonely and frightened. 

 

One day, Mr. Sowerberry, the coffin maker for the workhouse residents was accosted by Mr. Bumble. Mr. Bumble pointed to the five pound reward and asked Mr. Sowerberry if he knew someone who wanted a boy to work. Indirectly, he tried to give away Oliver.

Glossary

1. raised: lifted

2. discover: find

3. disappeared: vanished

4. whispered: talked in a whisper

5. healthy: strongly built

6. seized: caught

7. coffins: boxes for the dead

8. prepared: made ready

9. pointed: indicated

10. explained: described

11. pot: container

 Multiple Choice Questions

Answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate options.

(i) Where was Oliver Twist born?
(a) in a private clinic
(b) in the workhouse
(c) in a park
(d) in a discarded building

(ii) Oliver’s mother pressed her cold lips to his face and then ……………… .
(a) smiled
(b) began to weep
(c) fell back and died
(d) went to sleep

(iii) The doctor raised the dead woman’s left hand and commented that she had no ring on her finger. What does this mean?
(a) She was very poor.
(b) She wasn’t fond of jewellery.
(c) She wasn’t married.
(d) None of the above

(iv) The orphan boy was given the name Oliver Twist by …………… .
(a) Swubble
(b) Unwin
(c) The old woman at the workhouse
(d) Mr Bumble

(v) The bowls in which soup was served to workhouse boys never needed washing. Why?
(a) They were made of glass.
(b) They were made of bone-china.
(c) The boys cleaned them with their spoons.
(d) All of the above

(vi) When Oliver asked for more soup how did the master react?
(a) He was pleased.
(b) He was utterly surprised.
(c) He shouted at Oliver.
(d) He started beating Oliver.

(vii) Oliver was shut up in a dark room. He remained a prisoner for …………….. .
(a) a whole week
(b) five days
(c) six months
(d) twenty four hours

(viii) The soup disappeared quickly. Why ?
(a) The boys were very hungry.
(b) The quantity was not enough.
(c) It was very tasty.
(d) Both (a) and (b)

(ix) How much money was offered to the person who would take Oliver Twist?
(a) ten pounds
(b) five pounds
(c) one pound
(d) four pounds

(x) What was the profession of Mr. Sowerberry ? He made ……………. .
(a) buildings
(b) utensils
(c) coffins
(d) shoes

(xi) What describes Oliver’s physical appearance?
(a) Strong and healthy
(b) Pale and thin
(c) Energetic and playful
(d) Well-dressed and happy

(xii) How many meals did the boys receive each day?
(a) two
(b) three
(c) five
(d) one

(xiii) How old was Oliver when the story takes place?
(a) 5 years old
(b) 9 years old
(c) 15 years old
(d) 12 years old

(xiv) How often did the boys receive bread?
(a) Everyday
(b) Only on Weekdays
(c) Only on Sundays
(d) Never

(xv) What was the purpose of Oliver approaching the master after supper?
(a) To complain about the food
(b) To ask for more soup
(c) To thank him for the meal
(d) To deliver a message

(xvi) Who was Mr. Bumble?
(a) A kind old man who cared for Oliver
(b) The headmaster of a prestigious school
(c) A cruel official at the workhouse
(d) Oliver’s best friend

(xvii) What can you infer about life in the workhouse?
(a) Conditions were harsh.
(b) Food was scarce.
(c) Children were beaten and ill-treated.
(d) All of the above

(xviii) What is the main theme explored in this story?
(a) The importance of good manners
(b) The power of friendship
(c) The cruelty of poverty and injustice
(d) The value of hard work

(xix) How did Oliver likely feel throughout this ordeal?
(a) Content and well-rested
(b) Scared, hungry, and lonely
(c) Angry and defiant
(d) Protected and cared for

(xx) Who is the author of the story “Oliver asks for More”?
(a) Charles Darwin
(b) Charles Dickens
(c) Charles Babbage
(d) Charles Bukowski

Answer Key
i. (b) in the workhouse
ii. (c) fell back and died
iii. (c) She wasn’t married.
iv. (d) Mr Bumble
v. (c) The boys cleaned them with their spoons.
vi. (b) He was utterly surprised.
vii. (a) a whole week
viii. Both (a) and (b)
ix. (b) five pounds
x. (c) coffins
xi. (b) Pale and thin
xii. (b) three
xiii. (b) 9 years old
xiv. (c) Only on Sundays
xv. (b) To ask for more soup
xvi. (c) A cruel official at the workhouse
xvii. (d) All of the above
xviii. (c) The cruelty of poverty and injustice
xix. (b) Scared, hungry, and lonely
xx. (b) Charles Dickens

 

Passage 1
Among other buildings in a town in England, there was a house for poor people who had no money, and nowhere to live. This was called the workhouse.
Oliver Twist was born in a workhouse. His mother, a young woman, lay ill in bed. A doctor and an old woman stood by her side. She lifted her head from the pillow.
‘Let me see the child and die,’ she said.

(i) Who lived in the workhouse?
Ans. Poor people, who had no money and nowhere to live, lived in the workhouse.

(ii) How were the babies born in the workhouse named?
Ans. Babies born in the workhouse were named in alphabetical order from A to Z by the workhouse authorities. The baby before Oliver was named Swubble and the baby after Oliver would be named Unwin.

(iii) Who was present in the room where Oliver was born?
Ans. Oliver’s mother, a doctor, and an old woman were present in the room where Oliver was born.

(iv) The baby’s mother wished for two things. What were they?
Ans. The baby’s mother wished for two things. Her wishes were-

1. To see her child (Oliver).

2. To die after seeing him.

The doctor reacted to the mother’s wish to die by saying, “Oh, you mustn’t talk about dying yet.”

(v) How did the doctor react to one of the wishes?
Ans. The doctor tried to reassure her and offer hope for her recovery.

 

Passage 2
The doctor put the child in her arms. She pressed her cold white lips to its face, and then fell back.
‘She is dead,’ said the doctor.
‘Yes, poor dear,’ said the old woman, as she took the child away from its dead mother. ‘Poor dear.’
‘She was a good-looking girl,’ said the doctor, as he put on his hat and gloves. ‘Where did she come from?’
‘She was brought here last night,’ said the old woman.
‘She was lying in the street. She had walked a long way and her shoes had holes in them. Nobody knows where she came from, or where she was going to.’

(i) Who does ‘she’ refer to in the first line? What wish had she expressed earlier?
Ans. ‘She’ refers to Oliver’s mother. She had wished to see the child before she died.

(ii) After kissing the baby the woman fell back. What happened to her? What do the words ‘Poor dear’ indicate?
Ans. Oliver’s mother died after kissing her baby. The old woman said the words “Poor dear!” indicating sadness and sympathy for the young woman’s tragic situation.

(iii) What was the doctor told about the baby’s mother?
Ans. The doctor was told that the baby’s mother had been brought to the workhouse the night before. She was lying in the street and had walked a long way.

(iv) Looking at the dead woman’s ringless hand, what did the doctor conclude?
Ans. The doctor concluded that the woman wasn’t married because she had no ring on her finger.

(v) What did the old woman do when the doctor had gone home for dinner?
Ans. After the doctor had gone home for dinner, the old woman dressed the baby in the old clothes used for workhouse babies.

Passage 3
No one was able to discover who the baby’s father was, or what his mother’s name was. Mr Bumble, an important officer in the town, invented a name for the baby. He chose the name Oliver Twist.
‘We name the new babies here in order from A to Z,’ he explained when people asked. ‘I named the last one Swubble. This one is Twist. The next one will be Unwin.’
At the age of nine, Oliver was a pale, thin child. He and the other workhouse boys never had enough warm clothes or food. They were given only three meals of thin soup every day. On Sundays they had a small piece of bread.

(i) What were the workers of the workhouse not able to find out?
Ans. The workers at the workhouse couldn’t find out Oliver’s parents’ identities.

(ii) Who was Mr. Bumble? What did he do for the baby?
Ans. Mr. Bumble was an important officer in the town. He took it upon himself to name the baby. He named him Oliver Twist.

(iii) Who are ‘we’ mentioned in the passage? How did ‘we’ name new babies?
Ans. “We” refers to the people in charge of naming the workhouse babies, likely officials like Mr. Bumble. They named the babies in alphabetical order from A to Z.

(iv) How did Oliver look at the age of nine? Why did he look thin and pale?
Ans. At nine, Oliver was a “pale, thin child.” This suggests that he wasn’t healthy. The lack of proper nourishment and warmth led to his thinness and paleness.

(v) What was the usual food of workhouse boys? What special thing was given to them on Sundays?
Ans. The usual food of the workhouse boys was a bowl of thin soup thrice a day. This suggests a very meagre diet. On Sundays, they received a slight improvement – a “small piece of bread,” which might have been a special treat compared to their everyday meals.

Passage 4
The master hit Oliver with his spoon, then seized him and cried for help. Mr Bumble rushed into the room, and the master told him what Oliver had said.
‘He asked for more?’ Mr Bumble cried. He cannot believe it. ‘One day they will hang the boy.’
He took Oliver away and shut him in a dark room. The next morning a notice appeared on the workhouse gate. Five pounds were offered to anybody who would take Oliver Twist.

(i) Why did the master hit Oliver with his spoon?
Ans. Oliver asked for more food and the master reacted harshly, hitting him with the spoon as punishment for his “daring” request.

(ii) Whom did he call for help? What did that person do?
Ans. He called for Mr Bumble. Mr. Bumble is an official at the workhouse. He rushed into the room after being called and was informed about Oliver’s request for more food.

(iii) “He asked for more?” In which tone is this sentence spoken? Why?
Ans. Mr. Bumble’s question, “He asked for more?” is likely spoken in a tone of disbelief, shock, and possibly even anger. He finds it disgraceful that Oliver dared to ask for more food.

(iv) What did the notice on the gate of the workhouse say?
Ans. The notice offered five pounds to anybody who would take Oliver Twist. This suggests they wanted to get rid of Oliver and were willing to even pay someone to take him away.

(v) What impression do you form of the working of the workhouse?
Ans. The workhouse seems like a cruel and harsh place. Punishing a nine-year old child for asking for more food, the disbelief at such a request, and offering money to get rid of a child - all these point towards a system that prioritizes control and cost-efficiency over the well-being of the children.

Passage 5
‘The usual story,’ he said. ‘I see that she has no ring on her finger. She wasn’t married. Good night!’
He went home to his dinner. The old woman sat down on a chair in front of the fire and began to dress the baby. She dressed him in the very old clothes used for babies who were born in the workhouse. The child was an orphan, born into a world which had no love or pity for him.

(i) Who is ‘he’ referred to in the first line?
Ans. Here, “he” is referred to the doctor.

(ii) What does the absence of a ring on the finger show?
Ans. The absence of a ring suggests that the woman wasn’t married.

(iii) When ‘the doctor’ had gone home, what did the old woman do?
Ans. After the doctor had gone home, the old woman cared for the newborn baby and dressed him in old clothes.

(iv) The newly born baby was dressed in ………… .
Ans. The newly born baby was dressed in very old clothes used for babies who were born in the workhouse. This implies the workhouse provided basic necessities but didn’t have anything new or special for the children.

(v) What light does the last line throw on the society of that time?
Ans. The last line suggests a cold and uncaring society. It paints a picture of a place where orphans, especially those born into poverty, received little to no love or compassion.

Passage 6
Oliver was a prisoner in that cold, dark room for a whole week. Every morning he was taken outside to wash, and Mr Bumble beat him with a stick. Then he was taken into the large hall where the boys had their soup. Mr Bumble beat him in front of everybody. He cried all day. When night came he tried to sleep, but he was cold, lonely and frightened.
But one day, outside the high workhouse gate, Mr Bumble met Mr Sowerberry. Mr Sowerberry was a tall, thin man who wore black clothes and made coffins. Many of his coffins were for the poor people who died in the workhouse.

(i) What had Oliver done that he was put in prison?
Ans. Oliver was put in a dark room because he dared to ask for more soup.

(ii) Why did Mr. Bumble beat Oliver in front of everybody?
Ans. Mr. Bumble beat Oliver in front of everybody as a punishment for requesting more food. He also wanted to set an example and deter others from doing the same.

(iii) Why could Oliver not sleep at night?
Ans. Oliver couldn’t sleep at night because he felt cold, lonely and frightened. The experience of being locked up and beaten must have been terrifying for a young child.

(iv) How did Mr Sowerberry earn money for a living?
Ans. Mr. Sowerberry earned his living by making coffins.

(v) What information did Mr Sowerberry give to Mr. Bumble?
Ans. Mr. Sowerberry had prepared coffins for two women who died in the workhouse. This is just informing Mr. Bumble about his recent work related to the workhouse.

Passage 7
They were fed in a big hall. A large pot stood at one end of the room, and the soup was served by the master. Each boy had one small bowl of soup and no more. The bowls never needed washing, because the boys cleaned them with their spoons until they shone.
One day Oliver and his friends decided that one boy would walk up to the master after supper and ask for more soup. Oliver was chosen.

(i) Where were the boys fed?
Ans. The boys were fed in a big hall.

(ii) How was the soup served?
Ans. The soup was served by the master from a large pot at one end of the room.

(iii) How much soup did each boy receive?
Ans. Each boy received one small bowl of soup and no more.

(iv) Why didn’t the bowls need washing?
Ans. The bowls didn’t need washing because the boys cleaned them with their spoons until they shone. This implies the boys were very hungry and likely scraped every bit of soup from the bowls.

(v) What decision did Oliver and his friends make?
Ans. Oliver and his friends decided that one boy would walk up to the master after supper and ask for more soup. They chose Oliver for this task.

Passage 8
In the evening, the boys sat down at the tables. The master stood by the pot, and the soup was served. It disappeared quickly. The boys whispered and made signs to Oliver. He stood up from the table and went to the master, with his bowl and spoon in his hands.
‘Please, sir,’ he said, ‘I want some more.’

(i) What were the boys doing after the soup was served?
Ans. The boys were whispering and making signs to Oliver, encouraging him to do something.

(ii) What did Oliver do with his bowl and spoon?
Ans. Oliver stood up from the table and went to the master with his bowl and spoon in his hands.

(iii) What did Oliver say to the master?
Ans. Oliver politely addressed the master with “Please, sir,” and then directly stated his request, “I want some more.”

(iv) Were the boys well-fed?
Ans. The boys at the workhouse were not well-fed. The soup “disappeared quickly,” implying that the boys received a small portion of gruel that wasn’t enough.

(v) What can you infer about the atmosphere at dinner time?
Ans. The boys’ secretive whispers and signs, combined with Oliver’s act of asking for more, suggest a tense atmosphere where the boys were likely hungry and possibly fearful of asking for more food.

Courtesy: SuccessCDs