Odisha State Board CHSE Odisha Class 11 Approaches to English Book 2 Solutions Short Stories Chapter 3 The Little Wife Textbook Exercise Questions and Answers.
Class 11th Alternative English Short Stories Chapter 3 The Little Wife Question Answers CHSE Odisha
The Little Wife Class 11 Questions and Answers
Section – I
Questions For Discussion:
Question 1.
Can you guess where Joe Hunckley worked? What made you guess so?
Answer:
Joe Hunckley most probably worked as businessman in a business centre. The writer makes use of an expression “the buyer” in the starry which provides the clue to know that he is a businessman.
Question 2.
What was the occasion of his getting into the 2.23 train? Was it in a normal state of time?
Answer:
It was unusually hot for early June outside the heat waves shimmered and danced above the hot slag road bud and the muddy river that run by the station when Joe got into the 2.23 train. He was in a hurry and tension when he got into the train. He was not in a normal state of mind.
Question 3.
What was the initial reaction of Joe to the first telegram?
Answer:
The telegram had upset Joe. It had come so suddenly so unexpectedly that he felt vaguely that somebody was playing a joke on him. He sat for a time staring at his fingernails.
Question 4.
Who were his co-travellers? How was the journey?
Answer:
His co-travelers were two young girls leaning out of the window and waving to their friends whose eyes were shining and cheeks flushing with laughter with the excitement at the prospect of going away and a gaunt farm woman sitting across the aisle. The journey was a mixture of pain and pleasure.
Question 5.
What things came to his mind after re-reading the telegram? Do you get any idea about his married life in this section?
Answer:
After re-reading the telegram, Joe’s hands clenched suddenly and then relieved. It had all happened so suddenly, he could not quite get it through his head, even yet. He thought that Bessie was getting along so nicely she had no trouble at all and the baby wasn’t expected for a month. This section deals with his married life. When he got married Bessie’s mother had come to live with them as a matter of course. He was rather „ glad of that arrangement.
Question 6.
Which lines show that he was upset and worried?
Answer:
The lines “The telegram had upset Joe: it had come so suddenly so unexpectedly”, “He felt confused and helpless. It was difficult to believe that Bessie was so desperately sick.
Question 7.
What does his finding fault with the doctors reveal about him?
Answer:
Suddenly, Joe had a clear picture of his wife lying in their bed, her face white with suffering and a quick panic gripped his heart. To measure himself he whispered, “Those doctors don’t know everything”. This throws light on his flinging mud at the others who are clean and innocent.
Section – II
Questions For Discussion:
Question 1.
How did Joe behave when he received the second telegram? How did he evade the stark and painful reality? Why did he not open the telegram?
Answer:
Joe’s throat felt tight and he. noticed that his hands were trembling. He wished to put his head on the window sill but he was afraid that people would think him sick and try to talk to him. He placed the unopened telegram on the seat beside him and stared at it for a long time. He tore the telegram up into tiny bits and threw away in order to evade the stark and painful reality. He did not open the telegram because it brings him tension and suffering.
Question 2.
There’s no need of going so fast, we’ve got all the time in the world. What do these words signify? Are they a happy utterance?
Answer:
These words signify the movement of the running train in a high Speed. The countryside appearance and its beauty had to somewhat intoxicate him and the speedy train was robbing him of his sightseeing. These are not a happy utterance. He was sick of the situation.
Question 3.
Does Joe tear the second telegram to pieces? What does it reflect? Where do you get the evidence of his fixation with death of his little wife?
Answer:
Thinking that the telegram was not true and he did not believe the sickness of his wife and that his tension was intense in him due to the rushing in of telegrams one after the other. Joe felt the necessity of fearing the second telegram which had caused a lot of weariness in him.
Question 4.
Why was Joe sorry that the conductor could not stay longer?
Answer:
Joe was in good humour after tearing the telegram into tiny bits. He came back to his seat when the conductor arrived for checking tickets. Joe felt like telling about his life and their marital relationships. However, the conductor went off without giving him more time for this. Joe felt extremely sorry because he felt an imperative need of talking to someone. He felt that he must talk about Bessie
Question 5.
How does Joe try to overcome his depression? What does his conversation with the fellow travellers reveal?
Answer:
Joe tries to surmount his depression by holding uninvited talks with the two young girls who were travelling in the same compartment. His conversation with them reveals his excessive emotional output of his love for his wife Bessie even in the unwarranted situation.
Question 6.
Give an account of Joe’s affair with Bessie as related by Joe.
Answer:
Bessie and Joe had been married for a year and had been very happy. The only bad thing is that he didn’t get home very often. Bessie was the finest little wife a man ever had. She didn’t complain at all about his being away so much. She had given birth to a baby son.
Question 7.
What were the fellow travellers, reaction to Joe’s incessant talk about Bessie and his married life? Were they sympathetic? Do they know about his mental condition? Justify your answer. Now, you are going to read the last part of the story. How do you think the story will end?
Answer:
Joe went on talking about his married life with Bessie to the fellow travellers- two young girls and an old woman. At the outset, they, cooperated with him to enjoy the emotional incident of married life. But they were not at all sympathetic with him. They rather poured slanting comments and finally they left him leaving him alone. They got bored to listen to such personal things for a long time. They didn’t understand his mental condition.
Grammar:
A. Fill in the blanks with suitable infinitive, participle or gerund derived from the verbs given in the brackets.
1. Have you seen anyone at the gate? (stand)
2. Those apples are sweet, (eat)
3. We caught him pickle in the kitchen, (eat)
4. She is very clever at excuses, (make)
5. It is dangerous to live wire, (touch)
6. We saw the storm; (approach)
7. He likes historical places (visit)
8. I saw her with her son. (play)
9. I am not afraid of the truth, (speak)
10. Will you allow us here? (park)
11. His remarks left us. (think)
12. It is delightful a walk in the morning, (have)
13. It would be a mistake your father’s advice, (ignore)
14. He is tired of (sing).
B. Fill in the blanks.
1. If I make a promise, I_________.
2. If it rains, you will __________.
3. If you throw a stone at the glass, the glass __________.
4. I can’t understand you, unless you __________.
5. If you don’t read carefully, you __________.
6. If he comes to invite me, I __________.
7. If demand increases, price __________.
8. Unless you pass the test __________.
9. If you work hard, you __________.
10. If you heat a metal __________.
11. If you take away his toys, __________.
12. If you come early, __________.
13. If you go to the doctor, __________.
14. If you switch on the light,__________.
15. If she does well in her examination, __________.
C. Fill in the blanks:
1. If he were here __________.
2. If it rained __________.
3. If you ate too much __________.
4. He could come, if you __________.
5. What, would happen if they __________.
6. What would happen if that tree __________.
7. She would speak to you __________.
8. If 1 have enough money __________.
9. If I were you, __________.
10. He would not be so fat __________.
11. If she were a king __________.
12. If wishes were horses __________.
13. This curry would taste better__________.
14. If the bus collided against the bridge __________.
15. We should all be glad __________.
D. Fill in the blanks.
1. There would have been a tragic accident __________.
2. If it had not been raining __________.
3. The patient would have died __________.
4. If he had not explained it __________.
5. I would have been glad __________.
6. We would have staged the drama __________.
7. I could have helped you __________.
8. I-would have joined the army __________.
9. You would have been very angry __________.
10. If she had worked harder __________.
11. If they had admitted the feet__________.
12. If the government had taken adequate steps __________.
13. If I had known that you were so busy__________.
14. Had he come to call me__________.
15. He would never get the job __________.
Answers :
A. Blanks are filled in with suitable infinitives, participles or gerunds desired from the verbs given in the brackets:
1. Have you seen anyone standing at the gate?
2. Those apples are sweet to eat.
3. We caught him dating pickle in the kitchen.
4. She is very clever at making excuses.
5. It is dangerous to touch a live wire.
6. We saw the storm approaching.
7. He likes visiting historical places.
8. I saw her with her playing son.
9. I am not afraid of speaking the truth’.
10. Will you allow us to park here ?
11. His remarks left us to think.
12. It is delightful to have a walk in the morning.
13. It would be a mistake to ignore your fellow’s advice.
14. He is tired of singing.
B. Fill in the blanks:
1. If I make a promise, I shall keep it.
2. If it rains, you will cancel the programme.
3. If you throw a stone at the glass, the glass will break.
4. I can’t understand you, unless you explain it properly.
5. If you don’t read carefully, you will make mistakes.
6. If he comes -to invite me, I shall go to the party.
7. If demand increases, price goes up.
8. Unless you pass the test, vou can’t fill in the forms.
9. If you work hard, vou will succeed.
10. If you heat a metal, it will expand.
11. If you take away his toys, he will’ cry.
12. If you come early, we will reach soon.
13. If you go to the doctor, he will come immediately.
14. If you switch on the light, vou will see the new book.
15. If she does well in her examination, she will go for higher studies.
C. Fill in the blanks.
1. If he were here, I would take his advice.
2. If it rained, I would postpone the programme.
3. If you ate too much, you would be very fat.
4. He could come, if vou invited him.
5. What would happen, if they didn’t come.
6. What would happen, if that tree broke.
7. She would speak to you if vou permitted her.
8. If I had enough money I would lend vou some.
9. If I were you, I would help him.
10. He would not be so tat if he did dieting.
11. If she were a king she would- be despotic.
12. If wishes were horses beggars would ride them.
13. This curry would taste better if it had more salt in it.
14. If the bus collided against the bridge none could escape.
15. We should all be glad if he was here.
D. Fill in the blanks.
1. There would have been a tragic accident, if the driver had not been careful.
2. If it had not been raining we would have played the match.
3. The patient would have died if the – doctor had not come.
4. If he had not explained it I wouldn’t have understood it.
5. I would have been glad if you had told. it to me before.
6. We would have staged the drama, if it hadn’t rained.
7. I could have helped you if I had been there.
8. I would have joined the army if I had physical fitness.
9. You would have, been very angry if you had been in my place.
10. If she had worked harder she could have succeeded.
11. If they had admitted the fact, It would have helped- them.
12. If the government had taken adequate steps, the disease would have been checked.
13. If I had known that you were so busy, I wouldn’t have disturbed you.
14. Had he come to call me I could have gone with him.
15. He would never get the job if he didn’t work hard.
Section-III
Questions For Discussion:
Question 1.
What impression did the fellow travellers take about Joe from his continuous talk?
Answer:
The fellow travellers at first thought Joe was jolly and high spirited, but after some times, they came to the conclusion that he must he a little drunk or possibly demented.
Question 2.
What idea does this section offer about his marriage?
What does his incessant talk about his little wife reveal?
Was he conscious of the listeners and also the time?
Answer:
This section tells that Joe and Bessie had been married one year ago and his little wife didn’t go in for a lot of show. They had spent their honeymoon in New Orleans and had visited all the places there. She was an excellent cook and housekeeper.
Question 3.
Why did a feeling of terror sweep over him after he met Mrs. Thompkins?
Answer:
Mrs. Thompkins was dressed in black and had a black veil. Her eyes were red and swollen. She asked is he had received her telegrams. She looked boldly into his eyes. A sudden terror swept over him.
Question 4.
What do his final words to his mother-in-law reveal?
Answer:
His final words to his mother-in-law were, “I didn’t read your telegram. I didn’t want to know that she was dead. I wanted to keep her alive a little longer.” This means his little wife was alive in his thought so long as he had not known from the telegram that she was dead. She continued to live in him till he knew that she had died.
Question 5.
What is the focus in the story?
Answer:
The main focus in the story is the telepathic function over Joe regarding the death of his little wife. His becoming restless and talking a lot about her reveal that his wife must have been dead.
Question 6.
Why did Joe repeatedly use the expression ‘my little wife’?
Was he successful in hiding his mental condition before the fellow travellers?
Answer:
Joe said, “My little Wife” repeatedly with the fellow travellers out of affection. He was not successful in hiding his mental condition before them.
Question 7.
In which lines do you know that Bessie was no more?
Answer:
The lines — “She (Mrs. Thompkins) was dressed in black and she wore a black veil” I didn’t want to know that she was dead. I wanted to keep her alive a little longer”— give an impression that Bessie was dead.
Question 8.
Can you guess what would have been the story if the second telegram had been opened and had contained the message of Bessie’s improving health?
Answer:
If the second’ telegram had been opened and had contained the message of Bessie’s improving health, Joe would have been very happy and contented, would have not lost mental equilibrium.
Composition :
Question 1.
Give an account of behaviour of Joe after he received the second telegram.
Answer:
When Joe received the second telegram, we marked a sea change in him. His behaviour changed altogether. Joe’s throat felt tight and he noticed that his hands were trembling. He wished to put his head on the window sill but he was afraid people would think him sick and try to talk him. He placed the unopened telegram on the seat beside him and stared of it for a long time. At last, he read the first telegram very slowly. He looked up quickly and saw that the two young, girls had turned around and were watching him, making laughing remark to each other behind their hands. He rose from his seat feeling weak and slightly nauseated the unopened telegram in his hand. He passed through several coaches until he reached the end of the train and went out on the near vestibule.
He had a sudden wish to jump from the end of the train and run off into the woods:
However, Joe kept turning over in his hand thinking, “I’ve got to open it now; I’ve got to open it and read it. Finally, he said aloud.;, It’s not true ! I don’t believe it !” He repeated those words a number of times and then he said, “It’s from the House about that cancellation in meridian.” Moreover, he tore the unopened telegram into tiny bits and threw the pieces from the end of the train. He reached the seat as the conductor came through the train. He told the conductor that he was going to see his little wife at home. The conductor passed some light remarks on him and his wife.
He then went off and Joe was sorry for his departure. He felt an imperative need of talking to some. He felt that he must talk about Bessie to someone. He saw two young girls smiling at him. Joe understood perfectly. He started talking to them. When the young girls got off the train, Joe followed them and saw them off. He came back but again felt like talking about his little wife to some people. He wished to smoke a cigarette, but saw three people in the smoker.‘He saw the old lady having lunch with her husband. He went forward and asked for talking to them. The old gentleman consented and Joe went on with the usual talk about his little wife. He even talked about their honeymoon at New OrleAnswer: The old gentleman was surprised to hear such unnecessary talk of Joe. As a matter of fact, Joe’s mind was entirely disturbed after receiving the second telegram. That is why he started behaving in a peculiar and queer manner.
Question 2.
Write a note on Joe’s relationship with Bessie leading to their marriage.
Answer:
The story “The Little Wife” is written by William March, a prominent and outstanding American storyteller. His stories dealt upon the dramatic or critical moments of life, his discerning study of man and manners especially of their psychic responses at such moment, makes his stories very interesting and powerful. Here, the protagonist Joe, describes his premarital relationship with Bessie leading to their wedlock. His emotional out part propelled him to present this relationship at a great length.
However, Joe started talking rapidly about it to the two young girls and the old lady. He told in detail of the first time he had met Bessie. It had been in the home of Jack Barnes, one of the boy he had met on the road and he had been invited over for dinner and a little study poker later. Mrs. Bernes didn’t play poker, so, Bessie who lived across the street had been invited over to keep Mrs. Barnes company while the man played. He had liked Bessie at once and the boys had kidded him about not keeping his mind on the same. He had never told anybody this before, but when the boys started kidding him he made up his mind not to look at Bessie again as he didn’t want her to think that he was fresh, but he couldn’t stop looking at her and every time he caught her eye she would smile in a sweet friendly sort of way.
At last, everybody noticed it and they started joking Bessie too,- but she had not minded at all. He had lost $14.50 that night, but had met Bessie. Bessie can’t be called exactly beautiful, but she was sweet and nice. Bessie was the sort of girl that any man would want to marry. He told to their courtesy. He quoted whole paragraph from letters that she had written to prove a particular point which he had brought up. Bessie had not liked him especially, not right at first, at any rate, of course she had liked him as a friend from the first but not in any serious way. There were one or two other fellows hanging around too.
Bessie had a great deal of attention, she could have gone out every night with a different man if she had wanted to. Being on the opportunity to see her after or maybe that was an advantage any way he wrote her everyday. Then, finally they had become engaged. She hadn’t even let him kiss her until then. He knew from the first that she would make a wonderful little wife, but he was stilt puzzled why a girl as superior as Bessie would want to marry him. In fact, Joe’s relationship with Bessie is very interesting and thought-provoking. The storyteller has tried to provide a vivid description about Joe’s premarital relationship with Bessie.
Question 3.
Justify the title of the story “The Little Wife”.
Answer:
In fact the story “The Little Wife” is one of the most typical masterpiece of William March, an eminent, popular and outstanding American storyteller. He is really a great master to provide apt and suggestive titles to his stories. The title of the present story is a burning example expressing those qualities. Actually, every work of art has a title which dominates over the labyrinth of the whole work. It is, in fact, the central idea around which the other ideas revolve.
Of course, the title of a work of art can be appropriately compared with a signboard of a shop. As an attractive, colourful and gorgeous signboard automatically arrests the attention of the customer, similarly a beautiful and apt title attracts the attention of the reader towards the piece of art and even it makes them spellbound to completely go through it as soon as possible”. Just like a good signboard spells out the contents of a shop, likewise the beautiful and attractive title of a piece of art speaks about the volumes of the ideas contained therein. In this discussing story, the writer has repeatedly used the title in the story giving much emphasis on the little wife.
However, the protagonist’s wife Bessie is here described as the little wife. Joe refers to this little wife again and over again. It is that little wife Bessie whom Joe had married one year ago. She had been with him after their love before marriage. She had been blessed with a baby son about which Joe receives an express telegram from his mother-in-law regarding her giving birth to a sort The first telegram says that the mother and baby. were getting on rapidly. But the second telegram tells about the locating truth of life. The second telegram entirely disturbs and confused the mind of Joe. He was so much irritated by the very word telegram that he had even not gone through the second one. He moves from coach to coach so as to brood over his little wife. He decided to jump off the train and disappear into the forest.
Of course, then he came back and furiously explained all that had been associated with Bessie starting from their love to the marital life and having a baby thereafter. He even didn’t forget to describe their love, marriage and honeymoon trips to New Orleans where they had a pleasant experience. In the concluding part of the story, it is .found that the little wife is dead. The stern and stark reality of life had reached. prematurely sweeping away a nice partner.
In fact, it is very much clear from the story that the title of the story is apt and suggestive. We have marked that the entire story is appropriately concerned with the little wife. Again the ending of the story, although it is pathetic, still then it is concerned, with the death of the little wife. In short, March’s, dealing with the title is superb and fantastic.
Vocabulary:
Make sentences using the following:
| stow | shimmer | swab | aisle |
| gaunt | protruded | itinerary | giggle |
| vestibule | mangy | demented | cuspidor |
| flabby | petulant | droop | jaunty |
| announce | supplement | excuse | advantage |
| engage | |||
Answer:
stow – Don’t stow your luggage out of sight.
shimmer – A dim light shimmered in a distance.
swab – He washed his bike and then swabbed it.
aisle – An old lady was sitting in the aisle of the train.
gaunt – He looks gaunt after his prolonged illness.
protruded – His lower chin is little protruded.
itinerary – He had a pleasant itinerary experience.
giggle – The girls giggled at the young man’s story.
vestibule – Joe went to the vestibule with the second telegram in hand.
mangy – There sleeps a mangy cat under the cat.
demented – After his wife’s demise, he was demented.
cuspidor – Spit into the cuspidor.
flabby – The girl was quite soft and flabby.
petulant – The old man is quite petulant in temperament.
droop – He is having a drooping posture.
jaunty – His jaunty walking reveals his romantic personality.
announce – TV announced the approach of a terrible cyclone.
supplement – His article supplemented to, my, preparation.
excuse – Scarcity of time for preparing for the examination is not an excuse.
advantage – Rising early from bed is an advantage to health.
engage – He is engaged in a risky matter.
Grammar:
A. Fill in the blanks with suitable forms of ‘be’, ‘have’ or ‘do’.
1. Man_________an animal.
2. _________quiet.
3. He didn’t do well. No, he
4. Your cycle makes a lot of sound. Yes, it __________.
5. He spoke a lot. Yes, he __________.
6. __________ a good time.
7. Will you __________ a cup of tea?
8. Her brother __________ a reporter.
9. What are you __________ to night?
10. __________ remember to come in time.
11. I_________visited the states.
12. He __________ eaten all the mangoes before I arrived.
13. She __________ singing when her husband was playing harmonium.
14. She __________ a house at Berhampur.
15. Your son __________ a red ball in his hand.
16. I __________ do better next time.
17. Come what many, I not retreat.
18. __________ you come to dine with us?
19. __________ I make tea for you?
20. He__________be 18 this week.
21. Members __________ bring their identity cards to the general body meeting.
22. He won’t come __________ he?
23. Let us go the theatre __________we?
24. The train __________reach Delhi a day after tomorrow.
25. I_________ see you tomorrow.
26. He __________ be dismissed for his misconduct.
27. I_________ never see your face again.
28. She __________ obey her parents.
29. All students pay their tuition fees on 10th of every month.
30. The Chief Minister __________ came to inaugurate the annual function of our College.
31. __________you lend me your pen?
32. Have a cup of tea, __________ you?
33. I_________ be thirty after two years.
34. You__________ be rewarded for your success.
35. I __________ help you.
36. He suggested that we __________ go on a ride.
37. After super she __________ take a glass of milk.
38. They ran last they __________ miss the train.
39. You __________ not talk in such a loud voice inside an auditorium.
40. He is determined that he ____ join politics.
41. She worked hard so that she __________ keep a position.
42. __________ you mind closing the door.
43. The students __________ actively participate in social work.
44. He __________ not have behaved so roughly with his wife.
45. He __________ like to know about his duty.
46. Your report __________be ready before 20th January.
47. Your answer is wrong, can you say what _________ it be?
48. I _________ like you to be punctual.
49. _________you mind closing the door?
50. She wrote me that she_________ arrive in the airport at 1 1 p.m.
51. When _________ he done? He _________ be late.
52. Where ___________ you keep the picture.
53. It’s late. You _________ leave now.
54. _________you like to have tea?
55. ___________ you mind lending me your book?
Answer:
1. Man is an animal.
2. Be quiet.
3. He didn’t do well. No, he does.
4. Your cycle makes a lot of sound. Yes, it does.
5. He spoke a lot, yes, he did.
6. Have a good time?
7. Will you have a cup of tea?
8. Her brother is, a reporter.
9. What are you doing tonight.
10. Do you remember to come in time.
11. I have visited the states.
12. He has eaten all the mangoes before I arrived
13. She was singing when her husband was playing harmonium.
14. She has a house at Berhampur.
15. Your son has a red ball in his hand.
16, I will do better next time.
17. Come what money? I will not retreat.
18. Will you come to dine with us?
19. Shall I make tea for you?
20. He win be 18 this week.
21. Members shall bring their identity cards to the general body meeting.
22. He won’t come, will he?
23. Let us go to the theater, shall we?
24. The train will reach Delhi a day after tomorrow.
25. I shall see you tomorrow.
26. He shall be dismissed for his misconduct.
27. I will never see your face again.
28. She shall obey her parents.
29. All students will pay their tuition fees on 10th of every month.
30. The Chief Minister will come to inaugurate the annual function of our college.
31. Will you lend me your pen?
32. Have a cup of tea, will you?
33. I shall be thirty after two years.
34. You shall be rewarded for your success.
35. I will help you.
36. He suggested that one should go on a ride.
37. After supper she would take a glass of milk.
38 They ran fast they should miss the train.
39. You should not talk in such a loud voice inside an auditorium.
40. He is determined that he would join politics.
41. She worked hard so that she should keep a position.
42. Would you mind closing the door?
43. The students should actively participate in social works.
44. He would not have behaved so roughly with his wife.
45. He would like to know about his duty.
46. Your report should be ready before 20th January.
47. Your answer is wrong, can you say what should it be?
48. I would like you to be punctual.
49. Would you mind closing the door?
50. She wrote me that she would arrive in the airport at 11 p.m.
51. When should he come? He would be late.
52. Where should you keep the picture?
53. It’s late. You should leave now.
54. Would you like to have tea?
55. Would you mind lending me your book!
Section – I
Pre-reading Activity:
How do you feel when the postman knocks on your door and says that you have a telegram? Have you read R.K. Narayan’s story “The Gateman’s Gift” where the protagonist a retired gentleman avoids opening a registered letter, lest it should contain some bad news.
How do you feel when you receive the news of a close relative being treated in a hospital?
Notes on the Writer:
William March (1804-1954), a prominent American writer, has made a significant mark in the realm of short stories. His stories dealt upon the dramatic or critical moments of life, his discerning study of men and manners especially of their psychic responses at such moment makes his stories very interesting and powerful.
The Story:
The present story enacts a drama of terrible tension procedure lingering for about 5 hours of a train journey (from 2.28 p.m. to 7.35 p.m.). Joe’s behaviour throughout the journey with the unopened telegram is a clear demonstration of his restlessness and fear- psychosis. After he throws away the torn pieces of the telegram outside he feels relieved and gay. This mark of gaiety and relief is nothing but a psychic projection of an intense longing to keep his dear ‘little wife’ alive a little longer. All his words and abnormal behaviour in the compartment manifest a fear due to lack of courage to face the most painful reality. His reminiscences about his love for Bessie, thereafter leading to marriage and his obsession with his little wife seem to provide him an escape from the dreadful truth he wants to forget. The memories of his most intimate moments with his dear wife only serve to highlight the pathos and psychological strain witnessed in the story are justaposed to lay the light heartedness of the fellow passengers and their responses to the babbling of Joe. The spry with its atmosphere of gloom and depression reminds us of the dreadful finality of death.
Gist:
Paragraphs: 1-3
Joe Hinckley set out for a train journey. He selected a seat on the shady side of the train. It was very hot for early June. The time was 2.28 p.m. when the train was five minutes late. He could not pack his things due to lack of time. He had little time after getting. telegram from Mrs. Thompkins, the telegram. had upset Joe. He felt vague that someone was playing a joke on him. He was confused. and helpless. It was difficult to believe that” Bassie was so desperately sick. He sat staring at his fingernails. He, all of sudden, recalled an appointment of 4. O’clock and he rose so ” quickly from his seat for sending a message to explain his absence. But he realised that the train was in motion.
Paragraphs: 4-7
Two young girls were leaning out of the window. Their eyes were shining and their cheeks were flushed and they were laughing with excitement at the prospect of going away. A farm woman sat across the aisle, whose red-veined eyes projected. Her neck was swollen with a goiter. She held a bouquet of crepe- myrtle. Beside her she had placed her straw suitcase and several bulky paper-wrapped parcels. Joe took from his pocket the telegram that he had received from his mother-in-law and read it again.
Paragraphs: 8-9
All at sudden, Joe’s hands clenched and then relaxed. Then at two O’clock, he had gone back to the hotel to freshen up and the clerk had reached in his box and had taken out the key to this room and the telegram which had been waiting for him for two hours. Joe read it twice and then looked at the address to make sure that the message was really for him. He had arranged his itinerary so that he would be with his wife Bessie when the baby was born. Joe leaned his head against the real plush of the seat. He felt numb and ‘ very tired. At first the signature “Mother” had puzzled him because he could not understand what his mother would be doing in mobile with I Bessie. Then he realised that it was Bessie’s mother who had sent him the telegram.
Paragraph: 10
When he had married Bessie, her mother had come to live with them. He was rather glad of that arrangement. His work j. made it impossible for him to get home often than every other week and many times it was difficult for him to get home that often. He couldn’t disappoint Bessie, no matter what happened. Three years of married life had been the happiest that he had ever known. Bessie had been happy too. Suddenly, he had a clear picture of her lying on their bed, her face white with suffering and a quick panic gripped his heart. To assume himself he whispered that those doctors don’t know everything. She would be all right. Mrs. Thompkins her mother was excited and terrified.
Analytical outlines:
- Joe Hinkley set out for a train journey.
- He selected a seat on the shady side of the train.
- It was very hot for early June.
- The time was 2.28 p.m.
- The train was five minute late at that time.
- He could not pack his things due to lack of time.
- He had little time after getting telegram from Mrs. Thompkins.
- The telegram had upset Joe.
- He felt vaguely that someone had played joke with him.
- He was confused.
- He was also helpless.
- Bessie was desperately sick.
- It was beyond his belief.
- He sat staring at his fingernails.
- Suddenly, he recalled an appointment of 4 O’clock.
- He rose quickly from his seat.
- He sent a message to explain his absence.
- But he realised that the train was in motion.
- Two young girls were leaning out of the window.
- Their eyes were shining.
- Their cheeks were flushed.
- They were laughing with excitement at the prospect of going away.
- A farm woman sat across the aisle.
- Her red-reined eyes were projected.
- Her, neck was swollen with a goitre.
- She held a bouquet of crepe-myrtle.
- Beside her, she had placed her straw suitcase.
- She had also placed several bulky paper wrapped parcels.
- Joe took the telegram from his pocket.
- He had received it from his mother-in-law.
- He read it again.
- Suddenly, Joe’s hand clenched and then relaxed.
- It was two O’clock then.
- He had gone back to the hotel to freshen up.
- The clerk had reached in his box.
- He hud taken out the key to this room and the telegram.
- The telegram had been waiting for him for two- hours.
- Joe read it twice.
- He looked at the address.
- He was sure that the message was really for him.
- He had arranged his itinerary.
- He would be with his wife Bessie.
- Joe leaned his head against the red plush of the seat.
- He felt numb and very tired.
- At first the signature “Mother” had puzzled him.
- Because, he could not understand what his to other would be doing in mobile with Bessie.
- Then he realised that it was Bessie’s mother.
- He knew that she had sent him the telegram.
- When he married Bessie, her mother had come to live with them.
- He was rather glad of that arrangement.
- He was remaining busy with his work.
- He was not able to visit her always.
- He was coming home often than every other week.
- Many times it was difficult for him to come home even often.
- He could not disappoint Bessie no matter what happened.
- Their year of married life had been the happiest.
- Bessie had been happy too.
- Suddenly, she became bed sick.
- Her face was white with suffering.
- A quick panic gripped his heart.
- He whispered that those doctors don’t know anything.
- He consoled her that she would be all right.
- Her mother Mrs. Thompkins was excited and terrified.
Meaning of difficult words:
stow – put away, to Store, place.
shimmer – shine with a soft, unsteady light, gleam tremulously.
swab – to clean or dry with a piece of cloth.
aisle – way for walking alone, between blocks of seats.
gaunt – lean, grim, haggard-looking, extremely thin and bony, emaciated.
protruded – stood out, projected, trust forward.
goiter – an enlargement of thyroid gland on the front and sides of the neck.
crepe-myrtle – a tall Chinese shrub having pink purple or white flowers grown as an ornamental in the southern and western U.S.
drone – to make a dull continuously monotonous sound, humming sound.
wheage – to make a sound resembling difficult breathing.
itinerary – a detailed plan for a journey, esp a list of places to visit, a plan of travel.
smuthy – dirty, filthy, obscene.
Section – II
Gist:
Paragraphs: 11-12
In front of Joe was seated a White haired old gentle man who opened his bag and took out a travelling cap. He had some difficulty in fastening the cutch while holding his straw hat in his hand but his wife sitting with him took the bag and fastened it at once. Then she took his hat and held it on her lap. She was reading a magazine. The Negro porter came down the aisle, who had a telegram in his hand. Reaching the centre he called out, “Telegram for Mr. J.G. Hinckley !” Joe let him call the name three times before he claimed the message. The porter explained that the telegram had been delivered to the train by a messenger from the American Hotel. Joe gave the porter twenty-five cents for a tip and went back to his seat.
Paragraphs: 13-15
The country’ woman looked up instantly and turned her eyes away. The young girls laughed and whispered and looked boldly at Joe and the old gentle man went to the smoking room with a cigarette. Joe felt his hands trembling. He placed the unopened telegram on the seat and stared at it for a long time. At last, he re-read the first telegram very slowly. He thought it might have been from Mrs Thompkins or from Boykin Rosen or from house. He looked up and saw the two young girls had turned around and were watching him making remarks to reach behind their hands. He rose from his seat weak and nauseated with the unopened telegram in his hand. He passed through several coaches until he reached the end of the train and went out on the rear vestibule. He had a sudden wish to jump from the train and ran off into the woods. But he felt that such an act would look very strange. The brakeman with a lantern in hand asked whether he was feeling all right. He replied in affirmative. The break-man disappeared and Joe was happy.
Paragraphs: 16-17
The train marched past the countryside. A little Negro girl with a patched pink dress ran down to the track and waved her hand. A lame old country man ploughing in his stumpy field, pulled up his mangy mule to share at the passing train. He felt sick. He didn’t want people to notice him or talk to him. He kept turning the telegram over in his hand thinking that he had got to open it then. He said it was not true. He said that the telegram was not from Mrs. Thompkins, it was from house. He tore the unopened telegram into small pieces and threw the pieces from the end of the train immediately, he felt better. He felt that everything was all right and decided to go home and see his little wife. He laughed happily. He went back to his seat. He felt gay and relieved.
Paragraphs: 18-19
Joe reached his seat as the conductor came through the train. He nodded pleasantly as he gave up his ticket. Joe laughed with ringing heartiness and the conductor looked at him in surprise. The conductor asked him the reason why he was laughing. He replied because, he was going to see his little wife at home. The conductor replied that’s fine, simply fine. He shook Joe’s hand.’Joe laughed again. The conductor said to give his regards to madam.
Paragraphs: 20-26
Joe was sorry that the conductor could not stay longer. He felt an imperative talking to some one particularly about Bessie. He looked around and the two young girls smiled at him. Joe decided that he would go over and talk to them. He walked over casually and seated himself. He asked where they were going to. The blue-eyed girl replied that they would be getting off at Flomation. They were going home for summer vacation. Joe gravely said to get all the education they could and the girls laughed. Joe laughed too. The old lady across the aisle put down her magazine and started laughing too Joe waited until the girls had exhausted themselves. He said that he ought to sound fatterly, he has just got a telegram that he has become father for the first time.
Paragraphs: 27-31
This interested the young girls who crowded him questions which they wanted to know about it. Joe felt very happy. The old lady had moved in her seat in order to hear better. Joe said that his mother-in-law Mrs. Thompkins had sent him telegram following Bessie giving birth to a baby son and both mother and son were doing well. Bessie and he had been married for a year. The old lady asked what he was going to name his baby. The reply was not exactly beautiful. She was sweet and nice. She was the sort of girl that any man would want to marry.
Paragraphs: 32-34
He went on speaking how they were engaged and ultimately married. He also told how he was once determined not to marry at all. Two hours after, his audience was getting bored but Joe did not realize it. Finally, the old gentleman with the cap came back from the smoking room. He also never spared his mother-in-law whom he described like anything.
Analytical outlines:
- In front of Joe, a white haired old gentle man was seated.
- He opened his bed.
- He took out a travelling cap.
- He had some difficulty in fastening the cutch.
- He held his straw hat in his hand.
- His wife took the bag.
- She fastened it at once.
- Then she took his hat.
- She held it on her lap.
- She was reading a magazine.
- The Negro porter came down the aisle.
- He had a telegram in his hand.
- He came to the center.
- He called out, ‘Telegram for Mr. J.G Hinkley”.
- Joe let him call the name three times before he claimed the message.
- The porter explained about it.
- It had been delivered to the train.
- It was delivered by a messenger from the American Hotel.
- Joe gave the porter twenty-five cents for a tip.
- He went back to his seat.
- The country woman looked up instantly.
- He turned her eyes away.
- The young girls laughed.
- They whispered and looked boldly.
- The old gentleman went to the smoking room with a cigarette.
- Joe felt his hand trembling.
- He placed the unopened telegram on the seat.
- He stared at it for a long time.
- At last, he re-read the first telegram very slowly.
- He thought it might have been from Mrs. Thompkins.
- Even it might have been from Boykin Rosen or from house.
- He looked up.
- He saw the two young girls had turned around.
- They were watching him.
- They were making remarks to reach behind their hands.
- He rose from his seat weak and nauseated with the Unopened telegram in his hand.
- He passed through several coaches.
- He reached the end of the train.
- He went out on the rear vestibule.
- He had a sudden wish to jump from the train.
- He wished to run off into the woods.
- But he felt that such an act would look very strange.
- The brakeman was holding a lantern.
- He asked him if he was feeling alright.
- He replied in affirmative.
- The brakeman disappeared.
- Joe became happy.
- The train marched past the countryside.
- A little Negro girl ran down to die track.
- She was wearing a patched pink dress.
- She waved her hand.
- A lame old county man ploughing in his stumpy field.
- He pulled up his mangy mule to share at the passing train.
- He felt sick.
- He did not want people to notice or talk to him.
- He kept turning the telegram over in his hand.
- He was about to open it then.
- He said it was not true.
- He said that it was not from Mrs. Thonipkins.
- But it was from house.
- He tore the unopened telegram into small pieces.
- He threw the pieces from the train immediately.
- Then he felt better.
- He felt that everything was alright.
- He decided to go home and see his little wife.
- He laughed happily.
- He went back to his seat.
- He felt gay and relieved.
- Joe reached his seat.
- The conductor came through the train.
- He nodded pleasantly as he gave up his ticket.
- Joe laughed with ringing heartiness.
- His conductor looked at him in surprise.
- The conductor asked him the reason of laughing.
- He replied because, he is going to see his little wife at home.
- The conductor replied it was fine.
- He shook Joe’s hand.
- Joe laughed again.
- The conductor said to give his regards to madam.
- Joe was sorry for the departure of the conductor.
- He felt an imperative talking to someone, particularly about Bessie.
- He looked around.
- The two young girls smiled.
- Joe decided to talk to them.
- He asked where they were going to.
- The blue-eyed girl replied that they were to Flomation.
- They were going home for summer vacation.
- Joe advised them to get all the education they could.*
- The girls laughed.
- Joe laughed too.
- The old lady across the aisle put down the magazine.
- She started laughing too.
- Joe waited until the girls had exhausted themselves.
- He said that he ought to sound fatherly.
- He got a telegram that he has become a father for the first time.
- This interested the young girls.
- They crowded him questions.
- They wanted to know about it
- Joe felt very happy.
- The old lady moved in her seat to hear better.
- He received the telegram from his mother-in-law.
- He is informed that his wife had given birth to a baby son.
- Both the mother and son were doing well
- Bessie and he had been married for a year.
- The old lady asked what he was going to name his baby.
- The reply was not exactly beautiful.
- She was sweet and nice.
- She was the sort of girl that any man woud want to many.
- He went on speaking how they were engaged.
- At last they were married.
- He also told how he was once determined not to marry at all.
- Finally, the old gentleman came back from the smoking room with the cap.
- He also never spared his mother-in-law.
- He described her like anything.
Meaning of difficult words:
giggle – titter, laugh in a silly manner.
vestibule – part of a railway carriage connecting win anti with access to the next.
mangy – affected by mangy (a skin disease affecting animals and sometimes men and characterized by loss of hair and scabby eruptions).
elbow/nudge – push slightly, especially with the elbow.
snap – a quick, sharp speech or manner of speaking.
cockeyed – (slang) foolish or obscured.
kid (v) – to tease or jest with.
Section-III
Gist:
Paragraphs: 35-40
At last, the train reached Flomation. The porter canie to help the girls off with their bags. They were very glad to get away. They were also a little nervous. There was something about Joe that they couldn’t understand. At first, they had thought him jolly and high spirited, but after a time they came to the conclusion that he must be drunk or slightly demented. Joe helped them off the train and on the platform. The black-eyed girl waved her hand and said to give her love to Bessie and the son and the blue-eyed girl said to be sure and kiss the baby for her. The two girls looked at each other and started laughing. Joe came back to the coach again. He was again restless. He decided to have a cigarette. He found three men in the smoking room. They were telling jokes and laughing when Joe came in. Joe wanted to talk to them about Bessie but he couldn’t bring her name up in such an atmosphere. He went to his seat.
Paragraphs: 41-45
A bright-skinned waiter came through the train announcing the first calf for dinner. At first, he thought to have dinner on the train, but then thought that Mrs. Thompkins would be waiting for him with a nice preparation of meals at home. He again felt like telling about his wife and went to the old couple engaged in taking their lunch on the train. He went to them and asked if he could talk to them. The old man replied positively. The old lady looked at her husband reproachfully. Joe talked of his wedding. .
Paragraphs: 46-49
Then he told of the honey-money, they had spent in New Orleans, all the places they had visited there and just what Bessie had thought and said about each one. He went on talking. He told of the first week of their married life and how happy they were in those days. He also told that Bessie was a marvellous cook. He talked of her Jove for the home he had purchased for her and her unbound pleasure when she knew that she was going to have a baby. The old gentleman was staring at Joe in a puzzled manner. Joe had lost all idea of time. He talked on and on rapidly and excitedly. He had get as far as Bessie’s plans for the child’s education when the porter touched him in die arm and told him that they were pulling into station at mobile. He gave the porter a tip and stepped off the train jauntily. When he turned to pick up his bag he saw that the woman with the waiter was staring at him. He went and said “Goodbye, lady, I hope you have a nice trip.” The woman stared at him until he was out of sight.
Paragraphs: 50-54
On the other side of the iron fence, Joe saw Mrs. Thompkins. She was dressed in black and she wore a black veil. Joe went over to her briskly and Mrs. Thompkins put her arms around him and kissed him twice saying “Poor Joe !”. Joe noticed that her eyes were red and swollen. She asked whether he had got her telegram. He replied positively. She again asked whether he had .got her second telegram. He leaned against the iron fence for support and Mrs. Thompkins, held his hand. Joe at last said the truth that he had not read her telegram. He didn’t want to know that Bessie was dead. He sat down on an empty baggage truck and hide his face in his hands.
Analytical Outlines:
- At last, the train reached Flomation.
- The porter came to help the girls.
- They were very glad to get away.
- They were also a little nervous.
- There was something about Joe.
- They could not understand it.
- At first, they had thought him jolly and high-spirited.
- Later on they thought that he must be drunk or slightly demented.
- Joe helped them off the train.
- The black-eyed girl waved her hand.
- She said to give her love to Bessie and the son.
- The blue-eyed girl said to kiss the baby for her.
- The two girls looked at each other.
- They also started laughing.
- Joe came back to the coach again.
- He was again restless.
- He decided to have a cigarette.
- He found three men in the smoker.
- They were joking and laughing.
- Joe wanted to talk to them about Bessie.
- But he could not do it in such an atmosphere.
- He went to his seat.
- A bright-skinned waiter came through the train.
- He announced the first call for dinner.
- At first, he thought to have dinner.
- But he gave up this thought.
- As Mrs. Thompkins would be waiting >. him for dinner.
- The old couple were taking their lunch.
- Joe went there to talk with them about Bessie.
- He begged permission to talk with them.
- The old gentle man replied positively.
- Joe started talking about his wedding.
- Then he told about the honeymoon.
- They had spent it in New OrleAnswer:
- He had visited all the places there.
- He told them about Bessie’s thought.
- He told about the first week of their married life.
- They were very happy in those days.
- He also told that Bessie ’was a marvellous cook.
- He talked of her love for the home.
- He talked about her unbound pleasure.
- As she knew that she was going to have a baby.
- The old gentle man was staring at Joe.
- He started at a puzzled manner.
- Joe had lost all idle of time.
- He talked on and on rapidly and excitedly.
- He had got as far as Bessie’s plan for child’s education.
- The porter touched him in his arm.
- He told that they were coming to the – station very soon.
- He gave the porter a tip.
- The train stopped off jauntily.
- He turned to pick up his bag.
- He marked the woman staring at him.
- He bade her good-bye.
- Joe saw Mrs. Thompkins on the other side of the iron fence.
- She was dressed in black.
- She wore a black veil.
- Joe went over to her briskly.
- Mrs. Thompkins put her arms around him.
- She kissed him twice.
- She said him poor Joe.
- Joe noticed that her eyes were red and swollen.
- She asked whether he had got her telegram.
- Joe replied positively.
- She again asked whether he received the second telegram.
- He leaned against the iron fence.
- She hold his hand.
- Joe said that he received the second telegram, but he did not go through it.
- So, he didn’t know that Bessie was dead.
- He sat down on an empty baggage truck.
- He hid his face in his hands.
Meaning of difficult words :
demented – made mad, insane.
cuspidor – spitoon
flabby – soft, yielding.
petulant – showing impatience and irritation.
droop – handing down.
jaunty – an easy and sprightly manner.
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