English Text

1. Early Autumn

2. The story of an hour

3. Plan of Attack
4. Charles

5. A man who had no eyes

Early autumn
1. What was the last thing Mary wanted to say to Bill? What do you think she actually wanted to
say?
Mary’s last words to Bill were a simple and brief goodbye. However, beneath her casual farewell,
she wanted to express her regrets about their past relationship and how much she missed him. She
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might have wanted to ask if he still remembered their love or if he ever thought about what could
have been.
Mary’s hesitation revealed her emotional turmoil. She struggled with unspoken feelings, held back
by the formality of their conversation and Bill’s distant attitude. Her inability to speak from her
heart highlighted the pain of lost opportunities and unresolved emotions.
2. What were the questions Mary could not ask Bill in the story?
During her short meeting with Bill, Mary wanted to ask him many questions but couldn’t. She
wanted to know if he ever thought about her after their breakup and whether he regretted losing
her. Mary may also have wondered if he was happy in his current life or if he missed the love they
once shared.
However, her fears and the emotional distance between them stopped her. These unanswered
questions reflected her sadness and longing for closure. Mary’s silence represented the regrets and
unresolved feelings that lingered long after their relationship ended.
3. Why did Mary and Bill not marry when they were young? What effect did this breakup have on
each of them?
Mary and Bill did not marry when they were young because of misunderstandings and poor
communication. Their love was genuine, but they lacked the ability to resolve their conflicts, leading
to their eventual breakup.

This separation had lasting effects on both of them, though in different ways. Mary carried the pain
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of regret throughout her life. Naming her youngest son Bill was a clear sign of her lingering
attachment to him. Bill, however, seemed emotionally unaffected when they met years later. His
calm demeanor suggested that he had moved on, highlighting how much more the breakup
impacted Mary.
4. Why did Mary name her youngest boy Bill?
Mary named her youngest boy Bill as a quiet tribute to her first love. This decision revealed that,
despite their breakup, she still thought about Bill and felt a deep connection to their past
relationship. Naming her child after him symbolized her unspoken feelings and lingering attachment
to their lost love.
For Mary, this act was a way to keep Bill’s memory alive, even though they were no longer part of
each other’s lives. It reflected her regret and the emotional weight she carried, contrasting sharply
with Bill’s apparent indifference.
5. What is the significance of the title Early Autumn?
The title Early Autumn symbolizes the passage of time and the fading of opportunities. Autumn,
often associated with the later stages of life, represents how Mary and Bill’s love has withered like
falling leaves. The word "early" suggests that while they still have time, it is quickly slipping away.
For Mary and Bill, their brief meeting reminds them of the love they once had, but it’s too late to
reclaim it. The title captures the bittersweet emotions of regret, nostalgia, and the inevitability of
change, mirroring the themes of the story.
6. Who suffers most from the quarrel between Bill and Mary?
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Mary suffers the most from their breakup and unresolved feelings. Her actions, such as naming her
son after Bill, show that she never truly moved on from their relationship. During their meeting, she
awkwardly tries to prolong the conversation, reflecting her emotional struggle and longing.
In contrast, Bill appears calm and indifferent. He talks briefly and shows no signs of regret or
nostalgia, suggesting that he has moved on. Mary’s lingering pain and inability to let go highlight
how much more she suffered compared to Bill.
7. What evidence suggests that Mary regretted losing Bill more than he regretted losing her?
Mary’s regret is evident in her behavior during their meeting. She tries to engage Bill in
conversation, despite his brief and casual responses. Naming her youngest son after Bill further
reveals her deep connection to him and her inability to let go of their past.
Bill, on the other hand, appears emotionally distant and unaffected. His detached attitude and lack
of interest in their conversation suggest that he has moved on. This clear difference in their
reactions shows that Mary felt the pain of losing Bill much more than he did.
The Story of an Hour
1. What was Mrs. Mallard's first reaction to the news of her husband's alleged death?
Mrs. Mallard’s first reaction to the news of her husband’s death was intense grief. She cried
immediately, showing a natural and heartfelt sadness. Her behavior initially reflected society’s
expectations for a widow: to mourn deeply and openly for her loss.
However, when she retreated to her room, her emotions began to change. As she sat alone, a new
feeling started to emerge—freedom. Mrs. Mallard realized that her husband’s death meant she
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could finally live for herself, without being tied to his will. Her tears dried up, replaced by a sense of
hope and liberation.
2. Mrs. Mallard died because of joy in The Story of an Hour. Discuss.
The doctors in the story concluded that Mrs. Mallard died from “the joy that kills,” believing that
she was overwhelmed with happiness upon seeing her husband alive. However, this is ironic and far
from the truth. Mrs. Mallard did not die from joy but from the devastating realization that her
freedom was gone.
For a brief moment, she had felt liberated, imagining a future where she could live for herself. When
she saw her husband alive, the shock of losing her independence was too much for her heart to
handle. Her death symbolized the crushing weight of societal expectations on women.
3. Do you agree with the doctor that Mrs. Mallard died from a shock of extreme happiness?
No, Mrs. Mallard did not die from happiness. The doctor’s conclusion reflects society’s
misunderstanding of her true feelings. While others believed she was overjoyed to see her husband
alive, she was actually devastated.
Her brief experience of freedom was taken away the moment she saw her husband. This emotional
shock, combined with the weight of societal expectations, caused her heart to fail. Her death
highlights how deeply she longed for independence, even if it went against societal norms.
4. What is the surprise ending of The Story of an Hour?
The surprise ending occurs when Mrs. Mallard’s husband, believed to be dead, walks through the
door alive and unharmed. This unexpected twist overturns the story’s central premise and has a
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profound effect on Mrs. Mallard, who dies suddenly upon seeing him.
The ending is ironic because everyone assumes she died of joy, but in reality, it was the loss of her
newfound freedom that killed her. The twist highlights the story’s critique of the societal roles
imposed on women, emphasizing how oppressive those expectations were for Mrs. Mallard.
Plan of Attack
1. What role did Clovis play in resolving Bertie's problem?
Clovis played a crucial role in helping Bertie escape his controlling mother, Mrs. Heasant. Using his
wit and clever storytelling, Clovis created a fabricated story about Bertie’s supposed plan to elope
with a woman Mrs. Heasant would find unsuitable.
This plan shocked Mrs. Heasant and forced her to reconsider her behavior. Clovis’s actions not only
freed Bertie from his mother’s interference but also exposed her flaws in a humorous way. His quick
thinking turned a serious issue into an entertaining resolution, showing his intelligence and
creativity.
2. How did Bertie teach a lesson to his mother, Mrs. Heasant, in the story? Discuss.
Bertie, with the help of Clovis, taught his mother a valuable lesson by making her believe he was
eloping with someone she disapproved of. This false story forced Mrs. Heasant to face the
consequences of her controlling behavior and reconsider her actions.
Through this clever scheme, Bertie showed his mother that her interference in his life was not
welcome. The situation humbled Mrs. Heasant and made her realize that her controlling nature
could drive her son away, leading her to change her behavior.
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3. How did Clovis resolve Bertie’s problem?

Clovis resolved Bertie’s problem by crafting a fictional story about Bertie’s plan to elope with a
woman who was socially inappropriate for Mrs. Heasant’s standards. This lie was carefully designed
to shock Mrs. Heasant into changing her behavior.
Clovis’s witty and imaginative approach allowed Bertie to gain more independence while teaching
Mrs. Heasant an important lesson about the dangers of being overbearing. His success in resolving
the issue showcased his intelligence and quick thinking.
4. Write a brief character sketch of Mrs. Heasant.
Mrs. Heasant is a strong-willed, opinionated woman who tries to control every aspect of her son’s
life. She believes she knows what is best for Bertie, often disregarding his own desires. Her
overbearing nature makes her an intimidating figure.
However, Mrs. Heasant is also capable of learning from her mistakes. When Clovis’s plan forces her
to confront her flaws, she begins to change. Her journey from a controlling mother to a more
understanding one highlights her ability to grow and adapt.
5. Why did Bertie become the most faithful friend of Clovis?
Bertie became Clovis’s most faithful friend because Clovis helped him escape his mother’s
oppressive control. Clovis’s clever scheme not only solved Bertie’s immediate problem but also gave
him the freedom to live his life on his own terms.
Bertie admired Clovis’s intelligence and wit, which turned a challenging situation into a humorous
and effective resolution. This shared experience created a strong bond between them, making
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Bertie deeply grateful and loyal to Clovis.

Charles
1. What are some of the characteristics of Charles? Does Laurie’s mother ever meet Charles’s
mother?
Charles, a fictional character created by Laurie, is portrayed as mischievous, disobedient, and
constantly causing trouble at school. He frequently hits classmates, talks back to the teacher, and
behaves inappropriately, making him a source of concern for Laurie’s parents.
Laurie’s mother never meets Charles’s mother because Charles doesn’t actually exist. He is a
figment of Laurie’s imagination, created to divert attention from his own bad behavior. This twist
reveals Laurie’s cleverness in hiding his faults from his parents.
2. Why did Laurie invent the devilish character of Charles? Discuss.
Laurie invented Charles to deflect blame for his own actions at school. By creating a fictional
troublemaker, Laurie entertained his parents with stories while avoiding punishment for his
misbehavior. Charles became his scapegoat, allowing him to shift focus away from himself.
Laurie’s invention shows his intelligence and creativity but also highlights the innocence of
childhood. Instead of admitting his faults, he cleverly manipulated the situation to his advantage,
revealing his mischievous nature and his desire to amuse his family.
3. What was the story made up by Laurie, and who was really Charles?
Laurie made up an elaborate story about Charles being the naughtiest boy in his class. Charles was
described as hitting classmates, yelling at the teacher, and disrupting the class. Laurie shared these
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stories daily, making Charles the focus of his parents’ attention.

However, it is revealed at the end that Laurie himself was Charles. The character was his way of
hiding his own bad behavior from his parents, showing his imaginative and sly personality.
4. Comment on the moral of the story Charles.
The story teaches the importance of understanding children’s behavior and being attentive to their
actions. Laurie’s parents blindly believed his stories about Charles without questioning their
accuracy, failing to notice Laurie’s own faults.
The moral emphasizes the need for parents to communicate openly with their children and observe
their behavior closely. It also highlights how children use creativity and imagination, sometimes to
avoid responsibility, reminding adults to guide them with care and understanding.
5. What lesson do you learn from Shirley Jackson’s story Charles?
The story teaches that children can be clever in hiding their actions and that parents must be
observant and involved in their children’s lives. Laurie’s parents believed his tales about Charles,
failing to see that he was describing his own behavior.
This serves as a reminder for parents to pay attention to their children’s actions and not take
everything they say at face value. The story also highlights the innocence and creativity of
childhood, balanced by the need for proper guidance.
6. What were the characteristics of Charles as fabricated by Laurie?
Charles was described as loud, rude, and mischievous. He often caused trouble in class, such as
hitting classmates, yelling at the teacher, and refusing to follow rules. Laurie exaggerated these
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traits to make Charles seem like a rebellious figure.

Charles’s characteristics reflected Laurie’s own behavior, as he created an exaggerated version of
himself. This fabrication allowed Laurie to entertain his parents while avoiding their criticism,
showing his imaginative and clever nature.
7. What are some of the characteristics of Laurie?
Laurie is intelligent, creative, and mischievous. He uses his imagination to create Charles, a fictional
character that helps him avoid blame for his actions. Laurie is clever enough to maintain the illusion
of Charles, fooling his parents completely.
Despite his mischief, Laurie is also a typical child exploring his boundaries. His ability to create and
sustain such an elaborate story shows his quick thinking and resourcefulness, but it also highlights
the need for proper parental attention and guidance.
A Man Who Had No Eyes
1. What’s the difference in the description between the blind beggar and the insurance salesman?
The blind beggar is described as shabby, bitter, and manipulative. He uses his blindness as a tool to
gain sympathy and money, often presenting himself as a victim of life’s cruelty. His demeanor
reflects self-pity and resentment.
In contrast, the insurance salesman, Mr. Parsons, is well-dressed, confident, and self-reliant. Despite
being blind, he has built a successful career and maintains a positive outlook on life. These
differences highlight the contrasting attitudes of the two characters, with one embracing resilience
and the other succumbing to bitterness.
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2. What is the moral of A Man Who Had No Eyes?

The story teaches the importance of resilience, hard work, and a positive attitude in overcoming
life’s challenges. While the beggar chooses to blame others and seek pity, Mr. Parsons turns his
adversity into an opportunity for growth and success.
The moral emphasizes that success depends on one’s perspective and efforts, not circumstances. It
also highlights the value of integrity, as the beggar’s dishonesty contrasts sharply with Mr. Parsons’s
dignity and perseverance.
3. Do you think Mr. Parsons is blind? If yes, then how does he recognize who the beggar is?
Yes, Mr. Parsons is blind, but he recognizes the beggar through his voice and story. Both men were
involved in the same industrial accident, and Mr. Parsons recalls the beggar’s deceitful behavior
during the event.
This recognition exposes the beggar’s lack of integrity, as he had tried to push others aside to save
himself. Mr. Parsons’s ability to identify the beggar despite his blindness highlights his sharp
memory and awareness.
4. Why did Markwardt tell the fake story of his blindness to Mr. Parsons in the story? Discuss.
Markwardt told a fake story about his blindness to gain sympathy and money. He blamed his
condition on others, avoiding responsibility for his own actions. Markwardt’s dishonesty stemmed
from his bitterness and inability to accept the truth.
His fabricated story contrasts with Mr. Parsons’s honesty and resilience. While Markwardt seeks
pity, Mr. Parsons’s success demonstrates that overcoming adversity requires hard work and a
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positive mindset, not manipulation or deceit.

5. Discuss the difference between the two blind men, Mr. Parsons and the beggar, in the story.
Mr. Parsons and the beggar represent two different approaches to life’s challenges. Mr. Parsons is
optimistic and hardworking, turning his blindness into an opportunity for success. He maintains
dignity and independence despite his disability.
The beggar, on the other hand, is bitter and dishonest. He uses his blindness to manipulate others
for sympathy and money, blaming his condition on external factors. These difference's illustrate the
story’s central theme: resilience and attitude determine success, not circumstances.