Communication in English
English lessons
فريق السيف
مسابقة
أرشيف المدونة الإلكترونية
Macbeth
Tales from shakes pear
Macbeth
The people in the story
Duncan: King of Scotland
Malcolm, Dona Bain : the king's sons
Macduff : Lord of Life
Macbeth : lord of Glamis [the hero ]
Banquo : lord of another city
Fleance : Banquo's son
The events [a short summary]
When Duncan was the king of Scotland , Macbeth [ a great lord ] was a near relative of the king . Macbeth was a brave lord in the wars . One day , when Macbeth and Banquo were returning from the war , they stopped by three strange witches , the first witch called Macbeth the lord of Glamis , the second witch called him the lord of Cawdar .The third witch called him the king of Scotland . Macbeth was surprised when he heard these prophecies, because Duncan is still a live . The witches also called Banquo that he was lesser than Macbeth but greater . Macbeth thought that these prophecies might be fulfilled when Duncan sent messengers to Macbeth giving him the name and the title of Cawdar.
From this moment , Macbeth decided to win the throne of Scotland . Lady Macbeth was a bad , ambitious woman she decided to do any thing even to murder the king to fulfill the great prophecy one day , Duncan went to Macbeth's castle to congregate him for his great victory in the war . So , Duncan gave lady Macbeth presents and sent her a rich diamond because of her most kind hostess .When Duncan went in a deep sleep , lady Macbeth returned to speak to her husband . She began to pour into his ears words which told him to murder the king
At first , Macbeth refused to kill Duncan because he is a relative of the king ,also, the king might be his guest and it was the host's duty to shut the door against his murders not kill him . At last , Macbeth softly crept in the dark to Duncan's room and killed him with a knife . He did so because his wife accused him of weakness . After the murder , she sent him to wash his hands of the bloody . Duncan's two sons escaped to Ireland and Macbeth was crowned as a king and thus the prophecy of the witches were fulfilled . After this Macbeth and his wife could not forget the great prophecy of Banquo , so they decided to kill him and kill his son .So Macbeth made a great supper and he invited Banquo ,so the guests thought that Macbeth was ill or mad . Again , Macbeth returned back to the withes to ask them about the future . This time , they warned him from Macbeth a great lord and Macbeth should not have of anyone because none of woman born should have power to hurt him . The witches told him that he should never be beaten until the wood of Birman should come against him so , Macbeth decided to kill Macduff , but he knew that he escaped to England to join the army with Malcolm and Donalbain to restore the throne .So he decided to kill Macduff 's wife and his children . Lady Macbeth could not bear her own guilt and terrible drams , so she died . So Macbeth shut him self up in his castle waiting for the approach the king's son .One day a messenger came and told Macbeth that Birman wood was moving . In fact, Malcolm ordered his soldiers to cut down each a branch of a tree and carry it before him . So , the second prophecy was fulfilled although of all these arrangements of the war against Macbeth , he thought that he could not be killed and said that none of woman born should have power to kill him , but Macduff told him that he was never born of a woman and was before the time , he was taken from his mother . Macduff killed Macbeth after his killing , Malcolm become the king of Scotland.
Rewritten by Rafeek Wafeek
Happy Chrasmas
A Tale Of Two Cities
Chapter 1 / The road to Paris – 1775
What are those two cities?
London and Paris.
Who ruled France and England?
A king and a queen in both countries.
How was the life in France on those days?
The people were poor, unhappy and hungry. The king made paper money and spent it, and the people had nothing to eat.
When did this story begin?
In November 1775.
Where was the coach going?
It was going from London to Dover.
Who was the man on the horse? What did he want?
He was Jerry Cruncher from Tellson's Bank. He wanted Mr. Jarvis Lorry to tell him that Mr. Lorry had to stop at Dover for a young lady.
What was the answer of Mr. Cruncher's message?
Came Back To Life.
What was Miss Manette look like?
She was pretty, with golden hair and blue eyes.
What story did Mr. Lorry tell Miss Manette?
About 20 years ago before she was born, her father who was a French doctor marrying an English lady disappeared. Nobody knew what had happened to him. Then his wife died. So Mr. Lorry brought Miss Manette back to England and Tellson's Bank took care of her.
What did Tellson's Bank men tell Miss Manette about her father?
They told her that her father had died.
What happened really to her father? Why?
He was in prison. Because he had a powerful enemy with the power to send him to prison and to keep him there, hidden and forgotten for 18 years.
What happened to Dr. Manette as a result for a long time in prison?
He has changed very much. Even his name had been forgotten.
Where has Dr. Manette been taken after the prison?
He has been taken to the house of an old servant in Paris.
"came Back to Life" explain
When Mr. Lorry said these words he was speaking about Dr. Manette who came out of prison after 18 years in it and he came back again to his daughter who was thinking he father as a dead man.
"A message for you. You have got to wait at Dover for a young lady" comment
Mr. Jerry Cruncher from Tellson's Bank said these words to Mr. Jarvis Lorry when he was going to get Dr. Manette back to life. This young lady was Miss Manette the doctor's daughter.
"Tell them my answer is Came Back To Life" comment
Mr. Jarvis Lorry said these words to Jerry Cruncher when he asked him to stop at Dover for a young lady.
" I have a strange story to tell you about on of the customer's of Tellson's Bank" comment
Mr. Lorry said these words to Miss Manette when he met her at Dover, telling her about her own father.
'But this is like my father's story" comment
Lucie Manette said these words to Mr. Lorry when he finished the story he was telling.
"He is alive, but he has changed very much. Even his name had been forgotten" comment
Mr. Lorry said these words to Lucie Manette when he was telling her about the true story of the disappearance of her father.
Chapter 2 / A wine-shop in Paris
What was Saint Antoine look like?
It was a part of Paris in which everyone was poor . The streets were narrow and dirty, the food shops were almost empty. The faces of the children looked old as they were so hungry.
Who was the owner of the wine- shop?
Monsieur Defarge who was working for Dr. Manette as a servant when he was a young boy.
What was Madame Defarge doing?
She was knitting and watching.
Why did monsieur Defarge keep Dr. Manette in a locked room?
Because he has lived too long behind a locked door. He is afraid if the door isn't locked.
How was Dr. Manette look like? What was he doing?
He was thin, white haired man. He was making shoes.
What did Dr. Manette took out of his bag when he saw Lucie?
He took some golden hair from her mother as he thought Lucie was his wife.
What did Lucie ask Mr. Lorry to do?
She asked him to help her to leave Paris at once.
Who helped her to take Dr. Manette back to London?
Mr. Lorry and Defarge brought food and clothes for Dr. Manette.
Why did the doctor do everything they told him to do?
Because he had been used to obeying orders for so many years.
What was the phrase that Dr. Manette repeating? What does it mean?
"One Hundred And Five North Tower" it was the number of his cell where he was kept 18 years.
"Because he has lived too long behind a locked door' comment
Defarge said these words to Mr. Lorry when Lorry was surprised as Defarge keeping Dr. Manette in a locked room.
" I think we should leave Paris at once. Can you arrange it?" comment
Lucie said these words to Mr. Lorry when she was asking him his help to take her father back to England.
"And there are many other reasons why Dr. Manette should leave France now" comment
Defarge said these words to Lucie mentioning that it was necessary for leaving fast.
"It is the same. How can it be? No, no you are too young." Comment
Dr. Manette said these words to Lucie thinking her his wife after he compared her hair with some golden her from his bag.
"You still working hard" comment
Defarge said these words to Dr. Manette when he entered the room with Mr. Lorry and Lucie Manette.
Chapter3 / A trial in London – 1780
Where's Tellson's Bank? What was it look like?
It was in the city of London. It was an old, dark and ugly building. It smelt of dust and old papers. The people who worked there all seemed old and dusty.
What kind of trials at the Old Bailey?
They were usually for dangerous criminals.
Who was the prisoner that day?
He was Charles Darnay a French young man of about 25, well dressed and quite calm.
What has Charles done to be Trailed?
He travelled from England to France and told the French king secret information about the English army.
What was Jerry Cruncher's job?
It was carrying messages for people in Tellson's Bank.
Who attended the trial?
A lot of people including Dr. Manette and his daughter Lucie, Mr. Stryver and Mr. Sydney Carton.
Who was the first person came up to speak? What did he say?
John Barsad said that he saw in Darnay's pocket some important plans and lists about the English armies.
Who was the second person came up to speak? What did he/ she say?
Lucie Manette said that she had met the prisoner on the boat which had carried her and her father from France to England. She saw him with two French gentlemen but he didn't show them any papers or anything that looked like a list.
Who was the last person came up to speak? What did he say?
He was a small red-haired man. He told the judge that he had seen Mr. Darnay at a hotel in a town where were many soldiers and ships.
When was the trial in Old Bailey?
It was in one morning in March 1780.
How did the similarity between Charles Darnay and Sydney Carton play an important role in the trial?
When the small red haired man insisted on that man who had seen was Darnay himself not someone who looks like. Then Mr. Stryver the lawyer who was speaking for Darnay told him that Sydney Carton is very similar to the prisoner so he might see someone else.
What was the difference between Sydney Carton And Mr. Stryver?
Mr. Stryver was a famous lawyer who was good at speaking but not good at discovering important facts and details that were hidden in a lot of paper. On the other hand Sydney carton was his assistant not caring about anyone or anything, but he did most of the real work for Mr. Stryver as he wrote down the questions which Stryver should ask at the next day's trial. So people thought Stryver is a clever lawyer. Sydney Carton was poor but Stryver was rich.
Who was Miss Bross? What does she look like?
She was the only servant that worked For Dr. Manette and she had taken care for Lucie since she was a child. She had red hair and a quick, sharp voice and seemed at first sight a very alarming person but she was in fact a worm hearted and unselfish friend who would do anything to guard Lucie from trouble or danger.
What was the state of Dr. Manette after passing five years?
He stood straight and strong. Sometimes his face became dark and sad when he remembered the years in the Bastille prison. He was well enough to work as a doctor.
""oh, he'll have to die, they will have to hang him." Comment
The doorman at Old Bailey said these words to Mr. Jerry Cruncher when he asked him what would happen to Darnay if he was guilty.
"Are you quite sure that the prisoner is the man you saw?" Comment
Mr. Stryver asked this question to the red-haired man when the last insisted on the man who he had seen was Darnay himself.
"Then I must ask you to look at the gentleman over there. Don't you think that he is very like the prisoner?" Comment
Mr. Stryver said these words to the red-haired man to prove that the man who the red-haired man had seen could be anyone else not Darnay but someone resembles him.
"it must be a strange for you to be a free man again, and to be standing here, talking to a man who looks just like you." Comment
Sydney carton said these words to Charles Darnay after the trail when he was inviting Darnay to eat with him.
"you have no reason to like me ,but I hope that you will allow me to pay the bill for both of us." Comment
Charles Darnay said these words to Sydney carton after they had eaten together after the trial.
"Nobody is good enough for my darling, Lucie and I don't like all these hundreds of visitors" Comment
Miss Bross said these words to Mr. Lorry as she was angry with Mr. Darnay and Mr. Carton as they became frequent visitors.
Chapter 4 / The Marquis of Evremonde
Why was the Marquis of Evremonde was angry on his way home?
Because he had waited for hours at the palace of the king of France, but the king hadn't spoken to him.
What happened when the Marquis was going home?
His coach was going fast so it ran over a child and killed him at once.
What did the Marquis do after killing the child?
He threw a gold coin to the driver to give it to his father.
What was the relation between the Marquis and Charles Darnay?
Charles Darnay was the Marquis's nephew.
Why was the Marquis's family hated everywhere in France?
Because they were hard, cruel landowners and the people who worked for them own nothing and don't even have enough food for themselves and their children.
Why was one of the people looking at the Marquis's coach in a very strange way?
Because he was looking at a dusted man who was holding under the coach. Then the dusted man ran away down the hill outside the village.
What happened to the Marquis the next morning?
The people in the palace found him killed with a knife pushed into his heart. On his chest lay a piece of paper with words "Drive him fast to his grave. This is from JAQUES"
"I can't understand why you people can't take care of yourselves and your children. I hope my horses are not hurt" comment
The Marquis said these words to his driver after the horses ran over the poor child of Gaspard.
"Be brave, Gaspard. Your child has died quickly, and without pain. It is better to die like that than to go on living in these terrible times." comment
Defarge said these words to Gaspard after the death of Gaspard's child under the feet of the Marquis's horses.
"Oh Monsieur, he was white from head to foot. All covered with dust" comment
A man from the village said these words to the marquis when he asked him why he was looking at him in a very strange way.
"NO. no, I had nothing to do with your problems. Unfortunately, our family no longer has that it once had." comment
The Marquis said these words to Charles Darnay his nephew when the last told him that he was in a great danger because of the Marquis himself who told Charles if he had the power, he would send Charles to the prison at once for the good of their family.
"If this land became mine, I would give it away and go and live somewhere else" comment
Charles Darnay said these words to the Marquis because he was unlike his uncle.
"you seem to be very fond of England, although you are not a rich man there" comment
The Marquis said these words to Charles Darnay while they were talking about their lives one in Paris and the other in England.
"Drive him fast to his grave. This is from JAQUES" comment
These words were written on the paper found on the Marquis's chest on the day of his death.
Chapter 5 / Two men speak of love
How was Charles Darnay's life in England after the death of his uncle?
He had become a successful teacher of France in London. He had worked hard to earn his living. He was also in love as he loved Lucie Manette, but he never declared his love to her.
What was the state of Dr. Manette when Charles Darnay went to him to declare his love to Lucie?
He was strong in body and mind, and sad memories of his long years in prison didn't came back to him often.
Did Charles Darnay speak to Lucie about his love to her? Why?
No, he didn't. because he knew her love to her father and also her father's love is so great, so he didn't want to come between Dr. Manette and her.
Why did Darnay go to Dr. Manette's house after the death of the Marquis?
To get a promise from Dr. Manette not to speak against him if Lucie told him she loved Darnay as she would never accept Darnay if she believed that it would make her father unhappy.
What information didn't Manette want to hear?
When Darnay tried to tell Dr. Manette his name in England is not his real name.
What happened to Dr. Manette when Darnay left him?
He went to his room, pale and silent, busy at his old prison work of making shoes. The shadow of the Bastille had fallen on him again.
What did Mr. Carton say to Lucie when they were alone?
He told her he loved her so much and he knew that he could never made her sad and destroy her life as he was a man who has spent his life so badly.
What did Mr. Carton ask from Lucie before leaving her?
He asked her not to speak of what have said not to anyone not even to the person dearest to her.
What happened to Dr. Manette after the marriage of Darnay and Lucie?
He returned to his state as a prisoner in the Bastille. For nine days and nine nights, the shoemaker worked on, leaving his table only to sleep, eat or walk up and down his room.
When did Dr. Manette regain his good state?
On the tenth morning of the marriage of Darnay and Lucie, he was his old self again.
"the two of you wouldn't separate because of me" comment
" A promise that if Lucie ever tells you that she loves me, you will not speak against me, and will tell her what I have said." comment
Charles Darnay said these words to Dr. Manette, to get a promise from Dr. Manette not to speak against him if Lucie told him she loved Darnay as she would never accept Darnay if she believed that it would make her father unhappy.
" I don't want to know. Tell me when I ask you. If Lucie agree to marry you" comment
Dr. Manette said these words to Charles Darnay when he refused to Know Charles real name.
" Miss Manette, I know that you could never have feelings of love for me, a man who has spent his life so badly." comment
Sydney Carton said these words to Lucie Manette when He told her he loved her so much and he knew that he could never made her sad and destroy her life as he was a man who has spent his life so badly.
"remember always, that there is a man who would give his life to keep someone you love alive and close to you" comment
Sydney Carton said these words to Lucie Manette.
Chapter 6 / Stormy years in France
Why did the people come to Defarge's wine-shop in Saint Antoine?
They came to drink the thin rough wine, but more often they came to listen and to talk and to wait for news.
How long had Defarge been away? What did he bring with him?
He had been away for three days. He brought a man who repaired roads.
What happened when Defarge and the road mender entered the wine-shop?
Three men went out one after another and waited for Defarge outside the wine-shop.
What did Defarge promise the road mender?
He promised him a room where Dr. Manette had sat making shoes.
What news did Jacques five bring?
He told them he had seen Gaspard holding on under the Marquis's coach. He ran away, then the Marquis was murdered. Gaspard disappeared and was caught a few weeks ago. Then the soldier hanged him and left his body hanging in the village square, where the woman go to fetch water and the children play.
What does John Barsad look like?
He is about 40 years old, quite tall, black hair, thin face.
What signal did Madame Defarge do when the stranger came into the wine shop? What did it mean?
She picked up a rose from the table and put it in her hair. It was telling the customer to leave the wine-shop one by one without hurrying.
How did they keep the list safe and unforgettable?
Madame Defarge was knitting every name into her work.
What news did Defarge report his wife from his friend in the police?
He reported her a new spy has been sent to Saint Antoine. His name was John Barsad.
What news did the spy tell Mr. and Madame Defarge?
He told them that Lucie Manette had married the new Marquis who prefers to live unknown in England as Charles Darnay.
How did the French revolution happen in the novel? When?
A great crowd of people around Defarge's wine-shop carried anything that could be a weapon ready to fight and to die in battle. It was the fourteenth of July 1789.
How lone did the battle at the Bastille last?
It lasted for four hours. Then a white flag appeared above the walls and the gates were opened.
What did the people of Paris do in the Bastille?
They freed the prisoners.
What did Defarge do in the Bastille?
He asked a man to take him to One Hundred and Five North Tower and there he searched the room and furniture very carefully. Looking for small hiding places.
What did "A.M" refer to?
Alexander Manette.
How was life in the Village where the Marquis had lived?
Life was hard. Everything was old and tired and broken down.
How did the ideas of revolution spread through this village?
They spread by strangers who were travelling about the country. They talked about new ideas started in Paris and were now running like fire across the country.
What happened to the castle of the Marquis?
The castle was burned and the people in the village watched and do nothing to save it.
"My wife remember everything. But more than that, every name is carefully knitted" comment
Defarge said these words to Jacques Two to tell him that the names of the cruel men that should be punished are kept safe and unforgettable.
"A new spy has been sent to Saint Antoine. His name is Barsad" comment
Defarge said these words to his wife Madame Defarge as he has been told by this news from his friend Jacques in the Police.
"even if that happens, we shall help it to come. But I believe that we shall see the day of our revenge against these hated noblemen" comment
Madame Defarge said these words to her husband when he told her it would take time to prepare for change and the crimes against the people of France can't be revenged in a day.
"I remember something about you, Monsieur Defarge. You took care of Dr. Manette when he came out of the Bastille" comment
John Barsad the spy said these words to Defarge when Barsad was at the wine-shop before telling Defarge that Lucie Manette had married the new Marquis who prefers to live unknown in England as Charles Darnay.
"I hope that Miss Manette keeps her husband away from France" comment
Defarge said these words to his wife Madame Defarge when John Barsad the spy had gone.
"Friends and citizens, we are ready to the Bastille" comment
These words are said by Defarge to the crowds announcing the beginning of the revolution after that the crowds began to move, like the waves of the sea.
Chapter 7 / A call for help
What was the terrible new machine of death?
The Guillotine.
What happened through three years since the revolution begin?
The citizens of France had fought to win power, and now they used it. Castles were burned, laws were changed, and the nobles died.
What happened to the king of France?
They put him in prison and in 1792, he was sent to the Guillotine.
What made Darnay to travel to France?
Because he had received a letter from Monsieur Gabelle who took care of Darnay's lands in France telling Darnay that he was arrested because he worked for a landowner who has left France.
Had all the rich noble die? How?
Not all the rich nobles had died. Some had escaped to England.
Which bank did the French emigrants use?
They used Tellson's Bank.
Why was Darnay trying to persuade Mr. Lorry not to go to France?
Because the weather wasn't good, the roads were bad and he was very old nearly eighty years old.
How did Mr. Lorry try to convince Darnay about Lorry's travelling to France?
He told Darnay he had the experience, and know the business. His work was to find and hide paper that might be dangerous to his customers. Finally Cruncher would go with him.
What did Darnay tell Dr. Manette on the morning of his wedding to Lucie?
He told Dr. Manette that his real name is the Marquis of Evremonde.
Who sent the letter to the Marquis of Evremonde?
Monsieur Gabelle who had been arrested and taken to Paris.
What did Gabelle ask from Darnay?
He asked him to help him as he was in prison because he worked for a landowner who has left France.
What did Darnay ask from Gabelle before leaving France?
He asked him to work for the people not against them.
Why didn't Darnay thin that he would be in danger?
Because he had done everything he could do to help people of his village.
What did Darnay do before leaving to France? Why?
He wrote two letters one to Lucie and the other to Dr. Manette telling them where he had gone and he wrote to save them from worrying.
What did Darnay realize as he reached France?
He realized that he couldn't return until he had reached Paris and proved himself to be a good citizen, not an enemy of the people.
Who helped Darnay to reach Paris?
Three soldiers helped him to reach Paris as they took some money for their help.
How did the officials Know that he is Evremonde?
They knew from Gabelle's letter that he sent to Darnay asking him to come to save his servant "Gabelle" from the prison as he was working for the people not against them as Darnay ordered him to do so.
What did the officials do to Darnay ?
They sent him to the prison of La Force and put in a cold empty room with locked door and bars across the window.
"you think that. At nearly 80 years of age, I'm too old. I have the experience " comment
Mr. Lorry said these words to Darnay telling him he was going to France in a business trip.
"Are you the man who married the daughter of Dr. Manette?"
"why did you come back to France?' comment
Defarge said these words to Darnay when he reached France
"Now I, too, have been buried alive" comment
Darnay thought this idea when he was put in the prison of la Force.
Chapter 8 / In the hands of the citizens
Where's Tellson's bank?
It was in Paris in a large building south of the river, close to the heart of the city.
What did the people use the grindstone for?
They used it to sharpen their knives and swords and axes.
When did Mr. Lorry arrived in Paris?
He arrived in Paris some days before Charles Darnay.
What did Mr. Lorry want Dr. Manette to do?
He wanted him to use his power to go to La Force before it is too late as the people are murdering the prisoners.
Who came to France to help Darnay at first?
Dr. Manette, Lucie and her daughter and Miss Bross.
How did Dr. Manette become a powerful man?
Because he was a prisoner in the Bastille. Everybody knew about him and how he suffered.
What did Defarge give Lucie?
He gave her a letter form her husband.
What was the Tribunal?
Tribunal was a group of judges made their own laws and threw prisoners out into the streets to be murdered by the crowds.
How many prisoners were killed during Dr. Manette's stay in La Force?
1100 prisoners were killed by the people.
What did Dr. Manette tell the Tribunal?
He told the Tribunal that he had been a prisoner in Bastille for 18 years, and that his son-in-law was now a prisoner in La Force.
What did the Tribunal agree to do?
The Tribunal agreed to keep Darnay safe from the murdering crowds, but they wouldn't let him leave the prison.
How long did Darnay stay in prison?
One year and three months.
What job did Manette have?
He had an official job as a doctor to three prisons.
Who was the man who arrived on the Day of Darnay's trial? Did Dr. Manette and Lucie see him?
Sydney Carton was the man who arrived on the Day of Darnay's trial. They didn't see him as he disappeared into another room when they entered to Tellson's Bank.
How many Judges were there in the Tribunal?
There were five judges in it.
How many prisoners were before Darnay? What has they condemned to?
Fifteen prisoners and all of them had been condemned to death.
What was Darnay's defense before the Tribunal?
He told them that he earned his own living in England, he had never wanted or used the name of Marquis, he didn't want to live by the work of the poor people of Franc. So he went to live and work in England, long before the Revolution.
What made the people who had shouted for his death shouted for his life?
He told the Tribunal that he had married the daughter of Dr. Manette a prisoner of the Bastille and a well-known friend of all good citizens.
What judge did the Tribunal make? How did people meet it?
It was to set Charles Darnay free. The people met it with a great agreement.
Why was Lucie worried?
Because she saw many innocent men and women had died for no reason.
Why wasn't possible to leave Paris at once?
Because Charles Darnay didn't have the necessary papers.
Who accused Darnay for the second time?
He was accused by Monsieur and madam Defarge and by one other person.
"My friend, I am safe in Paris I was a prisoner in the Bastille'
Dr. Manette said these words to Mr. Lorry who was worrying about Dr. Manette when the shouts of the crowds outside grew louder.
"Charles is safe, but I can't leave this place yet. Take Defarge to Lucie"
Dr. Manette wrote these words in a letter which was carried to Mr. Lorry in Tellson's bank.
"we have seen many wives and mother and we have seen many husbands and fathers put in prison for many years."
Madame Defarge said these words to Lucie when Lucie asked her to be good to Darnay.
Chapter 9 / The spy
Who did Miss Bross meet in the wine-shop? What did he ask her to do?
She met her brother Solomon the same man called John Barsad the spy. He asked her to leave him alone and go on her way.
What kind of job did John Barsad do?
He was a spy for the French prisons.
What name did Jerry Cruncher Know Solomon with?
He knew Solomon as John.
How and why did Sydney Carton threaten John Barsad?
He told him he would tell the people that he used to be a spy in England. Carton did so to force Barsad helping him in his plan to save Darnay.
Where did Sydney Carton go after leaving Mr. Lorry?
He went to a shop and bought some powders and spent the rest of that night walking the streets of Paris.
What things didn't Sydney carton know about Barsad that made Barsad afraid?
He couldn't return to England because he was wanted by the police there. In France, before the revolution, he had been a spy for the king's officers and Madame Defarge has knitted his name.
Where has Charles been taken?
He has been taken to Conciergerie.
What did Mr. Lorry Decide to do?
He decided to Leave Paris the next day as his work for Tellson's Bank is finished.
" I saw you came out of the Conciergerie today. I followed you and found out what you do" comment
Sydney Carton said these words to Barsad when Carton met Barsad with his sister Miss Bross.
"but if it goes badly for Darnay tomorrow . I can visit him once" comment
Sydney Carton said these words to Mr. lorry when Mr. lorry asked him about what he ahs done after the deal Carton has made with Barsad.
" I'll help you, but don't ask me to do anything that will put my life in danger, because I won't do it" comment
John Barsad said these words to Sydney Carton.
Chapter 10 / The secret paper
Who has accused Charles Evremonde again?
He is accused by Ernest Defarge, by Teresa Defarge his wife and by Alexandre Manette, doctor.
Who came first to answer questions in front of the Tribunal? What did he say?
Defarge told how he had been at the Bastille at the beginning of the revolution and how he went to the room and found a written paper hidden in a hole and this paper was Dr. Manette's writing.
Who attended the second trial for Darnay?
Dr. Manette , Lucie and Mr. Lorry.
When was Manette arrested? When did he write his writing?
He was arrested in December 1757and he wrote his writing in 1767 in his secret moments.
Who stopped him? What did they want?
Two men stopped him and they wanted him to go with them.
Where did the two men take Manette?
They took him to a lonely house outside Paris.
What did Dr. Manette see as he entered the house?
He saw a young woman lying on bed very ill. She was young and very beautiful.
What did Dr. Manette give the young woman?
He gave her something to make her calmer, but her feverish screams continued.
Who was the other patient? How was he?
He was a boy of about 17. There was a sword wound in his chest and he was dying.
How was the boy get hurt?
When he came to the noblemen's house shouting about revenge and made the nobleman fight him.
What was the boy's story?
The noblemen destroy his family's land and take their food and steal his sister as she was very beautiful and she was married to a man in their village. This man was sick, but she married him to take care of him as she was in love with him and when the nobleman's brother saw her and wanted her. They made her husband work night and day until he dead. Then they took his sister away. His father died when he heard that. So the young took his younger sister to a safe place and came to the nobleman who tried to buy the boy like a dog but the boy made the nobleman pull his sword.
What happened to the young woman?
Her fever continued. Dr. Manette couldn't save her so she died after several days.
What did Dr. Manette do the next day?
He wrote to the king's officials about what the two brothers had done.
Who visited him? What did she want?
The wife of the Marquis of Evremonde visited him. She wanted to help the younger sister of the girl who had died so she asked him where she could find her.
Who was with The wife of the Marquis of Evremonde?
Her little son Charles Darnay who was about three years old.
What happened to Dr. Manette when he sent the letter to the king's officials?
On the same night someone came to his house saying that there was a sick man in the next street, as soon as Dr. Manette was outside the house, several men took hold of him violently. The Evremonde brothers came out of darkness and the Marquis took the letter out of his pocket and burned it then Dr. Manette was brought to the prison.
What was Charles relation to this case?
He was the son of the Marquis who tortured and caused the death of the peasant 's family.
What was the sentence of the trial?
Charles Darnay would go to the Guillotine in less than 24 hours.
"Where is the liar who says I accuse my daughter's husband?" comment
That question was asked by Dr. Manette when he knew that he was on of those who accused his son-in-law Darnay.
"my husband, my father, my brother' the young woman who was lying on bed repeated these words to Dr. Manette when the two brother bring him to save her. comment
"I call for you and your brother and all your family, now and in the future, to pay for what you have done" comment
These words were the last words of the young boy who all his family were dead because of the Marquis and his brother. He said these words in the presence of Dr. Manette.
" I shall tell my son to continue the search after my death" comment
The wife of the Marquis of Evremonde said these words to Dr. Manette as she wanted to help the younger sister of the girl who had died so she asked Dr. Manette where she could find the younger sister.
Chapter 11 / Madame Defarge's revenge
What did Lucie want to do? Who helped her to do so?
She wanted to kiss her husband, John Barsad helped her to do so.
What happened to Lucie after taking Darnay away?
She fell to the floor unconscious.
Who helped Dr. Manette and Mr. Lorry with Lucie? Where did they take her?
Sydney Carton helped them. They took her into the house where her daughter and Miss Bross waited.
What did Sydney Carton want to do?
He wanted to kiss Lucie and as he did so he whispered a few words and went into the next room.
Why should Sydney Carton show himself to the people?
Because the should know that there is a man like him in the city.
Who was Madame Defarge?
She was the younger sister and it was her family that suffered so much from the Evremonde brothers. It was her sister who died and her sisters husband and her father and her brother who was killed.
What did Carton hear at the wine-shop?
He heard that Madame Defarge wanted to continue in her revenge and wanted to kill Lucie and her daughter because of her marriage from Marquis of Evremonde.
What bad news was waiting for Sydney Carton?
He found that the doctor's mind had returned to the past once again. He didn't recognize his friends, and wanted only to find his table to make shoes.
What did Sydney Carton want Mr. Lorry to do?
He wanted Mr. Lorry to take Dr. Manette and Lucie and her daughter and leave by coach at 2 o'clock tomorrow and to keep a place for him in the coach. He gave Lorry his papers asking him to keep them safe.
"No, no. Now we know how much you suffered, especially when you knew whose son I was, but you kept your feeling secret" comment
Darnay said these words to Dr. Manette when he discovered how was Dr. Manette imprisoned.
"My dearest love, we shall meet again in the place where there are no worries" comment
Darnay said these words to his wife before Darnay was taken away to wait for his death.
"after today , no judge in Paris would even try to save him. The people would be too angry" comment
Sydney Carton said these words Mr. Lorry before he went to Saint Antoine.
"not until they are all dead, everyone of that family" comment
"don’t forget that I was that younger sister. And it was my family that suffered from the Evremonde's brothers." comment
Madame Defarge said these words to her husband when Carton knew that she wanted to continue in her revenge and wanted to kill Lucie and her daughter because of her marriage from Marquis of Evremonde.
Chapter 12 / A change of clothes.
What did Darnay write to his wife?
He knew nothing about the time her father spent in prison until Dr. Manette told him. Even then he didn't know that it was his family that had been so cruel to Dr. Manette. He told her father that his real name was Evremonde, and he made him promise not to tell her.
Who entered the prison of Darnay at one o'clock?
Sydney Carton.
What did Sydney Carton want Darnay to do?
He wanted Darnay to take off his boots and put on Sydney Carton's shirt and his coat. He asked him to write a letter to Lucie.
What did Sydney Carton do when Darnay finished writing?
He put his hand close to Darnay's face and gently pressed a cloth against Darnay's nose and mouth. So Darnay lay unconscious on the ground.
What did carton do after that?
He dressed himself in Darnay's clothes, and pushed the note that Darnay had written inside Darnay's pocket.
What did John Barsad as from Sydney Carton?
To keep him out of danger and go on with this plan to the end as 52 prisoner must die on the next day.
What did Sydney Carton ask from Barsad?
He asked Barsad to take Darnay to Mr. Lorry and put him in the coach and tell Mr. Lorry to leave at once.
Where was Sydney Carton taken after the replacement?
He was taken into large dark room where many people stood silent, looking at the ground.
Who was the young woman? What did she want?
She was with Darnay in La Force. She wanted to hold his hand as it may help to make her brave.
Did the young woman discover the reality of Sydney Carton?
Yes, but he touched his lips with finger to prevent her from speaking.
"Be Quiet! I come from your wife. She begs you to do exactly what I say, and to ask no questions" comment
Sydney Caron said these words to Darnay in the prison to help him to escape from the prison and take his place in the prison.
"him man, I've changed places with him. You can say that it was too much for him, saying his last goodbye to his friend" comment
Sydney Caron said these words to John Barsad after he had taken the place of Darnay in the prison.
"I am innocent. What could a poor little thing like me do? I am not afraid to die but I have done nothing" comment
A young woman said these words to Sydney Carton thinking him Darnay while they were waiting for their death.
"Oh! let me hold your brave hand stranger" comment
A young woman said these words to Sydney Carton after she discovered he wasn't Darnay.
Chapter 13 / The last Goodbyes
What was Madame Defarge intended to do?
She intended to go to the Tribunal and accuse Lucie and her daughter.
What thing was Madame Defarge afraid from?
She was afraid from her husband may warn Lucie and let her escape.
Where did Madame Defarge go? Why?
She went to Lucie Manette at home to make her say things against the revolution and condemned herself.
What did Madame Defarge hide in her clothes?
A gun and a sharp knife.
Who did she met at the house? Why were they there?
She met Miss Bross because Mr. Lorry decided that two coaches better than one, with fewer passengers each coach would travel faster. So he left Miss Bross and Jerry Cruncher to take another coach.
Where did Cruncher go? Why?
He went to the stop the second coach coming to the house and drive it to the church because a second coach leaving from the house might suggest escaping.
What is the difference between Madame Defarge and Miss Bross?
Miss Bross was a true friend of the doctor's family and Madame Defarge was the family's enemy.
How did Miss Bross play an important role at the end?
She killed Madame Defarge when she tried to search the house looking for Lucie and left her dead body in the house after locking the door. Then she threw the key in the river.
What did carton see as he was going to his death?
He saw Barsad, Defarge, the judges, all dying under this terrible machine. He saw a city being built in this terrible place. He saw that new people will live there in a real freedom. He saw Lucie when she became old and hearing her telling her little son who is named after him the story of Sydney Carton.
"My husband is a good citizen, but he is not strong enough. He feels sorry fro the Doctor" comment
Madam Defarge said these words to her friends
Chapter 1: Five Years Later
The second book opens with a description of the venerable Tellson's Bank. Its darkness and discomfort are much beloved by those who work there. Indeed, their conviction that it should remain inconvenient and deteriorating is so strong that they would have disinherited a son who disagreed with them.
Jerry Cruncher, who delivered the message on horseback to Mr. Lorry, serves as an odd job man for Tellson's. He lives in Whitefriars in a tiny apartment kept immaculate by his wife. He abuses this wife roundly for kneeling to pray, insinuating that her prayers interfere with the success of his business. He enlists the aid of his admiring son to prevent Mrs. Cruncher from praying against him. When she tries to pray, her son reveals her transgression to his father.
The young Cruncher follows his father to work, and he wonders where the rust on the straw his father is chewing comes from. His job at Tellson's does not involve rust, yet Jerry Cruncher is always rusty.
Chapter 2: A Sight
An old clerk at Tellson's gives Jerry Cruncher a message to deliver to Mr. Lorry at Old Bailey, where Charles Darnay is being tried. Jerry makes his way into the trial and is reassured by an onlooker that this is indeed the treason case. The man gruesomely describes the quartering that is certain to follow as punishment. When the young gentleman prisoner, Charles Darnay, is brought in, the whole courtroom stares at him. He had pleaded not guilty the previous day. Darnay's gaze rests immediately on Dr. Manette and his daughter, who are to be witnesses for the prosecution.
Chapter 3: A Disappointment
Charles Darnay is charged with shuttling back and forth between France and England in order to spy. John Barsad, who was his friend, is the chief witness against him. Darnay was allegedly involved in traitorous activities as far back as five years ago, during the outbreak of the American Revolution.
Mr. Lorry is called to give evidence against Charles Darnay, and he identifies Darnay as the man who came on board in the middle of the night at Calais on the way from France to England. Miss Manette is called and, though she identifies him, she strongly regrets that her evidence could bring him any harm. Lucie testifies that the prisoner confided in her that he was traveling under an assumed name on a delicate business. Dr. Manette testifies that he also recognizes the man.
The case is thrown into uproar and made fruitless, however, when a Mr. Carton reveals himself. Carton looks so much like Darnay that a positive identification of the defendant is made impossible. Darnay's defense counsel, Mr. Stryver, shows that Barsad was himself a traitor. The jury deliberates for a long time. Lucie faints and is taken out of the courthouse. Mr. Lorry tells Jerry to remain to take the verdict to Tellson's. Jerry receives a piece of paper on which it is written that Darnay is acquitted.
Chapter 4: Congratulatory
Dr. Manette, Lucie, Mr. Lorry, the solicitor for the defense, and Mr. Stryver all congratulate Darnay on his escape from death. Dr. Manette's face is clouded over by the negative emotions caused by being cross-examined about being imprisoned. The Manettes depart in a hackney-coach, and a slightly drunk Mr. Carton asks to be allowed to speak to Mr. Darnay. They dine in a tavern, and Mr. Carton proposes a toast to Miss Manette. After Darnay leaves, Mr. Carton looks at himself in a mirror and reflects that he does not like Darnay because he too much resembles what Carton himself could have been, had Carton not been so dissolute. He hates Darnay for inspiring Miss Manette to look at him with such compassion.
Chapter 5: The Jackal
Mr. Stryver is prone to alcoholism, and he is a drinking companion of Mr. Carton's--they had been fellow students in Paris. Mr. Stryver, despite all of his capacity to push himself ahead, became a much more successful lawyer when Mr. Carton began working on and helping summarize his documents for him. Thus Carton became Stryver's jackal. When Stryver talks about how pretty Miss Manette is, Carton denies it, claiming she is nothing but a blond "doll." Carton leaves Stryver's house and returns to his own, crying himself to sleep. He is haunted by the honorable glories that once were available to him but are now out of his reach.
Chapter 6: Hundreds of People
Four months after the trial, Mr. Lorry dines with the Manettes. The Manettes live in Soho, a charming part of London not yet fully urbanized. Dr. Manette has revived his medical practice out of the house and lives comfortably. He converses with Miss Pross, who is upset because, as she terms it, hundreds of people come looking for Miss Manette (whom she calls "my Ladybird") although Miss Pross thinks they do not deserve her. Mr. Lorry recognizes Miss Pross's devotion and values her more highly than wealthier women who have balances at Tellson's. He questions Miss Pross about whether Dr. Manette knows the identity of the person who caused him to be jailed for so long; she thinks he does. When Lucie and her father arrive, Miss Pross fusses over the girl, arranging her bonnet and smoothing her hair. Miss Pross had scoured the neighborhood for French expatriates to teach her cooking tricks, and she is now considered a sorceress in the kitchen. After dinner, Mr. Darnay comes to call. Dr. Manette is in good humor until he gets flustered when Darnay tells a story about the Tower of London, in which many prisoners' initials were carved. The only ones that couldn't be matched by a former prisoner were D.I.G., which the guards figured was an imperative to dig (they dug, but found only remains of a possible letter).
Mr. Carton joins the party as it moves inside out of a rainstorm. Lucy tells of her fancy that the footsteps that echo outside her house are the footsteps of people to come in and out of her life. Mr. Carton observes that this vision represents a great number of people who really will be in her life.
Chapter 7: Monseigneur in Town
Monseigneur is a powerful lord of France who holds receptions every two weeks in his hotel in Paris. It takes four men to muster the ceremony necessary to serve him his morning chocolate. His idea of general public business is to let things go their own way, and his idea of specific public business is for things to go whatever way is most profitable for him. Monseigneur found that these principles, in addition to the reduction of his finances, made it advantageous for him to ally himself with a Farmer-General by marrying his sister to one. Everyone in his court is unreal because none knows how to do a lick of work that is useful to anyone else. The Marquis de Evremonde, also known as Monseigneur, condemns him as he leaves, and then rides away in his own carriage.
Monseigneur's carriage, driving recklessly fast, runs down and kills a child. The Marquis gives Gaspard, the child's father, a gold coin, and gives Defarge another gold coin for making the philosophical observation that the child is better off dead. As the Marquis is driving away, Defarge throws the coin back at the carriage. Upper-class people continue to drive through Saint Antoine as the poor and hungry look on.
Chapter 8: Monseigneur in the Country
The Marquis continues driving in his carriage through another poor village, this one made destitute by over-taxation. He stops and demands to speak with one of the villagers, asking him why he stared so intently as the Marquis drove up the hill. The man replies that there was a man under the carriage hanging from the shoe. He describes the man as white as a miller and tall as a ghost. The villager claims that when the carriage stopped, the man underneath dived headfirst over the hillside. The Marquis loses patience with the story and asks Monsieur Gabelle, the Postmaster, to put the villagers out of his sight. The Marquis sets off again but is waylaid by a woman with a petition. Her husband has died and she wishes for a piece of wood or stone to mark his grave; too many have died and become heaps of unmarked earth. He pushes away from her without replying and continues the journey to his château. When he arrives he asks if Monsieur Charles has yet arrived from England.
Chapter 9: The Gorgon's Head
The château is all stone, as if a Gorgon's head had looked at it. Monseigneur sits down to dinner after complaining that his nephew has not yet arrived. When Charles Darnay does arrive, Monseigneur observes that he has taken a long time coming from London. Darnay accuses Monseigneur of an effort to have him imprisoned in France with a letter de cachet. Monseigneur does not deny this, but he complains about the inaccessibility of such measures and the privileges that the aristocracy has lost. He considers repression to be the only effective and lasting policy; Darnay replies that their family has done wrong and will pay the consequences. Darnay renounces his property and France. Monseigneur mocks him for having not been more successful in England, then mentions the doctor and his daughter but ominously refuses to say more.
Owls howl through the night, and when the sun rises its slanting angle makes the château fountain seem full of blood. The villagers wake up first to start their toil, and the occupants of the château awake later, but when they do arise, they engage in frenzied activity. Monseigneur was murdered during the night. There is a knife through his heart, containing a piece of paper on which it is written: "Drive him fast to his tomb. This, from Jacques."
Arms & The Man
Characters
Major Petkoff got his position in the army more because of his wealth than his ability. He is not a good one in the art of soldiery. He takes help from Bluntschli but believes that he himself has made all the plans. But he is a good father and husband.
Sergius
Sergius is handsome like any romantic hero. He has a good position in the army and is supposed to be brave. He is thought to be in love with Raina but flirts with Louka.
Bluntschli
Bluntschli is a Swiss professional soldier. He believes that it is
better to be armed with chocolates than with ammunition ذخيرة on the battlefield. He is not good-looking and romantic like Sergius but he is a practical, energetic and good soldier.
Louka
She is a servant girl in Petkoff house. She is proud and hates being a servant. She is ambitious and wishes to rise in life. Nicola wishes to marry her but she loves and plans to marry Sergius and rise in society.
Nicola
Nicola is an old servant of the family. He deals freely with the members of the family as well as their guests. He is fond of Louka who hates of his being a servent.
Themes
The play has two major Themes :
*War and marriage. Romantic illusion وهم about war leads to disaster, in the same way romantic ideas of love and marriage lead to unhappy marriages.
The relationship between the upper and lower classes as represented by the Petkoffs and their servants Nicola and Louka. Shaw encourages social equality .
Raina Petkoff is a romantic young girl who has an idealistic views of war. She is engaged to Sergius, a young officer with romantic views about war too. A escaping enemy soldier, Bluntschli, breaks into Raina's bedroom. This soldier is practical and teaches Raina the realities of war. Bluntschli is a soldier (a Swiss soldier for hire, fighting for the Serbs) who prefers a supply of chocolates to bullets when he goes to the front الجبهة .
Raina's romantic idea about soldiers will change when Bluntschli tells her that he is afraid to die. However she lets him escape because she loved him.
After the war is over, Major Petkoff and Sergius returned and spoke about Bluntschli who has helped them in moving their armies. Bluntschli is ready to fight for any side that pays. The men have also heard stories about the Swiss soldier's escape and how a young girl had given him shelter. They do not know that that happened in Raina's room.
Sergius is attracted to Louka (the servant). While Major Petkoff and Sergius are in the library, Captain Bluntschli arrives to return the coat which Raina lent him. Raina and her mother wanted the Captain to leave and pretend not to know him when Major Petkoff and Sergius greet him warmly. The men invited Bluntschli to lunch. After lunch, Major Petkoff asks for his coat and Raina becomes afraid that he may discover the photo that she had put in the pocket for her "Chocolate Cream Soldier."
Sergius learns the true character of the "Chocolate Cream Soldier" and asks Bluntschli for a duel مبارزة. Raina refuses and expresses her real feelings for Bluntschli. Louka succeeds in getting Sergius for herself and Major Petkoff and his wife accepts Bluntschli's marriage to Raina.
Summary act 1
It is November 1885, during the Serb-Bulgarian War. Raina Petkoff, a young Bulgarian woman, is in her bedchamber She is on the balcony admiring the beauty of the snow peaks on a starlit night .
Raina looks lovingly at Sergius' photo, dancing and dreaming of his bravery in defeating the Serbians. Then Raina's mother, Catherine, enters and says that Raina's fiancé, Major Sergius Saranoff, is the hero of a cavalry charge because he has led the Bulgarian army to a great victory.
Raina feels happy that her ideas about Sergius' heroism and patriotism وطنيته have come true. Now she is sure he is brave and she feels pity for the poor soldiers whom he fought. So she feels ashamed of doubting him before.
Louka (the servant) enters and says that all the windows must be shut. The Serbs are being chased through the pass and they may run through the town, so there may be shooting. Raina asks her to keep the shutters النافذة the balcony open and promises to shut them if she hears any shoots.
Catherine and Louka leave. Raina admires her lover's portrait again and goes to bed with a novel. Suddenly she hears gunshots so she rushes to blow out the candles and hides herself in bed.
There is firing close by. Then the shutters of her balcony open and a figure enters closing the shutter behind him. She can hear him panting يلهث. Then a voice threatens to shot her if she doesn't keep silent. He asks her to light a candle. She sees a man of 35 "in great trouble, covered with mud and blood and snow.
He is wearing the uniform of a Serbian officer. He warns her that if the Bulgarian officers followed him to the room, he would be killed and he does not like to be killed.
The fugitive لاجئ tells her that because she is undress, it wouldn't be suitable if the soldiers came in. So she reaches for her cloak but he takes it before she can. Having her cloak can guarantee his safety far better than his revolver so he throws it on the ottoman(sofa)
They hear shooting by voices insisting on entering the house to look for a fugitive. Louka knocks on Raina's door. The fugitive quickly throws her cloak to her. Raina hides him behind the curtains and opens the door.
Catherine has also come with a Russian officer to search Raina's room. After making sure that no fugitive is hiding there, the officer apologizes and leaves.
Raina asks Louka to leave the room and follow her mother to search the rest of the house. Louka has seen the revolver on the ottoman and her glances tell Raina that she knows her secret(that the fugitive is hiding in the room). She leaves the room and Raina shuts the door carefully. Then the fugitive comes out of his hiding place and thanks Raina for saving his life.
نمساوى
Raina thinks that he is one of the Austrians whom she hates for helping the Serbs(their enemy) against the Bulgarians(her people). But he tells her that he is a Swiss mercenary مرتزقة hired by the Serbs to fight for them. He asks her not to hate him and allow him to spend some more time in her bedroom as he is still in danger.
By chance, Raina sits on his revolver that he threw carelessly on the sofa and gives a cry. She understands what Louka was staring at. Raina's cry frightens him. When she sees him afraid, she hatefully gives it to him to protect himself.
The Swiss soldier confesses that the revolver is not loaded. He has no bullets as he prefers to carry chocolates in the front to carrying cartridges in case he is hungry during the battle. Food is more important to him than bullets.
His words shakes Raina's idealistic ideas of courage, patriotism and manhood. She gets very angry. But when she sees he is really hungry, she offers him some chocolate creams in an insulting way . The starving soldier eats it all.
Raina receives another shock when he says that old soldiers, like himself, prefer to carry food to the battle whereas the young, rash soldiers always carry revolvers and ammunition.
Raina gets more angry and takes the box nervously when he finishes. This frightens him again. So he asks her not to take revenge because he frightened her when he first came into her room. Raina hates much his Cowardice and says that she is braver than him although she is a woman.
The man feels that she is romantic so he explains to her the realities of war. *He tells her that a man is forced to be afraid if he is under fire for three whole days without food. He tells her that he himself is so weak that she could easily make him cry by just insulting him. Raina is affected by his words. However, she says that Bulgarian soldiers are braver and will not change even if they are in worse conditions.
The man disagrees with her. He sees that their army won the battle by luck as the Serbs were sent the wrong ammunition. They could not fire for ten minutes. He thinks their army is unprofessional: it was stupid of them to make a cavalry charge فرسان against a battery مدفعية of machine guns. Raina asks him to talk more about their army. Bluntschli doesn't know that the leader of the Cavalry is her fiancé, so he made fun at Bulgarian army.
"It's a funny sight. It's like slinging إلقاء a handful of peas against a window pane first one comes, then two or three close behind him; and then all the rest in a lump. مجموعة "
Raina thinks that Sergius must have been the first fighter because he is the bravest of them all.
"You should see the poor devil pulling at his horse."
"Do you suppose that the fellow wants to
get there before the others and be killed?
However the fugitive tells her that it was his horse that pushed him ahead and could not be controlled.
Bluntschli tells her that only the young soldiers fight hard without knowing that they could be shot easily but the older soldiers went in groups afraid of being killed. So their wounds were only small cuts on the knees. Raina is sure that the leader was not a coward and she is eager to know more of his work.
Bluntschli mocks at him and compares him to an operatic tenor and to Don Quixote who charged at the windmills.
دونكى شوت : قصة الطفل الذى يصارع طواحين الهواء بالسيوف ظنا منه أنها الأعداء.
Although Raina is hurt, she still believes in her fiancé's heroism. When she shows him the portrait of Sergius, her fiancé, he apologizes. But he makes matters worse by saying that Sergius must have been informed of the wrong ammunition in advance (He wanted to say that Sergius was a coward who took the advantage of his enemy's bad luck).
Raina's anger increases and she decides to do a soldierly act by asking him to go down the pipes again because he made fun of her future husband.
He is frightened and tells her that climbing up the pipe when the enemy was chasing him was easy but going down was impossible. So he asks her to give the alarm (تعلن عن وجوده لكى يتم اسره). Raina feels pity for him and says it is better for him to escape and not be caught. But he says that escaping is also death.
Raina, once again, feels pity because he is tired and sleepy. The fugitive prepares himself to go down. When he is about to leave, they hear firing so Raina pulls him back. She asks him to stay again and says he must know that they are hospitable. She starts to talk proudly about her father, their rich house and the library they own. She tells him that she will offer him refuge مأوى .
He asks her to tell her mother that he is here because as he could not stay in her room for long without her knowledge. As soon as she leaves, he falls into a deep sleep.
When Raina comes with her mother and finds him asleep, Catherine tries to awaken him by shaking him hard. Raina stops her saying that "the poor darling must be worn out ". Catherine is surprised for this feeling.
Questions with model answers
1) What contrast was shown in the furnishing of Raina's room?
The room was decorated in the worst taste. The furniture was not like the style of
2) What news did Catherine bring to her daughter, Raina?
Their army won the battle by the help of her fiancé. He defied تحدى the Russian officers' commands and made a cavalry charge on his own responsibility. The brave Bulgarian officers followed him. They killed lots of the Serbs. So he became "the hero of the hour".
3) How was Sergius courageous according to Catherine's description?
She said he was so brave in fighting the enemy, led the army on his own responsibility and was the first to go ahead.
4) How did the people at war see Sergius after the victory?
They praised his bravery in defeating the enemy and loved him very much for this.
5) Why did Raina feel remorseful نادمة after hearing the news about the victory?
She felt sorry for doubting his heroic deeds before. She wasn't sure if he would do well in battles or not.
6) Why did Raina feel so happy and proud of Sergius?
Because all her ideas about him became true. In the past she doubted his being brave and imagined he would not be able to do anything if he went to a real battle, but now after hearing about his winning the battle, she was the happiest.
7) What did Catherine blame Raina for?
She blamed her for making Sergius wait too long before she agreed to be engaged to him.
8) What did the mother advise her daughter to do when Sergius return back?
She asked her to repay him for not feeling his value and love him so much.
9) Why did Raina describe herself as "a prosaic ممله little coward"?
Because she doubted Sergius's bravery before. She felt that if he had to be in a real battle, he would appear weak and would not be admired by the other soldiers. Now after that was said about him, she felt she was silly to think so.
10) How did the fugitive look like?
He was a man of about 35. He was in a terrible state, covered with mud, blood and snow. His Serbian uniform was torn. He looked weary but seemed to have a sense of humor.
11) Why didn't Raina respect the fugitive at first?
She didn't like his feeling of fear and his cowardice. She thought he should have been braver as he was a soldier.
12) Why did the fugitive take Raina's cloak?
He used it instead of a weapon to save himself. She was undressed. So she ran to put it on in case anyone comes to look for him. He took it before her to prevent her from opening the door.
13) What were the weapons the fugitive used to guarantee Raina's silence?
· At first he threatened her with the pistol ordering her not to shout.
· When he saw that she was undressed. He took her cloak to force her not to open the door for the soldiers if they came to look for him.
14) Who is Louka?
She is a handsome proud maid serving the Petkoffs. Though she was a maid, she was bold while dealing with them.
15) Though he took Raina's cloak to force her not to open the door for anyone, the fugitive behaved manly. What did he do?
He threw the cloak to her to wrap herself up when Louka asked her to open for the officer who came to look for the fugitive.
16) Why did the Bulgarian soldiers call at the Petkoff's?
They were chasing the escaping Serbs after being defeated. The neighbours thought that one of them was climbing to the balcony. So they came to search the house.
17) What favour did Raine do with the fugitive?
She hid him behind the curtains in her room. While the soldiers were looking for him, she opened the shutters wide to let the officer search in the balcony only, then stood with her back to the curtains.
18) It was better for the Swiss soldier that Raina did not act in a professional way. Why?
Because if she did, she wouldn't have taken him in hidden him from the Bulgarians, offered him food and shelter and treated him so kindly.
If she had been professional, she would have handed him to the soldiers or shouted for help.
19) Raina contradicts herself throughout her conversation with the Swiss soldier. How is that?
· At first Raina got angry when Bluntschli spoke badly about her fiancé and made fun at him.
· She was also angry to see him a coward when he took her cloak to protect himself.
· She did not like him when he hid behind the curtains and not fight his enemy.
However she was attracted to him.
· She was secretly happy that Sergius turned out to be imperfect as she thought before.
· She decided to save his life by allowing him to stay in her room.
20) How did Raina make sure the fugitive was safe while the
Russian officer was searching the room?
She opened the shutters wide to let him search in the balcony only, then stood with her back to the curtains where the man was hiding.
21) How was the fugitive grateful to Raina?
He thanked her for saving his life and expressed his wish to serve her. He wished he had fought with her native army instead of the Serbs.
22) What nationality did Raina think the fugitive was?
She thought him one of the Austrians النمساويين who fought with the Serbs – their enemies – against the Bulgarian army.
23) What was the fugitive?
He was a Swiss professional soldier for hire ready to fight for the one who pays him.
24) What important lesson did Bluntschli learn from the war?
His years as a soldier taught him that food is more important than bullets , so he used to carry chocolates instead of bullets.
25) According to Bluntschli , how can you differentiate between a young soldier and an old one at war?
· One can tell the difference between a young soldier and an old one by looking inside his holsters جراب المسدس and cartridge boxes. The young soldiers always carried pistols, bullets and cartridges but old ones carried nothing but food.
· Young soldiers are always rash, inexperienced, ready to fight and die for their country. But old ones are much experienced and always stick together in large numbers. They try to avoid fighting to stay alive.
26) What were Bluntschli's views about the Bulgarian victory?
In his opinion, they won because of luck. They were not clever in the art of the war. They were stupid as they made a cavalry charge against a battery of machine guns.
27) How did the Swiss soldier describe the battle at Slivnitza?
· He said that the head of the Bulgarian cavalry charge was foolish and unprofessional because he threw a regiment of cavalry on a battery of machine guns.
· He said that he and his men were committing suicide and should be blamed. Because if the guns went off, they would all die.
· He said that they won by mere luck because the Serbians were sent the wrong ammunition and couldn't fire for ten minutes.
· He said that Sergius did it like an operatic tenor, a handsome man with flashing eyes and a lovely moustache, shouting out his war cry and attacked like Don Quixote at the windmills, thinking he was the cleverest.
· He said that the Serbs laughed at this funny sight but their laughter turned into sad cries because of the wrong ammunition.
28) How did Bluntschli satirize Sergius?
He said that Sergius was a real fool. He knew nothing about war. He was not brave. He did not rush first as Raina thought. It was only his horse that pushed him forward.
29) What was unprofessional about Sergius' victory?
Bluntschli thought that he was so because he chose to attack a battery of machine guns with a regiment of cavalry on horse back. Bluntschli saw this was like committing suicide because if the guns went off, all his soldiers and their horses would die.
30) What should have been done to Sergius for being unprofessional at war, according to Bluntschli?
According to Bluntschli, Sergius was in experienced enough to endanger the lives of his men. So he should have been tried by the law for his mad act.
31) What was Raina's reaction when Bluntschli criticized her future husband?
She could not believe that Sergius was a coward. So she was so angry with Bluntschli that she ordered him to leave.
32) In what way did the fugitive offend Raina?
He offended her more than once.
· First, he called Sergius a fool because he exposed his soldiers to danger when he made them fight a battery of machine guns and they were on horseback.
· Second, he called Sergius a poor coward devil who was trying to pull at his horse in order not to run away with him and take him to fighting.
· Third, he described Sergius as an operatic tenor who foolishly used his sword like Don Quixote thinking the windmills his enemies.
33) What favour did Raina do with the fugitive?
When Bluntschli came to her room for hiding from the Bulgarians who were chasing them, she hid him behind the curtains, stood against it and saved his life.
34) The cream chocolate had a great significance in Act one.
Discuss.
· Although the Swiss is an old professional soldier who fought wars for fourteen years, he chooses to carry chocolate instead of bullets to war because it is more useful than bullets at war. This is what the writer of the play ,G.B. Shaw, wants to say (There is no glory in making war or killing fellow human beings). So he uses the cream chocolates as a satire on that matter.
· The Swiss is also called a "Chocolate cream soldier" by Raina when he refuses to climb down the water pipe because he didn't like to make effort.
35) How did Raina boast of her family's social status?
She seemed to be proud فخورة of her family 's status. She talked many times about it in front of the Swiss soldier.
· She told him that the Petkoff is one of the most famous and richest families in
· She said her father held the highest rank in the army "Major"
· She tried to impress him by saying that their house was the only one in
· She said they have the only library in
· She said every year her family went to
36) Although Sergius did not appear in act one, four characters give different opinions about him. Discuss.
· The playwright describes his portrait as that of "extremely handsome officer"
· Catherine described him as being the idol of the regiment and the hero of the hour after winning the battle.
· Raina thinks of him as her hero who she worships and adores.
· The Swiss soldier described him as a fool, unprofessional
Quotations with model answers
1) "He sends me the news. Sergius is the hero of the hour, the idol معبود of the regimentكتيبة "
Catharine said these words to Raina as soon as she received news from her husband at war. Sergius became the hero of the hour after defeating the Serbs. Her mother feels how lucky her daughter was for having such a fiancé.
2) "You can't guess how splendid it is. A cavalry charge! Think of that! He defied our Russian commanders – acted without orders – led a charge on his own responsibility – he led it himself – was the first man to sweep through their guns."
Catharine said these words to Raina when she was telling her the news of Sergius's victory over the Serbs. The mother seems to be proud of Sergius because…………… .
This shows how the mother had a naïveساذج, unprofessional view. Because she praised Sergius who could have caused the death of all of his soldiers if he hadn't been lucky.
3) "The Serbs have Austrian officers who are just as clever as the Russians; but we have beaten them in every battle for all that."
Catharine said these words to Raina when she told her about her doubts for Sergius's bravery. She blamed her for not trusting her fiancée. She praised his courage in defeating the Serbs.
4) "If you have a drop of Bulgarian blood in your veins, you will worship him when he comes back."
Catharine said these words to Raina when she brought to her the news about Sergius' victory. Here she blames her daughter for her cold attitude to Sergius. She kept him waiting for a whole year before she accepted him. So the mother – here – is advising her daughter to show him more respect and care when he comes back.
5) "What will he care for my poor little worship after the acclamation of a whole army of heroes?"
Raina said these words to her mother when the latter blamed her for her previous cold attitude towards Sergius. The mother also advised her to show more love and respect to him when he returns back.
Then Raina felt that her love won't be important for Sergius who, now, is loved and worshipped by the whole army. These words show how Raina is sad and sorry for doubting her fiancé's courage.
6) "This is the happiest night of my life. If only there are no fugitives."
Raina said these words to her mother before they (Catherine and Louka) left. Catherine told her news about Sergius' victory over the Serbs. Raina was very happy and believed that that night was the happiest of her life.
However Louka's news that the Serbian fugitives were being chased and killed by the Bulgarians made Raina sad. She pitied the Serbs and wished that her people were more merciful. Louka's news disturbed her happiness and spoilt her perfect night.
There is also irony here because that night indeed turned out to be the happiest for Raina because there were fugitives.
7) "I wish our people were not so cruel. What glory there is in killing wretched fugitives."
Raina said these words to her mother when Louka told them news that the Serbian fugitives were being chased and killed by the Bulgarians down the streets. Louka said that the windows and doors should be closed because there might be shooting down the street. Raina expressed her sadness and sorrow towards the Serbian fugitives. She saw cruelty in the act of killing men, even if they were enemies.
This shows how Raina was Romantic and noble-hearted.
8) "It's not the weapon of a gentleman!"
Raina said these words to the fugitive when he took her cloak to force her not to open the door. He said that it was better than a weapon because she would not be able to appear undressed. Bluntschli was afraid to die at the hands of the Serbs.
9) "It is good enough for a man with only you to stand between him and death."
Captain Bluntschli said these words to Raina when she criticized him for protecting himself with a woman's cloak although he was a fighter. To force Raina not to open the door for anyone, he took her cloak.
10) "A narrow shave but a miss is as good as a mile."
Captain Bluntschli said these words to Raina when the Bulgarian officer and the soldiers left Raina's room. He meant that although he made a narrow escape, his neck was saved in the end. This shows how the Swiss soldier was grateful to Raina because she saved his life.
11) "I've no ammunition ذخيرة . What use are cartridges in battle? I always carry chocolate instead."
Captain Bluntschli said these words to Raina when she told him to load his empty revolver with the bullets he carried. He said he never carried ammunition in his cartridge box but he stuffed food in it instead. He thought that, during battle, food was more important than bullets.
This shows Bluntschli's and the playwright's opinions of war. For them war was bloody and terrible and there was no glory in it.
12) "Do you stuff your pockets with sweets - like a school boy – even in the field?
Raina said these words to the fugitive when he told her that he never carried any ammunitions. Instead he carried chocolate. In his opinion, food and chocolate were useful to a soldier than bullets. Raina scorned him for this. احتقرت
13) "I am only a woman, I think I am at heart as brave as you."
Raina said these words to the fugitive when he apologized for frightening her when he first came to her room. Raina – proudly – said that she never felt afraid. She couldn't believe there were frightened soldiers like him.
14) "I don't believe the first is a coward. I believe he is a hero".
Raina said these words to Bluntschli when he was telling her about the realities of war. He told her that young soldiers were the ones who rush first to fight not the leaders as she thought.
15) "Of all the fools ever let loose on a field of battle, that man must be the very maddest."
Bluntschli said these words to Raina when she asked him to describe the leader of the cavalry charge. Bluntschli thought that Sergius was not a good leader because he threw his regiment of cavalry on horseback on a battery of machine guns. For him it seemed like madness and Sergius should be blamed for this.
This shows how the man despised and mocked Sergius 's foolishness.
16) "He and his regiment simply committed suicide; only the pistol missed fire; that's all."
Bluntschli said these words to Raina who thought that Sergius was a brave hero. Bluntschli saw that Sergius was not a good leader as he threw his regiment of cavalry on a battery of machine guns. For him it seemed like committing suicide. Their victory was through luck as their ammunitions ran out.
17) "You are my enemy; and you are at my mercy. What would I do if I were a professional soldier?"
Raina said these words to Bluntschli after describing her future husband as a coward who knew nothing about the art of war. She was so angry that she asked him to leave her room.
18) "Oh, you are a very poor soldier : a chocolate cream soldier! It takes less courage to climb down than to face capture ."
Raina said these words to Bluntschli when he asked her to raise the alarm and inform about his presence in her room. This happened after Raina – angrily – asked him to leave the room. He was too tired and frightened to climb down the pipes again.
19) "No : capture only means death; and death is sleep."
The fugitive said these words to Raina when she advised him to climb down from the balcony to the street instead of being arrested. Bluntschli - who was too tired to do it – preferred she tell others to come and catch him.
20) "I shall sleep as if the stones were a feather bed."
Bluntschli said these words to Raina when she warned him against climbing down. He was too tired and she thought he would fall. Bluntschli was tired and unhappy so it didn't matter for him whether he would be caught or fall and meet his end.
21) "I tell you these things to show you that you are not in the house of ignorant country folk who would kill you the moment they saw your Serbian uniform, but among civilized people."
Raina said these words to Bluntschli boasting of her noble family. She told him her family is one of the richest one in the country, her father is a Major, her house is different from any in town, and that they were the only family that had a library. She said all this to convince him that they were a hospitable family who would not hesitate to help him.
22) "My mother and I can understand that notion, as you call it. And if instead of threatening me with your pistol, as you did, you had simply thrown yourself as a fugitive on our hospitality, you would have been as safe as in your father's house."
Raina said these words to Bluntschli who took refuge in her room. She was angry at the man who resorted to threats and the use of force to make Raina obey to shelter him. She boasted about her family saying they were so hospitable that they could take him in if he was in need.
23) "The poor dear is worn out. Let him sleep."
Raina said these words to her mother when she brought her to see the fugitive. Raina was affected by his visit. He showed her many of the realities of war. Seeing him tired, she pitied him and asked him to stay in her room for protection.
A scene between Louka & Nicola
Act 2
Summary
Pages (18 &19)
Four months later, the war came to an end and a peace treaty was signed. Act two opens in the Petkoffs' garden. We find Louka standing in a bold way smoking a cigarette and talking to Nicola.
Nicola was gently blaming Louka for her rudeness with the Petkoffs. He felt that they would dismiss her if she continued to treat them badly. He threatened her that he could never marry a person who was disrespectful to her masters.
Nicola advised her to copy his way in treating them. He was obedient to them because he planned to open a shop in
Nicola warned her against breaking their secrets. People would accuse her of being unfaithful. He warned her of the power of such rich people and what they could do to poor people like them. She might lose her job and no one would employ her. They could make her father suffer as well.
Louka – angrily – accused Nicola of having the soul of a servant. Nicola agreed and said this was the key of success. He told her that he knew lots of secrets about the Petkoffs. But as an experienced successful servant, he made his employers feel that they could depend on him to keep secrets.
Their argument was interrupted by the arrival of Major Petkoff from war. He is described as being an "insignificant , unpolished man. Petkoff sent Louka to tell the family of his arrival and fetch his wife to bring him some fresh coffee.
Questions with model answers
37) Louka is not an ordinary servant. Explain
Louka is a young woman servant. She is ambitious and hates being a servant. That is why she is defying Catherine and Raina all the time. She loves Sergius and dreams of marrying him and rising in society.
38) Comment on Nicola's character.
Nicola is a practical perfect servant. He understands his social status. Unlike Louka, he has no ambition of rising in society. All his dreams are to open a shop in
39) Nicola knew the secrets of success for a good servant. What were they?
Nicola was a cunning, far-sighted person. He knew his position on the social ladder well and tried to make the best of it instead of trying to rise beyond it.
· For him a good servant must make his employers feel that all their secrets are kept safe.
· A good servant must hold his tongue.
· A good servant has to be dependable and obedient.
Quotations with model answers
1- "I do defy her. I will defy her. What do I care for her."
Louka said these words to Nicola when he was warning her against showing no respect to Catherine. Louka – here – shows her challenging character. She knows secrets about the family. That is why she does not care for any.
2- "If you quarrel with the family, I never can marry you. It's the same as if you quarrelled with me!"
Nicola said these words to Louka trying to advise her to be a good obedient servant. He felt that Louka would lose her job if she kept on defying Catherine.
3- "You have no spirit. I should like to catch them saying a word against me."
Louka said these words to Nicola when he was warning her against showing no respect to the Petkoffs. Louka is independent, proud and ambitious. She doesn't like being a servant. So she accused Nicola of having no spirit because of his fears of the Petkoffs. She felt that she was an equal to Catherine and thought that the secrets she knew about Raina would force the family to treat her with respect.
4- "You don't know the power such high people have over the like of you and me when we try to rise out of our poverty against them."
Nicola said these words to Louka in his trial to convince her to show more respect to the Petkoffs. Nicola was upset as she used to be rude with Raina and Catharine.
5- "I know things about Raina that would break off her match with Sergius if – "
Nicola said these words to Louka trying to advise her to be a good obedient servant. He felt that Louka would lose her job if she kept on defying Catherine. He wants Louka to copy his way and never break the family's secrets because this will destroy her life.
Summary Act 2
Pages (19-21)
A scene between Major Petkoff and Catherine , his wife
Catherine appeared to greet her husband. Major Petkoff told her that the war was over and that the Austrians forced the Bulgarians to sign a peace treaty with the Serbians to maintain the long-lost peace.
Catherine who wanted to show herself as a patriot was against this. She blamed her husband saying he should have invaded
The couple started a domestic talk. While they were talking, we feel that they are vulgar and ordinary people, although they pretend to be civilized . When Petkoff asked her about her health, Catherine said that she had a sore throat. Petkoff attacked her for copying modern customs such as washing the neck everyday. Being unpolished and traditional, he said he didn't believe in the silly modern ways of washing.
He did not mind taking a bath once a week to keep his position, but not daily. He started talking about the story of an Englishman who used to wet himself every morning. For him it is an English habit because the English climate is so dirty but
He gave another example of his father who never had a bath in his life and lived to 98 and was the healthiest man in the country.
Catherine who is used to washing daily (as a way to show off) accused him of being vulgar. She proudly said that she installed a new electric bell in the library. She wanted her husband to be civilized and use it instead of shouting at Nicola.
Major Petkoff didn't see importance in this and made fun at her. He asked her to be civilized as well and stop her peasant habit of hanging out their washing to dry in the garden in front of the visitors.
Their conversation was interrupted by Sergius's voice. Major Petkoff showed his desire for not talking to him. Sergius bored him by complaining about not being promoted. However, Catherine thought he deserved it.
Questions with model answers
1. Bernard Shaw shows his satire of the contradictions in human characters through Major Petkoff' and his wife.
Explain
*Catherine used to act as a Viennese lady but in fact she looked like the wife of a mountain farmer.
*Although she pretended to be aristocratic, she was criticized by her husband for hanging the washing to dry in the garden.
*Catherine and her husband boasted of being cultured for having the biggest library. Though it was only one shelf of old books.
2. The Petkoffs are plain, vulgar and uncivilized people yet they insist on pretending to be grand and aristocratic. Discuss
1. Catherine – who is a perfect model of a mountain farmer's wife – insists on dressing and behaving like a Viennese lady.
2. She criticizes her husband for being unpolished when he shouts for their servants whereas he accuses her of being uncivilized for hanging the washing to dry in the garden.
3. She boasts of having the biggest library in
4. She installed an electric bell just to follow the European trend fashion.
3. Why did Catherine call her husband a barbarian?
She did so when he told her that he didn't believe in all the modern customs she was trying to copy such as washing too much. He thought it was disgusting to wash daily. He said that having a bath once a week was enough to keep up his position. He used his father as an example saying he never bathed in his life and lived healthily.
Quotations with model answers
1. "You are a barbarian at heart still. I hope you behaved yourself before all those Russian officers."
Catherine said these words to Major Petkoff criticizing him for not believing in washing everyday. Catherine was in the habit of showing off in front of others. She just tried to copy good habits to appear civilized.
2. "He bores my life out about promoting him."
Major Petkoff said these words to Catherine about Sergius. Petkoff seemed not to like his daughter's future husband. He saw Sergius to be an incompetent soldier.
3. "He certainly ought to be promoted when he marries Raina. Besides the country should insist on having at least one native general."
Catherine said these words to Major Petkoff about Sergius. Major Petkoff told her that Sergius was dull and boring. He bored him with complaining about not being promoted.
Catherine (being a patriot) was very upset when she knew he was not promoted although he did a good and worthy act at war.
Act 2
Summary
Pages (21-25)
A scene between Major Petkoff, Catherine, Raina
and Sergius
Major Sergius Saranoff appeared. He is described as a tall romantic handsome man. Catherine congratulated him on his famous charge against the Serbs
Sergius looked disappointed as he was not promoted in spite of his great success. He was not satisfied and mocked at the other Russian soldiers who were promoted to major-generals although they lost their regiments. So he handed in his resignation. But Catherine protested and said that he should withdraw his resignation. استقالة
Raina entered, dressed beautifully, welcoming him back. Sergius knelt down to kiss her hand, and then led her to the table to welcome her father.
Sergius mocked professional soldiers who attack when they are stronger than the enemy and avoid conflict when they are weak. For him war was neither heroic nor romantic, it is nothing but another trade and he wasn't good at it.
Sergius said that he would act on the advice of a Swiss Captain and give up soldiering. This man was Raina's chocolate creamy soldier. Petkoff remembered that man as he tricked them after the war. He encouraged them to exchange 50 Serbian soldiers for 200 aged useless horses.
Raina asked for his description. Sergius said he was just a travelling salesman in a uniform. Catherine asked what A Swiss was doing in the Serbian army. Her husband said he was a volunteer. Then Raina asked if there were any other Swiss officers in the Serbian army. Her father said no.
Petkoff – laughing – asked Sergius to tell the ladies how that soldier was saved by Bulgarian women.
Sergius ironically بسخرية called this story a romance. The Swiss escaped Sergius' cavalry by climbing a water pipe into the bedroom of a young Bulgarian woman. That lady entertained him for an hour then called her mother in order not to give any wrong impressions about what she had been doing. The young lady and her mother helped the Swiss to escape by disguising him in a coat belonging to the husband who was away in the Bulgarian Army.
Hearing his story, Raina and her mother showed their dislike for such a story. Sergius gave an apology to Raina for hurting her feelings.
Major Petkoff asked Sergius to stop this and said that a soldier's daughter like Raina should be able to put up with a little reality. Then he asked Sergius to follow him as they should discuss how they would move their three regiments back as there was no food for them on the route back. Catherine asked her husband to leave Sergius with Raina alone and offered – jokingly to help him.
Raina was left alone with Sergius, expressing her happiness and calling him her "Hero" and "King". She said he was worthy of any woman and was never absent from her thoughts. He also showed her how he was inspired by her even during the war.
Questions with model answers
40) Why did Sergius decide to send in his resignation?
Sergius felt bitter مرارة because the Russian officers refused to promote him although he led a successful cavalry charge. They said he disobeyed direct orders from his superiors and acted on his own responsibility, endangering the lives of all the Russian soldiers in his regiment.
Sergius was angry because he was punished for winning the wrong way whereas two Russian officers lost their regiments while fighting the right way, yet, they were promoted.
41) How was Sergius changed after the war?
Sergius used to be romantic and idealistic. He saw glory and bravery in war.
However, after he came back from it, he was filled with bitterness. He found out that war was nothing but a game or a trade that one had to be good at it. His disappointment was great when he learned that he wouldn't be promoted. That was why he handed in his resignation after the peace treaty.
42) What was Sergius' opinion of soldiering?
After returning from the war, Sergius saw war as the "coward's act of attacking when you are strong while keeping out of harm's way when you are weak." Soldiering became no more than another trade which he wasn't clever at.
43) What was the Swiss soldier's advice to Sergius while they were exchanging prisoners? What was the effect of this advice?
To give up on military service and hand in his resignation because he saw that it was not the suitable trade for him.
Sergius felt the same too so he handed in his resignation as soon as the peace treaty was signed.
He felt there was no glory in war, war was not a noble end and it was only a trade like any other trade.
44) How did the Swiss soldier fool both Sergius and Petkoff?
While the Bulgarians and the Serbs were exchanging prisoners, the Swiss soldier was clever enough to make them accept the exchange of 200 worn-out horses for fifty strong men.
Quotations with model answers
6- "It was the cradle بداية and the grave of my military reputation."
Sergius said these words to Catherine when the latter expressed her joy and pride because of his great victory. However, he didn't share her joy. He felt bitter because he was not promoted.
Here he meant that this cavalry charge marked the beginning and the end of his military career. His superiors refused his promotion because he acted unprofessionally and ignored their direct orders "not to charge " .
7- We were simply two children in the hands of that consummate (good) soldier."
Sergius said these words to Major Petkoff when the latter referred to the trick that the Swiss soldier played on them.
The Swiss soldier was able to make them take 200 worn out horses in exchange for 50 strong men.
This shows how Sergius envied the Swiss soldier for his clever thinking. He also envied his success in the war trade. The Swiss was successful where Sergius had failed. حسد
8- "I think we two have found the higher love. When I think of you, I feel that I could never do a base deed, or think an ignoble thought."
Raina said this to Sergius when they were left alone in the garden of her house. They were expressing love to each other. The romantic Raina thought that the handsome Sergius was the one she used to dream of.
She meant by "the higher love" that the love they shared was nobler than ordinary love. And because she thought he was perfect, she couldn't say anything bad about him.
Homework
Quotations with model answers
- What was Raina's abominable habit? bad
- Why were Raina and Catherine offended at Sergius?
- When did Sergius hand in his resignation? Why?
- "This was the only Swiss I came across. I'll never trust a Swiss again."
- "All my deeds have been yours. You inspired me. I have gone through the war like a knight in a tournament with his lady looking down at him."
Act 2
Summary
Pages (25 : 29)
A scene between , Raina and Sergius
Major Petkoff asked Sergius to help him finish some army paperwork (to move back their regimentsالكتائب ). Catherine tried to leave the betrothed alone so she offered to help her husband instead of Sergius and left.
Raina expressed her happiness and called Sergius her "Hero" and "King". She said he was worthy of any woman and she never forgot him. He also showed her how he was inspired (encouraged) by her, even during the war. Raina said that the two of them finally found "the higher love"
Louka entered and Raina went upstairs to fetch her hat to go out for a walk. Sergius stood alone looking at Louka while cleaning the table. He asked her if she knew what "higher love" is. In fact Sergius is more familiar with Louka than Raina. Louka was surprised. Then he said that higher love is tiring.
Then Sergius suddenly embraced يعانق Louka who asked him to let her go. When he refused, she asked him to be careful enough and step back in order not to be seen by Raina. She said that Raina might be spying on them from her bedroom balcony. Sergius was angry and defended Raina angrily.
Louka criticized the "gentlefolk" like Sergius and Raina. She said while Sergius was making love to her, behind Raina's back, Raina was also doing the same.
Sergius insulted Louka for talking badly about her mistress but was upset of what she said. He asked Louka about the name of his rival خصمه but she refused. She told him she never saw that man but heard his voice just outside Raina's bedroom and added she was sure that Raina would marry that man if he returned back.
Sergius held Louka so tight that he hurt her arm, accusing her of having "the soul of a servant" and of "being a cold common clay". Louka defended herself boldly. She said that Sergius was a liar and that she was worth six of Raina who was cheating him.
As she started to leave, Sergius stopped her to apologize for hurting her arms. Louka said mockingly that his apology was of no use to a servant. Sergius understood that she wanted money instead so he offered some. But Louka refused and asked him to kiss the hand that he hurt. Sergius – surprised and shocked – refused to do it. Then Louka lifted the tray proudly, leaving the place. Raina returned again.
As Raina and Sergius were preparing to leave for a walk, her mother appeared. Catherine asked Sergius to go to her husband as he needed him for some business. He left, promising to return soon.
Act 2
Summary
Pages (29 - 33) A scene between Raina and Catherine
When Sergius was gone, Catherine expressed her worries to Raina. She was afraid that the Swiss soldier would reveal their story. She was also afraid because Pedkoff asked about his coat. Raina also expressed her anger and wished to see him to blame him for telling others their story. Catherine was afraid that Sergius would break his engagement if he knew all about it.
However, Raina didn't worry if Sergius found out that they were the two women Bluntschli talked about. She even half-hoped he would discover all about it. Moreover she made fun at Catherine's fears and left the place, leaving Catherine in a shock.
Louka – then – entered to tell Catherine that a Serbian soldier wanted to meet "the lady of the house". Louka gave her a card carrying his name and said he had a carpet bag. Catherine understood that the Swiss was retuning the old coat. Catherine gave Louka orders to be sure the library door was shut, to send in the Captain and tell Nicola to fetch the visitor's carpetbag.
Captain Bluntschli appeared. Catherine – feeling uneasy – told him that both her husband and future son-in-law were there and that he had to leave lest خشية أن they should see him. Although Bluntschli was disappointed, he decides to leave and explained that he wanted to take out the coat from his bag. But Catherine asked him to leave the bag and his address and she would send it to him later. While Bluntschli was writing the address, Major Petkoff and Sergius came out of the library and greeted the Captain warmly. The Major immediately asked Bluntschli for his help in transferring troops and horses to Philippoplis. قوات Bluntschli suddenly became business-like and agreed to go with them to the library to help.
While he was going, he met Raina –who was coming down the stairs. She was so surprised to see him that she couldn't help saying :
"Oh! The chocolate cream soldier!"
This shocked them all. So Raina tried to cover up for her mistake by saying that she was preparing an ornament for her ice pudding which Nicola destroyed by setting a pile of plates on it.
The Major began to be angry at Nicola who seemed to be more careless. At the same moment Nicola appeared carrying Bluntschli's carpetbag and placed it before him. The Major shouted with anger at Nicola but Nicola said he was acting on Catherine's orders. When Catherine denied it, Major Petkoff started scolding Nicola who became so confused that he dropped Bluntschli's bag, almost hitting the Major's feet. The Major was in terrible anger and was about to discharge Nicola. But the two women tried and succeeded in comforting him. Then the Major asked Bluntschli to stay with them until his return to
Quotations with model answers
9- "You have been out in the world, in the field of battle, able to prove yourself there worthy of any woman in the world."
Raina said these words to Sergius when they were left alone in the garden. They were expressing love for each other. Raina admired Sergius. She felt he was more experienced than her because of his good work at war. This shows her romantic nature.
10- "I think we two have found the higher love. When I think of you, I feel that I could never do a base deed or think an ignoble thought."
Raina said these words to Sergius when they were left alone in the garden. They were expressing love. The romantic and idealistic Raina thought that Sergius was her dream in life. She means by "higher love" that the love they shares was nobler than any ordinary love. Because she thought he was perfect, she couldn't do or say something bad.
11- "Let me be the worshiper, dear. You little know how unworthy even the best man is of a girl's pure passion."
Sergius said these words to Raina when she was expressing her love for him. Sergius (like Raina) was romantic. He thought that he really loved Raina. But – in fact – he felt more comfortable with Louka than with Raina.
12- "All my deeds have been yours. You inspired me. I have gone through the war like a knight in a tournament with his lady looking down at him." (competition)
Sergius said these words to Raina when she told him that she was nothing if compared to him. She said he was better as he fought bravely and did lots of good things but she stayed at home doing nothing but dreaming. Sergius here is dedicating her his success as she was his inspiring lover.
13- "Since you say you are half a dozen different gentlemen all at once, I should have a great deal to look after."
Louka said these words to Sergius when the latter asked if she would spy on him if she was in love with him. Sergius flirted with Louka. Louka seemed to be intelligent. She talked with him proudly. (joked)
14- "I may be worthless enough to betray the higher love; but do not you insult it ."
Sergius said these words to Louka when the latter gave a hint (تلميح )about Raina's love to someone else. Sergius got angry and insulted her and hurt her arms. In fact Sergius was living in illusion. He thought that his love for Raina was the higher love.
15- "You shall never get that out of me, for love or money."
Louka said these words to Sergius when the latter was forcing her to tell him who was the man Raina knew (his rival). Louka's cunning character مكر appears here. She could raise doubts inside him about Raina and refused to tell him the name of the man in return for money or love.
16- "I tell you that if that gentleman ever comes here again,Miss Raina will marry him, whether he likes it or not."
Louka said these words to Sergius when she was raising doubts inside him about Raina's new love. Louka's cunning character appears here. She raised doubts inside him about Raina and refused to tell him the name of his rival.
17- "You have stained my honor by making me a party to your eavesdropping. And you have betrayed your mistress." تجسس
Sergius said these words to Louka when the latter told him that Raina entertained a stranger in her room and she would choose him over Sergius. Sergius got angry and insulted her and hurt her arms. In fact Sergius was living in illusion. He thought that his love for Raina was the higher love. But later he would discover his love for Louka.
18- "You know how to hurt with your tongue as well as with your hands."
Louka said these words to Sergius when the latter insulted her by calling her a little clod. Louka told him that Raina received a stranger in her room and she would choose him over Sergius. So before insulting her, he held her tightly beyond the elbow that he bruised her arms and hurt her. That was why she told him that he could use both his hands and tongue to hurt people. These words show how Louka was defiant and self-confident.
19- "She's a liar; and her fine airs are a cheat; and I'm worth six of her.
Louka said these words to Sergius when the latter insulted her, calling her a little clod. Louka told him that Raina received a stranger in her room and she would choose him over Sergius. She said that the fine airs which she pretended in front of Sergius were false as she loved someone else. So Sergius insulted her and bruised her arms and hurt her. These words show how Louka was defiant and self-confident. She was not afraid to speak badly about Raina.
20- "A gentleman has no right to hurt a woman under any circumstances."
Sergius said these words to Louka after feeling that he hurt her much when he held her tightly beyond the elbow and bruised her arms and hurt her. He got angry when Louka said that Raina was in love with someone else. However, he tried to apologize through these words.
21- "That sort of apology may satisfy a lady. Of what use is it to a servant?"
Louka said these words to Sergius when the latter tried to give an apology after insulting and hurting her. Louka was not satisfied by his words. Sergius thought that she was asking him for money but she gave him her bruised arm to kiss her.
22- He doesn't know how to send them, and he objects to every suggestion of mine.
Catherine said these words to Sergius and Raina. They were about to go out. But she asked Sergius to go into the library to help Petkoff put a plan to get their troops back. These words reflect how the Bulgarians Army was weak. Even their Majors cannot find out solutions with the help of their wives.
23- "To go and tell! Oh, if I had him her, I'd cram him with chocolate creams till he couldn't ever speak again."
Raina said these words to her mother when they were in the garden. They were talking about the fact that Bluntschli disclosed their secret to Sergius and Petkoff. Catherine was afraid because her husband asked about the coat they gave to Bluntschli. Raina here expressed her anger Bluntschli. This sentence – although it reflects anger – it showed that Raina had a soft spot in her heart for Bluntschli.
24- "Will anything ever make you straight forward? If Sergius finds out, it will be all over between you."
Catherine said these words to her daughter. She was upset because Sergius knew about the night Bluntschli spent at their home. She was afraid that Sergius would find out that the Bulgarian lady was his fiancée Raina. This shows how Catherine loved Sergius and how eager she was to make him her son-in-law. She wanted her daughter not to lose him.
25- "I dont care whether he finds out about the chocolate cream soldier or not. I half hope he may."
Raina said these words to her mother. Catherine was upset because Sergius knew about the night Bluntschli spent at their home. Raina expressed a desire that he would know. This sentence shows that Raina's heart has a liking for Bluntschli.
26- "No longer the enemy, happily, I hope you've called as a friend, and not about horses or prisoners."
Major Petkoff said these words to Bluntschli when the latter came to return Petkoff's old coat. Bluntschli was standing in the garden when the Major saw him thinking he came to visit them. This sentence shows how he loves and respects him. He is happy because be Bluntschli was no longer their enemy but a friend. He also knew that Bluntschli was smarter than him in matters of war and would be of great help to him.
27- What was the queer romantic story that upset Raina and her mother?
The story was told to Raina and her mother by Sergius. A Swiss officer ran away for his life reached the town and climbed up the water pipe into the balcony of a Bulgarian lady's room. The lady entertained him for an hour before calling her mother. Both ladies were impressed by the man and let him spend the night in their house. In the early morning they sent him away disguised متنكر in an old coat belonging to the house master who was away at war.
Summary Act 3
Pages (35 – 44) A scene among Bluntschli, Sergius Pettkof, Raina and Catherine
The scene is in the library. Catherine is busy working with her needle. Raina is daydreaming . Major Petkoff is relaxing while Bluntschli is hard at work. Sergius is standing near him, just signing orders.
Petkoff asked about his coat as he did not see it in its usual place. Catherine assured him that it was there and asked Nicola to fetch it. Petkoff said he was ready to bet and Sergius backed him. Bluntschli did not take part as he had already brought the coat back and knew that both men would lose. Nicola surprised Petkoff when he came in with the coat.
Bluntschli finished writing the orders for moving the Bulgarian army back. Bluntschli asked Sergius to tell the messengers properly so that the orders would be delivered on time. Petkoff asked Catherine to come with him to be sure that the messengers get the orders correctly. Raina – alone with Bluntschli – asked him what happened to him after his departure, accusing him of spreading the story of his escape. Bluntschli told her that he only told one person and was surprised to know that her father and her fiancé knew about it.
Raina told him that Sergius would be angry if he knew the truth. Bluntschli asked her not to tell him. Raina felt annoyed as she does not wish to deceive Sergius.
"I want to be quite perfect with Sergius : no meanness, no smallness, no deceit. "
Raina said that she lied only twice in her life. She talked nobly but Bluntschli did not believe her words. So she felt hurt but said he was the only one who was not deceived by her manner.
Bluntschli told her that he – like others – was a great admirer but he could see her when she was unnatural. Raina asked him about her photo that she put in the pocket of the coat. Bluntschli did not search the pocket, pawned it to be in safe, then he brought it to their house. When she was blaming Bluntschli for what he did, Louka brought Bluntschli a letter. He received the news that his father died. Raina and Louka were both sorry for him. However, he did not seem to be affected, instead, he was busy with the contents of the lawyer's letter : details of his inheritance. He decided to leave at once to give orders to the messenger who brought the letter.
Louka knew that Raina admired Bluntschli. So she tried to make her angry by criticizing him for his lack of emotion. Raina said that soldiers who spent years killing people were not used to showing much emotion. Louka reminded her that Major Sergius was also a soldier but was able to show emotion. Raina left the room and Nicola came in.
Nicola was in a good mood as Sergius and Bluntschli had both tipped him well. He scolded Louka for raising her sleeves with a brooch and wearing a bracelet over the bruised arm. She scolded him for his servility and said he would never be her master. Nicola guessed that she hoped to marry Sergius. He told her that he was ready to help her do this. Nicola saw that he would benefit more from Louka (as Sergius's wife) than being his own wife.
Sergius re-entered. After giving Louka some orders about work, Nicola left the stage.
Questions with model answers
28- What did Petkoff bet his wife on? Why?
He bet her any piece of jewellery she liked, against a week's housekeeping money that his coat was not in the blue closet. Petkoff was wrong as Catherine was sure it was there.
29- How was Bluntschli really a clever soldier?
He was very clever at business. He drew up the orders to move back the Bulgarian Army.
30- Louka criticized Captain Bluntschli. Why?
She said that he had no feelings or a warm heart because he received the news of his father's death coldly. He didn't say any word of grief or shed a tear. When Raina said he was a soldier often killed others and death was nothing to him, Louka said that Sergius also used to kill but he had much more feeling.
31- What was Nicola's advice to Louka on how to become a real lady?
Nicola criticized Louka's defiant and rude attitude and advised her to give it up if she really wanted to improve her condition. He advised her to act on her way, not as if she always accepted someone to order her. He summed his advice saying that the way to get on as a lady was to know her place. This is the secret of success.
32- How did Nicola manage to make a woman out of Louka?
He taught her how to look after herself : stop wearing too much false her, redden her lips and cheeks.
He taught her to trim her nails, keep her hands clean and be fine and dainty أنيقة .
Quotations with model answers
1. "We'll manage it. He finds out what to do, draws up the orders and I sign. Division of labour."
Sergius said these words to Petkoff when Petkoff offered his help and Bluntschli said he would finish it with Sergius. Sergius envied Bluntschli who was clever at work. He could solve the problem alone and draw up good plans for moving the Army back.
2. "I think we've done a thundering good day's work."
Petkoff said these words to Bluntschli soon after finishing the plans to move the Army back. In fact Petkoff did nothing to be proud of. He just relaxed and Bluntschli did everything.
3. "You may as well come too. They'll be far more frightened of you than me."
Petkoff said these words to Catherine when Bluntschli told him to go and give orders to the soldiers who were going to convey Bluntschli's orders to move the three regiments back. Petkoff wanted his wife to do this as her character was stronger than his. He felt she was better than him in giving orders.
This shows how Petkoff has a weak character and how Catherine was the one who had the higher word in his house.
4. "What an army! They make cannons out of cherry trees, and the officers send for their wives to keep discipline."
This was said by Bluntschli to Raina when he heard Petkoff asking his wife to join him while giving orders to his soldiers because they would be more frightened of her than of him.
These words sum up Bluntschli's opinion about the Bulgarian Army. They are weak. Their weapons are poor and badly designed. The officers are too weak to keep discipline among the soldiers without their wives' help.
5. "Don't talk of it in that flippant way. I lied: I know it. But I did it to save your life. He would have killed you." rude
Raina said these words to Bluntschli. Raina was telling Bluntschli that she never lied in her life except that one about the ice pudding. Raina got angry when she felt that Bluntschli doubted her words.
6. "I want to be quite perfect with Sergius: no meanness, no smallness, no deceit".
Raian said these words to Bluntschli when the latter asked her not to tell Sergius that it was him whom she entertained in her room. She said these words pretending that she respected Sergius. It was another display of her false attitude. She wanted to convince Bluntschli that she loved her fiancé and decided not to deceive him.
7. "Do you like gratitude? I don't. If pity is akin to love, gratitude is akin to the other thing." (similar)
nice
Bluntschli said this to Raina when she accused him of ingratitude and unfaithfulness. She said he could not value the favour she did for him (saving his life). Bluntschli is a practical man. For him it is not important to express thanks in words. It is only felt.
8. "When you strike that noble attitude and speak in that thrilling voice, I admire you, but I find it impossible to believe a single word you say".
Bluntschli said these words to Raina when she tried to pretend that she never lied in her life except for his sake (for saving his life). Bluntschli in a practical way said that although he admires her, he doesn't believe any of her words.
1. "Sell your manhood for 30 Lavas, and buy me for ten?"
Louka said these words to Nicola when he told her that Sergius gave him 20 Levas out of generosity and Bluntschli gave him another 10 for backing up Catherine's lies about the coat. Nicola said that he would give her 10 if she treated him well. That's why Louka got angry. She hated his way. She criticized him for selling himself.
The words show how Louka was proud and how Nicola was humble and mean. For him, everything is for sale, even his manhood.
9. "I'll stand by you, one servant should always stand by another."
Nicola said these words to Louka while advising her to be a real lady. Although Louka was his fiancée, he found out that she had an ambition to marry a noble. So he thought of benefiting from her more than it he made her his wife. It was then that he broke up his engagement and was too eager to stand by her to win Sergius over to be one of his regular customers when he opened his shop.
1. Act 3
Summary
Pages (44 – 56)
Sergius & Louka alone again
Sergius wanted to see the bruise on Louka's arm. He took the chance to flirt with her again. But she refused to be toyed by him. She openly asked if he was really brave. So he began to tell her how he had fought bravely at war. Then she asked if poor soldiers were also brave. He said that they fight like heroes but they always fear their superiors.
Louka said that – like all men – Sergius was only clever at talking. She said that she was brave and could do anything if she was given power. She said if she was the Empress of Russia, she would defy the world and marry the man she loved. Sergius claimed he didn't lack the courage to marry her even if she was the servant but he was in love with Raina and said that Louka was jealous of her.
Louka told him that Raina would not marry him but marry the Swiss who she entertained in her room. Sergius got angry and held Louka in his arms saying that he would kill Bluntschli. He refused to believe Louka because Raina's thoughts are so high.
Louka wanted to tell him that he and Raina are deceivable. She asked if Raina would believe the Swiss if he told her that Sergius was flirting with her. Sergius let her free and promised
مبارزة
"If these hands ever touch you again, they shall touch my affianced bride."
Bluntschli entered while examining some papers in his hand. Sergius challenged him to a duel. Bluntschli wasn't moved and said that since he had the choice of a weapon, he would prefer a machine gun. This angered Sergius so Bluntschli agreed on a sword fight but not on horse back as horses are too dangerous.
Questions with model answers
33- Both Sergius and Bluntschli had different views concerning big fighting (war). Explain
Sergius was idealistic, so he thought fighting as a heroic deed. He believed that fighting required men of heart, blood and honour, men who were real.
Bluntschli was realistic, experienced and practical. So he was completely different. For him, there is no glory or amusement in fighting. He fought only when he was forced to and became happy to get out of it.
34- What did Bluntschli do with Major Petkoff's coat? What significance is there in that decision?
After Bluntschli spent one night at the Petkoffs', he had to put the coat in a safe place because he couldn't take much luggage in the service. He thought of the railway cloak room but he was sure it could have been robbed. So he decided to pawn it in a pawn shop. يرهن
This reflects Bluntschli's practical, realistic outlook.
35- Who was Sergius' informant? How was he / she successful? مخبر
Louka was the one who told him about Raina and her soldier. She was so successful that she could break the engagement between Raina and Sergius and won him as a husband.
36- How did Raina find out about Sergius and Louka flirting together?
When Raina left Sergius in the garden to go and get a coat, she looked from her window to have a look at her hero. By chance she saw him flirting with Louka.
37- Why did Sergius challenge Bluntschli to a duel?
Sergius got angry after Louka told him that Bluntschli was the man who was received by Raina in her room. She assured that Raina loved him and would marry him instead. So as soon as he saw Bluntschli he invited him for a duel to take revenge.
38- Why did Sergius refuse to fight with Captain Bluntschli ?
Sergius had idealistic idea about war and fighting. He believed it needed two real men of heart, blood and honour to fight. He saw that Bluntschli was a cold-blooded man who often acted like a machine. And this destroyed his view about fighting.
39- According to Bluntschli, what spoilt his chances in life?
For him, it was an incurable romantic disposition was what spoiled his chances in life. تصرف خيالى
· He ran away from home twice when he was a boy.
· He joined the army instead of going in to his father's business.
· He chose to climb the balcony of the Petkoffs because he was fool. He should have dived into a cellar instead. سرداب
· He came back to the Petkoff's house only to have another glimpse at Raina. He felt any man of his age could have sent the coat and gone back home.
· He thought that Raina was a young school girl whose emotions were changing.
40- Louka criticized Captain Bluntschli. Why?
· She said he had neither feeling nor a warm heart because he received the news of his father's death with a cold practical air. He didn't shed one tear or said a word of grief.
· When Raina said that he was a soldier who killed many and death was nothing to him, Louka said that Sergius, too, was a soldier but he had much more feeling.
41- How did Luka win Sergius at the end of the play?
· Louka appealed to Sergius with her youth, beauty, sharp wit and defiant attitude. مرح
· She took Sergius out of his loneliness when he came back from the war.
· She forced him to make a promise to marry her if he touched her hand. And he did.
Quotations with model answers
10. " He has beaten you in love. He may beat you in war."
Louka said these words to Sergius soon after Sergius decided to challenge Bluntschli into a duel. Sergius wanted to revenge for himself after Louka told him that Bluntschli was received by Raina in her room and she fell in love with him. By these words, Louka wanted to annoy him. She meant that because Bluntschli had won Raina's heart, he could also beat him in the duel.
11. "I didnt ask the reason when you cried on; and I don't ask the reason now that you cry off."
Bluntschli said these words to Sergius when the latter said he would not duel with. Bluntschli trusted his own ability and knew well that Sergius was weak. Here he is showing us that he didn't have romantic views as Sergius did. Unlike Sergius he feels that war is not a sort of amusement.
12. "I'm the chocolate cream soldier. The gracious young lady saved my life by giving me chocolate creams when I was starving." (Nice)
Bluntschli said these words in front of Petkoff and Sergius. Bluntschli had to confess that he was the fugitive who was in Raina's room. He did so after her father saw the photo she put for him in his coat and read the words written to him.
13. "I, a commonplace عادى Swiss soldier who hardly knows what a decent life is after fifteen years of barracks and battles."
Bluntschli said these words in front of Major Petkoff and Catherine defending himself against the words said by Louka. Louka told Raina that she loved Bluntschli more than Sergius. In fact, although Bluntschli loved Raina deeply, he couldn't expose it as he thought she was too young for him.
14. "Nicola is the ablest man I've ever seen in
Bluntschli said these words to Sergius when Nicola broke off his engagement to Louka, saying that he hoped Louka would be one of his rich customer when he opened the shop. Bluntschli admired Nicola as he was experienced and practical.
The old coat served in revealing the reality of most characters. (Give three examples)
*It showed that Captain Bluntschli practical (he pawned it for safety)
*It also showed Raina's love for Bluntschli as she hid her photo in one of its pockets.
*It showed us that Nicola was ready to back up Catherine's lies for his own benefit.
*It showed us that Catherine was ready to deceive her husband when she accepted the bet.
*It showed us the funny character of Bluntschli when he refused to join the bet.
الخميس، 25 يونيو 2015
الجمعة، 15 أكتوبر 2010
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A Tale Of Two Cities
Why did Dickens start the novel with so many contradictions?
Dickens started the novel with so many contradictions to give us a view of the extreme differences between the classes at that time. The nobles were living in comfort and luxury and the common people were living in poverty and misery . The king of
Speak about the terrible conditions in
· People were living in terrible poverty and misery. And the nobles were spending money carelessly and enjoying their lives.
· Crime spread everywhere. People received cruel punishment even for small crimes. *A youth could be sentenced to have his hands cut off, his tongue torn out with pincers and his body burned alive. كماشة
· As a result, there were secret plans and steps taken for a revolution.
· To revenge, trees were growing in the woods of
· The poor suffering people of
A tale of two cities - Chapter 1
Speak about the state of disorder found in
· In
· Daring robberies by armed men took place in houses and on highways.
· Highwaymen used to disguise and attack mails, robbing and killing.
· There was boiling anger. Prisoners quarreled with their jailers.
· Thieves stole – boldly – diamond jewels from round the necks of people at court.
A Tale of two cities - chapter 2
Why were the passengers all wrapped up?
= Why were the travelers in the
They were wrapped up in heavy coats to hide themselves from each other. At those times, people feared each other because there were many crimes on the roads. People could be attacked by highwaymen. So they suspected each other.
Why were private messages delivered in code?
At those times, people feared each other because there were many crimes on the roads. People could be attacked by highwaymen everywhere. They suspected each other. So private messages were delivered in code in order not to be recognized.
2.What surprising news did Mr. Lorry tell Luice?
He told her about her father who she supposed was dead. Her father was found alive after spending 18 year in the Bastille. He was set free and taken to the house of one of his servant in
3.How was the Manette's family affected after the sudden disappearance of Dr. Manette?
Dr Manette disappeared suddenly and mysteriously. His wife feared that some enemy might have sent him to prison by a letter from the king. She tried to search for him everywhere but couldn't find him. She became deeply sad and died from a broken heart.
Lucie who was told that her father died became orphan and was left alone in the world.
Commentry parts
1.“Wait at
This is the message that Jerry brought to Mr. Lorry from Tellson's bank. The message was asking him to wait for Lucie Manette at
2. “Recalled to life.”
Mr. Lorry said these words to Jerry to give to people at Tellson's bank in reply to their request to wait at
3.“I was happy. I will be more than happy to carry out the request.”
Mr. Lorry said these words to Lucie when they met her at
4.“I am a man of business. I have business to do When you hear what I have to say, only think of me as a speaking machine. In truth I am not much else.”
Mr. Lorry said these words to Lucie when she stopped him, asking if they didn’t meet before. Mr. Lorry in a business-like manner asked her not to stop him once more. In fact Mr. Lorry used to repeat the word “business”. He loved his bank too much. He felt that he was responsible for it. So he had to tell her the story and take her to see her father.
5.“But he has been-been found. He is alive. Greatly changed, it is too probable; almost a wreck”.
Mr. Lorry tried to encourage Lucie with these words. Lucie felt too sad after hearing that her father who was thought to be dead, was in Prison for eighteen years. Of course his long imprisonment caused his loss of memory and left him a man without life.
6.“We are going there: I, to identify him if I can, and you, to restore him to life, love, duty, rest and comfort.”
Mr. Lorry said these words to Lucie when he was telling her the surprising news about her father. He father was still alive.
7.“I'm going to see his ghost! It will be his ghost, not him.”
Lucie said these words to Mr. Lorry when he told her the surprising news about her father. Her father was still alive. Lucie was afraid to see that man who must have been a wreck.
8. “What an idea! If it was ever intended that I should go across salt water, do you think God would have put me on an island.”
Miss Pross said these words to Mr. Lorry when he asked if she accepted to accompany Lucie to
Chapter 3 The wine shop
1. Speak about Saint Antoine as a part of Paris and about the people who lived there, giving an example of the misery of the people.
= How do you know that the people of St. Antoine were poor?
St. Antoine was a poor street in
1. How did Defarge make use of the Doctor’s presence after he had been set free?
Defarge, Dr Manette’s old servant-kept him in a locked room. He used to allow the Jacques (a revolutionary group) to watch Dr. Manette- an ex-Bastille prisoner. He wanted to fill them with great hatred for the nobles and to urge them to revolt against their injust ruler. This shows the seeds of revolution in Defarge’s heart.
2. On what occasion did Defarge accuse Gaspard of rashness?
Defarge accused Gaspard of being rash when Gaspard wrote the word BLOOD on the wall with the muddy wine in the street. He meant that a revolution would break out and make blood flow as the red wine did in the street. Defarge [as a leader of a revolutionary group working in secret (Jacques)] didn’t like anyone to feel their anger against the aristocrats.
1. What foreshadows the revolution in this chapter?
=Dickens, here, prepares us for the revolution and its happenings. Explain
· The word blood Which Gaspard wrote on the wall.
· The wine shop – the meeting place of the revolutionists.
· The knitting work of Madam Defarge.
· The revolutionary group called "Jacques".
1. “Are you a subject for the mad hospital? Why are you writing in the public streets?”
Defarge said these words to Gaspard, the man who wrote the word blood on the wall. He blamed him for doing so in front of people. Defarge was the leader of the "Jacques" a group working for the coming revolution. The word blood here refers to the blood path of the nobles after the breaking out of the revolution.
2. “It is not often that these miserable beasts know the taste of wine or anything but black bread and death.”
=“So Much the worse! A bitter taste it is that such poor cattle always have in their mouths, and hard lives they live. ”
One of the Jacques said these words to Defarge and the other two men drinking at the bar. They were all speaking about the poor people who ran to drink the muddy wine. The people in Saint Antoine led a terrible life. They were neglected and deprived of their rights. That’s why they began to plan to get rid of the nobles.
3. “I show him to a chosen few, to whom the sight is likely to do good”.
Defarge said these words to Mr. Lorry when he asked him about the three people who were looking at Dr. Manette. Defarge used to show them Dr. Manette to increase their hatred for the aristocrats. The men, he was going to show them the doctor, were members in groups working for the revolution. To encourage them to get rid of the nobles he used to show them the victim of the Bastille.
Chapter 4 five years later
What was Charles Darney's accusation /denunciation إدانة?
=What was the evidence against Darney?
=Why was Darnay tried in
Darnay was put to trial in
*He was accused of traveling between
*Six witnesses were brought to testify against him; John Barsad, Robbert Cly, Lucie Manette, Dr. Manette, Mr. Lorry and another one.
*Stryver showed Barsad as a spy and traitor and Cly as a thief. So their witness was valueless. *Sydney Carton (Stryver’s assistant) helped Darnay a great deal by drawing the attention of Stryver to the great physical similarity between Carton and Darnay. This disproved أبطلthe witness of the man who said that he saw Darnay waiting for someone in a hotel in a town where he was spying on the English army.
Stryver said that Darnay was an innocent victim whose secret family affairs caused him to travel between the two countries.
1. How was Charles Darney acquitted in his first trial in
The sixth witness gave evidence against Darnay when he said that he saw Darnay in a hotel in a town where there were soldiers.
However Darnay was saved by the help of Sydney Carton. Carton drew the attention of Stryver to the similarity between him and Darnay. Then Stryver disproved the evidence of the sixth witness who could not identify the man he saw.
- How was Darnay a victim of a wicked plot ? مكيدة
Although he was a member of a noble family, Darnay didn't like the bad ways his uncle was doing to the poor people. So his uncle planned to get rid of him.
Papers were put secretly in his drawers by his servant who was hired by John Barsad. He was brought to trial in the Old Bailey and was falsely accused of being a spy working against the king of
Six witnesses were brought to testify against him and he was coming near death. However, by the help of Carton, he was set free.
2. What were the good and weak points in the character of Sydney Carton?
Carton is a memorable character. He had many weak points as well as good ones.
*Carton was a man of great powers and a good heart. He was clever and intelligent. He was useful to Stryver. He prepared all the cases for him. Carton was frank; he told Darnay that he didn’t like him. Carton’s love was pure and unselfish. He didn’t ask Lucie to return his love because he would bring her to misery. He gave his life to save Darnay for her sake.
*However Carton was sad, lonely and aimless in life. He was not successful in life. He was a perfect jackal working for the lion. Carton was careless. To forget his pains, he took to drinking and liked mixing with bad friends.
1)"Look at that gentleman over there and then look carefully at the prisoner. What do you say? Are they very like each other?"
Stryver, the lawyer defending Charles Darney in his first trial in
The sixth witness couldn't identify the man he saw in that town and Darney was set free.
1)"It's the wisest thing to expect and the likeliest. But I think their not agreeing and requesting more time is in your favour."
Carton said these words to Darney. Carton asked Darney if he was expecting good or bad news about his case. Darney said he was expecting the worst. Carton – here – shows his admiration of Darney's wisdom. Unlike Darney, Carton was optimistic about Darney's trial.
2)"I have an obligation to you for life –in two senses,"
Darney said these words to Mr. Stryver, the lawyer who defended him in his first trial in
1)“You have acted as if you do, but I don’t think you do”.
Darnay said these words to Sydney Carton in answer to Caron’s question if he thought Carton loved him. After the trial Carton and Darnay went to dine together. Darnay thanked Carton for saving his life in court. But Carton who was jealous of him asked if he thought he liked him. Darnay was surprised and said that Carton acted as if he liked him but he did not believe that Carton really liked him.
1)"You're still like a see-saw, aren't you? Up one minute and down the next; now in good spirits, now in despair."
This part was said by Carton to Stryver when the latter commented on the moody Carton. Carton felt desperate in life. He was careless and had led a strange life since childhood. He used to work for his friends at school and never did his own work. And now he is doing the same for Stryver.
A Tale of two cities ---Chapter 5
The corner echoed and re-echoed with the tread of feet, some as it seemed in the room, some coming, some going and not one within sight."
*What did Charles Dickens mean by “echoing footsteps”?
Early in the novel, the “echoing footsteps” is introduced at the corner of Soho to link the quiet, happy life there with the mad dangerous footsteps in
2)Speak about & Write short notes about Miss Pross.
She was an English woman who had been caring for Lucie since she was a child. She treated Lucie like a daughter, and was willing to give her life for Lucie. She was an unselfish woman who was ready to make herself a slave to her. She was from those women who were happy to be servants for beauty which they had never had, and to bright hopes that they had never shone upon their dark lives Mr. Lorry respected her much more than any other rich woman.
Quotations with model answers on chapter 5
1)"I don't want dozens of people who are not at all worthy of ladybird to come here looking for her."
Miss Pross said these words to Mr. Lorry when she was telling him about her worries about Lucie. Miss Pross was complaining about …………………………………………… .
2)"To the best of my understanding he is afraid of the whole subject”.
These words were said by Miss Pross to Mr. Lorry when the latter asked her if she had ever heard the doctor mention anything about his prison days to Luice Manette. She answered him saying that the doctor was afraid to talk about the whole subject or he would lose his mind once again.
3)"I have imagined them to be the footsteps of the people who are to come into my life, and my father's"
Lucie said these words to Darney when he asked her about the echoing footsteps. These footsteps refer to the footsteps of the angry people after the breaking out of the revolution. These footsteps would interfere in the Manettes' lives……….
A tale of Two cities --Chapter 6
Questions with model answers on chapter 6
1)The Marquis of Evremonde was an insolent rude character”. Give an example to show this. ( rude)
The Maquis was a hateful character. He used to insult the poor people. Even when he ran over the child (Gaspard’s son) with his carriage, he said it wasn’t his fault and blamed the people for keeping their children in his way . He didn’t care about the dead boy. Moreover he gave his father a coin to make up for the death of his child.
2)What event in Paris led to the murder of the Marquis?
On his way back to his palace the Marquis de St Evremonde killed Gaspard’s child under his carriage. The Marquis was haughty. When he had known that the child died, he was only anxious about his horses. Later he threw out a gold coin to the child’s father and thought that everything was all right. He called the people “dogs” but none of them dared to do anything. They kept looking at the Marquis with hatred in their eyes. To revenge for his son’s death, Gaspard followed the Marquis and murdered him in his bed.
3)What was the point of difference between Darnay and his uncle?
Although he was one of the Evermonde family, Darnay didn’t like his family's life. Darnay told his uncle that the name of their family was hateful to the French people because of the cruelty they did to them. The Marquis saw this a sign of respect. Darnay said that he gave up his father’s wealth because it was built on misery. It was a tower of waste, debt, hunger and suffering. The Marquis criticized this saying Darnay had a weak character and regarded him a shame in their family.
Quotations with model answers on chapter 6
1) “Be a brave man. It is better for the poor little thing to die so, than to live.”
Defarge said these words to Gaspard who was crying hard because the Marquis's carriage ran over him. Defarge was trying to comfort him and prevent him from attacking the Marquis. Gaspard got mad on seeing his child run over under the wheels of the Marquis’s carriage. Because he was one of the suffering people, Defarge saw it was better for the child to die than to live and lead a miserable life like them.
2)“We have done wrong, and we are reaping the fruits of our wrongs.”
Darnay said these words to his uncle when he was telling him about his intention to live in England. Charles was an anti-aristocrat who rejected his Evermonde heritage, social title and his country. For him, his family’s wealth was based on the misery of the poor people. That’s why they were hated by all. He wanted to repay the poor people for the wrongs his family did to them.
1)“Drive him fast to his tomb. This from JACQUES.”
This is the message Gaspard left attached to the knife he used to kill the Marquis who had killed his child. The Marquis's carriage ran over Gaspard's child. He didn't care about the feelings of his father and threw a coin instead of his dead child. Being one of the Jacques (the group preparing for the revolution), Gaspard was so angry that he followed the Marquis and killed him in bed.
English Lessons
A friend
Sometimes it's hard to write the words
That you, my dear, should see.
Or say the things that you need to hear,
Or be as I should be.
You grow so fast and learn so much
It's hard for me each day.
To say or do just what is best,
To help along the way.
Should I be silent or give advice?
Should I answer yes or no?
Should I have control - set many rules,
Or simply let you go?
One thing is certain--I'll make mistakes,
And some will seem hard to mend.
But if nothing else seems clear right now,
Know that you can always count on me as your friend.
You Mean So Much To Me!
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