Class 12 Section II English Lesson 2

Understanding the text

a. Why was Mrs. Baroda unhappy with the information about Gouvernail’s visit to their farm?

Ans 👉 Mrs. Baroda was unhappy with the information about Gouvernail’s visit to their farm because she was looking forward to a period of unbroken rest and an undisturbed tête-à-tête with her husband.

b. How was Gouvernail different from Mrs. Baroda’s expectation?

Ans 👉 Mrs. Baroda had formed an image of Gouvernail as tall, slim, cynical, wearing eyeglasses with his hands in his pockets. However, he was slim enough, but not very tall or cynical, nor did he wear glasses or carry his hands in his pockets.

c. How does Mrs. Baroda compare Gouvernail with her husband?

Ans 👉 Mrs. Baroda compares Gouvernail with her husband in terms of frankness. Her husband, Gaston Baroda, was frank and chatty, but Gouvernail was silent and not very talkative.

d. Why and how did Mrs. Baroda try to change Gouvernail’s solitary habits?

Ans 👉 Mrs. Baroda, being a frank woman, wanted Gouvernail to be chatty and feel at home. She tried to change his solitary habits by being openly hospitable and offering wordy conversation.

e. How does Gaston disagree with his wife on Gouvernail’s character?

Ans 👉 Gaston disagreed with his wife by saying that Gouvernail caused no trouble and did not like commotion, implying there was nothing wrong with his character.

f. Why is Gaston surprised with his wife’s expression towards the end of the story?

Ans 👉 Gaston is surprised because, despite her initial reluctance, Mrs. Baroda proposed on her own to have Gouvernail visit them again, showing a change in her attitude.

Reference to the context

a. What is the cause of conflict in Mrs. Baroda’s mind? What role does Mrs. Baroda ‘being a respectable woman’ play in the story?

Ans 👉 The cause of conflict in Mrs. Baroda’s mind is her attraction towards Gouvernail and the fear of society’s judgment. Being a respectable woman, she controls her feelings, resisting the urge to act on her attraction to Gouvernail to maintain social norms and respectability.

b. Sketch the character of Gouvernail and contrast it with Gaston.

Ans 👉 Gouvernail, Mr. Baroda’s college friend, is slim, attractive, lovable, inoffensive, and silent. He enjoys peace, sits on the portico, smokes a cigar, and does not demand anything from his hosts. In contrast, Gaston is frank, chatty, extroverted, and sociable. Gouvernail is introverted, less sociable, and enjoys solitude, making him the opposite of Gaston.

c. Why does Mrs. Baroda not disclose her feelings towards Gouvernail to her husband?

Ans 👉 Mrs. Baroda does not disclose her feelings because it is a personal struggle she must face alone. Revealing her attraction could cause serious problems, hurt her husband, weaken his friendship with Gouvernail, and bring social disgrace. Therefore, she keeps her feelings private.

d. The last three sentences of the story bring a kind of twist. After reading these three sentences, how do you analyze Mrs. Baroda’s attitude towards Gouvernail?

Ans 👉 The last three sentences show a twist: Mrs. Baroda, who initially resisted Gouvernail’s presence due to social fear, proposes to have him visit again. This indicates she has overcome societal fear and is willing to follow her emotions, either embracing her attraction or choosing to interact normally without internal conflict.

Reference beyond the text

a. The entry of an outsider into a family has been a recurring subject in both literature and films. Narrate a story real or imaginative where an outsider’s arrival destroys the intimate relationship between the husband and the wife and causes break up in marital relationship without direct fault of anyone.

Ans 👉 Anton Chekhov’s story About Love presents a similar idea. Alyohin, a major character, visits the home of Judge Dimitry Luganovich and meets his wife Anna. Her beauty, youth, and intelligence attract him. They spend time together, share gifts, go to the theatre, and exchange joys and sorrows. Alyohin falls in love with Anna but cannot express it openly due to moral constraints. Anna suffers mental tiredness, and the relationship remains unfulfilled. Eventually, Anna leaves for treatment in Crimea, and Alyohin bids her farewell at the train, expressing his love. The outsider’s presence disturbs emotional equilibrium, creating suffering without anyone being directly at fault.

b. Mrs. Baroda makes an expectation about Gouvernail even before meeting him. Suppose you are a mature girl/boy and your family members are giving you pressure for getting married. Write in about 200 words describing what qualities you would like to get in your future husband/wife.

Ans 👉 Marriage is a sacred lifelong relationship, and choosing a suitable life partner is crucial. If my family pressures me to marry, I would look for the following qualities in my future wife.

Firstly, she must be lovable and caring, showing affection to both me and my family. Secondly, she should be well-mannered and polite in all situations. Thirdly, her beauty should reflect both physical appearance and inner character. Fourthly, she should be responsible and respectable, understanding her duties toward family. Finally, she should be educated, valuing learning and encouraging knowledge in others. These qualities will ensure a harmonious and respectful marital life. Choosing a life partner with these traits will create a strong foundation for mutual love, trust, and understanding, ensuring happiness and stability for both partners and the family.