Solution of Chapter 8. The Luncheon (NCERT - English Woven Words Book)

Although the author was not a vindictive man he was very happy to see the twenty-one-stone lady who had impoverished him twenty years ago and says he had finally had his revenge. What makes him say this?

There are quite a few places where the author uses the expressions ‘my heart sank’, ‘panic seized’ etc. What was the reason for this?

Locate instances of irony in the story.

Discuss in pairs or in small groups

People with foibles are often not conscious of them.

Discuss in pairs or in small groups

The author’s attempts at keeping up his pretence of friendliness while he was mentally preoccupied with the expense of the luncheon.

The author is a humorist

How does the story reflect his sense of humour?

The author is a humorist

What makes his lady friend remark—‘you are quite a humorist’?

The author is a humorist

Give instances of the author’s ability to laugh at himself.

How does the first person narrative help in heightening the literary effects of the story?

Pick out the words and phrases in the text that indicate that the author was not financially well off.