Solution of Chapter Prose-4. The Judgment of Paris (English Elective Book)

Find out what these words mean: farce, parody, satire, spoof. Share with the class.

Answer the following questions briefly:

Who are Robichon, Quinquart and Suzanne and for whom did they work?

Answer the following questions briefly:

Both Robichon and Quinquart loved Brouette equally. How did Suzanne react to this situation?

Answer the following questions briefly:

Why did the public Executioner approach the comedians at the café?

Answer the following questions briefly:

What was the nature of his work?

Answer the following questions briefly:

Robichon decides to help himself by helping Jacques Roux. How?

Answer the following questions briefly:

Why did the public Executioner agree to give his role to Robichon?

Answer the following questions briefly:

Why was there no applause in the hall, at the end of Robichon's performance?

Answer the following questions briefly:

What is the main theme of Robichon's speech?

Answer the following questions briefly:

Why did Robichon accept the Marquis’ invitation?

Answer the following questions briefly:

At what point does it become clear that the nobleman's hospitality was a trap?

Answer the following questions briefly:

Which is the most dramatic moment in the whole story? Give reasons.

Answer the following questions briefly:

Who won Suzanne Brouette's hand at the end. How did he achieve this?

Read the following extracts and answer the questions that follow:

"Paris shall be the judge, "affirmed Suzanne. "We are the servants of the public. I will take the public's word!" Why does Suzanne say that Paris shall be the judge ? What will the Parisians decide?

Read the following extracts and answer the questions that follow:

"…. The conqueror must distinguish himself in a solemn part." Why did the two actors decide to perform on a solemn role ?

Read the following extracts and answer the questions that follow:

"Monsieur," returned Robichon, 'We are in deep consideration of our latest parts. We shall be pleased to give you our attention at some other time." To what 'part' is Robichon referring?

Read the following extracts and answer the questions that follow:

…… "I feel myself to be all arms and legs. I don't know what to do with them." Explain the public Executioner's state of mind.

Read the following extracts and answer the questions that follow:

"Listen!" cried Robichon, "are you known at Appeville-sous-Bois?" What is the significance of this question put to Roux?

Read the following extracts and answer the questions that follow:

"Who may he be ?" inquired Quinquart. "I never heard of the Marquis de Thevenin!" Why does Quinquart inquire about the Marquis de Thevenin?

Read the following extracts and answer the questions that follow:

"… a delighted Paris awarded the palm to Quinquart without a dissenting voice …" Why did Paris award the 'palm' to Quinquart?

Match the words in column A with their meanings in column B

Study the examples of idioms

1) Jacques Roux felt all arms and legs.

2) Suzanne talked through her expensive hat.

The idioms mean

1. nervous 2. impractical

Complete the statements with suitable idioms from the box:

a) The audience at Appeville-sous-Bois listened to Robichon .........................................

b) Quinquart as the Marquis was able to ........................................ his friend's eyes.

c) Suzanne was beautiful but quite arrogant. She had her ........................................

d) Robichon delivered a terrific speech and ........................................

Robichon and Quinquart both loved Suzanne. Of the two, who do you think really deserved to win Suzanne Brouette? Why?

What do you think about the condition stipulated by Suzanne in choosing her life partner?

As Jacques Roux, write a letter to Robichon thanking him for helping you become a successful motivational speaker now. Also console him on his losing the challenge.

As Robichon, narrate how you felt to be outwitted by Quinquart.

As Suzanne Brouette, narrate how you felt when you had to settle for Quinquart in order to honour your word.

Suggest a few criteria to be kept in mind while choosing a life partner. Discuss this based on Suzanne's attitude towards her suitors.

Attempt an analysis of Suzanne Brouette's character.

Contrast Robichon’s and Quinquart’s personality.

What are your impressions of Jacques Roux? Give suitable references from the story.

The story is replete with humour. Bring out at least three humorous instances in the story.

In most of the countries in the world, the capital punishment has been abolished. In India, there have been crimes for which capital punishment has been awarded. Discuss in groups of four whether capital punishment should be abolished. Reach a consensus and a representative presents your group’s views to the class.