Answer any one of the following questions in about 120-150 words:

(i) The servants of Sadao and Hana reflect a particular mindset of the general public in society towards the thinking and broad-minded human beings. (ii) Optimism in one’s attitude helps deal with all the challenges in life. Prove the statement by referring to the character Mr. Lamb from the chapter “On the Face of It”.

(iii) Give a detailed account of the preparations made by the Governor for Evans James to write his examination.

Elaborate with the help of the story “The Enemy”.

(i) The servants of Sadao and Hana reflect a particular mindset of the general public in society towards the thinking and broad minded human beings. Their reaction to Tom’s presence in Sadao’s house was ordinary. They couldn’t tolerate their master helping Tom because they saw him as their enemy. The servants reflect the mindset of the poor, uneducated and narrow minded section of the society. They were frightened on hearing about the wounded being an American soldier. The gardener felt that he should be left to die because if he would be saved the sea would take revenge. Yumi refused to wash the wounds of the enemy soldier and was angry with Sadao for putting his family in danger. Their cook felt that Sadao operated and saved the enemy because he was too proud of his skills. They even left their jobs in protest. They were unable to understand Sadao’s dilemma because they were afraid of the repercussions of helping an enemy soldier.On the contrary, Sadao and Hana showed unprecedented maturity, kindness and humanity. Sadao answered the call of humanity and treated the enemy.

(ii) Optimism in one’s attitude helps deal with all the challenges in life. Optimism is a great positive virtue coveted by all but possessed by only a few. In the story “on the face of it”, Mr. Lamb portrays optimism. He has the acumen to see positive aspects in all situations. In spite of being a handicapped man himself, he always carries a cheerful disposition for everyone. He never complains and welcomes all. He does not mind children calling him ‘lamey lamb’. He helps Derry change his outlook. Derry had a burnt face and believed that he was different. He was filled with poor self-esteem and felt victimized in every situation. Mr. Lamb is friendly towards people and provides confidence to Derry. He tries to teach Derry how to enjoy life in every situation. He gives him examples of the buzz of bees, weeds in the garden and how a man was afraid of death and locked himself up in a room and ultimately died there. Mr. Lamb lived alone but yet looked at things positively. He found ways to overcome his loneliness and kept his gates always open. He didn’t even pull the curtains. He didn’t always keep thinking of negative things people said to him. He also told Derry that inner beauty was more important than appearance. At the end of the story we see Derry’s transformation as he defies his mother and goes back to Mr. Lamb’s garden.

(iii) The Governor was suspicious of the true intentions of Evans in wanting to take the exams. Fearing his fourth escape, the exam was ordered to be conducted inside the prison cell which was installed with a microphone, to keep a check on this intelligent prisoner. His cell was properly scrutinized by the prison staff who took away anything which could pose a threat in the smooth conduct of the examination. On the day of exam, the prison staff was put on high alert and special care was taken to promptly lock all doors and gates. All sharp objects including razor, nail scissors etc. were taken away by Jackson. Stephens was ordered to keep an eye on the exam proceedings. He peeped inside the cell in every two minutes. Even the invigilator, a parson, was frisked thoroughly before the examination. Evans was a shrewd man who allowed only a momentary sigh of relief to the Governor and his staff. The exam was supposed to have ended peacefully, but when Stephens rechecked Evan’s cell, he was stunned to see a profusely bleeding McLeery still in the cell. His flawless plans left everyone perplexed and troubled.