Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
“What’s your name?” he asked.
“Braithwaite,” I replied, “Ricardo Braithwaite.”
“I’m Pinkus and this is Mama Pinkus.” The introduction was effected with a filial
devotion which was good to see.
“How d’you do, Mama Pinkus.”
“I think I know some place for you.” He went to the little noticeboard and removed
a small card on which was written a short advertisement of a room to let near-by.
(i) Why was Braithwaite looking for a new place to stay? Why was he impressed by the place that was on rent?
(ii) What reception did he get when he reached the address that had been advertised? Whom did the house belong to?
(iii) Why did Mrs. Pegg come to see Braithwaite? What reply did Braithwaite give to her?
(iv) What changes occurred in Pamela’s personality after the August holiday?
(v) What comment did Potter make when Braithwaite hurt himself? What did he mean by that comment? How did Pamela react to Potter’s remark?
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(i)
- He had been late to school a number of times recently./ He had to travel a long distance by train.
- The pavement outside the front door was scrubbed white./ the brass door knocker and the lace window curtains were very clean.
(ii)
- The door was opened by a smiling woman. When she saw Braithwaite the smile was replaced by an expression of cold withdrawal./ She said she was not letting the house. / She said she has changed her mind./ She addressed Braithwaite as a Darky.
- She was Barbara Pegg’s mother/ A student’s mother.
(iii)
- Mrs. Pegg had been rude to Braithwaite/ Her daughter had sent her to apologise./ She offered to accept Braithwaite as a tenant
- Braithwaite said he had changed his mind about the room / He will live where he has been./ He would speak to Barbara and explain the situation to her.
(iv) Pamela was quiet, moody, aloof / showed no wish to participate in the midday dance sessions which were once her favourite interest. / she was brooding and appeared sad/ She remained in the class room during recess/ did a lot of things for Braithwaite without being asked / She would keep his table tidy and fetch a cup to tea for him.
(v)
- Potter pretended to be surprised and said, “Red blood’.
- He meant that the colour is only skin deep. Everyone’s blood is red.
- Pamela reacted with great venom in her voice/ She said, “What did you expect, fat boy? Ink?” / She was very angry / With eyes blazing she shouted at Potter, “How do you know he doesn’t mind?” / She called him daft, stupid and soft.