Class XI Com English Drama 1

Dear Students,

I suggest that that we move ahead with the study of our play Arms and the Man in the following manner :

1. We shall read a page a day.
2. I shall post comments on the page and suggested follow-up work
3. You are invited to keep up with the work
4. Kindly keep me informed through your comments of anything you wish to ask me.

So,

• Read down through page 25
• Remember what went before Raina has been offended with The Man's comments about her fiance. She has asked him to leave her room and house. The Man quite astonishingly seems petrified of doing so  - is he afraid of heights ? Is he afraid of facing the enemy ? Is he just putting on a pitiful performance knowing that Raina will 'melt' having gauged her well ?  What do you feel ?
• Words you need know the meaning of in the context : disarmed, catching the rhythm of his weariness, at her wit's end, roused. Could you make sentences of your own with these words and phrases ?
• My comments on the action :
• note the humour : "Climbing down the pipe means doing something - exerting myself - thinking ! Death times over first."
• Whatever his fatigue he has heard her calling him a "chocolate cream soldier" and uses that for effect - makes us wonder - is he really that tired ? Someone that tired would hardly be that alert !
• The Man gets the response from Raina which he wanted ! She "clings" to him, promising to save him !
• Howvere, Raina too see through 'The Man' she tells him "You want me to save you, don't you ?" It seems to me that they might have some inkling of the other's feeling for them - but they are still testing out the waters of their relationship. What do you think ?
• Write a paragraph giving your comments on the action / characters in this short episode.