For Class XISc 27th Aug & XI Com 30th Aug

Let's do another two Reference to contexts today - I am sure that as you do these questions, you find out what a good way this is to really study your play ! Good News ! You'll be doing these types of assignments daily !!!!


Reference to Context No.5

Petkoff : Here already, Sergius ! Glad to see you.
Catherine : My dear Sergius !
Sergius : My dear mother, if I may call you so.
Petkoff : Mother-in-law, Sergius; mother-in-law
Catherine : You look superb. The campaign has improved you, Sergius. Everybody here is mad about you.

1.Who is Sergius ? (2)
2.Was Petkoff really glad to see Sergius ? How do you know that ? In that context what does Petkoff's saying "Here already" signify ? (2)
3.Why do you feel that Petkoff insists that Sergius call Catherine 'mother-in-law' rather than mother ? What do you feel would Catherine's opinion on this matter ? Why ? (2)
4.Catherine refers to Sergius looks. What has the dramatist told us of Sergius looks thus far ? (2)
5.What does Catherine mean by "Everyone is mad about you" ? Is everyone 'mad about' Sergius ? Name two persons who may not be 'mad' about him. Why were they not 'mad about' him ? (2)

Reference to Context No.6

Catherine : We were all wild with enthusiasm about that magnificent cavalry charge,
Sergius : Madam, it was the cradle and grave of my military reputation.
Catherine : How so ?

1.Describe Sergius 'magnificent cavalry charge' as given by Catherine to Raina in Act 1 (2)
2.Explain 'cradle' and 'grave' in reference to the use of these two words as metaphors in the quotation above. (2)
3.Explain how the cavalry charge was the 'cradle' of Sergius' reputation. (2)
4.Explain how the cavalry charge was the 'grave' of Sergius' miltary reputation. (2)
5.What decision has Sergius taken regarding his career ? Why did he take that decision ? (2)