Man Who Knew Too Much -
(Questions and Answers)
Q1: Who is the author 'Man Who Knew Too Much'?
Answer: Alexander Baron
Q2: The “Professor” knew too much. How did he prove himself? Fill up space with suitable examples from the story, using the given clues:
(a) about muzzle velocity
(b) after a thirty mile walk
(c) his salute on payday
(d) the loud sound of a high flying invisible aeroplane
(e) about hand grenades
(f) during cookhouse duties
Answer:
(a) He knew that the exact muzzle velocity is 2440 feet per second.
(b) He was totally tireless and in good spirits to start singing.
(c) His salute at the pay table was an example for all others.
(d) The Professor was able to identify the aeroplane by its harsh noise made by the high tip speed of the airscrew.
(e) He gave a beautiful lecture on hand grenades.
(f) He was aware of the vitamin values of the potatoes and so, knew how the potatoes should be boiled, cooked and preserved.
Q3: Professor was an epitome of perfection and knowledge but an undesirable human being. Justify the statement with reference to the chapter ‘The man who knew too much’.
Answer: The professor had great knowledge of the subjects taught at the training camp. He was very hard working. The training manuals were at his tongue tip. His perfect salute on the pay table was admired by all, his arms sway was perfect. His enthusiasm knew no bounds, that, after thirty miles of a walk he merrily sang. He was very observant as he could identify the North American Harvard trainer without even taking a glance upwards. He could speak on any subject nonstop with perfection and with great knowledge. Undoubtedly he was well read, but unfortunately, he had certain traits which made him an undesirable human being. He also made enemies. He had the most irritating habit of interfering in other’s affairs and boasting about his knowledge everywhere. He would comment on every situation without fail. This showed his immaturity and foolishness. These actions overshadowed his intelligence and knowledge so much that his fellow mates and instructors remained offended at his behaviour and disliked him. Thus Private Quelch nicknamed Professor though was an epitome of knowledge and perfection remained an undesirable human being.
Q4: Answer the following questions briefly:
(a) What is a "nickname"? Can you suggest another one for Private Quelch?
(b) Private Quelch looked like "Professor" when the author first met him at the training depot. Why?
(c) What does the dark, sun-dried appearance of the Sergeant suggest about him?
(d) How was Private Quelch's knowledge exposed even further as the Sergeant's classes went on?
(e) What did the Professor mean by "intelligent reading"?
(f) What were the Professor's ambitions in the army?
(g) Did Private Quelch's day to day practices take him towards his goal? How can you make out?
(h) Describe Corporal Turnbull.
(i) How did Private Quelch manage to anger the Corporal?
(j) Do you think Private Quelch learnt a lesson when he was chosen for cookhouse duties? Give reasons for your answer.
Answer:
(a) A nickname is a familiar or pet name given to a person, animal or something used humorously or affectionately instead of the real name and usually based on a conspicuous characteristic of the person or thing involved. I would suggest "Mr Know All" as another nickname for Private Quelch.
(b) Private Quelch looked like a professor because he was lanky, behaved rather stoopingly and frowning through his horn-rimmed spectacles.
(c) The sun-dried appearance of the Sergeant suggests that he had been exposed to hot and harsh climate.
(d) In an anticipation to take revenge, the Sergeant turned to Private Quelch with a series of questions. Private Quelch was very prompt and answered all the questions correctly. He was able to give technical definitions, the parts of the rifle, its use and care. This exposed his knowledge even further.
(e) By “intelligent reading” the Professor meant to say that he had studied his books diligently, carefully and with thorough understanding.
(f) Professor's ambition was to get a commission in the army. He wanted to get a stripe as the first step in this direction.
(g) Yes, Private Quelch's day to day practices took him towards his goal. He borrowed training manuals and studied them thoroughly. His salute at the pay table was a model for others. He cleaned out his hut so thoroughly that even an orderly officer had no hesitation to praise him profusely. His gestures helped him to outshine everybody else.
(h) Corporal Turnbull was a young, robust person who had come back from Dunkirk with all his equipment intact. Even his pet kitten was in his pocket. He was a man not to be trifled with. He was so sturdy that you could hammer nails into him without his noticing it.
(i) The Corporal was lecturing to the privates on grenades. All of them were listening in a scared silence. He told them that outer part of the grenade is divided into many fragments. Private Quelch interrupted him to say that the exact number of fragments was forty-four. The Corporal was annoyed but he continued with his lecture. Then Quelch interrupted him again saying that he would first tell them about the five characteristics of the grenade. The Corporal was angry but he kept his annoyance under control and threw the grenade to Quelch and asked him to give the lecture.
(j) Private Quelch was a man of irrepressible spirit. He did not learn a lesson when he was chosen for permanent cookhouse duties. Even in the kitchen, he seemed to have read about food and nutrition. He protested against the unscientific and unhygienic methods by which the potatoes were peeled and so, their nutritious values were being wasted in the cookhouse.
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