Question

Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:

Mrs Boyle: I am Mrs Boyle. (She puts down the suitcase)

Giles: I’m Giles Ralston. Come in to the fire. Mrs Boyle, and get warm. (Mrs Boyle moves down to the fire.)

Mrs Boyle: A Major-Metcalf is it? -is carrying it?

Giles: I'll leave the door open for him.

(i) Who is Mrs Boyle? Why is she in a bad mood?

(ii) Describe Major Metcalf. Mention any one action of his which indicates that he is a polite and courteous man.

(iii) How does Major Metcalf describe the weather outside?

(iv) What comments does Mrs Boyle make when she first encounters Mollie?

(v) Mention three reasons that Mrs Boyle gives for being unhappy with Monkswell Manor. What is your impression of Mrs Boyle?

Accepted Answer

Answer

(i)

Mrs. Boyle is one of the guests at Monkswell Manor / a large / imposing / ill-tempered woman / a magistrate / she has sent the children to Longridge Farm

In a bad mood because

Expected to have been met / had great trouble in getting a taxi / had to share a taxi from the station / she had to come with Major Metcalf / Taxi had stopped at the gate / wouldn’t risk coming up the drive / the drive must at least have been cleared of the snow.

(ii) Major Metcalf:

Middle aged / Square shouldered man / Very military in manner or bearing / polite and courteous / respectful
He carries Mrs. Boyle’s heavy suitcase for her / Takes his hat off when he sees Mrs. Boyle - sign of respect.

(iii)

Absolute blizzard / a storm / snowstorm
Thought that they might never reach their destination
As the roads were so bad in this weather / I think we will have 5 or 6 feet of snow / not seen anything like this in years.

(iv)

Says Mollie is very young (says it accusingly)
Too young to be running an establishment like a guest house.
Mollie lacked the experience that the task required / says that it was an old house / hopes that house hadn’t got dry rot / the house could have had a coat of paint / they had worm in the oak / there was no indoor staff.

(v)

The house is very old
Sniffs the air and hopes that Monkswell does not have dry rot. It needed a coat of paint
There was worm in the Oak / it was not a running concern (first time they had opened it).
No proper staff / advertising was misleading / amenities not up to the mark / complaint about the food

Personal Response:

She is finicky / fault finding / fussy old lady / very difficult to please / judgmental / authoritative / commanding

Mrs Boyle: I am Mrs Boyle. (She puts down the suitcase)

Answer