Class IX CBSE English Guide and NCERT Answers - The Man Who Knew Too Much by Alexander Baron

Class IX, English Literature Reader (Communicative)

The Man Who Knew Too Much

by - Alexander Baron

Class 9, The Man Who Knew Too Much - NCERT Answers for English Literature Reader Communicative Chapter Exercise Question Nos. 1 - 5 [Read]

Question.6:  At first, Private Quelch was a hero in the eyes of his fellow soldiers. Support this observation with suitable examples from the story in about 100 words.

Answer: Private Quelch's fellow soldiers were greatly impressed by his extensive knowledge and they called him professor.

His glory was enhanced in their eyes when he promptly and correctly answered a series of questions asked by the Sergeant. The Sergeant wanted to take revenge but he failed.

Quelch's fellow soldiers took pride in aircraft recognition. One day they heard the drone of a plane flying high overhead. Quelch not only recognised the aircraft by its monotonous drone, but also explained why its engine made that noise. Quelch outshone his colleagues in every respect and they greatly admired him.

Question.7: Private Quelch knew "too much". Give reasons to prove he was unable the admiration of his superior officers or his colleagues in about 100 words.

Answer: No doubt Quelch had thorough knowledge about all subjects and in the beginning he won the respect of his colleagues. But his desire to show it off was a fault. Each time any of them made a mistake, he would publicly correct him. He would give them relentless lectures in his monotonous voice. He lacked sense of propriety. He interrupted his seniors during their lectures and tried to outsmart them. His colleagues began to hate him and ridicule him. His seniors admired him at heart but they could not stand his cheekiness though he gave a excellent lecture. Corporal Turnbull punished him by assigning him to permanent cookhouse duties. Had been humble and polite, he would have been very popular.

Question.8: (a). Write down positive and negative traits of Private Quelch's character instances from the story.

(b). Now, share your notes with the class. Add details if you need to.

(c). Attempt a character sketch of Private Quelch using your notes in about 100 words.

Answer (a):

Positive traits and their instances in the story are as follows -

1. Ambitious: Worked hard for commission, studied training manuals till late night.

2. Knowledgeable: Answered questions correctly, good orator.

3. Tireless: Would sing after long route marches.

4. Laborious: Used to keep his hut exceptionally clean.

Negative traits and their instances in the story are as follows -

1. Pompous / lack of discipline: Interrupted seniors during lecture.

2. Condescending: Corrected colleagues openly.

Answer (b): Not important; do it yourself.

Answer (c): Private Quelch was nicknamed Professor because he had thorough knowledge about almost everything. He had an ambition to get commission in the army. He borrowed training and studied them till late in the night. He corrected the Sergeant and answered all his questions promptly and correctly. He gave an excellent lecture when asked by Corporal Turnbull. His salute at the pay table was a model to behold. The orderly officer praised him generously because Quelch kept his hut meticulously clean. He was tireless after long route marches and liked to sing. He surprised his colleagues by recognizing an aircraft by its harsh noise that others could not recognize.

But despite his merits, his desire to show off his knowledge displeased his officers. Nobody liked his cheekiness. He had no sense of propriety. He corrected his colleagues publicly in a condescending manner. His officers were annoyed and unjustly punished him.

       Chapter Exercise Questions

• Class 9, The Man Who Knew Too Much - NCERT Answers for English Literature Reader Communicative Chapter Exercise Question Nos. 1-5 [Read]

      Solutions of CBSE Sample Questions

• Class 9, NCERT English Guide - The Man Who Knew Too Much - Extra CBSE Questions [Read]