Keeping It From Harold Question Answers (Important)| Class 9 English Literature Reader (Communicative) Book

 

 

CBSE Class 9 English Chapter 4 Keeping It From Harold Question Answers (Important) from Literature Reader (Communicative) Book

 

Keeping It From Harold Question Answers  – Looking for Keeping It From Harold question answers for Class 9 English Literature Reader (Communicative) book Chapter 4? Look no further! Our comprehensive compilation of important questions will help you brush up on your subject knowledge. Practising Class 9 English Communicative question answers can significantly improve your performance in the exam. Our solutions provide a clear idea of how to write the answers effectively. Improve your chances of scoring high marks by exploring Chapter 4: Keeping It From Harold now. The questions listed below are based on the latest CBSE exam pattern, wherein we have given solutions to the chapter’s extract based questions, short answer questions, and long answer questions. 

Also, practising with different kinds of questions can help students learn new ways to solve problems that they may not have seen before. This can ultimately lead to a deeper understanding of the subject matter and better performance on exams.  

 

• Keeping It From Harold Textbook Questions
• Keeping It From Harold Extract Based Question
• Keeping It From Harold Short Question Answers
• Keeping It From Harold Long Question Answers

Related:

• Keeping It From Harold Summary, Explanation, Question Answers
• Character Sketch of Keeping It From Harold

 
 

Keeping It From Harold Textbook Questions

Exercises

Q1. The sequence of events has been jumbled up. Rearrange them and complete the given flowchart.
1) Major Percy and Bill come to the house.
2) Harold comes to know that his father is a boxer.
3) Bill tells his wife that he is doing it for Harold.
4) Jerry Fisher tries to convince Bill to reconsider.
5) Mrs. Bramble is amazed to think that she has brought such a prodigy as Harold into the world.
6) Harold wants to know what will happen to the money he had bet on Murphy losing.
7) Mrs. Bramble is informed that Bill had decided not to fight.
8) Mrs. Bramble resumes work of darning the sock.
9) Harold is alone with his mother in their home.
Ans. 9-5-8-1-7-3-4-2-6

Q2. Based on your reading of the story, answer the following questions by choosing the correct option.
(a) Mrs Bramble was a proud woman because
(i) she was the wife of a famous boxer.
(ii) she had motivated her husband.
(iii) she was a good housewife
(iv) she was the mother of a child prodigy.
Ans. (iv) she was the mother of a child prodigy.

(b) “The very naming of Harold had caused a sacrifice on his part.” The writer’s tone here is
(i) admiring
(ii) assertive
(iii) satirical
(iv) gentle
Ans. (i) admiring

(c) Harold had defied the laws of heredity by
(i) becoming a sportsperson.
(ii) being good at academics.
(iii) being well-built and muscular
(iv) respecting his parents
Ans. (ii) being good at academics.

(d) Harold felt that he was deprived of the respect that his classmates would give him as _________
(i) they did not know his father was the famous boxer, ‘Young Porky’.
(ii) his hero, Jimmy Murphy had not won the wrestling match.
(iii) he had not got Phil Scott’s autograph.
(iv) Sid Simpson had lost the Lonsdale belt.
Ans. (i) they did not know his father was the famous boxer, ‘Young Porky’.

(e) ‘It’s hard,’ he said at length in a choked voice. What was hard according to Mr. Fisher?
(i) To accept the truth.
(ii) To fight with American Murphy.
(iii) To control his anger.
(iv) To give up boxing.
Ans. (iii) To control his anger.

(f) What do you gauge about Major Percy Stokes’ character from the story? Select the most appropriate option from the following.
(1) man of wrath
(2) persuasive
(3) argumentative
(4) interfering
(5) self-important
(i) (1), (3) and (5)
(ii) (1), (2) and (4)
(iii) (2), (4) and (5)
(iv) (3), (4) and (5)
Ans. (iv) (3), (4) and (5)

Q3. Read the given extracts and answer the questions by selecting the correct options.

1. The only drawback was that his very ‘perfection had made necessary a series of evasions and even deliberate falsehoods on the part of herself and her husband, highly distasteful to both. They were lovers of truth, but they had realised that there are times when truth must be sacrificed. At any cost, the facts concerning Mr. Bramble’s profession must be kept from Harold.

(i) His very ‘perfection’ refers to Harold’s
(1) gentlemanly manners.
(2) aspiration to be the best.
(3) exceptional intelligence.
(4) obsession with cleanliness.
A. (1) and (3)
B. (2) and (3)
C. (1) and (4)
D. (2) and (4)
Ans. A.

(ii) What was highly distasteful to both Mrs. and Mr. Bramble?
A. Consciously choosing to lie.
B. Harold’s perfection.
C. Mr. Bramble’s profession.
D. Their relationship with each other.
Ans. A. Consciously choosing to lie.

(iii) The facts concerning Mr. Bramble’s profession ‘must be kept’ from Harold because it would make him feel
A. afraid.
B. ashamed.
C. weird.
D. angry.
Ans. B. ashamed.

2. On the faces of three of them consternation was written. In the eyes of the fourth, Mr. Fisher, there glittered that nasty, steely expression of the man, who sees his way to getting a bit of his own back, Mr. Fisher’s was not an un-mixedly chivalrous nature. He considered that he had been treated badly…

(i) Three of them felt anxious because
A. Mr. Fisher was about to hit Major Percy.
B. they suspected Mr. Fisher would take revenge.
C. Harold had heard a part of their conversation.
D. Harold did not like arguments at home.
Ans. C. Harold had heard a part of their conversation.

(ii) Get a bit of his own back implies _____________
A. feeling offended.
B. getting his way.
C. being forceful.
D. taking revenge.
Ans. D. taking revenge.

(iii) How was Mr. Fisher planning to get his own back?
A. By telling Harold the truth about his father.
B. By persuading Mr. Bramble to change his mind.
C. By hitting Major Percy and Mr. Bramble.
D. By kidnapping Harold and blackmailing Brambles.
Ans. A. By telling Harold the truth about his father.

(iv) Mr. Fisher felt he had been treated badly because Mr. Bramble had
A. cheated him and lied
B. called off his fight with Murphy.
C. been spending time with Percy.
D. been insensitive and aggressive.
Ans. B. called off his fight with Murphy.

 

Q4. Answer the following questions briefly.

(a) Why was it necessary to keep Harold’s father’s profession a secret from him?
Ans. Mr. Bill Bramble was a professional boxer. They considered the profession to be full of anger and so felt that it would impact his intelligent brain and make him feel ashamed. They felt that Harold was a class apart and so it was necessary to keep this secret from him.

(b) Describe Mr. Bramble as he has been described in the story.
Ans. Mr. Bramble is a short, sturdy, red – haired man. He has a square – shaped jaw and a broken nose. He is a mild, accommodating and friendly person. Professionally, he is an unopposed boxer, a man of wrath. On the contrary, in his personal life, he is very mild, good – natured and gives in to others easily. He even sacrificed his choice of name for his to – be – born child at the insistence of his wife.

(c) Who was Jerry Fisher? What did he say to try and convince Bill to change his mind?
Ans. Jerry Fisher was Bill’s friend and trainer at White Hart. He was training Bill for the last fight and as Bill had decided not to fight, Jerry tried to convince him. He asked him to think about the money that he would get from the fight and that he was in need of it.

(d) Why was Harold upset that his father had not told him about his true identity? Give two reasons.
Ans. Harold was upset that his father had not disclosed his true identity for the following reasons:

1. He could scare his classmates by telling them that his father was a boxer and prevent them from teasing him by calling him ‘Goggles’.
2. He could take his dad’s photograph to school and show off to other boys that he had a picture of ‘Young Porky’.

(e) Do you agree with the decision of Harold’s parents of hiding the fact that his father was a boxer? Why / Why not?
Ans. I agree with Harold’s parents’ decision of hiding the fact that his father was a boxer. All the parents take decisions for their child’s betterment. The profession of a boxer is not well – accepted in the society. Harold’s parents did not want him to feel low and so they kept this from him. As parents their act was justified and correct.

(f) Why did Mr. Bramble decide at the last minute not to fight with American Murphy at the National Sporting Club?
Ans. Mr. Bramble decided at the last minute not to fight with American Murphy at the National Sporting Club. He received several letters and tracts from Percy which let him change his mind about participating in the last match. He got influenced by what Percy had written about Harold, and decided to quit boxing and become an instructor.

(g) ‘There are times when truth must be sacrificed.’ Do you agree? Why / why not?
Ans. No, I do not agree with this statement. Many people believe that it is okay to lie to other people, especially children, because if they would know the truth, they would develop negative feelings like anxiety and shame. However, lying just makes more trouble, as one has to hide the truth from the person. What people fail to realise is that the truth will come out someday, so it is better to tell the truth now.

(h) “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” Discuss with reference to Mr. Bramble’s personality.
Ans. We see that Mr. Bramble’s profession is in total contrast with his looks. Although he has a sturdy body, he has a genial smile and he is one of the mildest and most obliging men of all. Although he was a man of wrath, he could be easily persuaded, and in private life, he did not seem to be a violent man. When most people meet boxers, they think that the person will be very violent. However, this was not true in case of Bill Bramble, hence proving that the phrase “Don’t judge a book by its cover” is valid.

Q5. Answer in detail.

(a) Did Harold react the way his parents expected him to on finding out about his father’s true profession? Give reasons for your answer.
Ans. No, Harold did not react the way his parents expected him to on finding out about his father’s true profession. Bill, Jane and Percy thought that Harold would die of shame if he got to know the truth. Harold was considered to be a gentleman, someone who was in total contrast with Bill and Jerry, who were men of wrath. So, they thought that Harold would be disgraced by his father’s true profession, and this would lead to him hating his own father. They thought that Harold was superior to them, and so they treated themselves like whatever they did for a living would be looked down upon by him. When the truth came out, Harold was angry at his father, not because he was ashamed of his profession, but because he was disgusted to know that his father never told him, his own son, that he was the popular boxer, Young Porky. He revealed that he liked boxing, and even discussed the merits of fighting Jimmy Murphy at the National. He wanted his father to be boxer, because now he could get rid of his bullies and win the bet with Dicky Saunders. 

(c) We often go with preconceived notions which are usually baseless. Do you think this was the case with Mrs. and Mr. Bramble? Give reasons for your answer.
Ans. Yes, I do think that Mrs. and Mr. Bramble had a preconceived notion which was baseless. They saw that, unlike his father, Harold was developing in stature and intelligence. He learned to learn and read with amazing quickness. His voice, mannerisms, and level of achievement was similar to that of a well-established gentleman. He was only ten years old and he had already won prizes in spelling and dictation. So, they thought him to be superior than them, because neither of them had such qualities. When they saw the development of Harold, they realised that there was a possibility that Harold would not like the fact that his father was a professional boxer. Therefore, they decided to hide the truth from Haeold. Not only this, but they were encouraged to do so by the parish priest and Major Percy Stokes. What they did not realise was that it was wrong to keep such a personal and important thing from Harold, and that their child would get to know the truth someday. So, we get to see that they kept the truth from Harold because they felt like their child would be ashamed of them and because the child was a gentleman.
 
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Class 9 Communicative English Keeping It From Harold Question Answers Chapter 4 – Extract Based Question

I. “”Ma!” Mrs. Bramble looked up, beaming with a kind of amiable fat-headedness. A domestic creature, wrapped up in Bill, her husband, and Harold, her son. At the present moment only the latter was with her. He sat on the other side of the table, his lips gravely pursed and his eyes a trifle cloudy behind their spectacles. Before him on the red tablecloth lay an open book. His powerful brain was plainly busy.
“Yes, dearie?”
“Will you hear me?”
Mrs. Bramble took the book. “Yes, mother will hear you, precious.”
A slight frown, marred the smoothness of Harold Bramble’s brow.””

1. What is the main impression given of Mrs. Bramble?
A. Intelligent and insightful
B. Loving and supportive
C. Overbearing and controlling
D. Ignorant and uncaring
Ans. B. Loving and supportive

2. What is the significance of Harold’s frown?
A. He is disappointed in his mother’s lack of intelligence.
B. He is annoyed by his mother’s habit of referring to herself in the third person.
C. He is concentrating hard on the book he is reading.
D. He is feeling unwell.
Ans. B. He is annoyed by his mother’s habit of referring to herself in the third person.

3. What does the phrase “domestic creature” suggest about Mrs. Bramble?
A. She is independent and strong.
B. She is concerned only with her own needs.
C. She is devoted to her family and home.
D. She is intellectually and emotionally limited.
Ans. C. She is devoted to her family and home.

4. Which of the following expressions refer to a “frown”?
A. Grin
B. Beam
C. Grimace
D. Wince
Ans. C. Grimace

5. How does Mrs. Bramble react when Harold asks her to “hear” him?
A. She becomes angry and refuses to listen.
B. She gets flustered and avoids the conversation.
C. She warmly agrees and offers her full support.
D. She kindly refuses the offer.
Ans. C. She warmly agrees and offers her full support.

II. “Before the coming of Harold, he had been proud of being a professional boxer. His ability to paste his fellow-man in the eye while apparently meditating an attack on his stomach, and vice versa, had filled him with that genial glow of self-satisfaction which comes to philanthropists and other benefactors of the species. It had seemed to him a thing on which to congratulate himself that of all London’s teeming millions there was not a man, weighing eight stone four, whom he could not overcome in a twenty-round contest. He was delighted to be the possessor of a left hook which had won the approval of the newspapers.”

1. Before the birth of his son, what was Mr. Bramble’s source of pride?
A. His intellectual prowess
B. His wealth and possessions
C. His boxing career
D. His artistic talents
Ans. C. His boxing career

2. How did Mr. Bramble describe his boxing skills?
A. Awkward and unorthodox
B. Brutal and relentless
C. Skillful and deceptive
D. Weak and unimpressive
Ans. C. Skillful and deceptive

3. What comparison does the author use to describe Mr. Bramble’s sense of self-satisfaction?
A. He felt like a superhero saving the world.
B. He compared himself to a king ruling his subjects.
C. He likened himself to a hero saving damsels in distress.
D. He compared himself to a philanthropist or benefactor
Ans. D. He compared himself to a philanthropist or benefactor

4. Which boxing style or technique did Mr. Bramble excel in?
A. Lead hook
B. Right hook
C. Left hook
D. Rear hook
Ans. C. Left hook

5. Find a word from the above extract which means the same as “ pleasantly warm, so as to give life, growth, or health”
Ans. Genial glow

III. “Yet Harold, defying the laws of heredity, had run to intellect as his father had run to muscle. He had learned to read and write with amazing quickness. He sang in the choir. And now, at the age of ten, a pupil at a local private school where they wore mortar boards and generally comported themselves like young dons, he had already won a prize for spelling and dictation. You simply couldn’t take a boy like that aside and tell him that the father whom he believed to be a commercial traveller was affectionately known to a large section of the inhabitants of London, as “Young Porky.” There were no two ways about it. You had to keep it from him.

1. How is Harold described in the passage?
A. Physically strong and athletic like his father.
B. Intellectually gifted and interested in academics.
C. Socially awkward and lacking confidence.
D. Rebellious and defiant towards his parents.
Ans. B. Intellectually gifted and interested in academics.

2. Why does the author mention Harold’s school?
A. To show Harold’s social status and privilege.
B. To emphasize Harold’s intelligence and academic potential.
C. To highlight Harold’s conformity to social norms.
D. To provide a setting for future events in the story.
Ans. B. To emphasize Harold’s intelligence and academic potential.

3. What is the main conflict or tension presented in this passage?
A. Bill’s struggle to keep up with Harold’s intellectual development.
B. Harold’s rebellion against his father’s expectations.
C. The clash between Harold’s intellect and Bill’s profession.
D. The pressure Bill faces to choose between his son and his past.
Ans. C. The clash between Harold’s intellect and Bill’s profession.

4. Which of the following images resembles a mortar board?

Ans. A (Mortar Board is an academic cap with a stiff, flat, square top and a tassel.)

5. Who is “Young Porky”?
A. Jerry Fisher
B. Harold
C. Major Percy
D. Mr. Bill Bramble
Ans. D. Mr. Bill Bramble

IV. “A piece about it in the Mail, with a photograph of me. And you know Harold reads his Mail regularly. And then, don’t you see, the fat would be in the fire. “That’s what Percy pointed out to me, and I seen what he meant, so I hopped it.”
“You see, Jane—” Mr. Bramble was beginning, when there was a knock at the door, and a little, ferret-faced man in a woollen sweater and cycling knickerbockers entered, removing as he did so a somewhat battered bowler hat. “
Beg pardon, Mrs. Bramble,” he said, ” coming in like this. Found the front door ajar, so came in, to ask if you’d happened to have seen-“
“I thought so!” he said, and shot through the air towards Percy.
“Jerry !” said Bill.
“Be reasonable,” said the Major, diving underneath the table and coming up the other side like a performing seal.

1. Why did Mr. Bramble believe that reading about his fight in the “Mail” would upset Harold?
A. Harold was embarrassed by his father’s boxing career.
B. Harold would disapprove of a profession rooted in violence and fighting.
C. Harold was jealous of his father’s fame.
D. Harold believed his father was a bad influence.
Ans. B. Harold would disapprove of a profession rooted in violence and fighting.

2. Who is Jerry and what is his relationship to Mr. Bramble?
A. Jerry is Mr. Bramble’s boxing opponent.
B. Jerry is a reporter from the “Mail.”
C. Jerry is Mr. Bramble’s old friend and confidante.
D. Jerry Fisher is Bill Bramble’s hot-tempered boxing trainer at the White Hart club.
Ans. D. Jerry Fisher is Bill Bramble’s hot-tempered boxing trainer at the White Hart club.

3. What is the Major’s response as he sees Jerry?
A. He welcomes Jerry and invites him to join the conversation.
B. He remains calm and tries to de-escalate the situation.
C. He panics and hides under the table.
D. He confronts Jerry and demands an explanation.
Ans. C. He panics and hides under the table.

4. What do you understand by the phrase “fat would be in the fire”
A. To be critical
B. Very expensive
C. There would be trouble
D. Get out of control
Ans. C. There would be trouble

5. Which of the following is true about Jerry Fisher’s appearance?
i.He is a little, ferret-faced man
ii.He wore a woollen sweater and cycling knickerbockers .
iii.He wore a bowler hat.
A. i,ii and iii
B. Only i and ii
C. Only ii and iii
D. Only i and iii
Ans. A. i,ii and iii

V. ”Mr. Fisher, do be a gentleman,” entreated Mrs. Bramble.
“My dear sir.” There was a crooning winningness in Percy’s voice.
“My dear sir, do nothing hasty. Think before you speak. Don’t go and be so silly as to act like a mutton-head. I’d be ashamed to be so spiteful. Respect a father’s feelings.”
“Tommy,” said Mr. Fisher, ignoring them all, “you think your pa’s a commercial. He ain’t. He’s a fighting-man, doing his eight-stone-four ringside, and known to all the heads as ‘ Young Porky.’ ” Bill sank into a chair. He could see Harold’s round eyes staring at him.
“I’d never have thought it of you, Jerry,” he said, miserably. “If anyone had come to me and told me that you could have acted so raw I’d have dotted him one.”
“And if anyone had come to me and told me that I should live to see the day when you broke training a week before a fight at the National, I’d given him one for himself.” ’’

1. What new information does Jerry reveal about Mr. Bramble?
A. He is wealthy and successful.
B. He is a talented boxer.
C. He is dishonest and deceitful.
D. He is a dangerous and violent man.
Ans. B. He is a talented boxer.

2. How does Bill react to Jerry’s revelation?
A. He becomes angry and defensive.
B. He feels ashamed and disappointed.
C. He remains calm and composed.
D. He denies Jerry’s accusations.
Ans. B. He feels ashamed and disappointed.

3. What is the overall tone of the conversation?
A. Lighthearted and humorous
B. Tense and confrontational
C. Warm and affectionate
D. Sad and remorseful
Ans. B. Tense and confrontational

4. Why did they not want to reveal it to Harold?
A. They thought that Harold would die of disgrace if he came to know that his father was a man of wrath and called ‘Young Porky’
B. They thought that Harold would feel bad if he came to know his father was not intelligent.
C. They thought that Harold would feel bad if he came to know his father had told him a lie.
D. They thought that Harold would feel bad if he came to know his father was not a good man.
Ans. A. They thought that Harold would die of disgrace if he came to know that his father was a man of wrath and called ‘Young Porky’

 
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Class 9 Communicative English Keeping It From Harold Short Question Answers

 

Q1. Describe Harold
Ans. Harold is a young boy, around ten years old. He is described as being “studious” and “devoted to his books.” He excels academically and has a passion for poetry and learning. While Harold values intellectual pursuits, he also shows a desire for social validation and acceptance from his peers.

Q2. Why did Mrs Bramble address her son as “dearie”?
Ans. Mrs Bramble was very proud of her son Harold. She uses terms of endearment like “dearie” to express her love and affection for her child. Mrs. Bramble’s choice of words highlights her deep love for Harold. It’s also possible that “dearie” is simply a habit Mrs. Bramble has developed over the years, becoming a comfortable and familiar way of addressing her son.

Q3. Bill and his wife were a little afraid of their wonderful child’. Why?
Ans. Bill and his wife were afraid Harold would be ashamed and disappointed to learn about Bill’s job as a boxer. They associated boxing with a rough and uneducated lifestyle, which they believed contrasted sharply with Harold’s refined and intellectual pursuits.They worried that the truth about Bill’s profession could negatively impact Harold’s future, both academically and socially.

Q4. Why did Bill think of trying out a job as an instructor?
Ans. Bill believed that by giving up boxing and taking on a more “respectable” profession like teaching, he could shield Harold from potential prejudice and negative associations with boxing. This would ensure Harold’s acceptance in his social circles and protect him from any harm or ridicule. Taking on a new challenge like teaching could be a way for Bill to prove to himself and others that he is capable of success beyond the world of boxing.

Q5. Which event was Mrs Bramble waiting for that could end all her anxieties?
Ans. Given her disapproval of Bill’s profession and the stress it caused the family, Mrs. Bramble hoped for Bill to retire from boxing. This would alleviate her anxieties about the potential harm or disappointment it could bring to Harold and offer a better future for the family.

Q6. Bill Bramble brought about major changes in his life after the birth of his son Harold. What were they?
Ans. After the birth of his son Harold Bramble began to feel ashamed of reading his name as a boxer in newspapers and magazines. He began to hide his profession as Harold should not feel embarrassed about it. He lied to the boy that he was a company’s touring representative.

Q7. What did Bill want to protect his son from?
Ans. Bill’s primary motivation was to protect his son from the harsh reality of his profession. He feared that learning the truth about his father being a boxer would negatively impact Harold, causing him shame, disappointment, or potential ridicule from his peers. He wanted to shield Harold from this potential emotional harm.

Q8. Why did Bill, his wife and Major Percy stop Jerry Fisher from revealing the secret?
Ans. Stopping Jerry from speaking was essential to maintaining the carefully constructed facade they had built around Harold. Bill and his wife believed that keeping Harold in the dark about his father’s profession was best for him, and revealing the truth would shatter this illusion and create unnecessary complications.

Q9. Describe Harold.
Ans. Mr Bramble thought about the names of famous sportspersons for his child. He wanted to name his child John, if a boy, after the famous American boxer Mr John L Sullivan. He desired his son to inherit his strength and athleticism.If a girl, Marie, after Miss Marie Lloyd.He hoped his daughter would possess the same charisma and talent like the renowned English music hall singer and comedian.

Q10. Who is Jerry Fisher in Keeping It from Harold?
Ans. Jerry Fisher is Bill Bramble’s hot-tempered boxing trainer at the White Hart club. He calls Bill “a pleasure to train” and is shocked when the boxer decides to quit right before a huge match.

Q11. Who is Major Percy Stokes?
Ans. Major Percy Stokes is Mrs. Bramble’s brother. He often visited the Brambles and took keen interest in matters concerning Harold. He was also of the opinion that the secret of Bill’s real profession must be kept hidden from Harold.

Q12. What was the end of their (Jerry and Harold’s) incidental meeting?
Ans. Jerry Fisher, Bill’s boxing trainer, revealed to Harold the secret that his father is a professional boxer, famously known as Young Porky. Harold felt proud of being the son of a great boxer. He was angry at the fact that he was deprived of the glory and honour for a long time.

Q13. How did Harold react on learning about his father’s profession?
Ans. Harold was at first shocked to learn that he was the son of a famous boxer, Young Porky. Then he felt sad that if he knew who he was no one at school would have made fun of him by calling him ‘Goggles’.He felt that knowing about his father’s profession could give him bragging rights and social currency among his friends.

Q14. What internal conflict does Bill face?
Ans. Bill is torn between his love for boxing and his responsibility to protect his son’s future, fearing the potential negative impact on Harold’s intellectual development and social standing, if he comes to know that his father has been in a profession that involves violence.

Q15. What is the significance of the story’s open ending?
Ans. By leaving the reader to ponder the future of the Bramble family and the long-term impact of the truth, the story encourages reflection and open-ended discussion about the themes of family, communication, and individual choices.

Q16. Name the two persons (other than the parents) who were responsible for keeping Harold in dark about his father’s true identity.
Ans. The senior curate of the parish and Mrs Bramble’s brother, Major Percy Stokes, were mainly responsible for convincing Harold’s parents not to disclose the true identity of his father to him as they believed that boxing was not a respectable profession.

Q17. ‘His very perfection had led to a series of ‘evasions’ on the part of Mr and Mrs Bramble. Explain.
Ans. Harold’s intelligence, academic success, and gentle nature led his parents to believe that he wouldn’t understand or approve of his father’s past as a boxer. They had high expectations for Harold and feared that boxing’s perceived association with violence and would disappoint him.

Q18.Did the Brambles try to maintain their social status by hiding the truth?
Ans. Boxing was often viewed with prejudice during the story’s setting, associating it with lower classes and violence. Harold’s parents, despite accepting Bill’s profession, were concerned about societal judgment and how it might impact their social standing. They did not want their child to be discriminated. Keeping the secret allowed them to maintain a certain image within their community.

Q19. What is the irony in the story?
Ans. The irony lies in the fact that Harold’s perfection, which was meant to bring joy and pride, became a barrier to open communication and transparency. Brambles loved their child deeply and wanted to avoid any potential disappointment or negative impact on his life. This fear, however, ultimately led to a series of deceptions and missed opportunities for deeper connection and understanding.
His parents’ evasions highlight the complexities of parent-child relationships and the challenges of navigating societal expectations while fostering genuine connection.

Q20. Should Harold respect his father’s profession, even if it differs from his own values and interests?
Ans. Regardless of his personal interests, Harold should respect his father’s choice of profession. Bill Bramble chose a path that he was passionate about and dedicated himself to it. Respecting his father’s passion demonstrates support and understanding.

 
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Class 9 Communicative English Keeping It From Harold Long Answer Questions Chapter 4

Q1. What was it that Harold did not like about his mother?
Ans. While Harold loved his mother, there was one aspect of her behavior that he disliked:
Her habit of addressing him as “dearie” and treating him like a small child. He did not like the fact that his mother referred to herself in the third person, as if she were addressing a baby, instead of a young man of ten. This habit of his mother irritated him. It bothered Harold because he felt it was infantilizing and didn’t acknowledge his maturity and intellectual development. He wanted to be treated as a young man, not a little boy. This is evident in several instances throughout the story, such as when Harold sighs in annoyance when his mother calls him “dearie” and when he expresses his desire to be seen as someone capable of handling the truth about his father’s profession.

It’s important to note that Harold’s dislike of this specific behavior stemmed from his desire for independence and recognition, not from a lack of love or respect for his mother.

Q2. What tells you of Harold’s interest in boxing?
Ans. Harold is interested in boxing. His knowledge, enthusiasm, curiosity, and desire to use boxing for social currency all point to a genuine interest in the sport and its world. Following points discussed below tell us about his interest in boxing.

1. Knowledge of boxers and fights: Harold demonstrates a surprising knowledge of boxers and upcoming fights. He mentions having a friend who owns a snapshot of Jimmy Wilde, a famous boxer. This indicates an active interest in the sport and its personalities.
2. Understanding of boxing rules and terminology: He uses boxing terminology correctly, asking his father about “training for the Lonsdale Belt” and the opponent’s fighting style. This suggests he possesses a deeper understanding of the sport beyond casual knowledge.
3. Enthusiasm for his father’s potential comeback: Harold expresses genuine excitement and encouragement for his father’s boxing match. He advises his father on his training and actively wishes for his success, highlighting his interest in the sport and his father’s participation.
4. Curiosity about his father’s boxing career: Although unaware of his father’s true identity as Young Porky, Harold shows curiosity about his father’s past athletic achievements. He requests a photo of his father in his boxing days, indicating a desire to understand and connect with his father’s history.
5. Peer pressure: Harold expresses a desire to use his father’s boxing prowess to gain social standing among his peers. He believes knowing about his father’s profession would give him bragging rights and potentially elevate his social status.

 

Q3. Do you agree with Harold’s parents’ decision of hiding from him the fact that his father was a boxer? Why/Why not?
Ans. I feel that Harold’s parents’ decision of hiding facts was not right. While Harold’s parents’ intentions were driven by love and a desire to protect him, the story suggests that the potential negative impacts of deception can outweigh the intended benefits. Open communication and honesty are crucial for building trust and fostering healthy relationships within families
Whether or not Harold’s parents were right to hide his father’s profession from him is a complex issue with no easy answer. There are strong arguments to be made on both sides:

Arguments in favor of their decision:

• Breach of trust: Keeping such a significant secret from Harold damaged the trust between him and his parents. It hindered open communication and prevented them from forming a deeper and more honest relationship.
• Denying Harold the opportunity to know his true identity: By concealing his father’s profession, Harold was denied the chance to understand his family’s history and develop a complete sense of self. This could lead to feelings of confusion and resentment with his parents later in life.
• Perpetuating negative stereotypes: The decision to hide the truth reinforces the negative perceptions associated with boxing and working-class professions. It suggests that these pursuits are something to be ashamed of and concealed, instead of being valued and respected.

Q4. Are Mrs and Mr Bramble justified in not taking pride in their profession. Do you agree ? Give reasons for your answer.
Ans. Ultimately, whether or not Mr. and Mrs. Bramble are justified in their lack of pride is a matter of personal opinion.Whether or not Mr. and Mrs. Bramble are justified in not taking pride in Mr. Bramble’s profession as a boxer is a complex issue that depends on individual values and perspectives. There are arguments to be made on both sides:

Justifications for their lack of pride:

• Societal stigma: Boxing is often associated with negative stereotypes, including violence, brutality, and lack of intelligence. Mr. and Mrs. Bramble, particularly Mrs. Bramble and Major Percy, might have internalized these societal prejudices, leading them to feel ashamed of their association with the sport.
• Concern for Harold’s future: They might believe that revealing Mr. Bramble’s profession could negatively impact Harold’s social standing and future opportunities. They might fear that Harold would be subjected to ridicule or prejudice, hindering his academic and social development.
• Personal aspirations: Mr. Bramble was initially drawn to boxing out of necessity rather than passion. He might harbor unfulfilled desires for a different career path that better aligns with his personal values and aspirations.

Reasons to disagree with their lack of pride:

• Hard work and dedication: Mr. Bramble exhibits great skill and dedication to his sporting craft. He deserves recognition and respect for his hard work and athletic achievements regardless of the societal perception of boxing.
• Promoting physical fitness and strength: Boxing can be a rigorous form of exercise that promotes physical fitness and mental discipline. Mr. Bramble’s success in the sport could be seen as a positive example of dedication and perseverance.
• Providing for his family: Mr. Bramble’s profession allows him to support his family and provide them with a comfortable life. He fulfills his responsibility as a husband and father, which is worthy of respect and appreciation.

There are valid arguments to be made on both sides, and it depends on individual values and perspectives. In my opinion, their lack of pride is not entirely justified. While there are societal prejudices associated with boxing, Mr. Bramble’s dedication, hard work, and ability to provide for his family deserve recognition and respect.

Q5. Harold is considered to be fond of only intellectual activities. He proves to be much maturer than his parents think. How?
Ans. Harold initially appears to be solely focused on intellectual pursuits, such as reading and academics. However, throughout the story, he demonstrates maturity in ways that surprise his parents:

1. Understanding and Acceptance: Despite his initial shock upon learning the truth about his father’s profession, Harold ultimately comes to understand and accept his father’s choices. He recognizes his father’s hard work and dedication and chooses to support him rather than judging him.
2. Curiosity and Openness: Instead of clinging to resentment or denial, Harold shows genuine curiosity about his father’s boxing career. He asks questions, expresses interest in his father’s past, and even requests a picture of him as Young Porky. This openness to learning and understanding his family’s history demonstrates maturity beyond his age.
3. Empathy and Consideration: After learning the truth, Harold considers the potential impact it might have on his parents and the family dynamics. He recognizes the burden of their secret and shows empathy towards their anxieties and concerns.
4. Challenging Stereotypes: Harold’s initial surprise and disappointment reflect the societal prejudice associated with boxing. However, he chooses to overcome these biases and embrace his father’s profession, demonstrating maturity in challenging societal norms and judging individuals based on their character rather than their occupation.

These qualities highlight Harold’s maturity and emotional intelligence. He demonstrates the ability to understand complex emotions, navigate challenging situations, and make decisions based on reason and empathy. His growth throughout the story shows him progressing beyond the image of a bookish child towards a young man capable of understanding, acceptance, and responsible judgment.

Q6.“Pa, can’t you give me a picture of yourself boxing? I could swank like anything. And you don’t know how sick a chap gets of having chaps call him, ‘Goggles’.”
In the light of the above extract, analyze Harold’s feeling on learning that his father was a professional boxer.
Ans. “Keeping it from Harold” reveals Harold’s complex and evolving feelings upon learning his father’s secret. Harold’s request for a picture of his father boxing suggests a desire to boast and gain social status. This likely stems from the taunts he receives for wearing glasses (“Goggles”). However, learning the truth about his father’s profession as a professional boxer would undoubtedly have come as a shock and surprise, shattering his preconceived notions.However, the desire to “swank” suggests a potential sense of pride and excitement at having a famous boxer as his father.
The use of the phrase “chaps call him ‘Goggles'” highlights Harold’s struggle with social acceptance and his desire to belong. He believes that having a famous boxer father could boost his social standing and shield him from bullying.
Harold’s feelings upon learning the truth are likely to be a complex mixture of shock, disbelief, embarrassment, pride, and a desire for acceptance. However, this revelation also opens the door for growth, understanding, and a strengthened father-son bond.

Q7. “He was a professional boxer. That was the trouble.” Discuss.
Ans. The statement “He was a professional boxer. That was the trouble,” from “Keeping it from Harold,” encapsulates the societal prejudice and judgment associated with boxing during the story’s setting. It highlights several key points:

1. Societal Stigma: Boxing is often viewed as a violent, working-class sport, incompatible with intellectual pursuits and respectable social standing. This stigma led Harold’s parents to believe that revealing his father’s profession would bring shame and embarrassment upon him.
2. Conflicting Values: The story presents a clash between intellectual pursuits, represented by Harold’s academic achievements, and physical activities like boxing. This reflects a broader societal tendency to elevate intellectual work over physical labor, despite the inherent value and skills required in both.
3. Fear of Judgment: Harold’s parents feared their son’s disappointment and potential social ostracization if he knew about his father’s profession. This reflects the fear of judgment and social exclusion associated with breaking societal norms and defying expectations.

The statement “He was a professional boxer. That was the trouble,” serves as a powerful critique of societal prejudice and its impact on individual lives and family relationships. It encourages readers to question established norms, challenge preconceived notions, and recognize the inherent value and dignity in all pursuits.

Q8. ‘Keeping It from Harold’ underlines the idea that boxing is as dignified as any other activity, physical or mental. What happens when we downplay one activity over the other, especially our own ability? What should be our attitude?
Ans. In “Keeping it from Harold,” the underlying message emphasizes the inherent dignity and value of all pursuits, including boxing, regardless of societal perception. Downplaying one activity over another, particularly discounting our own abilities, can have detrimental consequences for individuals and society as a whole.
By judging activities as inferior, we restrict ourselves and others from exploring their full potential and talents. Harold’s father, Young Porky, exemplifies this as his boxing career is shrouded in secrecy due to societal prejudice.When we downplay certain activities, we contribute to existing social inequalities and prejudices. Harold’s parents’ desire to protect him from societal judgment against boxing reinforces this bias.

By acknowledging the dignity of all pursuits, fostering a growth mindset, and challenging societal biases, we can create a world where individuals are encouraged to pursue their passions and reach their full potential, regardless of the activity they choose. This approach leads to a more diverse, inclusive, and ultimately more fulfilling society where everyone feels valued and respected.

Q9. Write the story “Keeping it from Harold” as a mystery story.
Ans. Harold, a bookish 10-year-old, stumbled upon a box in the dusty attic. Tucked away in a forgotten trunk, amidst faded photographs and moth-eaten sweaters, lay a pair of worn leather boxing gloves. Curiosity piqued, he slipped them on, feeling the rough leather against his skin. As he playfully shadowboxed, a photograph fluttered out from the gloves, depicting a young, muscular man with a familiar jawline and a determined gaze. The inscription on the bottom confirmed Harold’s suspicions: “Young Porky Bramble”
The name chilled Harold to the bone. It was his father’s name, yet the image bore no resemblance to the mild-mannered, bespectacled man he called Dad. A seed of doubt was planted, and Harold’s inquisitive mind began to unravel the secrets hidden within his own family.

His investigation began subtly. He noticed his father’s flinch when boxing was mentioned, the worn patch on his knuckles that hinted at past battles, and the way his gaze would flicker away when the topic arose. Harold delved into boxing documentaries and magazines, searching for a connection to the enigmatic “Young Porky.”

Young Porky Bramble was a rising star, captivating audiences with his lightning-fast punches and devastating knockouts. Articles hailed him as the next champion, his future a blaze of glory. Then, abruptly, the articles stopped. Young Porky vanished, leaving the boxing world baffled and his fans heartbroken.

Harold’s heart pounded with a mix of excitement and fear. He confronted his father, the question hanging heavy in the air. Bill, hesitant at first, eventually revealed his past as Young Porky.

Harold listened intently, initially shocked but slowly understanding. He saw a glimpse of the young, passionate man beneath his father’s gentle exterior, a man who had made sacrifices for his family. The burden of the secret finally lifted.

Q10. Imagine a scenario where Harold learns the truth about his father’s profession through a different means, such as finding an old newspaper clipping or witnessing a training session. How would this change Harold’s reaction and the family dynamics? What would be the subsequent consequences and how would they ultimately deal with the situation?
Ans. If Harold were to discover the truth about his father’s profession through a different means than Bill’s confession, it could significantly impact his initial reaction, the family dynamics, and the subsequent consequences. Here are some possibilities:

• Initial Reaction: Harold might experience a mix of shock, anger, and disappointment. He might feel betrayed by his parents for keeping such a significant secret from him and question their motives or Harold might see his father’s dedication and athleticism firsthand, potentially leading to newfound respect and admiration.
• Family Dynamics: Tension and distrust might arise within the family. Harold could feel alienated from his parents and question their judgment. This could lead to arguments and difficulties communicating openly and honestly. Or, The revelation could spark curiosity and a desire to learn more about his father’s past.
• Consequences: Harold might struggle to reconcile his intellectual pursuits with his father’s profession. 
• Dealing with the situation: It would be crucial for the family to have open and honest conversations. Bill and Mrs. Bramble need to explain their reasons for the secrecy and express their love and support for Harold.

This scenario highlights the importance of honesty and transparency within families. It demonstrates how secrets, even when intended with good intentions, can have unintended consequences and create challenges in building trust and understanding.
 
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