Pappachi's Moth Question Answers

 

Jammu and Kashmir Board Class 10 English Tulip Book Lesson 6 Pappachi’s Moth Question Answers

 

Pappachi’s Moth Question Answers: Looking for Pappachi’s Moth important questions and answers for JKBOSE Class 10 English Tulip Book? Look no further! Our comprehensive compilation of important questions will help you brush up on your subject knowledge. Practicing JKBOSE Class 10 English question answers can significantly improve your performance in the board exam. Improve your chances of scoring high marks by exploring Pappachi’s Moth Question answers now. The questions listed below are based on the latest JKBOSE exam pattern. All the exercises and Questions Answers given at the back of the lesson have also been covered.

 

 

Jammu and Kashmir Board Class 10 English Tulip Book Lesson Pappachi’s Moth Textbook Questions

Exercise

 

Thinking about the Text

 

  1. Sketch the characters of Pappachi and Mammachi.

Ans. Pappachi: Pappachi is portrayed as a disgruntled, jealous, and bitter man who struggles with the loss of his status and authority after retirement. His pride and insecurity are evident in his treatment of Mammachi and his obsession with his unacknowledged moth discovery. Despite his high-ranking position as an Imperial Entomologist, he is deeply affected by the perceived insult of not having the moth named after him and resents his wife’s newfound success and independence.

Mammachi: Mammachi is depicted as a resilient and independent woman who, despite her failing eyesight and the abuse she endures, manages to turn her pickle-making into a successful business. Her strength and determination are evident in her ability to persevere and support herself through her work, even while dealing with Pappachi’s hostility and neglect.

 

  1. ‘I never want this to happen again,’ he told his father, ‘Ever’. Who says it and why?

Ans. Chacko says this to his father, Pappachi, after witnessing him beat Mammachi. Chacko intervenes to put an end to the violence, expressing his strong disapproval and demanding that it not happen again. This statement reflects Chacko’s resolve to protect his mother and reject Pappachi’s abusive behavior.

 

  1. ‘Ammu told the twins that Mammachi was crying more because she was used to him than because she loved him’. In the light of the statement of Mammachi’s daughter, comment on the relationship between Mammachi and Pappachi.

Ans. Ammu’s statement suggests that Mammachi’s tears at Pappachi’s funeral were less about genuine grief and more about the familiarity and routine of her life with him. The relationship between Mammachi and Pappachi appears to be one of long-standing habituation rather than deep emotional connection. Mammachi’s crying reflects the end of a habitual life rather than a deep personal loss, highlighting the emotional distance and resignation in their relationship.

 

  1. How does Mammachi stand out as an independent and resilient woman in the text?

Ans. Mammachi demonstrates independence and resilience through her successful pickle-making business, which she continues to run despite her deteriorating eyesight and Pappachi’s abuse. Her ability to create a thriving business from her skills, manage it single-handedly, and maintain her dignity in the face of personal and professional challenges showcases her strength and determination.

 

  1. Pick out the elements of irony in the lesson.

Ans.(a) Irony of Status and Insecurity: Pappachi, despite being a high-ranking official and an accomplished entomologist, is deeply insecure about his status and the lack of recognition for his discovery. The fact that the moth he discovered was named after someone he disliked adds to the irony of his situation.

(b) Irony of Independence: While Pappachi resented Mammachi’s success and independence, it is this very success that highlights Mammachi’s strength and autonomy, contrasting sharply with Pappachi’s own insecurities and failures.

(c) Irony of Pappachi’s Revenge: Pappachi’s Plymouth car, which he bought as a symbol of his revenge and superiority, becomes a source of bitterness and isolation, as he doesn’t allow anyone else in the family to use it, thus reinforcing his own loneliness.

 

  1. Identify instances of humor in the story.

Ans. (a) Pappachi’s Suit: The description of Pappachi slouching around in his immaculately tailored suit, sweating freely, provides a subtle humorous contrast to his grandiose image and his internal struggles.

(b) Pappachi’s Rocking Chair: The scene where Pappachi destroys his favorite mahogany rocking chair with a plumber’s monkey wrench, leaving it in the moonlight, has a darkly humorous quality as it reflects his futile rage and frustration.

(c) Mammachi’s Pickle Business: The exaggerated emphasis on Pappachi’s resentment towards Mammachi’s pickle-making business and his actions, such as sewing buttons on shirts that don’t need them, highlights the absurdity of his pride and vanity.

Language Work:

 

  1. a) Match the following:

epitaph: a word or piece of writing taken from a written work.

abstract: a short piece of writing or a poem about a dead person, especially written on their gravestone.

citation: a shortened form of a speech, article, book, etc; giving only the most important facts or arguments. End sections of the magazine include abstracts of recent articles/books.

obituary: news of someone’s death in a newspaper.

postscript : a short remark or message added to the bottom of a letter after you have signed your name, usually introduced by the abbreviation PS.

glossary: meanings of difficult words and phrases in a text that are difficult to understand.

extrac : a particular part of a book, poem etc. that is chosen so that it can be used in a discussion, article, etc.

appendix: a separate part at the end of a book or magazine which gives additional information

epigraph: a saying or a part of a poem, play or book at the beginning of a piece of writing to give the reader some idea of what the piece is about.

manuscript: the original copy of a book or article before it is printed.

 

Ans. epitaph: a short piece of writing or a poem about a dead person, especially written on their gravestone.

abstract: a shortened form of a speech, article, book, etc; giving only the most important facts or arguments. (End sections of the magazine include abstracts of recent articles/books.)

citation: a word or piece of writing taken from a written work.

obituary: news of someone’s death in a newspaper.

postscript: a short remark or message added to the bottom of a letter after you have signed your name, usually introduced by the abbreviation PS.

glossary: meanings of difficult words and phrases in a text that are difficult to understand.

extract: a particular part of a book, poem, etc. that is chosen so that it can be used in a discussion, article, etc.

appendix: a separate part at the end of a book or magazine which gives additional information.

epigraph: a saying or a part of a poem, play, or book at the beginning of a piece of writing to give the reader some idea of what the piece is about.

manuscript: the original copy of a book or article before it is printed.

 

2. b) What do the following scientists study?

 

Match Column A with Column B.

 

Column A

Column B

Dermatologist

Birds

Endocrinologist

Cells

Omithologist

Skin

Gerontologist

Hormones

Cytologist

Working conditions

Ergonomist

Old Age

Paleontologist

Fish

Herpetologist

Fossils

Ichthyologist

Reptiles

 

Ans. 

Column A

Column B

Dermatologist

Skin

Endocrinologist

Hormones

Omithologist

Birds 

Gerontologist

Old Age

Cytologist

Cells 

Ergonomist

Working Conditions 

Paleontologist

Fossils

Herpetologist

Reptiles 

Ichthyologist

Fish 

  1. Active and Passive Voice.

 

Look at the following sentences:

 

Active : Rahim helps the poor.

                subject  transitive verb object

 

Passive : The poor are helped by Rahim.

                      subject     be    past participle object

 

When changing a sentence from the ‘Active Voice’ into the ‘Passive Voice’, the following changes are made (as shown in the above example):

  1. i) The ‘Object’ of the verb in the ‘Active Voice’ becomes the ‘subject’ in the ‘Passive Voice’.
  2. ii) The ‘Subject’ in the ‘Active Voice’ takes generally the position ‘by’ before it in the ‘Passive

Voice’.

iii) The verb ‘be’ in one of its forms is/am/are, was/were, been, being (according to the tense of the Active Voice) is used with the ‘Past Participle’ of a transitive verb.

 

Now look at the following sentences:

 

  1. A: Shut the door.

P: Let the door be shut.

 

  1. A: Sit down.

P: Be seated.

 

  1. The rose smells sweet.

The rose is sweet when smelt.

 

  1. A: Please help me.

You are requested to help me.

 

  1. A: Help her.

P: Let her be helped.

 

In these sentences, the above mentioned rules, i.e., the verb acts in the ‘Active Voice’ and the verb is acted upon in the ‘Passive Voice’ are not followed. They are, therefore, called the exceptional or typical examples of Active and Passive Voice.

 

Change the Voice of the following sentences:

 

  1. Good boys do not tell lies.
  2. Obey your parents.
  3. He is feeding the poor.
  4. Let the truth be always spoken (Passive)
  5. You have not spoken the truth.
  6. Keep it a secret.
  7. God be thanked.
  8. The teacher punished him.
  9. The tree was being cut by the woodcutter. (Passive)
  10. Quinine tastes bitter.
  11. She had taught him a good lesson.
  12. Open the door.
  13. The matter will be looked into by the police. (Passive)
  14. Stop writing.
  15. She will have read this book.

 

Ans.

  1. Lies are not told by good boys.
  2. Parents should be obeyed.
  3. The poor are being fed by him.
  4. Always speak the truth.
  5. The truth has not been spoken by you.
  6. Let a secret it be.
  7. Thanks be given to God.
  8. He was punished by the teacher.
  9. The woodcutter was cutting the tree.
  10. Bitter tasting is quinine.
  11. A good lesson had been taught to him by her.
  12. Let the door be opened.
  13. The police will look into the matter.
  14. Writing be stopped.
  15. This book will have been read by her.

Writing Work

Do you agree that the lesson is a reflection of male chauvinism? Write a short paragraph to justify your answer.

                             Or

How does the author succeed in raising crucial social issues not through open criticism but through subtle suggestions?

Ans. (a) Yes, the lesson reflects male chauvinism through the character of Pappachi, whose pride and insecurities lead him to mistreat Mammachi. His disdain for her successful pickle-making business and his violent behavior highlight the societal norms that undermine women’s achievements and enforce male dominance. Pappachi’s refusal to acknowledge Mammachi’s success and his treatment of her as inferior reveal a patriarchal mindset that diminishes women’s roles and contributions.

 

(b) The author effectively raises social issues through subtle suggestions by portraying the everyday struggles of Mammachi and the consequences of Pappachi’s actions. Rather than directly criticizing societal norms, the story illustrates the impact of patriarchal attitudes on individuals’ lives. Through Pappachi’s abusive behavior and Mammachi’s resilience, the author reveals the deeper issues of gender inequality and domestic abuse, prompting readers to reflect on these issues without overtly condemning them.

 

 

Jammu and Kashmir Board Class 10 English Tulip Book Lesson Pappachi’s Moth Extra Questions

 

Multiple Choice Questions 

  1. What was Pappachi’s reaction to Mammachi’s success in pickle-making?

(A) He was supportive and helped her.

(B) He was indifferent and avoided involvement.

(C) He resented her success and did not help her.

(D) He was excited and helped her with the business.

 

  1. Why did Pappachi start wearing a three-piece suit every day?

(A) To stay formal in his retirement.

(B) To maintain his dignified appearance.

(C) To remind himself of his past importance.

(D) To impress visitors and maintain his status.

 

  1. How did Chacko intervene when he saw Pappachi beating Mammachi?

(A) He called for help.

(B) He stopped Pappachi by force.

(C) He tried to reason with Pappachi.

(D) He did nothing and walked away.

 

  1. What was the ultimate fate of Pappachi’s moth?

(A) It was named after Pappachi.

(B) It was identified as a new species and named after someone else.

(C) It was lost and never studied.

(D) It was disregarded as a common species.

 

  1. What did Pappachi do with the mahogany rocking chair?

(A) He donated it to a charity.

(B) He repaired it and kept using it.

(C) He smashed it with a wrench.

(D) He gave it to Chacko.

 

  1. What was Pappachi’s greatest professional disappointment?

(A) Not getting a promotion.

(B) Not having his mouth named after him.

(C) Failing a major scientific test.

(D) Losing a research grant.

 

  1. How did Pappachi respond to Mammachi’s increased attention and success?

(A) He supported her publicly.

(B) He became increasingly resentful and withdrawn.

(C) He joined her in the pickle-making business.

(D) He praised her in public and private.

 

  1. What did Mammachi do after Pappachi’s death?

(A) She sold the pickle business.

(B) She moved to a different city.

(C) She pasted the obituary in the family album.

(D) She donated his possessions to charity.

 

  1. What did Pappachi do to maintain his dignity despite his retirement?

(A) He continued his research work.

(B) He drove around in a Plymouth car.

(C) He gave lectures on entomology.

(D) He wrote books on his research.

 

  1. How did Chacko’s intervention affect Pappachi’s treatment of Mammachi?

(A) Pappachi became more affectionate.

(B) Pappachi stopped physically abusing Mammachi but remained distant.

(C) Pappachi started supporting Mammachi’s work.

(D) Pappachi apologized and tried to make amends.

 

Answers:

  1. (C) He resented her success and did not help her.
  2. (C) To remind himself of his past importance.
  3. (B) He stopped Pappachi by force.
  4. (B) It was identified as a new species and named after someone else.
  5. (C) He smashed it with a wrench.
  6. (B) Not having his moth named after him.
  7. (B) He became increasingly resentful and withdrawn.
  8. (C) She pasted the obituary in the family album.
  9. (B) To maintain his dignified appearance.
  10. (B) Pappachi stopped physically abusing Mammachi but remained distant.

 

 

Extract- Based Questions

A. “Mammachi had started making pickles commercially soon after Pappachi retired from government service in Delhi and came to live in Ayemenem. The Kottayam Bible Society was having a fair and asked Mammachi to make some of her famous banana jam and tender mango pickle. It sold quickly, and Mammachi found that she had more orders than she could cope with. Thrilled with her success, she decided to persist with the pickles and jam, and soon found herself busy all year around.”

 

  1. Why did Mammachi start making pickles commercially? 

Ans. Mammachi started making pickles commercially because she received requests from the Kottayam Bible Society to make her famous banana jam and tender mango pickle for a fair. Her products sold quickly, leading her to continue the business due to high demand.

 

  1. What was Mammachi’s reaction to the success of her pickles and jam?

Ans. Mammachi was thrilled with the success of her pickles and jam. The positive response and increased orders motivated her to persist with the business, leading her to be busy all year round.

 

  1. How did the fair organized by the Kottayam Bible Society contribute to Mammachi’s pickle-making business?

Ans. The fair organized by the Kottayam Bible Society provided Mammachi with an opportunity to showcase her pickles and jam. The quick sale of her products at the fair led to more orders, which significantly contributed to the growth of her business.

 

  1. What challenges did Mammachi face as her pickle-making business grew?

Ans. As her pickle-making business grew, Mammachi faced the challenge of managing more orders than she could cope with. This increased workload meant she had to work all year round to meet the demand.

 

  1. How did Mammachi’s success impact her personal life?

Ans. Mammachi’s success in pickle-making led to increased busyness and likely contributed to tension in her personal life, especially with Pappachi, who resented her success and did not support her.

 

B. “Pappachi, for his part, was having trouble coping with the ignominy of retirement. He was seventeen years older than Mammachi and realized with a shock that he was an old man when his wife was still in her prime. Though Mammachi had conical corneas and was already practically blind, Pappachi would not help her with the pickle-making, because he did not consider pickle-making a suitable job for a high-ranking ex-government official.”

 

  1. What was Pappachi’s reaction to his retirement?

Ans. Pappachi struggled with the ignominy of retirement. He was deeply troubled by the realization that he was aging while Mammachi, his wife, was still in her prime. This made him feel inadequate and resentful.

 

  1. How did Pappachi view Mammachi’s pickle-making business?

Ans. Pappachi did not view Mammachi’s pickle-making business as suitable for a high-ranking ex-government official. He considered it beneath him and thus chose not to help her with it.

 

  1. What physical condition did Mammachi suffer from, and how did it affect her work?

Ans. Mammachi suffered from conical corneas and was practically blind. Despite her condition, she continued to work on pickle-making, a task Pappachi did not consider suitable for someone of his stature.

 

  1. How did Pappachi’s age and his perception of retirement affect his behavior towards Mammachi?

Ans. Pappachi’s advanced age and his struggle with retirement contributed to his resentment towards Mammachi’s success. His feelings of inadequacy and jealousy led him to mistreat her and not support her work.

 

  1. What does Pappachi’s reaction to Mammachi’s success reveal about his character?

Ans. Pappachi’s reaction reveals his insecurity, jealousy, and inability to adapt to retirement. His refusal to support Mammachi’s successful pickle-making business and his resentment towards her success highlight his selfishness and inability to handle personal changes gracefully.

 

C. “Though Mammachi had conical corneas and was already practically blind, Pappachi would not help her with the pickle-making, because he did not consider pickle-making a suitable job for a high-ranking ex-government official. He had always been a jealous man, so he greatly resented the attention his wife was suddenly getting. He slouched around the compound in his immaculately tailored suit, weaving sullen circles around mounds of red chillies and freshly powdered yellow turmeric, watching Mammachi supervise the buying, the weighing, the salting and drying, of limes and tender mangoes.”

 

  1. How did Pappachi’s jealousy manifest in his behavior towards Mammachi?

Ans. Pappachi’s jealousy manifested in his behavior by refusing to help Mammachi with her pickle-making business and resenting the attention she was receiving. He sulked around the compound, showing his displeasure and lack of support.

 

  1. Describe the contrast between Pappachi’s physical appearance and his attitude towards Mammachi’s work.

Ans. Pappachi’s physical appearance was one of elegance, as he wore immaculately tailored suits. However, his attitude towards Mammachi’s work was marked by resentment and disdain, contrasting sharply with his outward appearance.

 

  1. What role did Pappachi’s view of pickle-making play in his treatment of Mammachi?

Ans. Pappachi’s view of pickle-making as unsuitable for a high-ranking official played a significant role in his treatment of Mammachi. He refused to assist her and belittled her efforts, reflecting his disdain for her new role.

 

  1. How did Pappachi’s actions affect Mammachi’s work environment?

Ans. Pappachi’s actions created a tense and uncomfortable work environment for Mammachi. His sullen presence and lack of support likely added stress to her work, making her efforts to manage the pickle-making business even more challenging.

 

  1. What does Pappachi’s behavior tell us about his character and values?

Ans. Pappachi’s behavior reflects his arrogance, jealousy, and inability to accept changes in his life. His disdain for Mammachi’s pickle-making business and his reluctance to adapt to his new circumstances highlight his rigid values and inability to support his wife’s success.

 

D. “Then Chacko came home for a summer vacation from Oxford. He had grown to be a big man and was, in those days, strong from rowing for Balliol. A large-boned young man with a sprawling gait and a determined manner, he was considered to be the natural leader in the family. When he found out about Pappachi’s ill-treatment of Mammachi, he stormed into his father’s study and demanded an explanation. The confrontation ended with Pappachi promising never to hit Mammachi again.”

 

  1. What role did Chacko play in addressing Pappachi’s treatment of Mammachi?

Ans. Chacko intervened by confronting Pappachi about his ill-treatment of Mammachi. His strong and determined manner led to a confrontation that resulted in Pappachi promising never to hit Mammachi again.

 

  1. How did Chacko’s physical presence influence his ability to confront Pappachi?

Ans. Chacko’s physical presence, as a large-boned and strong man, gave him the confidence and authority to confront Pappachi. His strength from rowing and his determined manner contributed to his effectiveness in addressing the issue.

 

  1. What was the outcome of Chacko’s confrontation with Pappachi?

Ans. The outcome of Chacko’s confrontation was that Pappachi promised never to hit Mammachi again. This promise indicated a temporary resolution to the physical abuse but did not necessarily resolve the underlying issues in their relationship.

 

  1. How did Chacko’s return from Oxford impact the family dynamics?

Ans. Chacko’s return from Oxford and his intervention in the family dynamics highlighted his role as a leader and protector. His actions in confronting Pappachi and addressing the ill-treatment of Mammachi brought a temporary change in family dynamics and improved the situation for Mammachi.

 

  1. What does Chacko’s intervention reveal about his character and values?

Ans. Chacko’s intervention reveals his sense of justice, courage, and leadership. His willingness to confront his father and address the ill-treatment of his mother demonstrates his commitment to protecting his family and standing up for what he believes is right.

 

E. “After Pappachi’s death, Mammachi continued to live in the old house, surrounded by the memories of her past. She maintained the pickle business, which had become a source of pride and independence for her. The house, once vibrant with Pappachi’s presence, now felt empty and quiet. Mammachi kept herself busy with her work, often reflecting on the struggles and triumphs of her life. Her pickle-making was no longer just a business but a testament to her resilience and strength.”

 

  1. How did Mammachi’s life change after Pappachi’s death?

Ans. After Pappachi’s death, Mammachi continued to live in the old house, which was now filled with memories of her past. The house felt empty and quiet without Pappachi, but she maintained her pickle business, finding pride and independence in it.

 

  1. What role did the pickle business play in Mammachi’s life after Pappachi’s death?

Ans. The pickle business became a source of pride and independence for Mammachi. It was no longer just a commercial endeavor but a symbol of her resilience and strength, reflecting her ability to continue thriving despite the changes in her life.

 

  1. How did Mammachi cope with the absence of Pappachi?

Ans. Mammachi coped with Pappachi’s absence by immersing herself in her pickle-making business. The work kept her busy and provided a sense of purpose, helping her reflect on her life’s struggles and successes.

 

  1. What emotions did Mammachi experience in the empty house after Pappachi’s death?

Ans. Mammachi likely experienced a sense of emptiness and quiet in the house after Pappachi’s death. The absence of Pappachi’s presence made the house feel empty, but she found solace and strength in continuing her pickle-making business.

 

  1. What does Mammachi’s continued work in the pickle business reveal about her character?

Ans. Mammachi’s continued work in the pickle business reveals her resilience, independence, and strength. Despite the emotional impact of Pappachi’s death and the changes in her life, she maintained her business as a testament to her enduring spirit and ability to adapt.