Two Gentlemen of Verona Question Answers| Class 10 Communicative English Chapter 1

by Meenu Saini | Jul 27, 2023 | General | 0 comments

CBSE Class 10 English Communicative- Interact in English Chapter 1 Two Gentlemen of Verona Important Question Answers

Looking for Two Gentlemen of Verona question answers for Class 10 English Communicative- Interact in English Chapter 1? Look no further! Our comprehensive compilation of important questions will help you brush up on your subject knowledge. Practising Class 10 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 1: Two Gentlemen of Verona 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, multiple choice 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.

Two Gentlemen of Verona Question Answers – Book Questions, Extra Questions

Book Questions

Q1 Based on your reading of the story answer the following questions by ticking the correct options.

1. What was the reason for the driver’s disapproval of the narrator buying fruit from the two boys?

A. The boys were untidy and poorly dressed.
B. The strawberries were not fresh.
C. The boys were asking for a heavy price.
D. The driver did not approve of small boys who worked.

Ans A. The boys were untidy and poorly dressed.

2. What impressed the narrator the most about the boys? Their_______________.
A. desire to earn money
B. willingness to work
C. ability to perform many tasks
D. sense of fun

Ans C. ability to perform many tasks

3. Jacopo asked the narrator to drive them to Poleta. Why was Nicola uncomfortable with it?
A. Did not want a stranger to become involved with their plans.
B. Preferred going to Poleta by train so that he could enjoy the scenery.
C. Did not want to ask anyone for favours.
D. Preferred avoiding help from someone he did not know well.

Ans A. Did not want a stranger to become involved with their plans.

4. The narrator decided against going inside Lucia’s room as________________.
A. he did not want to intrude into the privacy of those inside
B. he thought that the boys would object
C. he felt that Lucia would not welcome a stranger
D. he did not want the boys to feel he was spying on them

Ans A. he did not want to intrude into the privacy of those inside

5. The author chose to remain silent on their return journey because he thought the boys______________.
A. would prefer to keep their secret
B. were ashamed of their sister’s condition
C. would avoid telling him the truth
D. might ask him for money for their sister

Ans A. would prefer to keep their secret

Q2 Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.

A As we made the rounds, my interest was again provoked by their remarkable demeanour. They were childish enough, and in many ways quite artless. Jacopo was as lively as a squirrel. Nicola’s smile was steady and engaging. Yet in both their boyish faces there was a seriousness which was far beyond their years. In the week which followed we saw them frequently, for they proved extremely useful to us.

1. We can say that the demeanour of the two boys was remarkable because they were_____________. Select the correct option.
A. innocent but clever
B. lively but serious
C. young but mature
D. childish but engaging

Ans C. young but mature

2. What does the writer wish to imply via the comparison of Jacopo to a squirrel?

Ans The writer wishes to imply that Jacopo is cheerful and lively via the comparison to a squirrel.

3. How did the boys prove useful for the narrator and his companion? Select the most appropriate option.
1. Brought them newspapers.
2. Guided them to good restaurants.
3. Found American cigarettes for them.
4. Sold fruits to them.
A. (1), (3) and (5)
B. (2), (3) and (4)
C. (1), (2) and (5)
D. (1), (2) and (4)

Ans B. (2), (3) and (4)

4. Select the suitable word from the extract, to complete the following. happy : sad:: pacify :_____________
A. provoke
B. remarkable
C. steady
D. engage

Ans A. provoke

5. Select a phrase from the extract that means the same as, ‘to circulate’.

Ans. made the rounds

B I said, “Nicola, the way you and Jacopo work, you must earn quite a bit. You spend nothing on clothes. You eat little enough… when I see you have a meal it’s usually black bread and figs. Tell me, what do you with your money?” He coloured deeply under his sunburn, then grew pale. He looked to the ground. “You must be saving up to emigrate to America,” I suggested. He looked at me sideways, spoke with an effort.

1. What does the narrator’s remark ‘… the way you and Jacopo work…’refer to?
A. Sale of certain products.
B. Manner of working.
C. Readiness to lend aid.
D. Open to doing add jobs

Ans. D. Open to doing add jobs
.
2. How did the narrator’s question impact Nicola? It made him feel_____________.
A. surprised
B. embarrassed
C. confused
D. scared

Ans. B. embarrassed

3. State one aspect that might have led the narrator to think that the boys must be saving to emigrate to America.

Ans. The boys were doing several jobs which made the author think that the boys must be saving to emigrate to America.

4. Which of the following remarks shows that the narrator observed things keenly?
A. ‘The way you and Jacopo work, you must earn quite a bit.’
B. ‘When I see you have a meal it’s usually black bread and figs.’
C. ‘What do you do with your money?’
D. ‘You must be saving up to emigrate to America.’

Ans. B. ‘When I see you have a meal it’s usually black bread and figs.’

5. What does the sunburn help you deduce about Nicola?

Ans. Nicola’s sunburn shows that he was uncomfortable and embarrassed by the narrator’s questions.

Q3 What do you understand by the following statements?

1. “We do many things, sir,” Nicola answered seriously. He glanced at us hopefully.

Ans. When the narrator stated that Nicola and Jacopo’s only source of money was from gathering and selling fruit, Nicola attempted to contradict him. He revealed that they carried out a variety of tasks, such as escorting tourists to Verona landmarks like Juliet’s Tomb. He felt a glimmer of hope for more business from the writer, and his eyes shone with it. The narrator was completely aware of this reality.

2. He smiled uncomfortably. “Just plans, sir,” he answered in a low voice.

Ans. The narrator questioned Nicola about their plans to immigrate to America in order to live a better life. Nicola informed him that they had other plans after hearing this. To avoid having to reveal to the narrator that they were saving money to have their sister treated for spinal tuberculosis at the hospital in Poleta, Nicola merely replied, “Just plans,” when the narrator pressed him for further information.

3. Yet in both these boyish faces there was a seriousness which was far beyond their years.

Ans. The narrator was greatly moved by the naive and unartistic expression on Nicola and Jacopo’s faces. They seemed quite innocent and straightforward to him. However, he also observed a gravity on their expressions that was uncharacteristic of children their age. The narrator is saying that although they appeared to be little children based on their appearance and age, they actually appeared to be fairly mature. These two young boys, who were thirteen and twelve, displayed the seriousness that age lends to the faces of mature, responsible adults.

Q4. Answer the following questions briefly.

1. Why was the author surprised to see Nicola and Jacopo working as shoeshine boys?

Ans. The author had assumed that Nicola and Jacopo were fruit pickers, therefore he was shocked to see them working as shoeshine boys.

2. The story is full of surprises. Briefly mention any two such instances.

Ans. The two instances of surprise are:
1. The narrator was astonished to see Nicola and Jacopo working as shoeshine boys because he had imagined them to be fruit pickers. They were fruit pickers, as the narrator knew from the day before when they sold him strawberries. He was therefore shocked the next day to see the boys shining the shoes.
2. The second time the narrator was taken aback was when he travelled with the boys he had been teaching while they were just having fun in the car and met their sister Lucia, for whom the boys had been working so hard.

3. Why were the boys in the deserted square at night? What character traits do they exhibit?

Ans. The boys were at the deserted square at night because they needed to sell all of their newspapers before the final bus from Padua arrived. They demonstrate virtues like tenacity, diligence, and simplicity. At a young age, they are prepared to work industrious occupations to make money.

4. The narrator asks the boys, “Must you work so hard? You both look rather tired.” The boys replied, “We are not complaining, sir.” What do you learn about the boys from their reply?

Ans. The boys’ response demonstrates their spirit of surrender and readiness to put in a lot of effort. It demonstrates that they were exercising their sweet will rather than being forced to work. It appears as though they had a certain objective in mind and it was the only thing on their minds.

5. Support the opinion that the narrator was kind and sensitive.

Ans. The narrator was a warm and supportive individual. He was entranced by the boys. He purchased bananas to aid them. Their sister is a patient at the hospital where he dropped them off. He did not want to disrupt their family gathering because he was a gentleman. He had been tremendously moved by their commitment.

6. Do you think the boys looked after Lucia willingly? Give reasons for your answer.

Ans. The boys loved their sister. After the battle, her family was the only one still alive. They had their sister admitted to a hospital after realising she had TB of the spine. To pay for her medical care, they toiled assiduously day and night.

Q5. Answer the following questions in detail.

1. Appearances are deceptive. Discuss with reference to the two boys.

Ans. The statement ‘Appearances are deceptive’ is very true when it comes to the two boys – Nicola and Jacopo. The author had bought wild strawberries from them, even when his driver Luigi advised him against it, after taking into account the shabby appearance of the two boys. After that, he was surprised to see the boys working different types of jobs like polishing and shining shoes. He also noticed that the boys did not spend money on clothes or food as they had a simple diet of black bread of a few figs. He thought that the boys were saving money to immigrate to the United States of America. But later he saw them visiting their sister in the hospital. They had been earning money to pay for the treatment of their sister. It can thus be said that ‘appearances are deceptive’. The boys were not saving money for themselves, but they were selflessly earning to afford their sister’s treatment.

2. How does the story ‘Two Gentlemen of Verona’ promise hope for society?

Ans. The story – ‘Two Gentlemen of Verona’ by ‘A. J. Cronin’ is a heart touching story about two small boys who work hard and honestly to earn money to pay for their sister’s treatment. Through the hardships that the two boys face, the message of the story can be derived which is that one can be successful, if one does not lose hope. From the way in which Nicola and Jacopo work and earn selflessly to pay for their sister’s treatment, it can be seen that humanity still exists. If a thirteen year old and a twelve year old boy can be so selfless and exhibit humanity, they set an example for the world to follow and spread humanity, for the greater good of the world.

3. The story of the two boys, as revealed by the nurse, deeply impacts the narrator. He decides to write a diary entry, recording how he feels inspired by the grit, determination and selfless actions of the two gentlemen of Verona. As the narrator, write the entry.

Ans.
Dear Diary

Today I met two boys who work incredibly hard. I observed them performing several tasks. They were thrifty people, and it showed in both the way they looked and the way they ate. I assumed they were setting aside money to immigrate. I once went with them to Poleta and followed them to a villa, where I discovered how difficult their existence was. I learned of their father’s passing and the devastation of their home. When I learned how incredibly hard they were working to pay for their sister’s medical bills, I was quite moved by their sense of responsibility. The two boys’ dignity in standing up for themselves and not allowing themselves to be pitied by others impressed me.

4. When Lucia gets well she writes a letter to Nicola and Jacopo to express her feelings of gratitude and admiration for them. As Lucia, write the letter.

Ans.
House number 156
15th street
Poleta

16th January 2006

Dear Nicola and Jacopo

I was told by the nurse who was caring for me in the hospital that I have fully recovered from my illness and can now go home, and this has made me extremely pleased and excited today. I’ve been in the hospital for several months and have been anticipating this day. But my younger brothers, you deserve all the praise. To pay for my medical expenses, you had to endure many hardships. Despite the fact that you two are considerably younger than I am, I greatly admire your sense of duty and your affection for me.

I now realise how valuable having kind siblings can be. It’s astonishing how well you both took care of me. I had not anticipated receiving such compassionate attention in the wake of my parents’ passing. I am so grateful to God for my loving brothers. I’ve made the decision to pursue a career in singing once I’m out there, and I’ll use the money I make to provide for you both. You’ve endured a lot of pain. But now I can make out a glimmer of hope. My brothers, God bless you.

Yours truly
Lucia

Q6. Look at the italic words in the following examples.

1. We bought their biggest basket, then set off toward town.
2. One night we came upon them in the windy and deserted square.
3. He bit his lip, then in a rather put out tone he said, ‘Very well.’
4. I shook my head and turned away.

Here are a few more. Match the phrases to their meanings.

Ans.

Now use the phrases given above to complete the following sentences.
1. The landlord was suspicious of the two men staying in his flat so he called the police and ………………. them …………….

Ans. Turned, in

2. Early in the morning we packed our bags and …………… for a hike over the mountain.

Ans. set off

3. Janvi ……………………. some photographs of her grandfather in the old trunk.

Ans. came across

4. My father ……………….. his own business 10 years ago.

Ans. set up

5. The Bank …………………………….. Paul’s request for a loan.

Ans. turned down

6. The Corporation’s decision to reduce the leave of the employees ………………………… a lot of opposition.

Ans. came across

Q7. Two Gentlemen of Verona is written in the first person. A story written in the first person is a first-hand account of events told or narrated through the eyes of a single character, typically the main character. Stories written in the first person are easily identified by the use of the pronoun ‘I’ rather than ‘he or she’.
The reader will see phrases such as “I said, I thought,” rather than “he said, she thought.” Everything is experienced through the eyes of a single character, and all thoughts and observations are limited to that one person. There can be no outside observer. If the narrator does not see or experience an event first-hand, it cannot be a part of the story. All scenes in the story are filtered through this person’s unique perception.
The third-person is a narrative mode in which both the reader and author observe the situation either through the senses and thoughts of more than one character, or through an overarching godlike perspective that sees and knows everything that happens and everything the characters are thinking. In this mode of narration, the narrator can tell the reader things that the main character does not know, or things that none of the characters know.
Rewrite, in third person, any part of the story you like.

Ans. In the story Two Gentlemen of Verona, A.J. Cronin expertly carved the concept of “selfless help” and emphasised the need for commitment to relationships. The two lads in the novel, Nicola and Jacopo, perform a variety of tasks to make money in order to pay for the care of their sister, who has spinal TB.

The narrative starts with the narrator travelling over the Alps’ foothills. He runs into the two brothers selling wild strawberries for the first time at this point. Even though the driver had forbidden the narrator from purchasing the wild fruits, he still purchased the largest basket and headed towards the town. The narrator and the two boys’ growing intimacy is highlighted in this scene as the first stage.

The boys were discovered the following day polishing shoes in the town plaza. The storyteller was amazed by this. At this point, they admitted that they engaged in a variety of activities in order to generate income. Here, it is demonstrated that the narrator grows fond of them in his heart. They strike him as sincere, serious, lovely, and innocent.

The boys offer the narrator a lot of assistance. They are more than happy to fulfil the narrator’s demands. The narrator discovered them hawking newspapers one rainy night as well. When the narrator inquired about helping them in any way one day, they responded that they would be extremely thankful for a ride to the adjacent village of Poleta. The narrator took them there even though it didn’t get in the way of his story. The boys got out of the car and told the writer to wait in a nearby cafe until they returned in an hour.

The narrator followed the lads up to a location that was actually a hospital out of sheer curiosity. He saw the boys were speaking to a girl who looked like them after peeking through a nurse-led room. He inquired about the boys’ specifics from the nurse because he didn’t want to pry. The nurse then began to tell him their heartbreaking tale of their father being killed in battle, their home being destroyed, and their sister contracting illness. To pay for their sister’s medical care, the brothers literally starved themselves while living in a shelter. They demonstrated that the war had not broken their spirit by keeping it a secret and by assisting their sister. They were admirable, kind, and terrific people in their own unique, understated way. This story demonstrates how accurate it is to claim that “all that glitters is not gold,” further demonstrating how deceiving appearances may be.

Q8. As the narrator, write an article on the lesson of love, faith and trust that you have learnt from the two young boys of Verona.

Ans. The tale of Nicola and Jacopo imparts a moral lesson about trust, faith, and love. God, the Almighty, endows humans with these traits. We might refer to these as divine attributes, without which it would be difficult for us to live in harmony with others. We shouldn’t act egotistically or without regard for others. We must be careful not to offend people’s sensibilities. We ought to trust other people. Imagine that if I don’t take care of my parents, siblings, friends, and neighbours, then who will take care of me, and so on. Eventually, this planet will turn into a jungle where only untamed beasts live, who simply pounce on others and rip them apart to sate their hunger. We need to have mutual understanding, love, and concern for one another. The best thing that God has made is us. Compared to animals, we are unique. Only the human virtues of love, faith, and trust set us apart from other animals.

Q9. After her brothers’ visit, Lucia writes a page in her diary about her past life and her present situation. As Lucia, write the diary entry in about 150 words.

Ans.
15-3-20XX

Saturday, 10 p.m.

Poleta

The reason it makes me the happiest is that it serves as a reminder of both my creator and my devoted brothers. The only people who can give me hope and happiness are God above and my brothers below. My brothers paid me a visit as usual. They brought me fruit, flowers, and wonderful books. We talked about the good old days when we shared a lovely home with our parents. After that, the vile Germans stormed our village, burned down our home, and killed our father, a talented singer. When he played at the opera house, the audience’s jubilant applause filled the entire space. Unfortunately, I had spinal tuberculosis.

My brothers put a lot of effort into getting me here. I’m relieved that I will soon be allowed to stand after hearing from my physicians and nurse. and stroll. When I succeed as a singer, I’ll enrol my brothers at a reputable institution. For my benefit, they won’t put forth as much effort as they do today. They’ll study, and I’ll prepare some delectable meals for them. I’ll make an effort to make them very happy. For me, they are everything. God bless them, please.

Extract Based Questions

Extract-based questions are of the multiple-choice variety, and students must select the correct option for each question by carefully reading the passage.

A Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:

“We do many things, sir,” Nicola answered seriously. He glanced at us hopefully. “Often we show visitors through the town… to Juliet’s tomb… and other places of interest.”

1. Who are ‘We’ mentioned in the first line?

Ans. The two young boys Nicola and Jacopo are the “we” referred to in the first line.

2. Why did Nicola glance at them hopefully?

Ans. Looking at them, Nicola hoped to be hired by them for a task or service. He was prepared to assist them with any odd duties.

3. Who is the elder brother amongst the two?

Ans. Nicola is older than Jacopo.

4. What is the synonym of looked quickly in the passage?

Ans. glanced

B Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:

They were childish enough, and in many ways quite artless. Jacopo was lively as a squirrel. Nicola’s smile was steady and engaging. Yet in both these boyish faces there was a seriousness which was far beyond their years.

1. Why does the narrator address them as ‘childish’ and ‘artless’?

Ans. The narrator calls Nicola and Jacopo ‘childish’ and ‘artless’ because they were free from cunningness and had “innocence of childhood in them.

2. Contrast two different styles of Nicola and Jacopo.

Ans. Jacopo, the younger sibling, had the vitality and vigour of a squirrel and was quite active. Nicola, the older brother, maintained his composure.

3. What is the antonym of the word ‘artful’ in the passage?

Ans. artless

4. Who is the author of the chapter?

Ans. A.J. Cronin is the author of the chapter ‘Two Gentlemen of Verona’.

C Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:

Why are you out so late, Nicola?” “Waiting for the last bus from Padua. We shall sell all our paper when it comes in.” “Must you work so hard? You both look rather tired.” “We are not complaining, sir.”

1. What were both the boys waiting for?

Ans. They were waiting to sell newspapers to the passengers of the final bus leaving Padua.

2. Where were the two boys out so late and why?

Ans. The two boys stopped selling their unsold newspapers at midnight while they rested on the public square’s stone pavement. They were ready to sell those newspapers to the passengers of the last bus leaving Padua.

3. What did the narrator guess about them and how?

Ans. The narrator guesses that they were quite fired because of working very hard.

4. Find the opposite of the word ‘first’ in the passage.

Ans. last

D Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:

You must be saving up to emigrate to America,” I suggested. He looked at me sideways, and spoke with an effort. “We would greatly like to go to the States. But here, at present, we have other plans.” “What plans?” He smiled uncomfortably. “Just plans, sir,” he answered in a low voice.

1. Why did the author think that the boys would emigrate to America?

Ans. The boys put forth a lot of effort. They were making money and saving it. He assumed they were doing this to save money to immigrate to the United States.

2. Who is “He’ in the second line and why did he smile uncomfortably?

Ans. The older of the two brothers, Nicola, is the person referred to as “he”. He grinned awkwardly since he didn’t want to give away their family’s secrets.

3. What were both the boys saving money for?

Ans. They were setting aside funds for Lucia’s medical care.

4. What is the word for ‘going to live in a foreign country’ in the passage?

Ans. emigrate

E Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:

She led me through a cool, tiled vestibule into the hospital… for the hospital the villa had become. At the door of a little cubicle the nurse paused, put her finger to her lips, and with a smile made me look through the glass partition.

1. Describe the hospital.

Ans. A big red-roofed villa was transformed into a hospital and medical facility.

2. Why did the nurse put her finger to her lips?

Ans. The nurse put her finger to her lips to point out that the narrator should not make a noise there.

3. What is the synonym of ‘separation’ in the passage?

Ans. partition

4. What is the antonym of ‘continue’ in the passage?

Ans. pause

Short Answer Questions

In this post we are also providing important short answer questions from Chapter 1 Two gentlemen of Verona for CBSE Class 10 exam in the coming session.

Q1 Justify the title ‘Two Gentlemen of Verona’.

Ans. The story centres on two little boys who, despite their age, were already true gentlemen, therefore the term is entirely appropriate. They were respectable, diligent, truthful, and hard workers. They put in a lot of effort without searching for assistance from anyone to take care of their sister Lucia and pay her medical bills. They led honourable lives full of pride.

Q2 Where did the narrator meet the two boys for the first time? What were they doing?

Ans As he was travelling towards Verona in the foothills of the Alps, the narrator first encountered the youngsters. The guys had stopped his car to sell him some strawberries as they were peddling strawberry baskets.

Q3 Why did the narrator say that what struck one most was their willingness to work?

Ans Even though they were young, the lads worked very hard. They continued to work despite their exhaustion. They worked hard and volunteered for various tasks.

Q4 What made the narrator think that they were earning much?

Ans The narrator observed the boys working at various tasks. They carried tourists about the town, sold fruit, ran errands, polished shoes, and sold newspapers. As a result, the narrator believed they were making a respectable sum of money.

Q5 The narrator feels that the boys worked very hard but spent very little. What impression has he formed of their character?

Ans The narrator observed that the guys put in a lot of effort at various jobs. He also observed that in spite of their income. They ate very cheap meals and didn’t spend anything on clothing. He surmises that the guys were saving money in order to immigrate to America.

Q6 Where did the boys go every Sunday? Why did they do so?

Ans The lads visited their admitted sister Lucia in the hospital in Poleta every Sunday. Lucia was afflicted with spinal tuberculosis.

Q7 Do you think the boys looked after Lucia willingly? Explain.

Ans Without a doubt, the boys voluntarily took care of Lucia. They spent little money on themselves and joyfully worked numerous jobs and ran errands for other people. They didn’t seek assistance or consolation from others. They might have simply asked the narrator and other people for assistance, but they opted to take care of their sister on their own.

Q8 How does the story of the Two Gentlemen of Verona give promise of greater hope for human society?

Ans The two boys, one of them was 13 and the other was 12 years old, took care of their sick sister without complaining. They put in long hours of work and did not seek out sympathy or assistance. They did not avoid doing what was required of them by their family or country. They represented generosity, noblesse oblige, and tenderness. The two boys demonstrate how optimism, faith, an optimistic outlook, and hard effort can help people get over life’s challenges.

Q9 What were Nicola’s feelings when the narrator commented on his frugal lifestyle?

Ans Nicola felt ashamed and kept his mouth shut while the narrator made a remark about how the boys lived quite simply while working hard and likely earning a substantial sum of money.

Q10 Why did the narrator follow the boys to the villa? Why did he not meet Lucia?

Ans The reason the boys visited the villa piqued the narrator’s interest. He followed them to the villa since he was curious about them. Because he didn’t want to humiliate the boys, he refrained from entering to meet Lucia.

Q11 What were the narrator’s feelings about the two boys at first? What change did they undergo and why?

Ans The narrator was initially moved by the boys’ dedication to their task. They were amiable and did his errands, so he grew to like them. However, he was filled with affection and respect for them when he saw them with Lucia and recognised that they were working hard to take care of an unwell older sister.

Q12 Did the boys try to prevent the narrator from finding out the real purpose of their visit to Poleta? Did they succeed?

Ans The boys made an effort to keep the narrator from learning the true reason for their visit. They informed the narrator that they would meet him in an hour and leaped out of the car as soon as it stopped. They failed because the narrator, who was fired for his cunning, later went inside and discovered the truth.

Q13 How did the war affect the boys’ family?

Ans Shortly after the conflict began, the father of the boys was killed. Their home was subsequently destroyed by a bomb, and the three kids were abandoned in the streets. They endured the bitter winter and came dangerously close to hunger. The boys joined the resistance movement during German rule. The sister’s spine-related TB was brought on by the trials and suffering.

Q14 “Just plans, sir.” Why does Nicola say it in a low voice? Does he want to hide anything?

Ans Nicola is humiliated by the narrator’s comment about their thrifty spending and shoddy attire despite the fact that they and his brother presumably make a big income. Nicola also wished to keep the narrator from learning the true purpose of their financial planning.

Q15 In what way is Jacopo different from his elder brother?

Ans He was a strong-willed child who had not been crushed by the difficulties he had to face. The younger of the two brothers, he was. He was naïve and immature, as well as naughty as a squirrel.

Long Answer Questions

Q1 Write a paragraph on the early life of the two boys during the war.

Ans. The two sons’ famous singer father was also a widower. Their home had been devastated by a bombing, and he had died in battle. The boys and their sister were thus abandoned on the streets. They struggled to stay alive, suffering from famine and exposure to the bitter winter: they created a shelter out of their own hands in the ruins. The boys were now active members of the resistance. Their sister had spinal tuberculosis during this time.

Q2 Give a brief character sketch of Nicola and Jacopo.

Ans. Nicola and Jacopo experienced excruciating pain. Both their father and mother had died in the war. Their home had been devastated by a bombing, but their spirit had not been crushed. They were a creative team who had constructed their own shelter. They worked hard and were prepared to take on any task to help pay for their sister’s hospital stay.

They did not splurge on themselves because they were loyal to their sister. They were respectable, honest, and patriotic since despite their young age, they had joined the Resistance movement against the Germans. They did not seek anyone’s pity because they were self-assured.

Q3 Give a brief character sketch of Nicola.

Ans. He was a boy of spirit and courage. He suffered greatly being separated from his parents, yet his soul was unbroken. Of the two brothers, he was the stronger and more resourceful. He built his own shelter as well. He was a dedicated worker who would take on any task. He did not spend money on himself since he was loyal to his sister and was willing to put in any amount of hard work to pay for her hospital stay. His natural patriotism led him to join the Resistance movement against the Germans when he was still a very young guy. He was self-assured and did not seek anyone’s pity for his situation. He was also innocent and immature.

Q4 The journey to Poleta changed the narrator’s previous impression about the boys. He was deeply moved by their story. He could not sleep that night. He wrote about them in his diary. Write the diary of the narrator.

Ans. Dear Diary

Q5 Two Gentlemen of Verona deals with the importance of family relationships. Comment.

Ans. The two lads demonstrate the following virtues: selflessness, fidelity to duty, readiness to put in a lot of effort, and cheeriness under difficult conditions. It offers us the prospect of greater societal hope. Everything Nicola and Jacopo owned had been lost in the battle. Additionally, their sister Lucia had to be hospitalised due to spinal tuberculosis. But it didn’t make them despondent. After the war, they made the decision to start over. They worked incredibly hard to pay for Lucia’s medical care after getting her admitted to a hospital.

Q6 How does the story Two Gentlemen of Verona by A.J. Cronin promises hope for society?

Ans. The significance of connections and one’s responsibility to society and one’s country are emphasised throughout the story. Their home was destroyed, and the boys’ father was killed in battle. Nicola and Jacopo took up a variety of jobs and carried out errands to make money for their sister’s medical bills.

The two youngsters’ spirits were unbreakable despite the war’s devastation. These guys and their labour offer new hope for society in this world where morals are deteriorating. Instead, it gave them a new drive to rebuild from what was left over after the war. We have more reason to hope for society because of their altruism, fidelity to duty, readiness to put in long hours, and good spirits under pressure.

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