Jammu and Kashmir Board Class 10 English Tulip Book Short Stories 3 The Servant Question Answers
The Servant Question Answers: Looking for The Servant 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 The Servant 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.
- The Servant Textbook Questions
- The Servant Multiple Choice Questions
- The Servant Extract- Based Questions
Jammu and Kashmir Board Class 10 English Tulip Book Short Stories The Servant Textbook Questions
Exercise
Question Answers
Thinking about the Text
- Why had Gerasim been going about in vain in the village?
Ans. Gerasim had been going about in vain in the village in search of work, but he was unable to find any.
- Where had Gerasim been working? Why did he return to his village?
Ans. Gerasim had been working as a servant in the city. He returned to his village because he lost his job and hoped to find new work there.
- What did the coachman tell Gerasim when he narrated his story?
Ans. The coachman told Gerasim that there might be a vacancy at his master’s house and encouraged him to try for the job.
- How did the coachman persuade his master to employ Gerasim?
Ans. The coachman persuaded his master by explaining that the old servant was no longer strong enough to do the work and that a younger person like Gerasim was needed.
- Why was the master reluctant to disengage the old servant?
Ans. The master was reluctant to disengage the old servant because he had served him loyally for many years, and the master felt a sense of duty towards him.
- What did Gerasim hear while crossing the yard?
Ans. Gerasim heard the old servant and his wife discussing their fear of being dismissed by the master.
- What did the old couple think about the master?
Ans. The old couple thought that the master was hard-hearted and would eventually replace them with someone younger.
- What was the effect of the old couple’s conversation on Gerasim?
Ans. Gerasim felt saddened and conflicted after overhearing the old couple’s conversation, as he did not want to be the cause of their hardship.
- How does the story reflect the humility of Gerasim?
Ans. The story reflects Gerasim’s humility in how he accepts his situation without complaint and how he empathizes with the old couple, even though it might cost him the job.
Language Work
- Vocabulary
Study this sentence:
Someone has to attend the meeting.
In the above sentence, the underlined word ‘someone’ means ‘somebody from the staff’.
Now study this sentence:
Some one of the staff has done this.
In this sentence, ‘some one’ means ‘one particular person’.
In the above sentences, the underlined words ‘someone’ and ‘some one’ are compound words which may be either written as one word or as two separate words depending on the context.
Now use your dictionary to learn the difference between the below given compound words.
After this, use them in the sentences.
- Everyone, every one.
- Anyone, any one.
- Into, in to.
- Whoever, who ever.
- Indifferent, in different.
Ans.
- Everyone enjoyed the party.
Every one of the students submitted their assignments.
- Anyone can join the club.
Any one of these books could help with your research.
- He walked into the room.
I logged in to check my email.
- Whoever is responsible should be punished.
Who ever could have done such a thing?
- He was indifferent to the outcome.
The students were placed in different groups for the project.
- Rearrange the words to form meaningful sentences:
- walked /I /house /the / through / garden / into the.
- Matilda /a / rich/ had/ friend / name / was / whose/ Mme Forestier.
- why / Matilda / unhappy /was?
- Sulekha / the / was / fourth / of / Numberdar / daughter / Ramlal.
- teacher / took / Bholi’s / special /in / her/ interest
- heart / her/ throbbing / was / a new / hope / with and / a new life/
- tree / of /a /killing/ /is / a/ process / painful/ the.
- A/ episode/ curious / occurred /in /a / study.
- was/ a/ Griffin/ scientist/ lawless.
- took /only /It / minute / Griffin /a /to /off / throw / bandages / whiskers / spectacles /and
Ans.
- I walked through the garden into the house.
- Matilda had a rich friend whose name was Mme Forestier.
- Why was Matilda unhappy?
- Sulekha was the fourth daughter of Numberdar Ramlal.
- The teacher took special interest in Bholi.
- Her heart was throbbing with a new hope and a new life.
- Killing a tree is a painful process.
- A curious episode occurred in the study.
- Griffin was a lawless scientist.
- It took only a minute for Griffin to throw off the bandages, whiskers, and spectacles.
Writing Work
Compare and contrast the characters of Gerasim and the coachman.
Ans. Gerasim and the coachman are both working-class men, but they differ in temperament and approach to life. Gerasim is humble and resilient, accepting his misfortunes without complaint. His determination to find work reflects his persistence. On the other hand, the coachman is more practical and opportunistic. While he helps Gerasim by suggesting a job, he is also motivated by the desire to secure his own position with the master. The coachman is more forward in his dealings, while Gerasim shows greater empathy, especially toward the old servant. The coachman is persuasive and strategic, while Gerasim is selfless and kind-hearted. Both men navigate the harsh realities of servitude, but Gerasim’s humility stands out in contrast to the coachman’s pragmatism.
Jammu and Kashmir Board Class 10 English Tulip Book Short Stories The Servant Extra Questions
Multiple Choice Questions
- Why had Gerasim been going about in vain in the village?
(A) He was searching for a new job
(B) He was looking for his master
(C) He was lost
(D) He was trying to find food
- Where had Gerasim been working before returning to his village?
(A) In a bakery
(B) On a farm
(C) In a city as a servant
(D) As a fisherman
- What did the coachman tell Gerasim when he narrated his story?
(A) He should return to his village
(B) There was no hope of finding work
(C) There was a vacancy at his master’s house
(D) He should try working in a factory
- How did the coachman persuade his master to employ Gerasim?
(A) By convincing him of Gerasim’s strength
(B) By saying the old servant was getting weak
(C) By telling him Gerasim was his relative
(D) By threatening to quit
- Why was the master reluctant to disengage the old servant?
(A) The old servant had been loyal for many years
(B) The master didn’t want to pay for a new servant
(C) He was afraid the old servant might spread rumors
(D) He had a close bond with the old servant
- What did Gerasim hear while crossing the yard?
(A) The master’s decision to dismiss the old servant
(B) The old servant’s conversation with his wife
(C) The barking of a dog
(D) The coachman talking about him
- What did the old couple think about the master?
(A) He was a kind man
(B) He didn’t care about old servants
(C) He was generous with money
(D) He was hard-hearted but fair
- What was the effect of the old couple’s conversation on Gerasim?
(A) It made him determined to leave
(B) It gave him hope of getting the job
(C) It made him feel sad and worried
(D) It encouraged him to speak to the master
- How does the story reflect the humility of Gerasim?
(A) He never complains about his situation
(B) He accepts his fate without protest
(C) He helps others despite his own troubles
(D) He is always respectful to his master
- What was Gerasim’s main goal throughout the story?
(A) To serve the master
(B) To find a new life
(C) To seek revenge
(D) To gain respect from his peers
Answers:
- (A) He was searching for a new job.
- (C) In a city as a servant.
- (C) There was a vacancy at his master’s house.
- (A) By convincing him of Gerasim’s strength.
- (A) The old servant had been loyal for many years.
- (B) The old servant’s conversation with his wife.
- (D) He was hard-hearted but fair.
- (C) It made him feel sad and worried.
- (B) He accepts his fate without protest.
- (A) To serve the master
Extract- Based Questions
A. “He stayed with relatives and friends from his village, and although he had not yet suffered great want, it disheartened him that he, a strong young man, should go without work. Gerasim had lived in Moscow from early boyhood. When still a mere child, he had gone to work in a brewery as a bottle-washer, and later as a lower servant in a house. In the last two years he had been in a merchant’s employ, and would still have held that position, had he not been summoned back to his village for military duty. However, he had not been drafted. It seemed dull to him in the village, he was not used to the country life, so he decided he would rather count the stones in Moscow than stay there. Every minute it was getting to be more and more irksome for him to be tramping the streets in idleness. Not a stone did he leave unturned in his efforts to secure any sort of work. He plagued all of his acquaintances; he even held up people on the street and asked them if they knew of a situation all in vain. Finally Gerasim could no longer bear being a burden on his people. Some of them were annoyed by his coming to them; and others had suffered unpleasantness from their masters on his account. He was altogether at a loss what to do. Sometimes he would go a whole day without eating.”
- What was Gerasim’s situation regarding work when he returned to his village?
Ans. Gerasim, a strong young man, found himself without work upon returning to his village for military duty. Although he had not yet experienced significant hardship, he felt disheartened by his idleness and lack of employment.
- How did Gerasim’s early life in Moscow shape his feelings towards country life?
Ans. Having lived in Moscow from early boyhood, Gerasim was accustomed to urban life and found the country life dull and unappealing. He had worked various jobs in the city, and the shift to the slower pace of village life made him feel out of place, leading him to prefer the hustle of Moscow.
- What actions did Gerasim take in an attempt to find work?
Ans. Gerasim took numerous steps to find work, including pestering his acquaintances, actively seeking out people on the streets to inquire about job opportunities, and leaving no stone unturned in his quest for employment. Despite his efforts, he was unsuccessful.
- How did Gerasim’s presence affect his relatives and friends?
Ans. Gerasim’s presence became a burden to some of his relatives and friends. While some were annoyed by his stay, others faced repercussions from their masters due to Gerasim’s situation, causing him to feel unwelcome and distressed.
- What emotional state did Gerasim experience due to his lack of work and its impact on his life?
Ans. Gerasim experienced increasing frustration and despair due to his inability to find work and the resulting feeling of being a burden on his family. He felt irksome in his idleness, which sometimes led him to go entire days without eating, highlighting his emotional turmoil and hopelessness.
B. “Yegor came back and reported that inside of half an hour he would have to have the horses
harnessed, ready to drive his master to town. He lighted his pipe and took several turns in the room. Then he came to a halt in front of Gerasim.
“Listen, my boy,” he said, “If you want, I’ll ask my master to take you as a servant here.”
“Does he need a man?”
“We have one, but he’s not much good. He’s getting old, and it’s very hard for him to do the work. It’s lucky for us that the neighborhood isn’t a lively one and the police don’t make a fuss about things being kept just so, else the old man couldn’t manage to keep the place clean enough for them.”
“Oh, if you can, then please do say a word for me, Yegor Danilych. I’ll pray for you all my life. I
can’t stand being without work any longer.”
“All right, I’ll speak for you. Come again tomorrow, and in the meantime take this ten-kopek
piece. It may come in handy.” ”
- What was Yegor’s initial task when he returned?
Ans. Yegor reported that he needed to harness the horses and prepare to drive his master to town within half an hour.
- What offer did Yegor make to Gerasim?
Ans. Yegor offered to ask his master if he could take Gerasim on as a servant, indicating that there was a need for help due to the poor condition of the current servant.
- How did Yegor describe the current servant’s abilities?
Ans. Yegor described the current servant as old and not very capable, noting that it was hard for him to do the work required and that cleanliness standards were maintained only because the neighborhood was quiet and the police did not cause trouble.
- What was Gerasim’s reaction to Yegor’s offer?
Ans. Gerasim was very hopeful and eager; he expressed his deep desire for work and said he would pray for Yegor’s kindness in helping him.
- What did Yegor give to Gerasim, and what did he say about it?
Ans. Yegor gave Gerasim a ten-kopek piece and mentioned that it might come in handy for him while waiting for news about the job opportunity.
C. “Why should you care about Polikarpych and his wife? To tell you the truth, he’s a very poor servant. Why should you throw your money away on him? He never shovels the snow away on time, or does anything right. And when it comes his turn to be night watchman, he slips away at least ten times a night. It’s too cold for him. You’ll see, some day, because of him, you will have trouble with the police. The quarterly inspector will descend on us, and it won’t be so agreeable for you to be responsible for Polikarpych.”
“Still, it’s pretty rough. He’s been with me fifteen years. And to treat him that way in his old age
it would be a sin.”
“A sin! Why, what harm would you be doing him? He won’t starve. He’ll go to the almshouse. It
will be better for him, too, to be quiet in his old age.”
- What concerns does the speaker raise about Polikarpych’s performance as a servant?
Ans. The speaker points out that Polikarpych is a poor servant who fails to shovel snow on time, does not perform his duties properly, and frequently slips away while on night watch duty.
- What potential consequences does the speaker suggest could arise from Polikarpych’s negligence?
Ans. The speaker warns that Polikarpych’s negligence could lead to trouble with the police and that the quarterly inspector might come to check on them, causing problems for the master.
- How does the master justify keeping Polikarpych despite his shortcomings?
Ans. The master defends Polikarpych by stating that he has been with him for fifteen years and believes it would be wrong to treat him poorly in his old age, implying a sense of loyalty and moral obligation.
- What does the speaker suggest would happen to Polikarpych if he were dismissed?
Ans. The speaker argues that Polikarpych would not starve and could go to the almshouse, suggesting that it might be better for him to have a quieter life in his old age.
- What moral dilemma is presented in the dialogue regarding the treatment of Polikarpych?
Ans. The dialogue presents a moral dilemma between the master’s sense of loyalty and compassion for Polikarpych, who has served him for many years, and the speaker’s pragmatic view that dismissing him would not cause harm and could prevent future problems.
D. “Even tea had no allurements for Gerasim. He was eager for a decision; but under the compulsion of politeness to his host, he gulped down two glasses of tea, and then they betook
themselves to Sharov. Sharov asked Gerasim where he had lived before and what work he could do. Then he told him he was prepared to engage him as man of all work, and he should come back the next day ready to take the place. Gerasim was fairly stunned by the great stroke of fortune. So overwhelming was his joy that his legs would scarcely carry him. He went to the coachman’s room, and Yegor said to him:
“Well, my lad, see to it that you do your work right, so that I shan’t have to be ashamed of you.
You know what masters are like. If you go wrong once, they’ll be at you forever after with their fault-finding, and never give you peace.”
“Don’t worry about that, Yegor Danilych.”
“Well, well.”
Gerasim took leave, crossing the yard to go out by the gate.”
- How did Gerasim feel about the tea, and what did he do out of politeness?
Ans. Gerasim found no allurements in the tea and was eager for a decision regarding work.
- What position did Sharov offer Gerasim?
Ans. Sharov offered Gerasim a position as a man of all work, telling him to come back the next day ready to take the place.
- How did Gerasim react to the offer from Sharov?
Ans. Gerasim was stunned by the offer and overwhelmed with joy, to the point that he could scarcely walk due to his excitement.
- What advice did Yegor give to Gerasim regarding his new job?
Ans. Yegor advised Gerasim to do his work right so that he wouldn’t have to be ashamed of him, cautioning him that masters are often fault-finding and will not give him peace if he makes mistakes.
- What was Gerasim’s response to Yegor’s advice?
Ans. Gerasim reassured Yegor by saying, “Don’t worry about that, Yegor Danilych,” indicating his confidence in handling the responsibilities of the job.
E. “The old woman burst out sobbing. Gerasim heard all that, and it stabbed him like a dagger. He realized what misfortune he would be bringing the old people, and it made him sick at heart. He stood there a long while, saddened, lost in thought, then he turned and went back into the coachman’s room. “Ah, you forgot something?”
“No, Yegor Danilych.” Gerasim stammered out, “I’ve come, listen, I want to thank you ever
and ever so much for the way you received me and and all the trouble you took for me but I can’t take the place.”
“What! What does that mean?”
“Nothing. I don’t want the place. I will look for another one for myself.”
Yegor flew into rage.
“Did you mean to make a fool of me, did you, you idiot? You come here so meek ‘Try for me, do
try for me’ and then you refuse to take the place. You rascal, you have disgraced me!”
Gerasim found nothing to say in reply. He reddened, and lowered his eyes. Yegor tuned his
back scornfully and said nothing more.
Then Gerasim quietly picked up his cap and left the coachman’s room. He crossed the yard
rapidly, went out by the gate, and hurried off down the street. He felt happy and lighthearted.”
- What was Gerasim’s emotional reaction to the old woman’s sobbing?
Ans. Gerasim felt deeply saddened and heartbroken upon hearing the old woman sobbing, realizing the misfortune he would bring to the old people, which made him sick at heart.
- What did Gerasim decide to do after hearing the old woman cry?
Ans. After hearing the old woman cry, Gerasim decided to return to the coachman’s room and inform Yegor that he could not accept the job offer.
- How did Yegor react to Gerasim’s refusal of the job?
Ans. Yegor flew into a rage, expressing his anger and frustration that Gerasim had come to him asking for help only to refuse the position, claiming that Gerasim had disgraced him.
- How did Gerasim respond to Yegor’s accusations?
Ans. Gerasim found nothing to say in reply; he reddened, lowered his eyes, and remained silent in the face of Yegor’s anger.
5. What were Gerasim’s feelings as he left the coachman’s room?
Ans. As Gerasim left the coachman’s room, he felt happy and lighthearted, indicating a sense of relief after making his decision not to take the job.