The Luncheon Question Answers

 

Maharashtra State Board Class 10 English The Luncheon Important Question Answers from Kumarbharti Book 

 

The Luncheon – Question Answers: Looking for The Luncheon question answers for Maharashtra State Board class 10 English Kumarbharti Book? Look no further! Our comprehensive compilation of important questions will help you brush up on your subject knowledge. Practising Maharashtra State Class 10 English 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 The Luncheon question answers now. The questions listed below are based on the latest exam pattern, wherein we have given solved exercises and question answers of the textbook and extra questions (Multiple Choice Questions and Vocabulary Based Questions).
 

 

Related Link : The Luncheon Summary, Explanation, Theme | Maharashtra Board Class 10

 

Maharashtra State Board Class 10 English Kumarbharti Lesson The Luncheon Textbook Questions

 

  1. Talk with your partner and discuss the following questions :

(a) Have you ever been invited to lunch, at any hotel, by your friend?

(b) What was the occasion?

(c) Did you enjoy the lunch? Why?

 

Answer-

(a) Yes

(b) It was my friend’s birthday party.

(c) I enjoyed the lunch as we ordered the food we liked. We talked and laughed while enjoying food.

 

  1. Discuss in pairs :

People with foibles are often not conscious of them. Do you agree or disagree? Why?

 

Answer-

I agree that people with foibles, which are minor quirks or weaknesses, often aren’t aware of them. It’s easier to see the flaws in others than to recognize our own. Our behaviour becomes habitual, and we may not even notice it anymore.

 

  1. As you know, every country has its own currency. Find out the currency of at least 6 countries alongwith their current exchange rate in India, with the help of the internet. One is done for you.

For example, Switzerland: franc; 1 franc = 66.73 INR

 

Country

Currency

Exchange Rate in Indian

Currency

Switzerland

Franc(CHF)

1 CHF = 66.73 INR

United States of America (USA)

US Dollar (USD)

1USD = 78.5 INR

Japan

Japanese Yen (JPY)

1 JPY = 0.59 INR

United Kingdom (UK)

British Pound Sterling (GBP)

1 GBP = 104.66 INR

Australia

Australian Dollar (AUD)

1 AUD = 53.2 INR

Singapore

Singapore Dollar (SGD)

1 SGD = 58.1 INR

Q. What is the profession of the narrator?

Ans. The narrator is a writer. 

 

Q. When was the lady free?

Ans. The lady was free on the following Thursday.

 

Q. Where and when did they decide to have luncheon?

Ans. They decided to have luncheon at Foyot’s on the following Thursday at half-past twelve.

 

Q. What do you think the woman reassured the narrator about?

Ans. The woman reassured the narrator that she never ate anything for luncheon.

 

Q. ‘I never eat anything for luncheon’. Explain the irony in this line.

Ans. The irony lies in the fact that the woman claims she never eats anything for luncheon and then proceeds to order a lavish meal, consisting of caviar, salmon, asparagus, fruit, coffee and ice cream,  completely contradicting her initial statement.

 

Q. What does the use of the word ‘sank’ suggest about the narrator’s feelings? 

Ans. The word “sank” suggests that the narrator felt disappointed and worried. 

  1. ‘I was past caring now.’ In your view, explain why the narrator feels this way. 

Ans. The narrator feels this way because the initial shock of seeing the menu and realizing that the bill would be quite high had worn off. He had accepted his fate. 

 

Q. ‘Then a terrible thing happened.’ Describe the narrator’s emotion at this point in the story. Why does he express this emotion?

Ans. The narrator’s emotion at this point is one of intense anxiety. 

The narrator expresses this emotion when the head waiter came with a basket of peaches. The narrator knew that the peaches would be quite expensive as they were not in season.

 

Q. How many things did the guest eat in all?

Ans. The woman ate a lavish meal which included caviar, salmon, asparagus, fruit ice cream and coffee. 

  1. Choose the correct option from the bracket and fill in the blanks given below.

(addressed, luncheon, generously, unwise, insist)

(a) The chief guest ………… the students.

(b) The crow was …………  to sing.

(c) I invited my relatives to ………… 

(d) Parents always …………  on children to be allrounders.

(e) The king decided to donate his wealth among his subjects ………… 

 

Answer-

(a) The chief guest addressed the students.

(b) The crow was unwise to sing.

(c) I invited my relatives to luncheon,

(d) Parents always insist on children to be allrounders.

(e) The king decided to donate his wealth among his subjects generously.

  1. Go through the story again and find out various instances which create humour in ‘The Luncheon’. Complete the table by picking up various humorous instances and the particular line from the story. One is done for you.

 

Humorous Instance

Line from the story

  • The woman is a voracious eater

‘‘ Follow my example, and never eat more than one thing for luncheon.’’

 

Ans.

 

Humorous Instance

Line from the story

  • The woman is a voracious eater

‘‘ Follow my example, and never eat more than one thing for luncheon.’’

  • Woman’s contradictory statements about eating

“I never eat anything for luncheon.” (She then orders multiple dishes) * “I’m not in the least hungry, but if you insist, I don’t mind having some asparagus.”

  • Irony of her food choices

“Why don’t you follow my example and eat just one thing?” (She herself orders many items)

 

  1. Who said these words/sentences? Under what circumstances?

 

Words/Sentences

Who said?

Under what circumstances?

1. I never eat anything for luncheon. 

   

2. It’s many years since we first met. 

   

3. Are you still hungry? 

   

4. I don’t believe in overloading my stomach. 

   

5. I’ll eat nothing for dinner tonight.

   

 

Ans.

 

Words/Sentences

Who said?

Under what circumstances?

1. I never eat anything for luncheon. 

The woman

When they meet for lunch and the narrator suggests she might order something. (This is ironic because she then proceeds to order multiple dishes.)

2. It’s many years since we first met. 

The woman

When she recognizes the narrator after many years and they reminisce about their first meeting.

3. Are you still hungry? 

The narrator

Narrator as the woman believes in staying a little hungry after eating lunch. 

4. I don’t believe in overloading my stomach. 

The woman

The woman is making a general statement about her eating habits 

5. I’ll eat nothing for dinner tonight.

The narrator

Thinking about the expensive lunch he just paid for and how it has depleted his remaining funds for the month.

 

  1. Answer in your own words.

(a) Although the author was not a vindictive man, he was very happy to see her weigh twenty one stone and had finally had his revenge. What makes him say this? Explain.

(b) There are quite a few places where the author uses the expressions ‘My heart sank, panic seized’ etc. What was the reason for this ? Explain.

(c) What are the instances which create humour in “The Luncheon”?

(d) Describe the use of irony and humour in “The Luncheon”.

 

Answer-

(a) The author mentions he was happy to see the woman overweight because it felt like revenge. The woman had ordered multiple expensive dishes at a fancy restaurant in Paris. The narrator probably had to skip meals for weeks after that. So, seeing her overweight about twenty years later, probably felt like a sweet revenge.

 

(b) The author’s use of expressions like “My heart sank” and “panic seized” effectively conveys his anxiety concerning the food bill. These phrases highlight the significant financial burden he anticipated due to the woman’s expensive ordering habits.

 

(c) The narrative is infused with humour. The woman’s declaration of rarely eating lunch directly contradicts her subsequent ordering of a multitude of expensive dishes. This incongruity between her words and actions creates a humorous effect. Additionally, the hypocrisy of her criticism regarding the author’s food choices, while she herself indulges excessively, further contributes to the humour. The woman’s remark about skipping dinner due to the large lunch, followed by her labelling the author as a “humorist” for not wanting to eat afterwards, adds another layer of amusement.

 

(d) Irony plays a pivotal role in the story’s humour. The woman’s statements often contradict her actions, creating a sense of hypocrisy that sparks laughter. For example, her claim of following a healthy diet is directly challenged by her selection of luxurious and potentially unhealthy dishes. This mismatch between her expressed beliefs and actual behaviour produces a comedic effect. The humour is further enhanced by the author’s internal monologue, which reveals his mounting anxiety about the bill in contrast to the woman being unbothered. The combination of irony and humour creates a lighthearted and engaging reading experience.

 

  1. Pick out the words and phrases in the story that indicate that the author was

not financially well off. One is done for you.

 

Words

not afford

     

Phrases

beyond my means 

     

 

Answer-

Words

not afford

modest

cheapest

expensive

Phrases

beyond my means 

earning barely enough

not a penny in my pocket

far beyond my means  

  1. After reading the story, put the following events into correct order :

(a) She gave me her last kind advice how to improve my eating habits.

(b) I met her in the theatre after many years and I could hardly recognize her.

(c) Twenty years ago, I lived in Paris and earned just enough money to get by.

(d) I was really scared what could happen when I would pay the bill.

(e) “I never eat anything for luncheon.”

(f) I ordered a mutton chop for myself.

(g) She had read a book of mine.

(h) She ordered asparagus.

(i) She suggested him to invite her to a famous and expensive restaurant.

(j) I didn’t have dinner for the rest of the month.

 

Answer-

  1. (b) I met her in the theatre after many years and I could hardly recognize her.
  2. (c) Twenty years ago I lived in Paris and earned just enough money to get by.
  3. (g) She had read a book of mine.
  4. (i) She suggested the narrator invite her to a famous and expensive restaurant.
  5. (e) “I never eat anything for luncheon”.
  6. (f) I ordered a mutton chop for myself.
  7. (h) She ordered asparagus.
  8. (d) I was really scared what could happen when I would pay the bill.
  9. (a) She gave me her last kind advice on how to improve my eating habits.
  10. (j) I didn’t have dinner for the rest of the month.

 

  1. Irony is the expression of meaning through the use of language signifying the

opposite. Describe the use of irony in ‘The Luncheon’. Pick the sentences from

the story that are examples of irony. Fill in the table ‘A’ the general direct

meaning while in table ‘B’ its hidden meaning or the opposite meaning intended

by the speaker. One is done for you.

 

Sentence

Direct Meaning

Hidden Meaning

* If I cut out coffee for

the next two days,

* to stop drinking coffee

* to stop spending money in order to save money for some purpose.

 

Answer-

 

Sentence

Direct Meaning

Hidden Meaning

* If I cut out coffee for the next two days,

* to stop drinking coffee

* to stop spending money in order to save money for some purpose.

I never eat anything for luncheon.

The woman has a small appetite.

The woman actually enjoys a large and expensive lunch.

I see you’re in the habit of eating a heavy luncheon.

The narrator eats a lot for lunch.

The woman is exaggerating the narrator’s modest meal compared to her own multiple expensive dishes.

  1. Fill in the blank a word or a phrase given in the brackets in their appropriate

forms. 

(startle, catch sight of, overload, water, pass)

  1. “I never ………… my stomach”, she said.
  2. I was …………  when the menu was brought.
  3. The author …………  the guest at the play.
  4. I had seen asparagus in the shops, my mouth often …………  at the sight of them.
  5. The author’s guest was …………  through Paris.

 

Answer-

  1. “I never overload my stomach”, she said.
  2. I was startled when the menu was brought.
  3. The author caught sight of the guest at the play.
  4. I had seen asparagus in the shops, my mouth often waters at the sight of them.
  5. The author’s guest was passing through Paris.

 

  1. Use appropriate articles.

1. I have just had snack.

2. I have cup of coffee in the morning.

3. I want just ice cream and coffee.

4. Author and his guest gave order and then waited for asparagus to  be cooked.

 

Answer-

  1. I have just had a snack.
  2. I have a cup of coffee in the morning.
  3. I want just an ice cream and a coffee.
  4. Author and his guest gave an order and then waited for the asparagus to  be cooked.
  1. Classify the following words in the given table appropriately.

(modest, luncheon, generously, rank, restaurant, appearance, large, expensive, watch,

coffee, brought, afford, practical, apartment, moment, brightly, started, thoroughly)

 

Noun

Verb

Adjective

Adverb

       

 

Answer-

Noun

Verb

Adjective

Adverb

Luncheon

Rank

Restaurant

Appearance

Watch

Coffee

Apartment

Moment

Brought

Afforded

Started

Modest

Large

Expensive

Practical

Generously

Brightly

Thoroughly

  1. Study the different uses of ‘could’. Identify what it indicates.

(a) Lack of rain could cause draught. (possibility/condition)

(b) Abhi could perform well in his school days. (suggestion/past ability)

(c) Instead of playing computer games you could play real games with friends.

(past ability/suggestion)

(d) Could I use your computer for surfing net ? (possibility/request)

(e) We could go on an excursion, if we didn’t have exam. (suggestion/condition)

 

Answer-

(a) Lack of rain could cause draught. (possibility/condition)

Ans. possibility

 

(b) Abhi could perform well in his school days. (suggestion/past ability)

Ans. past ability

 

(c) Instead of playing computer games you could play real games with friends. (past ability/suggestion)

Ans. suggestion

 

(d) Could I use your computer for surfing net ? (possibility/request)

Ans. request

 

(e) We could go on an excursion, if we didn’t have exam. (suggestion/condition)

Ans. condition

 

  1. Fill in the gaps with appropriate Prepositions to make the passage meaningful.

I waited ………… the airport ………… Atlanta. My old school-mate was going to arrive

………… New Airlines ………… Mumbai, ………… 21st ………… March ………… the year 2018. We had not met ………… 40 years ………… 1978. She was going to stay ………… a week ………… me ………… Atlanta ………… 21st ………… 27th ………… March, 2018.

 My joy knew no bounds, when I saw her ………… 40 years.………… home, I introduced

her ………… my family. Then I took her ………… a big mall ………… shopping. It was just

………… my house. We went ………… the street and climbed ………… using the elevator,………… the staircase.

 

Answer-

I waited at the airport in Atlanta. My old school-mate was going to arrive by New Airlines from Mumbai, on the 21st of March in the year 2018. We had not met for 40 years since 1978. She was going to stay for a week with me in Atlanta from the 21st to the 27th of March, 2018.

 

My joy knew no bounds, when I saw her after 40 years. At home, I introduced her to my family. Then I took her to a big mall for shopping. It was just near my house. We went across the street and climbed up using the elevator, not the staircase.

 

  1. On the occasion of Diwali, write a letter to your friend to invite him/her to celebrate the festival in an innovative way. Use the following hints.

time and place                                                   other friends are also invited

special dish is prepared                                    post lunch fun programmes, innovative activity

 

Answer-

Hi Priya

Diwali is just around the corner and this year, I have an idea to celebrate it in a totally different way.
I’m planning a Diwali party at my place on 20th afternoon, around 1 pm. I’ve invited my classmates too, so it’ll be a fun group.
Here’s the twist: instead of the same old store-bought diyas, we’re gonna make our own eco-friendly ones. We can use old clay pots, paint them with designs, and even use recycled materials for wicks and stands.
After we’ve finished creating our masterpieces, My mother will make her special Diwali dish.
But the fun doesn’t stop there. In the evening, we’re planning some awesome Diwali-themed games and activities. We can have a rangoli competition, write and perform a short Diwali skit, or even try making some diwali decorations with lights and paper.
So, are you in? It’ll be a blast celebrating Diwali in a unique and memorable way. Let me know by the 15th.
Hoping to see you.

Your friend

Tanya

  1. Further reading :

(a) “The Phantom Luncheon” by Saki.

(b) “The Ant and the Grasshopper” by William Somerset Maugham.

Form 4 groups of the class. Every group will visit the school’s library or use internet to read both the creations of Saki and W. S. Maugham. After reading them, every group will summarise

both the creations and later read out in the class.

 

Answer-

(a) “The Phantom Luncheon” by Saki.

Lady Drakmanton is pressured by her husband to entertain the Smithly-Dubbs, a trio of women known for their demanding appetites. Disliking the idea, she hatches a plan.

Milly, Lady Drakmanton’s sister, already has a lunch planned. So, Lady Drakmanton disguises herself and tricks the Smithly-Dubbs into believing she’s Milly. She then takes them to a fancy restaurant and lets them order an extravagant meal.

The story focuses on the irony of the situation. The Smithly-Dubbs, expecting a free lunch, end up with a very expensive one. Lady Drakmanton enjoys the deception and the girls’ obliviousness to her true identity.

 

(b) “The Ant and the Grasshopper” by William Somerset Maugham.

“The Ant and the Grasshopper” by William Somerset Maugham isn’t a traditional fable but a satirical story.

The narrator reflects on childhood fables like “The Ant and the Grasshopper,” where the hard working ant prepares for winter while the carefree grasshopper spends the summer singing.

The story introduces two brothers, George and Tom Ramsay. George is responsible and hardworking, saving money for the future. Tom, his younger brother, is carefree and spends his money lavishly.

The story implies that the traditional fable doesn’t always reflect reality. Tom enjoys his youth but struggles financially later in life, while George’s careful planning ensures his comfort.

The ending suggests that life isn’t always a clear-cut case of work ethic determining success. There might be external factors that influence outcomes.

 
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Maharashtra State Board Class 10 English Kumarbharti Chapter The Luncheon Extra Questions

 

Multiple-Choice Questions

 

  1. Where did the narrator meet the woman he hadn’t seen in a long time?
  2. a) At a restaurant
  3. b) On the street
  4. c) At the play
  5. d) At his apartment

 

2.What restaurant did the woman suggest for lunch?

a) A local cafe

b) Foyot’s 

c) Pizza Place

d) His apartment

 

  1. Why was the narrator hesitant about the restaurant choice?

a) He didn’t like the food

b) It was too far away

c) It was too fancy and expensive 

d) He didn’t know the owner

 

  1. Why was the narrator surprised by the menu prices?

a) He hadn’t eaten all day.

b) They were higher than expected. 

c) He forgot his wallet.

d) He didn’t understand French.

 

  1. What did the guest claim about her usual lunch habits?

a) She eats a large variety of food.

b) She prefers heavy meals.

c) She only eats one thing. 

d) She doesn’t eat lunch at all.

 

  1. Why did the narrator choose mutton chop for himself?

a) It was the tastiest option.

b) It was his favorite dish.

c) It was the cheapest option. 

d) The guest recommended it.

 

  1. What does the guest order for dessert?

a) Cookies

b) Cake

c) Ice cream and coffee 

d) She doesn’t order dessert.

 

  1. What is the narrator’s revenge on the guest?

a) He exposes her bad table manners in public.

b) He secretly writes a scathing story about her.

c) He takes pleasure in knowing she gained weight. 

d) He refuses to ever meet her again.

 

  1. What does the woman order for her lunch?

a) Giant Asparagus

b) Salmon

c) Caviar

d) All of the above

 

  1. “Luncheon” is written by-

a) William Somerset Maugham 

b) William Wordsworth

c) William Shakespeare

d) William Faulkner

 

Answer-

  1. c) At the play
  2. b) Foyot’s 
  3. c) It was too fancy and expensive 
  4. b) They were higher than expected. 
  5. c) She only eats one thing. 
  6. c) It was the cheapest option. 
  7. c) Ice cream and coffee 
  8. c) He takes pleasure in knowing she gained weight. 
  9. d) All of the above
  10. a) William Somerset Maugham 

 
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Vocabulary Based MCQs

 

Instructions: Choose the answer that best fits the meaning of the underlined word in the sentence.

 

  1. It would be mortifying to find myself ten francs short.

(a) Exciting

(b) Embarrassing 

(c) Amusing

(d) Satisfying

 

  1. She was, in appearance, imposing rather than attractive.

Another word for “imposing” in this context could be:

(a) charming

(b) dominating

(c) cute

(d) friendly

 

  1. “I’ll do better than that,” I retorted.

(a) Explained calmly

(b) Agreed enthusiastically

(c) Responded sharply in disagreement

(d) Ignored completely

 

  1. “I think you’re unwise to eat meat,” she said.

(a) Sensible

(b) Clever

(c) Foolish 

(d) Appetising

 

  1. Panic seized me. It was not a question now of how much money I should have left over for the rest of the month, but whether I had enough to pay the bill.

(a) To feel a strong sense of fear or anxiety.  

(b) To become angry or frustrated.

(c) To feel indifferent or unconcerned.

(d) To experience a sudden burst of energy.

 

Instructions: Choose the answer that is OPPOSITE in meaning to the underlined word in each sentence.

 

  1. I had eighty francs (gold francs) to last me the rest of the month and a modest luncheon should not cost more than fifteen.

(a) Humble

(b) Small

(c) Flamboyant 

(d) Simple

 

  1. I couldn’t possibly eat anything more unless they had some of those giant asparagus. 

(a) Miniature

(b) Enormous

(c) Colossal

(d) Huge

 

  1. The bill came and when I paid it I found that I had only enough for a quite inadequate tip.

(a) Insufficient

(b) Ample

(c) Lacking

(d) Unsuitable

 

  1. I do not believe that I am a vindictive man.

(a) Spiteful

(b) Vengeful

(c) Merciful

(d) Malicious

 

  1. Her eyes rested for an instant on the three francs I left for the waiter.

(a) Everlasting

(b) Immediate

(c) Momentary

(d) Fleeting

 

Answer-

  1. (b) Embarrassing 
  2. (b) dominating
  3. (c) Responded sharply in disagreement
  4. (c) Foolish 
  5. (a) To feel a strong sense of fear or anxiety.  
  6. (c) Flamboyant 
  7. (a) Miniature
  8. (b) Ample
  9. (c) Merciful
  10. (a) Everlasting

 
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