1.

How does the short story *Old Man at the Bridge depict the impact of war on common
people?

Answer:

Ernest Hemingway’s Old Man at the Bridge is a poignant story that highlights the
suffering of civilians in wartime.

Symbol of the Old Man: The unnamed old man represents innocent civilians who are
forced to abandon their homes due to war. He is too weak to move forward, symbolizing
helplessness.

Psychological Impact: Though he has lost everything, his main concern is for his animals,
indicating how war destroys even small emotional attachments.

Irony & Indifference of War: The soldier (narrator) sympathizes with the old man but
cannot help him. This shows how war disregards individual suffering.

Theme of Hopelessness: The old man’s fate remains unknown, reinforcing how war
leaves civilians vulnerable and forgotten.

This story serves as a powerful anti-war statement, showcasing the emotional and
physical toll on non-combatants.

2. What role does irony play in *Hearts and Hands by O. Henry?

Answer

O. Henry masterfully employs irony in Hearts and Hands to create surprise and highlight
human nature.

Situational Irony: The young woman, Miss Fairchild, assumes the well-dressed man (Mr.
Easton) is the marshal, while the rugged man is the prisoner. The truth is the opposite.

Dramatic Irony: The reader understands the twist before Miss Fairchild does, making
the revelation more impactful.

Irony of Appearances: The story critiques how people judge others based on looks and
social status rather than reality.

This unexpected twist reinforces O. Henry’s signature storytelling style, where

appearances can be deceiving.
3. How is the theme of sacrifice portrayed in The Last Leaf by O. Henry?

Answer:

The theme of sacrifice is central to The Last Leaf, highlighting love, selflessness, and
artistic dedication.

Behrman’s Sacrifice: An old artist, Behrman, paints a lifelike leaf on the wall to give
hope to Johnsy, a sick young woman. Despite his age and frail health, he risks his life in the cold.

Hope & Survival: Johnsy, believing the leaf is real, regains her will to live. However,
Behrman catches pneumonia and dies, making his act a true sacrifice.

Art as a Symbol of Love: His painting represents the ultimate form of selfless love—
using art to save a life.

O. Henry conveys that true sacrifice is not about grand gestures but about giving
something valuable for the sake of another.

4. How does The Gift of the Magi depict true love?

Answer:

O. Henry’s The Gift of the Magi presents love as selfless and pure, unaffected by
material wealth.

Mutual Sacrifice: Della sells her long hair to buy Jim a watch chain, while Jim sells his
watch to buy Della combs. Their gifts become useless, but their love deepens.

Irony & Love: The situational irony (both gifts are unusable) highlights that their true
wealth is in their devotion.

Symbolism: The story compares the couple’s sacrifice to the biblical Magi, emphasizing
that love’s greatest expression is in selfless giving.

Thus, O. Henry teaches that material possessions are secondary to genuine affection
and sacrifice.

5. How does B. Wordsworth reflect the contrast between reality and dreams?

Answer:

V.S. Naipaul’s B. Wordsworth explores the contrast between dreams and harsh reality
through the relationship between a young boy and a poetic stranger.
 he Idealistic Poet: B. Wordsworth dreams of writing the greatest poem but struggles
with poverty. His artistic vision contrasts with the boy’s simple life.

Fleeting Friendship: The poet’s sudden disappearance symbolizes how dreams are often
short-lived.

Symbolism of the Garden: His untended garden reflects his unfinished ambitions,
reinforcing how dreams can be crushed by reality.

The story ultimately suggests that while dreams provide hope, life’s hardships often
stand in the way.

6. What message does Abou Ben Adhem convey?

Answer:

Leigh Hunt’s poem emphasizes the power of selfless love and kindness over mere
religious devotion.

Abou’s Goodness: Unlike traditional religious figures, Abou prioritizes loving people
over religious rituals.

Angel’s Visit: When an angel records the names of those who love God, Abou’s name is
absent. However, when he asks to be counted among those who love mankind, his name tops
the list the next night.

Message: The poem teaches that true devotion lies in helping others, and such kindness
earns divine favor.

Through simple yet profound storytelling, Hunt reinforces that love for humanity is the
purest form of spirituality.

7. How does If by Rudyard Kipling define an ideal person?

Answer:

Kipling’s poem outlines qualities necessary to become a strong, successful individual.

Resilience & Self-Control: It encourages perseverance in tough times: “If you can meet
with Triumph and Disaster / And treat those two impostors just the same.”

Leadership & Integrity: The poem advises staying humble and fair, even when dealing
with powerful or common people.
 Confidence & Patience: It emphasizes believing in oneself while also waiting patiently
for results.

Maturity & Responsibility: The final lines suggest that by mastering these qualities, one
truly becomes a complete human being.

The poem serves as a timeless guide to developing character and leadership.

8. What is the significance of the title Nine Gold Medals?

Answer:

David Roth’s poem Nine Gold Medals celebrates unity and compassion over individual
victory.

Unexpected Act of Kindness: When a runner falls, the other eight competitors help him
rather than finishing the race.

Reversal of Competition: Instead of one winner, all nine athletes cross the finish line
together, emphasizing teamwork over personal ambition.

Gold Medals as a Symbol: The medals represent moral victory, proving that humanity is
greater than competition.

The title highlights how true greatness lies in selflessness, not just in athletic success.

9. How does *Ozymandias by Percy Shelley critique the arrogance of power?

Answer:

Shelley’s poem Ozymandias mocks the vanity of rulers who believe their power is
eternal.

Symbol of the Ruined Statue: The once-mighty king’s statue lies broken in the desert,
symbolizing the impermanence of power.

Irony in the Inscription: The words “Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!”
contrast with the surrounding emptiness, reinforcing how time erases even the strongest
empires.

Message: The poem warns against arrogance and serves as a reminder that all power
eventually fades.

Through vivid imagery, Shelley delivers a timeless lesson about the limits of human
ambition.
10. What is the central theme of The Ballad of Father Gilligan?

Answer:

W.B. Yeats’ poem explores themes of divine grace, human limitations, and faith.

Father Gilligan’s Guilt: The exhausted priest regrets falling asleep when a dying man
needed his prayers.

Divine Intervention: God sends an angel to perform the last rites in his place, showing
mercy.

Faith in God’s Goodness: The priest realizes that even when humans falter, divine grace
ensures that good deeds are carried out.

The poem reassures readers that faith and sincerity are more important than perfection.