Class 5 English Gul Mohar Question Answers - Demosthenes

Short Answer Questions

Q1: What problem did Demosthenes face when he made his first public speech?
Ans: Demosthenes had a weak voice, unclear words, and he stammered. People laughed at him.

Q2: Why was Demosthenes angry with his guardians?
Ans: His guardians were not careful with his money, and he didn't have enough for a good education.

Q3: Who inspired Demosthenes when he heard him speak at a trial?
Ans: Callistratus, a famous orator, inspired Demosthenes with his powerful speech.

Q4: What did Demosthenes decide to become after hearing Callistratus?
Ans: Demosthenes decided to become an orator, someone who speaks to make people think and agree with him.

Q5: Why did Demosthenes practice shouting his speeches at the seashore with pebbles in his mouth?
Ans: It helped him make his words clear and train his voice.

Q6: Who encouraged Demosthenes not to give up after his first failed public address?
Ans: An old man and Satyrus, an actor, encouraged him not to give up.

Q7: What did Satyrus help Demosthenes realize about his speeches?
Ans: Satyrus helped Demosthenes realize that he needed to act out his speeches, not just read or recite them.

Q8: What did Demosthenes do to improve his expressions, gestures, and actions?
Ans: He watched himself in the mirror and practiced speaking while walking, running, and even with pebbles in his mouth.

Q9: Why did people make fun of Demosthenes when he first spoke in the assembly of Athens?
Ans: His first address was a failure, and people could tell from his expressions. They made fun of him.

Q10: What lesson did Demosthenes learn about his people from the conversation about sailors and stories?
Ans: Demosthenes learned that his people were more interested in entertaining stories than tales of their own countrymen's glorious deeds.

Long Answer Questions

Q1: Describe the challenges Demosthenes faced in his early attempts at public speaking and how he overcame them.
Ans: Demosthenes faced challenges such as a weak voice, unclear words, and stammering. People laughed at him. To overcome this, he was inspired by Callistratus and decided to become an orator. He practiced intensely, even shouting speeches at the seashore with pebbles in his mouth to make his words clear. He learned the importance of acting out his speeches and improved his expressions and gestures.

Q2: Explain why Demosthenes was angry with his guardians and how he dealt with the situation.
Ans: Demosthenes was angry because his guardians were not careful with his money, and he didn't have enough for a good education. He decided to become an orator to fight against the injustice. When he was eighteen, he spoke in a court of law and won the case, though there wasn't much money left to recover.

Q3: Describe the role of the old man and Satyrus in encouraging Demosthenes not to give up on his dream of becoming a great speaker.
Ans: The old man praised Demosthenes after his failed public address, comparing him to the great orator Pericles. Satyrus, an actor, helped Demosthenes realize the importance of acting out speeches. Both encouraged him not to give up, boosting his confidence.

Q4: Explain the significance of Demosthenes' practice methods, such as using pebbles in his mouth and speaking by the seashore.
Ans: Demosthenes used pebbles in his mouth to make his words clear and practiced by the seashore to train his voice. These methods helped him improve his speech, expression, and tone, making his speeches more powerful and purposeful.

Q5: How did Callistratus's speech influence Demosthenes, and what decision did Demosthenes make after hearing him?
Ans: Callistratus's powerful speech impressed and inspired Demosthenes. It motivated him to become an orator and make people think and agree with him. Demosthenes decided to develop the power of words to fight against the injustice he faced.

Q6: Describe Demosthenes' initial experience in the assembly of Athens and how he felt after his first address.
Ans: Demosthenes' first address in the assembly was a failure, and people made fun of him. He felt great shame and disappointment, thinking it would be the last time he spoke in public.

Q7: Explain the realization Demosthenes had about the delivery of his speeches after the conversation with Satyrus.
Ans: Demosthenes realized that merely reading or reciting speeches wasn't enough. Satyrus helped him understand the importance of acting out the speeches with passion, expression, and drama to capture the audience's interest.

Q8: Describe Demosthenes' transformation from a shy boy with a stammer to a confident and powerful orator.
Ans: Demosthenes transformed by overcoming challenges such as a weak voice and unclear words. He practiced intensely, learned to act out speeches, and improved his expressions and gestures. This transformation made him a confident and powerful orator.

Q9: Explain the impact of Demosthenes' victory in the court case against his guardians on his journey to becoming an orator.
Ans: Winning the court case against his guardians gave Demosthenes confidence. It was a crucial step in his journey to becoming an orator, showing that hard work and determination could bring success.

Q10: Describe the various methods Demosthenes used to practice and improve his public speaking skills.
Ans: Demosthenes converted a cellar into a study, practiced with pebbles in his mouth, shouted speeches at the seashore, and observed himself in the mirror. He also practiced speaking while walking, running, and up a hill. All these methods trained his breath, voice, and tone, making his speeches filled with drama and purpose.