Extra Questions Answers - Two Gentlemen of Verona | Literature Reader Class 10 PDF Download

Q.1. Read the following extract carefully and answer the questions that follow.
They were selling wild strawberries. 'Don't buy', warned Luigi, our cautious driver. 
(a) Who was selling the strawberries? 
(b) To whom was Luigi speaking? 
(c) Why did the driver disapprove of the author and his companion buying fruit from the boys?
Ans: (a) The two boys-Nicola and Jacopo, were selling the strawberries.
(b) Luigi was speaking to the author and his friend.
(c) The boys were shabbily dressed and not leaving a good impression on Luigi. He also thought that they could get better fruit in Verona. Hence, he did not approve of the author and his friend buying fruit from the two boys.

Q.2. Read the following extract carefully and answer the questions that follow, 
Next morning, coming out of our hotel, we saw our friends bent over shoeshine boxes beside the fountain in the public square, doing a brisk business. 
(a) Whom does 'we' stand for? 
(b) Who does 'our friends' refer to? 
(c) What does the word 'brisk' mean?
Ans: (a) 'We' stands for the author and his friend.
(b) The two young boys are 'our friends' in the above extract.
(c) The word 'brisk' means 'lively' here.

Q.3. Read the following extract carefully and answer the questions that follow,
'Why are you out so late, Nicola?' 'Waiting for the last bus from Padua.' 
(a) Who asked Nicola the reason for being out so late? 
(b) At which place were the boys waiting for the last bus? 
(c) Why were the two boys waiting for the last bus?
Ans: (a) The narrator asked Nicola the reason for being late.
(b) The two boys were in the deserted square at night.
(c) They were waiting to sell all their remaining newspapers to people in the last bus.

Q.4. Read the following extract carefully and answer the questions that follow,
The two boys were seated at the bedside of a girl of about twenty who, propped up on pillows, wearing a pretty lace jacket, was listening to their chatter, her eyes soft and tender. 
(a) Who does 'a girl' refer to? 
(b) What is the relation between the girl and the two boys? 
(c) Which mansion was the girl in?
Ans: (a) 'A girl' refers to 'Lucia', the boy's sister.
(b) The girl was the sister of the two boys.
(c) The mansion was a hospital.

Q.5. Read the following extract carefully and answer the questions that follow,
I waited outside until the boys rejoined me, then drove them back to the city. They sat beside me, not speaking. 
(a) Who does 'I' refer to? 
(b) Why did the boys not speak? 
(c) To whom did they go to meet?  
Ans: (a) 'I' refers to the narrator.
(b) The boys did not want to disclose their sister's illness.
(c) They went to meet their sister.

Q.6. Describe the first meeting of the narrator with the two boys.
Ans: The narrator and his friend met Nicola and Jacopo at the outer part of Verona. The two boys were selling wild strawberries. Though shabbily dressed, the boys left an impression on the narrator and his friend. He purchased their biggest basket as he had a feeling of friendship for the boys.

Q.7. Why were the narrator and his companion impressed by the two boys? 
Ans: The narrator and his companion were impressed by the two boys as their eyes were thoughtful and sincere. The little boys had something magnetic (attractive) about them.

Q.8. Why was the author surprised to see Nicola and Jacopo working as shoeshine boys?
OR
Why was the narrator astonished (surprised) after seeing the boys at the public square? 
Ans: The author was astonished to see the two boys at the public square because they were shining shoes of people. The narrator had thought they only sold fruits to earn their livelihood.

Q.9. Why didn't Luigi, the driver, approve of the two boys?
Ans: The two boys' shabby appearance put the suspicious Luigi off. He felt much better fruit would be available in Verona. Hence, he asked the narrator and his friend not to buy strawberries from the two untidily dressed boys with tangled hair.

Q.10. What different jobs did 'Nicola' and Jacopo perform to make a living? 
Ans: They performed various jobs to earn their livelihood. They were involved in selling fruits, shining shoes, supplying newspapers in buses and showing tourists the town.

Q.11. How were the boys useful to the author?
Ans: The boys were useful to the author because the author was new to the place and the boys furnished him information about good restaurants, got him seats for the opera and brought packs of American cigarettes for him. They also showed him places like Juliet's Tomb.

Q.12. Why were the boys in the deserted square at night?
Ans: The boys were in the deserted (empty without people) square at night as they were waiting for the last bus from Padua. They wanted to sell the newspapers to the passengers of that bus and earn some more money. They exhibit the character of being hard-working and dedicated.

Q.13. What character traits do they exhibit?
Ans: Jacopo told the narrator that he, with his brother Nicola, went to the countryside every Sunday. Jacopo asked him if he could take them there in his car.

Q.14. What favor did Jacopo ask for from the narrator when he volunteered to do something for the two brothers?
Ans: The boy's reply shows their determination, self-confidence and their healthy and selfless attitude towards life.

Q.15. The narrator asks the boy's, "Must you work so hard? You both look rather tired/The boy's reply, "we are not complaining, sir." What do you learn about the boy's from their reply?
Ans: The narrator rejected her suggestion because he did not want to disturb the family reunion. He also did not want to hurt the feelings of the two boys.

Q.16. The nurse suggested the narrator go inside the room in the hospital. Why did he reject her suggestion?
Ans: Nicola and Jacopo believed in fighting their own battle in life. They did not like to take the support of anybody. Therefore, they did not disclose their problems.

Q.17. When the narrator asks the boys about their problems, they are evasive. Why don't they disclose their problems?
Ans: Jacopo was very lively, in fact as lively as a squirrel. On the other hand, we find seriousness and maturity in Nicola. Jacopo was frank by nature, whereas Nicola was sober and reserved.

Q.18. What was the difference between the personality of Jacopo and Nicola?
Ans: A casual glance at the two boys would provoke hardly an interest in them. Yet this appearance of theirs proved to be very deceptive. Behind their shabbiness hid their nobility, devotion, sense of sacrifice, sense of responsibility and their willingness to work. War had made them poverty-stricken (extremely poor) but it could not rob them of the richness of their hearts. They give a new hope for humanity.

Q.19. Appearances are deceptive. Discuss with reference to the two boys.
Ans: I think the boys looked after Lucia willingly because no one was forcing them to work so hard to earn money. They sacrificed their own needs to save that money for their sister. They tried to get the best treatment out of love, care and devotion for their sister.

Q.20. Do you think the boys looked after Lucia willingly?
Ans: The sister of the two young boys was suffering from tuberculosis and was admitted to the hospital in Poleta. They visited their sister every Sunday. They also used to pay the treatment charges at the hospital.

Q.21. Why did Nicola and Jacopo go to Poleta every Sunday?
Ans: In this story, the two little boys faced the challenges thrown up by adversity (difficult and unpleasant situation) and yet they were in high spirits and hard work, devotion, love, care and self-respect. This is truly a promise of hope for society, as human society is founded on these values which the two boys upheld (to support decision) despite difficulties. The story conveys the message of sacrifice, sincerity and devotion, which gives a new hope for humanity.

Q.22. How does the story Two Gentlemen of Verona' promise hope for society?
Ans: No doubt, the two brothers-Nicola and Jacopo, are called the two gentlemen in the story. They have the qualities of hard work and sincerity (honesty). They do their duties and understand their responsibilities towards their sister, who is suffering from tuberculosis of the spine.

Q.23. Who is called the two gentlemen in the story Two Gentlemen of Verona'?
Ans: The narrator says these words for the two young brothers. The narrator finds the behavior and attitude of the two boys awesome. They are wise but innocent. The younger one is full of life and the elder one keeps a charming smile on his face. Yet their eyes are sober (sensible), showing the maturity of a much older age.

Q.24. As the narrator, write an article on the lesson of love, faith and trust that you have learned from the two young boys of Verona.
Ans: The power of love, faith and trust not only rewards an individual but the entire human society with optimism, hope and inspiration. I came across two young boys named Nicola and Jacopo on my trip to Verona. I always found them struggling to earn their living by running errands, selling newspapers, shining shoes and taking visitors around the town. I was told that these two boys had lost their fathers in the war and also lost their home. They had a sister named Lucia. After the war, they found their sister suffering from tuberculosis of the spine. They earned and saved money to keep their sister in a good hospital and get her treated. These small children held on to their values in such difficult circumstances when even adults would often give up or lose hope. Such love, faith and trust are difficult to find in this harsh world today. Nicola and Jacopo from Verona became my heroes who taught me a lesson of love, faith and trust.

Q.25. 'War had not broken their spirit'. In the light of the above line, bring out the central theme of the story.
Ans: Nicola and Jacopo were the epitome of gentlemanly grace and integrity of character. Their selfless dedication to the betterment of their diseased sister's health, even at the cost of their own welfare was something quite rare to see. Their devotion and dedication to the most menial of tasks and their constant hunger for work inspired me to follow them around. The most important thing about them was that what he had mistaken for their innocence was actually their maturity, that self-assuredness came from having watched their lives fall apart during the war but also having the strength to piece it back together in whichever way possible. Their love for their sister and each other is what kept them going.

Q.26. "Their selfless action brought a new nobility to human life, gave promise of a greater hope for human society." You read the lines given above and get motivated. You understand that sacrifice and devotion make a person complete human beings. Write a letter to your friend telling him about the value of sincerity and hard work.
Ans: 
15 DXY Colony Meerut City - 250001

10th May, 20XX 

Dear Anirudh,

Hi! Many thanks for your letter and for the novel. The novel is really very interesting. Apart from the novel, I have recently read a nice story named 'Two Gentlemen of Verona'. This story tells that sacrifice and devotion give hope for all humanity. Two young brothers-Nicola and Jacopo perform many jobs to earn their livelihood. They work day and night to collect money for the treatment of their sister, Lucia, who is suffering from tuberculosis of the spine. They don't spend money on them or their hobbies. They don't care for themselves and only think about the betterment of their sister. They pay the hospital bill weekly. They believe in hard work and sincerity and these qualities raise their personalities. They are full of moral values. I suggest you read the story so that you can be more devoted to your work. Catch you later. Bye.

Yours,
ABC

Q.27. He smiled uncomfortably. 'Just plans, sir,' he answered in a low voice. Comment.
Ans: The narrator saw the two boys working hard as fruit-sellers, newspaper hawkers etc. He was astonished to see that they worked so hard and earned well but did not eat healthy food or wear costly clothes. Once the narrator asked Nicola that he had noticed the two brothers working so much that they must be making a lot of money. They were not using this money on clothes and used very little money on food. They were eating small portions of inexpensive food like black bread and figs. The narrator wondered what they did with their money. Nicola did not want to share his personal problems with anybody, so he felt embarrassed and turned pale. The narrator asked if they wanted to move to America with their savings. Nicola told him that it would make them happy to go to the states but presently they had some other place The narrator wanted to know about the plans but Nicola did not like to disclose the secrets of his life, so he was uncomfortable telling about his plans.

Q.28. Even if the boys were untidy and shabbily dressed, the author and his companion found them interesting and fascinating. Comment.
OR
'Appearances are deceptive'. Discuss with reference to Nicola and Jacopo.
Ans: Nicola and Jacopo-two young brothers, we're into a situation in which they could not take care of their dresses and outfits. When they met the narrator for the first time, they were untidy and poorly dressed. One of the boys was wearing an old worn-out jersey with cut-off khaki pants and the other was attired in a shortened army tunic. They had unkempt (messy) hair. Despite their shabbiness and poor appearance, there was something special in them. Their appearances were simply deceptive (misleading). Behind their looks hide their qualities such as sacrifice, devotion, love, faith, confidence and hard work. They faced all the challenges thrown up by adversity. These qualities were shining in their eyes. Hence, the narrator and his companion found the boys interesting and strangely fascinating (extremely interesting). From this we can really believe that 'Appearances are deceptive'.

Q.29. Nicola and Jacopo loved their sister very much. They understood their responsibility to her. Give your view on it. OR Do you think the boys looked after Lucia willingly? Give your answer with reasons.
Ans: Nicola and Jacopo worked day and night to earn money. They sold fruits, shone the shoes of people, distributed newspapers and worked as tourist-guides. They earned well but didn't spend that amount on their own betterment. They didn't wear good clothes or enjoyed their hobbies. They saved all the money to pay the bill of the hospital in which their sister is undergoing treatment of tuberculosis of the spine. They met her weekly and are concerned for her health. They took care of their sister cheerfully and never disclosed their problem before anybody. They fought their battle of life with courage and fortitude(bravery). They wished that she would dance again and live a healthy and successful life. They never showed Lucia that they have to suffered great pain to earn every penny for her treatment. They knew the value of relations and showed a new hope to humanity. I think they look after Lucia willingly because they loved her very much.

Q.30. After her brothers' visit, Lucia writes a page in her diary about her past life and her present situation. As Lucia, write a diary entry in about 150 words.
Ans: 
Tuesday, 11th December 19XX 

9.00 pm

Today Nicola and Jacopo, my younger brothers, came to meet me in the hospital. They both were shabbily dressed and with unkempt (messy) hair. Though they were trying to show me that they were happy in their current state, I know about the harshness they are facing. I did not feel comfortable seeing them in that situation. They always give me happiness whenever they come to meet me. Gone are the days when we would enjoy life with our parents in our home. Nicola and Jacopo were so choosy about their food and clothes. They would always prefer the best things to use. But the scenario has changed entirely. They have to work beyond their capacities to earn money, so that they can pay the bills of the hospital. They cannot afford decent clothes and healthy food for themselves. I want to work for them but cannot do so because of my illness. I only wish for their healthy future. Dear God, hear my prayer.

Q.31. How does the story "Two Gentlemen of Verona" promise hope for society? They are honest, loving, brave and sincere. They believe in sacrifice, sincerity and devotion. They promise a new hope for society.
Ans: If we take a glance at our society, we shall find the people working for only their own interests. Nobody thinks about others and everybody wants to enjoy his/her life. This tendency of the people will kill any hope for humanity. "Two Gentlemen of Verona" is a story of hope for a society in general. The two boys, Nicola and Jacopo, are mature beyond their age. They work for the well-being of their sister Lucia, who is suffering from tuberculosis of the spine. They want to save her life at any cost. They do many odd jobs to earn money for her treatment. They don't fear the difficulties that come in their way. They have faith in their hard work. They don't beg for help from others. To achieve their goal, they never adopt any wrong way. They are honest, loving, brave and sincere. They believe in sacrifice, sincerity and devotion. They promise a new hope for the society.