Short Answer Questions
Q1: Why was Kezia afraid of her father?
Ans: Kezia was afraid of her father because he was strict and had a heavy face, which made him seem intimidating. He never played with her, reinforcing her perception of him as a fearsome figure.
Q2: What was the morning routine of Kezia and her father?
Ans: Kezia's father would visit her room each morning before heading to the office. He would give her a casual kiss, to which she would respond with 'Goodbye, Father.' This routine left Kezia feeling both relieved and anxious, as she harboured a fear of him.
Q3: What was the nightmare that Kezia had?
Ans: Kezia experienced a recurring nightmare involving a butcher who approached her with a knife and a rope, smiling menacingly. In her fear, she would cry out for her grandmother but felt unable to move, trapped in her terror.
Q4: Why was Kezia scared when her mother and grandmother were not at home?
Ans: When her mother and grandmother were away, Kezia felt intense fear as she faced her nightmare once more. This absence amplified her anxiety about being alone, leaving her to grapple with her frightening thoughts.
Q5: Who was Mr MacDonald? How was he different from Kezia’s father?
Ans: Mr MacDonald was Kezia's neighbour who had a joyful family with five children. In contrast to Kezia's father, he was gentle and engaged in play with his kids, fostering a warm and loving environment at home.
Q6: How did Kezia’s grandmother console her after she was punished by her father?
Ans: Kezia's grandmother consoled her after her father's punishment by wrapping her in a shawl and rocking her gently in a rocking-chair. She also offered Kezia a clean hanky to blow her nose and encouraged her to go to sleep, assuring her that she would forget the incident by morning.
Q7: Why did Kezia always stutter while talking to her father?
Ans: Kezia stuttered when speaking to her father due to her nervousness and fear in his presence.
Q8: What did Kezia usually find when she wanted to interact with her parents?
Ans: Kezia often found her mother reading books and her father sleeping soundly in the drawing room when she tried to interact with them. Her father's snoring added to the sense of distance she felt.
Q9: How did Kezia make a pin-cushion for her father?
Ans: Following her grandmother's advice, Kezia crafted a pin-cushion from yellow silk and filled it with torn sheets of paper, unaware that these papers contained her father's important speech.
Q10: Why was Kezia punished by her father?
Ans: Kezia was punished by her father because she unknowingly used important papers for his speech to create a pin-cushion as a birthday gift. This act led to a significant loss, causing her father to react with anger.
Q11: What orders were passed to Kezia in the evening when father returned home from the office?
Ans: When her father returned home, he ordered Kezia to bring him tea in the drawing room. He also inquired about the newspaper and instructed her to fetch his slippers, all in a loud voice.
Long Answer Questions
Q12: Why was Kezia punished by her father? Do you think Kezia deserved this? What should father have done instead?
Ans: Kezia was punished by her father because she accidentally tore up important papers to fill a pin-cushion she was making as a gift. No, Kezia did not deserve such a harsh punishment, as her intentions were innocent. Instead of resorting to physical punishment, her father could have used this moment to explain the importance of not touching things without permission and guided her on how to make amends.
Q13: Why did Kezia like Mr. Macdonald and hate her father?
Ans: Kezia disliked her father because of his harsh nature and strictness, which made her feel afraid of him. In contrast, she liked Mr. Macdonald, her neighbour, who was cheerful and caring. He interacted lovingly with his children, creating a warm atmosphere. This contrast in behaviour led Kezia to develop different feelings towards her father and Mr. Macdonald.
Q14: How did Kezia’s attitude towards her father change? What brought them closer?
Ans: Kezia's attitude towards her father shifted when he demonstrated care and concern for her during a distressing night caused by a nightmare. His loving actions, such as comforting her and keeping her warm, helped her see his true nature. This moment of tenderness brought them closer together.
Q15: You are Kezia. Describe the change of heart after the night when the father took care of you.
Ans: Diary, something amazing happened last night. I had that scary nightmare again, the one with the butcher. But this time, Papa heard me crying and came to my room. He held me and took me to his room. He made me feel warm and safe, like a real father should. I realised then that he's not just strict and stern; he cares about me, too. Maybe he doesn't show it like Mr. Macdonald does, but I know it's there. Perhaps he has a hard time expressing his love, just as I struggle to speak in front of him. I think I misjudged him, Diary. I feel closer to him now, and I want to understand him better.
Q16: Do you think Kezia’s father was a bad father? Why/Why not?
Ans: No, I don't think Papa is a bad father. Although he may appear strict and harsh, he genuinely cares about me. I used to be frightened of him, but after that night when he comforted me, I realised he has a different way of showing love. He may not know how to play like Mr. Macdonald, but he makes an effort in his own way. His punishment was meant to teach me something, not to hurt me. He is not a bad father; he is just different.
Q17: Do you think Kezia was at fault when she tore up the important papers of her father? Why/Why not?
Ans: Yes, I believe Kezia was at fault for tearing up her father's important papers. Although she did not intend to cause harm, she should have asked for permission before using them. In her excitement, she lost sight of the potential consequences of her actions. This was a significant mistake, and she now understands why her father was so upset. Moving forward, she has learned to be more cautious and to always ask before touching anything that is important.
