Textbook Solution: Fourteen -I | Class 7 English Alive PDF Download

A. Choose the correct option.

Q1: Mrs Pringle had organized dinner for how many guests?

(a) thirteen guests.

(b) fourteen guests.

(c)  ten guests.

Ans: (b) fourteen guests.

Explanation: Mrs Pringle initially set up the dining table for fourteen guests as indicated by her concern when one guest, Mr Harper, could not attend, and she worried about the unlucky number thirteen.

Q2: Why did Mr Harper refuse the dinner invitation?

(a) because of the terrible blizzard.

(b) because his friend fell ill.

(c) because his wife had chicken-pox.

Ans: (b) because his friend fell ill.

Explanation: Mr Harper was called away to the bedside of a friend who was very ill, which is why he sent flowers to Mrs Pringle as an apology for his sudden unavailability.

Q3: Why did Mrs Pringle want her husband to sit at the head of the table?

(a)She thought it looked undignified when the man of the house is pushed to the side.

(b)She wanted her husband to have a conversation with everyone.

(c)She wanted him to deliver a speech.

Ans (a). She thought it looked undignified when the man of the house is pushed to the side.

Explanation: Mrs Pringle expressed that it appeared undignified for the man of the house not to sit at the head of the table, reflecting traditional views on the host's role at social gatherings.

Q4: Next to whom did Mrs Pringle want Elaine to sit at the dinner?

(a) Dunham.

(b) Mr. Conley.

(c) Oliver Farnsworth.

Ans:(c). Oliver Farnsworth.

Explanation: Mrs Pringle was intentionally trying to seat Elaine next to Oliver Farnsworth, who was described as being very wealthy, as part of her efforts to make a good matrimonial match for her daughter.

Q5: Mrs. Pringle was glad that Jessica backed out because that would leave them with how many guests?

(a) eight guests.

(b) fourteen guests.

(c)  sixteen guests.

Ans: (b) fourteen guests.

Explanation: After several guests could not attend, including Jessica, Mrs Pringle was relieved to have the number back to fourteen, thus avoiding the unlucky number thirteen and not having too few guests.

B. Answer these questions briefly.

Q1: Why was Mrs Pringle happy to know that the Cook was in a bad temper?

Ans: Mrs Pringle believed that the Cook, like an actress, performed better when in a temper. She equated a bad temper with a better performance in the kitchen, suggesting that the Cook was more effective or meticulous when agitated.

Q2: What trouble had Mr Harper put Mrs Pringle in?

Ans: Mr Harper's last-minute cancellation due to his friend's illness left Mrs Pringle with an uneven number of guests (thirteen), which she considered unlucky. This caused her distress and the inconvenience of having to find another guest at short notice.

Q3: What was wrong with just having twelve guests?

Ans: Having only twelve guests meant rearranging the seating plan, as it would not allow Mr. Pringle to sit at the head of the table, which Mrs Pringle found inappropriate for the man of the house.

Q4: Why did Mrs Pringle agree to invite Mr Morgan?

Ans: Mrs Pringle agreed to invite Mr Morgan because he was known to be entertaining, always telling a joke or two, which could help lighten the atmosphere and make the dinner more enjoyable for the other guests.

Q5: Did Mrs Pringle like Oliver Farnsworth? Why?

Ans: Mrs Pringle appeared to value Oliver Farnsworth highly, not necessarily out of personal affection but because of his wealth. She saw him as an excellent marital prospect for her daughter Elaine, indicating her priorities were more about social and financial advantages than personal liking.

Q6: Why was Elaine distressed after calling the Tuppers?

Ans: Elaine became distressed after calling the Tuppers because, while initially they agreed to join, it was revealed they also had two house guests. Elaine, perhaps feeling overwhelmed by the sudden increase to sixteen guests, worried about the logistics and preparations.

Q7: What solutions were given by Elaine and Mrs Pringle when sixteen people were on the guest list?

Ans: Elaine suggested that she wouldn't eat, possibly to make room for others, while Mrs Pringle proposed adding another board to the table to accommodate the extra guests and instructed the Cook to prepare additional food, like opening cans of soup and vegetables.

Q8: Why was it important to make fresh place-cards and a new diagram?

Ans: Fresh place-cards and a new seating diagram were necessary because the number and arrangement of the guests had changed significantly due to the various cancellations and last-minute additions. This was crucial to ensure that everyone had a specific place at the table, reflecting changes in the guest list and maintaining organization.

C. Think and answer these questions.

Q1: What do you think was Mrs Pringle's main motive for hosting the dinner?

Ans: Mrs Pringle’s main motive for hosting the dinner seemed to be to reinforce her social standing and potentially secure a wealthy husband for her daughter. She emphasized the importance of having influential people like Oliver Farnsworth and expressed a desire to have notable figures like the Prince of Wales at her parties to cement her reputation as a great hostess.

Q2: Do you think Elaine was scared of her mother? Give reasons by giving examples from the play.

Ans: Elaine appears intimidated by her mother, as shown by her reactions and compliance in situations where she clearly feels uncomfortable, such as the manipulation of her hair and the forced seating arrangement next to Oliver Farnsworth. Her mother’s dominant personality and insistence on social ambitions likely put Elaine under pressure, suggesting a fear of confrontation or disappointment.

Q3: Do you think Mrs Pringle was unnecessarily worried about the guest list? Why/Why not?

Ans: Mrs Pringle’s worries about the guest list can be seen as excessive from a modern perspective, but within the context of her social environment and personal ambitions, they might not seem so. Her concern about having an unlucky number or ensuring the correct social mix underscores her desire to maintain a particular social image, which was likely very important in her societal circle. Her actions, though seemingly excessive, align with her priorities and the standards of her social class at the time.