Objective Questions (MCQs):-
Q.1. Who has written 'The Browning Version'? (A) Terence Rattigan
(B) Mr Edgar S. Woolard
(C) Mr. Lester Brown
(D) Khushwant Singh
Q.2. What is the age of Taplow?
(A) Fourteen
(B) Sixteen
(C) Twenty
(D) Five
Q.3. Who is Mr. Crocker-Harris?
(A) Principal
(B) Headmaster
(C) Middle-aged schoolmaster
(D) Director
Q.4. What was Taplow doing on the last day of school?
(A) Extra Work
(B) Time pass
(C) Playing
(D) Completing homework
Q.5. Why does Taplow have to do extra work?
(A) because he missed a class in the previous week
(B) because he didn't perfom well in his studies
(C) because he was there to help his teacher
(D) because he was called by his teacher
Q.6. Why does Taplow want Science as a remove?
(A) because he has no option
(B) because he finds the subject extremely interesting
(C) because he is confused
(D) because he didn't like Crocker-Harris
Q.7. Why did Taplow call Mr. Crocker-Harris 'hardly human'?
(A) because he is a sadist
(B) he is all shriveled up
(C) he is very rude to everyone
(D) he finds peace in failing students
Q.8. Why was Frank jealous of Mr. Crocker-Harris?
(A) because of the effect he has on students (B) because of his fame
(C) because he was senior schoolmaster
(D) because he was paid well
Q.9. How does Taplow react when Mr. Crocker-Harris cracked a joke in the class?
(A) he laughed
(B) he ignored it
(C) he asked him what it meant
(D) he did nothing
Q.10. When did Mrs. Crocker - Harris enter the classroom?
(A) When Taplow and Frank were discussing Mr. Harris
(B) When no one was in the classroom
(C) When Mr. Crocker - Harris came back
(D) when only Taplow was in the classroom
Q.11. Why was Taplow worried that Mrs. Crocker Harris might have heard what they were saying?
(A) as she had been standing for a few minutes when they were busy talking
(B) as she interrupted their conversation
(C) as she heard them talking about the Principal
(D) as she shouted at them for talking ill about her husband
Q.12. What did Millie suggest to Taplow in her husband's absence?
(A) to go to chemist to get her prescription filled
(B) to go to his home
(C) to play golf
(D) to wait
Q.13. How did Frank react upon the arrival of Mrs. Crocker-Harris?
(A) he was happy
(B) he was nervous
(C) he was relieved.
(D) nothing as such
Q.14. Who was Agamemnon?
(A) he was American astrologer
(B) he was an Egyptian king
(C) he was the king of Mycenae in Greek mythology
(D) he was the brother of Ascyllus.
Q.15. What does 'Remove' mean in the chapter?
(A) a division in British Schools
(B) take away something
(C) unfasten
(D) get rid of
Answer Key:-
1. Option (A) is correct.
2. Option (B) is correct.
3. Option (C) is correct.
4. Option (A) is correct.
Explanation: He was doing extra work as instructed by his teacher.
5. Option (A) is correct.
Explanation: Because he missed a class in the previous week and that was to be compensated by extra work if he wanted to pass his class.
6. Option (B) is correct.
Explanation: Because he finds the subject extremely interesting.
7. Option (B) is correct.
Explanation: Because he didn't want to show his true self to anyone.
8. Option (A) is correct.
9. Option (A) is correct.
Explanation: He laughed even when he didn't understand the joke.
10. Option (A) is correct.
Explanation: When Taplow and Frank were discussing Mr. Harris, she quietly stood on one side listening to their conversation.
11. Option (A) is correct.
12. Option (A) is correct.
Explanation: She wanted some time with Frank and so she sent Taplow to the chemist to bring some medicines.
13. Option (C) is correct.
Explanation: He was relieved.
14. Option (C) is correct.
Explanation: He was the king of Mycenae in Greek mythology.
15. Option (A) is correct.
Explanation: A division in British Schools.
Extract Based MCQs:-
I. Read the extracts given below and answer the following questions by choosing the correct option:
TAPLOW: Well, no, sir. I don't think the play is muck- exactly. I suppose, in a way, it's rather a good plot, really, a wife murdering her husband and all that I only meant the way it's taught to us -just a lot of Greek words strung and fifty lines if you get them wrong.
FRANK: You sound a little bitter, Taplow.
TAPLOW: I am rather, sir.
FRANK: Kept in, eh?
TAPLOW: No, sir. Extra work.
FRANK :Extra work on the last day of school?
Q.1. Which play Taplow is talking about?
(A) Agamemnon
(C) Muck
(B) Aeschylus
(D) Slackers
Q.2. Which of the following is NOT TRUE about the book being taught to Taplow?
(A) The book contains a lot of Greek words.
(C) The book is not taught in an interesting way.
(B) The book has an interesting plot.
(D) All the students like that book.
Q.3. Why had Taplow got extra work on the last day of school?
(A) because he misbehaved with his teacher.
(B) because he missed a day of his school in the previous week.
(C) because he loved to do homework
(D) because didn't complete his homework and pending work.
Q.4. Classify the following statements as Facts (F) or Opinion (O),
1. I think the book is not a muck.
2. The book has lot of Greek words.
3. Taplow was called at that hour in the school as a punishment, expressed Frank. 4. In my opinion, Taplow sounded bitter while talking about the play.
5. Taplow had actually come to school for some extra work.
(A) F-1, 2, 3; O-4,5
(B) F-2, 4, 5, O- 1,3
(C) F-1, 4, 5; O-2,3
(D) F-4, 5; O-1, 2, 3.
Q.5. Felicitous mean:
(A) apt
(C) pertinent
(B) well chosen
(D) All of these
II. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follows:
TAPLOW: (imitating a very gentle, rather throaty voice) "My dear Taplow, I have given you exactly what you deserve. No less; and certainly no more." Do you know sir, I think he may have marked me down, rather than up, for taking extra work. I mean, the man's hardly human. (He breaks off quickly.) Sorry, sir. Have I gone too far?
FRANK: Yes. Much too far.
TAPLOW: Sorry, sir. I got carried away.
FRANK: Evidently. (He picks up a newspaper and opens it)-Er Taplow.
TAPLOW: Yes, sir?
FRANK: What was that Crocker-Harris said to you? Just-er-repeat it, would you?
Q.1. Which of the following expressions is INCORRECT with respect to the phrase much too?
(A) much too hot
(B) much too large
(C) much too bright
(D) much too enough
Q.2. Classdy the following as Facts (F) or Opinion (O).
1. I have given you exactly what you deserve I got carried away.
2. Have I gone too far.
3. I got carried away.
4. I think he may have marked the down.
5. I mean, the man's hardly human
(A) F-1,2,3; O- 4,5
(B) F-1,3;O- 2,4,5
(C) F-1,4,5; O- 2,3
(D) F-4,5; O-1,2,3
Q.3. "I have given you exactly what you deserve." Who are 'I'and 'you' in this statement?
(A) I - Frank; you - Taplow
(B) I - Crocker-Harris; you - Taplow
(C) I - Frank; you - Crocker-Harris
(D) I - Crocker-Harris; you - Frank
Q.4. TAPLOW: ...I mean, the man's hardly human. (He breaks off quickly.) Sorry, sir. Have I gone too far?
FRANK: Yes Much too far.
TAPLOW: Sorry, sir. I got carried away.
Why did Taplow apologise?
(A) Because he was doing extra work.
(B) Because he was a bit harsh while talking about Crocker-Harris.
(C) Because he called the play muck.
(D) Because he said science was a interesting subject.
Q.5. 'Evident' mean:
(A) obvious
(C) noticeable
(B) apparent
(D) All of these
III. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow:
FRANK: Well, he's ten minutes late. Why don't you cut? You could still play golf before lock-up.
TAPLOW: (really shocked) Oh, no, I couldn't cut the Crock- Mr Crocker-Harris? I shouldn't think it's evn been done in the whole time he's been here. God knows what would happen if I did. He'd probably follow home, or something...
FRANK: I must admit I envy him for the effect he seems to have on you boys in the form. You all seem scared to death of him. What does he do-beat you all, or something?
TAPLOW: Good Lord, no. He's not a sadist, like one or two of the others.
FRANK: I beg your pardon?
TAPLOW: A sadist, sir, is someone who gets pleasure out of giving pain.
FRANK: Indeed? But I think you went on to say that some other masters...
Q.1. Which of the following remarks is NOT made by Frank for Crocker-Harris?
(A) I envy him for the effect he seems to have on you boys in the form.
(B) You all seem scared to death of him.
(C) Why don't you cut?
(D) He's not a sadist.
Q.2. Who, according to Taplow, is a sadist?
(A) one who punishes others.
(B) one who helps others.
(C) one who gets pleasure out of giving pain. (D) one who cares for his students.
Classify the following as Fact (F) or Opinion (O)
1. You could still play golf before lock-up,
2. He'd probably follow me home, or something...
3. I must admit I envy him for the effect he seems to have on you boys in the form.
4. You all seem scared to death of him. 5. Well, he's ten minutes late.
6. He's not a sadist.
7. A sadist is someone who gets pleasure out of giving pain.
(A) F-3,4,5,6,7; O -1,2
(B) F-1,2; O -3,4,5,6,7
(C) F-2,4: O -3,5,6,7
(D) F-3,4,6,7; O -1,2,5
Q.4. Which of the following is NOT a synonym of 'admit' as used in this extract?
(A) accept
(B) agree
(C) enrol
(D) confess
Q.5. "Oh, no, I couldn't cut. Cut the Crock-Mr Crocker-Harris? I shouldn't think it's ever been done in the whole time he's been here."
What does this remark of Taplow show about Mr Crocker-Harris?
(A) He was a butcher and would punish students severely.
(B) He was a strict disciplinarian.
(C) He had a very bad reputation in front of his students and other teachers.
(D) The students had been taking advantage of his absence.
Answer key:-
I. 1. Option (A) is correct.
Explanation: Agamemnon by Aeschylus.
2. Option (D) is correct.
Explanation: The students didn't like the way the book was taught.
3. Option (B) is correct.
Explanation: Because he missed a day of his school in the previous week.
4. Option (B) is correct.
Explanation: Taplow was a bit harsh while talking about the language of the play.
5. Option (D) is correct.
Explanation: All these words are synonyms of felicitous.
II. 1. Option (D) is correct.
Explanation: much too enough is a wrong expression
2. Option (B) is correct.
Explanation: According to Taplow, his teacher was very strict.
3. Option (B) is correct.
Explanation: Crocker-Harris is a teacher; Taplow is a student.
4. Option (B) is correct.
Explanation: Taplow was a bit harsh while taking about Crocker-Harris.
5. Option (D) is correct.
Explanation: All these words are synonyms of evident.
III. 1. Option (D) is correct.
Explanation: Taplow commented about Crocker-Harris that he was not a sadist.
2. Option (C) is correct.
Explanation: One who gets pleasure out of giving pain and Crocker-Harris was not a sadist.
3. Option (A) is correct.
4. Option (C) is correct.
Explanation: I must admit I envy him.
5. Option (B) is correct.
Explanation: He was a stict discipinarian and no one dare go against him.
Short Answer Type Questions
Q.1. What do you learn about Taplow from the initial conversation between him and Mr. Frank ?
Ans. Taplow is a boy of sixteen. He is still in the lower fifth. He can't specialize until the next term if he gets his form/ division all right. Since, his master, Mr. Crocker Harris has not told him the result, he will have to wait till the next day to learn his fate.
Q. 2. What is 'remove'? How do students get it?
Ans. Remove is the certificate of passing a form in the school. As a rule, the form results should only be announced by the headmaster on the last day of school. However, it seems that most teachers leak it to their students before that date.
Q.3. Why did Taplow have to stay back at school?
Ans. Taplow had missed a day at school the previous week. So, Mr. Crocker Harris had called him for extra work. Q.4. Which course of study did Taplow prefer and why? Ans. Taplow preferred science to literature. He found it a good deal which was more exciting than his play which he considered quite unpleasant.
Q.5. What did Crocker Harris say when Taplow asked him about his remove?
Ans. Crocker Harris told Taplow that he had got what he deserved. However, he refused to tell him what exactly his remove was.
Q.6. "Still there is one comfort. What does Frank mean by these words?
Ans. Frank means to say that although being called for extra work on the last day of schoolseems bad luck, Taplow can take comfort with the thought that this action will imply the certainty of Taplow's getting his remove.
Q.7. Did Taplow like being called for extra work?
Ans. No, Taplow wanted to play golf instead of coming to Mr. Crocker Harris for extra work. But, he did not want to disobey or annoy Mr. Harris so, he was ready for doing extra work.
Q.8. How, according to, Taplow is Mr. Crocker Harris unlike other masters?
Ans. Other masters would certainly given a chap, a form after taking his extra work, but Mr. Crocker Harris is unlike them. When Taplow asked him about his form, he told the boy that he had given him exactly what he deserved no less and certainly no more. Taplow is afraid that he might have marked him down rather than up for taking extra work.
Q.9. What suggestions of Frank shocked Taplow? Why?
Ans. Frank had suggested that Taplow could cut Crocker Harris because the latter was already ten minutes late. This suggestions shocked Taplow because he could not even think of doing such a thing.
Q. 10. How does Frank react when Taplow refuses to cut Crocker Harris?
Ans. On the occasion Frank is unable to hide his real feelings. He admits that he feels envious of Crocker Harris for keeping his students so scared of him. Surprisingly, he asks Taplow if Crocker Harris beats his students.
Q.11. What is funny about Taplow's attitude towards Crocker Harris ?
Ans. The funny aspect of Taplow's attitude toward Crocker Harris is the fact that he likes Mr. Harris inspite of having resentment against him on many counts. He himself admits so saying that he can't help it.
Q.12. What happened when Mr. Crocker Harris made one of his classical jokes?
Ans. When Crocker Harris made one of his classical jokes, none of the students understood it and so nobody laughed
But, taplow knew that Mr. Crocker Harris had meant it as funny so out of common politeness, he laughed at the joke. The teacher was happy that Taplow had understood the joke while others didn't. So, he told him to explain the joke to the class. It was a difficult task for Taplow because he himself had not understood it.
Q.13. What leads Mr. Frank to comment, I'm sure you're exaggerating?
Ans. Taplow says that Mr. Crocker Harris seems to hate people to like him. Yet, inspite of everything. Taplow does rather like him. He can't help it. He thinks that sometimes Mr. Crocker Harris notice it and that seems to shrivel him up even more. This observation of Taplow seems far-fetched. So, Mr. Frank remarks that he is exaggerating.
Q.14. How does Taplow refuse the charge that he is exaggerating?
Ans. Taplow says that the other day Mr. Crocker Harris made one of his classical jokes in the class. Nobody understood it, so no one laughed. At last. Taplow laughed because he knew the master had meant it as funny. He did so out of ordinary common politeness. Secondly, he felt a bit sorry for him for having made poor joke. Mr. Crocker Harris did not praise Taplow for it.
Q. 15. Do you think, Frank enjoyed or disliked Taplow's imitation of Crocker Harris?
Ans. Although Frank snubbed Taplow for his imitation of Crocker Harris, he seems to have liked it because, he asked Taplow to imitate him once again.
Q.16. How do Frank and Taplow react on the arrival on Millie Crocker?
Ans. Their reactions differ Frank feels infinitely relieved at seeing her Maybe, he was waiting for her. Taplow is, on the other hand, frightened. He wonders if Millie has heard what he spoke about her husband. He is afraid that if the matter is reported to Crocker Harris, he might not get his remove.
Q.17. Where did Millie send Taplow ? What was her purpose?
Ans. Millie sent Taplow to a chemist to bring medicine according to prescription. Thus, he could do jobs for him and she promised that she would take the blame if he came before Taplow returned.
Q.18. "You know what he's like, sir" says Taplow. What leads him to say so? What light does this throw on the man talked about?
Ans. Taplow does not know if he has got his form. It is because his master, Mr. Crocker Harris does not tell them the results like the other masters. He is a bit different when Frank says about the rule that form results should be announced by the headmaster on the last day of the term. Taplow says that none else except Mr. Crocker Harris pays attention to it. This shows that the man is strict for rules.
Q.19. What kind of a person was Crocker Harris ?
Ans. Mr. Crocker Harris was a strict man who was more feared than respected. He was reserved and not much social. He was different from other teachers. He would not do things such as leaking papers to please the students. He did not like flattery.
Q.20. Comment on the attitude shown by Taplow towards Crocker Harris.
Ans. Crocker Harris, according to Taplow, is a strict disciplinarian. He follows all the rules and regulations which others do not bother to follow. Even on the last day of the school he calls Taplow for extra work Besides, he does not entertain any flattery from the students. In spite of this, Taplow respects him for his values.
Long Answer Type Questions
Q.1. What do you learn about the system of education in old, British schools from the play, "The Browning Version ?
Ans. In old British schools, stress was laid on the study of classical language-Latin and Greek. Students of the lower fifth were made to learn a classic play like the Agamemnon'. Since the stress was on the acquisition of language the students found it uninteresting and very unpleasant. They could specialize only after completing fifth form students were kept in or called for extra work They were mortally afraid of a teacher like Mr. Crocker Harris who would abide by rules and show no human feelings. At the same time, the school had teachers who were sadist and others who would break the rules and tell results to the students. Students like Taplow were afraid of schoolmasters like Mr. Crocker Harris, still they liked him.
Q.2. What impression do you get of Frank from the play?
Ans. Frank is a teacher at a good school. The other teacher in the play is Crocker Harris who actually never comes on the stage. We learn about Mr. Harris only from the conversation that goes on between Frank and Taplow. However, when compared to Harris, Frank appears to be a petty person. Frank suffers from envy against Crocker Harris He provokes Taplow to comment on Harris and enjoys the latter's imitation of him. However, when he finds Taplow is in awe of Mr. Harris and cannot think of displeasing him, he can't hide his feelings and admits that he feels envy of him. He has no love for science which he teaches. This shows his dishonesty towards his profession. In short, the character of Frank is a counterfoil of the character of Crocker Harris which shines because of Frank.
Q.3. Crocker Harris does not appear on the scene yet we know much of him. Explain.
Ans. Crocker Harris is the main character of the play Browning Version'. He does not make a physical entry throughout the play. The author has presented him indirectly and so perfectly that we get a crystal clear picture of Crocker Harris. There is a young teacher, Frank and his students, Taplow who get into a discussion Taplow gives details of Crocker Harris and tells him that his teacher is totally different from the other teachers. To the surprise of Frank, Taplow says that Crocker Harris is a man of principles and sticks to rules without getting emotional, angry and prejudiced. He further tells him that Crocker Harris is not a sadist and does not punish students physically, yet students are afraid of him. So, we feel the presence of Crocker Harris, a middle-aged teacher who is cool and calm: He is a morally high placed person.
Q.4. Give a character sketch of Crocker Harris from what you have read from "The Browning Version.
Or
What impression do you form of Mt. Crocker Harris on the basis of reading the play "The Browning Version?
Ans. Crocker Harris is a teacher who teaches Greek to the lower fifth form in a good school. He is the incharge of the form and as such he alone kruws about the result of the students of his form which are to be officially announced the next day.
From Taplow's comments about Crocker Harris, we learn that he is a teacher who takes his teaching very seriously We learn that even on the day when he is leaving the school for good, he has called a student for extra work because the said student has missed a day last week.
He is the one who doesn't like to be flattered. He will judge a student only by his merit and not because of any prejudice. It is a tribute to his character that although students like Taplow do not like his severity yet, they love and respect him from the core of their hearts.
Q.5. This humarous piece is an extract from a play." What according to you make this extract humorous ?
Ans. This play presents a funny situation. Frank, a young science teacher, finds sixteen year old Taplow waiting for his master Mr. Crocker Harris. This lower fifth form student has been asked to come in to do extra work on the last day of the school. Mr. Crocker Harris is leaving the school for good the next day. Being quite busy in settling his own affairs, he has not yet arrived there. Taplow's fears of adverse remarks about his results make us smile. The interaction between Mr. Frank and Taplow is quite amusing. The young science teacher encourages Taplow's comment on Crocker Harris. The manner in which Taplow imitates his master's voice, manner of speaking and diction are quite amusing. The sudden arrival of Millie Crocker Harris in the midst of an imitation of a joke surprise Frank and makes Taplow nervous. Their reactions are quite amusing. Taplow's unwillingness to leave the place and his fear of consequences in case his master returns before his arrival seems quite genuine but funny. He feels relieved only when Millie offers to take the blame. All these actions seems exaggerated and funny
Q.6. Comment on the attitude shown by Taplow towards Crocker-Harris.
Ans. Taplow's attitude towards Crocker-Harris is rather complex. He has a grudge against him for calling him to do extra work on the last day of school. Then unlike most teachers, Crocker-Harris does not reveal the result of the students of his form until the last day. He is very much scared of him also. Even when Harris is late and Frank suggests that Taplow could go back on that pretext, Taplow refused to do so Taplow is very obedient and respectful towards Crocker-Harris but is certain that this show of respect, is not likely to help him in getting his remove He says that Crocker-Harris is a special penson because he is the only one who seems to dislike being liked. Yet, there is something which makes Taplow like Mr. Crocker-Harris. He doesn't know himself what it is.
Q.7. Does Frank seem to encourage Taplow's comments on Crocker-Harris?
Ans. Yes Frank, certainly encourages Taplow's comment on Crocker-Harns although he pretends to do otherwise. First, knowing well the rules, he asks Taplow why Harris-Crocker has not told him his result yet However, when Taplow tells him that Crocker-Harris is like that, he snubs him. So, Frank is all the time trying to be very clever While asking Taplow to be quite, he does everything to encourage him to comment on Crocker-Harris When Taplow imitates Crocker-Harris, Frank tells him that he has gone too far but just after that he asks Taplow to repeat the imitation Obviously, he enjoys when he thinks Crocker-Harns is being ridiculed. Again, when Taplow refuses to go back home. Frank asks him if Harris beats him and the other boys. In the end, he asks Taplow not to be so selfish as to keep a good joke to himself. Thus, Frank encourages Taplow to comment on Crocker-Harris again and again while pretending to do otherwise.
Q8. What do you gather about Crocker-Harris from the play ?
Ans. From the play, we gather that Crocker-Harris is an ideal teacher of the old type. His students are afraid of him, yet they love him. They dare not disobey him, knowing well that obeying him is not going to bring them any
reward. They complain against him and yet they like him. Perhaps, it is so because Crocker-Harris is as severe to himself as he is towards his students.
His being pleased does not mean that he will favour the person who pleases him. He is impossible to be flattered and keeps his equanimity all the time. Whatever the situation, he will not play with the rules. So, while other teachers may leak the result to their students before the appointed day, Mr. Crocker-Harris will never do so. On the last day of school and a day before his own retirement, he is as conscious of his duty as he has been all the time.
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