The Sermon at Benaras - First Flight - English - Class X - Q&A Solved

Table of Content

• Summary of 'The Sermon at Benaras'
• Question and Answer
• Extract Based Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
• 20 Multiple Choice Questions based on chapter 'The Sermon at Benaras'

Story Summary: The Sermon at Benares

The story begins with Gautama Buddha, who lived as Prince Siddhartha Gautama before he became enlightened. After witnessing human suffering, he renounced his royal life in search of understanding. Upon gaining enlightenment, he shared his teachings through sermons, the first of which was delivered at Benares.

A woman named Kisa Gotami, stricken by grief over her only son’s death, sought medicine to bring him back to life. When the Buddha met her, he asked her to bring mustard seeds from a household that had never experienced death. As she searched, she realized that death had touched every family, and she could not find a household untouched by it. This led her to the understanding that death is inevitable and affects everyone.

The Buddha taught that life is short, filled with suffering, and that death is a part of life. He encouraged Kisa Gotami to stop grieving and instead seek peace by understanding this truth.

Questions and Answers:

1. What does Kisa Gotami ask for when her son dies? Does she get it? Why not?

   • Kisa Gotami asks for medicine to bring her dead son back to life. However, she does not get it because no medicine can cure death. The people around her recognized that her son was dead and that nothing could revive him.

2. What does Kisa Gotami ask for the second time, after speaking with the Buddha? Does she get it? Why not?

   • The second time, Kisa Gotami asks for mustard seeds from a household that has not experienced death. She does not get it because every house she visited had faced the death of a loved one. This taught her that death is a universal experience.

3. What does Kisa Gotami understand the second time that she failed to understand the first time? Was this what the Buddha wanted her to understand?

   • The second time, Kisa Gotami understands that death is a natural part of life and affects everyone. This is exactly what the Buddha wanted her to realize—that her personal grief was not unique, and death is inevitable for all.

4. Why do you think Kisa Gotami understood this only the second time? In what way did the Buddha change her understanding?

   • Kisa Gotami was blinded by her grief the first time and could not accept her son’s death. By sending her to gather mustard seeds from households untouched by death, the Buddha made her realize through experience that death spares no one. This practical journey opened her eyes to the truth.

5. How do you usually understand the idea of ‘selfishness’? Do you agree with Kisa Gotami that she was being ‘selfish in her grief’?

• Selfishness typically means thinking only of oneself. Kisa Gotami may have been selfish in her grief because she wanted her son back, ignoring the reality that death is unavoidable. Her grief focused on her personal loss rather than understanding that suffering is part of life for everyone.

Extract Based MCQs

1. Extract:
"Kisa Gotami repaired to the Buddha and cried, 'Lord and Master, give me the medicine that will cure my boy.' The Buddha answered, 'I want a handful of mustard-seed. And when the girl in her joy promised to procure it, the Buddha added, 'The mustard-seed must be taken from a house where no one has lost a child, husband, parent or friend.' "

MCQs:

1. Who did Kisa Gotami approach to find a cure for her dead son?

   • a) A doctor
   • b) Her neighbors
   • c) The Buddha
   • d) A wise monk

2. What did the Buddha ask Kisa Gotami to bring?

   • a) A special herb
   • b) A handful of mustard seeds
   • c) A magical potion
   • d) A piece of cloth

3. What was the condition placed by the Buddha for the mustard seeds?

   • a) They must be freshly harvested
   • b) They must come from a holy place
   • c) They must come from a house where no one has ever died
   • d) They must be bought from the market

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2. Extract:
"Poor Kisa Gotami now went from house to house, and the people pitied her and said, 'Here is mustard-seed; take it!' But when she asked, 'Did a son or daughter, a father or mother, die in your family?' they answered her, 'Alas! the living are few, but the dead are many.' "

MCQs:

1. How did people react when Kisa Gotami asked for mustard seeds?

   • a) They ignored her
   • b) They pitied her and offered mustard seeds
   • c) They laughed at her request
   • d) They scolded her for asking

2. What did Kisa Gotami inquire about in each house she visited?

   • a) If anyone had lost a loved one
   • b) If they had extra mustard seeds
   • c) If they knew a doctor
   • d) If they believed in the Buddha’s teachings

3. What truth did the people reveal to Kisa Gotami about life and death?

   • a) No one ever dies
   • b) The dead are few
   • c) The living are few, but the dead are many
   • d) Everyone lives forever

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3. Extract:
"Kisa Gotami became weary and hopeless, and sat down at the wayside watching the lights of the city, as they flickered up and were extinguished again. At last, the darkness of the night reigned everywhere."

MCQs:

1. Why did Kisa Gotami feel weary and hopeless?

   • a) Because she was unable to find mustard seeds
   • b) Because she could not find a house without death
   • c) Because her son had fallen ill again
   • d) Because she could not meet the Buddha again

2. What did Kisa Gotami observe as she sat by the wayside?

   • a) The rising sun
   • b) The lights of the city flickering and going out
   • c) The bustling market
   • d) The moon rising in the sky

3. What is symbolized by the darkness that enveloped the city?

   • a) Life and hope
   • b) Death and the end of life
   • c) A new beginning
   • d) A bright future ahead

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4. Extract:
"The Buddha said, 'The life of mortals in this world is troubled and brief and combined with pain. For there is not any means by which those that have been born can avoid dying; after reaching old age there is death.' "

MCQs:

1. How does the Buddha describe the life of mortals?

   • a) Joyful and endless
   • b) Long and peaceful
   • c) Troubled, brief, and painful
   • d) Full of happiness and laughter

2. According to the Buddha, what is inevitable for all living beings?

   • a) Happiness
   • b) Wealth
   • c) Death
   • d) Success

3. What happens to mortals after they reach old age, as per the Buddha?

   • a) They live forever
   • b) They gain wisdom
   • c) They die
   • d) They become rich

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5. Extract:
"He who seeks peace should draw out the arrow of lamentation, and complaint, and grief. He who has drawn out the arrow and has become composed will obtain peace of mind; he who has overcome all sorrow will become free from sorrow, and be blessed."

MCQs:

1. What does the Buddha suggest one must do to find peace?

   • a) Seek wealth
   • b) Remove sorrow and grief
   • c) Meditate in solitude
   • d) Speak with monks

2. According to the Buddha, what must one overcome to be free from sorrow?

   • a) Fear
   • b) Anger
   • c) Lamentation, complaint, and grief
   • d) Desire for success

3. What is the result of drawing out the 'arrow of lamentation'?

• a) Attaining peace of mind
• b) Receiving enlightenment
• c) Acquiring wealth
• d) Gaining knowledge

Evans Tries An O-Level - English Core - Class XII - MCQs - Summary Q&A Solved

About the Author

Colin Dexter first saw the light of day in Stamford, Lincolnshire, where his parents, Alfred and Dorothy Dexter, welcomed him into the world. In his family constellation were an elder brother named John, who, like Colin, was a connoisseur of classics and taught the subject at The King's School in Peterborough. A sister by the name of Avril also graced the family. Alfred, the patriarch, operated a modest garage and taxi establishment located on Scotgate in Stamford.

Dexter's educational journey began at St. John's Infants School, followed by Bluecoat Junior School, where his academic prowess earned him a scholarship to Stamford School—a prestigious boys' public institution. It was here that he encountered M. J. K. Smith, renowned not only as England's international cricket captain but also as a prominent figure in international rugby.

The year 1996 brought recognition to Dexter in the form of a Macavity Award for his compelling short story "Evans Tries an O-Level." In 1980, he received the honor of becoming a member of the exclusive Detection Club through invitation only. An important milestone occurred in 2005 when Dexter was granted the distinction of being elected as a Fellow by Special Election at St Cross College, Oxford.

Dexter's contributions to literature were acknowledged in 2000 with the bestowal of an Officer of the Order of the British Empire title. The year 2001 further added to his accolades as he was granted the esteemed Freedom of the City of Oxford. September 2011 marked a notable occasion, as the University of Lincoln conferred upon Dexter an honorary Doctor of Letters degree—a testament to his influence and achievements.

Theme

The story "Evans Tries an 'O' Level" centers around a clever plan orchestrated by a prisoner. This prisoner pretends to be participating in a language exam while actually using it as a ruse to carry out a daring escape from prison. What's noteworthy is that even though the prisoner gets caught in the process, he still manages to outwit his captors and ultimately succeeds in making his escape. This adds an element of irony to the situation, as the prisoner's escape becomes a surprising twist despite the obstacles he faces.

Justification of the Title

In the narrative, the term "O-Level" pertains to a fundamental examination. This specific test serves as the focal point of Evans' triumphant escape. It's under the pretext of participating in the O-level exam for the German language that Evans strategizes and effectively carries out his successful getaway.

Characters

1. The secretary of the examinations board.
2. The Governor of the H.M. Prison Oxford.
3. James Roderick Evans (Popularly known as Evans the break, the protagonist of the story) and a prisoner.
4. Mr Stephens, a Prison Officer
5. Mr Jackson, a Prison Officer
6. Stuart McLerry- An Invigilator (Parson)
7. Mr Carter – Detective Superintendent
8. Mr Bell- Detective Chief Inspector

Summary of "Evans Tries an O-Level" by Colin Dexter:

The story revolves around James Evans, a cunning prisoner at Oxford Prison, known for his multiple escape attempts. He expresses a desire to take the O-Level exam in German, raising suspicion among the prison authorities. The prison governor, determined to prevent Evans from using the exam as an opportunity to escape, takes several precautions, including strict surveillance and frisking the invigilator, Reverend Stuart McLeery.

However, despite these measures, Evans manages to pull off a brilliant escape. Disguised as McLeery, who was supposedly injured, Evans tricks the prison officers into believing he was the invigilator. The real McLeery is found bound and gagged later. The authorities are misled into chasing after false clues, and Evans successfully escapes.

In a twist, the governor later finds Evans at a hotel, but due to a final oversight, Evans manages to escape again, this time with the help of his friends. The story ends with Evans getting the last laugh as he escapes once more.

"Evans Tries an O-Level" की हिंदी में कहानी सारांश:

कहानी ऑक्सफ़ोर्ड जेल के कैदी जेम्स इवांस के बारे में है, जो अपने कई बार जेल से भागने के लिए जाना जाता है। इवांस ओ-लेवल की जर्मन परीक्षा देने की इच्छा व्यक्त करता है, जिससे जेल अधिकारियों को संदेह होता है। जेल अधीक्षक उसकी परीक्षा के दौरान भागने से रोकने के लिए कड़े इंतजाम करते हैं, जिसमें इवांस के सेल की निगरानी और परीक्षा कक्ष में माइक्रोफोन लगाने जैसी व्यवस्था शामिल है।

हालांकि, सभी एहतियातों के बावजूद, इवांस एक होशियारी से तैयार की गई योजना के तहत सफलतापूर्वक भाग जाता है। वह परीक्षा निरीक्षक स्टुअर्ट मैक्लीरी का वेश धारण करता है और खुद को घायल दिखाता है। जेल के अधिकारी उसे असली निरीक्षक समझकर उसे बाहर ले जाते हैं। असली मैक्लीरी बाद में बंधा हुआ पाया जाता है।

कहानी के अंत में, जब जेल अधीक्षक इवांस को एक होटल में पकड़ता है, तो वह फिर से एक गलती करता है जिससे इवांस दोबारा भागने में सफल हो जाता है। कहानी इवांस की होशियारी और अंतिम हंसी के साथ समाप्त होती है।

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"Evans Tries an O-Level" کا اردو میں خلاصہ:

یہ کہانی جیمز ایوانز کی ہے، جو آکسفورڈ جیل کا ایک چالاک قیدی ہے، جو کئی بار جیل سے فرار ہو چکا ہے۔ وہ او-لیول کی جرمن امتحان دینے کی خواہش ظاہر کرتا ہے، جس پر جیل کے حکام کو شبہ ہوتا ہے۔ جیل کے گورنر ایوانز کی امتحان کے دوران نگرانی کے لیے سخت احتیاطی تدابیر اپناتے ہیں، جیسے کہ اس کے سیل کی نگرانی اور امتحان کے کمرے میں مائیکروفون نصب کرنا۔

تاہم، ایوانز بڑی ہوشیاری سے تیار کی گئی ایک منصوبہ بندی کے تحت کامیابی سے فرار ہو جاتا ہے۔ وہ امتحان کے انویجیلیٹر سٹیورٹ میکلری کا بہروپ اختیار کرتا ہے اور خود کو زخمی ظاہر کرتا ہے۔ جیل کے حکام اسے اصل انویجیلیٹر سمجھ کر باہر لے جاتے ہیں۔ بعد میں اصل میکلری کو باندھا ہوا پایا جاتا ہے۔

کہانی کے آخر میں، جب جیل کا گورنر ایوانز کو ایک ہوٹل میں پکڑتا ہے، تو وہ ایک بار پھر غلطی کرتا ہے، اور ایوانز دوبارہ فرار ہونے میں کامیاب ہو جاتا ہے۔ کہانی ایوانز کی چالاکی اور آخری کامیابی کے ساتھ ختم ہوتی ہے۔

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Comprehension Questions and Answers:

1. What kind of person was Evans?

   • Evans was a clever and cunning prisoner known for his multiple escapes. Despite appearing harmless, he was a master at manipulating situations to his advantage. His knack for escaping earned him the nickname "Evans the Break."

2. What precautions were taken for the smooth conduct of the examination?

   • The prison authorities took several precautions to prevent Evans from escaping. His cell was thoroughly checked, officers were posted nearby, and even the invigilator, Reverend McLeery, was frisked before entering the cell. A microphone was also placed in Evans's cell to allow the Governor to listen to the proceedings.

3. How did Evans escape from the prison?

   • Evans cleverly disguised himself as Reverend McLeery after incapacitating the real invigilator. He faked an injury, convincing the prison officers to help him leave the prison under the guise of taking him to the hospital. The prison staff failed to recognize the impersonation, allowing Evans to escape.

4. What could the Governor have done to securely bring back Evans to prison when he caught him at the Golden Lion?

   • The Governor could have taken stricter measures, such as ensuring that Evans was handcuffed securely and personally overseeing his transport back to the prison. Instead, his lack of caution and overconfidence allowed Evans to escape once again.

5. Reflecting on the story, what did you feel about Evans’ having the last laugh?

   • Evans' final escape, despite the Governor’s efforts, emphasizes his cunning nature and intelligence. While the Governor had moments of victory, his underestimation of Evans led to his failure, allowing Evans to have the last laugh.

6. When Stephens comes back to the cell, he jumps to a conclusion, and the whole machinery blindly goes by his assumption. Does this show how hasty conjectures can prevent one from seeing the obvious?

   • Yes, Stephens' assumption that the injured man was McLeery, without verifying his identity, demonstrates how hasty decisions can lead to serious consequences. Evans had anticipated this negligence, using it to his advantage.

7. While we condemn the crime, we are sympathetic to the criminal. Is this the reason why prison staff often develop a soft corner for those in custody?

   • Prison staff might develop a soft corner for prisoners due to prolonged interactions and understanding of their circumstances. However, this sympathy can sometimes cloud their judgment, as seen with the Governor, who underestimated Evans' capacity for escape.

8. Do you agree that between crime and punishment, it is mainly a battle of wits?

   • Yes, in this story, the entire episode is a battle of wits between Evans and the prison authorities. Evans outsmarts the system through his clever planning, while the authorities, despite their efforts, fail to anticipate his ingenuity.

 Multiple Choice Question and Extract Base Questions on 'Evans Tries an O-Level