CBSE Class 10 English A Shady Plot Assignment

The foundation of any long-lasting relationship is trust. Comment on this statement with reference to the character of Lavinia from the story A Shady Plot.
Value Points
Mutual trust key to a healthy relationship
Helps prevent suspicion and discord
Improves understanding
Strengthens the bond

Traitor, traitor. “Why she says it’s you, Mr. Hallock. What does she mean? ….. Lavinia stopped and began to look at me through narrowed lids.
Do you think Lavinia is justified in basing her suspicions on the Ouija Board? Give reasons for your answer.
Value Points
Superstitions are irrational and misleading
No concrete evidence
Relationships based on trust and faith - need to be developed and nurtured
Talk things out face to face to clarify matters
Ghost not referring to John and Lavinia, but to his using the Ouija Board when he had promised to dissuade others from using them

I. Read the following extracts and answer the questions.

1. ‘‘I sat staring at it and presently noticed something just taking shape. It was exactly like watching one of these moving picture cartoons being put together.” 
(a) What was the narrator staring it?
(b) How was the figure talking shape?
(c) Who was gradually taking a definite shape part by part?

2. ‘‘We’re been called out of beds a little too often in recent years and now we’re through.’’
(a) Who have been called constantly?
(b) What is unnatural about their being called?
(c) What is the person’s complaint?

3. ‘‘It’s .... so cheap! I got it at a bargain sale.’’
(a) What has been bought cheap?
(b) Do you think the narrator would be happy with this news? Why/ Why not?
(c) Who had asked the narrator to avoid its use?