CBSE Class 10 English The Necklace VBQs

Multiple Choice Questions

Question. Where did Loisel used to work?
(a) Board of Education
(b) Board of Public Instruction
(c) Ministry of Public Instruction
(d) Ministry of Education
Answer. (a) 

Question. Matilda was ................. regarding the invite.
(a) doubtful
(b) stressed
(c) confused
(d) dejected
Answer. (b) 

Question. Identify the option that aptly describes M Loisel.
(a) Greedy yet kind
(b) Considerate and selfless
(c) Proud and honourable
(d) Brilliant but lawless
Answer. (b) 

Question. Why did Matilda need the jewels?
(a) To go to a party of rich people
(b) For a photoshoot
(b) To get a replica made
(d) for wearing them at home
Answer. (a) 

Question. What made Mme Liosel cry out in joy?
(a) Her husband’s suggestion.
(b) Her husband’s permission.
(c) The thought of looking good.
(d) Her husband’s promotion.
Answer. (a)

Question. What does Matilda’s husband suggest her?
(a) That she does not wear any jewellery.
(b) That she should go out and buy a piece of beautiful jewellery.
(c) That she should wear what she has.
(d) That she sould borrow jewels from her rich friend.
Answer. (d) 

Question. Which of the following sentences tell us that Matilda greatly desired the necklace?
1. Her heart began to beat with uncontrolled desire.
2. Her hands trembled as she took it. She fastened it
around her neck and stood lost in ecstasy.
3. Then she asked anxiously, hesitating, “Would you lend me this, just this?”
4. She threw her arms around her friend’s neck embraced her with passion, then went away with her treasure.
(a) Only 1
(b) 2 and 4
(c) 3 and 4
(d) All of these
Answer. (d) 

Question. Where did Loisel sleep when his wife was enjoying the party?
(a) At his own house
(b) At the venue of the party
(c) In a little salon
(d) Outside in a carriage
Answer. (c)

Question. Loisel had to reach office after the party at………… .
(a) Seven o’clock
(b) Ten o’clock
(c) Eight o’clock
(d) Nine o’clock
Answer. (b) 

Question. Select the correct option for (i) and (ii).
(i) Loisels suffered for ten long years to repay the rent.
(ii) Mme Loisel was regretting her decision of borrowing the necklace.
(a) (i) is true (ii) is false
(b) (ii) is true (i) is false
(c) Both (i) and (ii) are false
(d) (ii) furthers the meaning of (i)
Answer. (d)

Question. Where did Matilda find her friend Mme Forestier after ten years of sufferings?
(a) Drury Lane
(b) On the street
(c) At minister’s ball
(d) Champs-Elysees
Answer. (d) 

Question. How do you think Mme Loisel feel when she got to that the necklace she borrowed was fake? Choose the correct option.
(i) Mme Forestier cheated with me!
(ii) I should have told the truth to Mme Forestier.
(iii) She should have told me that the necklace was fake.
(iv) How stupid I am! I wasted ten years of my life because of that fake necklace!
(a) (i) and (ii)
(b) (i), (ii) and (iv)
(c) (ii), (iii) and (iv)
(d) All of these
Answer. (c)

Extract Based MCQs

1. Read the extract to attempt the questions that follow.

“She suffered incessantly, feeling herself born for all delicacies and luxuries.
She suffered from the poverty of her apartment, the shabby walls and the worn chairs. All these things tortured and angered her.
When she seated herself for dinner opposite her husband who uncovered the tureen with a delighted air, saying, “Oh! the good potpie! I know nothing better than that...,” she would think of elegant dinners of shining silver; she thought of the exquisite food served in marvellous dishes. She had neither frocks nor jewels, nothing. And she loved only those things. She had a rich friend, a schoolmate at the convent, who she did not like to visit- she suffered so much when she returned. She wept for whole days from despair and disappointment.”

Question. Choose the option that list the set of statements that are NOT TRUE according to the given extract.
1. Matilda was very pleased with her life.
2. Matilda envied her friend for being well-off.
3. MLoisel didn’t appreciate whatMatilda cooked.
4. Matilda despised the fact that she lived a life of poverty.
5. Matilda never felt troubled, though she desired a luxurious life.
6. Matilda thought of grand dinners and silverware sitting at the dinner table.
7. Matilda felt depressed after visiting her friend.
(a) 1, 3, 6
(b) 3, 5, 7
(c) 1, 3, 5
(d) 2, 4, 7
Answer. (c)

Question. Which word does ‘delicacies’ NOT correspond to?
(a) Etherealness
(b) Elegance
(c) Exquisiteness
(d) Robustness
Answer. (d) 

Question. Choose the characteristic displayed by M Loisel in the extract.
(a) Conceited
(b) Contended
(c) Appeased
(d) Subdued
Answer. (b) 

2. Read the extract to attempt the questions that follow.

“He was silent, stupefied, in dismay, at the sight of his wife weeping. He stammered, “What is the matter? What is the matter?” By a violent effort, she had controlled her vexation and responded in a calm voice, wiping her moist cheeks, “Nothing. Only I have no dress and consequently I cannot go to this affair. Give your card to some colleague whose wife is better fitted out than I.’’ He was grieved, but answered, “Let us see, Matilda. How much would a suitable costume cost, something that would serve for other occasions, something very simple?” She reflected for some seconds thinking of a sum that she could ask for without bringing with it an immediate refusal and a frightened exclamation from the economical clerk.”

Question. What does ‘economical clerk’ indicate?
(a) M Loisel was a spend thrift even though he earned a lot.
(b) M Loisel was thrifty as he had a meagre income.
(c) M Loisel calculated money all the time as he was a clerk.
(d) M Loisel was stingy about money and didn’t spend it.
Answer. (b) 

Question. Pick the correct set that matches with the feelings of the highlighted words related to the characters:
Matilda By : a violent effort, she had controlled...
M Loisel :He was grieved....
(1) Matilda felt aggressive; M Loisel was troubled
(2) Matilda was irritated; M Loisel was upset and cried
(3) Matilda tried extremely hard; M Loisel felt intense sorrow
(4) Matilda was quite calm; M Loisel’s heart ached for love
(a) Option (1)
(b) Option (2)
(c) Option (3)
(d) Option (4)
Answer. (c) 

Question. Choose the option that gives the most appropriate response to the statement made by the speaker.M Loisel over-pampered his wife and readily accepted her demands.
(a) I think Matilda was being unreasonable and unrealistic.
(b) I feel that M Loisel loved Matilda and wanted her to be happy.
(c) Inmy opinionMLoiselwas being too harshwithMatilda.
(d) I feel that M Loisel should not have brought the invite home.
Answer. (b) 

Question. M Loisel was astonished seeing his wife’s reaction.
He writes a diary entry that night. Complete 11th January, Monday 9:00 pm
I thought Matilda would be _____(i) _____ seeing the invitation in my hand. However, her reaction has left me _____(ii)______. I don’t know how I would be able to _____(iii)_____ a new dress for her.
(a) (i) vexed (ii) disturbed (iii) bring
(b) (i) elated (ii) disturbed (iii) afford
(c) (i) keen (ii) depressed (iii) bring
(d) (i) elated (ii) distressed (iii) afford
Answer. (d) 

Short Answer Type Questions

Question. Why was Mme Loisel always unhappy?
Answer. Mme Loisel was always unhappy because she felt that she was, by mistake, born in the family of clerks. She felt that she was born for all the delicacies and luxuries in life. She remain disappointed as she was married to a clerk. She always dreamt of a luxurious life filled with elegant dresses, jewellery, exquisite foods served in silver dining. She felt tortured and angered with her present living conditions and suffered incessantly.

Question. Why do you think M. Loisel was a loving husband?
Answer. M. Loisel was a loving husband as he cared about his wife’s emotions. He looked after all needs and desires of his wife. He made her buy a new dress for the party. When his wife lost her diamond necklace, he did not lose his cool and helped her in returning the necklace by replacing it with a diamond necklace. He helped in repaying the debt by working in the evenings and night to earn extra money.

Question. Why did Matilda throw the invitation spitefully?
Answer. Matilda was simply displeased when her husband showed her the invitation. She felt humiliated and threw the invitation spitefully, as she had nothing beautiful enough to wear at the ball.

Question. How is the problem of jewel solved?
Answer. Matilda Loisel’s husband, M Loisel came to solve Matilda’s problem. First, he suggests her to wear fresh flowers. Then, he advises her to borrow jewels from her rich friend, Mme Forestier. Thus, the problem is solved as Mme Forestier lends her a beautiful diamond necklace.

Question. Do you think Mme Loisel had an enjoyable evening at the ball? Give reasons for your answer. 
Answer. Mme Loisel was the centre of attention at the ball. Her beauty, her grace, her joy and the gorgeous smile attracted all. She danced happily. Hence, she had a successful enjoyable evening at the ball.

Question. Why did Matilda leave the ball in a hurry ? What does it show about her character? 
Answer. Matilda left the ball in a hurry because she did not want to be seen with the ordinary wrap that she carried. She believed that the poor looks of her wrap contrasted with the elegance of the other ladies, who were wrapping themselves in rich furs.
This shows that she only wanted to keep up the appearance just to flatter her pride without being in touch with the real truth of her life.

Question. What do M. and Mme Loisel do when Matilda lost the necklace?
Answer. Loisel did everything to find the necklace. M. Loisel went back and searched for the lost necklace. Then, he went to the police and to the cab offices. Also, they put out an advertisement in the newspapers and offered a reward to anyone who finds the necklace. But, all their efforts went in vain.

Question. What excuse did Loisels put up to explain the delay in returning the necklace?
Answer. Loisels had lost the necklace and needed time to find an identical one. Thus, Mme Loisel wrote a letter to Mme Forestier with an excuse that the clasp of the necklace had got broken and she needed time to get it repaired.

Question. How do they replace the necklace?
Answer. After all other efforts fail, Loisel decided to buy a new identical necklace to replace the lost one. M Loisel gave eighteen thousand Francs that his father had left for him and took a loan for the rest.
Then the couple managed to buy the new necklace for thirty six thousand francs and returned it to Mme Forestier.

Question. The course of the Loisel’s life changed due to the necklace. Comment.
Answer. It is true that the necklace changed the course of the Loisel’s life. It took the Loisels ten years to pay back the money they had borrowed to buy the necklace. It changed everything for them.
They had to move to the poorest quarters of the city. With no maids or assistance, Matilda had to cook, clean, mend, sew and bargain with the grocer and butcher to save every sou (a french coin of low value) just for their mere survival.
The husband had to work in the evening and night to pay their debt.

Question. Describe Mme Loisel after ten years.
Answer. Ten years of poverty and hardship stole away Matilda’s youth and beauty. She became a strong and hard woman, who was poorly dressed with untidy hair and red ragged hands. Her skirts were awry (uneven) and she spoke in a loud voice. She had become a commoner who had to do all things by herself.

Question. Why was Matilda’s friend astonished to see her at the end of the story?
or Why did Jeanne not recognise her friend,Matilda?
Answer. Jeanne Forestier, Matilda’s friend, could not recognise her at the end of the story as she seemed an old and worn out poor woman. Matilda was no longer her former beautiful and joyous self. She had lost her charm and was living an unfortunate life.

Question. What was the cause of Matilda's ruin? How could she have avoided it? 
Answer. The cause of Matilda’s ruin was her over ambitiousness and dissatisfaction from life. She expected too much from life. But unfortunately, she was married to an ordinary man who could not provide her with all the materialistic luxuries.
She could have avoided it if she had told the fact to her friend that she had lost the necklace. Moreover, she should have been satisfied with what she had instead of imitating rich people.

Question. What would have happened to Matilda if she had confessed to her friend that she had lost her necklace?
Answer. If Matilda had confessed to her friend that she had lost her necklace, she might have been in lesser trouble than what she faced after having replaced the necklace. Her friend would have been angry with her and most probably would have asked Matilda to replace it.
She would have given her the details from where she bought the necklace and how much it had cost her. Matilda would thus have known that the jewels in the necklace were not real diamonds. Matilda would thus have saved herself and her husband from all the trouble they went through.

Question. Mme Loisel now knew the horrible life of necessity.
Do you think Mme Loisel accepted this change willingly? Give two reasons in support of your answer. 
Answer. Yes, I think Mme Loisel accepted this change willingly due to the following reasons
(i) She understood that in order to pay the debt, she would have to cut down on her luxuries.
(ii) She learned the work of kitchen, washed the clothes, brought up the water from the street and sent away the maid to help save money to pay off the debt.

Question. Mention two things you would have done, other than what M Loisel did, to help resolve the problem of the lost necklace.
Answer. The two things I would done, other than M Loisel did, to help resolve the problem of the lost necklace are
(i) I would have told Mme Forestier the truth about what happened and asked for her forgiveness.
(ii) I would also have promised her to replace the necklace as soon as possible.

Long Answer Type Questions

Question. Mme Loisel’s disposition invites her doom.Comment in the context of the text you’ve read.
or Matilda wanted to live a life above her status. How did this desire of her’s led to her sufferings?
Answer. Mme Loisel belonged to a family of clerks but wanted to live a life above her status. They lived on small income, enough for meeting the basic needs but not to fulfil aspirations. She got married to a clerk and was so caught up with her dreams of wealth and pleasure that she was out of touch with the truths of her real life.
In order to keep up appearances and just to flatter her pride, she blowed up four hundred francs on a gorgeous dress. She also went on borrowing a necklace from her friend. All of this was just to impress the wealthy and the rich with her beauty and glamour (even if on loan). No doubt, her pride was flattered and her wish of fine dining and wearing expensive dresses and jewels was satisfied. But it came at a great price.
Unfortunately, the necklace was lost and the couple had to cough up their entire inheritance and borrow as well to replace it. Repayment of the debt ate away the next ten years of their youth. They lived in utter poverty and had to work very hard to repay the loan.
If she had accepted her reality and remained happy with what she had, she would not have suffered so badly.
Therefore, one can say that it was her disposition that led her to doom.

Question. Mme Forestier proved to be a true friend.
Elucidate.
Answer. Mme Forestier is a true friend of Mme Loisel. She plays a very vital role in the story. As a friend to Matilda, we find her to be really genuine. She helps Matilda in the hour of her need. When Mme Loisel needed to borrow jewels, she turned to Mme Forestier. Mme Forestier does not refuse. Displaying her generosity, she opens up the entire case of her jewels for Matilda to choose from. Also, she was considerate when the Loisels delayed the return of the necklace. At the end of the story, she concludes the entire narrative.
Mme Forestier reveals to Matilda that her necklace was just a fake. She is not at all worried in the light of the fact that she may have to return the necklace. It shows her honesty. She was a true friend who, feels bad for Matilda at her unnecessary suffering.

Question. Was Matilda’s dream fulfilled at the ball? Why did all men notice and wanted them to be presented to her?
Answer. Yes, Matilda’s dream was fulifilled at the ball. Matilda always dreamt of grandeur, luxuries and delicacies in her life. She had prepared for the ball so thoroughly as befitted a grand occasion. She didn’t want to present a poverty-stricken image of her, amidst rich ladies and gentlemen.
She made her husband buy a new dress for the party. She borrowed a necklace from Madame Forestier to adorn herself like a graceful and distinguished lady. She proved to be a grand success at the ball and her dream was fulfilled. She was the centre of attraction for all ladies as well as men who were present there.
Matilda danced with enthusiasm. She was intoxicated with pleasure as she loved to be admired and appreciated. At the party, Matilda was the prettiest of all and that is why all the men noticed her. They couldn’t avoid the temptation of noticing her and wanted to be presented to her.

Question. Do you think the story is aptly titled? Justify your answer.
Answer. The whole narrative of the story ‘The Necklace’ revolves around a young woman Matilda, who in her foolish pride borrows a necklace inviting misery and sorrow for herself as well as for her husband. The ‘necklace’ has lost and the Loisels fall into a tremendous debt. They spend the next ten years of their life in paying debt for the replacement of the lost necklace. Their entire life moves around impoverished everyday saga of misery and hunger and the necklace, in fact, changes the very course of their life. Also, it is against the back drop of the necklace that Matilda’s pride and dishonesty are highlighted. At the same time, the necklace serves a twist at the end as it turns out to be a fake one. The story is, hence, most aptly titled as the necklace is, in fact, the leading character of this ironic tale of desire, the doom and the tragedy.

Question. What changes occurred in Matilda’s lifestyle after she had lost the necklace?
Answer. When Matilda lost the necklace she borrowed from Mme Forestier, she bought a new diamond necklace on loan. The repayment of debt changed Matilda’s life drastically. The Loisels became poor, they had to send away their maid and changed their lodgings to room in an attic. Matilda learnt the household chores. She learned to do the dishes, wash the soiled linens, clothes and dishcloths. She had to walk to the street to bring up the water. She had to dress like an ordinary woman and had to go to grocerer, butcher and fruit seller all by herself keeping in mind to save each and every penny she could. Her husband also worked in the evenings. He used to put the books of some merchants in order and at night, he did copying at five sous a page. This miserable life lasted for ten years to repay the debt.

Question. Read the following quote.
“We are too involved in materialistic things, and they don't satisfy us. The loving relationships we have, the universe around us, we take these things for granted.”
- Mitch Albom
Matilda was never satisfied with her life and desired more. The given quote reflects her character. Justify.
Answer. Matilda always wished for more than what she had She wanted exquisite food, shining silver, frocks and jewels.She only loved and longed for these rich things. She cared much less for her husband's happiness.
He got an invitation from the minister hoping it would make her happy. Instead, she only cared about lack of clothes and jewels.
Her husband gave her the money he had saved just to make her happy but even after spending it in buying a dress, she yearned for jewels. This yearning led to troubles in her and husband's life and they spent 10 years in poverty. While she did all her household tasks. M. Loisel worked day and night.
In the end, she looked old and troubled, and discovered that the necklace didn't even cost so much and that all their troubles and debt was for nothing.
If she had accepted and been happy with what they have, none of her troubles would have occured. She could have chosen to see her husband’s love and care for her instead of what they didn't have and been truly happy.

Extract Based Questions

1. Read the extract to attempt the questions that follow.

He threw around her shoulders the modest wraps they had carried whose poverty clashed with the elegance of the ball costume. She wished to hurry away in order not to be noticed by the other women who were wrapping themselves in rich furs. Loisel detained her, “Wait,” said he. “I am going to call a cab.” But she would not listen and descended the steps rapidly. When they were in the street, they found no carriage; and they began to seek for one, hailing the coachmen whom they saw at a distance.

Question. ‘She’ wished to hurry away. Why?
Answer.  ‘Matilda’ did not wish to shatter the illusion of her grandeur that she had so successfully managed to convey others by putting on such a shabby wrap. So,she wished to hurry away to escape the notice of the rich women.

Question. Why did Loisel detain Matilda?
Answer. Loisel asked Matilda to wait so that he could call a cab as it was four o’clock in the morning.

Question. Why did Matilda did not stop?
Answer. Matilda did not stop in order to avoid getting noticed by the rich ladies.

Question. Which figure of speech is used in ‘rich furs’?
Answer. Synecdoche is used in ‘rich furs’. They mean expensive coats or cloak worn by British women.

Question. Find the word in the extract which is opposite in meaning to the word ‘grandiose’?
Answer. Modest is opposite in meaning to grandiose. 

2. Read the extract to attempt the questions that follow.

She learned the odious work of a kitchen. She washed the dishes. She washed the soiled linen, their clothes and dishcloths, which she hung on the line to dry; she took down the refuse to the street each morning and brought up the water, stopping at each landing to catch her breath.
And, clothed like a woman of the people, she went to the grocer’s, the butcher’s and the fruiterer’s, with her basket on her arm, shopping, haggling to the last sou of her miserable money. The husband worked evenings, putting the books of some merchants in order, and nights he often did copying at five sous a page. And this life lasted for ten years. At the end of ten years, they had restored all.

Question. How does she live?
Answer. ‘She’ lives in extreme poverty and misery.

Question. Why did she have to learn the household work?
Answer. She had to learn the household chores because she and her husband had to repay the loan borrowed to replace Mme Foretsier’s diamond necklace.

Question. What changes took place in ‘she’?
Answer. She, Matilda, became a crude owman, she used to dress simply and do all the work herself. She started looking old.

Question. What is the meaning of the word ‘haggling’?
Answer. Haggling means bargaining persistently over the cost of something.

Question. How did the husband manage to work?
Answer. The husband, M Loisel worked day and night to repay the loan, after office he used to manage the books of a merchant and then he used to copying work during nights.

Read the given extracts to attempt the questions that follow:

1. By a violent effort, she had controlled her vexation and responded in a calm voice, wiping her moist cheeks, “Nothing. Only I have no dress and consequently I cannot go to this affair. Give your card to some colleague whose wife is better fitted out than I.”
He was grieved, but answered, “Let us see, Matilda. How much would a suitable costume cost,something that would serve for other occasions, something very simple?”
She reflected for some seconds thinking of a sum that she could ask for without bringing with it an immediate refusal and a frightened exclamation from the economical clerk. Finally she said,in a hesitating voice, “I cannot tell exactly, but it seems to me that four hundred francs ought to cover it.”

A. Multiple Choice Questions

Question. How did Matilda feel about the invitation card?
(a) Rather happy
(b) A little happy
(c) Rather displeased
(d) Rather dissatisfied
Answer. D

Question. Choose the option that lists the set of statements that are NOT TRUE according to the given extract.
(1) Matilda’s husband was a rich man.
(2) Matilda was a very rich lady.
(3) The ball was organised by a rich man.
(4) Matilda wanted to have a pretty dress.
(5) Matilda’s husband wanted to give the invitation to her neighbour.
(6) Matilda wanted some jewellery also.
(a) 2, 5 and 6
(b) 1, 2 and 5
(c) 3 and 4
(d) 4, 5 and 6
Answer. B

Question. Pick the option that correctly classifies fact/s (F) and opinion/s (O) of the students below
(1) I think everybody keeps some pretty dress for party.
(2) We should not forget that Matilda was a young and pretty lady.In fact, her
(3) husband was ready to buy a beautiful dress for the party.
(4) Oh let’s not forget that our needs have no limitation. We must live according to our means.
(a) F – 1, 3 and O – 4
(b) F – 1, 2 and O – 3, 4
(c) F – 2, 4 and O – 3
(d) F – 2, 4 and O – 1, 3
Answer. B

Question. Which of these does ‘economical’ not correspond to?
(a) Careless to money
(b) Frugal
(c) Careful to money
(d) Thoughtful uses
Answer. A

Question. Choose the characteristic displayed by Matilda when she said, “I cannot tell exactly, but it seems to me that four hundred Francs ought to cover it.”
(a) Hopefulness
(b) Satisfaction
(c) Encouragement
(d) Authority
Answer. C

B. Very Short Answer Questions

Question. Why was Matilda not happy to receive the invitation to the ball?
Answer. Matilda was not happy to receive the invitation because she did not have a suitable dress to wear to the ball.

Question. According to Matilda how much would a new costume suitable for the occasion cost?
Answer. A new costume according to Matilda that would be suitable for the occasion would cost around four hundred francs.

Question. Why was Matilda worried that her husband might give her an immediate refusal?
Answer. Matilda was worried that she might get an immediate refusal because her husband income was not much and he could not afford to part with a big amount.

Question. Who is the economical clerk?
Answer. Matilda’s husband Mr. Loisel was the economical clerk.

Question. What was Loisel planning to do?
Answer. He was planning to give Matilda some money so that she could buy a fitting dress for the ball.

2. Matilda Loisel was one of those pretty, young ladies, born as if through an error of destiny into a family of clerks. She had no dowry, no means of becoming known, loved and married by a man either rich or distinguished; and she allowed herself to marry a petty clerk in the office of the Board of Education. She was simple but she was unhappy. She suffered incessantly feeling herself born for all deliveries and luxuries. She suffered from the poverty of her apartment, the shabby walls and the worn chairs. All these things tortured and angered her.

A. Multiple Choice Questions

Question. What do you think was the real cause of Matilda’s being so sad?
(a) She was too poor to attend any function.
(b) She was very beautiful but she did not have ornaments.
(c) Her desire to lead a luxurious life.
(d) She did not have any rich friend.
Answer. C

Question. Choose the option that lists the set of statements that are NOT TRUE according to the given extract.
1. Matilda was born into a very poor family.
2. She was born into a middle class family.
3. She had some limited desire as per her social status.
4. She was a victim of inferiority complex.
5. She wanted to lead a very simple life.
(a) 1, 2, and 4
(b) 1, 3 and 4
(c) 1, 3 and 5
(d) 3, 4 and 5
Answer. C

Question. Pick the option that correctly classifies fact/s (F) and opinion/s (O) of the students below
(1) I think, Matilda was too poor to make two ends meet.
(2) No she was not so poor. But she had overwhelming desires.
(3) I feel, she could lead a happy life by limiting her desires.
(4) You are right. She belonged to a middle-class family but wanted to lead a luxurious life.
(a) F – 1, 3 and O – 2 , 4
(b) F – 2, 3 and O – 1 , 4
(c) F – 2, 4 and O – 1 , 3
(d) F – 3, 4 and O – 1, 2
Answer. C

Question. Which word does ‘distinguished’ NOT correspond to?
(a) Influential
(b) Lonely
(c) Notable
(d) Esteemed
Answer. B

Question. What did Matilda think about her destiny?
(i) Her destiny was unfair to her.
(ii) Her destiny was very good.
(iii) Her destiny was excellent.
(iv) Her destiny was good but not satisfactory.
Answer. A

B. Very Short Answer Questions

Question. Why does the author say that Matilda’s birth was ‘an error of destiny’?
Answer. The author says that Matilda’s birth was an ‘error of destiny’, because Matilda was charming, delicate and beautiful and should have been born in a rich family instead of a poor family of clerks.

Question. Why did she marry a small clerk working in the office of the Board of Education?
Answer. Matilda had no dowry, no means of becoming known, loved and married by a man either rich or distinguished, so she married a small clerk in the office of the Board of Education.

Question. Why was Matilda unhappy?
Answer. Matilda was unhappy because she felt she had been born for a life of luxuries.

Question. How did the shabby walls and the worn out chain affect Matilda?
Answer. These things tortured and angered her.

Question. What did Matilda indulge herself in?
Answer. Matilda indulged in self pity, she is dissatisfied with what life has offered her.

3. One Sunday as she was taking a walk in the Champs-Elysees to rid herself of the cares of the week,she suddenly perceived a woman walking with a child. It was Mme Forestier, still young, still pretty,still attractive. Mme Loisel was affected. Should she speak to her? Yes, certainly. And now that she had paid, she would tell her all.

A. Multiple Choice Questions

Question. One Sunday Matilda was in Champs-Elysees to:
(a) hear the birds’ sing.
(b) jog around.
(c) feel the sunshine.
(d) take a walk.
Answer. D

Question. The woman walking with a child was:
(a) Mme Forestier
(b) Mme Rorestier
(c) Mme Torestier
(d) Mme Worestier
Answer. A

Question. How was she related to Mme Forestier?
(a) Her childhood friend
(b) Her childhood teacher
(c) Her childhood neighbour
(d) She had borrowed the necklace from her
Answer. A

Question. What trait of her character is brought to light here?
(a) Her helplessness
(b) Her openness
(c) Her courage and honesty
(d) All of these
Answer. C

Question. Pick the option which is ODD one out with reference to the meaning of ‘affected’ as used in the extract.
                   (1) Influenced
                           ↑
(4) Moved  ← AFFECTED  →  (2) Impressed
                           ↓
                 (3) Disturbed
(a) Option (1)
(b) Option (2)
(c) Option (3)
(d) Option (4)
Answer. D

B. Very Short Answer Questions

Question. Why did Matilda go to Champs-Elysees one Sunday?
Answer. Matilda went to Champs-Elysees one Sunday to take a walk.

Question. Who did Matilda see at Champs-Elysees?
Answer. Matilda saw her friend Mme Forestier from whom she had borrowed the necklace to go to the ball.

Question. What did Matilda want to tell her friend Mme Forestier?
Answer. She wanted to tell her the whole story of the necklace and how they had to work for the last ten years to pay the debt back.

Question. Why did Matilda have a desire to talk to her friend?
Answer. She got the feeling that she must tell her friend how she suffered the last ten years because of the necklace.

Question. What is the irony about the necklace?
Answer. The irony is that the lost necklace was fake and Matilda thinking it to be a diamond one replaced a diamond one and worked hard for ten years.