THE PRISONER OF ZENDA

SOME EXTRA QUESTIONS 

THE PRISONER OF ZENDA

Q1 What route was the narrator going to take?

 The narrator was going to climb the hill which would take him to the castle and then to the forest of Zenda.

Q2 Describe the castle.

In the olden days it was a fortress. However till today it was well preserved. Behind it stood the original castle. Behind the original castle was a modern chateau. The modern chateau and the original castle were separated by a deep, broad moat (water body).

Q3 What would Black Michael do if a fit of misanthropy/hatred seized him?

Black Michael would dwell in the chateau and draw up the bridge after him.

 Q4 The narrator had to catch a train to which place?

To catch a train to Strelsau.

Q5 What did the narrator dream of?

He dreamt of being married to Princess Flavia and that he dwelt in the castle of Zenda.

Q6 What circumstances made the narrator fall asleep?

The solemn beauty of the woods, the comfort of a cigar and the fast waning(wrapping ) afternoon put the narrator off to sleep.

Q7How tall was the narrator?

He was six feet two inches tall.

Q8  Describe the two men who regarded the narrator with much curiosity.

One was short and stoutly built, with a bullet-shaped head, a bristly grey moustache, and small pale blue eyes. The other was a slender young fellow, middle height, dark in complexion and bore himself with grace and distinction.

Q9Who took the first step towards an introduction? Why?

The two gentlemen did so as the narrator felt that since they had taken the first step in the acquaintance they should be introducing themselves first.

Q10Which line in the extract tells that the similarities between Rudolf and the King were much more than the distinctions?

.....above all minor distinctions, the likeness rose striking, salient, wonderful.

Q11 What was the reaction of both the King and Rudolf on seeing each other?

The King drew back in wonder and Rudolf uttered an astonished cry.

Q12What were the slight distinctions between the King and Rudolf?

Rudolf had slight hair on his face. The King was slightly shorter than him and more dignified on account of his position. The King’s face was slightly fleshier.

Q13Which line in the extract tells us that the King was amused and not angry on seeing Rudolf?

He burst into the merriest fit of irrepressible laughter.

Q14 How did Rudolf deduce that the King was a jovial soul?

The King’s merriest fit of uncontrollable laughter which rang through the woods proclaimed him as a jovial soul.

Q15What does the king mean when he says,” a thousand crowns for a sight of brother Michael’s face when he sees a pair of us!”

The King bets a thousand crowns which means brother Michael would be bewildered to see the similarity between the King and Rudolf.

Q16 What order does the King give Rudolf?

Rudolf will not proceed towards Strelsau and he would dine with the King that night.

Q17.From the extract, what kind of a person do you think the King was?

Jovial soul, trusted people even if one was a stranger, a generous host

Q18Which word is used to describe ‘Michael’ on pg 1? What indication does it give you about Michael’s character?

Black Michael has been portrayed probably as a cunning and wicked character.

Q19 Discuss the attributes of the king?

the king was a fun loving jovial person who loved to enjoy the richness of life. Occasionally caught in the temperament of misanthropy/hatred. A gracious host, who wouldn’t let his guest go unattended. Too naive as he would trust any stranger in his way.