RBSE Solutions Class 11 English The Magic of The Muse One Act Plays Chapter 3 The Hour of Truth

RBSE Class 11 English The Magic of The Muse One Act Plays Chapter 3 Textual Activities

Choose the Correct Option:

Question 1. .......the Baldwin Family is anxiously awaiting the return of its head.” Who is the 'head' here?
(a) Maratha
(b) Robert
(c) Evie
(d) John
Answer: (b) Robert
In simple words: The question asks who the 'head' of the Baldwin family is, and from the options, Robert is the correct person. Robert is a central character in the play.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always remember key character names and their roles from the play, especially for direct recall questions like this.

Question 3. What did Mr. Gresham offer Mr. Robert?
(a) Promotion
(b) A new job
(c) Money
(d) A new house
Answer: (c) Money
In simple words: Mr. Gresham tried to offer Robert money as a bribe to keep him quiet. This offer was a crucial moment in the story.

🎯 Exam Tip: Note the motivations behind character actions. Gresham offered money to influence Robert's testimony.

Question 4. How did the family members of Mr. Robert come to know that there was something wrong with the bank?
(a) Through friends
(b) Through neighbors
(c) Through the print media
(d) Through the bank-staff
Answer: (c) Through the print media
In simple words: Robert's family found out about the bank's problems by reading about it in newspapers or other printed news. News travels fast, even in plays.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay attention to how information is conveyed to characters within the plot. This detail shows public awareness of the bank's situation.

Question 5. What did Mr. Gresham show in the drawer to Mr. Robert?
(a) Court papers
(b) Newspapers
(c) Bank papers
(d) Notes of the local currency
Answer: (d) Notes of the local currency
In simple words: Mr. Gresham showed Robert actual cash, meaning notes of the local money, to tempt him. This was part of his attempt to bribe Robert.

🎯 Exam Tip: Details like "notes of local currency" emphasize the tangible nature of the bribe offered, making it more impactful for the characters.

Answer the Following Questions in 15-20 Words Each:

Question 1. What was the charge against Mr. Gresham? श्री ग्रेशम के खिलाफ क्या अपराध था?
Answer: Mr. Gresham was accused of causing the ruin of the bank. He had committed fraud in the bank. श्री ग्रेशम के खिलाफ बैंक में गबन का अपराध था।
In simple words: Mr. Gresham was charged with damaging the bank. He was accused of taking money from the bank improperly.

🎯 Exam Tip: When answering about charges, use clear, precise language like "accused of" or "charged with" to show the legal aspect.

Question 2. What was the "supreme compliment"? 'उच्चतम शुभकामना' क्या थी?
Answer: The "Supreme Compliment" referred to getting a high position in the Third National company. This was considered a great honor. “उच्चतम शुभकामना” थर्ड नेशनल में नौकरी पाने की थी।
In simple words: The "supreme compliment" was an offer to get a job at Third National. It was considered a very good opportunity.

🎯 Exam Tip: In plays, pay attention to specific phrases or terms used by characters, as they often carry special meaning or importance within the story.

Question 3. What is the Third National? Third National क्या है?
Answer: Third National is an important organization led by Mr. Marshall, serving as its president. This organization plays a key role in the story. थर्ड नेशनल श्री मार्शल की अध्यक्षता में चलने वाला एक संगठन है।
In simple words: Third National is a company where Mr. Marshall is the boss. It is a big organization.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify and define key organizations or places mentioned in the play, as they provide context for the plot.

Question 4. What formal relationship did Mr. Robert and Mr. Gresham have? श्री रॉबर्ट और श्री ग्रेशम के मध्य क्या औपचारिक सम्बन्ध थे?
Answer: Mr. Robert and Mr. Gresham had been close friends since they were children. They also worked together at the bank. श्री रॉबर्ट और श्री ग्रेशम बचपन के दोस्त थे। उन्होंने साथ कार्य किया था।
In simple words: Robert and Gresham were childhood friends. They also worked together.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understanding the past relationship between characters helps explain their actions and conflicts later in the story.

Question 6. Mr. Gresham wanted from Mr. Robert that he should say in the court “I do not remember.”. श्री ग्रेशम श्री रॉबर्ट से क्या चाहते थे?
Answer: Mr. Gresham wanted Robert to state in court, "I do not remember." He hoped this would help him avoid punishment. श्री ग्रेशम श्री रॉबर्ट से चाहते थे कि वह कोर्ट में केवल यह कह दे कि “मुझे याद नहीं।”
In simple words: Gresham wanted Robert to lie in court by saying he didn't remember things. He wanted to escape punishment.

🎯 Exam Tip: When a character asks another to make a specific statement, it often reveals their manipulative intent or their desire to hide the truth.

Question 7. Why were the family members anxious? परिवार के सदस्यों को चिन्ता क्यों थी?
Answer: The family members were worried because Mr. Robert was late returning home after being called by Mr. Gresham, who was in jail. परिवार के सदस्यों को चिन्ता थी क्योंकि श्री ग्रेशम ने श्री रॉबर्ट को बुलाया था जो जेल में था। उसे बहुत देर हो गई थी।
In simple words: Robert's family was anxious because he was very late. He had been called to see Gresham, who was in jail.

🎯 Exam Tip: Character emotions like anxiety often foreshadow important events or reveal hidden tensions in the plot.

Question 8. How many persons as witnesses were available there against Mr. Gresham? श्री ग्रेशम के विरुद्ध गवाह के रूप में में कितने लोग थे?
Answer: Only one person, Mr. Robert, was available to be a witness against Mr. Gresham. This made Robert's testimony very important. केवल एक व्यक्ति श्री रॉबर्ट श्री ग्रेशम के खिलाफ गवाही के लिए थे।
In simple words: Only Robert was a witness against Mr. Gresham. He was the only one who could tell the truth.

🎯 Exam Tip: The number of witnesses can drastically affect a case's outcome, highlighting Robert's critical position in the play.

Answer the Following Questions in 30-40 Words Each:

Question 1. What was the crash? "विपदा क्या थी?
Answer: The "crash" referred to the financial ruin of the bank. Mr. Gresham caused this by mishandling bank accounts and taking money from them. विपदा बैंक का दिवालिया हो जाना था। श्री ग्रेशम ने बैंक के खातों में कुछ किया और पैसे ले लिए थे।
In simple words: The "crash" was when the bank failed financially. Mr. Gresham had taken money from the bank accounts, causing this big problem.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clarify abstract terms like "crash" with concrete details from the plot, linking them to character actions and consequences.

Question 3. Why did the family members think that Mr. Gresham had not done anything wrong? परिवार के सदस्य यह क्यों सोचते थे कि श्री ग्रेशम ने कुछ भी गलत नहीं किया?
Answer: The family members believed Mr. Gresham was a sincere and honest person, and they thought he was financially stable. This made them feel he would not do anything wrong. परिवार के सदस्य इसलिए सोचते हैं कि श्री ग्रेशम एक ईमानदार और सच्चे व्यक्ति थे। वह संतुष्ट भी था।
In simple words: Robert's family thought Gresham was a good and honest man. They believed he was satisfied with what he had, so he would not do bad things.

🎯 Exam Tip: Character perceptions are important. The family's belief in Gresham's integrity highlights their initial misjudgment and Robert's dilemma.

Question 4. Why did Mr. Marshall decide to offer “a position” to Mr. Robert? श्री मार्शल ने श्री रॉबर्ट को एक नौकरी की पेशकश का निर्णय क्यों किया?
Answer: Mr. Marshall decided to offer Robert a job because he was deeply impressed by Robert's honesty. He learned about Robert's integrity from Gresham himself during a jail visit. श्री मार्शल ने श्री रॉबर्ट को नौकरी देने का निश्चय इसलिए किया क्योंकि वह उसकी ईमानदारी से खुश हुआ था। श्री ग्रेशम द्वारा उसे उसकी ईमानदारी के बारे में बताया गया जब वह जेल में उससे मिलने गया। वह यह जानकर बहुत खुश था।
In simple words: Mr. Marshall offered Robert a job because he admired Robert's honesty. Gresham himself told Marshall about it when they met in jail.

🎯 Exam Tip: Recognize how a character's integrity is sometimes rewarded, even when they face difficult choices, reinforcing themes of morality.

Question 5. Why did Mr. Gresham confess to Mr. Marshall? श्री ग्रेशम ने श्री मार्शल के समक्ष अपराध क्यों कबूला?
Answer: Mr. Gresham confessed to Mr. Marshall because he felt morally defeated. Robert's refusal to accept the bribe and uphold his honesty led Gresham to finally admit his wrongdoing. श्री ग्रेशम ने श्री मार्शल के समक्ष अपराध इसलिए कबूला क्योंकि वह नैतिक अवसाद में आ गया था। उसने श्री रॉबर्ट को घूस की पेशकश की परन्तु उसने मना करके गलत के साथ नहीं गया इसलिए आखिर में श्री ग्रेशम ने कबूला।
In simple words: Gresham confessed because he was very upset and felt morally weak. Robert's refusal of the bribe showed him that honesty was important, so Gresham finally told the truth.

🎯 Exam Tip: A character's confession often signifies a turning point, showing the impact of moral choices on others.

Answer the Following Questions in About 150 Words Each:

Question 1. "I will go to my grave clean." Elaborate this statement of Mr. Robert. “मैं अपनी कब्र में स्वच्छ जाऊँगा।” श्री रॉबर्ट के इस वाक्य को स्पष्ट कीजिए।
Answer: Mr. Robert was a very honest and loyal employee. His family tried to pressure him to accept a huge bribe of one hundred thousand dollars, arguing that it was a large sum and he could start his own business. They wanted him to simply stay quiet in court. However, Robert was deeply saddened by his family's insistence and was surprised by their willingness to compromise his integrity. He firmly told them that lying in court was wrong and would weigh heavily on his conscience. Robert emphasized that his honesty had never been questioned, and he would not tarnish his social reputation. He declared that he would rather die with a clear conscience than live with a stain on his character. This statement truly reflects Robert's strong moral code and unwavering commitment to truth, even under immense pressure. श्री रॉबर्ट बहुत गम्भीर, ईमानदार और नौकरी के प्रति वफादार रहे थे। जब उनके परिवार के सदस्यों को पता चला कि उसे एक सौ हजार डॉलर की घूस की पेशकश की गई थी, उन सबने उस पर दबाव डाला। उन्होंने उससे कहा कि यह एक बहुत बड़ी राशि थी। वह अपना स्वयं का व्यापार शुरू कर सकते थे। उन्होंने सभी ने कहा कि उसे कुछ नहीं करना था। रॉबर्ट को यह सब जानकर बहुत दु:ख हुआ था। उसे अपने परिवार के सदस्यों के बारे में पता चला। वह इस पर बड़ा आश्चर्यचकित हुआ। उसने कहा कि कोर्ट में झूठी गवाही देना कठिन है। उसका गला रुक जाएगा। उसने उन सबको चेतावनी दी कि किसी ने उस पर अंगुली नहीं उठाई थी। उसकी सामाजिक प्रतिष्ठा थी। वह कलंक के साथ नहीं मरना चाहता था। वह कब्र में साफ जाएगा।
In simple words: Robert meant he would stay honest until he died. His family wanted him to take a bribe and lie in court. But Robert refused, saying his honesty was very important. He wanted to keep his good name and not let anything dirty it.

🎯 Exam Tip: To elaborate on a statement, explain its literal meaning, the character's motivation, the context, and its significance to the plot or theme.

Question 2. "Shams! Liars! Hypocrite! Thieves!...” Why did Mr. Robert react like this to his wife? Discuss. “शर्म करो ! झूठों ! पाखण्डियों ! चोरों !.....” रॉबर्ट ने अपनी पत्नी के प्रति इस प्रकार की प्रतिक्रिया क्यों ? की? चर्चा कीजिए।
Answer: Mr. Robert reacted with such strong words when his wife, along with his son and daughter, ganged up to pressure him into accepting the bribe. Robert was firm in his decision not to take the money, but his family kept urging him to use the bribe money to start a new business. He reminded them of his reputation for honesty and integrity in society. When they finally told him to simply remain silent in court, Robert lost his temper. His outburst reflected his deep frustration with their hypocrisy. These words were a testament to his strong sense of honesty, showing his anger towards anyone who claimed to value truth but was actually trying to disrupt justice for personal gain. This scene highlights the severe moral conflict Robert faced within his own home. his anger towards all those who talk of honesty but they are also culprits, because they wish to disturb the system.
In simple words: Robert got very angry at his family, including his wife, because they all pushed him to take the bribe and lie. He called them names like "liars" and "thieves" because they were asking him to do something wrong, even though they knew he was an honest man.

🎯 Exam Tip: Analyze strong emotional reactions of characters, as they often reveal underlying conflicts, moral stances, and thematic messages of the play.

Question 3. Draw a character sketch of Mr. Robert. रॉबर्ट का चरित्र चित्रण कीजिए।
Answer: Mr. Robert is portrayed as an old, honest, sincere, and loyal assistant at the bank, working under Mr. Gresham. He has a wife, a son, and a daughter, and is deeply committed to his work and duty. He meticulously kept notes of his activities, showing his dedication. Robert was very close to Mr. Gresham, serving as his faithful assistant. He was the first to discover the bank's collapse and knew all the details. When Gresham was arrested, he called upon Robert to commit perjury in court in exchange for a one hundred thousand dollar bribe. However, Robert, with his firm moral compass, refused the bribe. He stood bold and resolute against the pressure from his own family, even scolding them for trying to sway him. His unwavering honesty was eventually rewarded when the president of Third National visited his home and offered him a new job. रॉबर्ट बैंक में एक सहायक के रूप में काम कर रहा था। वह श्री ग्रेशम के अधीन काम करता था। वह बहुत बूढ़ा था। उसके एक बेटा और बेटी थे। उसकी पत्नी घर की देखरेख करती थी। रॉबर्ट एक ईमानदार आदमी था। वह अपने काम और नौकरी के प्रति सच्चा और ईमानदार था। जो कुछ वह करता था वह अपने काम की टिप्पणी लिखता था। हमें पता चलता है कि वह अपने अधिकारी ग्रेशम का नजदीकी था। वह विश्वासपात्र सहायक था। रॉबर्ट को बैंक के दिवालियापन का पता चला। उसे अन्तिम दिन यह पता चला। रॉबर्ट सब कुछ जानता था। ग्रेशम को पुलिस ने गिरफ्तार कर लिया। उसने अपने विश्वासपात्र व्यक्ति को कोर्ट में झूठी गवाही के लिए बुलाया। उसे एक सौ हजार डॉलर की घूस की पेशकश की गई थी। रॉबर्ट ने उसे नहीं लिया था। वह अपने निर्णय में दृढ़ और मजबूत था। उसके परिवार के सदस्य उसके निर्णय को बाधित नहीं कर सके। उसे अन्त में उसकी ईमानदारी के लिए पुरस्कृत थर्ड नेशनल के अध्यक्ष द्वारा उसके घर आकर नौकरी देकर किया गया था।
In simple words: Mr. Robert is a very old, honest, and loyal man. He worked at a bank. Even when offered a big bribe and pressured by his family, he refused to lie in court. He stayed strong and truthful, which eventually led to him getting a new, better job.

🎯 Exam Tip: A character sketch requires describing personality traits, key actions, relationships, and how they contribute to the play's themes.

Question 4. Explain the title of the play The Hour of Truth. 'सत्य का समय' एकांकी के शीर्षक की व्याख्या कीजिए।
Answer: The title "The Hour of Truth" perfectly suits the play's content, which extensively explores themes of truth and honesty. The play beautifully illustrates the adage that "truth always triumphs in the end." It also suggests that truth often endures many challenges in life but ultimately prevails. The title highlights how truth is ultimately rewarded, as the protagonist, who becomes jobless, is eventually honored for his unwavering honesty. A truly honest person doesn't need to prove their integrity; when the time comes, God rewards them. The title captures this crucial moment when characters are forced to confront the truth about themselves and their actions, revealing their true character. सत्य का समय शीर्षक इसकी विषय-वस्तु के अनुकूल है। इस एकांकी में सत्य और ईमानदारी पर विस्तार से चर्चा की गई है। यह सही कहा गया है कि “अन्त में सत्य की जीत होती है।” यह भी कहा गया है कि सत्य को कई परीक्षाएँ अपने जीवन में पास करनी पड़ती हैं। सत्य परेशान होता है परन्तु अन्त में जीतता है। एकांकी का शीर्षक यह बताता है कि सत्य को पर्याप्त रूप में पुरस्कृत किया जाता है। इस एकांकी का नायक जोकि नौकरीविहीन हो जाता है उसे अन्त में केवल ईमानदारी के लिए पुरस्कृत किया जाता है। व्यक्ति जो ईमानदार है उसे अपनी ईमानदारी को साबित करने की आवश्यकता नहीं है। लोग बातें करते हैं जब समय आता है भगवान उसे पुरस्कृत करते हैं।
In simple words: The title "The Hour of Truth" is perfect because the play is all about being honest. It shows that truth wins in the end, even if it faces many tests. It means there's a time when everyone has to face the real facts and show their true nature.

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining a title, connect it directly to the play's main themes, plot developments, and the ultimate message conveyed.

RBSE Class 11 English The Magic of The Muse One Act Plays Chapter 3 Additional Questions

Answer the Following Questions in 60 Words Each:

Question 1. What was the reason of Mr. Marshall's visit to Robert's house? रॉबर्ट के घर पर श्री मार्शल के जाने का क्या कारण था?
Answer: Robert, an assistant to John Gresham, was the sole witness to a bank collapse. Gresham offered Robert a large bribe to keep silent or lie in court. Robert bravely refused this offer. John Gresham later informed Mr. Marshall about this entire incident, deeply impressing Marshall with Robert's honesty. Since Robert was now jobless, Mr. Marshall visited his house specifically to offer him a new job. this was the only reason for his visit. रॉबर्ट जॉन ग्रेशम के एक सहायक के रूप में कार्य कर रहा था। बैंक में अचानक एक घोटाला हो गया था। रॉबर्ट एकमात्र गवाह था। जॉन ग्रेशम ने उसे एक बहुत बड़ी राशि की पेशकश की केवल चुप रहने या यह कहने कि "मुझे याद नहीं है।” रॉबर्ट ने पैसा लेने से मना कर दिया था। यह सारी घटना जॉन ग्रेशम ने मार्शल को बताई थी। वह उसकी ईमानदारी से बहुत प्रभावित हुआ था। रॉबर्ट नौकरी विहीन था। उस समय श्री मार्शल उसके घर उसे नौकरी देने आए थे। उसके घर पर आने का यही एक कारण था।
In simple words: Mr. Marshall visited Robert's house to offer him a job. He was very impressed by Robert's honesty after hearing how Robert refused a bribe from Gresham.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always identify specific events or character traits that lead to another character's actions or decisions, such as Marshall's visit.

Question 2. What had happened to John Gresham at the end ? अन्त में जॉन ग्रेशम के साथ क्या हुआ था?
Answer: In the end, John Gresham, who was a senior bank officer and solely responsible for the bank's collapse, faced a crucial turn of events. Initially, he tried to bribe his assistant, Robert, to testify in his favor. However, after Robert's unwavering honesty and refusal to lie, Gresham experienced a significant change of heart. He realized the mental distress he was causing Robert. Ultimately, Gresham confessed to his crime. This change came from a deep moral awakening within him, leading him to admit his wrongdoing. आदमी था। उसने सोचा कि उसके कारण रॉबर्ट एक प्रकार के मानसिक तनाव में था। अन्त में जॉन ग्रेशम ने अपना अपराध स्वीकार कर लिया था। यह उसके हृदय का परिवर्तन था जिसके कारण इस प्रकार का कार्य उसने किया था।
In simple words: In the end, John Gresham confessed his crime. Robert's honesty deeply affected him, causing a change in his heart, which led him to admit what he had done wrong.

🎯 Exam Tip: Character transformations, especially confessions, are often significant plot points that reflect the play's moral lessons.

Question 3. Who was named after John Gresham and why ? जॉन ग्रेशम के नाम पर किसका नाम रखा गया और क्यों?
Answer: Robert Baldwin's son was named John, after John Gresham. This was because Robert and Gresham shared a close friendship. Gresham wanted to make their long-standing bond memorable, especially since they were close both personally and professionally. Despite their professional hierarchy, their bond remained strong even after their employment. Naming Robert's son John was Gresham's way of honoring and perpetuating their friendship. रॉबर्ट ऑर जॉन ग्रेशम अच्छे दोस्त थे। जॉन ग्रेशम ने अपना नाम रॉबर्ट बाल्डविन के पुत्र को दिया था। ग्रेशम उनकी दोस्ती को यादगार बनाना चाहता था। वह रॉबर्ट से कार्यालय में भी बहुत निकट था। रॉबर्ट उसके अधीन कार्य कर रहा था परन्तु नौकरी के पश्चात् उनमें अच्छे सम्बन्ध थे। जॉन ग्रेशम ने रॉबर्ट बाल्डविन के पुत्र को अपना नाम देने का निश्चय किया था। यही एकमात्र कारण था कि उसने अपने पुत्र का नाम जॉन रखा था।
In simple words: Robert Baldwin's son was named John, after John Gresham. Gresham did this to honor his close friendship with Robert, which was very important to him.

🎯 Exam Tip: Family names and naming conventions often carry symbolic meaning or reflect significant relationships in a story.

Question 4. How did Donovan plan his life on the basis of his job? दोनोवन ने नौकरी के आधार पर अपने जीवन की योजना किस प्रकार बनाई थी?
Answer: Donovan, like John Gresham and Robert, was an employee at the same bank. He had worked there for eight years and planned his entire life around his stable banking career. He got married with the intention of settling down, expecting his job to provide the foundation for his future. He wished to spend the rest of his life relying on his position at the bank. However, the bank's collapse meant Donovan also became jobless, leaving him deeply saddened and without hope. All his carefully laid plans became useless due to this unexpected crisis. दोनोवन भी उसी बैंक का एक कर्मचारी था जहाँ पर जॉन ग्रेशम और राबर्ट कार्य कर रहे थे। परन्तु बैंक में अब आर्थिक विपदा आ गई थी, इस कारण दोनोवन नौकरीहीन व्यक्ति हो गया था। दोनोवन पिछले आठ वर्षों से बैंक में कार्य कर रहा था। जब वह अपना जीवन व्यवस्थित करना चाहता था तो उसने शादी कर ली। वह अपना शेष जीवन बैंक की नौकरी के आधार पर व्यतीत करना चाहता था। वह दुःखी और निराश था क्योंकि सब कुछ बदल गया था। जो कुछ उसने पहले योजना बनाई थी अब वह बेकार हो गई थी।
In simple words: Donovan planned his whole life around his job at the bank. He had worked there for eight years and even got married, thinking his job would secure his future. But when the bank failed, he lost everything and became very sad.

🎯 Exam Tip: Character subplots like Donovan's highlight the wider impact of major events (like the bank crash) beyond the main characters.

Question 5. What type of struggle was going on in the mind of Robert Baldwin ?
Answer: Robert Baldwin was facing a major internal struggle. He was torn between his loyalty to his honest work and his friendship with Gresham, who was in jail. Robert's family also pressured him to accept the money offered by John Gresham. Robert did not want to lie in court for Gresham, nor did he want to accept the bribe. He was under immense mental stress, battling to maintain his integrity against external pressures and his own internal conflict. This tension weighed heavily on him. रॉबर्ट बाल्डविन एक समय में दो मोर्चे पर लड़ाई लड़ रहा था। वह बहुत ईमानदार और गंभीर व्यक्ति था। वह अपनी नौकरी और मित्रता दोनों के प्रति वफादार था। उसका दोस्त जेल में था जो उसे उसके पक्ष में बोलने के लिए कहना चाहता था। रॉबर्ट का परिवार जॉन ग्रेशम द्वारा दिए जा रहे पैसे को स्वीकार करना चाहता था। रॉबर्ट न तो कोर्ट में जॉन ग्रेशम के पक्ष में गवाही देना चाहता था और न ही वह धन स्वीकार करना चाहता था। इस प्रकार से वह मानसिक तनाव में चल रहा था।
In simple words: Robert Baldwin was struggling mentally. He had to choose between his honesty, his friend in jail, and his family who wanted him to take bribe money. He was very stressed because he didn't want to lie or take the money.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify internal conflicts by analyzing what a character values versus the pressures they face, and how they navigate these moral dilemmas.

Question 6. What did John Gresham want from Robert in his favour? जॉन ग्रेशम रॉबर्ट से उसके पक्ष में क्या चाहता था?
Answer: John Gresham, convicted for the bank's collapse and facing trial, desperately wanted Robert's help. Robert, as Gresham's assistant and the only witness, was crucial. Gresham asked Robert to utter just three words in court: "I do not remember." This deliberate act of feigned ignorance or silence would protect Gresham from punishment. To ensure Robert's cooperation, Gresham offered him a massive bribe of one hundred thousand dollars, a significant amount that could change Robert's life. जॉन ग्रेशम को बैंक में आर्थिक विपदा का अपराधी ठहराया गया था। उसे पुलिस के द्वारा गिरफ्तार किया गया था। उसे अदालत में मुकदमे का भी सामना करना था। रॉबर्ट बैंक में उसका सहायक था और सारे मामले का एकमात्र गवाह था। ग्रेशम चाहता था कि रॉबर्ट उसके लिए अदालत में तीन शब्द बोले। यह शब्द थे, “मुझे याद नहीं” या वह चुप रहे। इससे ग्रेशम दण्ड से बच जाएगा। इसके लिए ग्रेशम ने रॉबर्ट को एक सौ । हजार डॉलर की पेशकश की थी। रॉबर्ट के लिए उसके जीवन में यह बड़ी राशि थी।
In simple words: John Gresham wanted Robert to say "I do not remember" in court to save him from punishment for the bank fraud. Gresham offered Robert a large sum of money to do this.

🎯 Exam Tip: Note how powerful individuals often try to use others to cover up their misdeeds, and the difficult choices this creates for those involved.

Answer the Following Questions in 80 Words Each:

Question 1. When John Gresham offered him money what type of thoughts were going on in the mind of Robert Baldwin ? जब जॉन ग्रेशम ने उसे पैसे की पेशकश की थी तो राबर्ट बाल्डविन के मन में किस प्रकार के विचार उठ रहे थे?
Answer: When John Gresham, while in jail for the bank's wreck, offered Robert Baldwin money in exchange for saying "I do not remember" in court, Robert experienced a torrent of conflicting thoughts. Robert was a deeply sensitive, sincere, honest, and loyal man. He considered accepting the money and using those three words. However, his entire life of pure honesty flashed before his eyes. He was a highly respectable and honorable man in society, and the idea of compromising his integrity for money angered him greatly. Gresham knew Robert was honest and wasn't surprised by his refusal, but the internal battle for Robert was intense as he wrestled with his conscience. लगा और वह जेल में था, ग्रेशम ने रॉबर्ट से तीन शब्द अदालत में बोलने के लिए कहा था, "मुझे याद नहीं।” उसने पैसा लेने और यह शब्द बोलने के बारे में सोचा था परन्तु उसने एक पवित्र और ईमानदार जीवन जिया था। वह सारा जीवन उसके सामने खड़ा हो गया था। वह समाज में सम्माननीय और आदर योग्य रहा था। जब ग्रेशम ने उसे पैसे देने के लिए कहा तो उसे बहुत गुस्सा आया था। ग्रेशम जानता था कि वह ईमानदार था, जब रॉबर्ट ने पैसे के लिए मना किया उसे आश्चर्य नहीं हुआ था। रॉबर्ट के मन में इस प्रकार के विचार उठ रहे थे।
In simple words: When Gresham offered him money to lie, Robert Baldwin thought about his honest past. He considered taking the money but got angry at the idea of ruining his good name. He struggled with his conscience, choosing honesty over a bribe.

🎯 Exam Tip: Internal monologues or moments of contemplation reveal a character's core values and their moral struggle, especially under pressure.

Question 2. How was the reaction of the family when Robert told them about the offer ? जब रॉबर्ट ने उन्हें पेशकश के बारे में कहा तो परिवार की क्या प्रतिक्रिया थी?
Answer: When Robert informed his family about Gresham's offer of one hundred thousand dollars, they were all astonished by the large sum. Both his daughter and son immediately wanted him to accept the money. They suggested that with such a substantial amount, they could start a business and secure a comfortable life. Even Robert's wife joined in, pressuring him to take the offer. She argued that since no one else would be harmed by the bank's collapse, it would be acceptable to take the money. This led to a heated debate and many arguments within the family, as Robert struggled to uphold his principles against their materialistic desires. जब रॉबर्ट ने परिवार को धन की पेशकश के बारे में बताया तो उन सबको आश्चर्य हुआ था। यह पेशकश एक सौ हजार डॉलर की थी। उसका पुत्र और पुत्री उसे पेशकश स्वीकार करने का चाहते थे। इस प्रकार की राय भी थी कि वे उस धन से एक व्यापार प्रारम्भ कर सकते थे। वे सभी एक आरामदायक जीवन जी सकते थे। रॉबर्ट की पत्नी भी उस पर दबाव डाल रही थी। वह अपने पति से पेशकश स्वीकार करवाना चाहती थी। उसने कहा कि आर्थिक विपदा से जब कोई भी प्रभावित नहीं हो रहा है तो धन स्वीकार करना अच्छा है। इस सबके बारे में बहुत सारा विवाद हुआ था।
In simple words: Robert's family was surprised and excited about the large money offer. His children and wife pushed him to accept it, thinking they could start a business and live comfortably. This caused many arguments as Robert refused.

🎯 Exam Tip: Analyze how secondary characters' reactions can escalate the protagonist's dilemma, revealing contrasting values within the family.

Question 3. How was the reaction of Baldwin when he came to know the thoughts of his family about the offer ? बाल्डविन की किस प्रकार की प्रतिक्रिया थी जब उसे उसके परिवार के पेशकश के बारे में किए गए विचारों का पता लगा?
Answer: When Robert Baldwin learned of his family's willingness to accept the bribe, he was deeply shaken and upset. He told them that accepting the money would be a dishonorable act for him. Baldwin reminded his family that they knew his character well and understood he would never accept such a bribe. He angrily called them "liars, thieves and hypocrites," emphasizing that everyone knew his soul was pure. For him, doing a dishonest deed would be an offense against God. His reaction showed his profound disappointment and anger at his family's moral compromise. जब बाल्डविन को अपने परिवार के विचारों के बारे में पता चला तो वह अन्दर से हिल गया था। उसने परिवार को कहा कि यह एक असम्माननीय कार्य होगा कि वह पैसे को स्वीकार करे। बाल्डविन ने अपने परिवार से कहा कि वे सब इसे अच्छी तरह से जानते थे।
In simple words: When Baldwin learned his family wanted him to take the bribe, he was very shocked and angry. He called them "liars" and "thieves" because he felt accepting the money would be a dishonest act against his own values and God.

🎯 Exam Tip: Strong character responses often signify a moral turning point, where the protagonist reaffirms their values despite family pressure.

Question 4. अन्त में श्री मार्शल और बाल्डविन के मध्य क्या बातचीत हुई थी?
Answer: Mr. Marshall personally visited Robert Baldwin's home and invited him to the Third National office that week. He informed Robert about a vacant position available for him. Marshall shared that he had met Gresham that afternoon, who revealed that he had offered Robert a bribe. Marshall praised Baldwin's exceptional honesty, noting that he could not be swayed by any amount of money. Gresham had confessed his crime without a trial, impressed by Robert's integrity. Marshall concluded by expressing his deep respect for such principled individuals. श्री मार्शल व्यक्तिशः रॉबर्ट बाल्डविन के घर गए। उसने उससे कहा कि वह सप्ताह में किसी दिन Third National आए। वहाँ एक पद उसके लिए खाली पड़ा है। उसने उसके लिए खाली पड़े पद के बारे में कहा। उसने कहा कि उस दोपहर बाद वह ग्रेशम से मिलने गया। उसने मार्शल को रॉबर्ट बाल्डविन को की गई पेशकश के बारे में बताया। उसने कहा कि बाल्डविन बहुत ईमानदार था। वह धन की किसी भी मात्रा से नहीं। हिलाया जा सकता है। उसने अदालत में बिना मुकदमे के अपराध स्वीकार कर लिया। मार्शल ने कहा कि वह हमेशा इस प्रकार के लोगों का सम्मान करता है।
In simple words: Mr. Marshall met Robert Baldwin and offered him a job at Third National. Marshall praised Robert for his honesty, saying that even Gresham admitted his crime because Robert could not be bribed. Marshall highly respected Robert's integrity.

🎯 Exam Tip: Dialogue between key characters often serves to summarize the plot's resolution and reinforce the play's central themes.