Samacheer Kalvi Class 10 English Solutions Chapter 7 A Dilemma

10th English Guide Supplementary A Dilemma Textbook Questions and Answers

A. Read the given lines carefully and identify the character / speaker:

Question 1. I suppose you think me queer. I will explain?
Answer: Uncle Philip
In simple words: Uncle Philip is the person who says these lines, talking about how he might seem strange.

🎯 Exam Tip: When identifying speakers, think about who would naturally say that line given their role and personality in the story.

Question 2. Don't come back. I won't hasten things?
Answer: Uncle Philip
In simple words: This line is spoken by Uncle Philip, telling someone not to return and implying he won't rush matters.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay attention to the tone and context of the dialogue to correctly identify the speaker.

Question 3. He thought it simply a cruel jest?
Answer: Tom's Father Confessor.
In simple words: Tom's Father Confessor believed the situation was just a mean joke.

🎯 Exam Tip: Note how different characters react to the central dilemma; their reactions often reveal their identity in dialogue sections.

Question 4. He did not desire to do so?
Answer: Professor Clinch
In simple words: Professor Clinch was the one who did not want to carry out the action mentioned.

🎯 Exam Tip: Connect the actions or desires in the quote to a specific character's known role or opinion in the story.

Question 5. He would think it over and come back later?
Answer: The collector
In simple words: The collector decided he needed more time to think about the situation and would return afterwards.

🎯 Exam Tip: Look for clues in the sentence that point to a character who delays action or considers things carefully.

B. Based on your understanding of the story, answer the following briefly.

Question 1. What did the uncle do as soon as he bought a stone?
Answer: As soon as Uncle Philip bought a new stone, he would keep it in his pocket for a whole month. During this time, he often took it out to look at it closely. This shows his deep fascination and attachment to his precious gems.
In simple words: When Uncle Philip bought a new stone, he kept it in his pocket for a month and looked at it often.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the immediate action after the purchase of the stone to answer this question accurately.

Question 2. What did the uncle bequeath to the narrator?
Answer: Uncle Philip left the narrator, Tom, an iron safe. Inside this safe were precious gems and a dangerous amount of dynamite. The setup was designed to explode if not handled exactly right, creating a difficult choice for Tom.
In simple words: The uncle left the narrator an iron safe containing gems and dynamite.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember to mention both parts of the inheritance: the valuable gems and the dangerous dynamite, as both are crucial to the story.

Question 3. What was the condition laid by the uncle to inherit his property?
Answer: The uncle's condition was that Tom had to open the box with complete belief and trust, full of hope and desire. If Tom felt any doubt or fear while opening it, the dynamite inside would explode, destroying everything. This was a test of faith and courage.
In simple words: Tom had to open the box with full belief and trust; if he doubted, the dynamite would explode.

🎯 Exam Tip: The key condition is the state of mind (belief and trust) during the opening of the box, not just the physical act.

Question 4. Why do you think Tom happily look forward to the expenditure for his uncle's funeral?
Answer: Tom was happy about the funeral expenses because he believed that after his uncle's death, he would inherit a box full of valuable gems. He imagined becoming a very rich man and being able to afford anything, seeing the funeral as a necessary step to a fortune.
In simple words: Tom was happy about the funeral because he thought he would get very rich from the gems his uncle left him.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand Tom's motivation: his expectation of wealth from the inheritance overshadowed his feelings about the funeral itself.

Question 5. Write a few words about the mechanism used in the iron box?
Answer: The iron box had a very clever and sensitive mechanism. It was designed to explode with 9 1/2 ounces of high-quality dynamite if anyone tried to open it with doubt. To succeed, one had to open it with absolute confidence and a strong desire for the fortune inside. If not, the person would be blown into tiny pieces.
In simple words: The iron box had a special, sensitive lock. If you tried to open it with doubt, 9 1/2 ounces of dynamite would explode and destroy the person.

🎯 Exam Tip: Emphasize both the certainty of the mechanism's action and the specific amount of dynamite mentioned in the description.

Question 6. What was the counsel offered to the narrator?
Answer: The narrator was advised to stop thinking about the mysterious iron box and its contents completely. This advice aimed to free him from the mental struggle and obsession caused by the dilemma of the box, as it was causing him much stress.
In simple words: The narrator was advised to stop thinking about the box and what was inside it.

🎯 Exam Tip: Counsel refers to advice; identify the main piece of advice given to Tom regarding his fixation on the box.

Question 7. Why and when was the narrator shocked?
Answer: The narrator was shocked when he read the letter that came with the box. He discovered that the box contained highly sensitive dynamite, which completely changed his perspective on the inheritance and filled him with fear. This sudden revelation was a huge surprise to him.
In simple words: The narrator was shocked when he read the letter and found out the box had sensitive dynamite inside.

🎯 Exam Tip: The shock comes from the unexpected danger, specifically the dynamite, revealed in the letter.

Question 8. What was the doctor's warning to Tom?
Answer: The doctor warned Tom that he should not let himself go crazy by constantly thinking about the rubies and the box. The doctor realized that Tom's obsession was affecting his mental health and advised him to stop focusing so much on the potential wealth.
In simple words: The doctor warned Tom not to lose his mind by thinking too much about the rubies.

🎯 Exam Tip: The doctor's concern was for Tom's mental well-being, highlighting the psychological toll of the dilemma.

Question 9. Why didn't Tom dare to assign the task of unlocking the box to someone?
Answer: Tom did not dare to ask someone else to unlock the box because he felt it was wrong to subject a stranger to such a dangerous test that he himself was afraid to face. He believed no one had the right to put another person in such a risky situation. This shows his moral sense.
In simple words: Tom did not want a stranger to open the box because he felt it was unfair to make someone else face a danger he himself was scared of.

🎯 Exam Tip: Tom's refusal stems from a moral responsibility, not just fear for himself, but also for others.

C. Answer the questions given below in a paragraph of 150 words.

Question 1. Describe briefly the contents of the letter written by Tom's uncle.
Answer: Tom's Uncle Philip wrote a detailed letter outlining the contents and conditions of his inheritance. The letter stated that the iron box contained a huge collection of valuable gems, including fine pigeon-blood rubies, many diamonds (one of which was a beautiful blue diamond), hundreds of pearls, a famous green pearl, and a necklace made of blue pearls. He specifically asked Tom to keep hoping and remembering him, instead of giving the gems to charity. The letter also described a complex unlocking mechanism: it would explode with 9 1/2 ounces of highly sensitive dynamite if Tom opened it with doubt. The uncle warned Tom to be extremely careful, emphasizing that only by opening the box with strong faith and care would he achieve his desired fortune and hopes. This letter created a severe dilemma for Tom, forcing him to confront his own courage and trust. The uncle's eccentric final wish tested Tom's will and desire for wealth.
In simple words: Tom's uncle's letter described a box full of valuable jewels like rubies, diamonds, and pearls. It said Tom had to open the box with faith, or else 9 1/2 ounces of dynamite inside would explode. The uncle warned Tom to be very careful and keep his hopes up.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing the letter, ensure you mention both the valuable contents (gems) and the dangerous conditions (dynamite, faith requirement) as these are equally important.

Question 2. Explain the efforts taken by Tom to open the iron box. Did he succeed? Why?
Answer: After receiving the iron box, Tom became obsessed with opening it safely. He spent weeks and months thinking about it, seeking advice from many people, and searching libraries for solutions. He imagined various wild plans, such as dropping the box from a great height, hoping to get the gems after an explosion. However, none of his attempts or ideas proved successful. His father confessor dismissed the whole situation as a cruel joke by his uncle. His doctor warned him that constantly thinking about the box with precious gems would make him mentally unwell. He even tried to deposit the box in a bank but withdrew it because he was scared of it being stolen. When he consulted Professor Clinch about his dilemma, Clinch also found the story unbelievable. Ultimately, Tom could not succeed in opening the box safely or claim the fortune. Due to his inability to overcome his fear and doubt, and with no safe way found, Tom eventually gave up and left the box to the Society for the Preservation of Human Vivisection, unable to face the risk himself. This shows how fear can paralyze even the strongest desires.
In simple words: Tom tried many ways to open the box, like thinking hard, asking for advice, reading books, and even planning to drop it. His father, doctor, and Professor Clinch all told him to stop. He even tried to put it in a bank but took it out again. He did not succeed because he couldn't overcome his fear and doubt, so he finally gave the box away.

🎯 Exam Tip: List Tom's actions chronologically, describe the advice he received, and clearly state whether he succeeded and the reason for his success or failure.

D. Fill in the blanks with the right options and write down the summary of the story 'A dilemma'.

Question 1. The narrator was sent for, by his uncle when we was .......................... (on his death bad / on his travels / in his work place)
Answer: on his death bed
In simple words: The narrator was called by his uncle when the uncle was very ill and about to die.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay attention to the context of the uncle's invitation; it was a final summons due to his ill health.

Question 2. The uncle had collected precious .......................... (jewels / stones / articles)
Answer: stones
In simple words: Uncle Philip had collected many valuable stones.

🎯 Exam Tip: While "jewels" and "articles" might seem plausible, "stones" is the most direct and accurate term used for his collection of rubies, diamonds, and pearls.

Question 3. His uncle announced Tom as his heir and wanted him to pay for his .......................... (rented house / marriage / funeral)
Answer: funeral
In simple words: The uncle made Tom his heir and wanted Tom to cover the costs of his funeral.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand that becoming an heir often comes with responsibilities, such as managing the deceased's final arrangements.

Question 4. Leaving an iron box for Tom, his uncle instructed him not to .......................... the box. (throw / carry / shake)
Answer: shake
In simple words: When leaving the iron box, the uncle told Tom not to shake it.

🎯 Exam Tip: The instruction not to shake the box hints at its sensitive and dangerous contents, which is key to the story.

Question 5. The letter read that the box contained .......................... (a sensitive dynamite / jewels / money)
Answer: a sensitive dynamite
In simple words: The letter warned that the box contained dangerous dynamite that could explode easily.

🎯 Exam Tip: The "sensitive dynamite" is the crucial element that creates the "dilemma" in the story, so it's the correct answer.

Question 6. He started thinking of all possible ways to open the box without being .......................... (wounded / killed / maimed)
Answer: killed
In simple words: Tom tried to find ways to open the box without dying.

🎯 Exam Tip: Given the presence of dynamite, the ultimate danger is death, which is the most significant concern for Tom.

Question 7. He planned to explode the box at but dropped the plant in fear of losing the rubies (home / a safe distance / a waste land)
Answer: a safe distance
In simple words: Tom thought about exploding the box from far away, but he was afraid of losing the valuable rubies.

🎯 Exam Tip: Tom's plan involved safety, but his greed for the rubies conflicted with the idea of a destructive explosion.

Question 8. His consultation with .......................... did not yield him any fruitful solution. (Uncle Philip / Professor Clinch / Susan)
Answer: Professor Clinch
In simple words: When Tom talked to Professor Clinch, he still could not find a good way to solve his problem.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember the specific characters Tom consults in the story; Professor Clinch is one of the key advisors who offers no solution.

Question 9. He failed in his attempts to open the box. His efforts to read about explosives led to .......................... (hopes / confusions / suspicious) and he had to change his (name and occupation / lodgings / appearance)
Answer: confusion, name and occupation
In simple words: Tom couldn't open the box. His research on explosives made him confused, and he even had to change his identity due to the stress.

🎯 Exam Tip: The consequences of Tom's obsession were both mental (confusion) and practical (having to change aspects of his life).

Question 10. At last, he bequeathed the box to .......................... (his offspring / his friends / the society)
Answer: the society
In simple words: In the end, Tom left the box to a society.

🎯 Exam Tip: Tom's final act with the box was to pass on the dilemma to an organization, indicating his ultimate surrender to the challenge.

Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow.

1. I was just thirty-seven when my Uncle Philip died. A week before that event he sent for me; and here let me say that I had never set eyes on him. He hated my mother, but I do not know why. She told me long before his last illness that I need expect nothing from my father's brother. He was an inventor, an able and ingenious mechanical engineer and had much money by his improvement in turbine-wheels. He was a bachelor; lived alone, cooked his own meals, and collected precious stones, especially rubies and pearls. From the time he made his first money he had this mania. As he grew richer, the desire to possess rare and costly gems became stronger. When he bought a new stone, he carried it in his pocket for a month and now and then took it out and looked at it. Then it was added to the collection in his safe at the trust company.

Question 1. How old was the narrator when his uncle died?
Answer: The narrator was thirty-seven years old when his Uncle Philip passed away. This age is mentioned directly in the first sentence of the passage.
In simple words: The narrator was 37 years old when his Uncle Philip died.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always look for specific details and numbers mentioned directly in the passage for questions asking about facts like age.

Question 2. Had the narrator seen his uncle before? Give lines from the passage that support your answer?
Answer: No, the narrator had never seen his uncle before. The passage states this clearly with the line: "A week before that even he sent for me; and here let me say that I had never set eyes on him". This confirms their lack of prior meeting.
In simple words: No, the narrator had not seen his uncle before. The passage says, "I had never set eyes on him."

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked to support an answer with lines from the passage, quote the exact sentence or phrase that provides the evidence.

Question 3. What had the narrator's mother told him of his father's brother?
Answer: The narrator's mother had told him that he should not expect anything from his father's brother, Uncle Philip. She likely said this because Uncle Philip hated her, and she wanted to manage her son's expectations. Uncle Philip was also an inventor who became rich from his turbine-wheel improvements.
In simple words: The narrator's mother told him not to expect anything from his Uncle Philip, who was a rich inventor.

🎯 Exam Tip: Combine information from different parts of the passage to give a complete answer about what the mother told him and why she might have said it.

Question 4. What do you know about Uncle Philip?
Answer: Uncle Philip was a wealthy inventor and a skilled mechanical engineer, known for improving turbine-wheels. He lived alone as a bachelor, cooked his own meals, and had a passion for collecting precious stones like rubies and pearls. This love for gems started when he first earned money and grew stronger as he became richer, becoming his main obsession.
In simple words: Uncle Philip was a rich inventor who lived alone. He loved collecting precious stones like rubies and pearls.

🎯 Exam Tip: Summarize the key characteristics and hobbies of Uncle Philip as described in the passage, focusing on his occupation, lifestyle, and passion for gems.

Question 5. What did the uncle do, when he bought a new stone?
Answer: Whenever Uncle Philip bought a new precious stone, he would carry it around in his pocket for a whole month. He frequently took it out to admire and look at it. After this period, the new stone was finally added to his existing collection, which was kept in his safe at the trust company.
In simple words: When Uncle Philip bought a new stone, he carried it in his pocket for a month, looked at it often, and then put it in his safe.

🎯 Exam Tip: Trace the sequence of actions Uncle Philip took immediately after acquiring a new stone to fully answer the question.

2. Now I repent of my wickedness to you all, and desire to live in the memory of at least one of my family. You think I am poor and have only my annuity. You will be profitably surprised. I have never parted with my precious stones; they will be yours. You are my sole heir. I shall carry with me to the other world the satisfaction of making one man.

Question 1. What did he repent of?
Answer: Uncle Philip repented of his past unkindness and bad actions towards his family. He regretted his "wickedness" and wanted to leave a positive memory behind, especially by benefiting one family member before he died.
In simple words: He felt sorry for being mean and unkind to his family members.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify the specific word "wickedness" in the passage to understand what he repented of.

Question 2. What didn't he part with?
Answer: Uncle Philip did not part with his precious stones. He kept them throughout his life, intending for them to be inherited by his chosen heir. He never sold or gave away his valuable collection.
In simple words: He never gave away his valuable precious stones.

🎯 Exam Tip: The passage explicitly states, "I have never parted with my precious stones," which directly answers the question.

Question 3. Who would be his sole heir?
Answer: Tom, the narrator, would be Uncle Philip's sole heir. The uncle clearly states, "You are my sole heir," indicating that Tom was the only one chosen to inherit his property.
In simple words: Tom was going to be the only person to inherit everything from his uncle.

🎯 Exam Tip: The term "sole heir" directly points to the single person designated to receive the inheritance.

Question 4. What kind of satisfaction was he going to have?
Answer: Uncle Philip was going to have the satisfaction of making one man happy. By naming Tom as his sole heir and leaving him his precious stones, he hoped to bring joy and wealth to at least one family member, fulfilling his desire to be remembered positively.
In simple words: He was happy that he could make one person happy by leaving them his wealth.

🎯 Exam Tip: The phrase "the satisfaction of making one man" is key to understanding his desired feeling at the end of his life.

Question 5. Was he a poor man?
Answer: No, Uncle Philip was not a poor man. The passage states that the narrator would be "profitably surprised" and that he had never parted with his "precious stones," which implies significant wealth. He chose to live a simple life but had substantial assets.
In simple words: No, Tom's uncle was a rich man with many valuable stones, not a poor one.

🎯 Exam Tip: Look for clues about his financial status, such as the mention of "precious stones" and the expectation of a "profitable surprise."