Samacheer Kalvi Class 12 English Solutions Chapter 3 The Hour of Truth (Play)

Textual Questions:

 

Question 1. Rearrange the following sentences in a meaningful sequence and write the correct order.
a. Baldwin who returned home after meeting Gresham, informed his family that Gresham had offered a hundred thousand, if he would utter the words 'I don't remember in court, during the trial'.
b. The family members tried to justify Gresham's act and enticed Baldwin into accepting the money.
c. Thus 'The Hour of Truth' had dawned relieving Baldwin of the heavy burden and guilt.
d. Baldwin was an honest and upright man, working under John Gresham, in a bank.
e. To save Baldwin, Mr. Marshall, President of the Third National, visited him and informed him that Gresham had confessed his crime, in order to free him from betraying his trusted friend and testifying painfully against him.
f. Gresham and Baldwin had been thick friends for over 30 years and Baldwin had even named his son after Gresham.
g. Baldwin felt disgusted with himself and the attitude of his family members.
h. Gresham had been arrested for misappropriation of money at the bank and Baldwin was to testify against him.
i. Mr. Marshall also offered Baldwin a job in his bank, to reward him for his honesty and integrity.
j. The family members who were initially against Gresham, changed their mind on hearing the huge sum offered by him.
Answer:
1. d. Baldwin was an honest and upright man, working under John Gresham, in a bank.
2. f. Gresham and Baldwin had been thick friends for over 30 years and Baldwin had even named his son after Gresham.
3. a. Baldwin who returned home after meeting Gresham, informed his family that Gresham had offered a hundred thousand, if he would utter the words 'I don't remember in court, during the trial'.
4. h. Gresham had been arrested for misappropriation of money at the bank and Baldwin was to testify against him.
5. j. The family members who were initially against Gresham, changed their mind on hearing the huge sum offered by him.
6. g. Baldwin felt disgusted with himself and the attitude of his family members.
7. e. To save Baldwin, Mr. Marshall, President of the Third National, visited him and informed him that Gresham had confessed his crime, in order to free him from betraying his trusted friend and testifying painfully against him.
8. b. The family members tried to justify Gresham's act and enticed Baldwin into accepting the money.
9. i. Mr. Marshall also offered Baldwin a job in his bank, to reward him for his honesty and integrity.
10. c. Thus 'The Hour of Truth' had dawned relieving Baldwin of the heavy burden and guilt.
In simple words: The story starts by introducing Baldwin and his friendship with Gresham. Then it moves to Gresham's crime, his offer to Baldwin, and Baldwin's family's reaction. Next, Mr. Marshall's visit reveals Gresham's confession and Baldwin's reward, showing how Baldwin's honesty was finally recognized.

🎯 Exam Tip: When rearranging sentences, look for logical connectors, time sequences, and cause-and-effect relationships to build a coherent narrative. Start with an introduction and end with a conclusion.

 

Summary:

Robert Baldwin was an honest bank employee who worked for John Gresham. Gresham and Baldwin had been close friends for over 30 years, and Baldwin had even named his son after Gresham. One day, Baldwin came home after meeting Gresham and told his family that Gresham offered him a large sum of money to say "I don't remember" in court during the trial. Gresham had been arrested for misusing bank money, and Baldwin was supposed to be a witness against him. The family members first supported Gresham, but then they changed their minds when they heard about the large amount of money offered. They tried to make Baldwin accept the money. Baldwin felt very upset with himself and his family for their greed. To help Baldwin, Mr. Marshall, who was the president of another bank, visited him. Marshall told Baldwin that Gresham had admitted his crime. This freed Baldwin from having to betray his friend and testify against him. Mr. Marshall also offered Baldwin a job at his bank because of his honesty and strong principles. This way, 'The Hour of Truth' arrived, taking away Baldwin's heavy worries and guilt.
In simple words: Baldwin, an honest man, worked for his friend Gresham. Gresham, caught for fraud, offered Baldwin money to lie in court. Baldwin's family urged him to take it, making him sad. But then, another bank president, Mr. Marshall, told Baldwin that Gresham had confessed, clearing Baldwin's name and offering him a new job for his honesty.

🎯 Exam Tip: A good summary condenses the main events and character developments of a story, focusing on the essential plot points without adding new details. Use concise sentences to explain the core idea of each paragraph.

 

Question 2. Answer the following questions in one or two sentences each:

 

Question a. Why did Baldwin meet Gresham?
Answer: Baldwin met Gresham because Gresham had asked him to come before the trial, which was set for the very next day. This meeting was important to discuss the upcoming court case.
In simple words: Baldwin met Gresham because Gresham wanted to talk to him before the court trial the next day.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always identify the direct reason mentioned in the text for any action. For "why" questions, state the cause clearly.

 

Question b. What made Martha withdraw her money from the bank?
Answer: Martha felt that Baldwin was not telling her enough about his business matters. She also thought he would not ask her to take her money out of the bank because it seemed disloyal to Mr. Gresham. This concern led her to withdraw her money from the bank. It showed she valued her own financial security.
In simple words: Martha withdrew her money because Baldwin didn't share much about his business and she thought he would not ask her to pull money out of the bank due to loyalty to Gresham.

🎯 Exam Tip: When answering about character motivations, explain both the character's feelings and the specific actions those feelings led to, as shown in the text.

 

Question c. How is Martha's strong conviction in Baldwin's integrity revealed?
Answer: During a family discussion, Martha strongly defended Mr. Baldwin's honesty, acting like a fierce protector. She told her son John Gresham Baldwin and daughter Evie that their father was an honorable man and had no involvement in the bank's downfall. Her firm belief in his character was unwavering. She used strong words to convey her trust.
In simple words: Martha showed her strong belief in Baldwin's honesty by fiercely defending him to her children, saying he was upright and not involved in the bank's problems.

🎯 Exam Tip: To show conviction, look for words and actions that express strong belief, such as defending someone vigorously or making clear statements of trust.

 

Question d. What had Donovan told John?
Answer: Donovan told John that no one knew anything was wrong until the bank suddenly failed. He also mentioned that he had worked there for eight years, indicating how unexpected the crash was. This highlights the sudden nature of the crisis.
In simple words: Donovan told John that no one expected the bank crash, and it happened very suddenly.

🎯 Exam Tip: For recall questions, directly state the information given by the specific character mentioned, focusing on key facts.

 

Question e. John feels Gresham deserves punishment, why?
Answer: John believes Gresham deserves punishment because he paid his staff, including Baldwin, only 60 dollars per week for the past 20 years. During this time, Gresham became very rich. John felt Gresham's underpayment of his staff, while getting rich himself, was wrong and unfair. This showed a significant moral failing.
In simple words: John felt Gresham should be punished because he became rich while paying his employees, like Baldwin, very little for many years.

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining why a character feels a certain way, always link their emotion or belief to specific actions or facts from the story.

 

Question f. What was Baldwin's advice to Gresham?
Answer: Baldwin advised Gresham not to misuse the money belonging to the bank's depositors. He told Gresham to repay the people, otherwise, the bank would have to close. Baldwin wanted Gresham to do the right thing and be responsible. His advice aimed to prevent further damage and uphold moral standards.
In simple words: Baldwin told Gresham not to steal the depositors' money and to repay them, otherwise the bank would close.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the core message of the advice given by a character, stating both the instruction and the reason or consequence.

 

Question g. What did Gresham want Baldwin to do? Gresham wanted Baldwin not to witness against him by saying 'I don't remember'.
Answer: Gresham wanted Baldwin to say three simple words, "I don't remember," in court. He hoped Baldwin would say this when the lawyer or judge asked about the technical details and dates of the bank's affairs. If Baldwin did this, Gresham would not be charged with a crime, and Baldwin would receive one hundred thousand dollars. This bribe was meant to silence Baldwin.
In simple words: Gresham wanted Baldwin to say "I don't remember" in court so he would not be charged, and in return, Baldwin would get a lot of money.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay attention to specific phrases or actions a character requests. When money is involved, clarify the purpose of the payment.

 

Question h. Explain the significance of the words 'I don't remember'.
Answer: The phrase "I don't remember" is very important in the story. It shows that Gresham wanted Baldwin to pretend to have a bad memory during the trial. Gresham thought this would help him avoid jail, as there would be no strong evidence against him. So, these three words were key to Gresham's plan to escape punishment. They represented a moral compromise and a betrayal of truth. The phrase was a tool for deceit.
In simple words: The words "I don't remember" are important because they were Gresham's plan for Baldwin to lie in court, helping Gresham avoid jail by making it seem like there was no evidence.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked about the "significance" of words or phrases, explain their deeper meaning, how they affect the plot, and what they reveal about the characters.

 

Question i. Why does John turn wild bearing that Gresham had offered his father money?
Answer: John became very agitated and upset, trying to convince Mr. Baldwin that accepting the offered money was not wrong. He argued that it was like helping a friend, especially since Gresham's name was also his son's name. John felt that if someone with his own name went to jail, his reputation would also be damaged. His reaction came from a mixture of loyalty, self-interest, and a flawed understanding of integrity. He was worried about social standing. John wanted to protect the family name and believed the money could be justified.
In simple words: John got angry and tried to convince Baldwin to take the money, saying it was a way to help a friend and protect their family name from being shamed if Gresham went to jail.

🎯 Exam Tip: When analyzing a character's "wild" or strong reaction, explain the underlying emotions and personal connections that drive their behavior.

 

Question j. What does John consider a technicality?
Answer: John did not want Gresham to go to jail because of his father's testimony. He believed that Gresham had not done anything truly wrong. According to John, what Gresham did was merely a "technicality," a small mistake or a minor detail. This view shows John's skewed moral compass and his desire to downplay Gresham's actions. He saw it as a clever accounting trick, not a real crime.
In simple words: John thought Gresham's actions were just a "technicality" or a small mistake, not a serious crime that deserved jail, because he wanted to protect Gresham.

🎯 Exam Tip: Distinguish between legal terms and a character's interpretation of those terms. Explain why the character uses certain words to describe a situation.

 

Question k. When would Baldwin part company with Gresham?
Answer: Baldwin, who was very loyal to Gresham for 35 years, decided he would stop being friends with Gresham the moment Gresham stopped being honest. For Baldwin, honesty was the most important thing in their relationship. This showed Baldwin's strong moral code. Friendship was conditional on integrity.
In simple words: Baldwin said he would stop being friends with Gresham if Gresham stopped being honest, as honesty was more important than their long friendship.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify the specific condition or breaking point a character sets for a relationship. This reveals their core values.

 

Question l. Why was John filled with shame?
Answer: John was filled with shame because he was named after Baldwin's friend, Gresham. He worried that if Gresham, a criminal, went to jail, John would also feel disgraced for sharing his name. The thought of bearing the name of a criminal was deeply embarrassing for him. This shows how much he cared about his reputation.
In simple words: John felt shame because he was named after Gresham, and he worried that if Gresham was a criminal, his own name would be shamed too.

🎯 Exam Tip: Connect shame or other strong emotions to how a character's identity or reputation is affected by others' actions.

 

Question m. How much did Gresham offer Baldwin for saving his skin and how did he justify that?
Answer: Gresham offered Baldwin one hundred thousand dollars to help him avoid punishment. Gresham tried to explain this money as a difference in salary that Baldwin should have received over the years. He made it seem like it was back pay, not a bribe, to make it sound fair. This was a clever but dishonest way to frame the offer.
In simple words: Gresham offered Baldwin one hundred thousand dollars to save himself. He said it was just unpaid salary for Baldwin, not a bribe.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly state the amount offered and the exact reason or justification given by the character. Note if the justification is deceptive.

 

Question n. What was Mr. Marshall's offer to Baldwin?
Answer: Mr. Marshall offered Baldwin a job at his bank, the Third International. This offer was a reward for Baldwin's honesty and strong moral character. It was a recognition of his integrity during a difficult time. This offer provided Baldwin with a dignified way forward.
In simple words: Mr. Marshall offered Baldwin a job at his bank, the Third International, because Baldwin showed great honesty.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify specific rewards or opportunities offered to a character, and explain the reason behind them as stated in the text.

 

Question o. How was Baldwin's honesty rewarded?
Answer: The morning after Gresham confessed, everyone learned about Baldwin's honesty. He was not only free from testifying but was also offered a new job at the Third International Bank by Mr. Marshall, as a reward for his strong moral values. This public recognition and new job were his rewards. His principled stand was ultimately acknowledged and compensated.
In simple words: Baldwin's honesty was rewarded when Gresham confessed, and Mr. Marshall offered Baldwin a job at his bank.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing how a character is rewarded, include both the immediate consequences and any longer-term benefits or recognition they receive.

 

Question 3. Based on your understanding of the play, complete the Graphic Organiser given below:
Answer:
Title: The Hour of Truth
Author: Percival Wilde
Setting: The play takes place in the living room of a small house. A family is waiting for their father to return. Outside, there are lightning flashes and a dark sky.
Characters: Robert Baldwin (the main character), Evie (his daughter), Martha (his wife), Mr. Marshall (bank president), and John (his son, named John Gresham Baldwin).
Theme: The play explores how money can corrupt people. It shows the effects of greed and how people might forget their morals when money is involved. Good actions are rewarded, and bad ones are punished.
Plot: Robert Baldwin, a secretary at a bank, works for Mr. Gresham. Mr. Gresham is now in jail for misusing money. Gresham offers Baldwin 100,000 dollars to lie in court by saying "I don't remember." The main part of the play is about how Baldwin's family reacts to this offer.
Climax: At the end, Mr. Gresham admits his guilt. He knew that Baldwin, being an honest man, would never give false testimony. Because of Baldwin's honesty, Mr. Marshall offers him a job at the Third International Bank.
Values highlighted in the play:
1. Honesty
2. Loyalty
3. Uprightness
4. Straightforwardness
5. Faithfulness.
In simple words: The play is about honesty and how money can change people. Baldwin, an honest bank worker, is offered a bribe to lie for his boss, Gresham. His family wants him to take the money, but he refuses. In the end, Gresham confesses, and Baldwin is rewarded with a new job for his integrity, showing that truth wins.

🎯 Exam Tip: When filling out a graphic organizer, provide concise and accurate information for each category. Use bullet points or short phrases for lists of values or characters to ensure clarity.

 

Question 4. Answer in a paragraph of about 150 words each:

 

Question a. Explain why Baldwin wished to attribute some credit to his friend Gresham.
Answer: Baldwin and Gresham were childhood friends who grew up together and went to school. Their friendship lasted for 35 years. Gresham was even present when Baldwin's son was baptized. Baldwin had hoped his son, John Gresham Baldwin, would live up to Gresham's good standing in life. Baldwin earned only 60 dollars a week as a Governor at the private bank Gresham founded. He accidentally found out that Gresham was cleverly taking money from deposits, but without actually causing any loss to the depositors. Baldwin was loyal to Gresham as long as he was honest. However, once Gresham strayed from honesty, Baldwin knew he would have to part ways with him too. Because of his strong moral character, Baldwin advised Gresham to close the bank and return the money to the customers. Even though Gresham was wrong, Baldwin valued their long friendship and the positive reputation Gresham once held, which made him want to credit his friend with good intentions initially. He saw a friend making bad choices, not an evil person. The Third National Bank was prepared to help reorganize the bank. Meanwhile, Gresham was arrested, but the court couldn't convict him due to a lack of evidence. If Baldwin testified, Gresham would be charged. Just before his arrest, Gresham offered Baldwin one hundred thousand dollars to simply say "I don't remember." He claimed this was the difference between his paid salary and what he truly deserved. Baldwin, though tempted, did not accept. Gresham understood Baldwin's refusal without further discussion, respecting his conscience. His family members, Martha, Evie, and John, saw Gresham's offer as a compliment worth a hundred thousand dollars. Baldwin himself valued Gresham's acknowledgment of his uprightness as more precious than the money itself. This shows the deep bond of their past despite current conflicts.
In simple words: Baldwin and Gresham were lifelong friends, and Baldwin even named his son after him. Despite Gresham's wrongdoings, Baldwin initially respected their past and Gresham's reputation. He valued Gresham's understanding of his honesty more than the bribe.

🎯 Exam Tip: For longer answers, structure your points logically, starting with the historical context, moving to the conflict, and explaining the character's nuanced feelings and actions. Use clear topic sentences for each new idea.

 

Question b. How did Martha and John react when they came to know that Baldwin had rejected the generous offer made by Gresham.
Answer: When Baldwin came home after meeting Gresham, he told his family about Gresham's offer of one hundred thousand dollars to say "I don't remember" in court. Both Martha and John were very excited and happy to hear about such a large sum of money. They saw it as a chance for their family to become rich. However, their happiness turned into anger and disappointment when they learned that Baldwin had rejected Gresham's generous offer. They believed Gresham had justified the money as compensation for Baldwin's low salary. They then began to pressure Baldwin to accept the bribe. John even accused Baldwin of betraying his close friend Gresham. He warned Baldwin that he would not find another job because he would be seen as a traitor. Baldwin felt ashamed by his family's greedy reaction. John kept forcing Baldwin to take the money Gresham offered. Therefore, Martha and John reacted in a very unfair way when Baldwin refused the offer, showing how easily they were swayed by the prospect of wealth. They prioritised financial gain over their father's integrity.
In simple words: When Baldwin told his family about Gresham's 100,000-dollar offer, Martha and John were very happy. But when they heard he rejected it, they became angry and tried to force him to take the money, accusing him of betraying Gresham and shaming the family.

🎯 Exam Tip: Describe how characters' emotions change in response to new information. Detail their initial reaction, the reason for their change, and the specific actions they take to influence others.

 

Question c. Is Baldwin really honest or does he maintain his honest fearing criticism? Why do you say so?
Answer: Baldwin was truly an upright and honest man throughout his life. Even though he was paid only 60 dollars a week at Gresham's private bank, he never complained. He did not ask for the small pay raises he received; Gresham gave them on his own. Baldwin was careful with money and his family admired him greatly – his wife Martha, son John Gresham Baldwin, and daughter Evie. Baldwin strongly believed that he was a role model for his children, which was more valuable than money. He confessed to his son that he would be deeply disturbed if he ever lost his family's respect, even for a large sum like one hundred thousand dollars. He truly was upright; the three words "I don't remember" would choke him. Only for a brief moment of frustration did it seem he feared criticism. However, his natural reaction to the bribe offer was to refuse it. His distress at his family's worldly expectations was clear. He did not even need to explain his feelings to Gresham, who understood without words that Baldwin's integrity could not be bought. His honesty was deeply ingrained, not just a fear of what others might say. It was a core part of who he was. This deep moral conviction defines his true character. Therefore, Baldwin was genuinely honest, not just fearing criticism.
In simple words: Baldwin was truly an honest man. He lived by strong principles, never complained about low pay, and valued his family's respect more than money. Although he briefly worried about criticism, his quick refusal of the bribe showed his deep, natural honesty, which Gresham himself understood.

🎯 Exam Tip: To answer whether a character is "really honest," look for consistent actions, internal thoughts, and how they behave when faced with temptation. Distinguish between fleeting fears and core values.

 

Question d. Sketch the character of (i) Robert Baldwin (ii) John Gresham.
Answer:
(i) Robert Baldwin: Robert Baldwin is the main character of this play. He lives a simple life with his wife Martha, his son John, and his daughter Evie. He works as the secretary of the national bank. He is a man of strong principles, honest, diligent, and hardworking. He has been working at the bank for more than 35 years. He maintains good relationships with his family members. Although he is a middle-aged man, he possesses many virtues. He is kind and loyal to others. Baldwin never compromises his morality. When his friend John Gresham was arrested for misusing bank funds, Baldwin refused to make any compromises. He was not upset when Gresham offered him a 10,000-dollar bribe to say "I don't remember" in court. This shows his strong moral character and honesty, which also earns him a promotion at the Third International Bank. His integrity is unwavering.
(ii) John Gresham: Mr. Gresham is the president of the National Bank. He is dishonest from the beginning of the story. He truly represents the new American obsession with money. He takes money dishonestly from his own bank. His attitude towards money is very selfish. He is willing to do anything to hide his corrupt nature and is ready to give and take bribes. However, by the end, he starts to change due to his friend Baldwin's powerful and truthful stance. He begins to become a better person, which shows he has the potential for honesty. His initial actions highlight the dangers of unchecked greed.
In simple words: (i) Robert Baldwin is the honest, principled, and loyal main character who refuses bribes despite family pressure. (ii) John Gresham is the corrupt bank president who loves money and is willing to bribe, but eventually starts to change because of Baldwin's strong character.

🎯 Exam Tip: When sketching characters, provide a comprehensive overview that includes their key traits, roles, relationships, and how they change or develop throughout the story. Use strong adjectives to describe their personality.

 

Question e. Who do you think exhibits true friendship Baldwin of Gresham? Justify your answer.
Answer: This question has no single right answer, as arguments can be made for both sides. Both Baldwin and Gresham show aspects of true friendship from their own perspectives. Baldwin is rich in virtues such as loyalty, honesty, financial prudence, and valuing human relationships. He has been loyal to Gresham through a thirty-five-year-long friendship. However, the moment Gresham's honesty falters, Baldwin also parts ways with him. The biggest compliment Baldwin receives is not from Martha, Evie, or John, but from Gresham himself. Gresham meets Marshall and confesses that Baldwin is an honest man whose integrity cannot be bought, even with one hundred thousand dollars. This shows Gresham still respects Baldwin's moral character, even in his own downfall. Gresham, by confessing, effectively shows Baldwin the right path, even though it means putting his own friends at risk. The ancient Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar states, "Friendship is not just for laughter and fun, but to correct a friend when they are wrong." Similarly, Baldwin compels Gresham to close the bank and ensure the deposits are returned honestly. He refuses to support friendship when a friend abandons honesty. His uncomfortable silence, rather than outright refusal, clearly conveys his unwillingness to accept the bribe. So, both characters show a form of true friendship towards each other. Baldwin's friendship is based on truth and moral integrity, while Gresham's later actions, spurred by Baldwin, reveal his underlying respect for Baldwin's moral compass. Baldwin, though losing his job, is richer than Gresham in terms of integrity and honesty. This makes Baldwin the one who truly embodies friendship based on principles.
In simple words: Both Baldwin and Gresham show friendship. Baldwin shows true friendship by staying loyal while Gresham is honest, and then trying to correct him when he's wrong. Gresham, by confessing, also shows respect for Baldwin's honesty. Baldwin's friendship is based on truth, while Gresham's actions show he values Baldwin's integrity.

🎯 Exam Tip: For "who do you think" questions, present both sides of the argument fairly, providing evidence from the text for each. Conclude by stating your own reasoned opinion and justifying it with specific examples. Use philosophical quotes if relevant to enrich your answer.

 

Paragraph:

 

Introduction:

The play "The Hour of Truth" by Percival Wilde is a deep psychological study. It explores the negative effects of money and how it can corrupt people. The story makes us think about what is truly important in life. It shows the struggle between right and wrong. The play is set in a way that truly brings out the tension and moral choices. It forces characters and audience to confront their values.
In simple words: Percival Wilde's play "The Hour of Truth" deeply looks at how money corrupts people and makes them question their morals. It's a psychological story about choices.

🎯 Exam Tip: When writing an introduction to a summary, clearly state the title, author, and the main theme or central conflict of the play. Keep it concise yet engaging.

 

Life of Baldwin:

Robert Baldwin is a family man who lives with his wife, son, and daughter. He is a very honest and upright person. Baldwin works for John Gresham at a bank. He is actually Gresham's personal secretary. John Gresham and Baldwin have been close friends for over 30 years. Baldwin even named his son after Gresham, showing his deep bond with his friend. His life represents integrity. Baldwin's actions consistently show his strong moral character. He always tries to do the right thing, even when it's difficult. This long history of friendship and loyalty sets the stage for the moral dilemma he faces. His personal life is marked by virtue.
In simple words: Robert Baldwin is an honest and moral family man who is John Gresham's secretary. They've been close friends for 30 years, and Baldwin even named his son after Gresham.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing a character's life, include details about their family, profession, key relationships, and defining personality traits to paint a complete picture.

 

Bank Crash:

One day, Baldwin told his family that Gresham had offered him a hundred thousand dollars. This money was for him to say "I don't remember" in court during Gresham's trial. Gresham had been arrested for misusing bank funds. As Gresham's secretary, Baldwin was expected to testify against him. This situation put Baldwin in a tough position, caught between his loyalty to a friend and his duty to be truthful. The offer presented a huge moral challenge. The crash highlighted Gresham's deceit. It also showed Baldwin's difficult position as a key witness against his long-time friend. The amount of money offered was significant, making the temptation very real. This event serves as the central conflict of the story. The entire family is affected by this event.
In simple words: Gresham was arrested for bank fraud and offered Baldwin 100,000 dollars to lie in court. Baldwin, as Gresham's secretary, had to testify against him, creating a big moral problem.

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining a key event like a "bank crash," outline the cause, the main characters involved, and the immediate impact on the protagonist to set the scene effectively.

 

Greed of the family members:

Initially, Baldwin's family members were against Gresham. However, their minds quickly changed when they heard about the huge sum of money Gresham offered. The family members tried to justify Gresham's actions and pushed Baldwin to accept the money. Their attitude made Baldwin very sad and disgusted. They saw the money as a solution to their financial problems. This illustrates the corrupting power of money, even on those who initially seem upright. The family's reaction highlights a common human weakness when faced with substantial financial gain. They tried to rationalise the bribe. The thought of wealth overshadowed their moral judgment. Baldwin was shocked by their lack of principles, and this experience tested his resolve. His family members failed to stand with him in his moral struggle, choosing financial gain instead. Their greed created a deep conflict for Baldwin, forcing him to stand alone in his integrity. This also caused him to feel disappointed and alienated from his own family.
In simple words: Baldwin's family, initially against Gresham, changed their minds when they heard about the large sum of money. They tried to justify Gresham's actions and pressured Baldwin to accept the bribe, which deeply saddened and disgusted him.

🎯 Exam Tip: Analyze how secondary characters influence the protagonist and highlight themes. Focus on the transformation of their perspective and the motivations behind their actions.

 

Question 5. Provide the meaning for each of the following idioms:
(i) save one's skin
(ii) make both ends meet
(iii) a bolt out of a clear sky
(iv) have the whip hand
(v) under a cloud
Answer:
(i) To protect oneself from difficulty.
(ii) Manage one's expenses within one's income.
(iii) A sudden unexpected event or news.
(iv) To be the most powerful.
(v) Viewed with suspicion and distrust.
In simple words: Idioms are phrases that have a special meaning different from the individual words. Knowing these specific meanings helps you understand them correctly in context.

🎯 Exam Tip: When learning idioms, try to use each one in a sentence. This helps in understanding their meaning and how they fit naturally in conversation.

Speaking:

 

Question a. Imagine you are Baldwin and your partner is Gresham. Try your best to persuade your partner to confess the truth. Build a conversation describing how both of you would react in such a situation. Work in pairs: (Text Book Page No. 109)
Answer:
Baldwin: My dear Gresham, please confess in the court. You may be pardoned for your actions.
Gresham: No, Baldwin. If I confess, I will lose my good name among the clients.
Baldwin: No, honesty is always the best policy. Our clients will surely sympathize with you once they understand the whole situation.
Gresham: Listen! You have nothing to lose by helping me. After all, I will make up for any loss without anyone knowing.
Baldwin: Gresham, that is a different matter. By confessing, you will be held in high regard. People will respect your honesty.
Gresham: I doubt that.
Baldwin: Please, listen to me. We have been close friends for the past 30 years. You did the wrong thing because of difficult circumstances. I know you are a good man. Believe me. You will never lose your good reputation.
Gresham: Okay. I will think about it and meet you tomorrow.
Baldwin: I hope you will make the right decision.
In simple words: This is a role-play where Baldwin tries to convince Gresham to tell the truth. Baldwin believes honesty is important, while Gresham worries about losing his reputation. It shows the struggle between doing what is right and protecting one's image.

🎯 Exam Tip: When writing dialogues, make sure each character's lines reflect their personality and motivations clearly. Use simple language that flows naturally for a conversation.

 

Question b. 'A friend in need is a friend indeed'. Does this hold good in all situations? Share your views with your class.
Answer:
No, the saying 'A friend in need is a friend indeed' does not always hold true in every situation. When we face difficult personal times, our friends usually try their best to help us and might even take risks. However, when we face financial difficulties, friends might hesitate to help. This is often because their own family or parents may not be able to support them in such situations. Different circumstances can make people act in different ways. So, we should not always expect our friends to help us in every situation. It's important to understand their limits and not expect too much, as life's journey might not be interesting without friendship.
In simple words: A true friend helps when you need it most, but this is not always true, especially with money problems. Friends might not always be able to help with everything, so we should understand their limits.

🎯 Exam Tip: For opinion-based questions, always provide a clear stance (yes/no) and support it with logical reasons and examples. Avoid just stating an opinion without explanation.

ஆசிரியரைப் பற்றி:

(About the Author)

பெர்சிவெல் வைல்டு (Percival Wilde) (1887-1953) அமெரிக்காவைச் சார்ந்த கதாசிரியர் மற்றும் நாடக எழுத்தாளர் (playwright). இவர் புதினம் (novels), சிறுகதைகள் மற்றும் தனிநபர் நாடகம் ஆகியவற்றை எழுதியுள்ளார். The theatre arts என்னும் தலைப்பில் ஒரு புத்தகத்தையும் எழுதியுள்ளார். தன் சொந்த நியூயார்க் நகரில் உள்ள கொலம்பியா பல்கலைக்கழகத்தில் 1906 ஆம் ஆண்டு தன் பட்டப்படிப்பை முடித்தார்.

சில காலம் வங்கியாளராக (Banker) பணியாற்றினார். 1912 முதல் நாடகங்களை எழுதத் தொடங்கினார். வைல்டுவின் நாடகங்கள் மிகவும் புகழ் (popular) பெற்றவை. இவரின் படைப்புகள் அனைத்தும் வாழ்க்கையில் மதிப்பீடுகளை பிரதிபலிப்பதாகவும் தனி மனித வாழ்க்கையில் ஒளியேற்றுவதாகவும் அமைக்கப்பட்டு இருக்கும்.

The Hour of Truth இவரின் படைப்பிற்கு ஒரு சான்று. இதில் நாடகத்திற்கு தேவையான நேரம், இடம், நிகழ்வு ஆகியவை பின்பற்றப்பட்டுள்ளன. நாடகத்தின் உச்சக்கட்டம் மகிழ்ச்சி நிறைந்த வியப்பில் முடிகிறது.

கதையைப் பற்றி:

(About the Story)

இக்கதையில் ராபர்ட் பால்ட்வின் மற்றும் ஜான் கிரஸ்ஹாம் 35 ஆண்டுகளாக நண்பர்கள். பால்ட்வின் தன் மகனுக்கு தன் நண்பரின் பெயரைச் சூட்டினார். இருவரும் ஒரு வங்கியில் பணிபுரிகின்றனர். கிரெஷம் வங்கியில் மிகப்பெரிய தொகையை கையாடல் செய்ததால் கைது செய்யப்படுகிறார்.

வழக்கு விசாரணைக்கு அடுத்த நாள் இருந்தது. பால்ட்வின் முக்கிய சாட்சி. அவர் நீதிமன்றத்தில் "எனக்கு நினைவு இல்லை என்று சொல்வதற்கு கிரஸ்ஹாம் நூறு ஆயிரம் டாலர்கள் தருவதாக கூறினார். ஆனால் பால்ட்வின் உண்மையை விட்டு விலகவில்லை. ஆகவே அவர்கள் வேலையை செய்த வங்கி மூடப்பட்டது. வேலையையும் இழந்தான் பால்ட்வின்.

அவரின் மனைவியும் மகனும் பணம் வாங்க கட்டாயப்படுத்திய போதிலும் அவர் அப்படி செய்யவில்லை. மற்றொரு வங்கியான Third National Bank-ன் தலைவர் திரு. மார்ஷல் பால்ட்வின் வீட்டிற்கு வந்தார். அவர் கிரஸ்ஹாம் தன் குற்றத்தை ஒப்புக் கொண்டதாக சொன்னார். பின் அவரின் நேர்மைக்கு வெகுமதி அளிக்கும் விதமாக அவரின் வங்கியில் வேலையும் வழங்கினார். எப்படி பால்ட்வின் தன் நெருக்கடியிலிருந்து காப்பாற்றப்பட்டார் என்று விரிவாகக் காண்போம்.

The Hour of Truth (Play) Summary in Tamil

அது ஒரு சூடான (hot) மற்றும் புழுக்கமான (sultry) ஞாயிறு பிற்பகல், சூரியன் செங்குத்தாக தலைக்குமேல் இருந்தது மற்றும் காலுக்கு இரக்கமற்ற (merciless) காற்றில் உள்ள புழுதி கடுமையானது. தொலைவில், மேகங்கள் தங்களுடைய வெப்பத்திலிருந்து குறைந்து வருவதை உறுதிபடுத்தின. மற்றும் அந்த சிறிய கூடாரத்தின் ஜன்னல் அருகே பால்ட்வின் குடும்பத்தினர் அவரின் வருகைக்காக ஆவலுடன் காத்திருந்தனர்.

ஜான், பால்ட்வினின் மகன், 27 வயது மதிக்கத்தக்க ஒரு சாதாரண வாலிபன், ஒரு குழாயை புகைத்து (smoking a pipe) கொண்டு, இந்த நாள் வேறு எந்த நாளையும் விட முக்கியமானது போல் உணர்ந்தான். ஆனால், மார்த்தா, அவனுடைய அம்மா, கடந்த அரை-மணி நேரமாக ஏதோ செய்ய தொடங்கிவிட்டாள்.

மேலும் ஈவ், பால்ட்வினின் மகள், அவளுடைய பதட்டத்தை குறைக்க எந்த முயற்சியும் எடுக்கவில்லை. இதை பார்க்கும் போது, வீட்டில் உள்ள அமைதியான சூழ்நிலையை மாற்ற யாரும் முன்வரவில்லை. பத்து நிமிடங்களில் பத்தாவது முறையாக ஈவ் ஜன்னலுக்கு சென்று அந்த புழுக்கமான சாலையை பார்த்து கொண்டிருந்தாள்.

காட்சி : பால்ட்வின் வீடு:
மார்த்தா : அவர் வீட்டில் இருக்க வேண்டிய நேரம், இது.
ஈவ் : ஆமாம், அம்மா.
மார்த்தா : அவர் குடையை மறந்து வந்திருக்க மாட்டார் என நான் நம்புகிறேன், அவருக்கு அதை பின்னால் வைத்து விட்டு வரும் பழக்கம் இருந்தது.
ஈவ் : ஆமாம், அம்மா.
மார்த்தா : கண்டிப்பாக மழை வரும். நீ அப்படி நினைக்கவில்லையா ஈவ்?
ஈவ் : (சிறிய அமைதிக்கு பின்) அம்மா (அங்கு பதில் ஏதுமில்லை, மார்த்தா மல்ல திரும்பினாள்) இவரிடம் இருந்து திரு. கிரஸ்ஹாம்-ககு என்னதான் வேண்டுமாம்? அவர் ஏதேனும் தவறு செய்துவிட்டாரா?
மார்த்தா : (பொறுமையாக) உங்க அப்பாவா? இல்லை, ஈவ்.
ஈவ்: பின்பு ஏன் திரு. கிரஸ்ஹாம் இவரை வரச் சொல்லிருந்தார்?

நாம் இன்னும் அதிகமாக தெரிந்து கொள்வோம்:
வங்கியில் தவறு செய்ததற்காக சந்தேகத்தின் பேரில் கிரஸ்ஹாமை கைது செய்திருக்கின்றனர் என்பதை மார்த்தா மற்றும் ஈவ் கேள்விபட்டிருந்தனர். அந்த செய்தியை கேட்டதும் இருவரும் கோபமும் மற்றும் அதிர்ச்சியும் அடைந்தனர்.

மார்த்தா : அவர் இவரிடம் பேச வேண்டும் என சொன்னார்.
ஈவ் : எதைப் பற்றி? திரு. கிரஸ்ஹாம் கைதாகிவிட்டார். நாளைக்கு, அவர்கள் அவரை சிறையில் அடைத்துவிடுவர். அவருக்கு அப்பாவிடம் இருந்து என்னதான் வேண்டும்?
மார்த்தா : உன்னுடைய அப்பா தான் சாட்சி சொல்ல வேண்டும்.
ஈவ் : ஆனால், இவர் திரு. கிரஸ்ஹாம்க்கு எதிராக அல்லவா சாட்சி சொல்ல போகிறார். ஏன் திரு.கிரேஸ்ஹாம் இவரை பார்க்க வேண்டும்?
மார்த்தா : எனக்கு தெரியாது, ஈவ், உங்க அப்பா, அவருடைய தொழில் சம்பந்தப்பட்ட விஷயத்தை சொல்ல மாட்டார் என்பது உனக்கு தெரியும் (அவர் மொளனமாக இருந்தாள்).

வங்கியில் தவறு நடந்ததை செய்திதாளில் பார்க்காதிருந்தால் எனக்கும் தெரிந்திருக்காது. உன் அப்பா என்னுடைய பணத்தை எடு என்று சொன்னதே கிடையாது. அது திரு. கிரேஸ்ஹாம்க்கு விசுவாசமாக இருக்காது என அவர் எண்ணினார். (ஈவ் தலையசைத்தாள்). அவருடைய விருப்பத்திற்கு மாறாகத்தான் நான் இதை செய்தேன், என நான் சந்தேகிக்கிறேன்.

ஈவ் : (சிறிய அமைதிக்கு பின்) அதை.... அதை வைத்துக் கொண்டு அப்பா எதுவும் செய்யவில்லை என நீங்கள் நினைக்கிறீர்கள் (அவள் அதைப்பற்றி பேச விரும்பவில்லை).
மார்த்தா : வங்கியின் திவால் ஆன நிலை என்ன? உனக்கு அதைவிட அவரை நன்றாக தெரியும், ஈவ்.
ஈவ் : ஆனால், என்ன நடந்து கொண்டிருக்கின்றது என்பது அவருக்கு தெரியாது. அல்லவா?
மார்த்தா : (சிறிய அமைதிக்கு பின்) ஈவ், உன்னுடைய அப்பா அவருடைய வாழ்க்கையில் இதுவரை எந்த தவறும் செய்ததாக நான் நம்பவில்லை, ஏனென்றால் அது தவறு என்று அவருக்கு தெரியாமல் கூட இருந்திருக்கலாம். அவர் தற்செயலாக இதை கண்டுபிடித்துள்ளார். திரு.கிரஸ்ஹாம் என்ன செய்து கொண்டிருந்தார் என கண்டுபிடித்துள்ளார்.
ஈவ் : உங்களுக்கு எப்படி அது தெரியும்?
மார்த்தா : எனக்கும் தெரியாது. அவர் சொன்னதை வைத்து நான் சந்தேகிக்கிறேன். இங்க பால்ட்வின் எந்த தவறும் செய்திருக்க மாட்டார்.

ஈவ் : (மெதுவாக) இல்லை. அவர்கள் அவரை குற்றம் சாட்டவில்லை. ஏனென்றால் திரு. கிரஸ்ஹாம்க்கு எதிராக சாட்சி சொல்ல வேண்டும் என்று அவர் நினைக்கிறார்கள். அதுதான், கொஞ்சம் ஆறுதலாக இருக்கிறது, அம்மா.
ஜான் : இங்க பாருங்க அம்மா, கிரஸ்ஹாம்க்கு நம் தலைவரிடத்தில் என்ன வேண்டும்?
ஈவ் : நானும் அதைப்பற்றி தான் கேட்டு கொண்டு இருக்கிறேன்.
மார்த்தா : எனக்கு தெரியவில்லை, ஜான்.
ஜான் : நீங்கள் அவரிடம் கேட்கவில்லையா?
மார்த்தா : ஆமாம் அவரிடம் கேட்டேன், அவர் எதுவும் தெரிந்திருக்கும் என நான் நினைக்கவில்லை.

ஜான் : (ஒரு சிறிய சிந்தனைக்கு பின்) நேற்று, நான் அங்குள்ள உதவி காசாளரிடம் பேசிக்கொண்டிருந்தேன்.
ஈவ் : டோனோவன்?
ஜான் : ஆமாம், டோனோவன் நான் அவரை தடகள சங்கத்தில் சந்தித்தேன். அந்த வியந்து வரும் வரை யாருக்கும் எந்த சிந்தனையும் இல்லை என அவர் சொன்னார். எட்டு வருடங்களாக, டோனோவன் அங்கு தான் வேலை செய்கிறார். தன்னுடைய பாதி வாழ்க்கை இந்த வேலை பார்த்து கொள்ளும் என நினைத்திருந்தார். இதை வைத்து திருமணமும் செய்து கொண்டார். அதற்கு பின், காலையில் கதவை தட்டும் சத்தம் கேட்டது. அது ஒரு இன்ப அதிர்ச்சியாக இருந்தது.

திரு. கிரஸ்ஹாம் கைதுக்கு அப்புறம், டோனோவன் என்ற மற்றொரு வங்கி ஊழியரும் தன்னுடைய வேலையை இழந்துவிட்ட செய்தியை ஈவ் மற்றும் மார்த்தா கேள்விபட்டனர்.

ஜான் : தலைவருக்கும் இது தெரிந்திருக்கும் என அவர் சொன்னார். அவர் உறுதியாக சொல்வார் வேறுயாரும் செய்திருக்க மாட்டார் என்று. இங்க பாருங்க, மற்றவர்களைவிட அப்பா, கிரஸ்ஹாம் உடன் நெருக்கமாக இருந்தார். அது தான் அவரை ஒரு நல்ல இடத்தில் வைத்தது, இல்லையா?
மார்த்தா : நீ என்ன சொல்கிறாய், ஜான்?
ஜான் : ஜான் கிரஸ்ஹோமுக்கு எதிராக இருக்கும் ஒரே சாட்சி அப்பாதான், அவருடைய அடுத்த பெயர் தான் எனக்கும் வைக்கப்பட்டது! உங்களுக்கு சேவை செய்ய தான் இந்த ஜான்.
மார்த்தா : உங்க அப்பா அவருடைய வேலையை செய்வார் ஜான், அதனால் என்ன வந்தாலும் பரவாயில்லை.

ஜான் : (உடனடியாக) அது எனக்கும் தெரியும். எது சரி என்று என்னால் உறுதியாக சொல்ல முடியவில்லை. (இருவரும் அவனை ஏதோ கேள்வி கேட்பதை போல் பார்த்தனர்). இருபது வருடத்தில் பணக்காரரான ஜான் கிரஸ்ஹாம் இருக்கிறார், மற்றும் அவருக்கு செயலாளராக இருந்தது, நம் தலைவர் வாரம் அறுபது டாலர் பெறுகிறார்!
மார்த்தா : உன்னுடைய அப்பா ஒருபோதும் குறை சொல்லியதில்லை.
ஜான் : இல்லை, அது அவர் மீது கொண்ட இரக்கத்தினால் இருக்கும். அவர் குறை சொல்லியதில்லை. நன்று, அவருடைய வாய்ப்பு நாளை இருக்கின்றது. அவர் அந்த கூண்டிற்கு செல்வார் மற்றும் அவர் சொல்வதை வைத்து, இனிமேல் வேறயாரையும் காயப்படுத்த முடியாத ஓரிடத்தில் அவரை வைத்துவிடுவர். தன்னுடைய ஊழியர்களுக்கு குறைந்த ஊதியம் கொடுத்தும் திருப்தியடையாதவர், தன்னுடைய பங்குதாரர்களை சூறையாடி நினைப்பவர் நல்லது!

(அங்கே இருக்கும் latch key-ல் சத்தம் கேட்டது. ஈவ் கதவை நோக்கி நடந்தாள்).

ஜான் : ஹலோ, அப்பா!
பால்ட்வின் : என்னுடைய குழந்தாய்? நீ எப்படி இருக்கிறாய்? (ஜானுடன் தன் கையை குலுக்கினான்) ஈவ்.... (அவர் அவளை முத்தமிட்டார்).
ஜான் : நல்லது, அப்பா? நீங்கள் எங்களிடம் ஏதாவது சொல்ல வேண்டிய நேரம் இது என்று நீங்கள் நினைக்கிறீர்களா?
பால்ட்வின் : ஏதாவது சொல்ல வேண்டுமா? எனக்கு ஒன்றும் புரியவில்லை, ஜான்.
ஜான் : மக்கள் உங்களைப் பற்றி பேசிக் கொண்டிருக்கிறார்கள். இந்த விஷயங்களை பேசுகின்றனர்.

No questions formatted according to the specified rules (e.g., "Question N.") were found within the provided page range (pages 29-42). The content in this range consists primarily of narrative and dialogue in Tamil, which does not fit the defined question extraction format.

 

Question n. What was Mr. Marshall's offer to Baldwin?
Answer: Mr. Marshall offered Baldwin a job at his bank, which was called the Third National Bank. He did this to reward Baldwin for his honesty and strong moral standards. This generous offer acknowledged Baldwin's integrity.
In simple words: Mr. Marshall offered Baldwin a job at his bank as a reward for his honesty.

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining an offer, clearly state what was offered and the specific reason or quality for which it was given.

 

Question o. How was Baldwin's honesty rewarded?
Answer: The next morning, everyone learned about Baldwin's integrity because Gresham had confessed his crime. This public acknowledgment of Gresham's wrongdoing made Baldwin's honesty clear to the world. It was a clear vindication of his character.
In simple words: Baldwin's honesty was rewarded when Gresham confessed, which made everyone aware of Baldwin's truthfulness.

🎯 Exam Tip: When discussing a reward for honesty, ensure you link it directly to the action that proved the honesty, such as a confession.

 

Question 3. Based on your understanding of the play, complete the Graphic Organiser given below: (Text Book Page No. 108)
Answer:

Title: The Hour of Truth

Author: Percival Wilde

Setting: The play takes place in the living room of a small cottage. A family waits anxiously for the head of the family to return. The weather is stormy outside, with flashes of lightning and a dark sky, creating a tense atmosphere.

Characters: The main characters include Robert Baldwin, his wife Martha, their daughter Evie, their son John, and Mr. Marshall.

Theme: The play studies how money can corrupt people. It shows the impact of greed and how good actions are rewarded while bad ones are punished. It also highlights how easily people can forget their morals and values when tempted by money.

Plot: Mr. Robert Baldwin works at a bank for Mr. Gresham. Gresham is now in police custody for taking money illegally. He offers Baldwin 100,000 dollars as a bribe to say only three words: "I don't remember" during the trial. The main part of the play revolves around how Baldwin's family members react to this offer.

Climax: At the end of the story, Mr. Gresham admits his guilt. He realized that Baldwin, being an honest and upright man, would never give false testimony. Following this, Mr. Marshall offers Baldwin a job at his bank as a reward for his unwavering honesty.

Values Highlighted in the Play:

• Honesty
• Loyalty
• Uprightness
• Straightforwardness
• Faithfulness

In simple words: This play, "The Hour of Truth," by Percival Wilde, is set in a cottage and features characters like Baldwin, Gresham, and their families. Its core message is about money's corrupting influence. The story shows Gresham trying to bribe Baldwin to lie, but Baldwin stays honest, leading to Gresham's confession and Baldwin receiving a reward. The play emphasizes values like honesty and loyalty.

🎯 Exam Tip: When completing a graphic organizer for a play, ensure all factual details for each category (such as setting, characters, and plot points) are accurate and concise. List values clearly using bullet points for readability.