UP Board Solutions Class 12 English Chapter 2 A Fellow Traveller

Lesson at a Glance

A.G. Gardiner is one of the best essayists the world has ever had. He had the genius of describing ordinary things in an exceptionally interesting manner. The present story is an example of it.

Gardiner was travelling in a passenger train from London to a Midland Town. The passengers got down in ones and twos at the wayside stations, and in the end he was left alone in the compartment.

p>The sense of being alone in the compartment opened up a basketful of good things for Gardiner. Instead of feeling loneliness, he thought he could do anything he liked, he, could stand upwards on his head and nobody would see him. He could sing, dance, open or shut the windows but nobody would object it. But alas! a mosquito was disturbing him.

The mosquito fluttered, took a round in the compartment and sat on the nose of the writer. He flicked it off but it again sat on his nose after taking another round of the compartment. Then, it sat on the back of his hand and then on the newspaper he was reading. He warned the mosquito twice but in vain. Now, Gardiner decided to kill it. He adopted many tactics to get hold and kill the mosquito, but every time it escaped. At last Gardiner began to enter into the spirit of a fellow mosquito. It was no more a mere insect for him. He realised that he and the mosquito were fellow mortals in this world. But by chance they had become fellow-travellers that night.

Gardiner concludes that we take birth but we do not know from where we have come. This remains a mystery. Our life in this world is very short yet it is full of wonders. We have to struggle hard to live for this short period. Then, we go away from this world our own way.

पाठ का हिन्दी अनुवाद

(1) I do not ………….. even D.O.R.A. मैं नहीं जानता कि हममें से कौन डिब्बे में पहले सवार हुआ। वास्तव में, मैं यह भी नहीं जानता था कि वह कुछ समय के लिए डिब्बे में था। यह लन्दन से मिडलैंड टाउन को जाने वाली अन्तिम गाड़ी थी, एक अत्यन्त धीमी गति से चलने वाली गाड़ी और ऐसा लगता था कि सम्भवतः यात्रा कभी समाप्त ही नहीं होगी। जब वह चली थी तब इसमें बहुत अधिक भीड़ न थी किन्तु ज्यों ही यह उपनगरीय स्टेशनों पर रुकती थी तब एक-एक या दो-दो यात्री नीचे उतर जाते थे, किन्तु जैसे ही हम लन्दन के बाहरी क्षेत्र से आगे बढ़े, तब डिब्बे में मैं अकेला ही था।

रात्रि के समय जो डिब्बा शोर करता हुआ झटके ले रहा हो उसमें अकेले यात्रा करना स्वतन्त्रता का आनन्द देता है। वहाँ बहुत प्रकार से स्वतन्त्रता का सुखद आभास होता है। आप अपनी पसन्द का कोई भी कार्य कर सकते हैं। आप स्वयं से जितनी जोर से चाहें बातें कर सकते हैं और कोई भी व्यक्ति आपको सुनेगा नहीं। आप जॉन (अपने काल्पनिक शत्रु) से सफलतापूर्वक लड़ सकते हैं और बिना किसी जवाबी हमले के भय के आप उसे मिट्टी में लुढ़का सकते हैं। आप अपने सिर के बल खड़े हो सकते हैं। दो कदम नाच सकते हैं। गोल्फ का अभ्यास कर सकते हैं या बिना किसी रोक-टोक के फर्श पर कंचे खेल सकते हैं या उसे बन्द कर सकते हैं। आप दोनों खिड़की खोल सकते हैं या दोनों बन्द कर सकते हैं। आप कोई भी कोना चुन सकते हैं। और बारी-बारी से सारे कार्य कर सकते हैं। आप गद्दों पर लम्बे-लम्बे लेट सकते हैं और सारे नियमों को तोड़ सकते हैं। सम्भवतः अंग्रेजों के सुरक्षा कानूनों को भी।

(2) On this ………….. humiliated me. इस रात मैंने कोई कार्य नहीं किया। वे बातें मेरे मन में भी नहीं आईं। जो कुछ मैंने किया वह बहुत साधारण बात थी। जब मेरा अन्तिम साथी यात्री भी चला गया तब मैंने अपना अखबार रख दिया। अपने हाथ और पैर फैलाए, खड़ा हो गया और शान्त गर्मियों की रात्रि को खिड़की के बाहर झाँककर देखा जिसमें मैं यात्रा कर रहा था और दिन की धुंधली रोशनी को देखा जो अब भी आकाश में उत्तर की ओर थी। मैं डिब्बे के इस पार से उस पार तक गया और दूसरी खिड़की में से बाहर देखा, एक सिगरेट जलाई, बैठ गया और फिर पढ़ने लगा। उस समय मैं अपने साथी यात्री से सावधान हो गया। वह आया और मेरी नाक पर बैठ गया। वह उन कीड़े-मकोड़ों में से एक था जिन्हें हम यों ही मच्छर कह देते हैं। वह पंख वाला, तेज डंक वाला तथा निर्भीक था। मैंने उसे अपनी नाक पर से हटा दिया। उसने

Question 1. He toured the compartment...... neck.
Answer: डिब्बे का दौरा किया । उसकी लम्बाई, चौड़ाई तथा ऊँचाई का निरीक्षण किया । प्रत्येक खिड़की को देखा। रोशनी के चारों ओर पंख फड़फड़ाए, उसने निश्चय कर लिया कि कोने में बैठे हुए मुझ जैसे बड़े प्राणी से अधिक मनोरंजक वस्तु उसके लिए और नहीं है, वह आया और उसने मेरी गर्दन पर निगाह डाली । यह छोटा सा जीव लेखक के धैर्य की परीक्षा ले रहा था।
In simple words: The mosquito flew around the train compartment and decided that the writer was the most interesting thing to examine, so it landed on his neck.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on translating key terms accurately, such as 'investigated' to 'निरीक्षण किया' and 'compartment' to 'डिब्बे'.

 

Question 2. I flicked him off...... humiliated.
Answer: मैंने उसे फिर झटके से हटा दिया । वह उड़ गया, पूरे डिब्बे का दूसरा दौरा किया, वापस लौटा और धृष्टता से मेरे हाथ के पीछे बैठ गया । मैंने कहा, “यह काफी है। उदारता की भी सीमा होती है। तुम्हें दो बार चेतावनी दी गई है कि मैं एक विशेष व्यक्ति हूँ, मुझे पसन्द नहीं है कि कोई अपरिचित व्यक्ति मेरे शरीर पर गुदगुदाए। मैं अब स्वयं को एक जज मानता हूँ जो किसी कैदी को मौत का दण्ड सुनाता है। मैं तुम्हें मृत्यु दण्ड देता हूँ। यही न्याय की माँग है और अदालत का यह आदेश है। तुम्हारे विरुद्ध बहुत-से आरोप हैं। तुम आवारा हो, तुम लोक कंटक हो, तुम बिना टिकट के यात्रा कर रहे हो, तुम्हारे पास मीट कूपन भी नहीं है अर्थात् तुम्हें किसी को खून चूसने का अधिकार नहीं है। इन सभी और अनेक अन्य जुर्मों के कारण तुम अब मरने वाले हो ।” मैंने अपने सीधे हाथ से बहुत तेज घातक घूसा मारा । वह बड़ी चालाकी से मेरे मुक्के से बचकर भाग गया और मैंने स्वयं को बड़ा अपमानित अनुभव किया । लेखक का यह क्रोध केवल तात्कालिक था क्योंकि वह वास्तव में उस जीव को नुकसान नहीं पहुँचाना चाहता था।
In simple words: The author repeatedly tried to wave the mosquito away, but it kept coming back. Out of anger, the author jokingly sentenced it to death like a judge, but his attempt to hit it failed completely.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember to capture the humorous tone of the author when he compares himself to a judge sentencing the mosquito.

 

Question 3. My personal ………….. I s it.
Answer: मेरा व्यक्तिगत अभिमान जाग्रत हो गया । मैं अपना पैंसा तानकर तथा अखबार लेकर आगे बढ़ा । मैं अपनी सीट पर कूदा और लैम्प के चारों ओर उसका पीछा किया । मैंने बिल्ली जैसी चतुराई की चालें अपनाईं, जब तक वह नीचे उतरा मैंने उसकी प्रतीक्षा की एवं चुपचाप आगे बढ़ा और अचानक तेजी से एवं भयंकर ढंग से उस पर वार किया । यह भी व्यर्थ रहा । वह मेरे साथ इस प्रकार खेला जैसे कोई साँड से कुश्ती लड़ने वाला व्यक्ति क्रोधित साँड के चारों ओर चतुराई से घूमता है तथा उससे निपटता है। यह स्पष्ट हो गया था कि यह अपना मनोरंजन कर रहा था और इसी कारण उसने मेरी शान्ति को भंग किया था । वह थोड़ा खेलना चाहता था और ऐसा खेल कि इतने बड़े और भारी प्राणी के चारों ओर घूम-फिरकर जो इतना अच्छा लगता है और इतना निःसहाय और मूर्ख दिखाई देता था । मैंने अब समझने की कोशिश आरम्भ कर दी । वह अब केवल एक कीड़ा-मकोड़ा ही नहीं था । वह ऐसा बुद्धिमान व्यक्ति होता जा रहा था जो मेरी बराबरी के आधार पर ही उस डिब्बे पर अपना अधिकार रखता था । मैंने उसकी ओर स्नेह का अनुभव किया और मेरी महानता की भावना गायब होने लगी । मैं अपने आपको उस प्राणी से महान् कैसे मान सकता था जो स्पष्ट रूप से उस प्रतियोगिता में मेरा स्वामी था जिसमें हम इतनी देर से लगे थे। फिर क्यों न मैं विशाल हृदय वाला बनूं। विशाल हृदय तथा दया मनुष्य के दो सबसे अच्छे लक्षण हैं। इन्हीं दोनों गुणों के अभ्यास से मैं अपने सम्मान को पुनः प्राप्त कर सकता हूँ। इस समय मैं एक हँसी-मजाक की वस्तु था, दयावान होकर मैं मनुष्य के नैतिक सम्मान को पुनः प्राप्त कर सकता हूँ और सम्मान के साथ अपने कोने में जा सकता हूँ। अपनी सीट पर वापस आकर मैंने कहा कि मैं मृत्यु-दण्ड वापस लेता हूँ। मैं तुम्हें नहीं मार सकता, किन्तु मैं तुम्हारे मृत्यु-दण्ड को क्षमा कर सकता हूँ। मैं ऐसा कर रहा हूँ। इस प्रकार लेखक के मन में अहंकार का स्थान सहानुभूति और दया ने ले लिया।
In simple words: The author's pride was hurt, so he tried to hunt the mosquito like a cat, but failed. He realized the mosquito was just playing with him and showing intelligence, which made the author feel respect and affection for it, leading him to withdraw the death sentence.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight the transition in the author's feelings from anger and humiliation to respect and mutual coexistence.

 

Question 4. I took up my ………….. round the lamp.
Answer: मैंने अखबार उठाया और वह आकर इस पर बैठ गया । मैंने कहा, ऐ मूर्ख साथी, तुमने स्वयं को मेरे हवाले कर दिया है । मैं इस सम्मानित साप्ताहिक-पत्र के दोनों पन्नों को यदि जोर से बन्द करूँ जैसे चाँटे की आवाज होती है तब तुम दो लेखों के बीच कुचले जाओगे और मर जाओगे, एक लेख ‘Peace Traps’ और दूसरा “The Modesty of Mr Hughes. किन्तु मैं ऐसा नहीं करूंगा । मैंने तुम्हें मृत्यु-दण्ड से क्षमा किया है और मैं तुम्हें इस बात से सन्तुष्ट कर दूंगा कि मैं जो कहता हूँ वही करता हूँ। इसके अतिरिक्त मैं तुम्हें मारना भी नहीं चाहता । तुम्हें भली प्रकार जान-पहचानकर, मैं तुमसे स्नेह करने लगा हूँ। मैं कल्पना करता हूँ कि सेंट फ्रांसिस भी तुम्हें छोटा भाई ही मानता है। मैं इतनी उदारता तथा विनम्रता नहीं दिखा सकता, किन्तु मैं तो इससे भी दूर का रिश्ता पहचानता हूँ। संयोग से हम इस गर्मियों की रात्रि में साथी यात्री बन गये हैं। मैंने तुम्हारा मनोरंजन किया और तुमने मेरा। हमारे अहसान पारस्परिक हैं और इस सत्य पर आधारित हैं कि हम दोनों ही नश्वर प्राणी हैं। हमारे जीवन का आश्चर्य और रहस्य समान है। मैं मानता हूँ कि तुम अपनी यात्रा के विषय में कुछ नहीं जानते। मुझे यह भी निश्चय नहीं है कि अपनी यात्रा के बारे में मैं अधिक जानता हूँ। वास्तव में, जब तुम यह सोचोगे तो पाओगे कि हम दोनों एक-दूसरे के ही समान हैं-केवल भूत, यह विचार हमें सभी जीवित प्राणियों के प्रति सम्मान और संवेदनशीलता रखने की सीख देता है।
In simple words: The mosquito sat on the author's newspaper, giving him an easy chance to kill it, but he chose to spare its life. He accepted the mosquito as a fellow mortal traveler on the journey of life, sharing a mutual bond of companionship.

🎯 Exam Tip: Emphasize the philosophical realization of the author that both humans and insects are mortal companions sharing the mystery of life.

Understanding the Text

Explanations

Explain one of the following passages with reference to the context :

 

Question (1). I do not know ………….. I was alone.
Or
I do not know ………….. eternity. [2015]
Answer:
Reference: These lines have been taken from the lesson ‘A Fellow-traveller’ written by a famous English essayist A.G. Gardiner.
Context: This delightful essay is about an encounter between a mosquito and the author who were travelling in the same compartment of a train.
Explanation: The writer was travelling by a passenger train and was left alone in the carriage as all other passengers had alighted from it on the way side stations. It was the last suburban train from London to a Midland town. When the train left the outer ring of London behind, the writer was the only passenger in the compartment and only then he realized that he was alone. This realization brought a sense of complete solitude in the quiet night.
In simple words: The author was traveling on the last train from London and became completely alone in his compartment after all other passengers got off. This made him realize his solitude.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always mention the correct name of the chapter and the author in the reference section to secure full marks.

 

Question (2). There is a pleasant ………….. anything you like. [2011, 18]
Answer:
Reference: These lines have been taken from the lesson ‘A Fellow-traveller’ written by a famous English essayist A.G. Gardiner.
Context: The writer was travelling by a train and was left alone in the carriage as all other passengers had alighted from it.
Explanation: The writer says that travelling in a carriage, all alone, which is moving along jerkily at night making much noise is a unique experience. It gives you pleasure of personal liberty. This liberty is altogether unchecked and is infact very pleasing. You are free to do whatever you like. This freedom allows you to behave exactly as you wish without any social restrictions.
In simple words: Traveling alone in a train compartment at night gives you complete freedom. You can do whatever you want because there is no one around to judge or stop you.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight key terms like 'personal liberty' and 'unchecked freedom' when explaining this passage to impress the examiner.

 

Question (3). I flicked him off my nose ………….. took at my neck. [2009]
Or
He was one of ………….. at my neck. [2015]
Answer:
Reference: These lines have been taken from the lesson ‘A Fellow-traveller’ written by a famous English essayist A.G. Gardiner.
Context: The writer was travelling in a train. When the last of his fellow passengers had gone, he lit a cigarette, sat down and began to read again. It was then that a mosquito joined him in the compartment and sat on his nose. This unexpected guest quickly became a source of mild annoyance for the author.
In simple words: After all other passengers left, the author sat down to read, but a mosquito arrived and sat on his nose, starting their interaction.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly describe the transition from being completely alone to having an unexpected insect companion in the compartment.

 

Question (4). I flicked him off ………….. has its limits. [2013]
Answer: Context: The writer was travelling in a train. When all the passengers had gone, a mosquito began to disturb the writer again and again. He began to move in the whole compartment and thought the writer to be most interesting from him to play with.
Explanation: In this passage the writer describes the imprudence of the mosquito. After taking the round of the whole compartment, the mosquito came and sat upon the neck of the writer. The writer struck him with a light sharp blow. But the mosquito again flew away, took a round of the compartment and seated himself rudely on the back of the writer’s hand. This playful yet annoying interaction highlights the writer's growing impatience. But the writer could not bear it anymore and told the mosquito that genersity has its limit and reminded him that he had already warned him twice.
In simple words: The writer tried to shoo away a persistent mosquito that kept landing on him. He warned the insect that his patience was running out after repeatedly brushing it off.

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining passages, clearly separate the 'Context' (where the scene takes place) from the 'Explanation' (what the passage actually means) to secure full marks.

 

Question (5). It is enough ………….. court awards it.
Answer: Context: The writer was travelling in a passenger train from London. When the train had left the outer ring of London, only the writer was left there. He was tired of a mosquito who troubled him again and again. Now, the mosquito sat on the back of his hand.
Explanation: The writer could not tolerate this bold mischief of the mosquito. He could not be generous any more. He had already warned it twice. The writer thought about himself that he was not an ordinary man. He must be regarded. But the little mosquito was disturbing him and tickling his body again and again. It was a stranger. So, he decided to punish it. The writer's mock-serious tone elevates this simple annoyance to a grand legal battle. He thought himself to be a judge and decided to condemn it to death as there were many charges against it.
In simple words: The writer lost his patience with the mosquito and decided to act like a judge. He sentenced the mosquito to death because it kept bothering him despite multiple warnings.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight the writer's shift in attitude from being a patient passenger to acting like an authoritative judge to show a deep understanding of the text.

 

Question (6). I assume the ………….. humiliated me. [2009, 17, 18]
Answer: Context: The writer was travelling in a train. His fellow-traveller was a mosquito who disturbed him very much. First, author explained him in every way but he did not obey and accept his suggestions. Then, the author was ready to kill him.
Explanation: In these lines the writer says that seeing the dangerous activities of mosquito he warned him for punishment. He told him that he was authorised to condemn him to death. He charged his fellow-traveller that he has no ticket of railway, no license of meat. He was a vegabond and a public nuisance. For these and many other misdemeanours he should be sentenced to death. This humorous exaggeration highlights the absurdity of treating a tiny insect like a human criminal. The writer further says that he struck the mosquito off his nose with a sharp light blow with his right hand. But he flew away to save himself and the writer felt himself ashamed very much.
In simple words: The writer jokingly accused the mosquito of crimes like traveling without a ticket and being a public nuisance. However, when he tried to hit the mosquito, it easily escaped, leaving the writer feeling foolish and defeated.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember to list the specific "charges" the writer brings against the mosquito, such as traveling without a ticket, as these details are highly valued by examiners.

 

Question (7). My personal vanity ………….. terrible swiftness. [2011]
Answer:
Context: A great battle was going on between the writer and the mosquito. The mosquito constantly disturbed the writer. Becoming a judge, the writer sentenced the mosquito to death. He charged the mosquito in many ways.
Explanation: The writer thought that his decision was quite right. He wanted to kill it. He struck a fatal blow with his right hand and with his paper he jumped on the seat and followed him. The writer's pride was deeply hurt by his inability to defeat such a tiny creature. He used all tactics but the mosquito dodged every attack. But every time he failed.
In simple words: The writer tried very hard to kill the mosquito to satisfy his own pride, but the clever insect easily dodged all his attacks, leaving him defeated.

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining context, clearly state the relationship between the writer and the mosquito to show your understanding of the narrative conflict.

 

Question (8). He played with me ………….. spirit of the fellow. [2013]
Answer:
Context: The writer was travelling in a train. When all the passengers had gone, a mosquito began to disturb him again and again. The writer tried his best to stop him but he did not obey him and continued disturbing him. He warned him to kill him and framed many serious charges against him but all in vain.
Explanation: In this passage the writer accepts his defeat. He wanted to kill him but his all efforts failed and the mosquito went on enjoying this fight. He played with the writer openly and courageously. It was a show of a fight between a metador and an angry bull. In this fight the writer himself behaved like an angry bull and the mosquito like a skilful metador. This mutual interaction marked a shift from hostility to a strange kind of companionship. It was clear to the writer that the mosquito was enjoying himself by moving round the man who seemed to him so helpless and stupid. Now the writer changed his feelings against the mosquito and began to enter into his spirit.
In simple words: The writer realized he could not defeat the mosquito, which was playing with him like a bullfighter. He stopped being angry and started to appreciate the insect's lively spirit.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use the metaphor of the 'matador and the bull' in your answer, as examiners look for these specific literary comparisons from the text.

 

Question (9). It was obvious ………….. and so stupid. [2012]
Answer:
Context: A great battle was going on between the writer and the mosquito. The writer used all tactics to kill the mosquito but the mosquito dodged every attack. Thus the writer failed every time.
Explanation: Now the writer had come to know the reality of the sport between him and mosquito. According to the writer the mosquito was busy in his own entertainment. Therefore he had disturbed him. He wanted to play a game fluttering round the man who seemed to him so big and so stupid. The realization humbled the author's sense of human superiority. The writer also realized that the mosquito had the equal right on the compartment. Thus the writer accepted his defeat and changed his views.
In simple words: The writer understood that the mosquito was just playing a game with him for fun. He realized that the insect had as much right to be in the train compartment as he did.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight the shift in the writer's perspective from anger to mutual respect to score high marks.

 

Question (10). I began to enter ………….. my prestige. [2014]
Answer:
Context: During his journey the writer was troubled very much by a mosquito. He warned it twice but useless. Third time he decided to kill it. But by its clever trick the mosquito saved itself from all cunning tactics of the writer. So, the writer was perplexed.
Explanation: The writer accepted his defeat. He began to understand him and love him. He accepted that the mosquito also was not only an ordinary insect but it also had a personality of its own. This recognition of mutual respect elevated the mosquito from a mere pest to an equal companion. It proved that it had the equal right like the writer to stay in the compartment.
In simple words: The writer accepted his defeat and began to respect the mosquito as an individual with its own personality and equal rights to travel.

🎯 Exam Tip: Emphasize the theme of 'live and let live' which is central to the writer's final realization in this essay.

 

Question (11) Magnanimity and mercy ………….. I do it. [2012, 18]
Or
At present ………….. I do it. [2018]
Answer: Context: The writer could not kill the mosquito. Now, he started having kindly feelings for the mosquito. His sense of superiority began to disappear gradually. He felt that the mosquito had equal rights to be in the compartment. It had equal rights to live and enjoy. So the writer now decided to be generous and kind to the mosquito.
Explanation: Now, it dawned on the writer that generosity and mercy were the greatest qualities of man. He felt that by being generous and merciful he could get back his honour lost in his fight with the mosquito. This shift in perspective highlights how humility can overcome anger. Thus, he could save his face. He felt how foolish and helpless, he was at that moment. He was an object of mockery. But by showing mercy and forgiveness, he could thus recover his lost honour. He came back to his seat. He would not punish the mosquito with death. He would not kill it. He had suspended his death sentence.
In simple words: The writer realized he could not defeat the mosquito, so he decided to show mercy instead. By being kind and forgiving, he felt he could regain his self-respect and dignity.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly explain the transition from the writer's frustration to his realization of magnanimity. Mentioning 'magnanimity' and 'mercy' as noble human qualities is key to scoring well.

 

Question (12) But I shall not do it. ………….. distant relationship. [2013]
Answer: Context: The writer accepted his defeat in the encounter with the mosquito and developed an affection for him. He decided to withdraw the death sentence to maintain his moral dignity and honour.
Explanation: In these lines the writer tells the mosquito his decision of not killing him because he has pardoned him. But he wants to make him aware that he does what he says. But now he has come to know him well and has developed an affection for him. This realization shows a deeper connection between all living creatures. St. Francis would have called him ‘Little Brother’. He can’t show such christian civility but he had a distant relationship with him, i.e. both of them are fellow-travellers. Both have interested each other in the dark of night.
In simple words: The writer decided not to kill the mosquito because he began to feel a friendly connection with it. He realized that they were both just traveling together in the night, making them distant relatives in a way.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight the term 'fellow-travellers' and the reference to St. Francis to show the writer's shift from hostility to companionship.

 

Question (13) The obligation is mutual ………….. about mine. [2009, 17]
Answer: Context: The writer accepted his defeat in the encounter with the mosquito. Now he decided to pardon the mosquito and withdraw the death sentence. That was the only way to maintain his moral dignity and honour.
Explanation: Now the writer has changed his attitude for the mosquito. He treats it on equal terms. He thinks that both are obliged to each other because both have entertained each other. Moreover, both of them are mortals. So he compares their life to a journey. This shared mortality creates a silent bond of companionship between them. None knows when and where this journey will end. Both have taken birth in this world, enjoy their life, wander hither and thither and ultimately die and this world becomes dark to them. This is the philosophic attitude of the writer about life.
In simple words: The writer feels that both he and the mosquito have a mutual respect because they kept each other company. He views both of their lives as short journeys that will eventually end in the same way.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the philosophical comparison of life to a journey. Use keywords like 'mutual obligation', 'mortals', and 'fellow-travellers' to secure maximum marks.

The Miracle of Life... Night Again. [2009, 17, 18]
Context: In the end the mosquito sat on the newspaper and it was in the hands of the writer. But he did not kill it because he had reprieved it. He thought that by chance they became the fellow-travellers. Both entertained each other. They were now friends because they were fellow mortals.
Explanation: In these lines the writer says that life is the greatest miracle of nature. Nobody knows exactly about his life. The beginning and end of our life both are a mystery. All the creatures on this earth are fellow-travellers. None is superior or inferior. We take birth but don’t know from where we have come. We struggle hard for our life in this world for a short period. Then, we go away from this world but do not know where we have to go. This is the journey of our life. [N. B.: Thus, the writer has taught us a lesson of fraternity among all creatures because the mystery and miracle of life are common to all.]

Short Answer Type Questions

 

Question 1. Give a brief description of the train Mr. A.G. Gardiner travelled by. [2009] (जिस रेलगाड़ी में मि० ए० जी० गार्डनर ने यात्रा की उसका संक्षिप्त विवरण दीजिए)
Answer: The writer was travelling by a suburban train which ran from London to a Midland Town. It was a stopping train that halted at every single station along the route. (लेखक उपनगरीय रेलगाड़ी से यात्रा कर रहा था यह गाड़ी मीलडलोड के एक-एक कसबे तक जगह-जगह रुक कर जाती थी)
In simple words: The author was riding a slow local train going from London to a town in the Midlands. It stopped at every station, making the journey feel very long.

🎯 Exam Tip: Mention both the starting point (London) and the destination (Midland Town) to get full marks.

 

Question 2. Why did the author call the train as one of those trains which give you an understanding of 'eternity'? (लेखक ने गाड़ी को ऐसी गाड़ी क्यों कहा है जो अनन्त काल का आभास कराती है ?)
Answer: The train was running very slow. It stopped at all stations. So, the writer thought that his journey would never end and he called the train as such because of its incredibly slow pace. (रेलगाड़ी बहुत धीमी चल रही थी । यह सभी स्टेशनों पर रुकती थी । इसलिए लेखक ने सोचा कि उसकी यात्रा कभी समाप्त नहीं होगी और ऐसा ही उसने गाड़ी के विषय में सोचा ।)
In simple words: The train moved so slowly and stopped so often that it felt like the journey would go on forever without ending.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use the keyword 'eternity' and link it to the slow speed and frequent stops of the train.

 

Question 3. What did the author think by the time the train left London? (जिस समय गाड़ी लन्दन से रवाना हुई उस समय लेखक ने क्या सोचा ?)
Answer: When the train left London the author thought that he was all alone in the compartment. So, he was at liberty to do anything he liked without any restriction. (जब गाड़ी लन्दन से रवाना हुई तब लेखक ने सोचा कि डिब्बे में वह अकेला है। इसलिए वह कुछ भी करने को स्वतन्त्र है जो वह चाहे।)
In simple words: When the train started, the author believed he was completely alone in his carriage, which meant he had the freedom to do whatever he wanted.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly state the author's belief of being completely alone and his feeling of absolute freedom.

 

Question 4. What is, according to Mr. A.G. Gardiner, the pleasant sense of freedom about being alone in a compartment? (मि० ए० जी० गार्डनर के अनुसार रेल के डिब्बे में अकेला होने पर स्वतन्त्रता का क्या आनन्द प्राप्त होता है ?)
Answer: According to A.G. Gardiner, the pleasant sense of freedom about being alone in a compartment is that the passenger is free to do what he likes. This sense of liberty allows one to behave without any social expectations. (ए० जी० गार्डनर के अनुसार रेल के डिब्बे में अकेला होने पर यात्री को स्वतन्त्रता का यही आनन्द प्राप्त होता है कि वह अपनी पसन्द का कोई भी कार्य करने को स्वतन्त्र है।)
In simple words: Being alone in a train compartment gives you the freedom to do whatever you want without anyone watching or judging you.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the core concept of 'unrestricted freedom' or 'liberty' to do as one pleases.

 

Question 5. What, according to A.G. Gardiner, are the advantages of travelling alone in a railway compartment? [2010, 11, 18] (ए० जी० गार्डनर के अनुसार रेलगाड़ी के डिब्बे में अकेले ही यात्रा करने के क्या लाभ हैं?)
Answer: According to A.G. Gardiner, the advantages of travelling alone in a railway compartment are that a person can talk to themselves, sing, dance, play marbles, or open and shut the windows without any objection from others. This provides an unmatched sense of personal liberty.
In simple words: When travelling alone, you can do fun things like talking to yourself, singing, or opening windows without anyone stopping you.

🎯 Exam Tip: List at least two or three specific activities (like singing, talking to oneself, or adjusting windows) mentioned by the author to secure full marks.

Question 6. What things would you do if you were travelling alone in a compartment ? Or What can one do freely while travelling alone in a carriage of a night train according to A.G. Gardiner ?
Answer: If I was travelling alone in a compartment, I could talk myself, sing or dance, open or shut the windows. I could sit in a corner. This freedom allows a person to enjoy their own company without any external disturbance.
In simple words: If you are alone in a train compartment, you can do whatever you want, like talking to yourself, singing, dancing, or opening windows without anyone stopping you.

🎯 Exam Tip: When answering "Or" questions, ensure your response addresses the core theme of freedom and personal choice highlighted in both prompts.

 

Question 7. What does the abbreviation D. O. R. A. stand for?
Answer: D. O. R. A. stands for the Defence of the Realm Act which provided the British Government wide power during the Great war. This act allowed the government to control public safety and regulations during wartime.
In simple words: D.O.R.A. stands for the Defence of the Realm Act. It was a special law that gave the British government extra powers to control things during World War I.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember to write the full form of D.O.R.A. accurately, as spelling mistakes in historical acts can cost marks.

 

Question 8. What did the author do while travelling alone in the compartment ?
Answer: While travelling alone in the compartment, the author put down his paper, stretched his arms and legs, stood up and looked out of the window, lit a cigar, sat down and began to read the paper again. He did all these activities to ease his restlessness during the journey.
In simple words: To pass the time, the author put down his newspaper, stretched, looked out the window, lit a cigar, and then sat back down to read again.

🎯 Exam Tip: List the actions of the author in the exact chronological order as they happen in the story to show a clear understanding.

 

Question 9. Who was A.G. Gardiner’s fellow-traveller ? When did the author become aware of his fellow-traveller ? [2012, 16, 18]
Answer: A. G. Gardiner’s fellow-traveller was a mosquito. The author became aware of his fellow-traveller when he was reading the newspaper and mosquito sat on his nose. This tiny insect would soon become the center of his thoughts during the journey.
In simple words: The author's fellow-traveller was a mosquito. He realized the mosquito was there when it landed on his nose while he was reading.

🎯 Exam Tip: This is a very frequently asked question. Clearly state both parts of the answer: who the companion was, and the exact moment the author noticed him.

 

Question 10. What did the author do when the fellow-traveller came and sat on his nose?
Answer: When the fellow-traveller came and sat on his nose, he flicked it off. This was his first instinctive reaction to the annoyance caused by the insect.
In simple words: When the mosquito sat on the author's nose, he simply flicked it away with his finger.

🎯 Exam Tip: Keep this answer short and precise. Use the exact phrase "flicked it off" as it is the key action verb from the text.

 

Question 11. What did the author say when the mosquito seated himself impudently on the back of his hand ? [2011] Or Why did the writer decide to punish the fellow-traveller ? [2011, 18]
Answer: The author said that the limit of magnanimity was over. He decided to sentence the mosquito to death because it kept annoying him repeatedly despite multiple warnings.
In simple words: The author felt that his patience had run out. He decided to punish the mosquito by sentencing it to death because it would not stop bothering him.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explain that the author's decision to punish the mosquito came from his loss of patience after being repeatedly disturbed.

Question 12. Why did justice demand the award of death sentence ? (न्याय की माँग मौत की सजा क्यों थी ?)
Answer: There were many charges against the mosquito. It was a vagabond and a public nuisance. He was travelling without ticket and sucking the blood of the author. So, justice demanded the award of death sentence. (मच्छर के विरुद्ध बहुत-से आरोप थे। वह आवारा और लोक कंटक था। वह बिना टिकट यात्रा कर रहा था और लेखक का खून चूस रहा था। इसलिए न्याय की माँग थी कि उसे मृत्यु-दण्ड मिले।) These actions violated all rules of peaceful co-existence.
In simple words: The mosquito was acting like a lawbreaker by traveling without a ticket and biting the author, so it deserved a harsh punishment.

🎯 Exam Tip: Mention the specific charges like traveling without a ticket and sucking blood to secure full marks.

 

Question 13. What did the fellow-traveller do to avoid the sentence of death? (मृत्यु-दण्ड से बचने के लिए साथी यात्री ने क्या किया ?)
Answer: To avoid the sentence of death the fellow-traveller dodged the author and ran away. (साथी यात्री ने लेखक को चकमा दे दिया और भाग गया।) It skillfully slipped away from every attempt the author made to strike it.
In simple words: The mosquito escaped by quickly dodging the author's hand and flying away.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use active verbs like 'dodged' and 'ran away' to describe the mosquito's quick escape.

 

Question 14. Why did the author feel humiliated and how did he react to it? (लेखक ने स्वयं को अपमानित क्यों अनुभव किया और इसके प्रति उसकी क्या प्रतिक्रिया थी ?)
Answer: The author felt humiliated because the mosquito avoided his blow cunningly. Then, he adopted all sorts of tactics to kill him. (लेखक ने अपमानित इसलिए अनुभव किया, क्योंकि अपराधी चालाकी से उसके मुक्के से बच गया। फिर लेखक ने उसे मारने के लिए प्रत्येक चाल चली।) His pride was hurt because a tiny insect had outsmarted his human strength.
In simple words: The author felt embarrassed because a tiny mosquito easily dodged his attacks, making him try even harder to catch it.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly divide your answer into two parts: why he felt humiliated and how he reacted.

 

Question 15. Who was the “skilful matador finessing round an infuriated bull ?” And who was the ‘infuriated bull’ ? (क्रुद्ध साँड़ से भिड़ने वाला चतुर पहलवान कौन था ? और क्रुद्ध साँड कौन था ?)
Answer: The mosquito was skilful matador and the author was infuriated bull. (मच्छर चतुर पहलवान था और लेखक क्रुद्ध साँड था।) This comparison highlights the playful agility of the insect against the clumsy anger of the human.
In simple words: The mosquito was compared to a clever bullfighter, while the angry author was compared to the frustrated bull.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly state the metaphor by identifying the mosquito as the matador and the author as the bull.

 

Question 16. Why according to the author, did the fellow-traveller disturb his repose ? (लेखक के अनुसार उसके साथी यात्री ने उसकी शान्ति क्यों भंग की ?)
Answer: The fellow-traveller was enjoying himself. So, the author thought that he had disturbed his repose. (साथी यात्री अपनी मनोरंजन कर रहा था। इसलिए उसने लेखक की शान्ति को भंग किया।) The insect wanted to find some companionship and play a game with the lonely passenger.
In simple words: The author believed the mosquito disturbed his peace simply because it wanted to have some fun and play around.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the word 'enjoying' to explain the mosquito's motive according to the author.

 

Question 17. What did the author begin to think when he found himself so helpless and stupid against his fellow-traveller ? (जब लेखक ने अपने यात्री से निपटने में स्वयं को इतना असहाय और मूर्ख पाया तब वह क्या सोचने लगा ?)
Answer: The author began to enter into the spirit of his fellow traveller when he found himself, so helpless and stupid. (जब लेखक ने स्वयं को इतना असहाय और मूर्ख पाया तब उसने यात्री की मन की स्थिति को समझने की चेष्टा की।) He started to develop a sense of mutual respect and understanding for the tiny creature.
In simple words: When the author realized he couldn't beat the mosquito, he stopped being angry and started trying to understand its feelings.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use the phrase 'enter into the spirit' to show the author's shift in perspective.

 

Question 18. Why did he decide to be magnanimous and merciful to the fellow traveller? (उसने (लेखक) ने अपने साथी यात्री के प्रति इतना उदार और दयावान होने का निश्चय क्यों किया ?)
Answer: The author wanted to make up his lost prestige. So, he decided to be magnanimous and merciful to the fellow-traveller because these were the noblest virtues of mankind. (लेखक अपना खोया हुआ सम्मान प्राप्त करना चाहता था। अतः उसने साथी यात्री के प्रति उदार और दयावान होने का निश्चय किया, क्योंकि मानव जाति के ये सबसे अच्छे दो गुण हैं।) By showing mercy, he felt he could reclaim his moral superiority over the insect.
In simple words: The author decided to be kind and forgiving to get his self-respect back, as mercy and kindness are the best human qualities.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight 'lost prestige' and 'noblest virtues' as the two main reasons for the author's change of heart.

 

Question 19. What did the author think of the fellow-traveller when the latter sat on the newspaper?
Answer: When the fellow-traveller sat on the newspaper, the author thought him to be foolish. He thought to kill him but he let him go. This fleeting moment of annoyance soon gave way to a deeper sense of curiosity about the insect.
In simple words: When the mosquito sat on the newspaper, the writer thought it was silly. He wanted to kill it at first but decided to let it go.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly mention both the author's initial reaction of finding the mosquito foolish and his subsequent decision to spare its life.

 

Question 20. What relationship did the author develop with his fellow-traveller? Or Who was the fellow-traveller? What relationship did the author develop with the fellow-traveller?
Answer: The author developed a distant relationship with his fellow-traveller. He said that they were fellow-mortals. A mosquito was the fellow-traveller. This realization made him feel a sense of equality with the tiny creature.
In simple words: The author felt a distant connection with the mosquito, viewing both himself and the insect as fellow living beings who must eventually die.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use the key term 'fellow-mortals' to describe their relationship, as this is a crucial keyword from the text.

 

Question 21. Do you like this essay or not? Give reasons.
Answer: Yes, I like this essay because it teaches us a great moral ‘Live and let live’. Moreover, it is written in a simple language. It is delightful and instructive. It condemns superiority complex. It beautifully reminds us that every creature has a rightful place in this world.
In simple words: Yes, the essay is enjoyable because it teaches us to respect all living things and is written in easy language.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked for reasons, list at least two distinct points such as the moral lesson 'Live and let live' and the simple writing style.

 

Question 22. Explain the following:
(a) “I assume the black cap …………… awards it.”
(b) “It was all in vain ………….. bull.”
(c) “The miracle of life …………… about mine.”
Answer:
(a) The author supposes himself a judge sentencing the mosquito to death because there are many capital charges against it. He also says that his decision is legal and justified.
(b) The author wanted to kill the mosquito. But his all efforts failed and the mosquito went on enjoying this fight. In this fight the writer himself behaved like an angry bull and the mosquito like a skilful matador.
(c) In the end the author realised that life is the greatest miracle of nature. The life of all creatures in this world is like a journey. But none knows its purpose. This truth applies to both of them, i.e. the author and the mosquito. This shared mystery of existence created an unspoken bond of empathy between them.
In simple words: The author explains three things: first, he felt like a judge sentencing the mosquito; second, his attempts to hit it failed like a clumsy bull fighting a clever matador; and finally, he realized that both human and insect lives are mysterious journeys of nature.

🎯 Exam Tip: Address each sub-part (a, b, and c) clearly and separately in your answer to ensure you get full marks for each explanation.

 

Question 23. ‘Magnanimity has its limits,’ who said it and why? [2017]
Answer: The author said it because he was angry with his fellow-traveller, i.e. mosquito who was continuously disturbing him. Despite his initial patience, the constant buzzing and biting pushed him to his limit.
In simple words: The writer said this because he was losing his patience with the mosquito that kept annoying him.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify the speaker clearly and explain the specific provocation (the mosquito's constant disturbance) that led to this statement.

Question 24. Who was the fellow-traveller of the author and where did he sit ?
Answer: A mosquito was the fellow-traveller of the author. He sat on the back of his hand. This tiny insect kept disturbing the author throughout his journey.
In simple words: The author's companion on the train was a mosquito, which came and sat on his hand.

🎯 Exam Tip: Mention both the identity of the fellow-traveller and the exact spot where he sat to get full marks.

 

Question 25. When did the author, A.G. Gardiner, feel that he was not superior to the mosquito ? [2015]
Answer: Every effort of the author to punish the mosquito proved useless. At first, there was vanity in him of being a human. But since he could not do anything against him, his superiority began to fade away from him. He realized that human intelligence was matched by the quick reflexes of the insect.
In simple words: The author felt equal to the mosquito when he failed to catch or kill it despite many attempts. This made him realize that humans are not always superior to other creatures.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight the contrast between human vanity and the mosquito's agility to show why the author's sense of superiority faded.

 

Vocabulary

 

Choose the Most Appropriate Word or Phrase That Best Completes the Sentence:

 

Question 1. The train by which A.G. Gardiner travelled stopped at ………… stations.
(a) big
(b) suburban
(c) small
(d) road side
Answer: (b) suburban
In simple words: The train stopped at smaller stations located in the residential areas outside the main city.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that suburban stations are those located on the outskirts of a city where local trains usually stop.

 

Question 2. There is a pleasant sense of freedom ………… being alone in a carriage that is jolting noisily through the night. [2010]
(a) of
(b) over
(c) for
(d) about
Answer: (a) of
In simple words: The correct preposition to use here is 'of' to show what kind of freedom the author felt.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay close attention to prepositions used in the textbook lessons as they are frequently tested in grammar sections.

 

Question 3. Indeed you can go on opening them and shutting them as a sort of …………. of freedom.
(a) festival
(b) occasion
(c) function
(d) chance
Answer: (a) festival
In simple words: The author compares the freedom of opening and closing windows to celebrating a festival.

🎯 Exam Tip: Memorize key metaphors and comparisons used by the author to describe his sense of liberty.

 

Question 4. Magnanimity has its ………….
(a) end
(b) no end
(c) limits
(d) uses
Answer: (c) limits
In simple words: Generosity or kindness has a boundary, and one cannot remain patient forever.

🎯 Exam Tip: This is a direct quote from the text; remembering the exact vocabulary helps secure quick marks.

 

Question 5. You are a vagrant, you are a public ………….., you are travelling without ticket.
(a) servant
(b) man
(c) individual
(d) nuisance
Answer: (d) nuisance
In simple words: The author jokingly accuses the mosquito of being a public disturbance or trouble.

🎯 Exam Tip: The word 'nuisance' is used here to describe someone or something that causes annoyance.

 

Question 6. I (A.G. Gardiner) felt my heart warming towards him and the sense of ………… fading. [2018]
(a) superiority
(b) inferiority
(c) kindness
(d) sympathy
Answer: (a) superiority
In simple words: As the author started liking the mosquito, his feeling of being better than the insect began to disappear.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the emotional shift of the author from anger to friendliness and equality.

 

Question 7. Magnanimity and mercy were the noblest …………. of man.
(a) qualities
(b) characteristics
(c) traits
(d) attributes
Answer: (d) attributes
In simple words: The author believes that being generous and forgiving are the best qualities a human can have.

🎯 Exam Tip: While 'qualities' and 'traits' are synonyms, 'attributes' is the exact word used in the textbook.

 

Question 8. I cannot kill you but I can ………. you. [2015, 17, 18]
(a) reprieve
(b) forgive
(c) punish
(d) condemn
Answer: (a) reprieve
In simple words: The author decides not to kill the mosquito but to delay or cancel its punishment.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Reprieve' means to cancel or postpone the punishment of someone, which fits perfectly in this context.

 

Question 9. Fortune has made us fellow-travellers on this …………. night.
(a) summer
(b) winter
(c) dark
(d) moonlit
Answer: (a) summer
In simple words: The story takes place during a warm summer night on a train journey.

🎯 Exam Tip: Keep track of the setting (time, season, and place) of the essay to answer factual questions easily.

 

Question 10. I have ……….. you and you have …………. me.
(a) interested, disturbed
(b) disturbed, interested
(c) interested, entertained
(d) entertained, interested
Answer: (c) interested, entertained
In simple words: The author felt he kept the mosquito interested, while the mosquito provided amusement for him.

🎯 Exam Tip: Be careful with the order of words in double-blank questions; double-check with the original text.

 

Question 11. The author one evening …………. a passenger train.
(a) mounted
(b) climbed
(c) boarded
(d) got up
Answer: (c) boarded
In simple words: The author got onto a passenger train to travel.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Boarded' is the standard and correct term used for getting onto a train, ship, or aircraft.

 

Question 12. As I closed the door of the compartment, I saw my.. ……….. fluttering round the lamp. [2011]
(a) mosquito
(b) friend
(c) companion
(d) fellow-traveller
Answer: (d) fellow-traveller
In simple words: The author noticed his companion, the mosquito, flying around the light bulb as he shut the carriage door.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that "fellow-traveller" is the central theme and refers directly to the mosquito in this lesson.

 

Question 13. I felt my heart warming towards him and the sense of superiority …………..
(a) increasing
(b) coming
(c) fading
(d) shining
Answer: (c) fading
In simple words: The author started feeling friendly towards the mosquito, and his feeling of being better than it began to disappear.

🎯 Exam Tip: "Fading" is the correct term used by the author to show his changing attitude from arrogance to empathy.

 

Question 14. I do not know which of us got into the; ………… first. [2016, 17]
(a) carriage
(b) courage
(c) cartridge
(d) cottage
Answer: (a) carriage
In simple words: The author is unsure whether he or the mosquito entered the train compartment first.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay attention to spelling; "carriage" refers to the train compartment, while other options are completely different words.

 

Question 15. I flicked him ………….. my nose. [2010, 15, 18].
(a) off
(b) of
(c) at
(d) through
Answer: (a) off
In simple words: The author used his finger to quickly brush the mosquito away from his nose.

🎯 Exam Tip: The phrasal verb "flick off" means to remove something with a quick, light movement.

 

Question 16. Justice demands it, and the court ………….. [2010, 18]
(a) declares
(b) decides
(c) awards
(d) directs
Answer: (c) awards
In simple words: The author jokingly says that fairness and the court grant the punishment of death to the mosquito.

🎯 Exam Tip: In legal terms, a court "awards" a sentence or judgment, which is the exact phrase used in the text.

 

Question 17. You can open the window or shut it without ………….. a protest. [2010]
(a) provoking
(b) calling
(c) picking
(d) getting
Answer: (a) provoking
In simple words: You can open or close the window without causing anyone else in the carriage to complain.

🎯 Exam Tip: "Provoking" means causing a reaction, and in this context, it refers to causing an objection or protest.

 

Question 18. I cannot go ………….. far as that in christian charity and civility. [2010]
(a) as
(b) too
(c) to
(d) so
Answer: (d) so
In simple words: The author feels he cannot be so incredibly kind and polite as to completely forgive the mosquito's actions.

🎯 Exam Tip: The structure "cannot go so far as" is a standard English idiom used to set a limit on one's actions or beliefs.

 

Question 19. I went out …………. the cool summer night.
(a) in
(b) for
(c) into
(d) to
Answer: (c) into
In simple words: The author stepped out of the train compartment and walked out into the cool night air.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use "into" to show movement from an enclosed space (the train carriage) to an open space (the platform/night).

 

Question 20. I struck a swift, ………….. blow with my right hand. [2011]
(a) gentle
(b) big
(c) lethal
(d) normal
Answer: (c) lethal
In simple words: The author tried to hit the mosquito with a quick, deadly strike using his right hand.

🎯 Exam Tip: "Lethal" means deadly or sufficient to cause death, which highlights the author's initial intent to kill the insect.

 

Question 21. How could I feel ………… to a creature who was so manifestly my master in the only competition we had ever enjoyed.
(a) inferior
(b) greater
(c) better
(d) superior
Answer: (d) superior
In simple words: The author wonders how he could feel better or higher than a creature that clearly defeated him in their game.

🎯 Exam Tip: "Superior" is the opposite of inferior and fits the context of the author's realization of his own limitations.

 

Question 22. He played false ………….. me openly. [2013, 17]
(a) for
(b) with
(c) in
(d) by
Answer: (b) with
In simple words: The mosquito openly cheated or behaved unfairly with the author during their interaction.

🎯 Exam Tip: The idiom "play false with someone" means to deceive or act dishonestly towards them.