Uncle Podger Hangs a Picture - New Oxford Modern English - Class 6 - English

Jerome K. Jerome was an English writer and humorist, best known for his comedic novel "Three Men in a Boat". He was born on May 2, 1859 in Walsall, Staffordshire, England. Jerome left school at the age of 14, initially trying his hand at acting before venturing into writing. His early works were primarily essays and journalistic pieces, but he eventually moved into fiction. His humorous and witty style of writing gained him much popularity. Besides his most acclaimed work, "Three Men in a Boat", Jerome also authored several other novels, plays and essays. His writing often depicted the trials and tribulations of the lower middle class in a humorous way. He died on June 14, 1927.

1. Incompetence: The character Uncle Podger is shown as an incompetent figure, struggling to perform a simple task of hanging a picture. Despite his confidence in handling the task on his own, he messes up repeatedly, losing his tools, damaging the picture, hurting himself, and causing disorder in the house. He fails to successfully hang the picture until late at night, and even then, it's crooked and insecure.

2. Overconfidence: Uncle Podger is ...

1. The Picture Arrives: A picture arrives and is waiting to be hung up in the dining area. Uncle Podger insists that he will handle the entire operation of hanging it up, causing a commotion across the house.

2. The Preparation: Uncle Podger sends people out to buy nails, borrow a spirit-level, and gather all the required tools and furniture. He also asks for the picture cord and enlists family members to help him with this task.

3. The Struggle Begins: Uncle Podger's first attempt to hang the picture goes wrong. He drops the picture, cuts himself on the glass, and loses his handkerchief. The entire house goes into a frenzy to find his handkerchief and the coat he misplaced.

4. Misplace and Repeat: When the tools are finally gathered again, there are constant interruptions as Uncle Podger continues to misplace...

1. "A picture would have come from the frame makers’ and be standing in the dining room, waiting to be put up; and Aunt Podger would ask what was to be done with it, and Uncle Podger would say, ‘Oh, you leave that to me." This line sets the stage for the entire story and introduces Uncle Podger and his confidence in his abilities to hang a picture.

2. "He would send the girl out for sixpen’orth of nails, and then one of the boys after her to tell her what size to get; and, from that, he would gradually work down, and start the whole house." This line shows ...

1. Commotion - a noisy disturbance or confusion

   The children created a commotion in the classroom when their favorite teacher announced her retirement.

2. Frame makers - craftsmen who make frames for pictures or paintings

   The frame makers were skilled artisans who crafted beautiful frames for the artwork.

3. Gradually - happening slowly over time

   The sun gradually ...............................