In this engaging excerpt from a Roald Dahl story, the narrative unfolds as a mother and her apparently tall 12-year-old daughter recount a peculiar incident on a rainy evening after a dentist's appointment in London. After their visit to the dentist and a café where the ....
The Umbrella Man - Literature Billabong High - Class 8 - English
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Extra Questions - The Umbrella Man | Literature Billabong High | Literature | English | Class 8
‘He’s up to something,’ my mother said, stony-faced.
‘But what?’
‘I don’t know,’ my mother snapped. ‘But I’m going to find out. Come with me.’ She took my arm and we crossed the street together.
‘He’s up to something,’ my mother said, stony-faced.
‘But what?’
‘I don’t know,’ my mother snapped. ‘But I’m going to find out. Come with me.’ She took my arm and we crossed the street together.
a. What clues indicate that the old man might be up to something suspicious?
b. Why do you think the mother is determined to find out what the old man is up to?
c. How does the mother’s reaction reflect upon her character and her relationship with her daughter?
a. The old man’s behaviour raises suspicion when he starts walking at a much quicker pace than before, negating his initial claim that he was too fatigued to walk any further. His exciting hurry after asserting he was tired contradicts his previous statement, making him seem suspicious.
b. The mother’s determination to find out what the old man is up to stems from her sense of injustice and the feeling of being deceived. She had sympathized with the old man and even resorted to giving him money when he seemed in need.
c. The mother’s reaction demonstrates her instinctive protectiveness and sharp acumen. She does not take things at face value and is highly observant. This incident reflects the dynamic between the mother and daughter, where the mother serves as both a protector and a stern judge, while the daughter observes and learns from her mother’s actions and reactions.
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'The little man was about twenty yards ahead of us. He was scuttling along like a rabbit and we had to walk very fast to keep up with him.
'He doesn’t look very tired to me, does he to you, mummy?’
My mother didn’t answer.
a. What causes the girl to doubt the old man’s truthfulness about his tiredness?
b. Why do you think the mother doesn’t respond to her daughter’s question?
c. How do the descriptions of the old man’s movements contrast with his earlier claims?
d. How do you think the girl’s views of the old man start to shift at this point?
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Sign up nowHow does the old man’s real intentions relate to the mother’s advice to the daughter about taking time to understand people?
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Sign up nowWhat role do trust and scepticism play in this story?
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Sign up nowAbout the Author - The Umbrella Man | Literature Billabong High | Class 8 Literature | English
Roald Dahl was a British author known predominantly for his popular children's books. Born on September 13, 1916, in Llandaff, Wales, Dahl made significant contributions to literature, producing several best-selling books. His notable works include "Matilda", "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory", "The BFG", "James and the Giant Peach", among others.
Aside from his successful writing career, Dahl worked as a fighter pilot for the Royal Air Force during World War II. His involvement in the war significantly influenced his writing, often projecting his exotic adventures and daring feats in his stories.
Dahl's writing style often takes on a distinctive narrative featuring dark humour, villainous characters countered by brave young protagonists, and a whimsical fusion of real and fantasy worlds. His unique storytelling has earned him a special place in readers' hearts across generations, making him a prominent figure in children's literature.
Roald Dahl passed away on 23rd November 1990, but his enchanting tales continue to live on, engaging readers worldwide. His books have been translated into dozens of languages, and numerous adaptations of his stories have been produced in film and television formats.
Summary - The Umbrella Man | Literature Billabong High | Class 8 Literature | English
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Themes - The Umbrella Man | Literature Billabong High | Class 8 Literature | English
1. Deception and Cunning
The chapter places a key focus on deceit by introducing a character who preys on the kindness of strangers. The old man conceals.....
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Unlock now 🔓Plot - The Umbrella Man | Literature Billabong High | Class 8 Literature | English
1. Introduction and Set Up
The story begins with a mother and her 12-year-old daughter visiting a dentist in London and later having refreshments at a café. They....
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Unlock now 🔓Important Lines - The Umbrella Man | Literature Billabong High | Class 8 Literature | English
1. "My mother took me up to London to see the dentist." This sets the scene for the event that unfolds and gives context to why the main...
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