Keeping It from Harold - Interact in English: Literature Reader - Class 9 - CBSE English

“The very naming of Harold had caused a sacrifice on his part.” The writer’s tone here is a. admiring b. assertive c. satirical d. gentle

Harold had defied the laws of heredity by a. becoming a sports person. b. being good at academics. c. being well-built and muscular d. respecting his parents

Harold felt that he was deprived of the respect that his classmates would give him as ________________ a. they did not know his father was the famous boxer, ‘Young Porky’. b. his hero, Jimmy Murphy had not won the wrestling match. c. he had not got Phil Scott’s autograph. d. Sid Simpson had lost the Lonsdale belt.

What was strange about the manner in which Mrs. Bramble addressed her son? What did he feel about it?

Why was it necessary to keep Harold’s father’s profession a secret from him?

When Mr. Bramble came to know that he was to become a father what were some of the names he decided upon? Why?

Describe Mr. Bramble as he has been described in the story.

Why was Mrs. Bramble upset when she came to hear that Bill had decided not to fight?

Who was Jerry Fisher? What did he say to try and convince Bill to change his mind?

How did Harold come to know that his father was a boxer?

Why was Harold upset that his father had not told him about his true identity? Give two reasons.

Do you agree with Harold’s parents’ decision of hiding from him the fact that his father was a boxer? Why / Why not?

What was a constant source of joy for Mrs. Bramble? Why?

‘Bill, we must keep it from Harold’, who said it and why?

Bill was an excellent boxer. Justify the statement.

Why was Mrs. Bramble worried about the money?

Why did Mr. Bramble decide to give up fighting?

Who was Jerry Fisher? What did he tell Harold?

On the faces of three of them consternation was written. In the eyes of the fourth, there glittered that nasty steely expression… explain.

How did all others try to stop Jerry from speaking to Harold?

What was Harold’s immediate reaction on hearing about his dad’s profession?

Why did Mrs. Bramble want Harold to go out for a walk?

Explain the irony in the story ‘Keeping It From Harold’?

Write the character sketch of Harold.

Give the character sketch of Bill Bramble.

Write a character sketch of Mrs Bramble.

Bill Bramble decided to give up his career as a boxer for Harold’s sake. Despite being extremely successful and popular as a boxer, he felt ashamed of his profession and hid it from his son. Many parents make this mistake of not letting their children know the struggles they undergo in life in order to provide a better quality life to them. Based on your reading of the story, write a paragraph on the topic: ‘Children Should Grow Up Knowing Their Parents’ Struggles in Life.

The Brambles did not tell Harold that his father was a boxer. They lied to him. Do you think they did the right thing? What value do you derive from this action of theirs?

Harold’s joy knew no bounds when he came to know that he was the son of Young Porky - professional boxer of international repute. But the parents - the Brambles - had robbed him of this possession for long. What moral value do you infer from the above context?

‘The value of the dignity of labour should be instilled in young minds.’ Elaborate this with reference to the lesson ‘Keeping It from Harold’.

‘There are times when truth must be sacrificed.’ Do you agree? Why/why not?

‘Don’t judge a book by its cover.’ Discuss with reference to Mr. Bramble’s personality.

Did Harold react the way his parents expected him to on finding out about his father’s true profession? Give reasons.

Assuming you are Harold, write a letter to your father expressing how you have always admired Young Porky, little realizing it was his father.