ICSE CHAMP

MAKING CONNECTIONS

Quick Answers

1. Every story has some essential elements that allow the reader to understand the events that happen in the story. Match the story elements to the examples.

a. The characters are individuals in a story, a play or a film.

→ ii. Smith, Reynolds, Morrison, Mr. Perceval.

b. The setting is the location of the action.

→ v. St. Austin's College.

c. The conflicts are the problems that exist within the plot of a story.

→ i. The competition was compulsory; three entries had the same verse.

d. The climax is the highest moment of suspense and excitement; the turning point of the story.

→ iv. The three poets looked at one another in speechless astonishment.

e. The resolution is the part of the plot that provides the solution to the conflict.

→ iii. The competition was no longer compulsory; only those who wished to write poetry could participate.

REFERENCE TO CONTEXT

2. "'If it gets the prize,' repeated Reynolds, with asperity, 'you'll have to tell the Old Man all about it.'"

a. Which prize is being referred to here?

Answer:

The prize being referred to is the Sixth Form Prize Poem Competition, organised by St. Austin's College for the students to write and submit a poem.

b. Who chose the subject for the competition? What was the subject this year?

Answer:

The subject for the competition was chosen by the Headmaster, Rev. Arthur James Perceval. The topic for that year was 'The College – of all things.'

c. How did the students react to the announcement of the competition?

Answer:

Most of the students were unhappy because they were not interested in writing poetry. Smith, Morrison, Montgomery and Evans regarded the competition as a burden, while Reynolds, who was good at writing poetry, remained confident. Smith also believed that Roger had a strong chance of winning the competition.

3. "'This is a very extraordinary communication. Exceedingly so. Yes, very.'

"'Who is it from?'"

a. Between whom did this conversation take place? Who is speaking these lines? Whom is the speaker addressing?

Answer:

This conversation took place between Mr Perceval and Mrs Perceval. These lines were spoken by Mrs Perceval, who was addressing Mr Perceval.

b. Who was the 'extraordinary communication' from?

Answer:

The 'extraordinary communication' was from Mr Wells, a close friend of Mr Perceval and the examiner of the Prize Poem Competition.

c. Why did the speaker say that the communication was extraordinary?

Answer:

Mrs Perceval described the communication as extraordinary because Mr Wells reported that three students had begun their poems with exactly the same four lines. Such a strange coincidence was highly unusual and surprised everyone.

4. "'And did you, Smith, also find this poem on a piece of paper in the field?' There was a metallic ring of sarcasm in his voice."

a. Who was the author of the poem? How had it reached the field?

Answer:

Reynolds was the original author of the poem. While he was writing in the infirmary, he had three sheets of paper containing the same opening lines. When Mrs Lee entered the room with his tea, the door opened suddenly and a strong gust of wind blew two of the sheets out of the room. They landed in the field, where they were later found by other students.

b. Why was there a 'metallic ring of sarcasm' in the speaker's voice?

Answer:

Mr Perceval had already learned that both Montgomery and Morrison had found the opening lines of their poems on loose sheets of paper in the field. When he questioned Smith, he sarcastically expected him to give the same explanation. His disbelief and frustration were reflected in the sarcastic tone of his voice.

c. What reply did the speaker receive from Smith?

Answer:

Smith replied that he had not found the lines in the field. Instead, he admitted that Reynolds had written the opening lines for him, revealing the truth behind his poem.

READ, REFLECT AND WRITE

5. How did Smith expect the Headmaster to respond to their deception?

Answer:

Smith expected the Headmaster to become extremely angry when the truth was revealed. He thought that Mr Perceval would scold and punish them severely for deceiving him in the Prize Poem Competition. Therefore, Smith nervously waited for the Headmaster's reaction.

6. How did the Headmaster respond to the deception? Why did he respond in the way he did?

Answer:

Contrary to everyone's expectations, the Headmaster did not lose his temper. Instead, he saw the humorous side of the entire incident. At the next Board Meeting, he delivered a thoughtful speech and decided to change the rules of the Sixth Form Prize Poem Competition. From then onwards, participation in the competition became voluntary instead of compulsory.

He responded in this way because Mr Wells's letter made him realise that poetry cannot be produced by force. Not every student has a natural talent or interest in writing poems, and it is unfair to compel those who are better at prose or other forms of writing to compose poetry.

7. We are told that at the next Board Meeting Mr Perceval gave a very convincing speech. What do you think he said?

Answer:

Mr Perceval might have told the Board that making every student participate in the poetry competition was neither fair nor practical. Poetry is an expression of genuine thoughts and emotions, and it cannot be written simply because someone is instructed to do so.

He may have explained that only students who have a real interest and talent in poetry should take part in such competitions. Forcing unwilling students to write poems only creates unnecessary pressure and often leads to dishonest or amusing situations, as seen in the case of Smith, Morrison and Montgomery.

Using this incident as an example, he probably convinced the Board that the competition should no longer be compulsory. His suggestion was accepted, and the rules were changed so that only students who genuinely wished to write poetry would participate.

8. Trace the events of the plot that led the three pupils to the Headmaster's office.

Answer:

The story begins with the announcement of the Sixth Form Prize Poem Competition at St. Austin's College. Reynolds, who was in the infirmary recovering from German measles, learnt about the competition from Smith. Since Smith was not good at writing poetry, Reynolds agreed to help him by writing the opening lines of a poem.

While Reynolds was writing, Mrs Lee entered the room with his tea. As she opened the door, a strong gust of wind blew away two sheets of paper containing the same opening lines. The papers landed in the field, where one was found by Montgomery. Later, Evans found the other sheet and gave it to Morrison, who used it to write his own poem.

When the entries were examined by Mr Wells, he noticed that three poems began with the same four lines and informed Mr Perceval about this unusual discovery. Curious to know the reason, the Headmaster called Smith, Morrison and Montgomery to his office and questioned them about their poems.

9. Extended writing: It is commonly quoted that laughter is the best medicine. What lessons can one learn from this story?

Answer:

The Prize Poem is a delightful humorous story that shows how laughter can arise from unexpected situations. Through a series of amusing incidents, P. G. Wodehouse reminds readers that humour can make even difficult situations enjoyable and memorable.

The story also teaches that every individual has different talents and abilities. Not everyone is gifted at writing poetry, and forcing students to perform tasks beyond their interests or abilities can lead to unnecessary stress and even dishonest behaviour. The incident involving Smith, Morrison and Montgomery clearly illustrates this point.

Another important lesson is the value of honesty and understanding. Although the students made mistakes, the Headmaster chose not to react with anger. Instead, he understood the real cause of the problem and took a wise decision by making the poetry competition voluntary. His response reflects the qualities of a fair and thoughtful leader.

Finally, the story teaches that rules should encourage creativity rather than compel it. True poetry comes from inspiration and genuine emotion, not from pressure or obligation. By changing the rules, Mr Perceval ensured that only those with a real interest in poetry would participate, making the competition more meaningful for everyone.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

P. G. Wodehouse (1881–1975) was a renowned English author, celebrated for his brilliant sense of humour and unforgettable characters such as Jeeves, Bertie Wooster, and Psmith. He began his literary career by writing short stories and later gained worldwide fame through his novels, plays and comic fiction. Some of his best-known works include Psmith in the City (1910), The Inimitable Jeeves (1923) and Carry On, Jeeves (1925). His witty style and humorous storytelling have made him one of the most beloved comic writers in English literature.