A Respectable woman exercise class 12 English | Questions and Answers

Here is the questions and answers of story 'A Respectable woman' class 12 English.

Answer the following questions:

1. Why was Mrs. Baroda unhappy with the information about Gouvernail’s visit to their farm?
   Ans: Since Mrs. Baroda had heard rumours about Gouvernail's immoral behaviour and was concerned that his presence might disturb their quiet life, she was not happy to learn that he would be visiting their property.
2. How was Gouvernail different from Mrs. Baroda’s expectation?
   Ans: In contrast to Mrs. Baroda's expectations, Gouvernail wasn't the crude and immoral person she had imagined him to be. Instead, he was reserved, scholarly, and silent.
3. How does Mrs. Baroda compare Gouvernail with her husband?
   Ans: Mrs. Baroda compares Gouvernail to her husband, Gaston, and finds him more sophisticated and engaging. She also believes Gouvernail knows her better than her husband.
4. Why and how did Mrs. Baroda try to change Gouvernail’s solitary habits?
   Ans: Mrs. Baroda tried to change Gouvernail's solitary habits because she wanted to keep him in their company and engage him in conversation. She tried to do this by inviting him for walks, playing cards with him, and spending time with him.
5. How does Gaston disagree with his wife on Gouvernail’s character?
   Ans: Gaston disagrees with his wife on Gouvernail's character as he finds him dull and uninteresting. He also thinks that his wife's attention towards Gouvernail is unnecessary and unwarranted.
6. Why is Gaston surprised with his wife’s expression towards the end of the story?
   Ans: Gaston is surprised with his wife's expression towards the end of the story because he sees a sudden change in her demeanor. She looks worried and anxious, which is not how she usually behaves.

1. What is the cause of conflict in Mrs. Baroda’s mind? What role does Mrs. Baroda ‘being a respectable woman’ play in the story?
   Ans: The cause of conflict in Mrs. Baroda's mind is her attraction towards Gouvernail, which goes against her status as a respectable married woman. Her desire for Gouvernail conflicts with her duties as a wife and mother, causing her inner turmoil. Her being a respectable woman adds to the complexity of the situation as it restricts her actions and thoughts.
2. Sketch the character of Gouvernail and contrast it with Gaston.
   Ans: Gouvernail is a quiet and reserved person, who is cultured and sophisticated. He is described as having a calm and composed personality, with an air of mystery around him. In contrast, Gaston is a jovial and outgoing person who enjoys socializing and hunting. He is a typical man of the world, who enjoys the pleasures of life.
3. Why does Mrs. Baroda not disclose her feelings towards Gouvernail to her husband?
   Ans: Mrs. Baroda does not disclose her feelings towards Gouvernail to her husband because she is ashamed of her attraction towards him. She knows that her feelings go against her duties as a wife and mother and feels guilty about it.
4. The last three sentences of the story bring a kind of twist. After reading these three sentences, how do you analyze Mrs. Baroda’s attitude towards Gouvernail?
   Ans: The last three sentences of the story suggest that Mrs. Baroda's attitude towards Gouvernail is not what it seemed. She appears to be worried and anxious, suggesting that her feelings towards Gouvernail may be more complicated than mere attraction. It could also suggest that she may be regretting her actions towards Gouvernail and the consequences that may arise from them.

1. The entry of an outsider into a family has been a recurring subject in both literature and films. Narrate a story real or imaginative where an outsider’s arrival destroys the intimate relationship between the husband and the wife and causes break up in marital relationship without direct fault of anyone. Anton’s Chekhov’s story ‘About Love’ is a story on this subject.
   Ans: The theme of an outsider's arrival causing disruption in a family is a common one in literature and films. One such example is Anton Chekhov's short story "About Love." The story revolves around a man named Alyohin, who is invited to stay with a family and falls in love with the wife. The wife also develops feelings for Alyohin but decides to remain faithful to her husband. The presence of Alyohin causes tension in the household, leading to the breakdown of the marriage. The story highlights the complexities of human emotions and relationships and the consequences of acting on one's feelings.
2. Mrs. Baroda makes an expectation about Gouvernail even before meeting him. Suppose you are a mature girl/boy and your family members are giving you pressure for getting married. Write in about 200 words describing what qualities you would like to get in your future husband/wife.
   Ans: As a mature individual, I believe that the qualities I seek in a future partner should be based on shared values, mutual respect, and a strong emotional connection. It is important that my partner and I share common interests and goals, and that we communicate openly and honestly with each other.
   In terms of specific qualities, I value kindness, empathy, and a willingness to listen and understand my perspective. I also appreciate someone who is intelligent, ambitious, and driven in pursuing their own passions and goals. It is important that my partner is honest and trustworthy, and that we can build a relationship based on mutual respect and trust.
   In addition, I value a partner who is supportive and encouraging, and who will be there for me through both the good times and the challenging times. I believe that a strong emotional connection is essential to a successful long-term relationship, and that it requires both partners to be willing to put in the time and effort to nurture that connection.
   Ultimately, I believe that a successful marriage is built on a foundation of mutual love, respect, and commitment, and I am committed to finding a partner who shares those same values and qualities.