Refugee Blues by Wystan Hugh Auden - Summary, Key Themes, Q&A Solved

"Refugee Blues" is a poignant poem written by W.H. Auden in 1939, which reflects the plight of Jewish refugees who fled Nazi Germany before World War II. The poem is known for its sombre tone and rhythm that echoes the sadness and desperation of displaced people. Auden uses the form of a blues song, traditionally a form of expression for hardship, to intensify the emotional impact.

Summary:

The poem is narrated by a Jewish refugee who speaks of the hardships and rejection they face while trying to seek asylum in various countries. The narrator describes their loss of identity, home, and citizenship, highlighting how bureaucratic systems have turned a blind eye to their suffering.

Each stanza reveals a new aspect of their hopelessness:

1. The first stanzas talk about the lack of a place they can call home and how the world seems indifferent to their situation.
2. The middle stanzas depict the endless attempts to find refuge and the cruelty of the bureaucracy, where they are denied visas and help.
3. The final stanzas describe the rising threat of violence against them and the coldness of the natural world, symbolizing the larger political indifference.

Key Themes:

1. Displacement and Exile: The refugees are homeless and stateless, cast out of their own country, with no place willing to accept them.
2. Inhumanity of Bureaucracy: The poem critiques how the cold, rigid nature of political systems fails to recognize the human cost of war and oppression.
3. Alienation and Loss of Identity: The refugees lose not only their home but also their sense of belonging and identity, becoming mere numbers in the eyes of officials.
4. Prejudice and Persecution: The poem highlights the antisemitism and prejudice that drive the refugees' plight.
5. Isolation: The narrator and their companion are isolated from the rest of the world, forced to fend for themselves in a hostile environment.

Structure and Style:

The poem uses a simple, repetitive structure, with three-line stanzas, each closing with a refrain-like line, mimicking the form of traditional blues songs. The simplicity of the structure contrasts with the deep emotional and political content, making the message even more striking.

Notable Imagery:

• The city of a million souls: Suggests how, despite being surrounded by people, the refugees are utterly alone.
• Ten million soldiers: Symbolizes the growing militarization and threat of war, which overshadows any sympathy for the refugees.
• A door standing open: Ironically contrasts the actual closed doors the refugees face when seeking asylum.
• The consul’s office: Represents bureaucratic indifference, where people’s lives are reduced to paperwork.

Conclusion:

"Refugee Blues" is a powerful commentary on the horrors faced by refugees during one of the darkest times in human history. Auden's use of the blues format amplifies the emotional depth, making it a timeless poem that resonates with displaced people and refugees even today.

UNDERSTANDING THE POEM (Q&A)

1. The title, ‘Refugee Blues’ encapsulates the theme of the poem. Comment.
   The title combines "Refugee," symbolizing displacement and statelessness, with "Blues," a musical form expressing sorrow. It reflects the refugees' deep despair and loneliness, emphasizing their suffering and rejection as they search for a home.

2. What is the poetic technique used by the poet to convey the plaintive theme of the poem?
   Auden uses the blues structure—short, repetitive stanzas with a mournful refrain—to evoke the emotional tone of loss and hopelessness. This rhythmic repetition amplifies the refugees' pain and isolation.

3. What do the references to the birds and animals made in the poem suggest?
   Birds and animals symbolize freedom and belonging in nature, contrasting sharply with the refugees' predicament. They suggest that even nature provides more acceptance and security than the political systems that deny asylum to the displaced.

4. How does the poet juxtapose the human condition with the behaviour of the political class?
   Auden contrasts the refugees' helplessness and suffering with the callous, indifferent bureaucracy of the political class. While the refugees yearn for safety, political systems focus on regulations and borders, ignoring their humanity.

5. How is the essence of the poem captured in the lines ‘two tickets to Happiness’?
   These lines reflect the irony that the refugees dream of a distant happiness, but it remains unattainable due to the barriers they face. Their longing for happiness is contrasted with the harsh realities of rejection and statelessness.

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TRY THIS OUT (Q&A)

1. Here is a list of devices used in poetry. Elaborate on their use in this poem.
   a. Refrain: The repeated lines enhance the sorrowful tone, reinforcing the hopelessness of the refugees' situation.
   b. Pathos: The poem evokes deep sympathy, as it humanizes the refugees' plight, emphasizing their pain and exclusion.
   c. Irony: The promise of freedom and happiness contrasts bitterly with the refugees’ actual experience of rejection and danger.
   d. Sarcasm: Auden’s portrayal of bureaucratic indifference, such as "the consul banged the table," highlights the cruelty disguised as formality.

2. What does the colour ‘blue’ suggest in the poem? Make a list of other colours and the emotions and moods they carry.
   Blue suggests sadness, hopelessness, and despair.
   Other colours:

• Red: Anger, danger.
• White: Purity, innocence.
• Black: Grief, death.
• Green: Hope, renewal.

What is a Good Book by John Ruskin - Critical Analysis, Summary, Q&A Solved

Summary/Critical Analysis of "What is a Good Book?" by John Ruskin

In "What is a Good Book?", John Ruskin differentiates between "books of the hour" and "books of all time." The former refers to temporary, often engaging but fleeting content, while the latter represents works of lasting significance. Ruskin believes that books should be written for permanence, not just for momentary communication. He asserts that a good book is the product of the author's deep understanding and insight, which stands the test of time. Ruskin emphasizes that reading a good book is not easy—it requires effort, as it often holds hidden wisdom that demands thoughtful reflection. He further underscores the importance of accuracy in language, advocating for a deep understanding of words down to their syllables and letters.

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UNDERSTANDING THE TEXT(Q&A)

Q. What, according to Ruskin, are the limitations of the good book of the hour?

A. According to Ruskin, the limitations of the "good book of the hour" are that it serves only immediate purposes, like casual conversation, and lacks lasting value. Such books may be informative or entertaining, but they do not contribute to permanent knowledge and should not replace true, timeless books.

Q. What are the criteria that Ruskin feels that readers should fulfil to make themselves fit for the company of the Dead?

A. Ruskin believes that readers must rise to the level of the great minds of the past by putting in effort to understand their thoughts. Readers should not approach books expecting to find their own ideas but should learn from the wisdom of the authors. This requires a deep desire to be taught and the willingness to work hard to understand the author's message.

Q. Why does Ruskin feel that reading the work of a good author is a painstaking task?

A. Ruskin feels that reading the work of a good author is a painstaking task because true wisdom is not easily given. The best authors embed their deeper thoughts in complex ways, requiring the reader to work diligently to uncover and understand them, much like a miner digging for gold.

Q. What is the emphasis placed by Ruskin on accuracy?

A. Ruskin places great emphasis on accuracy, stressing that a well-educated person should know the precise meaning and pronunciation of words. He believes that this attention to detail is essential for truly understanding a book and for effective communication. Inaccuracy in meaning, he argues, is far more detrimental than a mispronounced word.

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TALKING ABOUT THE TEXT(Q&A)

Q. Discuss Ruskin’s insistence on looking intensely at words, and assuring oneself of meaning, syllable by syllable—nay, letter by letter.

A. Ruskin insists that readers should study words with great care, examining their meanings at the most detailed level. He believes that true understanding requires dissecting words down to their syllables and even letters, as this accuracy is the foundation of education and comprehension.

Q. Choice of diction is very crucial to the communication of meaning.

A. Ruskin argues that the choice of words, or diction, is critical because each word carries specific meanings and connotations. An accurate and thoughtful selection of words ensures that the intended message is conveyed clearly and effectively. Misuse or careless selection of words can distort meaning and weaken communication.

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APPRECIATION

Q. The text is an excerpt from Sesame and Lilies, which consists of two essays, primarily, written for delivery as public lectures in 1864. Identify the features that fit the speech mode. Notice the sentence patterns.

A. The text exhibits several features of speech, including direct addresses to the audience ("you"), rhetorical questions, and a conversational tone. The sentence patterns are complex and balanced, often with a contrast between ideas. These features help convey the persuasive nature of the lecture, making it engaging for listeners.

Q. The lecture was delivered in 1864. What are the shifts in style and diction that make the language different from the way it is used today?

A. The language of Ruskin's time is more formal and elaborate than contemporary usage. Sentences are longer and more intricate, with multiple clauses and carefully balanced structures. Additionally, the diction includes archaic words and phrases that would not be commonly used today, reflecting the formal and public nature of the lecture.

Class XI - English - Woven Words - Poem - For Elkana

 Complete Text of the Poem

The warm April evening
tempts us to the breezes
sauntering across the lawn.
We drag our chairs down
the stone steps and plant them there.
Unevenly, to sit or rather sprawl
in silence till the words begin to come.
My wife, as is her way,
surveys the scene, comments
on a broken window-pane.
Suggests a thing or two
that every husband in the neighbourhood
knows exactly how to do
except of course the man she loves
who happened to be me.
Unwilling to dispute
the obvious fact
that she is always right,
I turn towards the more
attractive view that opens up
behind my eyes and shuts her out.
Her voice crawls up and down the lawn,
our son, who is seven,
hears it—and it reminds him of something.
He stands before us,
his small legs well apart,
crescent-moon-like chin uplifted
eyes hard and cold
to speak his truth
in masterly determination:
Mummy, I want my dinner, now.
Wife and husband in unusual rapport
state one unspoken thought:
Children Must be Disciplined.
She looks at me. I look away.
The son is waiting. In another second
he will repeat himself.
Wife wags a finger.
Firmly delivers verdict: Wait.
In five minutes I’ll serve you dinner.
No, says the little one,
not in five minutes, now.
I am hungry.
It occurs to me the boy is like his father.
I love him as I love myself.
Wait, darling, wait,
Mummy says, wait for five minutes
But, I am hungry now,
declaims the little bastard, in five minutes
I won’t be hungry any more.
This argument appeals to me.
Such a logician deserves his dinner straightaway.
My wife’s delightful laughter
holds the three of us together.
We rise and go into the house.

Explanation

The poem is a narrative of a family scene in April, where the warmth of the evening tempts the family to sit outside and enjoy the breeze. The husband and wife drag their chairs outside to sit in silence and enjoy each other's company until the words begin to flow. However, the wife breaks the silence by commenting on a broken window-pane and suggesting some fixes to it.

The husband, unwilling to dispute his wife's advice, turns his attention to the attractive view behind his eyes, shutting his wife out. Their seven-year-old son interrupts them, asking for dinner, to which the wife replies that he should wait for five minutes. The son insists that he is hungry and wants dinner now, but the wife tells him to wait.

The husband is amused by his son's logical argument that he won't be hungry in five minutes and decides to give him his dinner straight away. The wife's laughter brings the family together, and they all go inside the house.

The poem captures the everyday interactions and dynamics of a family, with the husband and wife having different personalities and approaches to parenting. The son's interruption serves as a reminder that children need discipline, and the family's laughter at the end signifies their ability to overcome their differences and come together.

Theme

The theme of the poem revolves around the complexities of family dynamics and the struggle for power between family members, particularly between parents and children. It also touches upon the theme of communication and the challenges that arise when family members struggle to understand and connect with each other. The poem ultimately suggests that despite these difficulties, families can find joy and togetherness through laughter and a shared sense of love and understanding.

Understanding the Poem

Question 1. Comment on the subtlety with which the poet captures the general pattern of communication within a family.

Answer:

The poet captures the general pattern of communication within a family with great subtlety and nuance. Through the dialogue and actions of the family members, the poem reveals the various power dynamics and conflicts that exist within the family unit, without explicitly stating them. For instance, the husband's desire to ignore his wife's suggestion and focus on his own desires suggests an underlying power imbalance in their relationship, while the son's demand for immediate satisfaction reflects a struggle for independence and autonomy.

Furthermore, the poem also captures the complexities of communication within a family, such as the unspoken tensions and emotions that can exist between family members. The husband's desire to shut his wife out and focus on his own thoughts, for instance, reveals a lack of communication and understanding between them.

Overall, the poem's subtlety and nuance in capturing the general pattern of communication within a family is what makes it such an effective and relatable portrayal of family life. The poem's realism and honesty in portraying the challenges and conflicts that can arise within a family unit make it a poignant and insightful reflection on the human experience.

Question 2. Poetic effect is achieved in the poem through understatement and asides. Discuss this with examples.

Answer:

The poem "The warm April evening" achieves poetic effect through the use of understatement and asides. Understatement is a literary technique where the speaker downplays the importance or severity of a situation, often to highlight the opposite effect. Asides, on the other hand, are remarks made by the speaker that are not intended for everyone to hear but serve to provide insight into their thoughts and feelings.

For example, in the poem, the husband's desire to ignore his wife's suggestion to fix the broken window pane is an example of understatement. Instead of acknowledging her suggestion, he turns his attention to the view in front of him, which suggests a lack of interest or investment in their conversation. This understated response highlights the power imbalance in their relationship, which is further emphasized by the wife's suggestion that every husband in the neighborhood knows how to fix the window except for him.

Asides are also used to great effect in the poem, particularly in the husband's internal dialogue. For instance, when his wife is speaking, he thinks to himself about the more attractive view that opens up behind his eyes and shuts her out. This aside highlights the disconnection between the husband and wife and adds depth to his character by revealing his inner thoughts and motivations.

Overall, the use of understatement and asides in the poem enhances the subtle and nuanced portrayal of family dynamics and communication, adding depth and complexity to the characters and their relationships.

Question 3. How is the idyllic juxtaposed with the pedestrian in the poem?

Answer:

In the poem "The warm April evening," the idyllic is juxtaposed with the pedestrian through the contrast between the peaceful setting of the warm April evening and the mundane, everyday tasks and conflicts that arise within the family.

On one hand, the setting of the warm April evening is described in an idyllic way, tempting the family to spend time outdoors and enjoy the breezes across the lawn. The image of the family sitting in chairs on the stone steps, surrounded by nature, creates a peaceful and serene atmosphere.

On the other hand, the poem portrays the pedestrian reality of family life, with the wife commenting on the broken window-pane and suggesting that it be fixed. The husband's response to her suggestion, focusing on the attractive view that opens up behind his eyes and shutting her out, suggests a lack of engagement and investment in their relationship.

The son's demand for immediate satisfaction, regardless of his parents' plans, adds to the contrast between the idyllic and the pedestrian. The family's decision to go inside and have dinner together is a mundane, everyday task, but the wife's delightful laughter at the end of the poem suggests that, despite the conflicts and challenges that arise within the family, they are able to find joy and togetherness in simple moments like this.

Overall, the juxtaposition of the idyllic with the pedestrian in the poem highlights the complexities of family life and the struggle to balance everyday tasks and conflicts with the desire for peace, love, and togetherness.

Question 4. Explain the undertones in the statement: ‘Wife and husband in unusual rapport
State one unspoken thought’:

Answer:

In the poem "The Warm April Evening," the line "Wife and husband in unusual rapport state one unspoken thought" suggests that the couple is connected in a way that goes beyond spoken communication. This line has undertones of shared understanding, nonverbal communication, and unspoken agreement.

Throughout the poem, the husband and wife have different perspectives and approaches to various situations, such as the broken window-pane and their son's demand for dinner. Despite their differences, they are able to come together and present a united front in their response to their son's demand. The fact that they are in "unusual rapport" suggests that this type of agreement is not common in their relationship, but is something special that happens in this particular moment.

The line also suggests that the couple is able to communicate without words, as they are able to convey their agreement without speaking it out loud. This is reinforced by the fact that the thought they share is unspoken. This type of communication is further emphasized by the husband's internal dialogue throughout the poem, which reveals his thoughts and feelings about his wife and their relationship.

Overall, the undertones in the line "Wife and husband in unusual rapport state one unspoken thought" suggest a deeper level of connection between the couple that goes beyond verbal communication. It highlights the importance of nonverbal communication, shared understanding, and unspoken agreement in relationships.

Question 5. Comment on the capitalisation of all the words in the line: ‘Children Must be Disciplined’.

Answer:

In the poem "The Warm April Evening," the capitalisation of all the words in the line "Children Must be Disciplined" serves to emphasize the importance and authority of the statement. The capitalisation of every word in the phrase draws attention to it and gives it a sense of gravity and importance.

By capitalising every word, the poet creates a sense of formality and seriousness around the idea of discipline for children. It suggests that this is not just a casual suggestion, but rather a rule that must be followed. This is reinforced by the fact that the phrase is presented as an unspoken thought between the husband and wife, which further emphasises the weight and authority of the statement.

The capitalisation also reflects the idea that discipline is a universal truth that applies to all children, regardless of their individual circumstances or personalities. It suggests that the need for discipline is a fundamental part of parenting and that it is not something that can be ignored or taken lightly.

Question 6. What makes the urgency of the child’s demand seem logical?

Answer:

In the poem "The Warm April Evening," the urgency of the child's demand for dinner seems logical because it is based on a simple and logical argument. The child argues that he is hungry now and therefore needs to eat now, rather than waiting for five minutes.

This argument is logical because hunger is a basic need that requires immediate attention. The child's demand for dinner is not based on a whim or a desire for something frivolous, but rather on a basic need that must be met in order for him to function properly. Therefore, his demand for dinner seems urgent and reasonable.

Additionally, the child's argument is presented in a simple and straightforward way that is easy to understand. He does not use complex reasoning or try to manipulate his parents in any way. Instead, he presents a simple and clear argument that is based on his immediate needs.

TRY THIS OUT

PARAPHRASE OF THE POEM

On a warm April evening, the gentle breeze entices a couple to sit outside and relax. They take their chairs down the stone steps and sit in silence, waiting for the words to come. The wife takes in their surroundings, commenting on a broken window pane and making suggestions about what needs to be done. The husband does not argue, as he knows she is always right. Instead, he focuses on the view in his mind's eye and shuts her out.

Their seven-year-old son hears his mother's voice and comes outside, standing before them with his chin up and his eyes hard and cold. He demands his dinner, insisting that he is hungry and cannot wait. The wife and husband are in agreement that children must be disciplined, but the husband sees himself in his son's argument and agrees that it is logical.

After a moment of laughter, they go inside to have dinner together.

Class XI - Elective English - Woven Words - Shorty Story - The Luncheon - William Somerset Maugham

Summary

"The Luncheon" by Somerset Maugham is a short story about a man who is approached by a woman he once knew, who asks him to take her out for lunch. The woman, who had once impoverished the man, promised to only have a modest meal, but ended up ordering several expensive dishes. Despite the man's concerns about being able to pay the bill, he took her to the expensive restaurant and treated her to lunch. Years later, the man runs into the woman again and sees that she has become extremely overweight, weighing 21 stone. The man, who is not a vengeful person, finds satisfaction in the contrast of their current circumstances, feeling that he has finally had his revenge. The story is characterized by its use of irony, as the actions of the characters often contradict their words and expectations.

UNDERSTANDING THE TEXT

Question 1. Although the author was not a vindictive man he was very happy to see the twenty one stone lady who had impoverished him twenty years ago, and says he had finally had his revenge. What makes him says this?

Answer:

Twenty years prior, the author struggled to make ends meet financially. The lady asked him to take her to Foyot's, a pricey restaurant, for lunch. The author believed he could only afford to treat her to a modest meal. The lady assured him that she never ate much for lunch, but ended up ordering several expensive dishes. Despite this, she persisted in claiming she only had one small dish and scolded the author for eating too much meat (a single small mutton chop). This left the author penniless for a whole month. The memory of this incident stayed with him, and when he met the lady again twenty years later, she had become extremely overweight, weighing 21 stone. Despite not being a vengeful person, the author felt that he had finally gotten his revenge.

Question 2. There are quite a few places where the author uses the expressions ‘My heart sank, panic seized’ etc. What was the reason for this? Explain.

Answer:

The author was residing in a small flat in Paris and struggled to make ends meet. The lady requested he take her to Foyot's, a lavish restaurant, for lunch. During the meal, she ordered a number of pricey dishes. This caused the writer to become anxious about paying the bill, leading to expressions such as "my heart sank" and "panic seized me".

Question 3. Locate instances of irony in the story.

Answer:

In "The Luncheon" by Somerset Maugham, there are several instances of irony:

• The lady promised not to eat much for lunch, but ended up ordering several expensive dishes, which was the opposite of what she promised.

• Despite being unable to afford the bill, the author treated the lady to lunch at an expensive restaurant.

• The lady scolded the author for eating too much meat (a single small mutton chop) even though she had ordered several dishes.

• The author had been impoverished by the lady twenty years prior, but when they met again, he was content with his life while she had become overweight.

• The lady advised the author not to eat too much, but she herself had ordered several dishes and become overweight.

These instances of irony highlight the contrast between the lady's actions and words, as well as the unexpected outcomes of certain events.

Question 4. What are the instances which create humour in “The Luncheon”?

Answer:

"The Luncheon" by Somerset Maugham has several instances that create humour:

• The lady's promise to only have a modest meal, but her subsequent ordering of several expensive dishes, is a source of humor due to the contrast between her words and actions.

• The lady scolding the author for eating too much meat (a single small mutton chop), even though she herself had ordered several dishes, is a humorous situation that highlights the irony and contrast between the characters' actions.

• The contrast between the author's worry about paying the bill and the lady's insistent ordering of expensive dishes is also a source of humor.

• The description of the lady's weight gain and the author's satisfaction with their changed circumstances, despite his not being a vindictive person, adds to the humor of the story.

Overall, the humor in the story arises from the contrast between the characters' words and actions, as well as the unexpected outcomes of certain events.

TALKING ABOUT THE TEXT

Question 1. People with foibles are often not conscious of them. Discuss in the light of the story.

In "The Luncheon," the lady is a character with a foible and is not conscious of it. Her foible is her tendency to over-indulge in food, as evidenced by her insistent ordering of several expensive dishes despite promising to only have a modest meal. This behavior is not something she is aware of or conscious of, as she scolds the author for eating too much meat (a single small mutton chop) even though she herself had ordered several dishes.

This is a common phenomenon, where people with foibles are often not conscious of them. People's habits and behaviors can be shaped by their experiences, personality, and environment, and they may not realize the impact they have on others or themselves. In this case, the lady's habit of over-indulging in food is not something she is aware of, and she is not consciously trying to be difficult or troublesome.

In conclusion, the story highlights the idea that people with foibles are often not conscious of them and that this can lead to unexpected and humorous situations.

Question 2. Discuss the author’s attempts at keeping up his pretence of friendliness while he was mentally preoccupied with the expense of the luncheon.

Answer:

In "The Luncheon," the author is trying to maintain a pretence of friendliness while he is mentally preoccupied with the expense of the lunch. He is worried about the cost of the meal and is concerned that he will not have enough money to pay the bill. Despite this, he tries to appear friendly and cordial to the lady, who is the one who asked him to take her to lunch.

The author uses expressions such as "my heart sank" and "panic seized me" to show his internal struggle and the tension he feels about the cost of the meal. However, he tries to keep up the pretence of friendliness by making small talk with the lady and acting as if everything is normal. He does this to avoid offending her or making her feel uncomfortable, even though he is worried about the cost of the meal.

In conclusion, the author's attempts at maintaining a pretence of friendliness while being mentally preoccupied with the expense of the lunch highlight the tension between the characters and the internal struggle of the author. Despite his worries, he tries to present himself as friendly and cordial, showing the contrast between his internal thoughts and external demeanor.

APPRECIATION

Question 1. The author is a humorist

a. How does the story reflect his sense of humour?

b. What makes his lady friend remark—‘you are quite a humorist’?

c. Give instances of the author’s ability to laugh at himself.

Answer:

1. "The Luncheon" by Somerset Maugham reflects the author's sense of humor through its use of irony, contrast, and humorous situations. The story is written in a lighthearted and witty tone, which highlights the author's ability to find humor in everyday situations and to present it in an entertaining manner.

The author creates humor in the story by contrasting the words and actions of the characters. For example, the lady promises to only have a modest meal but ends up ordering several expensive dishes, which is a source of humor due to the contrast between her words and actions. The author also uses humor to highlight the ironies of the situation, such as the lady scolding the author for eating too much meat (a single small mutton chop), even though she herself had ordered several dishes.

In addition, the author uses humor to present the tension between the characters and the internal struggle of the author. The contrast between the author's worry about paying the bill and the lady's insistent ordering of expensive dishes is also a source of humor. The description of the lady's weight gain and the author's satisfaction with their changed circumstances, despite his not being a vindictive person, adds to the humor of the story.

Overall, the story reflects the author's sense of humor through its use of irony, contrast, and humorous situations. The author's ability to find humor in everyday situations and present it in an entertaining manner is what makes the story a humorous and enjoyable read.

2. The story revolves around the author's lady friend inviting him to have lunch at the expensive restaurant Foyot. Despite financial limitations, the author agrees to go to the restaurant that is frequently visited by senators. He formulates a plan to order only a few items so that he doesn't overspend for the month. However, the irony arises when the lady friend starts placing one order after another, completely unaware of the author's budget constraints. Eventually, she suggests having a small lunch, to which the author jokingly replies that he would rather skip dinner that night. This humor earns the author a compliment from his lady friend, who remarks, "you are quite a humorist."
   
   

3. The story showcases the author's sense of humor and his ability to laugh at himself. The author recounts the lady's invitation to a pricey restaurant like Foyot, and how he was unable to decline because of his youth. As the lady begins ordering expensive dishes, the author recognizes the irony and laughs at himself for agreeing to the luncheon at Foyot. Throughout the story, the author displays his capacity for self-deprecating humor.

Question 2. How does the first person narrative help in heightening the literary effects of the story?

Answer:

This story is composed in a first person narrative which makes the readers familiar with the mindset of the narrator and his evident anticipation, apprehension and embarrassment of visiting the costly restaurant Foyot at the suggestion of his lady friend. It allows us to go deeper into the confusion and the fear developed by the narrator inside himself. The polite and soft gesture exhibited by the narrator in front of his lady friend explains the sheer embarrassment and monetary dilemma which he was experiencing. It allows the reader to visualise his mind about the anger and sarcasm which he possessed against his lady friend. The variations in the external gentility and inner mental stress helps us to understand his plight which gives rise to irony.