Class 6 ‘Meeting Cézanne’ | Question Answers, Summary & Meanings | Book Gul Mohar

‘Meeting Cézanne’ by Michael Morpurgo is a lesson in the Class 6 English Book Gul Mohar. You get here summary, vocabulary notes (Meanings) and textbook question and answers. It is to help students studying Gul Mohar English Reader for Grade 6.

Summary of ‘Meeting Cézanne’

Here is a summary in English and Hindi of the chapter “Meeting Cézanne” from the Class 6 English textbook Gul Mohar.

English Summary:

Young Yannick, visiting his uncle’s family in Provence, accidentally throws away a paper tablecloth with a drawing on it. He later learns that the drawing was a tip from a very famous painter who was a regular customer at the inn. Amandine, his cousin, is upset and blames him. However, Uncle Bruno gently scolds Amandine for not informing Yannick about the painter’s habit and encourages Yannick to see the positive side, as the artist particularly liked his crème brûlée. Feeling guilty, Yannick goes to the painter’s chateau the next day, where he meets the artist, who turns out to be Picasso (though he wishes he was Cézanne). Touched by Yannick’s sincerity, Picasso draws him a picture of sailing boats. Yannick returns, having made amends and likely learned a valuable lesson about paying attention and looking for the good in situations.

Hindi Summary:

युवा यानिक, प्रोवेंस में अपने चाचा के परिवार से मिलने गया, गलती से एक कागज़ की मेज़पोश फेंक देता है जिस पर एक चित्र बना होता है। बाद में उसे पता चलता है कि वह चित्र एक बहुत प्रसिद्ध चित्रकार द्वारा दिया गया टिप था, जो सराय का नियमित ग्राहक था। उसकी चचेरी बहन अमांदिन नाराज़ होती है और उसे दोषी ठहराती है। हालाँकि, चाचा ब्रूनो धीरे से अमांदिन को यानिक को चित्रकार की आदत के बारे में न बताने के लिए डांटते हैं और यानिक को सकारात्मक पहलू देखने के लिए प्रोत्साहित करते हैं, क्योंकि कलाकार को उसकी बनाई हुई क्रेम ब्रूली विशेष रूप से पसंद आई थी। दोषी महसूस करते हुए, यानिक अगले दिन चित्रकार के शैटॉ जाता है, जहाँ वह कलाकार से मिलता है, जो पिकासो निकलता है (हालाँकि वह चाहता है कि वह सेज़ां हो)। यानिक की ईमानदारी से प्रभावित होकर, पिकासो उसे नौकायन नावों का एक चित्र बनाकर देता है। यानिक वापस लौटता है, जिसने अपनी गलती सुधार ली है और शायद परिस्थितियों पर ध्यान देने और उनमें अच्छाई खोजने के बारे में एक महत्वपूर्ण सबक सीखा है।

Vocabulary Notes | Meanings (English & Hindi)

Meanings of some important words/phrases appearing in the lesson ‘Meeting Cézanne’ as given in the Class 6 English Textbook Gul Mohar.

Intext-questions and Answers | Chapter ‘Meeting Cézanne’

Intext questions are those found embedded within the lesson itself given along the text of the story or chapter. These questions are designed to check understanding as you read. In Meeting Cézanne, these questions help students grasp key events, themes, and character actions while progressing through the story. You would get here answers to such questions.

Intext-questions and Answers:

Question: How does the writer show us that Yannick is not very impressed by the famous man? Does he tell us this directly? (para 3)

Ans: The writer indirectly shows Yannick’s lack of impression by describing the famous man as “an ordinary man without much hair.” This simple description, devoid of any recognition or awe, highlights Yannick’s unawareness of the man’s importance at that moment.

Question: How does the writer show a change in the atmosphere of the room when Amandine shouts at Yannick? (paras 4-7)

Ans: The writer illustrates the change in atmosphere through the immediate silence that falls over the restaurant after Amandine’s outburst. The phrase “Everyone in the restaurant stopped eating and went silent” vividly portrays the shift from a normal setting to one charged with tension and shock due to Amandine’s anger directed at Yannick.

Question: Why do you think the writer made the other people in the room react in this manner? (para 7)

Ans: The other people in the room likely reacted with silence to emphasize the unusual and intense nature of Amandine’s shouting. This collective stillness underscores the disruption of the normal environment, highlights Yannick’s potential embarrassment, and draws the reader’s attention to the significance of the conflict unfolding.

Question: Why do you think the writer focuses on the contrast between the famous man’s appearance and his eyes? (para 19)

Ans: The writer focuses on the contrast between the famous man’s “very old” appearance and his “young, bright and searching” eyes to subvert the expectation of a great artist looking imposing. This contrast hints at his enduring passion and observant nature, characteristic of an artist, and creates a more memorable and intriguing image while perhaps foreshadowing his kind interaction with Yannick.

Chapter ‘Meeting Cézanne’ book Exercises: Questions and Answers.

Find answers and solutions to the questions and exercises at the end of the chapter ‘Meeting Cézanne’ from the Class 6 Gul Mohar English Book.

Understanding the Text

A. Choose the correct answers.

1. Yannick threw the tablecloth into the fire because
   a. he was careless.
   b. he always did this when he cleaned the table.
   c. Amandine told him to do so.
2. Uncle Bruno was angry with Amandine because
   a. she didn’t tell Yannick to save the tablecloth.
   b. she shouted at Yannick in front of everyone.
   c. she blamed Yannick unfairly for the ruined tablecloth.
3. According to Uncle Bruno, the unforgettable thing that had happened to Yannick was
   a. that the famous man liked his crème brûlée.
   b. that a great artist had made him a painting to show his appreciation for Yannick’s effort.
   c. that he had met a great painter.
4. Uncle Bruno asked Yannick to always look on the bright side of things
   a. because doing so would change a bad situation.
   b. because doing so would help him face a bad situation.
   c. so that he could always remain cheerful.
5. The artist did not get angry at Yannick for not recognising him because
   a. he didn’t care for what Yannick thought about him.
   b. he knew that Yannick was his friend’s nephew and meant no ill-will.
   c. he was touched by Yannick’s innocence and his earnest attempt to set things right.

Answers:

1. b. he always did this when he cleaned the table.
   (The story mentions that Yannick usually scrunched up the paper tablecloth and threw it into the fire.)
2. c. she blamed Yannick unfairly for the ruined tablecloth.
   (Uncle Bruno pointed out that Amandine hadn’t told Yannick about the artist’s habit of drawing on the tablecloth.)
3. b. that a great artist had made him a painting to show his appreciation for Yannick’s effort.
   (Uncle Bruno emphasized that Yannick had held a drawing made for him by a world-renowned painter.)
4. b. because doing so would help him face a bad situation.
   (Uncle Bruno advised Yannick to find the positive aspect of the situation.)
5. c. he was touched by Yannick’s innocence and his earnest attempt to set things right.
   (The artist listened to Yannick’s explanation and was willing to draw another picture.)

B. Answer these questions.

1. Who was going to visit the inn? Was he someone important? How do you know? (para 1)
2. Why did Amandine try to remove the burning tablecloth from the fire? (para 6)
3. Did Amandine think her father would be angry with her for the burnt tablecloth? What tells you this? (para 9)
4. I thought she was going to lie. Who is the speaker talking about? Why did he think that she was going to lie? para 11)
5. I had worked out exactly what to do and how to do it. What was the speaker going to do and why? What does this say about him? (para 18)
6. “Now that I was this close to him I could see he was indeed very old. But his eyes were young, bright and searching.”
   a. How has this image of the painter been contrasted against Yannick’s first impression of him? (paras 3 and 19)
   b. How does Yannick’s initial reaction to the old man’s appearance prepare you for the rest of the events in the story? (paras 3 and 19)
7. ….just as I’d seen them in Brittany. What did the speaker see in Brittany? What did he compare that sight with? Do you think he was surprised that they were so similar? (para 26)
8. Throughout the text, the famous man is described as the greatest painter in the world. And yet, at the end, he wishes his name was Cézanne. Why do you think someone who is already famous, will want to be known by the name of another famous artist? What does this say about how he feels about Cézanne? (para 28)

Answers:

Long Answers:

B. Answer these questions.

1. Who was going to visit the inn? Was he someone important? How do you know? (para 1)

Answer:
A famous man, the inn’s best customer, was going to visit the inn. Yes, he was someone important. We know this because there was a “bustle at the inn” for his visit, indicating excitement and special preparation. Amandine also mentions he lived in the chateau and was “very famous.”

2. Why did Amandine try to remove the burning tablecloth from the fire? (para 6)

Answer:
Amandine tried to remove the burning tablecloth from the fire because the famous man who had just left often drew a picture on it as a tip for her father if he enjoyed his meal. She realized that Yannick had unknowingly thrown away this valuable drawing.

3. Did Amandine think her father would be angry with her for the burnt tablecloth? What tells you this? (para 9)

Answer:
Maybe because she initially blamed Yannick and told her father that he had burned the tablecloth. Her quickness in blaming Yannick without hesitation highlights her fear that her father might become angry if he thought she was responsible.

4. I thought she was going to lie. Who is the speaker talking about? Why did he think that she was going to lie? (para 11)

Answer:
The speaker, Yannick, is talking about his cousin Amandine. He thought she was going to lie because her cheeks were wet with tears after Uncle Bruno asked if she had told Yannick about the artist drawing on the tablecloth. Yannick likely thought she would lie to avoid getting into trouble for not informing him.

5. I had worked out exactly what to do and how to do it. What was the speaker going to do and why? What does this say about him? (para 18)

Answer:
Yannick was going to go to the chateau to try and get another drawing from the famous painter to replace the one he had burned. He wanted to do this to make things right again and make Amandine happy. This shows that Yannick is thoughtful, responsible, and cares about Amandine’s feelings. He is proactive in trying to fix his mistake.

OR
Yannick planned to go to the chateau and ask the famous painter for another drawing. His motivation was to rectify his mistake of burning the original and to make his cousin Amandine happy again. This action reveals Yannick’s sense of responsibility and his caring nature towards Amandine. He is proactive in trying to mend the situation and values her feelings.

6. “Now that I was this close to him I could see he was indeed very old. But his eyes were young, bright and searching.

“a. How has this image of the painter been contrasted against Yannick’s first impression of him? (paras 3 and 19)
Answer:
a. In paragraph 3, Yannick’s first impression was of an “ordinary man without much hair.” This suggests a plain and perhaps unremarkable appearance. In contrast, paragraph 19 describes him as “very old” but with “young, bright and searching” eyes.1 This contrasts his physical age with a youthful and observant spirit.
OR
a. Yannick’s initial impression of the painter was of an “ordinary man without much hair,” suggesting an unremarkable appearance. This contrasts sharply with his later observation of the man being “very old” but possessing “young, bright and searching” eyes. This juxtaposition highlights a difference between outward appearance and inner vitality or artistic spirit.

b. How does Yannick’s initial reaction to the old man’s appearance prepare you for the rest of the events in the story? (paras 3 and 19)
Answer:
b. Yannick’s initial reaction, seeing him as an ordinary man, creates a sense of surprise when his true identity as a world-famous painter is revealed. The later description of his old age but youthful eyes hints at a deep artistic spirit that transcends physical appearance. This contrast makes his willingness to help Yannick and his humility at the end more believable and impactful.
OR
b. Yannick’s initial view of the painter as ordinary sets up a contrast with his eventual reveal as a world-famous artist, creating surprise for the reader. The subsequent description of his old age but youthful eyes hints at a deeper, perhaps timeless, artistic quality, making his later humility and willingness to help Yannick more understandable and poignant.

7. …just as I’d seen them in Brittany. What did the speaker see in Brittany? What did he compare that sight with? Do you think he was surprised that they were so similar? (para 26)

Answer:
In Brittany, the speaker, Yannick, had seen four sailing boats racing over the sea, going out beyond a lighthouse. He compared the drawing the artist made for him to this sight. It’s likely he was surprised by how similar the drawing was to his memory of Brittany, as it captured the scene so accurately.

OR
In Brittany, Yannick had witnessed four sailing boats engaged in a race across the sea, heading beyond a lighthouse. He compared the drawing that the artist created for him to this vivid memory. Given his detailed recollection and the comparison, it’s highly probable that he was indeed surprised by the close resemblance between the drawing and the actual scene he had observed.

8. Throughout the text the famous man is described as the greatest painter in the world. And yet, at the end, he wishes his name was Cézanne. Why do you think someone who is already famous will want to be known by the name of another famous artist? What does this say about how he feels about Cézanne? (para 28)

Answer:
The famous painter, who signed the drawing “Picasso,” likely wishes his name was Cézanne because he deeply admires Cézanne’s artistic talent and legacy. Even though he himself is considered the “greatest painter in the world” by some, his respect for Cézanne is so profound that he would value being associated with his name. This suggests he holds Cézanne in extremely high regard, perhaps even seeing him as a greater artist or a significant influence on his own work. It speaks to a sense of humility and a recognition of artistic greatness beyond his own fame.

OR
The already famous painter, who signed his drawing as “Picasso,” likely wished his name was Cézanne due to profound admiration for Cézanne’s artistic genius and lasting impact. Even with his own significant fame, he held Cézanne in such high esteem that he desired that association. This suggests a deep respect, possibly viewing Cézanne as an even greater artistic figure or a fundamental influence on his own artistic journey, revealing a sense of humility despite his own renown.

Short Answers:

1. A famous man, the inn’s best customer, was visiting. Yes, he was important. The “bustle” at the inn and Amandine calling him “very famous” indicate this.
2. Amandine tried to save the tablecloth because the famous customer drew on it as a tip for her father.
3. It might be because she did not lose any moment in blaming Yannic behind the burning of the tablecloth.
4. Yannick is talking about Amandine. He thought she might lie because she was tearful when asked if she had informed him about the tablecloth.
5. He was going to get another drawing to make Amandine happy and fix his mistake. This shows he’s thoughtful and responsible.
6. a. First, ordinary; then, old but with youthful eyes.
   b. It creates surprise at his fame and makes his later humility more believable.  
7. He saw sailing boats racing. He compared the drawing to that sight. He was likely surprised by the similarity.  
8. He deeply admires Cézanne. It shows he has great respect for Cézanne’s artistry.

Appreciating the Text

1. Do you think that Meeting Cézanne is a suitable title for the text? Why or why not?

Answer: Short Answer:

The story is told from Yannick’s point of view to create innocence and discovery. His limited understanding makes the encounter relatable and builds suspense as the painter’s identity is revealed. We experience the events through his eyes, focusing on his mistake and his desire to fix it. This perspective highlights the artist’s kindness.

Long Answer:

I think this text was told from Yannick’s point of view to create a sense of innocence and discovery. As a young boy, Yannick’s limited understanding of the art world and his focus on the immediate consequences of his actions make the encounter with the famous painter more relatable and engaging for a young reader.

Reading the story through Yannick’s eyes allows us to experience the events as he does, with his initial ignorance about the painter’s importance, his guilt and desire to make amends, and his eventual awe at meeting him. This perspective builds suspense and allows for a gradual reveal of the painter’s identity and significance. If the story were told from another character’s perspective, like Amandine’s or Uncle Bruno’s, we might lose this sense of childlike wonder and the impact of Yannick’s innocent mistake and subsequent interaction with the artist. His perspective makes the artist’s kindness and humility stand out even more.

2. Why do you think this text was told from Yannick’s point of view? How did this affect the way you read and understood the text?

Answer: Short Answer:

“Meeting Cézanne” isn’t the best title. The story is more about Yannick’s mistake and his efforts to correct it, leading to the meeting. Titles like “The Burned Tablecloth” or “Yannick and the Famous Painter” might be more suitable as they focus on the central plot points rather than just the encounter itself. The Cézanne reference is a twist, not the main theme.

Long Answer:

I don’t think that “Meeting Cézanne” is the most suitable title for the text, even though the famous painter Yannick meets is revealed to be Picasso, who expresses a wish to be Cézanne. The central focus of the story isn’t really the meeting itself, but rather the chain of events that leads to it: Yannick’s mistake, Amandine’s reaction, Uncle Bruno’s wisdom, and Yannick’s determination to fix things.

A more fitting title might focus on Yannick’s journey of understanding and his unexpected interaction with a great artist. Perhaps something like “The Burned Tablecloth” (highlighting the inciting incident), “Yannick and the Famous Painter” (simple and descriptive), or even something that hints at the lesson learned, like “Always Look on the Bright Side.” While the encounter is significant, the story is more about Yannick’s actions and the surprising outcome, rather than solely about meeting a specific historical figure. The twist about the painter wishing to be Cézanne is a touching detail but not the core narrative driver.

Grammar and Usage

A. Say which kind of noun the highlighted words are. Refer to a dictionary, if you are in doubt.

1. We stopped on our way to admire a beautiful rainbow across a waterfall. compound noun
2. In cold places, people still use coal and firewood for heat.
3. Skyway Airlines has placed an order for a new fleet of aircraft.
4. The intelligence of the fox is described in old stories as cunning.
5. We must add some watermelon to the fruit-salad.
6. The highway is closed because they are laying it with tar.
7. The audience cheered with excitement when the actors came on stage.

Answers:

1. We stopped on our way to admire a beautiful rainbow across a waterfall.
   • rainbow, waterfall – compound noun

2. In cold places, people still use coal and firewood for heat.
   • coal: common noun
   • firewood: compound noun
   • heat: abstract noun
3. Skyway Airlines has placed an order for a new fleet of aircraft.
   • Skyway Airlines: proper noun
   • fleet: collective noun
4. The intelligence of the fox is described in old stories as cunning.
   • intelligence: abstract noun
   • cunning: abstract noun (in this context, it refers to a quality)
5. We must add some watermelon to the fruit-salad.
   • watermelon: common noun (can also be seen as a compound noun)
   • fruit-salad: compound noun
6. The highway is closed because they are laying it with tar.
   • highway: common noun
   • tar: common noun (material noun)
7. The audience cheered with excitement when the actors came on the stage.
   • audience: collective noun
   • excitement: abstract noun

B. Choose the correct word to complete these sentences.

1. There was not enough (enough / any) time to complete the test paper.
2. We have received _____ (much / several) replies to our email.
3. _____ (Few/Much) people understand the importance of being punctual.
4. There aren’t _____ (some/any) buttons on this shirt.
   Can you pass me _____ (another/ either) shirt, please?
5. If we lose weight, there is _____ (little /less) pressure on the back and the knees.

Answers:

1. There was not enough (enough / any) time to complete the test paper.
2. We have received several (much / several) replies to our email.
3. Few (Few / Much) people understand the importance of being punctual.
4. There aren’t any (some / any) buttons on this shirt.
   Can you pass me another (another / either) shirt, please?
5. If we lose weight, there is less (little / less) pressure on the back and the knees.

Words in Use

A. Find single words from the text which mean the same as these.

1. crushed noisily (para 3)
2. the small amount or parts that remain of something when most of it has been destroyed (para 3)
3. walking while taking long, firm steps (para 8)
4. said something in a quiet voice such that the words weren’t clear (para 13)
5. frightening in appearance (para 19)

Answer:

1. crushed noisily (para 3) – scrunched
2. the small amount or parts that remain of something when most of it has been destroyed (para 3) – remnants
3. walking while taking long, firm steps (para 8) – striding
4. said something in a quiet voice such that the words weren’t clear (para 13) – mumbled
5. frightening in appearance (para 19) – threatening

B. Read these sentences and understand the situations that they describe. Then, complete them using the correct idiom with look. You may have to change the forms of the idioms in some cases.

1. When Jiten found out that he was the only one who had solved the puzzle, he _____
2. The supplies haven’t arrived yet and the workmen are away for the weekend. _____ we will be able to finish painting the house only next week.
3. I couldn’t find the book even though I _____ for it.
4. As the participants in this year’s dance auditions are all very good, I will have to _____ if I want to make an impression upon the judges.
5. I think Hima Das and Dipa Karmakar have achieved such great things as sports women. I really do _____ them.

Answers:

1. When Jiten found out that he was the only one who had solved the puzzle, he looked like the cat that ate the canary. (meaning: looked very pleased and satisfied with oneself)
2. The supplies haven’t arrived yet and the workmen are away for the weekend. Look high and low, we will be able to finish painting the house only next week. (meaning: look in every possible place)
3. I couldn’t find the book even though I looked up to for it. (meaning: to admire someone – the form has been changed to fit the sentence structure)
4. As the participants in this year’s dance auditions are all very good, I will have to look to one’s laurels if I want to make an impression upon the judges. (meaning: to make an extra effort in order to succeed)
5. I think Hima Das and Dipa Karmakar have achieved such great things as sports women. I really look up to them. (meaning: to admire someone)