At Marlow Question Answers Summary Meanings Class 6 English

Here are given the question answers to the lesson ‘At Marlow’ as published in the class 6 English textbook wind Chimes. A summary is also given. Click here for explanaton and word meanings.

Summary

“At Marlow” the writer by Jerome K. Jerome follows the comedic exploits of three well-fed but bored gentlemen, J, George, and Harris, accompanied by their mischievous fox terrier, Montmorency, as they embark on a rowing adventure down the Thames. The story is narrated by J, a romantic and fanciful individual who loves history and sunsets but dislikes hard work. George, a sensible bank worker, and Harris, a boastful and ill-mannered individual, complete the trio. Montmorency, the fox terrier, adds chaos to their journey with his antics, particularly his encounters with cats.

As they row down the river, the group faces various mishaps, including failing to open a tin of pineapple, narrowly avoiding injuries with sharp objects, and colliding with a fishing boat due to their absent-mindedness. Despite their incompetence, they continue their journey, encountering humorous situations such as Montmorency’s encounter with a cat and their eventful shopping trip for provisions.

The narrative is filled with humor, as the characters navigate their way through these absurd situations with wit and charm. Through their misadventures, the group forms a bond and creates lasting memories, making their journey down the Thames an unforgettable experience.

Comprehension

A. Answer these questions in brief.

1. Explain in your own words, the narrator’s relationship with cats.
2. What was Monmorency’s initial reaction on seeing the cat?
3. Explain what ‘a fairly appreciable proportion of its nose’ means.
4. Why did Montmorency not attack the tomcat?
5. Who became the victim in the confrontation?
6. Why did the friends want the shop boys to accompany them?

Answers:

1. The narrator’s affection for cats is evident in how he lovingly speaks to them, pets them, and receives their reciprocation.
2. Upon spotting the cat, Montmorency exclaimed with joy and eagerly chased after it.
3. “A fairly appreciable proportion of its nose” means a large chunk of its nose.
4. Despite Montmorency’s attempts at intimidation, the cat remained unfazed, causing Montmorency to become unnerved.
5. Montmorency found himself on the losing end of the confrontation with the cat.
6. The friends wanted to ensure the purchased items were delivered promptly, so they wouldn’t be left waiting.

Another set of answers:

A. Answer these questions in brief.

1. The narrator, J, has a fondness for cats and treats them kindly, often stopping to pet them and speak affectionately to them.
2. Montmorency initially reacted with excitement and pursued the cat eagerly, like a stern warrior seeing his enemy within reach.
3. “A fairly appreciable proportion of its nose” means that a noticeable portion of the cat’s nose was missing or damaged.
4. Montmorency did not attack the tomcat because the cat remained calm and unafraid, sitting down in the middle of the road and facing Montmorency with a gentle and inquiring expression.
5. In the confrontation, Montmorency became the victim as he hesitated and ultimately did not attack the tomcat, feeling intimidated by the cat’s demeanor.
6. The friends wanted the shop boys to accompany them to ensure that the items they purchased were immediately sent with them, avoiding any delays or excuses from the shopkeepers.

B. Answer these questions with reference to the context.

1. I do not blame the dog…
   a. What incident is being referred to here?
   b. Why does the narrator not blame the dog?
   c. Why does this line turn out to be ironic?
2. But this time, it was Montmorency who wished he had not given way to his instincts
   that morning.
   a. What instincts are being referred to here?
   b. Why does Montmorency wish he had not followed his instincts?
   c. What is implied by ‘but this time’?
3. It was dignified and impressive, without being ostentatious.
   a. What is being described here?
   b. What is the difference between dignified and ostentatious?
   c. Do you agree with the statement? Why/Why not?

Answers:

1. a. The confrontation between Montmorency and the tomcat is being talked about.
   b. The narrator thinks that it is a part of the fox-terrier nature to be aggressive.
   c. This line turns out to be ironic because at the end of the face-off, it is Montmorency who departs
   with his tail between his legs.
2. a. Montmorency’s instincts of chasing any cat he sees are being referred to here.
   b. This time, Montmorency is completely outdone and intimidated by the tomcat.
   c. ‘But this time’ implies that the outcome was actually unlikely.
3. a. The freinds’ departure from Marlow is being described here.
   b. Dignified implies elegance, while ostentatious implies tastelessness.
   c. Subjective question so attempt yourself

Another set of answers:

1. “I do not blame the dog…”
   a. The incident being referred to here is Montmorency’s encounter with the cat, where Montmorency hesitated and ultimately did not attack the tomcat.
   b. The narrator does not blame the dog because he believes it is Montmorency’s nature as a fox terrier to react impulsively and aggressively towards cats.
   c. This line turns out to be ironic because while the narrator initially absolves Montmorency of blame, later events in the story reveal that Montmorency’s behavior often leads to chaos and trouble, regardless of whether he is to blame or not.
2. “But this time, it was Montmorency who wished he had not given way to his instincts that morning.”
   a. The instincts being referred to here are Montmorency’s natural inclination to chase and attack cats.
   b. Montmorency wishes he had not followed his instincts because, in this particular instance, his aggressive behavior towards the cat led to embarrassment and discomfort for him, as the cat’s calm demeanor unnerved him.
   c. The phrase “but this time” implies that Montmorency’s reaction was different from his usual behavior, suggesting that he typically enjoys chasing cats but regretted it in this specific situation, adding a layer of complexity to his character.
3. “It was dignified and impressive, without being ostentatious.”
   a. This line describes the group’s departure from Marlow, which is characterized by a sense of dignity and impressiveness.
   b. The difference between dignified and ostentatious lies in their respective levels of modesty and showiness. A dignified departure suggests a sense of propriety and respectfulness, while an ostentatious one would involve unnecessary display and extravagance.
   c. Whether one agrees with the statement depends on individual interpretation. Some may find the group’s departure dignified due to their efforts to organize and acquire provisions efficiently, while others may find it slightly ostentatious due to the unintentional spectacle they create with their large entourage of shop boys and animals.

C. Answer these questions.

1. Describe the black tomcat in your own words.
2. How were the attitudes of the narrator and Montmorency different with
   regards to cats?
3. What did we get to know about fox-terriers from this extract?
4. Why did the narrator refer to the tomcat as disreputable looking?
5. What did the tomcat do when Montmorency went charging at him?
6. How did Montmorency make an ass of himself?
7. What was ironic about the confrontation between the tomcat
   and Montmorency?
8. Comment on the imaginary conversation between Montmorency and
   the tomcat.
9. Comment on the procession of people and animals at the end of this extract.
10. What lessons can we learn about dealing with people from the way the tomcat
    deals with Montmorency?

Answers:

1. With half of its tail missing, a large part of its nose gone, and one ear absent, the black tomcat had a muscular physique. Yet, there was something about it that seemed positively disreputable.
2. The narrator had a fondness for cats, petting and speaking affectionately to them, and they reciprocated. However, Montmorency immediately attacked any cat he came across.
3. The narrator found fox terriers to be quite aggressive and rowdy. It took years of effort to tone down their behaviour.
4. The tomcat looked like an animal that had fought its share of street battles. It was unfazed by Montmorency’s aggression.
5. Sitting in the middle of the road, the tomcat stared at Montmorency.
6. Despite his initial aggression, Montmorency was quickly intimidated by the tomcat’s silent authority. The tomcat hardly moved, but Montmorency soon fled with his tail between his legs.
7. The outcome of the confrontation between Montmorency and the tomcat was unlikely. Despite Montmorency’s history of chasing cats, he not only lost but was made a joke of by the tomcat.
8. The conversation was a humorous anti-climax for Montmorency’s prestige. The cat’s intimidating, disdainful appearance reduced Montmorency to a scared, embarrassing mess. He wanted to leave the area as soon as possible and felt insulted by the loss of his reputation as a cat-commanding dog. Retiring to the unimportant position in the rear, he pondered the incident’s impact on his courage.
9. The extract itself says that their exit from Marlow was one of their greatest successes. It is termed by them as ‘dignified and impressive without being ostentatious. The procession of shop assistants carrying their purchases to the boat is extraordinary.
   It was dignified for them but was ostentatious also as it became a public spectacle in the small town of Marlow. The procession takes a life of its own as it is joined by vagrants and loafers and stray animals. In fact, when they reach the landing stage, the boatman suspects they were travelling on a steam launch or on a houseboat!
   It can be said that they had employed their clever tricks to create the impression they might have desired and wished from the heart and were also successful in their attempts.
10. The quiet air of authority exuded by the tomcat is a testament to the fact that aggression is rarely the solution to confrontations. Montmorency serves as a perfect example of how wild aggression fails to impress. In contrast, quiet courage is a more effective approach.

Another set of answers:

1. The black tomcat is described as disreputable-looking, with various injuries including a missing tail, ear, and part of its nose. Despite its injuries, the cat maintains a calm and contented demeanor, appearing long and sinewy.
2. The narrator, J, has a fondness for cats and treats them kindly, while Montmorency reacts aggressively towards cats, often chasing them with excitement and enthusiasm.
3. From this extract, we learn that fox-terriers, like Montmorency, have a natural inclination towards mischief and aggression, especially when it comes to chasing cats.
4. The narrator refers to the tomcat as disreputable-looking because of its appearance, including its injuries and overall scruffy demeanor.
5. When Montmorency charged at the tomcat, the cat remained calm and unafraid, sitting down in the middle of the road and facing Montmorency with a gentle and inquiring expression.
6. Montmorency made an ass of himself by charging eagerly at the tomcat, only to hesitate and ultimately not attack, feeling intimidated by the cat’s calm demeanor.
7. The irony of the confrontation between the tomcat and Montmorency lies in the reversal of roles, where the usually aggressive Montmorency hesitates and feels intimidated, while the injured and disreputable-looking tomcat remains calm and unafraid.
8. The imaginary conversation between Montmorency and the tomcat highlights the contrast between Montmorency’s eagerness and the cat’s calm demeanor, adding humor to the situation.
9. The procession of people and animals at the end of this extract creates a humorous and chaotic scene, reflecting the absurdity of the group’s shopping trip and the unintended entourage they accumulate.
10. From the way the tomcat deals with Montmorency, we can learn the importance of remaining calm and composed in confrontational situations, as well as the power of confidence and self-assurance in deterring aggression.

Another set of answers:

1. The black tomcat is portrayed as a large, disreputable-looking feline that has lost half its tail, one ear, and a portion of its nose. Despite its battered appearance, it carries itself with calm contentment.
2. The narrator, J, has a fondness for cats and treats them kindly. He describes his interactions with cats as gentle and peaceful. In contrast, Montmorency, the fox terrier, reacts aggressively and disruptively when encountering cats.
3. From this extract, we learn that fox terriers, like Montmorency, are born with a mischievous and aggressive nature. The narrator humorously suggests that it will take years of patient effort to reform the rowdiness inherent in the nature of fox terriers.
4. The narrator referred to the tomcat as disreputable-looking due to its battered appearance. The cat had lost part of its tail, one ear, and a portion of its nose, contributing to its overall shabby and disheveled appearance.
5. When Montmorency charged at the tomcat, instead of fleeing or defending itself, the tomcat calmly sat down in the middle of the road, facing Montmorency with a gentle and inquiring expression.
6. Montmorency made an ass of himself by eagerly pursuing the tomcat, despite the cat’s composed demeanor. Montmorency’s aggressive reaction was met with the tomcat’s calm response, creating a humorous and embarrassing situation for Montmorency.
7. The irony lies in Montmorency, typically a bold and aggressive fox terrier, hesitating and not attacking the calm and composed tomcat. The roles seem reversed, as Montmorency becomes the hesitant and uncertain one in the confrontation.
8. The imaginary conversation adds a humorous touch to the story, highlighting the contrast between the narrator’s gentle approach to cats and Montmorency’s aggressive behavior. The politeness and courtesy displayed by the tomcat in the imagined dialogue further emphasize the comical nature of the situation.
9. The procession is described humorously, with the group unintentionally accumulating a large entourage of boys, dogs, and various individuals as they shop for provisions. The chaotic yet dignified march down the High Street adds a comedic element to the narrative.
10. The tomcat’s calm and composed response to Montmorency’s aggression suggests that maintaining composure and responding with politeness can defuse tense situations. The tomcat’s nonchalant demeanor contrasts with Montmorency’s impulsive behavior, highlighting the effectiveness of a measured and collected approach in dealing with confrontations.

Another set of answers:

1. The black tomcat is described as large and disreputable-looking, with injuries including a missing tail, ear, and part of its nose. Despite its physical appearance, it exudes a calm and contented air.
2. The narrator, J, treats cats kindly and speaks affectionately to them, while Montmorency reacts aggressively and loudly when encountering cats, displaying a stark difference in their attitudes towards felines.
3. From this extract, we learn that fox-terriers, like Montmorency, are born with a propensity for mischief and aggression, often reacting impulsively and aggressively towards other animals, particularly cats.
4. The narrator refers to the tomcat as disreputable-looking because of its physical appearance, with various injuries giving it a scruffy and unkempt appearance, which might lead one to view it as untrustworthy or unsavory.
5. When Montmorency went charging at him, the tomcat remained calm and unafraid, sitting down in the middle of the road and facing Montmorency with a gentle and inquiring expression.
6. Montmorency made an ass of himself by reacting impulsively and aggressively towards the tomcat, only to hesitate and ultimately not attack when confronted by the cat’s calm demeanor.
7. The irony of the confrontation between the tomcat and Montmorency lies in Montmorency’s usual aggressive behavior towards cats, which in this instance leads to embarrassment and discomfort for him as he hesitates and ultimately does not attack the cat.
8. The imaginary conversation between Montmorency and the tomcat highlights the contrast in their demeanors, with the cat remaining calm and polite while Montmorency becomes flustered and apologetic, showcasing their differing attitudes and behaviors.
9. The procession of people and animals at the end of this extract paints a humorous and chaotic picture, with various individuals and animals following the group as they make their way down the High Street towards the river, unintentionally creating a spectacle for onlookers.
10. From the way the tomcat deals with Montmorency, we can learn the importance of remaining calm and composed when dealing with aggressive or confrontational individuals, as the cat’s calm demeanor disarmed Montmorency and prevented any further conflict.

Vocabulary

A. Write down the meanings of these idioms. If there are any that you are unfamiliar with, then discuss in small groups and try to infer their meanings.

1. snail’s pace 2. can of worms 3. wild goose chase 4. eagle eyes 5. guinea pig 6. bull in a china shop 7. butterflies in one’s stomach 8. hold your horses

Answers:

1. snail’s pace – very slowly

2. can of worms – a situation that causes a lot of problems when one starts to deal with it

3. wild goose chase – a foolish and hopeless search for or pursuit of something unattainable

4. eagle eyes – a keen or close watch

5. guinea pig – a person or thing used as a subject for an experiment

6. bull in a china shop – careless in the way that one moves or behaves

7. butterflies in one’s stomach – be anxious about something

8. hold your horses – wait a moment

Another set of answers:

1. Snail’s pace: Moving very slowly or at a sluggish rate, comparable to the pace of a snail.
2. Can of worms: Refers to a complex or difficult situation that, once opened or addressed, leads to further complications or problems.
3. Wild goose chase: Engaging in a futile pursuit or search that is unlikely to be successful, similar to chasing after wild geese which are difficult to catch.
4. Eagle eyes: Having exceptionally keen or sharp vision, often used to describe someone who is very observant or perceptive.
5. Guinea pig: Refers to a person who is used as a test subject in an experiment or trial, often in the context of medical or scientific research.
6. Bull in a china shop: Describes someone who is clumsy, reckless, or lacks delicacy, often causing damage or chaos in a situation that requires careful handling.
7. Butterflies in one’s stomach: Refers to experiencing nervousness, anxiety, or anticipation, often felt in the stomach before a significant event or situation.
8. Hold your horses: An expression used to advise someone to be patient or to wait, similar to “hold on” or “slow down,” originating from the need to control horses’ movements.

Grammar

A. Fill in the blanks with coordinating conjunctions.

1. Will you eat that last pastry, ….. will you leave it for me?
2. Sadyah collected the biggest amount for charity, …… she got a medal.
3. Tenzing had a terrible headache, …….. he went to work in the morning.
4. It’s snowing, …….. please wear your overcoat.
5. He has done his duty, …….. he is a sincere man.
6. Namrata overslept …… thus missed the train again.

Answers:

1. Will you eat that last pastry, or will you leave it for me?
2. Sadyah collected the biggest amount for charity, so she got a medal.
3. Tenzing had a terrible headache, yet he went to work in the morning.
4. It’s snowing, so please wear your overcoat.
5. He has done his duty, for he is a sincere man.
6. Namrata overslept and thus missed the train again.

B. Answers

both…and: Both his mother and his father will be there at the school PTM.

not only…but also: He not only read the book but also remembered what he had read.

either…or: You can either stay home or come with us.

neither…nor: Neither he nor his friend is to blame for the mistake.

whether…or: I don’t know whether he will like the gift or not.

C. Fill in the blanks with the correct linkers from the options provided.

1. Jyoti promised to look after Shahid’s cat …….. (so that/while) he was on holiday.
2. He decided to buy a car ……. (in spite of/although) having lost his job.
3. …….. (In spite/Despite) it being cold outside, they went ahead with the picnic.
4. Harendra’s mother waited on the platform ……. (until/before) the train had disappeared into the distance.
5. I have to get this assignment in ……..(until/by) the end of the week.
6. …….. (Since/All in all), it was a good experience.
7. Mohun Bagan was the best team and ……… (furthermore/likewise), they were the fairest too.
8. Ramona will not join the event ……. (due to/unless) the organisers donate to charity.

Answers:

1. Jyoti promised to look after Shahid’s cat while he was on holiday.
2. He decided to buy a car although he had lost his job.
3. Despite it being cold outside, they went ahead with the picnic.
4. Harendra’s mother waited on the platform until the train had disappeared into the distance.
5. I have to get this assignment in by the end of the week.
6. All in all, it was a good experience.
7. Mohun Bagan was the best team and likewise, they were the fairest too.
8. Ramona will not join the event unless the organisers donate to charity.

D. Complete these sentences with in, on or at. For each use, mention if they are acting as prepositions of time (T) or place (P).

1. My cousin lives ….. New York.
2. Please put these books …… the table.
3. This is an old film, it was made ……. 1958.
4. I am …… the theatre.
5. The meeting is …… 3 p.m. ……… the principal’s office.
6. The yoga class will be held …… Holi evening.
7. You always come late. Please be …… time today.
8. My friend lives ….. Sector 3, …… the end of Park Lane.

Answers:

1. My cousin lives in New York. (P)
2. Please put these books on the table. (P)
3. This is an old film, it was made in 1958. (T)
4. I am at the theatre. (P)
5. The meeting is at 3 p.m. in the principal’s office. (T, P)
6. The yoga class will be held on Holi evening. (T)
7. You always come late. Please be on time today. (T)
8. My friend lives in Sector 3, at the end of Park Lane. (P, P)

Writing

A. Make a diary entry as Montmorency, recording the incidents of the day you met the tomcat.

Answer: We are giving sample answers here. You should enjoy wrting for yourself.

Sample 1

Diary Entry: Montmorency

Date: [Date of the encounter with the tomcat]

Dear Diary,

Today was quite an eventful day, and I simply must recount the chaos that ensued when I encountered a particularly bold and disreputable tomcat.

It all began when my companions and I decided to take a leisurely stroll through the streets of Marlow. As usual, I was filled with boundless energy and excitement, eager to explore every nook and cranny that crossed our path.

However, my enthusiasm quickly turned into bewilderment when I spotted the tomcat sauntering nonchalantly across the road. In a moment of impulse, I gave chase, my heart racing with anticipation of a thrilling pursuit.

But to my surprise, the tomcat did not flee in terror as I had expected. Instead, it stopped abruptly, turned to face me with a calm and collected demeanor, and sat down right in the middle of the road, as if daring me to make a move.

Suddenly, I found myself hesitating, unsure of how to proceed. The tomcat’s unwavering gaze seemed to penetrate my bravado, leaving me feeling strangely vulnerable and exposed.

In the end, I reluctantly conceded defeat and slunk away, tail tucked between my legs in embarrassment. It was a humbling experience, to say the least, and one that I shall not soon forget.

But despite my momentary setback, I remain undeterred in my quest for adventure. Tomorrow is a new day, filled with endless possibilities, and I shall approach it with the same boundless enthusiasm that defines me.

Until then, dear diary, I bid you goodnight.

Yours faithfully,
Montmorency

Sample 2

Diary Entry: Montmorency

Date: [Date of the encounter with the tomcat]

Dear Diary,

Today was quite a whirlwind! I just had to jot down all the craziness that happened when I met a feisty tomcat.

So, my pals and I were strolling around Marlow, enjoying the day. I was buzzing with excitement, ready to explore every corner we came across.

Then, out of nowhere, I spotted this tomcat strutting across the road like it owned the place. Without thinking, I dashed after it, expecting a thrilling chase.

But guess what? The tomcat didn’t run away like I thought it would. Nope, it just stopped and stared at me with this calm look, as if it was daring me to do something.

Suddenly, I felt unsure and kinda embarrassed. I mean, here I was, all pumped up for a chase, and then this cat just sits down and gives me the eye. Talk about awkward!

In the end, I had to admit defeat and slink away with my tail between my legs. It was a humbling moment, for sure.

But hey, tomorrow’s a new day, right? Who knows what adventures await! Until then, dear diary, it’s lights out for me.

Catch you later,
Montmorency