Two Gentlemen of Verona Questions Answers is a comprehensive study material designed for CBSE Class 10 Communicative English curriculum 2024-2025 by NCERT. Found in the Literature Reader under Unit 1, these materials include Textual Questions Answers as well as Extra Short Answer Questions (SAQs) and Long Answer Questions (LAQs).
Two Gentlemen of Verona Questions Answers will aid students in understanding the text thoroughly and preparing for the 2025 board examinations effectively. This will help students enhance their comprehension, critical thinking, and analytical skills.
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Two Gentlemen of Verona Questions Answers [Textual]
On Page 8
4. Based on your reading of the story, answer the following questions by ticking the correct options.
(i) What was the reason for the driver’s disapproval of the narrator buying fruit from the two boys?
(a) The boys were untidy and poorly dressed
(b) The strawberries were not fresh
(c) They were asking for a heavy price
(d) The driver did not approve of small boys who worked
(ii) What impressed the narrator the most about the boys?
Their ……………………………..
(a) desire to earn money
(b) willingness to work
(c) ability to perform many tasks
(d) sense of fun
(iii) Jacopo asked the narrator to drive them to Poleta. Why was Nicola uncomfortable with it?
(a) did not want a stranger to become involved with their plan
(b) preferred going to Poleta by train so that he could enjoy the scenery
(c) did not want to ask anyone for favors
(d) did not want to take help from someone he did not know well
(iv) The narrator decided against going inside Lucia’s room as
(a) he did not want to intrude into their privacy
(b) he thought that the boys would object
(c) Lucia would not welcome a stranger
(d) the boys would feel he was spying on them
(v) The author chose to remain silent on their return journey because he thought the boys
(a) would prefer to keep their secret
(b) were ashamed of their sister’s condition
(c) would avoid telling him the truth
(d) might ask him for money for their sister
Ans. (i) (a) the boys were untidy and poorly dressed
(ii) (b) willingness to work
(iii) (c) did not want to ask anyone for favors
(iv) (a) he did not want to intrude into their privacy
(v) (a) he thought the boys would prefer to keep their secret
On Page 5
5. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
(I) As we made the rounds, my interest was again provoked by their remarkable
demeanor. They were childish enough, and in many ways quite artless. Jacopo
was as lively as a squirrel. Nicola’s smile was steady and engaging. Yet in both
their boyish faces, there was a seriousness which was far beyond their years. In
the week which followed we saw them frequently, for they proved extremely useful to us.
(i) We can say that the demeanour of the two boys was remarkable because they were……………….
Select the correct option.
(a) innocent but clever
(b) lively but serious
(e) young but mature
(d) childish but engaging
(ii) What does the writer wish to imply via the comparison of Jacopo to a squirrel?
(iii) How did the boys prove useful for the narrator and his companion?
Select the most appropriate option.
1. Brought them newspapers.
2. Guided them to good restaurants.
3. Found American cigarettes for them.
4. Sold fruits to them.
(a) (1), (2) and (3)
(b) (2), (3) and (4)
(c) (1), (2) and (4)
(d) (1), (3) and (4)
(iv) Select the suitable word from the extract, to complete the following.
Happy: Sad :: Pacify:………………..
(a) Provoke
(c) Steady
(b) Remarkable
(d) Engage
(v) Select a phrase from the extract that means the same as, ‘to circulate’.
Ans. (i) (b) lively but serious
(ii) Through the comparison of Jacopo with a squirrel, the writer implies that in comparison to his brother Nicola Jacopo was much more child like and lively.
(iii) (a) (1), (2) and (3)
(iv) (a) Provoke
(v) ‘Made the rounds’
On Page 10
(II) I said, “Nicola, the way you and Jacopo work, you must earn quite a bit. You spend nothing on clothes. You eat little enough… when I see you have a meal it’s usually black bread and figs. Tell me, what do you with your money?” He coloured deeply under his sunburn, then grew pale He looked to the ground. “You must be saving up to emigrate to America,” I suggested. He looked at me sideways, spoke with an effort.
(i) What does the narrator’s remark” the way you and Jacopo work…’ refer to?
(a) Sale of certain products
(b) Manner of working
(c) Readiness to lend aid
(d) Open to doing odd jobs
(i) How did the narrator’s question impact Nicola? It made him feel
(a) surprised
(b) embarrassed
(c) confused
(d) scared
(iii) State one aspect that might have led the narrator to think that the boys must be saving to emigrate to America.
(iv) Which of the following remarks shows that the narrator observed things keenly?
(a) “The way you and Jacopo work, you must earn quite a bit.’
(b) ‘When I see you have a meal it’s usually black bread and figs.’
(c) What do you do with your money?’
(d) You must be saving up to emigrate to America.’
(v) What does the sunburn help you deduce about Nicola?
Ans: (i) (d) Open to doing odd jobs.
(ii)(b) embarrassed
(iii) The narrator speculated the boys were saving to immigrate to America. They tirelessly worked odd jobs, barely eating, opting for black bread and figs. Their frugality suggested a larger goal beyond mere sustenance.
(iv) (b) When I see you have a meal it’s usually black bread and figs.
(v) Nicola’s sunburn shows that he used to stay or work under the scorching heat of the Sun.
On Page 10-11
6 What do you understand by the following statements?
(a) “We do many things, sir” Nicola answered seriously. He glanced at us hopefully.
(b) He smiled uncomfortably. “Just plans, sir,” he answered in a low voice.
(c) Yet, in both these boyish faces, there was a seriousness which was far beyond their years.
Ans. (a) Nicola informed the narrator and his companion that they did many jobs to earn money. He informed them that they took visitors for a tour around the city, shined shoes, sold fruit, hawked newspapers and ran errands. Nicola looked at the two of them with the hope of getting more work from them, so that they would be able to earn more money.
(b) This statement shows that Nicola behaves like an intelligent and mature boy. He does not like to reveal his secret plans to others.
(c) Life treated Jacopo and Nicola very harshly. They had to work for a living and their sister’s treatment. They forgot all the joys of childhood. With the responsibility of their sister, the two were forced into adulthood prematurely.
On Page 11
7. Answer the following questions briefly.
(a) Why was the author surprised to see Nicola and Jacopo working as shoeshine boys?
(b) The story is full of surprises. Briefly mention any two such instances.
(c) Why were the boys in the deserted square at night? What character traits do they exhibit?
(d) The narrator asks the boys, “Must you work so hard? You both look rather tired.” The boys reply, “We are not complaining, sir.” What do
you learn about the boys from their reply?
(e) Support the opinion that the narrator was kind and sensitive.
(f) Do you think the boys looked after Lucia willingly? Give reasons for your answer.
Ans. (a) The narrator was amazed to see two boys shining shoes in public square, despite initially believing they only sold fruit for livelihood. He was curious about their diverse professions and their motivations, as he had seen them selling strawberries earlier.
(b) Yes, the story is filled with surprises, with the boys displaying childlike innocence and maturity beyond their years. Despite facing physical and mental turmoil, they maintain hope and work hard to save their sister and plan a better future, showcasing their resilience and resilience.
(c) The boys, waiting for their last bus from Padua, were in a deserted square at night, eager to sell newspapers to passengers to earn more money, showcasing their hard work and dedication..
(d) The boys were mature, understanding that life’s ups and downs are inevitable, and complaints and hatred are insignificant. Dedication, hard work, and constant goal pursuit are necessary for desired life changes.
(e) The narrator’s kindness and sensitivity lead him to observe the boys closely and worry for them. Upon learning their secret, he chooses not to disclose it, sparing them potential embarrassment and respecting their privacy.
(f) Indeed, the boys cared for Lucia willingly, without coercion. They selflessly worked hard, sacrificing their own needs, to save money for their sister’s treatment, demonstrating their dedication and love for her.
On Page 11
8. Answer the following questions in detail.
(a) Appearances are deceptive. Discuss with reference to the two boys.
(b) How does the story “Two Gentlemen of Verona’ promise hope for society?
or What message does the story “Two Gentlemen of Verona’ give?
(c) The story of the two boys, as revealed by the nurse, deeply impacts the narrator. He decides to write a diary entry, recording how he feels inspired by the grit, determination and selfiess actions of the two gentlemen of Verona. As the narrator, write the entry.
(d) When Lucia gets well she writes a letter to Nicola and Jacopo to express her feelings of gratitude and admiration for them. As Lucia, write the letter.
Ans.
(a) Despite their humble appearance, Nicola and Jacopo exemplify qualities of kindness, resilience, and dignity. While their circumstances may suggest otherwise, their actions reveal a depth of character and strength that defies initial impressions. Their unwavering dedication to their duties and their willingness to help others demonstrate that appearances can indeed be deceptive. Through their example, the story highlights the importance of looking beyond surface judgments and recognizing the true essence of individuals.
(b) The story “Two Gentlemen of Verona” offers hope for society by showcasing the resilience, kindness, and generosity of its characters. Despite living in a time of war and adversity, Nicola and Jacopo embody qualities of compassion and integrity, demonstrating that even in the darkest of times, humanity prevails. Their actions inspire hope for a better future, emphasizing the power of empathy, resilience, and community in overcoming challenges and building a more compassionate society.
(c) Diary Entry:
February 11, 2020
Today has been a day of profound revelation and inspiration. As I watched Nicola and Jacopo, the two gentlemen of Verona, depart for their Sunday visit to Poleta, I found myself overcome with admiration for their resilience and selflessness. The nurse’s revelation about their family’s struggles only deepened my respect for these remarkable young men.
Their grit, determination, and selfless actions in the face of adversity have left an indelible mark on my heart. In their humble demeanor lies a strength that defies description, reminding me of the inherent goodness and resilience of the human spirit.
As I reflect on their story, I am filled with a renewed sense of hope and gratitude. Their example serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of kindness, compassion, and perseverance. Truly, the two gentlemen of Verona are beacons of light in a world too often clouded by darkness.
-Lucas
(d) Letter from Lucia to Nicola and Jacopo:
Dear Nicola and Jacopo,
I hope this letter finds you both in good health and spirits. I cannot begin to express the depth of my gratitude and admiration for the selfless kindness and unwavering support you have shown me during my illness.
Your dedication to your duties and your commitment to our family’s well-being are truly remarkable. Despite the challenges we face, you both embody qualities of strength, resilience, and compassion that inspire me every day.
I am deeply touched by your generosity and your willingness to go above and beyond to help others. Your actions have reminded me of the true meaning of friendship and family, and I am forever grateful to have you in my life.
Thank you, Nicola and Jacopo, for everything you do. You are both true gentlemen of Verona, and I feel blessed to call you my brothers.
With heartfelt gratitude and admiration,
Lucia
8 Look at the italic words in the following examples.
(a) We bought their biggest basket, then set off toward town.
(b) One night we came upon them in the windy and deserted square.
(c) He bit his lip, then in a rather put out tone he said, ‘Very well.”
(d) I shook my head and turned away.
Here are a few more. Match the phrases to their
| Phrases | meanings. |
| set up | to start/ establish a company |
| break down | to lose control of your feelings and start crying |
| set off | to start on a journey |
| put up with | to tolerate a situation or a person |
| put off | to postpone |
| put on | to wear |
| come in | to enter |
| come across | to meet or find by chance |
| come up against | to be faced with or opposed by |
| turn down | to refuse/ reject |
| turn in | to inform on or deliver up |
| turn to | to try to get help/advice/ sympathy from someone |
Now use the phrases given above to complete the following sentences.
1. The landlord was suspicious of the two men staying in his flat so he called the police and turned them in.
2. Early in the morning we packed our bags and set off for a hike over the mountain.
3. Janvi came across some photographs of her grandfather in the old trunk.
4. My father set up his own business 10 years ago.
5. The Bank turned down Paul’s request for a loan.
6. The Corporation’s decision to reduce the leave of the employees came up against a lot of opposition.
On Page 12
9. Two Gentlemen of Verona is written in the first person. A story written in the first person is a first-hand account of events told or narrated through the eyes of a single character, typically the main character. Stories written in the first person are easily identified by the use of the pronoun ‘I’ rather than ‘he or she’. The reader will see phrases such as “I said, I thought,” rather than “he said, she thought.” Everything is experienced through the eyes of a single character, and all thoughts and observations are limited to that one person. There can be no outside observer. If the narrator does not see or experience an event first-hand, it cannot be a part of the story. All scenes in the story are filtered through this person’s unique perception.
The third-person is a narrative mode in which both the reader and author observe the situation either through the senses and thoughts of more than one character, or through an overarching godlike perspective that sees and knows everything that happens and everything the characters are thinking. In this mode of narration, the narrator can tell the reader things that the main character does not know, or things that none of the characters know.
Rewrite, in third person, any part of story you like.
Ans. Refer to Summary of the Chapter
On Page 13
10. The narrator realises why Nicola and Jacopo work so hard. Yet he does not go in to meet their sister nor does he speak to them about what he learns from the nurse. Working in groups, discuss the following aspects of the story and share your views with the class.
(a) The love, devotion and the family values Nicola and Jacopo display.
(b) Their pride in themselves and their family.
(c) The trust they place in the narrator.
(d) The reason the narrator does not disclose to them that he knows their secret.
Ans. (a) Nicola and Jacopo’s love, devotion, and family values are evident in their selfless actions to support their family. Despite hardships, they work diligently, reflecting their commitment to their loved ones and their sense of responsibility.
(b) Nicola and Jacopo take pride in their hard work and their family’s honor. Despite their modest circumstances, they uphold their dignity through their dedication to their tasks and their commitment to supporting their family.
(c) Nicola and Jacopo demonstrate trust in the narrator by accepting his offer to drive them to Poleta. Their willingness to rely on him reflects their belief in his kindness and respect, highlighting their trust in others despite the challenges they face.
(d) The narrator likely chooses not to disclose what he knows out of respect for Nicola and Jacopo’s privacy and autonomy. He may fear causing them distress or jeopardizing their relationship by intervening in their personal matters without their consent.
11. As the narrator, write an article on the lesson of love, faith and trust that you have learnt from the two young boys of Verona.
Ans: Discovering the Lessons of Love, Faith, and Trust: An Encounter with Two Young Boys of Verona
In the bustling streets of Verona, amidst the chaos of war, I had the privilege of encountering two remarkable young boys whose simple yet profound lessons left an indelible mark on my heart. Nicola and Jacopo, the epitome of resilience and kindness, taught me invaluable lessons in love, faith, and trust.
Despite the adversities they faced, these boys emanated love in all their actions. Whether it was their unwavering dedication to their duties or their genuine concern for others, Nicola and Jacopo exemplified the selfless nature of love. Their compassion knew no bounds, and it was evident in the warmth of their smiles and the sincerity of their gestures.
Moreover, their unwavering faith in humanity was truly inspiring. In a world plagued by uncertainty and strife, Nicola and Jacopo remained steadfast in their belief in the goodness of people. Their optimism was infectious, serving as a beacon of hope amidst the darkness of war. It was through their unwavering faith that they found the strength to persevere, spreading light and positivity wherever they went.
But perhaps the most profound lesson I learned from these two young boys was the importance of trust. Despite their humble circumstances, Nicola and Jacopo placed their trust in me without hesitation. Their willingness to accept my offer of assistance, their openness in sharing their experiences, spoke volumes about the power of trust in building meaningful connections.
In the end, my encounter with Nicola and Jacopo taught me that love, faith, and trust are not mere sentiments but guiding principles that have the power to transform lives. Through their actions, these two young boys of Verona reminded me of the inherent goodness that resides within each of us and the boundless possibilities that arise when we choose to embrace these virtues wholeheartedly.
As I reflect on the lessons imparted by Nicola and Jacopo, I am reminded of the profound impact that acts of kindness, unwavering faith, and genuine trust can have on our world. May we all strive to embody these virtues in our own lives, following in the footsteps of these two extraordinary young boys who taught me the true essence of love, faith, and trust.
12. After her brothers’ visit, Lucia writes a page in her diary about her past life and her present situation. As Lucia, write the diary entry in about 150 words
Ans:
January 11, 2023
Today, as I watched my brothers, Nicola and Jacopo, leave for their Sunday visit to Poleta, a flood of memories washed over me. I couldn’t help but reminisce about our past life, before the war tore through our beloved Verona. Our days were filled with laughter and joy, with no hint of the hardships that would soon befall us.
But now, as I sit here in the quiet solitude of our home, I am reminded of the stark contrast between our past and present. The once vibrant streets are now marred by the scars of conflict, and our family has been scattered by the ravages of war.
Yet, amidst the chaos and uncertainty, my brothers remain beacons of hope and strength. Their unwavering resilience and boundless kindness serve as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is still light to be found.
As I write these words, I am filled with gratitude for the love and support of my brothers, and I hold onto the hope that one day, we will rebuild what was lost and restore the beauty of our beloved Verona.
-Lucia
Two Gentlemen of Verona Questions Answers [Extract Based]
Read the following extracts carefully and answer the questions that follow.
1. They were selling wild strawberries. “Don’t buy”, warned Luigi, our cautious driver.
(a) Who were selling the strawberries?
(b) What do you mean by ‘cautious’?
(c) Why did the driver advise the narrator not to buy fruit from the boys?
(d) Who is referred as ‘they’?
Ans: (a) The two boys, Nicola and Jacopo, were selling the strawberries.
(b) The word ‘cautious’ means ‘careful.
(c) The driver advised the narrator not to buy fruit from the boys because they were shabbily dressed and he thought that they could get better fruit in Verona.
(d) ‘They’ refers to the two boys Nicola and Jacopo.
2. Next morning, coming out of our hotel, we saw our friends bent over shoeshine boxes beside the fountain in the public square, doing a brisk business.
(a) Whom does ‘we’ stand for?
(b) What were the boys doing?
(c) What does the word ‘brisk’ mean?
(d) Explain – ‘in the public square.’
Ans. (a) ‘We’ stands for the narrator and his companion.
(b) The two young boys Nicola and Jacopo were shining people’s shoes.
(c) The word ‘brisk’ here means ‘lively’.
(d) The public square is a public thoroughfare where a continuous ongoing traffic can be seen.
3. They greeted us with friendly faces. “I thought you picked fruit for a living”, I said.
(a) What do you mean by ‘a living’?
(b) How did ‘they’ greet the narrator?
(c) What did the narrator think ‘they’ did for a living?
(d) Who are ‘they’ and why did ‘they’ greet the narrator with friendly faces?
Ans: (a) ‘A living’ means ‘livelihood or a means of earning money.”
(b) The boys greeted him with a smile.
(c) The narrator thought that the boys sold fruit for a living.
(d) They’ are the boys Nicola and Jacopo. They greeted the narrator in a friendly manner because they had sold their berries to him and were expecting some more business
4. “We do many things, Sir”, Nicola answered seriously. He glanced at us hopefully. “Often we show visitors through the town…. to Juliet’s tomb…. and other places of interest.”
(a) To whom is Nicola speaking?
(b) What things did Nicola and his brother do?
(c) What does the word ‘glanced’ mean?
(d) Why was Nicola serious?
Ans. (a) Nicola is speaking to the narrator.
(b) Nicola and his brother did many things such as selling wild strawberries, shining people’s shoes, selling newspapers, working as tourist guides along with doing odd jobs to earn their living.
(c) The word ‘glanced’ means ‘to look quickly.”
(d) Nicola was serious because he did not want to share the details of his personal life with a stranger.
5. In the week which followed we saw them frequently, for; they proved extremely useful to us.
(a) Who is the speaker referring to as ‘them’?
(b) How did they prove to be useful to the speaker?
(c) Give the antonym of ‘frequently’ used in the passage.
(d) Identify ‘we’ and where did ‘we’ stay for the week?
Ans. (a) The speaker is referring to the two boys, Nicola and Jacopo.
(b) They proved to be useful to the speaker because they could perform certain tasks like finding American cigarettes and booking seats in the opera for him and his companion.
(c) The antonym of ‘frequently’ is ‘rarely’.
(d) ‘We’ stands for the narrator and his companion. They were in the city of Verona for the week.
6 “Why are you out so late, Nicola?” “Waiting for the last bus from Padua.”
(a) The word in the extract is an antonym of ‘leaving.”
(b) At which place were the boys waiting for the last bus?
(c) Why were the two boys waiting for the last bus?
(d) What impression does the narrator get about the two boys from this meeting and their conversation?
Ans. (a) ‘waiting’
(b) The two boys waited in the public square at night.
(c) They were waiting to sell all their remaining newspapers to the passengers of the last bus.
(d) The narrator gets the impression that they are willing to do any work which earns money.
7. He smiled uncomfortably,”just plans, sir”, he answered in a low voice.
(a) In the above line who is talking to whom?
(b) What plans is the speaker referring to?
(c) Give the antonym of ‘smiled.’
(d) Why was the smile of the boy combined with a sign of discomfort?
Ans. (a) Nicola is talking to the narrator in this line.
(b) The speaker is referring to the plan of using their savings for their sister’s treatment.
(c) The antonym of ‘smiled’ is ‘sobbed’.
(d) The smile of the boy was combined with a sign of discomfort because he did not want to reveal his plans to the narrator.
8 “We shall not be long, sir. Perhaps only an hour. May be you’d like to go to the cafe in the village for a drink?”
(a) Where did the boys take the narrator?
(b) What do you mean by the expression “we shall not be long”?
(c) Why did they suggest that the narrator should go to the village cafe?
(d) Did the narrator follow their advice?
Ans. (a) The boys took the narrator to a hospital in the village of Poleta, 30 kilometres from Verona.
(b) It means that they won’t take a long or a great amount of time.
(c) They suggested it as they did not want the narrator to know about what they came to Poleta for.
(d) No, the narrator did not follow their advice but tried to find out the reason for their visit secretly.
9 There was a pause. Nicola was glaring at his younger brother in vexation. “We could not think of troubling you, sir.”
(a) Who is referred to as ‘sir’ here?
(b) Why did Nicola glare at his younger brother?
(c) What offer was made by ‘sir’?
(d) What does the word ‘pause’ mean?
Ans. (a) ‘Sir’ here refers to the narrator.
(b) Nicola was glaring at his younger brother for asking the narrator to drive them to Poleta in his car.
(c) ‘Sir’ had made the offer to drive the boys to Poleta himself.
(d) The word ‘pause’ means ‘to interrupt action or speech briefly.’
10 The two boys were seated at the bedside of a girl of about twenty, who, propped up on pillows, wearing a pretty lace jacket, was listening to their chatter, her eyes soft and tender. One could see at a glance her resemblance to her brothers.
(a) Who was seeing the scene described here?
(b) What is the relation between the girl and the two boys?
(c) What was the villa being used as?
(d) The word in the extract means, ‘sensitive.’
Ans. (a) The narrator was seeing the scene described here.
(b) The girl was the elder sister of the two boys.
(c) The villa was being used as a hospital.
(d) ‘tender’
11 But at the foot of the elder staircase I drew up and begged her to tell me all she knew about these boys.
(a) The word………… in the extract means “to ask someone humbly for something.”
(b) Who is ‘T’ speaking to?
(c) Why was the speaker so inquisitive about ‘these boys?
(d) In which building is the staircase mentioned in the extract?
Ans. (a) ‘begged’
(b) ‘T’, the narrator, is speaking to the nurse who was taking care of Lucia, the sister of the two boys.
(c) The speaker was inquisitive (curious) about the boys as he found them doing all kinds of odd jobs and he wanted to know why they needed to toil so hard.
(d) The staircase is in the villa which functions as a hospital.
12 “When the resistance movement began secretly to form, they were among the first to join. When the war was over and we had peace at last, they came back to their beloved sister.”
(a) The word ……….in the extract is an antonym of war.
(b) Why did they join the resistance movement?
(c) What had happened to their sister?
(d) Who are ‘they’ referred to in the extract?
Ans. (a) ‘peace’
(b) They joined the resistance movement because they had suffered a lot during the war and lost everything. This made them hate the Germans.
(c) Their sister, Lucia, was suffering from tuberculosis of the spine.
(d) ‘They’ referred to in the extract are the two boys, Nicola and Jacopo.
Two Gentlemen of Verona Questions Answers [Extra Short Type (SAQs)]
Answer the following questions in 30-40 words.
1. What impression did the narrator get on his first meeting with the two boys?
Ans: The narrator and his friend met Nicola and Jacopo at the outskirts of Verona. The two boys were selling wild strawberries. Though shabbily dressed, the narrator and his companion felt strangely attracted to them.
2. What different jobs did Nicola and Jacopo perform to make a living?
or, “We do many things, sir,” Nicola answered. Describe the difficult jobs undertaken by the boys for their livelihood.
or Nicola says, “We do many things, sir.” What are the things that he and his brother do?
or What all errands did Nicola and Jacopo run for their living?
Ans: The two boys undertook a variety of odd jobs, including selling wild strawberries on the outskirts of Verona, polishing shoes, hawking newspapers, and serving as tourist guides. Additionally, they facilitated the narrator’s acquisition of opera tickets and American cigarettes.
3 Why did Nicola and Jacopo have to do several jobs?
Ans. Nicola and Jacopo did several jobs to earn enough money to not only sustain themselves but also to pay for their sister’s medical treatment.
4 “They were childish enough and in many ways quite artless.” Who says it and why?
Ans. The narrator says these words for the two young brothers. The narrator finds the behaviour and attitude of the two boys quite interesting. They are wise but innocent. The younger one is full of life and the elder one keeps a charming smile on his face.
5 What was the difference between the personality of Jacopo and Nicola?
Ans. Jacopo was very lively, in fact, as lively as a squirrel. On the other hand, we find a seriousness and maturity in Nicola. Jacopo was frank by nature, whereas Nicola was sober and reserved
6 How did the boys make themselves useful to the narrator?
Ans, The boys were useful to the author because he was new to the place and the boys provided him information about good restaurants, got him seats for the opera and found packs of American cigarettes for him. They also showed him places like Juliet’s tomb.
7. Why was Nicola not willing to share his plans with the narrator?
Ans. Nicola was not willing to share his plan with the narrator because he was not willing to share anything with the narrator. He and his brother were very strong and capable enough to face anything in case of adversity. Hence, they did not want to share their problems with anyone.
8. What favour did Jacopo ask from the narrator when he volunteered to do something for the two brothers?
Ans. The narrator was going to leave Verona on Monday. He asked the two brothers if he could do something for them. Jacopo told the narrator that he with his brother Nicola went to a village in the countryside every Sunday. Jacopo asked him if he could take them there in his car.
9 What were the hardships faced by Nicola and Jacopo?
Ans. Nicola and Jacopo faced many hardships in their little life. The war destroyed their lives completely as their father, a widower, died and their house was destroyed by a bomb. They lost everything. To look after their sister and themselves, they had to do all kinds of odd jobs.
10. When the narrator asked Nicola and Jacopo about their plans, they were evasive. Why?
Ans. Nicola and Jacopo had an acute sense of self-respect and they believed in fighting their own battle in life. They did not like to take the help or support of anybody. Therefore, they did not disclose their plans or problems to the narrator.
11 The nurse suggested to the narrator to go inside Lucia’s room in the hospital. Why did he reject her suggestion?
Ans. The narrator rejected the nurse’s suggestion because he did not want to disturb the family reunion. Moreover, he also did not want to hurt the feelings of the two boys. He wanted them to believe that their secret was safe.
12 What did the nurse tell the author about Nicola and Jacopo’s father?
Аns. The nurse told the author that Nicola and Jacopo came from a well-off family. She told him that their father, a widower, a well-known singer, had been killed in the early part of the war.
13 Why did Nicola and Jacopo go to Poleta every Sunday?
Ans. Nicola and Jacopo went to Poleta every Sunday to meet their elder sister. Their sister, Lucia, was suffering from the tuberculosis of the spine and was admitted in a hospital in Poleta.
14 Draw the contrast between ‘childish’ and ‘artless’ faces and the ‘seriousness’ beyond their years visible on them in the story ‘Two Gentlemen of Verona’.
Ans. At the first glance, the two boys seem to be ‘childish’ and ‘artless’, but there is a very deep and serious side to them also. The terms ‘childish’ and ‘artless’ suggest innocence and immaturity, whereas seriousness indicates maturity. The hardships of their lives had matured the boys beyond their years.
15 How did Nicola and Jacopo face the hardships of life?
Ans. Nicola and Jacopo took the hardships of life in their stride. They put in all their resourcefulness and energy to face all the challenges that came their way. They neither indulged in any self-pity nor tried to arouse other people’s sympathy to get favours from them.
16 Who are called the two gentlemen in the story “Two Gentlemen of Verona?’ Why?
or Though, Nicola and Jacopo are two young boys, the narrator addresses them as two gentlemen. What special qualities make them fit to be called gentlemen?
Ans. Nicola and Jacopo display the qualities of hard work and sincerity. They do their duties and understand their responsibilities towards their sister, who is suffering from tuberculosis of the spine. Moreover, they never let the world know about their hardships. Hence, they have rightly been addressed as gentlemen.
17 Justify the title of the story ‘Two Gentlemen of Verona.
Ans. The story ‘Two Gentlemen of Verona’ is based on two brothers, Nicola and Jacopo, who have devoted all they had to restore their sister’s good health. They toil (work hard) day and night, sacrificing their comfort, sleep and other basic needs. They don’t want sympathy from others and wish to keep their mission secret. Their gentlemanly qualities fully justify the title.
Two Gentlemen of Verona Questions Answers LONG ANSWER (LAQ)
Answer the following questions in 150 words.
1. War had not broken their spirit.” In the light of the given line, bring out the central theme of the story.
Ans: The central theme of the story “Two Gentlemen of Verona” is the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Despite the turmoil and challenges brought by war, Nicola and Jacopo demonstrate unwavering determination and perseverance. The line “War had not broken their spirit” encapsulates their resilience, showing that they refuse to be defeated or disheartened by the difficult circumstances they face. Instead, they continue to carry out their responsibilities with dignity and grace. This theme highlights the indomitable nature of the human spirit and emphasizes the importance of resilience and perseverance in overcoming obstacles. It also serves as a testament to the enduring power of kindness, generosity, and integrity, which Nicola and Jacopo exemplify throughout the story despite the harsh realities of war.
4 “When you live for a strong purpose, then hard work isn’t an option. It is a necessity.” Both Nicola and Jacopo were hardworking and uncomplaining. You too realise the importance of hard work after reading their story. Write an article on ‘Virtues of Hard Work.
Virtues of Hard Work
by Sahil Sharma
When you live for a strong purpose, then hard work isn’t an option. It is a necessity. Nicola and Jacopo spared no effort to grab every single opportunity to work. Their willingness to work and to work with full devotion never left them jobless. Both of them were hardworking and uncomplaining. We live in an age when many people do not want to exert the necessary effort and work hard to succeed. Then, these people wonder why others manage to excel while they do not. Recognising the importance of hard work and determination has been well known for a long time. Hard work is the key to success. Nothing in life comes easy.
To achieve success, one needs the strength of mind and body to struggle and work hard to reach one’s full potential. There is no substitute for hard work. Moreover, one can overcome all challenges and progress in life through hard
work
5. “If we have no peace, it is because we other.”- Mother Teresa. Both Nicola and Jacopo are perfect examples of selflessness. Motivated by these two young boys, you decide to do something for the poor and join an NGO. Write a letter to a friend describing your experience of working with the NGO.
Ans. A-21, Panchsheel Park
New Delhi-110017
30th October, 20XX
Dear Sonal
How are you? I am good too. Do you remember the story Two Gentlemen of Verona? If not, please read it. It will inspire you, just like it motivated me.
After reading the selfless story of Nicola and Jacopo in ‘Two Gentlemen of Verona’, I too decided to do something for the poor and joined an NGO. It was a unique experience for me. It gave me immense satisfaction and inner peace.
Every morning, we traveled to a village to educate the people there about healthy habits, proper sanitation, efficient use of gadgets and electrical appliances besides conducting adult literacy classes in the only school in the village. The atmosphere there was truly amazing, being close to nature and peaceful. I got acquainted with people who have devoted their whole lives for the betterment of society, with no self-gain or greed behind it. They chose that work for the
satisfaction from the joy of giving. Each day is a new day, with new targets and different challenges. I am truly enjoying this selfless experience.
Yours affectionately
Shilpi
