Class 11 NCERT Book Woven Words Lesson 8 The Luncheon Short Stories Questions and Answers
Lesson 8 The Luncheon
Understanding the text
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?
2. There are quite a few places where the author uses the expressions ‘my heart sank’, ‘panic seized’ etc. What was the reasons for this?
3. Locate instances of irony in the story.
Answer:
1. What makes the author say he had finally had his revenge?
The author, in the end, feels a sense of revenge because the woman who had once caused him to spend more than he could afford on a lavish luncheon has now gained a lot of weight—twenty-one stone (about 300 pounds). While the author struggled financially after their lunch, he feels that her current physical state is a form of poetic justice. He implies that, though he is not naturally vindictive, seeing her transformed in such a way gives him satisfaction, as if the gods have balanced the scales in his favor.
2. What are the reasons for the author’s expressions like ‘my heart sank’ and ‘panic seized’?
The expressions like “my heart sank” and “panic seized” are used by the author to show his growing anxiety about the escalating cost of the luncheon. Initially, he expected the lunch to be modest and affordable. However, the guest keeps ordering expensive dishes like caviar, salmon, giant asparagus, and Champagne, making him increasingly worried about whether he can afford the bill. His panic reflects the financial strain and embarrassment he feels during the meal.
3. Locate instances of irony in the story. Several instances of irony are present in the story:
The woman’s claim of eating lightly: The woman repeatedly says that she eats very little, only “one thing for luncheon,” yet she orders some of the most expensive items on the menu, including caviar, salmon, asparagus, and even a peach out of season. This is ironic because her actions completely contradict her claims.
The author’s hospitality: The author, though financially strained, tries to be generous and hospitable, ordering everything the woman desires, even as he internally panics about how much it will cost him. Despite his polite attempts to appear in control, the irony is that he is being taken advantage of.
The ending twist: The final and most ironic moment is when the author reflects that the woman, who once caused him so much financial distress, has now become incredibly overweight. The author takes satisfaction in this, feeling it is a form of cosmic revenge. The irony here is that although she advised him to eat lightly and avoid heavy meals, it is she who ends up being the one who indulges excessively over time.
Talking about the text
Discuss in pairs or in small groups
1. People with foibles are often not conscious of them.
2. The author’s attempts at keeping up his pretence of friendliness while he was mentally preoccupied with the expense of the luncheon.
Answer:
1. People with foibles are often not conscious of them.
Foibles refer to small weaknesses or eccentricities in someone’s character, and often, people are unaware of their own flaws. In the story, the woman clearly exhibits her foibles, such as her pretentiousness and lack of self-awareness regarding her gluttony. She insists she never eats more than one thing for lunch, yet continuously orders expensive dishes, including salmon, caviar, asparagus, and a peach, without realizing or acknowledging her contradictions. Her behavior reflects how individuals with such foibles may remain oblivious to the inconvenience or discomfort they cause others, in this case, the narrator, who silently suffers due to her extravagant choices.
Discussing this theme in a group, you could explore how these unconscious foibles manifest in everyday life, and whether or not people around them have a responsibility to point them out or simply endure them. It could also lead to a conversation about the importance of self-awareness and how it affects relationships.
2. The author’s attempts at keeping up his pretence of friendliness while he was mentally preoccupied with the expense of the luncheon.
Throughout the luncheon, the narrator attempts to maintain an appearance of politeness and generosity, despite being increasingly anxious about the rising cost of the meal. He tries to remain conversational and accommodating, even as his heart sinks with each new dish the woman orders. While he outwardly laughs and engages in light conversation, his inner turmoil grows, as he constantly calculates whether he will have enough money to cover the bill. The tension between his outward behavior and internal panic highlights the societal pressure to maintain decorum and politeness, even in situations where one feels taken advantage of.
In a group discussion, you could examine how social etiquette often forces people to prioritize appearance over their true feelings, as the narrator does in this situation. The topic may also prompt a discussion about moments when individuals feel compelled to go along with uncomfortable situations due to politeness, despite their own discomfort or stress.
Appreciation
1. The author is a humorist
a. How does the story reflect his sense of humour?
b. What makes is lady friend remark-‘you are quite a humorist?
c. Give instances of the author’s ability to laugh at himself.
2. How does the first person narrative help in heightening the literary effects of the story?
Answer:
1. The author is a humorist
a. How does the story reflect his sense of humour?
The author’s sense of humor is reflected through the subtle irony, wit, and exaggerated situations in the story. The luncheon scene is a prime example of how humor is woven into a seemingly mundane event. The lady, despite her repeated insistence that she eats very little, orders an increasingly lavish meal, all while the narrator, who is financially strained, grows more and more anxious. The contrast between the lady’s nonchalant attitude and the narrator’s inner turmoil creates a humorous situation. The author’s use of dry, self-deprecating humor and comic understatement, as he pretends to remain calm while mentally calculating his dwindling finances, makes the story entertaining.
b. What makes his lady friend remark-‘you are quite a humorist’?
The lady makes this remark after the narrator responds to her excessive eating in a seemingly light-hearted and witty manner, despite his growing anxiety over the rising cost of the luncheon. Even as the narrator struggles internally, he manages to keep up a polite facade, making humorous remarks that amuse the lady. This ability to remain composed and seemingly unbothered, while inwardly stressed, makes her think of him as a humorist, someone who can laugh things off and make light of the situation.
c. Give instances of the author’s ability to laugh at himself.
The author demonstrates his ability to laugh at himself by openly admitting his naivety and the ridiculousness of the situation he finds himself in. For example:
- When the lady insists on ordering expensive items, and the narrator tries to maintain composure, he jokes internally about his misfortune, fully aware of how foolish he looks for inviting her in the first place.
- His self-deprecating remarks about being trapped by his own politeness and how the entire event was beyond his control show that he can find humor in his own discomfort.
- Even at the end, when he reflects on his financial loss, the author does not present himself as a victim but instead finds humor in the memory of the absurdity of the situation.
2. How does the first-person narrative help in heightening the literary effects of the story?
The first-person narrative significantly enhances the literary impact of the story by allowing readers to directly experience the narrator’s inner thoughts, emotions, and anxieties. The humor in the story is largely driven by the narrator’s personal reactions, which would not be as effective in a third-person narrative. Readers are given access to his internal monologue, where he humorously comments on the unfolding situation, offering a blend of wit, sarcasm, and self-deprecation.
Additionally, the first-person perspective creates a sense of intimacy, making the readers empathize with the narrator’s predicament and laugh along with his misfortunes. It also adds to the comic irony, as the readers can see the contrast between the narrator’s outward behavior (trying to appear generous and friendly) and his inner panic over the rising bill. This narrative style brings the humor to life and amplifies the absurdity of the luncheon scene, enhancing both the comedic and literary qualities of the story.
Language Work
Pick out the words and phrases in the text that indicate tat the author was not financially well off.
Answer:
- “Modest lunch” – The author initially suggests having a simple, inexpensive meal, hinting that he cannot afford extravagance.
- “I had only eighty francs” – This specific mention of a limited amount of money highlights the author’s financial constraints.
- “I was startled when the bill of fare was brought” – The author’s surprise upon seeing the menu suggests that he was worried about the prices.
- “My heart sank a little” – This phrase shows his growing concern as the lunch progresses, indicating that he was mentally calculating the increasing expense.
- “I was panic-stricken” – This expression reflects his fear as he realizes that the lady’s lavish ordering might exceed his budget.
- “I would have to cut out coffee for the next two weeks” – The author’s remark that he would need to forgo coffee reflects his need to save money due to his financial limitations.
- “I had the impression I was going to make a painful hole in my modest resources” – This phrase explicitly shows that he was aware that the lunch would be a significant financial burden on his limited means.