CBSE Class 9 English: The Bishop's Candlesticks NCERT Solutions

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NCERT Solutions PDF Class 9 PDF

This resource provides detailed NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English, focusing on Chapter D.2, 'The Bishop's Candlesticks'. It covers key aspects of the chapter, including understanding the central theme of the play, which revolves around the Bishop's profound kindness and charity towards a convict. The solutions help students grasp the nuances of the Bishop's character and his actions. Additionally, the exercises focus on vocabulary building by providing antonyms for a list of words used in the play, enhancing students' comprehension and language skills. These solutions are designed to aid students in their exam preparation by offering clear explanations and reinforcing learning through practice.

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BoardCBSE
ClassClass 9
SubjectEnglish
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter D.2 The Bishop’s Candlesticks

Chapter summary

This chapter's NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English, 'The Bishop's Candlesticks', delves into the core themes of compassion and redemption. It includes exercises that require students to complete a paragraph summarizing the play's central message about the Bishop's benevolence. A significant portion is dedicated to vocabulary enhancement, specifically finding antonyms for a comprehensive list of words, thereby broadening students' understanding of word meanings and their opposites. The solutions also prompt critical thinking about the Bishop's actions and character.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the central theme of compassion and forgiveness in 'The Bishop's Candlesticks'.
  • Identify and explain the Bishop's character traits and motivations.
  • Expand vocabulary by learning antonyms for key words from the chapter.
  • Analyze the interactions between the Bishop and the convict.
  • Develop critical thinking skills by answering questions about the characters' actions.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Theme of the play
  • Character analysis (Bishop, Convict, Persome)
  • Vocabulary building
  • Antonyms
  • Moral values
  • Forgiveness
  • Compassion
  • Redemption
  • Symbolism (Candlesticks)
  • Literary analysis

Important topics

  • Theme of Kindness and Forgiveness
  • Bishop's Character and Actions
  • Vocabulary: Antonyms
  • The Convict's Transformation
  • Symbolism of the Candlesticks

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Questions and Solutions

Q1: Copy and complete the following paragraph about the theme of the play in pairs:

Copy and complete the following paragraph about the theme of the play in pairs:

The play deals with a _____and ____Bishop who is always ready to lend a _____hand to anyone in distress. A _____breaks into the Bishop's house and is ______and warmed. The benevolence of the Bishop somewhat _____the convict, but, when he sees the silver candlesticks, he ______ them, and runs away. However, he is ____and brought back. He expects to go back to jail, but the Bishop informs the police they are a ______by this kindness of the Bishop and before he leaves he seeks the priest's blessing.

Solution:

The play deals with a kind and charitable Bishop who is always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in distress. A convict breaks into the Bishop's house and is fed and warmed. The benevolence of the Bishop somewhat confounds the convict, but, when he sees the silver candlesticks, he steals them, and runs away. However, he is arrested and brought back. He expects to go back to jail, but the Bishop informs the police they are a gift. The convict is moved by this kindness of the Bishop and before he leaves he seeks the priest's blessing.

Q2: Working in pairs give antonyms of the following words.

Working in pairs give antonyms of the following words:

kind- hearted unscrupulous forgiving benevolent stern credulous

generous pious suspicious sympathetic understanding wild

innocent penitent clever cunning brutal caring

sentimental trusting protective honourable concerned embittered

Solution:

Here are the antonyms for the given words:

  1. Kind-hearted - nasty, unkind
  2. Unscrupulous - ethical, moral, good
  3. Forgiving - censure, charge, punish
  4. Stern - cheerful, funny, lenient
  5. Benevolent - greedy, malevolent, mean, selfish
  6. Credulous - skeptical, suspecting, suspicious
  7. Generous - greedy, mean, miserly
  8. Pious - atheist, impious, irreligious
  9. Suspicious - innocent, trustworthy, trusty
  10. Sympathetic - callous, merciless, uncaring, unconcerned
  11. Understanding - misunderstanding, intolerant
  12. Wild - civilized, controlled, delicate, gentle
  13. Innocent - bad, blamable, corrupt
  14. Penitent - happy, unashamed
  15. Clever - awkward, foolish, idiotic, ignorant
  16. Brutal - generous, humane, kind, nice
  17. Cunning - gullible, kind, naive
  18. Caring - disregarding, ignoring, neglecting
  19. Sentimental - hard-hearted, indifferent, pragmatic, unemotional
  20. Trusting - disagree, dispute, reject, renounce (Note: These seem to be antonyms for 'distrusting' or 'skeptical', not 'trusting' itself. Antonyms for trusting could be suspicious, wary, doubtful.)
  21. Protective - attacking, harmful, hurtful, injurious
  22. Concerned - happy, undisturbed, unperturbed
  23. Honourable - not respectful, unhonourable
  24. Embittered - pleasant, content, genial

Q3: Working in pairs give antonyms of the following words.

Working in pairs give antonyms of the following words:

kind- hearted unscrupulous forgiving stern benevolent credulous

generous pious suspicious sympathetic understanding wild

innocent penitent clever brutal cunning caring

sentimental trusting protective concerned honourable embittered

Solution:

Here are the antonyms for the given words. This list is identical to the previous question's list, providing further practice:

  1. Kind Hearted - nasty, unkind
  2. Unscrupulous - ethical, moral, good
  3. Forgiving - censure, charge, punish
  4. Stern - cheerful, funny, lenient
  5. Benevolent - greedy, malevolent, mean, selfish
  6. Credulous - skeptical, suspecting, suspicious
  7. Generous - greedy, mean, miserly
  8. Pious - atheist, impious, irreligious
  9. Suspicious - innocent, trustworthy, trusty
  10. Sympathetic - callous, merciless, uncaring, unconcerned
  11. Understanding - misunderstanding, intolerant
  12. Wild - civilized, controlled, delicate, gentle
  13. Innocent - bad, blamable, corrupt
  14. Penitent - happy, unashamed
  15. Clever - awkward, foolish, idiotic, ignorant
  16. Brutal - generous, humane, kind, nice
  17. Cunning - gullible, kind, naive
  18. Caring - disregarding, ignoring, neglecting
  19. Sentimental - hard-hearted, indifferent, pragmatic, unemotional
  20. Trusting - disagree, dispute, reject, renounce (Note: Similar to Q2, these appear to be antonyms for 'distrusting'. Antonyms for trusting include suspicious, wary, doubtful.)
  21. Protective - attacking, harmful, hurtful, injurious
  22. Concerned - happy, undisturbed, unperturbed
  23. Honourable - not respectful, unhonourable
  24. Embittered - pleasant, content, genial

Q4: Do you think the Bishop was right in selling the salt-cellars? Why/why not?

Do you think the Bishop was right in selling the salt-cellars? Why/why not?
Solution:

There are differing perspectives on whether the Bishop was right to sell the salt-cellars.

Arguments against the Bishop's action: From one viewpoint, the Bishop might not have been entirely right. He was facing financial difficulties himself, and the salt-cellars also belonged to Persome, his sister. It would have been more considerate to consult her or seek her opinion before selling items that were part of their shared possessions.

Arguments supporting the Bishop's action: Conversely, the Bishop could be seen as right because his primary motivation was to help Mere Gringoire, who was struggling to pay rent and facing eviction. The Bishop demonstrated great empathy and broad-mindedness by prioritizing Gringoire's immediate need over his own possessions, believing that salt could be served in simpler china dishes.

Ultimately, the Bishop's decision highlights his profound generosity and his belief in the importance of helping others in distress, even at personal cost.

Q5: Why does Persome feel the people pretend to be sick?

Why does Persome feel the people pretend to be sick?
Solution:

Persome believes that people feign illness primarily to gain the Bishop's attention and assistance. She observes that individuals often take advantage of the Bishop's inherent simplicity and compassionate nature. Because the Bishop is always willing to extend a helping hand to anyone experiencing hardship, Persome feels that some people exploit his kindness for their own benefit.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing the meaning of words when finding antonyms.
  • Misinterpreting the Bishop's actions without considering his character.
  • Failing to connect the theme of forgiveness with the Bishop's choices.
  • Overlooking the significance of the candlesticks as a symbol.

Revision tips

  • Read the play carefully to understand the plot and character development.
  • Focus on the vocabulary exercises to build a strong word bank.
  • Discuss the Bishop's actions and their moral implications with peers.
  • Summarize the main theme of the play in your own words.
  • Practice answering the comprehension questions to improve analytical skills.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What is the central theme of 'The Bishop's Candlesticks'?

Q2. Which word is an antonym for 'benevolent'?

Q3. Why does Persome feel people pretend to be sick?

Q4. What does the Bishop do with the silver candlesticks at the end?

Q5. Which word is an antonym for 'credulous'?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main theme of 'The Bishop's Candlesticks'?

The central theme of the play is the transformative power of kindness, compassion, and forgiveness, as exemplified by the Bishop's actions towards the convict.

How do these NCERT Solutions help with exam preparation?

These solutions provide clear explanations of the chapter's themes, help in understanding character motivations, and offer practice with vocabulary through antonym exercises, all crucial for exam success.

What kind of vocabulary exercises are included?

The solutions include exercises focused on finding antonyms for a list of words presented in the chapter, helping students expand their word knowledge and understanding of opposites.

Who are the main characters in 'The Bishop's Candlesticks'?

The main characters are the Bishop, a kind and charitable clergyman; the Convict, who breaks into the Bishop's house; and Persome, the Bishop's sister.

Why is the Bishop's act of giving the candlesticks significant?

It is significant because it represents an act of profound trust and forgiveness, transforming the convict's life and demonstrating the Bishop's unwavering belief in redemption.

Important links

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