CBSE Class 9 English Chapter F.5 Best Seller NCERT Solutions

Solution:

(a) The correct option is (iii). The narrator's tone is sarcastic because he is subtly implying that John was not conventionally attractive or heroic in appearance, contrasting with the idea of heroes being 'made of' special stuff.

(b) The correct option is (i). John A. Pescud believed best-sellers lacked realism because they often depicted improbable scenarios, such as American farmers falling in love with European princesses, which he felt was disconnected from the reality of people marrying within their own social strata.

(c) The correct option is (iv). When Pescud says "Bully", brightening up, he is using slang to express that he is doing very well or is in a very good situation, particularly regarding his job and financial prospects.

(d) The correct option is (i). The narrator's statement that "life has no geographical bounds" suggests that despite differences in location or culture, human beings share fundamental similarities in their nature, emotions, and experiences.

Solution:

While travelling to Pittsburgh by chair car one summer day, the author observed that most of the passengers were ladies dressed in fashionable brown-silk dresses, adorned with laces and veils. Among the men, he noted they looked like they could be in various professions. However, his attention was particularly captured by a bald, spotted head visible above the back of seat number 9.

Solution:

The passenger of chair No. 9 was John A. Pescud. He suddenly hurled a book titled "The Rose Lady and Trevelyan," which was a popular best-seller, onto the floor between his seat and the window.

Solution:

John A. Pescud held a low opinion of best-sellers, considering them unrealistic and exaggerated. He felt that fiction writers often created scenes and characters far removed from reality. He specifically pointed out that while such novels might feature improbable romances, like an American hero falling for a European princess, real life typically involves people choosing partners from similar social backgrounds.

Solution:

Since their last meeting, John A. Pescud reported that he was doing quite well. He mentioned that his salary had been increased twice, he had received a commission, and he had purchased a "neat slice of real estate." Furthermore, his firm was planning to offer him company stock, indicating he was benefiting from the "General Prosperity." He also shared the personal news that he had been married for eighteen months.

Solution:

John met Jessie's father at his ancestral home. Upon arriving punctually, John presented his business card to the elderly man. He explained his background, including his business, salary, and prospects, and how he had followed his daughter. The father, Colonel, shared anecdotes and humorous stories, expressing that he felt very fortunate after meeting John. The author, in this context, had previously advised John on how to present himself and his intentions to Jessie's father.

Solution:

John decided to get off at Coketown, even though it seemed unlikely to offer business prospects for plate-glass sales, because his wife Jessie had seen petunias in a window there. These flowers reminded her of the ones she used to grow in her old home in Virginia. John wanted to stop and dig up some cuttings or blossoms for her, showing his attentiveness to her sentimental wishes.

Solution:

Yes, one can argue that John is a hypocrite. He expresses strong views against the romanticism and unreality of best-sellers, stating that people should marry within their own social status. However, he himself pursues and marries Jessie, whose father is a descendant of "belted earls," a significantly higher social standing than his own as a commercial traveller. Furthermore, his romantic gesture of searching for petunias for his wife, whom he calls his 'princess,' echoes the very romantic ideals he criticizes in literature.

Solution:

Physical appearance: John A. Pescud is described as a small man with a wide smile. He has a distinctive habit of fixing his eye on the end of his nose. He is also noted to have a bald, spotted head.

His philosophy on behaviour: John believes that when a person is in their hometown, they should conduct themselves in a decent and law-abiding manner. This suggests a belief in maintaining respectability and order within one's familiar environment.

His profession: John works as a travelling salesman for a plate-glass company. His job involves travelling to different places to sell the company's products.

His first impression of his wife: While not explicitly detailed as a 'first impression' in the text, John's actions suggest he views his wife, Jessie, in a somewhat romanticized light, referring to her sentimental wishes regarding flowers and stopping his journey for her comfort, akin to doing something for a 'princess'.

His success: John has achieved considerable success in his professional life. Since his last meeting with the author, his salary has been raised twice, he has earned a commission, and he has purchased property. He is also being offered company stock, indicating he is part of the company's general prosperity and growth.