CBSE Class 9 English: The Man Who Knew Too Much NCERT Solutions

It is important to be genuine and true to oneself. While showing off might impress some people temporarily, it is not a sustainable or genuine way to gain respect. My friend, Ramesh, often exhibits this behaviour. He frequently carries many books and feels the need to correct even minor generalisations made by teachers, such as specifying the exact years of World War II (1939-1945) instead of just the decade. Despite facing numerous interviews, including for the NDA, his constant need to appear superior and his tendency to 'interview the board' rather than answer questions led to repeated rejections, illustrating that showing off rarely leads to long-term success.

This question prompts the reader to reflect on the story after reading it. The story of the 'Professor' (Private Quelch) reveals that knowing a great deal of information does not necessarily equate to having practical wisdom or competence. His extensive knowledge, while impressive in its detail, often proves to be impractical and socially alienating, suggesting that 'knowing enough' involves more than just accumulating facts; it requires understanding their application and context.

The 'Professor', Private Quelch, consistently demonstrated his extensive knowledge, often to the point of being overbearing. He achieved this by diligently studying training manuals and persistently questioning his instructors, always aiming to prove that he knew more than everyone else.

(a) about muzzle velocity: When the Sergeant explained muzzle velocity, the Professor immediately interjected with the precise figure: "Two thousand, four hundred and forty feet per second".

(b) after a thirty mile walk: Despite completing a gruelling thirty-mile walk, he would exhibit remarkable energy and enthusiasm, cheerfully suggesting activities like singing: "What about a song, chaps?"

(c) his salute on payday: His salute was impeccably precise and military-like, especially when officers were present. He would march with the disciplined posture of a Guardsman, swinging his arms formally.

(d) the loud sound of a high flying invisible aeroplane: He could identify an aeroplane solely by its engine noise, attributing the harsh sound to the high tip speed of its airscrew, even when the plane was invisible.

(e) about hand grenades: When discussing hand grenades, he provided a specific detail about the fragments, stating the number as "Forty-Four".

(f) during cook house duties: Even while performing basic duties like peeling potatoes in the cookhouse, he found fault with the unscientific and unhygienic methods, arguing that they led to a waste of vitamin content.

(a) (iv) his habit of sermonising. Private Quelch's nickname 'Professor' stemmed from his constant habit of lecturing and correcting others, displaying his knowledge in a way that resembled sermonising.

(b) (ii) he was oblivious to his surroundings. Corporal Turnbull's immense size and stoic nature made him seem unaware of minor disturbances, to the extent that one could metaphorically hammer nails into him without his notice.

(c) (ii) they could not stand Private Quelch exhibiting his knowledge. The author and his friend Trower left the scene because they were tired of Private Quelch's incessant and irritating displays of knowledge.

(a) A 'nickname' is an informal name given to a person, often based on their personality, appearance, or a notable characteristic or action. It can be humorous or descriptive. For Private Quelch, another suitable nickname could be 'Mr. Know-it-all' or 'Show-off', reflecting his constant need to display his knowledge and impress others.

(b) When the author first encountered Private Quelch at the training depot, he appeared like a 'Professor' due to his lanky and stooping physique, his habit of frowning, and the horn-rimmed spectacles he wore, which collectively gave him an intellectual, albeit perhaps slightly awkward, appearance.

(c) The Sergeant's dark, sun-dried appearance suggests that he is a seasoned soldier who has spent a significant amount of time outdoors, likely in harsh conditions, undergoing extensive training and practical experience in the field.

(d) As the Sergeant's classes progressed, Private Quelch's knowledge was further exposed through his consistent habit of interrupting and correcting the Sergeant with precise details. For instance, he would volunteer exact figures for muzzle velocity or the number of fragments from a grenade, demonstrating his extensive study of training manuals.

(e) By "intelligent reading," the Professor meant reading that goes beyond mere comprehension. It involves critically analyzing the material, understanding its underlying principles, and retaining specific details accurately, as opposed to superficial reading.

(f) The Professor's ambitions in the army seemed to be centered around demonstrating his superior intellect and knowledge. He aimed to impress and outshine others, particularly his superiors, by showcasing his detailed understanding of military subjects, rather than necessarily aspiring to high ranks or combat roles.

(g) No, Private Quelch's day-to-day practices did not seem to bring him closer to any practical goal. While he diligently read manuals, his constant need to show off and correct others alienated his peers and superiors. His ultimate assignment to cookhouse duties, despite his 'knowledge', suggests his practices were not aligned with effective military contribution or career advancement.

(h) Corporal Turnbull is described as a large, sturdy, and imposing figure. He is presented as someone incredibly resilient and focused, seemingly oblivious to minor discomforts or distractions, such as the metaphorical hammering of nails into him. He embodies a no-nonsense, tough military presence.

(i) Private Quelch managed to anger the Corporal by persistently correcting him and displaying his superior knowledge, even during basic duties. His pedantic attitude and the way he questioned the Corporal's methods likely caused frustration and annoyance.

(j) It is debatable whether Private Quelch truly learned a lesson. While being assigned cookhouse duties was a significant demotion and likely embarrassing for someone who prided himself on his knowledge, the story implies his fundamental nature might not have changed. His previous behaviour suggests a deep-seated need to prove his intellectual superiority, which might persist despite this setback. However, the irony of his situation could serve as a potential, albeit unconfirmed, lesson about the value of practical application and humility over mere bookish knowledge.