CBSE Class 9 English Chapter 5 NCERT Solutions

(a) The narrator's tone is sarcastic because he is implying that John was not particularly good-looking, which contrasts with the idealized image of heroes often portrayed in literature. Therefore, the correct option is (iii).

(b) John A. Pescud believed that best-sellers were not realistic because they often depicted scenarios, such as American farmers falling in love with European princesses, that had little basis in reality. He felt that people generally choose partners from similar social and economic backgrounds. Thus, the correct option is (i).

(c) When Pescud exclaims "Bully" with a brightening expression, he is using the term informally to indicate that he is doing very well, particularly in his professional endeavors. It signifies success and good fortune. Therefore, the correct option is (iv).

(d) The narrator's statement that "life has no geographical bounds" implies that human beings share fundamental similarities and commonalities across different places and cultures. It suggests that despite geographical differences, people's essential nature and experiences are alike. The correct option is (i).

The author was travelling to Pittsburgh by chair car on a business trip one summer day. He observed that most of the passengers were ladies, many dressed in brown silk dresses with square necklines, adorned with laces and dotted veils. Among the male passengers, some looked like they could be in various professions. However, the author's attention was particularly drawn to a black, bald-spotted head visible above the back of seat number 9.

The passenger in chair number 9 was John A. Pescud. Suddenly, he hurled a book onto the floor, placing it between his chair and the window. The book was titled "The Rose Lady and Trevelyan," which was identified as one of the popular best-selling novels of that time.

John A. Pescud did not hold a high opinion of best-sellers. He believed that fiction writers often failed to be consistent with their scenes and characters, presenting accounts that were far removed from reality. He found their narratives highly unreal, exaggerated, and overly romantic. For instance, he noted that sometimes an American hero might fall in love with a European princess and follow her, but in real life, people tend to choose life partners from within their own social status.

Since their last meeting, John told the author that he was getting along quite well. His salary had been raised twice, and he had also received a commission. He had purchased a "neat slice of real estate," and his firm was planning to sell him some company stock, indicating he was benefiting from the "General Prosperity." Additionally, John revealed that he had been married for eighteen months.

John met Jessie's father, a Colonel, at his ancestral home. Upon arrival, John presented his business card and explained his background, including his business, salary, and prospects, after following his daughter Jessie from Cincinnati. The Colonel shared anecdotes and humorous stories, expressing that he felt very fortunate after meeting John. The author did not tell John anything specific during this meeting; rather, John was recounting his experience meeting Jessie's father.

John decided to get off at Coketown, which surprised the author as it didn't seem like a promising place for selling plate-glass. John explained that on their way back from Philadelphia, his wife Jessie had noticed some petunias growing in a pot in a Coketown window. These flowers reminded her of the ones she used to grow in her old home in Virginia. John wanted to stop there to dig up some cuttings or blossoms for her.

Yes, one could argue that John is a hypocrite. He expresses uncharitable views about best-sellers, criticizing them for being too romantic and unrealistic, suggesting people should marry within their own status. However, John himself pursues Jessie, whose father is a descendant of "belted earls," indicating he is attracted to her social standing, which contradicts his stated philosophy. Furthermore, his sentimental quest for petunias for his "princess" echoes the romantic ideals he claims to disdain in literature.

Physical appearance: John A. Pescud is described as a small man with a wide smile. He has a bald-spotted head and an eye that seems fixed on the end of his nose.

His philosophy on behaviour: John believes that when a man is in his hometown, he ought to conduct himself in a decent and law-abiding manner.

His profession: John works as a travelling salesman for a plate-glass company.

His first impression of his wife: While not explicitly detailed as a 'first impression', the narrative implies John pursued Jessie, and his actions, like seeking petunias for her, suggest a romantic inclination towards her, possibly stemming from her background or personality.

His success: John is experiencing considerable professional success. His salary has been raised twice since his last meeting with the author, he receives commissions, has bought property, and is being offered company shares, indicating he is benefiting from the general economic prosperity.