The Garden Party Questions and Answers | Class 11 English Second Semester WBCHSE
1. What does the garden party signify?
Ans. The garden party signifies the excessive unnecessary comforts enjoyed by the upper class while the working class suffers in grief. Here it reflects the Sheridan familiy’s wealth and status.
2. Who is Mrs. Sheridan?
Ans. Mrs. Sheridan is one of the main characters of Katherine’s ‘The Garden Party’. She is the wife of Mr. Sheridan and the mother of Laura, Laurie and Jose.
3. Why was the weather ideal for the garden party?
Ans. The weather was ideal for a garden party because it was windless, warm, with the sky without a cloud. This weather created a perfect setting for an outdoor garden party.
4. What had the gardener been doing since dawn?
Ans. The gardener had been mowing the lawns and sweeping them, until the grass and the dark fiat rosettes had been seemed to shine.
5. When and why did the men arrive?
Ans. The men arrived when the breakfast was not over yet.
They arrived as they had to put up the marquee for the garden party of Sheridan family.
6. “Where do you want the marquee put, mother?”-Who put this question and to whom? What was the reply?
Ans. Laura asked this to her mother, Mrs. Sheridan.
Mrs. Sheridan said that she was determined to leave everything her children that year. She asked them to treat her as an honourable guest, not their mother.
7. Who went out to supervise the men? Why could not the other two sisters go?
Ans. Laura went out to supervise the men to put up the marquee.
Meg could not go outside to speak to them beecause her hair was wet and Jose was not dressed.
8. Why did the workmen refuse to put up the marquee in the lily lawn?
Ans. The workmen refused to put up the marquee in the lily lawn because it was not noticeable enough. They thought it was not a right place for the marquee
9. Where was the marquee finally put up? Why was not Laura very happy about it?
Ans. The marquee was finally put up near the Karakas trees.
Laura requested the men not to place the marquee near karakas trees, as they were the most beautiful trees. The men ignored her wishes and the marquee would now obstruct the view of the beautiful trees. So she was not very happy.
10. What were the men carrying with themselves?
Ans. Four men in their shirt sleeves stood grouped together on the garden path. They carried staves covered with rolls of canvas and they had big tool bags on their backs.
11. Why did Laura wish the workmen to be her friend? Why couldn’t she do it?
Ans. Laura wished that she could be friends with people like the workmen-instead of silky boys in her social circle because the workmen were nice and friendly. But she could not do so because her family believed in rich society instead of lower society.
12. How is Laura different from her family?
Ans. The members of the Sheridan family are proud of their rank and status. But Laura is an exception. She is well-mannered and soft-minded. She does not believe in class distinction.
13. “A man killed”-Who was killed and how?
Ans. A man named Scott who was a neighbour of Sheridan family was killed in a work accident at the quarry.
The man was a carter. His horse shied at a traction engine and he was thrown out on the back of his head and was killed.
14. From whom did Laura hear about the terrible accident?
Ans. While in the kitchen, Laura overheard the delivery man telling Sadie and the cook about the terrible accident of Mr. Scott who lived down the lane.
15. What was the impact of the news of Mr. Scott’s death in a terrible accident on Laura?
Ans. The news of Mr. Scott’s death in a terrible accident had a profound impact on Laura. She was deeply affected by the sudden and tragic loss of life. The news served as a catalyst for Laura’s growth and maturation.
16. Why did Laura want to stop the garden party?
Ans. Laura wanted to stop the garden party because she learned of the death of Mr. Scott, a cart driver from lower socio-economic background. He lived in a cottage near the Sheridan estate. She felt that it would be insensitive for them to go ahead with the party in the situation.
17. What does the lilies represent in ‘The Garden Party’?
Ans. In the story ‘The Garden Party’, the lilies represent death and resurrection reminding us of life’s fleeting nature. These are also symbol of the wealth and status of the Sheridan family.
18. Who ordered the large amount of Canna lilies and why?
Ans. Mrs. Sheridan ordered a large amount of canna lilies for their garden party. She bought them on a whim after seeing them in a shop window the previous day.
19. Why does Laura bite her mother’s ear?
Ans. The florist brought a large amount of pink lilies. Laura thinks they must have been ordered by mistake. But it turns out that her mother ordered them all. Learning this Laura lovingly throws her arms around her mother and bites her ear.
20. What was Mrs. Sheridan’s reaction when Laura wanted to stop the garden party?
Ans. When Laura wanted to stop the garden party due to Mr. Scott’s death, Mrs. Sheridan was unsympathetic and amused. She tried to distract Laura from her concern by pointing out how beautiful she looked in a hat.
21. What does Laura’s hat symbolize?
Ans. Laura’s hat symbolizes class-distinction. The lavish hat with velvet ribbon was ornamented with daisies. This gesture is a reminder of Laura’s class as well as her life.
22. “Jose began to be seriously annoyed.”-Why does Jose begin to be annoyed?
Ans. Laura is being too sensitive and emotional about the death of Scott, the cart-driver wanted to stop the garden party. Jose is frustrated that Laura is not being practical and is instead focusing on the sentimental aspects of the situation. So she is annoyed.
23. “It was a horrible affair.”-Who said this? What was the horrible affair?
Ans. Mr. Sheridan said this in Katherine’s story, ‘The Garden Party.
The horrible affair refers to the death of Mr. Scott, the cart driver who was killed in tragic accident involving a horse and a cart.
24. She had one of her brilliant ideas.” Who is ‘she’ referred to here? What brilliant ideas did she suggest?
Ans. Here ‘she’ refers to Mrs. Sheridan in Katherine’s story The Garden Party’.
Her brilliant idea was to send the left over food of the Garden party to the family of Mr. Scott who died in an accident, with lilies which would impress the people of that class.
25. Why does Laura think that it is a mistake to take the food to Mr. Scott’s house?
Ans. Laura thinks that it is a mistake to take the basket of foods to Mr. Scott’s house because they are from a different social class and it may not be appropriate the luxuries from the party in this situation when the tragic death occurred in the house where she went.
26. What does Laura see and feel when she enters the Scott’s house?
Ans. Laura sees the widow Em Scott, and the body of her dead husband. She is taken aback by the peaceful and serene expression on the face of the deadman. She thinks that death is just a sleep.
27. Why does Laura say ‘Forgive my hat’?
Ans. Laura asks forgiveness because she is ashamed of her hat which symbolizes her wealth to the people who will never have the experience of the extravagant of a garden party like her family. She is aware that her concern about her hat may seem trival in the face of death.
28. What is the main conflict in the story ‘The Garden Party’?
Ans. The main conflict is the contrast between the Sheridan family’s luxurious and superficial life and the poverty and grief of the Scotts, highlighting the social class divisions.
29. What is the symbolism of Laura’s hat?
Ans. Laura’s hat represents her vanity and supeficiality, which she acknowledges and sets aside to show respect for scott.
30. How does Laura’s character evolve throughout the story?
Ans. Laura begins as a rich and superficial young woman but develops into a more empathetic and understanding person as she faces the reality of Scott’s death.
31. What does the story highlights?
Ans. The story, The Garden Party’ highlights the contrast between the wealthy and the poor, and the insensitivity of the upper class.
32. What is the significance of the ending of the story ‘The Garden Party’?
Ans. The ending of the story shows Laura’s growth and new found understanding, as she decides to attend the party but also acknowledges Scott’s death, symbolizing her bridge between her old and new selves.
33. What does Laura mean by “isn’t life”?
Ans. Laura is lamenting the cruel and unfair nature of life, which can be beautiful and joyful one moment, but also harsh and devastating next.
34. What message do you think Mansfield is conveying through Laura’s story?
Ans. Mansfield is highlighting the importance of empathy, understanding, and personal growth, and showing how life’s experiences can shape and transform us.
35. Describe Laura’s transformation throughout the story?
Ans. Laura evolves from a self-centered and immature young woman to a more empathetic and understanding person who begins to see the world from a different perspective.
36. Describe the role of Laura’s mother in shaping Laura’s perception in the ‘The Garden Party’.
Ans. Laura’s mother, Mr Sheridan, plays a significant role in shaping Laura’s perception in The Garden Party’. She discourages Laura from showing emotions or empathy. She prioritizes social status and practicality over empathy and compassion. Through her actions and values, Mrs. Sheridan indirectly guides Laura towards a more self-centered and superficial world view.
37. How does the garden reflect the contemporary society?
Ans. The garden reflects the contemporary society of Mansfield’s time. It represents the social barriers and class divisions between the wealthy and the poor. It refects the luxurious and extravagant life style of the wealthy people. The garden’s physical seperation symbolizes the emotional disconnection between different social classes.
38. What does Mrs. Sheridan want Laura to bring to the Scotts and how does Laura react?
Ans. Mrs. Sheridan had the brilliant idea of sending a basket of leftover food from the party to the Scotts Laura protested, believing that it would be rude to bring leftovers to the grieving family.
39. How does the story portray social class?
Ans. The story critiques the social class system, highlighting the privilege and superficiality of the wealthy. It also portrays the struggles and marginalization of the working class.
40. What is the author’s message in the story?
Ans. The story critiques social class and highlights the human connection and empathy.
41. What is the significance of the character of Mr. Scott?
Ans. Mr. Scott represents the reality of death and suffering that exists outside the priviledged world of the Sheridan family who are proud of their status.
42. “They were the greatest possible eye shore” who are ‘they’ referred to here?”-Who thinks them as eyeshore and why?
Ans. The poor working class families who live in small, run down houses next to the Sheridan’s elegant house are referred to here as ‘eye shore’.
Mrs. Sheridan thinks the poor houses and their presence as an eyeshore, something that detracts from the beauty and refinement of her own property.
43. What is the significance of Laura’s encounter with Jose?
Ans. Laura’s encounter with Jose opens her eyes to the harsh realities of life beyond her privileged upbringing, fostering empathy and deeper understanding of the human experience.
44. Describe the setting of the story ‘The Garden Party’.
Ans. The story is set in a wealthy family’s garden on a worm summer day. The garden is beautifully manicured, with flowers, trees and a lawn.
45. What does Laura see in Mrs. Scott’s house?
Ans. In Katherine Mansfield‘s ‘The Garden Party Laura sees the dead body of Mr. Scott and meets his widow Em. This experience profoundly affects her, as she is confronted with reality of death and the fragility of life.
46. How does Katherine make a contrast between life and death in the story ‘The Garden Party’?
Ans. Laura’s encounter with Mr. Scott’s dead-body confronts her with the reality of mortality, making her realize that life is fragile and can end suddenly. This contrasts with the lively atmosphere of the garden party highlighting the fleeting nature of life.
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