Class 11 English Lesson 20: Refund: Reference to the Context

 

Reference to the Context

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTLb2wSbNpo 

 

a.      Read the extract from the play given below and answer the questions that follow:
“It’s possible I’ve changed. What the hell…! Your class records will show I’ve got a right to come here.”

        i.         Who is the speaker? Who is he speaking to?

Wasserkopf is the speaker. He’s speaking to the Principal of his former school.

       ii.        Why does the speaker say these words?

The speaker says these words because he is dissatisfied with his educational records from his previous school, which he obtained eighteen years ago.

    iii.       Where is the speaker at this moment?

The speaker is in the Principal’s office at this moment.

b.     Read the extract dialogue given below and answer the questions that follow:
“THE STAFF: (bowing, heartily) How do you do?

WASSERKOPF: Who the hell are you? Sit down, you loafers! (He grins, waiting to be thrown out.)

THE PRINCIPAL: How dare you –”

         i.       What is the response to ‘How do you do?’

I am fine is the response to ‘How do you do’.

       ii.       Is Wasserkopf’s response polite enough to the staff?

No, Wasserkopf’s response to the staff isn’t polite enough. He uses derogatory language against them.

      iii.      How does Wasserkopf rebuke the staff?

Wasserkopf rebukes the staff, calling them “loafers” and asking, “Who the hell are you?”

      iv.      What does the principal mean by ‘How dare you -’?

The Principal is referring to Wasserkopf’s dare to make abusive remarks about masters when he says, ‘How dare you?’

c.      Explain the following line of the play:

“Because I didn’t get my money’s worth, that’s why!”

This line was spoken by the main character of the play, Wasserkopf. In this line, Wasserkopf explains his reason for his arrival and demands a refund from the school’s Principal. According to him, his education from school provided him with nothing. He is fired from his job and is in a financial crisis. Wasserkopf is, therefore, justified in claiming a refund. He adds that a re-examination will prove that his demand is valid.

d.     What is the theme of the play?

This play is a satire on today’s educational system, which has failed to prepare students for life. This play showcases teachers’ wit in the face of an ill-natured old pupil, Wasserkopf, who returns to his old school with an absurd demand for a refund as he has got nothing read there.

e.      Sketch the character of Wasserkopf.

Wasserkopf is a forty-year-old poor and greedy man who was born in Hungary. He is a short-tempered man who has been fired several times for his bad manners and rude behaviour. Wasserkopf seems to be the type of person who does not do his duty and blames others. While at school, he just wanted to pass and did not study well. He does not even know about foreign exchange. That is why he did not get a good job. He says he is good for nothing. Wasserkopf also sounds like an undisciplined man with no good manners. He does not respect his teachers and uses bad words and derogatory language with them. He thinks that he is clever enough to get the refund, but because of his foolishness and stupidity, he falls into his Mathematics teacher’s trap.

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