Kerala Syllabus Class 10 English: Unit 01 Trials and Triumphs: Lesson 02 - In the Attic - Questions and Answers | Teachers Handbook
പഠന സഹായികൾ അയക്കാൻ താല്പര്യമുള്ളവർ ഈ നമ്പറിൽ വാട്സാപ്പ് ചെയ്യുക: 9497346250. പുതിയ അപ്ഡേറ്റുകൾക്കായി ഞങ്ങളുടെ Telegram - ചാനലിൽ ജോയിൻ ചെയ്യുക.
ഈ ബ്ലോഗ് ഉടമയുടെ രേഖാമൂലമുള്ള അനുമതിയില്ലാതെ ഈ ബ്ലോഗിൽ നൽകിയിരിക്കുന്ന ചോദ്യോത്തരങ്ങൾ, ഇതേരീതിയിലോ പി.ഡി.എഫ് രൂപത്തിലോ, മറ്റേതെങ്കിലും ഡിജിറ്റലോ, പ്രിന്റഡ് ഉൾപ്പെടെയുള്ള ഏതെങ്കിലും രൂപങ്ങളിലേക്കോ മാറ്റി മറ്റൊരു വെബ്സൈറ്റിലോ, ബ്ലോഗിലോ, യുട്യൂബ്, സോഷ്യൽ മീഡിയാ ഗ്രൂപ്പുകളിലോ ഉൾപ്പെടെ ഒരിടത്തും പ്രചരിപ്പിക്കാൻ പാടില്ലാത്തതാകുന്നു.
SSLC English Unit I Trials and Triumphs - Lesson 02 In the Attic - Textual Questions and Answers & Activities
♦ In the Attic
♦ While we read
a. What was the officer's attitude to Szpilman?
• The officer's attitude toward Szpilman was compassionate and non-threatening. He reassured Szpilman by saying, "I've no intention of doing anything to you!" indicating he had no intention of harming him.
b. Why do you think the officer asked Szpilman to play the piano?
The officer asked Szpilman to play the piano to confirm his identity as a pianist, to experience a moment of beauty in the midst of war, and to show compassion by recognizing his humanity.
c. Why was Szpilman hesitant to play the piano?
Szpilman was hesitant because he hadn't practised for two and a half years, his fingers were stiff and dirty, and his nails were uncut, making him doubt his ability to play. Additionally, he feared being discovered while playing.
d. How does the officer help Szpilman?
The officer helps Szpilman by offering to take him out of the city to a safer village, suggesting a better hiding place in the loft, and promising to bring him food.
e. What was the officer ashamed of?
The officer was ashamed of being German because of the horrific crimes his country was committing during the war. When Szpilman asked if he was German, the officer "almost shouted his answer in agitation" and said he was "ashamed of it, after everything that's been happening." He was ashamed of the Holocaust, the mass murder of Jews, and the destruction caused by Nazi Germany.
f. “Just hang on a few more weeks—the war will be over by spring at the latest.” What is surprising about this statement?
The statement is surprising because the officer, a German, expresses optimism about the war ending soon, implying the defeat of his own side. This suggests he is aware of and possibly accepts the impending German loss, which is unexpected given his position.
g. What does the conversation between the officer and Szpilman reveal about the bond between them?
The conversation reveals a bond of trust and respect. The officer shows compassion by helping Szpilman, while Szpilman responds with gratitude and hope, proving that humanity can survive even in war.
h. Why was there less artillery fire after a few weeks?
There was less artillery fire because the war was nearing its end, with the German forces weakening and retreating, as indicated by the officer's prediction and the eventual liberation of Warsaw.
i. Why does Szpilman say that his hiding place was well chosen?
Szpilman says his hiding place was well chosen because the loft above the attic entrance was not easily noticeable, and no one thought to search it, keeping him safe from discovery.
j. What do you think of Szpilman’s advice to the German officer?
Szpilman’s advice reveals his gratitude, his hope of returning to Polish Radio, and his desire to keep a human bond with the officer who saved him.
k. What sounds did Szpilman hear from the attic?
Szpilman heard the squeaking and rustling of rats and mice, the stormy wind, soldiers going up and down the stairs, and later, the sound of artillery, radio announcements, and the voices of women and children.
l. Why does Szpilman say that he had to be alone if he wanted to live?
Szpilman says he had to be alone to avoid detection by German soldiers or others who might betray or kill him due to his Jewish identity, as being with others increased the risk of exposure.
m. What were the radio announcements about?
The radio announcements were about the defeat of Germany and the liberation of Warsaw, signalling the end of German occupation in the city.
n. How does Szpilman survive the freezing cold?
Szpilman survives the freezing cold by using the German military overcoat and the warm eiderdown provided by the officer.
o. What information did Szpilman hope to gather?
Szpilman hoped to gather information about whether the Soviet and Polish troops had truly liberated Warsaw or if the Germans had returned, as he was confused by the presence of guards after the initial silence.
p. Why does the woman cry out when she sees Szpilman?
The woman cries out because she mistakes Szpilman for a German due to his wearing a German military overcoat, which leads her to scream, "A German!" in fear.
q. What is the absurd situation Szpilman found himself in?
The absurd situation is that Szpilman, a Polish Jew who survived years of German persecution, is nearly shot by Polish soldiers in liberated Warsaw because they mistake him for a German due to his overcoat.
Let’s rewind:
1. Why does the German officer help Szpilman and save his life?
The German officer helps Szpilman because he is moved by his music and recognizes his humanity. Despite being on opposite sides of the war, the officer feels compassion and shame for what the Nazis had done. His emotional response and personal ethics lead him to protect Szpilman, even at personal risk.
2. How does Szpilman maintain hope in extreme hardship and danger?
Szpilman maintains hope through the officer's encouragement, the belief that the war will end soon, and his own resilience. His determination to survive, coupled with small acts of kindness like receiving food and a warm coat, keeps him going despite isolation and danger.
3. Why was Szpilman afraid of being killed by Polish soldiers, his own countrymen?
Szpilman wore a German military coat for warmth, given by the German officer. When he stepped outside, people mistook him for a German soldier. Since Warsaw had just been liberated, tensions were high, and anyone in a German uniform was at risk of being shot on sight, even if they were innocent.
4. How do luck, chance and human kindness help Szpilman to survive?
• SLuck: The attic where he hid was never discovered.
• Chance: He met a kind German officer by accident, instead of a cruel one.
• Human kindness: The officer brought him food, shelter, and hope.
Together, these factors helped him survive when survival seemed impossible.
5. Was it risky for the German officer to help Szpilman? Why?
Yes, it was risky because helping a Jew was strictly forbidden under Nazi rule, and Hosenfeld could have faced severe punishment, including imprisonment or death, if discovered. His actions went against the Nazi ideology and orders.
6. Why is Szpilman's memoir classified as 'survivor testimony'? How, in your opinion, does 'survivor testimony' enrich history and literature, and enhance our understanding of the world?
Szpilman’s memoir is classified as survivor testimony because it is a first-hand account of someone who lived through the Holocaust and World War II. It provides a real, personal perspective of historical events.
Survivor testimonies:
• Make history more relatable and human
• Teach us the emotional truth behind facts
• Help future generations understand suffering, courage, and hope
• Inspire empathy and prevent the repetition of such atrocities
7. In the entry to this passage, you would have come across the expression 'en masse.' What do you think it means, in the context?
In the context, en masse means "in large numbers" or "collectively." It refers to the mass killing of Jews in gas chambers during the Holocaust, emphasising the scale and indiscriminate nature of the atrocities.
8. Does the expression 'en masse' remind you of a similar phrase you came across in class 9?
Yes, a similar phrase from Class 9 is “in bulk” or “as a whole”. These phrases also refer to actions performed on large groups or quantities at once.
9. How are these expressions different from other commonly used phrases in English?
Expressions like en masse and in toto are borrowed from French and Latin, respectively. They are more formal or literary than common English phrases like "all together" or "as a group." They carry a specific nuance of collective action or entirety, often used in historical or academic contexts to convey precision or emphasis.
Let’s recall and recreate:
1. We have seen how Szpilman gains the strength to carry on in spite of the horrors of the Second World War. Millions of people all over the world suffer the terrors of war and other conflicts even today.
Let’s create a ‘Wall of Hope’ display, featuring pictures, quotes and suggestions to help the world end war for all time.
Quotes
• “Peace is not merely the absence of war but the presence of justice.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
• Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.” – Albert Einstein
• An eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind.” – Mahatma Gandhi
• “Peace is the only battle worth waging.” – Albert Camus
Suggestions for Ending War
• Promote empathy: Teach children to see the world through others’ eyes.
• Strengthen dialogue: Encourage nations to resolve disputes through negotiation, not violence.
• Support equality: Reduce poverty and injustice, which often fuel conflict.
• Celebrate diversity: Highlight cultural exchange and respect for differences.
• Disarmament efforts: Advocate for reducing weapons and investing in human development.
• Global cooperation: Work together on shared challenges like climate change and health.
• Everyday kindness: Remind students that peace begins with small acts—sharing, listening, forgiving.
• Use social media campaigns to spread messages of unity and non-violence.
2. Read the following excerpt from the memoir.
On 12 December, the officer came for the last time. He brought me a larger supply of bread than before and a warm eiderdown. He told me he was leaving Warsaw with his detachment, and I must on no account lose heart.
“But how will I survive the street fighting?” I asked anxiously.
“If you and I have survived this inferno for over five years,” he replied, “it’s
obviously God’s will for us to live.”
We had already said goodbye, and he was about to go, when an idea came to me at the last moment.
“Listen!” I took his hand and began speaking urgently. “I never told you my name-you didn’t ask me, but I want you to remember it. Who knows what may happen?
You have a long way to go home. If I survive, I’ll certainly be working for Polish Radio again. I was there before the war. If anything happens to you, if I can help you then in any way, remember my name: Szpilman, Polish Radio.”
He smiled his usual smile, half shy and embarrassed, but I felt I had given him pleasure with my naive wish to help him.
After surviving the war, Szpilman is back at Polish Radio again. Imagine you are a podcaster and Szpilman agrees to do a podcast episode with you. Taking cues from the excerpt, prepare the script of a radio podcast.
Host (Podcaster): Welcome to Echoes of Survival, a special episode from Polish Radio. Today we bring you the voice of a man whose music carried him through the darkest years of war. Pianist and composer, Władysław Szpilman.
Mr. Szpilman, thank you for joining us.
Szpilman:
Thank you. To sit here again, in this studio, after everything — it feels like life has returned.
Host:
In your memoir, you describe how a German officer brought you bread and a warm blanket before leaving Warsaw. He told you not to lose heart. What did his words mean to you?
Szpilman:
They gave me strength. He said, “If you and I have survived this inferno for over five years, it’s obviously God’s will for us to live.” In that moment, I believed survival was possible.
Host:
Before he left, you told him your name and said, “Remember: Szpilman, Polish Radio.” Why was that important?
Szpilman:
Because I wanted to give him hope too. I had nothing to offer except my name and the promise that, if I lived, I would return here. It was my way of saying thank you.
Host:
Now that you are back, what does music mean to you after all you endured?
Szpilman:
Music is life. It is memory, but also healing. Each note I play says: I survived. And it reminds us that even in war, humanity can still be found.
Host:
Mr. Szpilman, your story is a reminder that courage and compassion can shine even in the darkest times. Thank you for sharing your voice with us today.
Szpilman:
Thank you. May music always carry hope.
[Outro music – Szpilman’s piano composition fades in, carrying the episode to a close]
Let’s now prepare a write-up on the problems faced by refugees of war in the present time.
1. Loss of Home
Refugees are forced to leave their houses and villages because of bombs and fighting.
They often live in tents or crowded camps without safety.
2. Hunger and Thirst
Many do not get enough food or clean water.
Children especially suffer from malnutrition.
3. No Proper Healthcare
Hospitals are destroyed in war.
Refugees struggle to get medicine or treatment for injuries and diseases.
4. Education Interrupted
Schools are closed or unsafe.
Refugee children lose years of learning, making their future uncertain.
5. Fear and Insecurity
Refugees face violence, exploitation, and sometimes discrimination in host countries.
Women and children are most at risk.
6. Unemployment and Poverty
Refugees often cannot work legally.
Families depend on aid and live in poverty.
Pick out words/phrases from the extract that reveal the character of the pianist and the German officer.
Szpilman (The Pianist)
Szpilman is portrayed as a sensitive, artistic soul whose identity as a pianist gives him strength even in the darkest times. His suffering during the war leaves him weak, fearful, and despairing, yet he never loses his humanity. He shows gratitude and dignity by offering his name and future help to the officer who saved him, reflecting loyalty and hope. Despite being terrified, he dares to trust a German officer, proving his courage and belief in compassion. Szpilman’s character embodies endurance, resilience, and the power of art to preserve human dignity in the face of destruction.
The German Officer
The German officer is depicted as compassionate and morally conflicted. Though part of the enemy army, he reassures Szpilman, brings him food and blankets, and finds him a safe hiding place. His admission of being “ashamed of being German” reveals his conscience and inner struggle, while his words about God’s will show faith and encouragement. He risks his own safety to protect Szpilman, demonstrating courage and loyalty. His actions highlight that even in war, humanity can survive, and kindness can cross enemy lines.
The German Officer
The German officer is depicted as compassionate and morally conflicted. Though part of the enemy army, he reassures Szpilman, brings him food and blankets, and finds him a safe hiding place. His admission of being “ashamed of being German” reveals his conscience and inner struggle, while his words about God’s will show faith and encouragement. He risks his own safety to protect Szpilman, demonstrating courage and loyalty. His actions highlight that even in war, humanity can survive, and kindness can cross enemy lines.
Bond of Trust and Loyalty
Together, Szpilman and the officer form a bond rooted in trust and mutual respect. Szpilman trusts the officer with his life, while the officer proves loyal by protecting him despite danger. Their relationship shows that compassion and loyalty can flourish even in times of hatred, reminding us that humanity can shine through the darkness of war.
.webp)
0 Comments