TOᑭ EᗪᑌᑕᗩTIOᑎ📖
CBSE
CLASS 9th ENGLISH
Beehive
CHAPTER 7:PACKING
SUMMARY
➤Summary: The excerpt is from the book "Three Men in a Boat" by Jerome K. Jerome. The narrator, who takes pride in his packing skills, is preparing for a trip. He volunteers to pack for his friends George and Harris, but they take his offer too literally and sit back while he does all the work. The narrator becomes irritated by their laziness. As he packs, he forgets some items, such as his toothbrush, and has to repack multiple times. Meanwhile, George and Harris start packing the hampers and end up making a mess, breaking things, and causing chaos. Their dog, Montmorency, also adds to the chaos by getting in the way. Eventually, the packing is finished, and they all go to bed, with the narrator and Harris sharing a room.
➤Key Points:
- The narrator takes pride in his packing skills and volunteers to pack for his friends.
- George and Harris sit back and let the narrator do all the work, which irritates him.
- The narrator forgets some items and has to repack multiple times.
- George and Harris start packing the hampers and create a mess, breaking things and causing chaos.
- Montmorency, the dog, adds to the chaos by getting in the way.
- The packing is eventually finished, and they all go to bed.
👨Character Analysis:
⚫ Narrator: The protagonist of the story, who prides himself on his packing skills and takes charge of the task. He becomes irritated by his friends' laziness and their ability to sit around while he works.
⚫ George: One of the narrator's friends, who joins him on the trip. He is known for his senseless laughter and careless packing, which often leads to accidents.
⚫ Harris: Another friend of the narrator, who also joins the trip. He is portrayed as a lazy packer and has a habit of pointing out things that were missed only after the packing is finished.
⚫ Montmorency: The dog that belongs to the group. He is mischievous and enjoys getting in the way and causing trouble.
=❯Important Quotes:
- "I rather pride myself on my packing. Packing is one of those many things that I feel I know more about than any other person living."
- "There is nothing does irritate me more than seeing other people sitting about doing nothing when I’m working."
- "Montmorency’s ambition in life is to get in the way and be sworn at."
=❯Themes:
⚫ Responsibility and Laziness: The contrast between the narrator, who takes responsibility and pride in his work, and his friends, who are lazy and unwilling to contribute, highlights the theme of personal responsibility.
⚫ Chaos and Disorder: The chaotic packing process and the mess created by George, Harris, and Montmorency represent the theme of disorder and its effects on the task at hand.
⚫ Friendship and Companionship: Despite the frustrations and conflicts, the group of friends stick together and prepares for the trip, emphasizing the theme of friendship and companionship.
=❯Word meanings:
⚫ Pride myself on Taking satisfaction.
⚫ Fell into: Accepted.
⚫ Uncanny: Strange or weird.
⚫ Potter about: Engage in unimportant activities.
⚫ Rummaged: Searched in a hurried or careless way.
⚫ Hamper: Large baskets for carrying food.
⚫ Trod on: Stepped on.
⚫ Worried: Disturbed.
⚫ Conceit: Excessive pride in oneself.
⚫Be sworn at: Be scolded.
=❯FAQ WITH ANSWERS
Q1.What is the book "Three Men in a Boat" about?
ANSWER: "Three Men in a Boat" is a humorous travelogue written by Jerome K. Jerome. It follows the adventures of the narrator and his two friends as they embark on a boating trip along the River Thames in England. The book is known for its comedic elements, witty observations, and humorous mishaps the characters encounter during their journey.
Q2.Who is the author of "Three Men in a Boat"?
ANSWER: The author of "Three Men in a Boat" is Jerome K. Jerome. He was an English writer and humorist, born on May 2, 1859, and passed away on June 14, 1927. Jerome K. Jerome is best known for this book, which remains his most popular and enduring work.
Q3.What are some other works by Jerome K. Jerome?
ANSWER: Apart from "Three Men in a Boat," Jerome K. Jerome wrote several other books and plays. Some of his notable works include "Idle Thoughts of an Idle Fellow," "Three Men on the Bummel," and "Paul Kelver." However, "Three Men in a Boat" remains his most celebrated and widely read work.