Q1. [5]
"He was silent, stupefied, in dismay, at the sight of his wife weeping. He stammered, "What is the matter? What is the matter?" By a violent effort, she had controlled her vexation and responded in a calm voice, wiping her moist cheeks, "Nothing. Only I have no dress and consequently I cannot go to this affair. Give your card to some colleague whose wife is better fitted out than I." He was grieved, but answered, "Let us see, Matilda. How much would a suitable costume cost, something that would serve for their occasions, something very simple?" She reflected for some seconds thinking of a sum that could ask for without bringing with it an immediate refusal and a frightened exclamation from the economical clerk."
Read the given extract and answer the questions.
- I What can we infer about Matilda's emotions and financial situation based on her husband's reaction and her response to not having a dress for the affair? [2]
- II Which of the following is NOT a reason for Matilda's distress in the extract? [1]
- A She has no suitable dress for the affair.
- B She is upset about her husband's reaction.
- C She is worried about the cost of a suitable costume.
- D The card did not bear her name.
- III What did Matilda suggest that her husband do with the card? [1]
- IV In the given extract what does the term 'economic clerk' imply? [1]
Previously asked in CBSE board exam
2025 2/4/1 Q6.B
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 07:14 · grounding stimulus+chapter
Model Answer
I. Matilda was deeply upset and frustrated at not having a suitable dress. Though she controlled her emotions and appeared calm, her "moist cheeks" reveal genuine distress. Her careful calculation of an amount to ask for — one that wouldn't shock her husband — shows the couple's poor financial condition and her constant struggle to balance her desires with their limited means.
II. D — The card did not bear her name.
(She was distressed about having no dress, the cost of a costume, and giving away the card — not because her name was missing.)
III. Matilda suggested that her husband give the card to some colleague whose wife was "better fitted out" than she was, implying she felt it was useless to her without a proper dress.
IV. The term 'economical clerk' implies that Matilda's husband was a frugal, careful man of very modest means who avoided unnecessary spending. She feared that asking for too large a sum would immediately alarm him and result in a flat refusal.
Source: The Necklace, Guy de Maupassant
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Explanation
- Sub-question I (2 marks): Cover two aspects — Matilda's emotions (vexation, grief, sense of inadequacy) and their financial situation (she must strategically frame her request). Award yourself 1 mark each.
- Sub-question II (1 mark): Option D is clearly not in the extract. Don't overthink MCQs — scan the passage for each option.
- Sub-question III (1 mark): Direct retrieval — quote or closely paraphrase the text.
- Sub-question IV (1 mark): 'Economical clerk' = a husband who is thrifty by necessity, not choice. The examiner wants you to infer why Matilda was calculating her request carefully.
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