Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is Harold's father, Bill Bramble, actually trained as?
What is Harold's father, Bill Bramble, actually trained as?
- Boxing instructor
- Professional boxer (correct)
- Church priest
- Sales representative
What do Harold's parents and others believe about revealing Bill's profession to Harold?
What do Harold's parents and others believe about revealing Bill's profession to Harold?
- He would want to follow in his father's footsteps.
- He would feel ashamed of his father. (correct)
- He would admire boxing more.
- He would be indifferent to it.
Who ultimately reveals the truth about Bill's profession to Harold?
Who ultimately reveals the truth about Bill's profession to Harold?
- Jerry Fisher, the trainer (correct)
- Percy, the friend
- Bill Bramble himself
- Harold's mother
How do Harold's parents describe Bill's profession to him?
How do Harold's parents describe Bill's profession to him?
What decision does Bill make regarding his boxing career?
What decision does Bill make regarding his boxing career?
What is Harold's attitude towards boxing once he learns the truth?
What is Harold's attitude towards boxing once he learns the truth?
Which character expresses happiness about Bill not being a professional boxer anymore?
Which character expresses happiness about Bill not being a professional boxer anymore?
What concern do Harold's parents have regarding his perception of boxing?
What concern do Harold's parents have regarding his perception of boxing?
What action did Mr. Bramble take regarding the name of his child?
What action did Mr. Bramble take regarding the name of his child?
What characteristic was NOT associated with Mr. Bramble?
What characteristic was NOT associated with Mr. Bramble?
How did Harold's existence change Mr. Bramble's behavior?
How did Harold's existence change Mr. Bramble's behavior?
What did Mr. Bramble feel about other men in relation to his boxing ability?
What did Mr. Bramble feel about other men in relation to his boxing ability?
What was the reason Mr. Bramble kept his profession secret from Harold?
What was the reason Mr. Bramble kept his profession secret from Harold?
How did Mr. Bramble feel about his left hook?
How did Mr. Bramble feel about his left hook?
What was a key contrast between Harold and Mr. Bramble?
What was a key contrast between Harold and Mr. Bramble?
What quality of Mr. Bramble's demeanor did Harold's attributes evoke in him?
What quality of Mr. Bramble's demeanor did Harold's attributes evoke in him?
What does the term 'demur' imply in the context of Mr. Bramble's attitude?
What does the term 'demur' imply in the context of Mr. Bramble's attitude?
Which term describes Mr. Bramble's reaction to press-notices before Harold was born?
Which term describes Mr. Bramble's reaction to press-notices before Harold was born?
How did Mr. Bramble perceive the concept of philanthropy in relation to himself?
How did Mr. Bramble perceive the concept of philanthropy in relation to himself?
What was Harold's rapid learning ability indicative of?
What was Harold's rapid learning ability indicative of?
What did Mr. Bramble's secretive behavior suggest about his relationship with Harold?
What did Mr. Bramble's secretive behavior suggest about his relationship with Harold?
What aspect of Mr. Bramble's personality contradicted his profession as a boxer?
What aspect of Mr. Bramble's personality contradicted his profession as a boxer?
What quality did Harold develop that contrasted with his father's attributes?
What quality did Harold develop that contrasted with his father's attributes?
What prize did Harold win in school?
What prize did Harold win in school?
What was the reason for Mrs. Bramble's concern regarding Harold?
What was the reason for Mrs. Bramble's concern regarding Harold?
What did Mr. Bramble plan after retiring from boxing?
What did Mr. Bramble plan after retiring from boxing?
Which of the following best describes Harold's understanding of his father's profession?
Which of the following best describes Harold's understanding of his father's profession?
What physical characteristic of Mr. Bramble is mentioned in the text?
What physical characteristic of Mr. Bramble is mentioned in the text?
Why was time passing 'easily' for Mrs. Bramble as she worked?
Why was time passing 'easily' for Mrs. Bramble as she worked?
What does the term 'semi-detached' refer to in this context?
What does the term 'semi-detached' refer to in this context?
What was Bill's age at the time of his final fight?
What was Bill's age at the time of his final fight?
What feeling did Mrs. Bramble express while mending her sock?
What feeling did Mrs. Bramble express while mending her sock?
What type of contest was Bill preparing for?
What type of contest was Bill preparing for?
What did Harold primarily focus on as he grew up?
What did Harold primarily focus on as he grew up?
How did Harold view the identity of the man coming into his home?
How did Harold view the identity of the man coming into his home?
What was the significance of the fight Bill was preparing for?
What was the significance of the fight Bill was preparing for?
What does the term 'propitiatory' imply about the red-headed man?
What does the term 'propitiatory' imply about the red-headed man?
What does the phrase 'the scales have fallen from his eyes' suggest about Mr.Bramble?
What does the phrase 'the scales have fallen from his eyes' suggest about Mr.Bramble?
Why was Mrs.Bramble surprised to see Bill?
Why was Mrs.Bramble surprised to see Bill?
How does Mr.Bramble's description contribute to the scene?
How does Mr.Bramble's description contribute to the scene?
What common characteristic is associated with the term 'weedy'?
What common characteristic is associated with the term 'weedy'?
What reaction does Mrs.Bramble have to Percy's statement about wrestling with Bill?
What reaction does Mrs.Bramble have to Percy's statement about wrestling with Bill?
What does Percy imply by saying he was 'vouchsafed the victory'?
What does Percy imply by saying he was 'vouchsafed the victory'?
What does Mrs.Bramble's literal interpretation reveal about her character?
What does Mrs.Bramble's literal interpretation reveal about her character?
Why did Percy decide not to return to the White Hart?
Why did Percy decide not to return to the White Hart?
What did Harold's mother suggest he do to refresh himself?
What did Harold's mother suggest he do to refresh himself?
What implications does 'the primrose path' carry in the passage?
What implications does 'the primrose path' carry in the passage?
What emotional state does Mr.Bramble display when speaking to Mrs.Bramble?
What emotional state does Mr.Bramble display when speaking to Mrs.Bramble?
What does 'decorous' imply about Mr.Bramble's behavior when closing the door?
What does 'decorous' imply about Mr.Bramble's behavior when closing the door?
Why did Mrs.Bramble feel the need to keep the truth from Harold?
Why did Mrs.Bramble feel the need to keep the truth from Harold?
What reason does Mrs.Bramble have for feeling astonishing during the conversation?
What reason does Mrs.Bramble have for feeling astonishing during the conversation?
What opinion did Major Percy Stokes express during his visit?
What opinion did Major Percy Stokes express during his visit?
What action did Percy take instead of training at the White Hart?
What action did Percy take instead of training at the White Hart?
What does the term 'prodigy' refer to in the passage?
What does the term 'prodigy' refer to in the passage?
What does the term 'insinuate' imply in the context of the dialogue?
What does the term 'insinuate' imply in the context of the dialogue?
What action did Mr.Bramble take after hearing the advice from the senior curate?
What action did Mr.Bramble take after hearing the advice from the senior curate?
What characterized Mrs.Bramble's perception of Harold?
What characterized Mrs.Bramble's perception of Harold?
Which of the following best describes the relationship between Mr. and Mrs.Bramble?
Which of the following best describes the relationship between Mr. and Mrs.Bramble?
What was Harold's reaction upon discovering the truth about his father's profession?
What was Harold's reaction upon discovering the truth about his father's profession?
How did Mrs. Bramble typically address her son Harold?
How did Mrs. Bramble typically address her son Harold?
What does 'evasion' indicate about Mr. and Mrs.Bramble's actions?
What does 'evasion' indicate about Mr. and Mrs.Bramble's actions?
What was indicated by Harold winning two prizes at Sunday-school?
What was indicated by Harold winning two prizes at Sunday-school?
What was the main reason Harold was not informed about his father's true profession?
What was the main reason Harold was not informed about his father's true profession?
What aspect of the Brambles' parenting did Major Percy Stokes criticize?
What aspect of the Brambles' parenting did Major Percy Stokes criticize?
What aspect of Harold's character was highlighted in the content?
What aspect of Harold's character was highlighted in the content?
What caused Harold to frown during his interaction with his mother?
What caused Harold to frown during his interaction with his mother?
How did the author characterize Major Percy Stokes?
How did the author characterize Major Percy Stokes?
What does 'toneless' indicate about Harold's poetry recitation?
What does 'toneless' indicate about Harold's poetry recitation?
What did Bill Bramble decide to do after realizing Harold knew about boxing?
What did Bill Bramble decide to do after realizing Harold knew about boxing?
What might be inferred about Mr.Bramble's character based on his yielding nature?
What might be inferred about Mr.Bramble's character based on his yielding nature?
How did Harold feel about his father's boxing career once he learned about it?
How did Harold feel about his father's boxing career once he learned about it?
What dilemma did Mr. Bramble face regarding his boxing career?
What dilemma did Mr. Bramble face regarding his boxing career?
What was Harold doing when Mrs. Bramble looked at him during their interaction?
What was Harold doing when Mrs. Bramble looked at him during their interaction?
What personal trait does Harold exhibit when feeling irritated with his mother?
What personal trait does Harold exhibit when feeling irritated with his mother?
What concern did Mrs. Bramble express regarding Harold?
What concern did Mrs. Bramble express regarding Harold?
What trait did Harold display in his academic performance?
What trait did Harold display in his academic performance?
What is the main reason Bill Bramble chose to stop boxing?
What is the main reason Bill Bramble chose to stop boxing?
What does Harold's character reveal about his interests?
What does Harold's character reveal about his interests?
What was Mrs.Bramble’s main reaction during the discussion?
What was Mrs.Bramble’s main reaction during the discussion?
What does 'make head or tail' mean in the context of the passage?
What does 'make head or tail' mean in the context of the passage?
How did the Major react to Bill’s announcement that he came home?
How did the Major react to Bill’s announcement that he came home?
What did Percy exaggerate about Mr.Bramble’s decision?
What did Percy exaggerate about Mr.Bramble’s decision?
What does 'unsuppressed' imply about the Major’s demeanor?
What does 'unsuppressed' imply about the Major’s demeanor?
How did Mrs.Bramble feel about her husband's profession?
How did Mrs.Bramble feel about her husband's profession?
What was implied about Percy’s attitude towards Mr.Bramble not fighting?
What was implied about Percy’s attitude towards Mr.Bramble not fighting?
What can be inferred about Mrs.Bramble's character based on her comments?
What can be inferred about Mrs.Bramble's character based on her comments?
What likely caused Mr.Bramble to shake his head and avoid eye contact?
What likely caused Mr.Bramble to shake his head and avoid eye contact?
What is the likely meaning of 'poor taste' as used regarding the Major's response?
What is the likely meaning of 'poor taste' as used regarding the Major's response?
What made Percy resilient in the conversation?
What made Percy resilient in the conversation?
What did Mr.Bramble imply by asking 'And how about the money?'?
What did Mr.Bramble imply by asking 'And how about the money?'?
What aspect of Bill's homecoming surprised the others?
What aspect of Bill's homecoming surprised the others?
What attitude does Mrs.Bramble show toward the Major when she snaps at him?
What attitude does Mrs.Bramble show toward the Major when she snaps at him?
What was Mrs. Bramble's primary concern regarding Bill's fighting profession?
What was Mrs. Bramble's primary concern regarding Bill's fighting profession?
How did Mr. Bramble feel about the potential publicity from the match?
How did Mr. Bramble feel about the potential publicity from the match?
What action did Mr. Bramble take after contemplating the implications of the match?
What action did Mr. Bramble take after contemplating the implications of the match?
What was the Major's intention when he mentioned 'rubbing in the point'?
What was the Major's intention when he mentioned 'rubbing in the point'?
What was Mr. Fisher's initial reason for entering the Bramble household?
What was Mr. Fisher's initial reason for entering the Bramble household?
What physical reaction did Mr. Fisher have upon seeing Percy and Bill?
What physical reaction did Mr. Fisher have upon seeing Percy and Bill?
What metaphor did Mr. Bramble use to illustrate his anxiety about the situation?
What metaphor did Mr. Bramble use to illustrate his anxiety about the situation?
How did Mrs. Bramble react when Mr. Fisher entered?
How did Mrs. Bramble react when Mr. Fisher entered?
What did the Major compare his action of coming up from under the table to?
What did the Major compare his action of coming up from under the table to?
What was the emotional state of Mr. Fisher's face described as?
What was the emotional state of Mr. Fisher's face described as?
What was one reason Mrs. Bramble resented Bill's profession?
What was one reason Mrs. Bramble resented Bill's profession?
What did Mr. Bramble fear would happen if the match received publicity?
What did Mr. Bramble fear would happen if the match received publicity?
What did Mr. Bramble do just before the knock at the door?
What did Mr. Bramble do just before the knock at the door?
What was the significance of the amount of money mentioned by Mrs. Bramble?
What was the significance of the amount of money mentioned by Mrs. Bramble?
What does Mrs. Bramble request of Mr. Fisher?
What does Mrs. Bramble request of Mr. Fisher?
How does Percy try to persuade Jerry regarding his behavior?
How does Percy try to persuade Jerry regarding his behavior?
What nickname does Mr. Fisher reveal about Bill Bramble?
What nickname does Mr. Fisher reveal about Bill Bramble?
What is Bill's emotional reaction when he confronts Jerry about his behavior?
What is Bill's emotional reaction when he confronts Jerry about his behavior?
What does Percy mean when he tells Harold that his father has 'given it up for ever'?
What does Percy mean when he tells Harold that his father has 'given it up for ever'?
What bet does Harold mention in relation to the upcoming boxing match?
What bet does Harold mention in relation to the upcoming boxing match?
What feeling does Harold express about his father keeping his boxing identity a secret?
What feeling does Harold express about his father keeping his boxing identity a secret?
How does Harold feel about his peers knowing about his father's boxing career?
How does Harold feel about his peers knowing about his father's boxing career?
What does Bill imply when he says he would have punched someone for making a claim about Jerry's behavior?
What does Bill imply when he says he would have punched someone for making a claim about Jerry's behavior?
What does Harold mean by 'this is the limit' when referring to the situation?
What does Harold mean by 'this is the limit' when referring to the situation?
What realization does Percy convey to Harold about his father's past?
What realization does Percy convey to Harold about his father's past?
How does Bill react to the concept of fighting Murphy after discussing his decision to stop boxing?
How does Bill react to the concept of fighting Murphy after discussing his decision to stop boxing?
What does Harold wish would stop if people knew about his father’s former boxing career?
What does Harold wish would stop if people knew about his father’s former boxing career?
What does the term 'rapped' refer to in the context of the content?
What does the term 'rapped' refer to in the context of the content?
What emotions did the small man experience simultaneously?
What emotions did the small man experience simultaneously?
How did Jerry express his struggle with his emotions?
How did Jerry express his struggle with his emotions?
Why was Bill feeling compelled to not fight on Monday?
Why was Bill feeling compelled to not fight on Monday?
What did the Major say tactlessly upon hearing Bill's decision?
What did the Major say tactlessly upon hearing Bill's decision?
What was Mr. Bramble's demeanor when looking at Percy?
What was Mr. Bramble's demeanor when looking at Percy?
What action did Percy take in relation to the trainer?
What action did Percy take in relation to the trainer?
What did Jerry feel when Bill mentioned he wouldn't fight?
What did Jerry feel when Bill mentioned he wouldn't fight?
What important information was Bill trying to keep hidden from Harold?
What important information was Bill trying to keep hidden from Harold?
What did Bill say may cause Harold to 'die of shame'?
What did Bill say may cause Harold to 'die of shame'?
What emotional state was Jerry Fisher in when Bill spoke?
What emotional state was Jerry Fisher in when Bill spoke?
What did Bill believe was a 'national affair'?
What did Bill believe was a 'national affair'?
How did Mrs. Bramble respond to attempts to convey a message to Jerry?
How did Mrs. Bramble respond to attempts to convey a message to Jerry?
What sound did the trainer make in response to the situation?
What sound did the trainer make in response to the situation?
What does Bill Bramble primarily worry about regarding Harold?
What does Bill Bramble primarily worry about regarding Harold?
How does Mr. Fisher feel toward Bill at the moment Harold enters?
How does Mr. Fisher feel toward Bill at the moment Harold enters?
What aspect of Harold is highlighted when he enters and greets his father?
What aspect of Harold is highlighted when he enters and greets his father?
Which word best describes Mr. Fisher's tone when he addresses Harold?
Which word best describes Mr. Fisher's tone when he addresses Harold?
What is the significance of the purse mentioned by Mrs. Bramble?
What is the significance of the purse mentioned by Mrs. Bramble?
What action does Bill threaten Jerry for during their conversation?
What action does Bill threaten Jerry for during their conversation?
What does the phrase 'his jaw fell, and he goggled dumbly' suggest about Bill's reaction to Harold's entry?
What does the phrase 'his jaw fell, and he goggled dumbly' suggest about Bill's reaction to Harold's entry?
How does Jerry try to persuade Bill to continue with the boxing match?
How does Jerry try to persuade Bill to continue with the boxing match?
What emotional state is depicted in Bill, Jane, and Percy when Harold arrives?
What emotional state is depicted in Bill, Jane, and Percy when Harold arrives?
What major theme can be identified through Bill's conflict with Mr. Fisher?
What major theme can be identified through Bill's conflict with Mr. Fisher?
What aspect of Bill's character is revealed through his interactions with Jerry and Mr. Fisher?
What aspect of Bill's character is revealed through his interactions with Jerry and Mr. Fisher?
What does Bill's response to Harold's entrance reveal about his feelings towards his son?
What does Bill's response to Harold's entrance reveal about his feelings towards his son?
What does Jerry mean when he says, 'you can't not fight on Monday'?
What does Jerry mean when he says, 'you can't not fight on Monday'?
Why is Mr. Fisher described as having a 'nasty, steely expression'?
Why is Mr. Fisher described as having a 'nasty, steely expression'?
What does Harold believe about the attitude of his peers towards his knowledge?
What does Harold believe about the attitude of his peers towards his knowledge?
What aspect of boxing does Harold express enthusiasm for?
What aspect of boxing does Harold express enthusiasm for?
What does the term 'swank' mean in the context given?
What does the term 'swank' mean in the context given?
What does Mr. Fisher imply about Harold's knowledge of boxing?
What does Mr. Fisher imply about Harold's knowledge of boxing?
How does Harold seek to change his classmates' perception of him?
How does Harold seek to change his classmates' perception of him?
What is suggested by the term 'animated' as used in the passage?
What is suggested by the term 'animated' as used in the passage?
What relationship does Harold have with Young Porky?
What relationship does Harold have with Young Porky?
What does Harold think of the idea of dropping out of the boxing match?
What does Harold think of the idea of dropping out of the boxing match?
What is Mr. Fisher's reaction to Harold's opinions about boxing?
What is Mr. Fisher's reaction to Harold's opinions about boxing?
What feeling does Harold associate with being called 'Goggles' by his classmates?
What feeling does Harold associate with being called 'Goggles' by his classmates?
Why does Harold ask his father for a boxing picture?
Why does Harold ask his father for a boxing picture?
What does 'abstracted' imply about Harold's demeanor after discussing boxing?
What does 'abstracted' imply about Harold's demeanor after discussing boxing?
What does Mrs. Bramble's response to Harold suggest about her state of mind?
What does Mrs. Bramble's response to Harold suggest about her state of mind?
What does the phrase 'frightfully keen' indicate about the boys at Harold's place?
What does the phrase 'frightfully keen' indicate about the boys at Harold's place?
Flashcards
Why is Bill Bramble's profession a secret?
Why is Bill Bramble's profession a secret?
Bill Bramble's profession, leading to anxieties about negative implications on Harold.
What is special about Harold?
What is special about Harold?
Harold is a brilliant and well-behaved child, exceeding expectations in his family.
What secret does the family keep from Harold?
What secret does the family keep from Harold?
To protect Harold's image and avoid potential shame, Bill Bramble's family conceals his job from Harold.
How does Harold react to the truth about his father's profession?
How does Harold react to the truth about his father's profession?
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What happens to the family's strategy of keeping the secret?
What happens to the family's strategy of keeping the secret?
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Why does Bill decide to retire from boxing?
Why does Bill decide to retire from boxing?
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What can we learn about the character of Harold?
What can we learn about the character of Harold?
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Gravely
Gravely
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Domestic Creature
Domestic Creature
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JarredUpon
JarredUpon
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Marred The Smoothness Of
Marred The Smoothness Of
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A Trifle
A Trifle
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Harold's Character
Harold's Character
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Why the Truth Is Hidden
Why the Truth Is Hidden
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Bill's New Career
Bill's New Career
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Bill's Hesitation
Bill's Hesitation
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Jerry's Discovery
Jerry's Discovery
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Bill's Explanation
Bill's Explanation
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Harold's Revelation
Harold's Revelation
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Harold's Disappointment
Harold's Disappointment
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Harold's Acceptance
Harold's Acceptance
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Bill's Relief
Bill's Relief
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Who is Harold?
Who is Harold?
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What is Mrs. Bramble's reaction to Harold’s abilities?
What is Mrs. Bramble's reaction to Harold’s abilities?
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Why is Mr. Bramble's profession a secret?
Why is Mr. Bramble's profession a secret?
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What is the family's strategy regarding the secret?
What is the family's strategy regarding the secret?
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What motivates the family to keep the secret?
What motivates the family to keep the secret?
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Who expresses concern about revealing the truth to Harold?
Who expresses concern about revealing the truth to Harold?
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How is Mr. Bramble in his private life?
How is Mr. Bramble in his private life?
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What does Harold's name symbolize?
What does Harold's name symbolize?
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What is Harold's intelligence and good behavior attributed to?
What is Harold's intelligence and good behavior attributed to?
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What is the underlying feeling surrounding the secret?
What is the underlying feeling surrounding the secret?
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What does "decorous" mean?
What does "decorous" mean?
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What does "prodigy" mean?
What does "prodigy" mean?
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What does "evasion" mean?
What does "evasion" mean?
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What does "broach" mean?
What does "broach" mean?
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What does "wrath" mean?
What does "wrath" mean?
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Scales have fallen from his eyes
Scales have fallen from his eyes
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Vouchsafe
Vouchsafe
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Tract
Tract
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Insinuate
Insinuate
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Patter
Patter
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Cock
Cock
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Nut
Nut
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Primrose path
Primrose path
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Feebly
Feebly
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Literal
Literal
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Sturdy
Sturdy
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Diffident
Diffident
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Propitiatory
Propitiatory
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Propelled
Propelled
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Uncomplimentary
Uncomplimentary
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How is Mr. Bramble's character described?
How is Mr. Bramble's character described?
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Why is Mr. Bramble's son named Harold?
Why is Mr. Bramble's son named Harold?
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What is the secret Mr. Bramble keeps from Harold?
What is the secret Mr. Bramble keeps from Harold?
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How is Bill Bramble described?
How is Bill Bramble described?
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How did Harold's arrival affect Bill?
How did Harold's arrival affect Bill?
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How did Bill Bramble feel about his boxing career before Harold?
How did Bill Bramble feel about his boxing career before Harold?
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How does Harold defy the laws of heredity?
How does Harold defy the laws of heredity?
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Why are Bill and his wife afraid of Harold?
Why are Bill and his wife afraid of Harold?
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Why do Bill and his wife keep Bill's profession a secret from Harold?
Why do Bill and his wife keep Bill's profession a secret from Harold?
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What is the family's greatest fear about revealing the truth to Harold?
What is the family's greatest fear about revealing the truth to Harold?
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What can we learn about Harold's character?
What can we learn about Harold's character?
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What is Harold's character?
What is Harold's character?
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How does Harold achieve academic success?
How does Harold achieve academic success?
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What clues suggest Bill Bramble's financial situation?
What clues suggest Bill Bramble's financial situation?
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What secret does Bill Bramble keep from Harold?
What secret does Bill Bramble keep from Harold?
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What life change is Bill Bramble considering?
What life change is Bill Bramble considering?
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What makes Bill Bramble reconsider his boxing career?
What makes Bill Bramble reconsider his boxing career?
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What nickname does Bill Bramble have in the boxing world?
What nickname does Bill Bramble have in the boxing world?
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Why is keeping Bill's profession secret important?
Why is keeping Bill's profession secret important?
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What makes Mrs. Bramble feel at ease about the future?
What makes Mrs. Bramble feel at ease about the future?
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What anxieties does Mrs. Bramble hold?
What anxieties does Mrs. Bramble hold?
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Why is Mrs. Bramble happy about Bill's career change?
Why is Mrs. Bramble happy about Bill's career change?
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Who arrives unexpectedly?
Who arrives unexpectedly?
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What makes Mrs. Bramble wary of the major's visit?
What makes Mrs. Bramble wary of the major's visit?
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Ruffled (temper)
Ruffled (temper)
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Make head or tail
Make head or tail
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Scornfully
Scornfully
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Resilient
Resilient
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The eleventh hour
The eleventh hour
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Boxing
Boxing
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Glory
Glory
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Let you have one (attack)
Let you have one (attack)
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Poor taste (offensive)
Poor taste (offensive)
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Snap (say something quickly)
Snap (say something quickly)
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Avoiding someone's eye
Avoiding someone's eye
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Blinking awkwardly
Blinking awkwardly
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Profession
Profession
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Pull yourself together
Pull yourself together
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Exaggeration
Exaggeration
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Rapped
Rapped
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At length
At length
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Choked voice
Choked voice
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Edge
Edge
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Guttural
Guttural
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Tactlessly
Tactlessly
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Protrude
Protrude
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Clutched
Clutched
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Trainer
Trainer
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Second
Second
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Jarred
Jarred
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Eyes seemed to protrude
Eyes seemed to protrude
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Affair
Affair
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Regular
Regular
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Hard on
Hard on
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What is Harold like?
What is Harold like?
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Why is Bill's profession a secret?
Why is Bill's profession a secret?
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What does 'scales have fallen from his eyes' mean?
What does 'scales have fallen from his eyes' mean?
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What does 'vouchsafe' mean?
What does 'vouchsafe' mean?
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What is a chap who is frightfully keen on something?
What is a chap who is frightfully keen on something?
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Why does the family try to hide the truth from Harold?
Why does the family try to hide the truth from Harold?
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What is Harold's character like?
What is Harold's character like?
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Why does the family keep Bill's profession a secret?
Why does the family keep Bill's profession a secret?
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What does 'swank' mean?
What does 'swank' mean?
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What is 'patter'?
What is 'patter'?
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What is a 'literal' person?
What is a 'literal' person?
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What is 'insinuate'?
What is 'insinuate'?
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What is someone who is jolly well keen on something?
What is someone who is jolly well keen on something?
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What is a 'purse' in boxing?
What is a 'purse' in boxing?
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What makes Harold special?
What makes Harold special?
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How does Harold react to the truth about his father's job?
How does Harold react to the truth about his father's job?
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How does Bill react when Harold arrives?
How does Bill react when Harold arrives?
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What is the family's strategy for keeping the secret?
What is the family's strategy for keeping the secret?
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What does Harold's question demonstrate?
What does Harold's question demonstrate?
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What information does Jerry Fisher seek from Percy Stokes?
What information does Jerry Fisher seek from Percy Stokes?
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What is the overarching feeling surrounding the secret?
What is the overarching feeling surrounding the secret?
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What does Harold's knowledge about boxing reveal?
What does Harold's knowledge about boxing reveal?
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What is Bill's reaction to Harold's confession?
What is Bill's reaction to Harold's confession?
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Why does Bill decide to leave boxing?
Why does Bill decide to leave boxing?
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What causes the confrontation between Jerry and Percy?
What causes the confrontation between Jerry and Percy?
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What does Harold's reaction to his father's profession reveal?
What does Harold's reaction to his father's profession reveal?
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What motivates Bill's decision to retire from boxing?
What motivates Bill's decision to retire from boxing?
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Why is Bill's boxing profession kept a secret from Harold?
Why is Bill's boxing profession kept a secret from Harold?
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How does Percy influence Bill's decision to leave boxing?
How does Percy influence Bill's decision to leave boxing?
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What does Harold's knowledge of boxing reveal?
What does Harold's knowledge of boxing reveal?
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What makes Bill's profession a source of anxiety?
What makes Bill's profession a source of anxiety?
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What is the reason for the conflict between Jerry and Percy?
What is the reason for the conflict between Jerry and Percy?
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What impact does Harold's arrival have on the family?
What impact does Harold's arrival have on the family?
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What conflict does Bill face regarding his boxing career?
What conflict does Bill face regarding his boxing career?
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Why is Harold's knowledge of his father's profession a turning point?
Why is Harold's knowledge of his father's profession a turning point?
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What is Bill's main motivation for leaving boxing?
What is Bill's main motivation for leaving boxing?
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What is the main concern regarding Bill's boxing career?
What is the main concern regarding Bill's boxing career?
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What is the main message of the story?
What is the main message of the story?
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What is a "fighting-man"?
What is a "fighting-man"?
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Why is Bill called "Young Porky"?
Why is Bill called "Young Porky"?
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What does Jerry mean when he talks about "breaking training"?
What does Jerry mean when he talks about "breaking training"?
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What does Percy mean by "He hadn't seen the bright light then"?
What does Percy mean by "He hadn't seen the bright light then"?
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Why does Bill say he won't change his mind "not even if the King of England came to me on his bended knees"?
Why does Bill say he won't change his mind "not even if the King of England came to me on his bended knees"?
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What does Harold mean by asking about his "two bobs"?
What does Harold mean by asking about his "two bobs"?
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What makes Harold feel "rotten"?
What makes Harold feel "rotten"?
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Why would Harold's peers have looked up to him if they knew about his father?
Why would Harold's peers have looked up to him if they knew about his father?
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What is Harold's concern about Bill's decision to "chuck it up"?
What is Harold's concern about Bill's decision to "chuck it up"?
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Why does Harold say "if you beat Jimmy Murphy they'll have to give you the next chance with Sid Sampson for the Lonsdale belt..."?
Why does Harold say "if you beat Jimmy Murphy they'll have to give you the next chance with Sid Sampson for the Lonsdale belt..."?
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Why is Harold disappointed that Bill is keeping his boxing career a secret?
Why is Harold disappointed that Bill is keeping his boxing career a secret?
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What does the term "fighting-man" suggest?
What does the term "fighting-man" suggest?
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Study Notes
Keeping It From Harold - Summary
- Harold's Exceptionality: The story centers around Harold, a highly intelligent and well-behaved child, an "exception" in his family.
- Hidden Truth: Harold's parents hide his father Bill's profession (professional boxer) from him, fearing Harold will be ashamed. Everyone around them advises them to keep it hidden.
- Fabricated Profession: Harold is told his father is a sales representative.
- Growing Doubt: As Harold matures, he suspects the truth but dismisses it due to his other pursuits.
- Bill's Change of Plans: Bill decides to become a boxing instructor, a more "respectable" job.
- Last Fight: Bill was slated to fight in a final match, crucial to the family finances.
- Withdrawal Decision: Bill decides to withdraw from the match for Harold's sake, much to his wife's dismay as they would lose the reward money.
- Trainer's Intervention: Jerry, Bill's trainer, is furious with Percy, who influenced Bill to quit.
- Harold's Revelation: Jerry reveals the truth to Harold. Harold, surprisingly, is not ashamed but is interested in boxing.
- Resolution: Harold's acceptance of the truth leads Bill to return to training. Harold is satisfied, and the family's secret is finally resolved.
Character Descriptions
- Harold: Exceptionally intelligent, well-mannered, and devoted to studies. Initially unaware of his father’s profession.
- Bill Bramble: A professional boxer turned instructor, a seemingly respectable and concerned father.
- Mrs. Bramble: Concerned about Harold's perception and finances, desperate for the boxing prize money.
- Jerry Fisher: Bill's friend and trainer, initially angry, gradually accepting the reasons for Bill's withdrawal.
- Percy Stokes: Mrs. Bramble's brother; meddlesome, arrogant, and ultimately the catalyst for Bill's decision to withdraw.
Theme Analysis
- The Importance of Honesty: The story highlights the conflict between keeping a secret and maintaining truthfulness.
- Social Pressure: Families often feel pressured to conform to societal expectations, leading to hidden truths and strained relationships.
- Identity and Self-Image: Harold’s reaction to the truth reveals that his self-worth isn’t dependent on his father's profession; an acceptance of family history.
- Humor and Irony: The story uses humor to expose the absurdity of the situation. The irony lies in how a family trying to hide such a "shady" profession from an intelligent child.
Vocabulary
- Beaming: Shining brightly.
- Amiable: Friendly.
- Fat-headedness: Stupidity.
- Marred: Spoiled the beauty or quality of something.
- Jarred: Annoyed or irritated.
- Vouchsafe: Grant (something) to (someone) graciously.
- Uncomplimentary: Insulting.
- Weedy: Thin and physically weak in appearance.
- Guttural: Produced in the throat; harsh-sounding.
- Tactlessly: In a way that shows lack of consideration for others' feelings.
- Protrude: To stick out.
- Consternation: Anxiety or dismay, typically at something unexpected
- Steely: Coldly determined; hard.
- Chivalrous: In manner similar to that of a gentleman.
- Metallic: Sharp and harsh, strict.
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Description
Explore the complex relationship between Harold and his father, Bill Bramble, as they navigate the truth about Bill's profession. This quiz delves into the beliefs of Harold's parents and how they communicate with him about boxing. Discover the implications of Bill's career decisions on Harold's attitude towards boxing.
