Bill Bramble's Profession and Harold's Perception
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Questions and Answers

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?

  • 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?

  • 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?

    <p>A sales representative</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What decision does Bill make regarding his boxing career?

    <p>To retire and become a boxing instructor.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is Harold's attitude towards boxing once he learns the truth?

    <p>Excitement and encouragement.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which character expresses happiness about Bill not being a professional boxer anymore?

    <p>Mrs. Bramble</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What concern do Harold's parents have regarding his perception of boxing?

    <p>He may view boxing as a shameful profession.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What action did Mr. Bramble take regarding the name of his child?

    <p>He compromised and accepted Mrs. Bramble's choice.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characteristic was NOT associated with Mr. Bramble?

    <p>Aggressive</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did Harold's existence change Mr. Bramble's behavior?

    <p>He transformed into a secretive individual.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Mr. Bramble feel about other men in relation to his boxing ability?

    <p>He believed he could defeat any boxer.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the reason Mr. Bramble kept his profession secret from Harold?

    <p>He wanted to protect Harold's future.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did Mr. Bramble feel about his left hook?

    <p>He took pride in its recognition by newspapers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a key contrast between Harold and Mr. Bramble?

    <p>Harold exhibited more intelligence than physicality.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What quality of Mr. Bramble's demeanor did Harold's attributes evoke in him?

    <p>Fear</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'demur' imply in the context of Mr. Bramble's attitude?

    <p>To raise objections or show reluctance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which term describes Mr. Bramble's reaction to press-notices before Harold was born?

    <p>Boastful</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did Mr. Bramble perceive the concept of philanthropy in relation to himself?

    <p>He compared his boxing prowess to acts of philanthropy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was Harold's rapid learning ability indicative of?

    <p>Cognitive superiority.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Mr. Bramble's secretive behavior suggest about his relationship with Harold?

    <p>He felt ashamed of his past.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of Mr. Bramble's personality contradicted his profession as a boxer?

    <p>His gentle and obliging nature.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What quality did Harold develop that contrasted with his father's attributes?

    <p>Brain power</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What prize did Harold win in school?

    <p>Spelling and dictation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the reason for Mrs. Bramble's concern regarding Harold?

    <p>Harold's potential discovery of the truth about his father</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Mr. Bramble plan after retiring from boxing?

    <p>Teach boxing at a school</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes Harold's understanding of his father's profession?

    <p>He believed it was mundane and safe</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What physical characteristic of Mr. Bramble is mentioned in the text?

    <p>Square-shaped jaw</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why was time passing 'easily' for Mrs. Bramble as she worked?

    <p>She felt assured about the future after Bill's last fight</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'semi-detached' refer to in this context?

    <p>A type of house</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was Bill's age at the time of his final fight?

    <p>Thirty-one</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What feeling did Mrs. Bramble express while mending her sock?

    <p>Joy about the future</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of contest was Bill preparing for?

    <p>A twenty-round contest</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Harold primarily focus on as he grew up?

    <p>Achieving personal goals</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did Harold view the identity of the man coming into his home?

    <p>With ignorance to his true identity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the significance of the fight Bill was preparing for?

    <p>It marked the end of his boxing career</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'propitiatory' imply about the red-headed man?

    <p>He intends to please someone.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the phrase 'the scales have fallen from his eyes' suggest about Mr.Bramble?

    <p>He has come to a new understanding.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why was Mrs.Bramble surprised to see Bill?

    <p>He was supposed to be at the White Hart training.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Mr.Bramble's description contribute to the scene?

    <p>It emphasizes his weakness.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What common characteristic is associated with the term 'weedy'?

    <p>Thin and frail.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What reaction does Mrs.Bramble have to Percy's statement about wrestling with Bill?

    <p>She is confused and questions it.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Percy imply by saying he was 'vouchsafed the victory'?

    <p>He received victory as a gift.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Mrs.Bramble's literal interpretation reveal about her character?

    <p>She is lacking in education.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why did Percy decide not to return to the White Hart?

    <p>He understood the importance of supporting Bill.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Harold's mother suggest he do to refresh himself?

    <p>Go for a walk by the river for half an hour</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What implications does 'the primrose path' carry in the passage?

    <p>A pleasurable but dangerous path.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What emotional state does Mr.Bramble display when speaking to Mrs.Bramble?

    <p>He shows nervousness and apologetic behavior.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does 'decorous' imply about Mr.Bramble's behavior when closing the door?

    <p>He was polite and restrained</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why did Mrs.Bramble feel the need to keep the truth from Harold?

    <p>Because she thought he was too young to understand</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What reason does Mrs.Bramble have for feeling astonishing during the conversation?

    <p>She cannot believe Percy bested Bill.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What opinion did Major Percy Stokes express during his visit?

    <p>He thought it important to hide the truth from Harold</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What action did Percy take instead of training at the White Hart?

    <p>He wrote letters and tracts.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'prodigy' refer to in the passage?

    <p>A child with exceptional qualities</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'insinuate' imply in the context of the dialogue?

    <p>To suggest something unpleasant indirectly.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What action did Mr.Bramble take after hearing the advice from the senior curate?

    <p>He agreed without hesitation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterized Mrs.Bramble's perception of Harold?

    <p>He was highly advanced and admirable</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the relationship between Mr. and Mrs.Bramble?

    <p>They collaborated on keeping secrets from Harold</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was Harold's reaction upon discovering the truth about his father's profession?

    <p>He was thrilled and ready to embrace it.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did Mrs. Bramble typically address her son Harold?

    <p>With terms of endearment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does 'evasion' indicate about Mr. and Mrs.Bramble's actions?

    <p>Circumventing the need for honesty</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was indicated by Harold winning two prizes at Sunday-school?

    <p>He showed signs of goodness and intelligence</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the main reason Harold was not informed about his father's true profession?

    <p>They feared he would be embarrassed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of the Brambles' parenting did Major Percy Stokes criticize?

    <p>Their decision to keep the truth hidden</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of Harold's character was highlighted in the content?

    <p>He was an exceptionally bright student.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What caused Harold to frown during his interaction with his mother?

    <p>She was speaking to him as if he were a baby.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the author characterize Major Percy Stokes?

    <p>An arrogant person who loved to hear himself talk</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does 'toneless' indicate about Harold's poetry recitation?

    <p>It was lacking in emotion and variation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Bill Bramble decide to do after realizing Harold knew about boxing?

    <p>Continue training with Jerry.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What might be inferred about Mr.Bramble's character based on his yielding nature?

    <p>He is gentle and accommodating</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did Harold feel about his father's boxing career once he learned about it?

    <p>He felt pride and interest in the sport.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What dilemma did Mr. Bramble face regarding his boxing career?

    <p>He didn't want Harold to find out the truth.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was Harold doing when Mrs. Bramble looked at him during their interaction?

    <p>Reading a book.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What personal trait does Harold exhibit when feeling irritated with his mother?

    <p>He frowns and shows visible frustration.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What concern did Mrs. Bramble express regarding Harold?

    <p>He might get hurt in boxing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What trait did Harold display in his academic performance?

    <p>He was particularly bright and accomplished.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main reason Bill Bramble chose to stop boxing?

    <p>He wanted to be a boxing coach instead.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Harold's character reveal about his interests?

    <p>He has a passion for boxing and a vast knowledge of it.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was Mrs.Bramble’s main reaction during the discussion?

    <p>She was frustrated by the men talking too much.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does 'make head or tail' mean in the context of the passage?

    <p>To understand something.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the Major react to Bill’s announcement that he came home?

    <p>He expressed joy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Percy exaggerate about Mr.Bramble’s decision?

    <p>That he realized his mistake at the last moment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does 'unsuppressed' imply about the Major’s demeanor?

    <p>He expressed his feelings freely.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did Mrs.Bramble feel about her husband's profession?

    <p>She disliked it but recognized its benefits.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was implied about Percy’s attitude towards Mr.Bramble not fighting?

    <p>He ridiculed Mr.Bramble for backing out.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can be inferred about Mrs.Bramble's character based on her comments?

    <p>She is assertive and confrontational.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What likely caused Mr.Bramble to shake his head and avoid eye contact?

    <p>He was upset and ashamed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the likely meaning of 'poor taste' as used regarding the Major's response?

    <p>It was offensive and disrespectful.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What made Percy resilient in the conversation?

    <p>His capacity to withstand criticism.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Mr.Bramble imply by asking 'And how about the money?'?

    <p>He was concerned about their financial future.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of Bill's homecoming surprised the others?

    <p>That he had decided not to fight.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What attitude does Mrs.Bramble show toward the Major when she snaps at him?

    <p>Angry and dismissive.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was Mrs. Bramble's primary concern regarding Bill's fighting profession?

    <p>She feared for their son Harold's future.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did Mr. Bramble feel about the potential publicity from the match?

    <p>It would draw unwanted attention to their family.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What action did Mr. Bramble take after contemplating the implications of the match?

    <p>He ran away from the White Hart.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the Major's intention when he mentioned 'rubbing in the point'?

    <p>To highlight his contribution to the decision.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was Mr. Fisher's initial reason for entering the Bramble household?

    <p>To inquire about Bill's whereabouts.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What physical reaction did Mr. Fisher have upon seeing Percy and Bill?

    <p>He attempted to attack Percy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What metaphor did Mr. Bramble use to illustrate his anxiety about the situation?

    <p>Fat in the fire.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did Mrs. Bramble react when Mr. Fisher entered?

    <p>She stood silent and shocked.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did the Major compare his action of coming up from under the table to?

    <p>A performing seal.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the emotional state of Mr. Fisher's face described as?

    <p>A battlefield of emotions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one reason Mrs. Bramble resented Bill's profession?

    <p>It was physically dangerous.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Mr. Bramble fear would happen if the match received publicity?

    <p>They would face legal trouble.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Mr. Bramble do just before the knock at the door?

    <p>He was about to speak.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the significance of the amount of money mentioned by Mrs. Bramble?

    <p>It represented hope for Harold's future.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Mrs. Bramble request of Mr. Fisher?

    <p>To act like a gentleman</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Percy try to persuade Jerry regarding his behavior?

    <p>By asking him to think before he speaks</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What nickname does Mr. Fisher reveal about Bill Bramble?

    <p>Young Porky</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is Bill's emotional reaction when he confronts Jerry about his behavior?

    <p>Sadness</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Percy mean when he tells Harold that his father has 'given it up for ever'?

    <p>He has stopped boxing permanently</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What bet does Harold mention in relation to the upcoming boxing match?

    <p>That Jimmy Murphy will not last ten rounds</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What feeling does Harold express about his father keeping his boxing identity a secret?

    <p>Resentment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Harold feel about his peers knowing about his father's boxing career?

    <p>They would admire him</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Bill imply when he says he would have punched someone for making a claim about Jerry's behavior?

    <p>He is shocked by Jerry's actions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Harold mean by 'this is the limit' when referring to the situation?

    <p>He has reached his breaking point</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What realization does Percy convey to Harold about his father's past?

    <p>It is nothing to be ashamed of</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Bill react to the concept of fighting Murphy after discussing his decision to stop boxing?

    <p>He firmly rejects it</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Harold wish would stop if people knew about his father’s former boxing career?

    <p>His classmates teasing him</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'rapped' refer to in the context of the content?

    <p>To strike a hard surface with rapid blows</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What emotions did the small man experience simultaneously?

    <p>Anger, sadness, and a desire to be respectful</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did Jerry express his struggle with his emotions?

    <p>By making a guttural noise</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why was Bill feeling compelled to not fight on Monday?

    <p>He wanted to protect his son from the truth</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did the Major say tactlessly upon hearing Bill's decision?

    <p>Glory!</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was Mr. Bramble's demeanor when looking at Percy?

    <p>Miserable and sad</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What action did Percy take in relation to the trainer?

    <p>He edged to the side to create distance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Jerry feel when Bill mentioned he wouldn't fight?

    <p>Anger and betrayal</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What important information was Bill trying to keep hidden from Harold?

    <p>His involvement in boxing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Bill say may cause Harold to 'die of shame'?

    <p>Finding out about the fight with Murphy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What emotional state was Jerry Fisher in when Bill spoke?

    <p>Overwhelmed with violent emotions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Bill believe was a 'national affair'?

    <p>The upcoming boxing match</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did Mrs. Bramble respond to attempts to convey a message to Jerry?

    <p>She flatly refused to deliver it.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What sound did the trainer make in response to the situation?

    <p>A strange guttural noise</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Bill Bramble primarily worry about regarding Harold?

    <p>Harold's perception of boxing and shame</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Mr. Fisher feel toward Bill at the moment Harold enters?

    <p>He desires revenge against Bill</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of Harold is highlighted when he enters and greets his father?

    <p>His innocent and playful nature</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which word best describes Mr. Fisher's tone when he addresses Harold?

    <p>Harsh</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of the purse mentioned by Mrs. Bramble?

    <p>It indicates the expectation of prize money for a match</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What action does Bill threaten Jerry for during their conversation?

    <p>To stop interrupting him</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the phrase 'his jaw fell, and he goggled dumbly' suggest about Bill's reaction to Harold's entry?

    <p>He is shocked and speechless</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Jerry try to persuade Bill to continue with the boxing match?

    <p>By highlighting his training efforts</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What emotional state is depicted in Bill, Jane, and Percy when Harold arrives?

    <p>Shock and anxiety</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What major theme can be identified through Bill's conflict with Mr. Fisher?

    <p>The struggle between honor and disgrace</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of Bill's character is revealed through his interactions with Jerry and Mr. Fisher?

    <p>He is insecure and uncertain</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Bill's response to Harold's entrance reveal about his feelings towards his son?

    <p>He is concerned for Harold's well-being</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Jerry mean when he says, 'you can't not fight on Monday'?

    <p>Bill is obligated to fulfill his commitments</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is Mr. Fisher described as having a 'nasty, steely expression'?

    <p>He harbors resentment and a desire for revenge</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Harold believe about the attitude of his peers towards his knowledge?

    <p>They mock him for being bookish.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of boxing does Harold express enthusiasm for?

    <p>The respect of his schoolmates.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'swank' mean in the context given?

    <p>To show off wealth.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Mr. Fisher imply about Harold's knowledge of boxing?

    <p>He is knowledgeable and skilled.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Harold seek to change his classmates' perception of him?

    <p>By showcasing a boxing image.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is suggested by the term 'animated' as used in the passage?

    <p>Full of life and excitement.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What relationship does Harold have with Young Porky?

    <p>He is unaware of their relationship.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Harold think of the idea of dropping out of the boxing match?

    <p>It is silly.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is Mr. Fisher's reaction to Harold's opinions about boxing?

    <p>Agreement.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What feeling does Harold associate with being called 'Goggles' by his classmates?

    <p>Embarrassment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why does Harold ask his father for a boxing picture?

    <p>To impress his schoolmates.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does 'abstracted' imply about Harold's demeanor after discussing boxing?

    <p>He becomes thoughtful and serious.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Mrs. Bramble's response to Harold suggest about her state of mind?

    <p>She is preoccupied and robotic.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the phrase 'frightfully keen' indicate about the boys at Harold's place?

    <p>Their intense enthusiasm for boxing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Signup and view all the answers

    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.

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