The Phantom Luncheon by Saki

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Questions and Answers

What does the term 'Phantom' refer to in the context of the story?

  • A mysterious occurrence
  • A real event
  • An imaginative or fictional event (correct)
  • A supernatural phenomenon

What is the occupation of Sir James in the story?

  • A writer
  • A businessman
  • A philanthropist
  • A politician (correct)

Why does Sir James want his wife to invite the Smithly Dubb sisters for lunch?

  • Because they can help him win votes (correct)
  • Because they are wealthy
  • Because they are old friends
  • Because they are influential in society

What is the attitude of Lady Drakmanton towards the Smithly Dubb sisters?

<p>She finds them greedy and difficult to tolerate (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who does Lady Drakmanton try to pass off the task of entertaining the Smithly Dubb sisters to?

<p>Her sister, Milly (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where does Milly inform Lady Drakmanton she had lunch on the same day?

<p>Carlton (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What plan does Lady Drakmanton come up with after talking to Milly?

<p>To transform Milly into herself and meet the sisters at a club (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do the three sisters talk about during lunch?

<p>Politics (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the tone of the story 'The Phantom Luncheon'?

<p>Humorous and satirical (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the author of the story 'The Phantom Luncheon' known for?

<p>His humorous satires (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Lady Drakmanton's initial response to the sisters' topic about politics?

<p>She confidently told that she was hardly interested in politics (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why did the sisters try to make Lady Drakmanton remember her identity?

<p>They indirectly pointed towards the responsibility of paying the bill (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Ellen Niggle's occupation?

<p>She was a part of Ladies' Brass Polishing Guild (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why did Ellen Niggle forget her identity?

<p>The expensive food and wine took away her memory (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the Smithly Dubbs predominantly do before Lady Drakmanton's prank?

<p>They spent huge amounts to display their wealth (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Lady Drakmanton and her sister Milly achieve through their prank?

<p>They taught the Smithly Dubbs a lesson about social class (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why was it intolerable for the Smithly Dubbs to invite a middle-class person to their social circle?

<p>They were too proud of their wealth (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the real identity of the person who had lunch with the Smithly Dubbs?

<p>Ellen Niggle (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Ellen Niggle do after remembering her identity?

<p>She thanked them and left for her work (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the Smithly Dubbs start doing after the incident?

<p>They started doing good for the society (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of Sir James's advice to his wife to invite the Smithly Dubbs to lunch?

<p>To gain their votes and support in committees (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Lady Drakmanton describe the Smithly Dubbs' behavior?

<p>As avaricious and always searching for opportunities to accept expensive invitations (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Lady Drakmanton's attitude towards hosting luncheons for affluent members of society?

<p>She has mixed feelings about hosting them, but does it to maintain social connections (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Lady Drakmanton accuse her sister Milly of doing?

<p>Convincing her to host the Smithly Dubbs for lunch (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the tone of the conversation between Sir James and Lady Drakmanton?

<p>Argumentative and confrontational (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of the story about the social class of the Smithly Dubbs?

<p>They are members of the upper class who are used to luxury and extravagance (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's purpose in portraying the characters of Sir James and Lady Drakmanton?

<p>To satirize the excesses of the upper class (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

The Phantom Luncheon

An imaginative lunch, written by Saki (H.H.Munro).

Smithly Dubb Sisters

Characters in "The Phantom Luncheon" who the Drakmantons want to please for political gain.

The Prank in "The Phantom Luncheon"

Lady Drakmanton tricked the Smithly Dubb sisters by having someone impersonate her.

The Reveal

The moment when the Smithly Dubb sisters are shocked by the real Lady Drakmanton's arrival.

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The Aftermath

After the lunch, it was revealed they couldn't tolerate inviting a middle-class person into their high-class network.

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Luncheon and Phantom Meaning

A formal meal symbolizing wealth, whereas Phantom symbolizes imagination.

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Tale's Setting

Where Sir James and Lady Drakmanton discuss inviting the Smithly Dubbs.

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The Smithly Dubbs

Characters known for seeking invitations to expensive, upscale restaurants.

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Lady Drakmanton's Concerns

Reluctance to host a lunch due to the sisters' demanding nature.

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Luncheon

A formal afternoon meal, often for social or business purposes.

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Phantom

Existing only in the imagination, not real.

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Sir James Character

Wealthy and uses connections to gain votes.

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Lady Drakmanton's View

Views the sisters as greedy and difficult.

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Ellen Niggle

The real identity of the imposter.

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Saki (H.H. Munro)

Recognized for his humorous and satirical writing.

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Study Notes

The Phantom Luncheon

  • The story is about an imaginative lunch, written by Saki (H.H.Munro), known for his humorous satires.
  • The story starts with a conversation between Sir James and his wife Lady Drakmanton about inviting the three Smithly Dubb sisters for a luncheon.

The Smithly Dubb Sisters

  • The sisters were back in town, and Sir James wanted Lady Drakmanton to take them for a luncheon to keep them happy and win votes.
  • Lady Drakmanton refused, calling them greedy and only interested in being invited to expensive high-class restaurants for a six-course meal.

The Prank

  • Lady Drakmanton's sister Milly refused to take the sisters for lunch, so Lady Drakmanton transformed Milly to look like her.
  • Milly, acting as Lady Drakmanton, met the sisters at a club and suggested Carlton for lunch.
  • The sisters happily agreed, imagining high-quality fresh food, and the lunch was a success.

The Reveal

  • When the sisters discussed politics, "Lady Drakmanton" (Milly) claimed to have lost her memory and didn't recognize them.
  • The sisters tried to make her remember, but "Lady Drakmanton" insisted she didn't know who they were or why they were there.
  • Just as they were about to figure out the truth, the real Lady Drakmanton arrived, and the sisters were shocked.

The Aftermath

  • The imposter, Ellen Niggle, revealed her true identity, a member of the Ladies' Brass Polishing Guild.
  • The sisters were left with a huge bill and a lesson learned: they were capable of spending money on luxury but couldn't tolerate inviting a middle-class person into their high-class network.
  • The prank taught them to leave politics and start doing good for society.

Luncheon and Phantom

  • Luncheon refers to a formal meal, whereas Phantom symbolizes imagination.

The Tale's Setting

  • The conversation between Sir James and his wife Lady Drakmanton establishes the setting for the story.
  • Sir James is a respected, wealthy member of society who uses his connections and favors to gain votes.
  • He advises his wife to take the Smithly Dubbs (three sisters) out for a formal lunch when they return to town.

The Smithly Dubbs

  • The Smithly Dubbs are members of a club and barely participate in anything other than attending lunches.
  • They are characterized as avaricious, constantly seeking opportunities to accept invitations to expensive, upscale restaurants for six-course meals.

Lady Drakmanton's Concerns

  • Lady Drakmanton refuses to host a lunch for the Smithly Dubbs, citing their difficult nature.
  • She recalls hosting similar luncheons for other affluent members of their society.
  • She attempts to shift the blame to her sister Milly.

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